episode_0067

In the glamorous and prestigious world of entertainment, there lies the flower of acting. Actors.

However, upon closer inspection, one realizes that behind the facade lies a fiercely competitive and cutthroat survival struggle.

Every day, numerous rookie actors debut, but those who truly make a career out of acting are few and far between.

Simply by rolling in the acting field for decades, actors earn the title of ‘teacher.’

Even without significant acting achievements, simply surviving garners respect from industry insiders.

And if that ‘teacher’ also possesses exceptional acting skills and achievements.

For example, being the lead actor in a film that attracted over 10 million viewers.

Or holding titles like ‘regular attendee at prestigious international film festivals.’

The industry’s feelings towards them go beyond mere respect.

Hong Geunsik was one such representative figure of these ‘teachers.’

“Seo Yisoo. Have you been listening to me?”

“Yes, yes. I heard everything.”

Shin Jihu passionately explained about the renowned actor Hong Geunsik.

And Seo Yisoo just smiled brightly, nodding her head in agreement.

“…You were just listening, right? You understood as well?”

“Well, Shin Jihu. You said that if there’s something I don’t understand, just smile and nod.”

“You should naturally understand what I’m saying!”

“But Shin Jihu. Your words are always too difficult to grasp.”

“Is that so?”

“Ugh!”

They bickered like this…

The reason behind Seo Yisoo and Shin Jihu’s playful argument was simple.

“Anyway, Seo Yisoo. When you meet Teacher Hong Geunsik, behave well. If you make a mistake this time, it’ll be a big problem.”

“I got it. How many times do you have to repeat the same thing?”

During their break, Shin Jihu received a phone call.

– Seo Yisoo’s manager, right? Hello, this is Hong Geunsik.

When he first answered the phone.

Upon hearing Hong Geunsik’s dignified voice.

Shin Jihu couldn’t immediately connect the dots that he was speaking to the famous actor he knew.

It was only natural.

Seo Yisoo was just a rookie actor.

It would be rather abnormal to think that the person calling Seo Yisoo’s manager was the renowned actor representing South Korea, Hong Geunsik.

“Excuse me? Who are you?”

So Shin Jihu initially showed such a blunt response.

– I’m actor Hong Geunsik. I… acted in .

“…Uh, yes?”

Then he had to show an even more flustered response.

– I’m contacting you because I have a proposal for actor Seo Yisoo.

“A proposal.”

He was so taken aback by the unbelievable words.

Finally.

“Seo Yisoo!”

With a pale face, he went to Seo Yisoo’s residence.

The rest is predictable.

Seo Yisoo hurriedly returned to Korea.

Scheduled a meeting with Hong Geunsik.

And that’s how it was now.

“Please, please don’t mess up this time. If you rub Hong Geunsik the wrong way, you’ll be lucky if you only get kicked out of the acting industry.”

On the way to a traditional Korean restaurant in downtown Seoul.

Shin Jihu earnestly advised Seo Yisoo.

Please don’t mess up.

Shin Jihu is a member of a chaebol family.

So he could somehow cover up minor mishaps.

But if it’s Hong Geunsik, the situation changes.

When an actor reaches the level of Hong Geunsik, they are in a position where they can exist on their own.

Even if they fall out of favor with a chaebol, they won’t lose their livelihood.

So, it was crucial not to offend Hong Geunsik.

Shin Jihu reiterated.

“Really, absolutely, as much as possible! Behave politely!”

It was a situation that warranted such caution.

And Seo Yisoo is not a bad person at heart.

“Don’t worry, Shin Jihu.”

Seo Yisoo confidently gazed back.

“I’ve never intentionally caused an accident before. These days, I’m getting used to the customs of Earth, so I really believe I can handle it this time. So, please trust me a little.”

With determination, he declared.

Even…

Looking up at Shin Ji-hoo, expressing a strong affection, he added these words.

“I am not just your actress.”

As you are my manager.

I am your actress.

I will never do anything that would make you worry.

That’s what he said.

“Seo Ee-soo….”

Shin Ji-hoo was moved.

Because he felt a deep camaraderie that would not be severed even if Seo Ee-soo were to cut him with a knife.

Yes.

Shin Ji-hoo and Seo Ee-soo had come a long way as manager and actress.

There were many ups and downs.

The two of them had faced all the obstacles, hardships, and sweet rewards together, truly showcasing the perfect harmony of this triangle.

So, he believed that they would also do well in the interview with Hong Geun-sik.

It was only then that Shin Ji-hoo began to harbor such faith.

“I must have lost my mind for a moment. Who else would I trust if not my actress? Yes. Seo Ee-soo. I trust you.”

“Yes! Now you’re acting like my manager!”

Ha ha ha.

The manager and actress were led to a room at a Korean restaurant where they had made an appointment with Hong Geun-sik.

“The reserved guests have arrived.”

The waiter said as he opened the door to the room.

Slowly, Hong Geun-sik and his manager, who had been waiting inside, revealed themselves through the opening doors.

Was it because he possessed age, experience, achievements, and skills?

With his salt-and-pepper hair, Hong Geun-sik exuded a dignified air even just by appearance alone.

“Kum kum.”

Shin Ji-hoo cleared his throat and politely greeted them.

Beside him, Seo Ee-soo firmly believed that she would do the same.

“Hello! I am the rookie actress Seo Ee-soo’s manager, Shin Ji-hoo. We should have waited for you to arrive first…”

And then.

Shin Ji-hoo choked.

“…Hey. Seo Ee-soo. What are you doing right now?”

Seo Ee-soo replied.

“Shin Ji-hoo. I now understand Earth’s culture well. People here do this as a sign of utmost respect.”

With truly utmost respect.

Sitting down and waiting for them, Seo Ee-soo bowed towards Hong Geun-sik.

It was a bow that was not the usual bow men do, but a bow that women do, making the gesture somewhat delicate and adorable.

Whether she had practiced it before.

It was a bow that accurately portrayed even the most subtle details.

“How do you like it, Shin Ji-hoo? Didn’t you tell me to show proper respect? This should be enough, right?”

Seo Ee-soo chuckled as she looked at Shin Ji-hoo.

Her sparkling eyes seemed to ask, ‘Did I do well?’

And Shin Ji-hoo, looking at Seo Ee-soo, thought.

‘Ha ha. She even looks pretty when bowing.’

He felt like escaping for a moment.

‘Her bowing gesture is so precise. She would do really well in a historical drama. Since I’m her manager, I must find her a good role. The role… Gwangyeon. Yes. Gwangyeon would suit her. I’ll even put flowers in her hair. It will suit her well.’

Sometimes, running away can be helpful.

At least he wouldn’t let the situation escalate to the point where he couldn’t stand watching Seo Ee-soo.

After briefly escaping reality for about a second, Shin Ji-hoo calmed his mind and began to think about how to resolve this situation.

What should I do?

Think, Shin Ji-hoo.

You’re smart.

Think.

You’ll find a way.

As always.

Shin Ji-hoo desperately racked his brain.

And soon, he found the answer.

“There’s no way. What am I supposed to do here?”

He found the answer that there was no way.

In front of a top actor, a rookie actor suddenly bowed to greet him.

There was no element to be looked upon favorably.

No matter what excuse he made, it would be useless if Hong Geun-sik felt bad.

“Oh, my. What should I do, really.”

Shin Ji-hoo felt like crying.

And the person who unexpectedly saved him was none other than the top actor, Hong Geun-sik.

“Haha. You’re an interesting friend.”

It was Hong Geun-sik.

“You bow very nicely. Did you receive good education at home?”

Hong Geun-sik seemed to just laugh it off.

For Shin Ji-hoo, it was truly a stroke of luck.

“Well, this is the entertainment industry. If you live here for a long time, you’ll meet all sorts of people. Just think of him as a friend with good manners for bowing so suddenly.”

“I see.”

“Hoho. Did you see that? They say I have good manners. Shin Ji-hoo, didn’t I say I would handle it well?”

“…You, just wait. I’ll see you later.”

Shin Ji-hoo gritted his teeth and prevented Seo Yi-soo from causing a scene.

Then he quickly steered the conversation.

It was to prevent Seo Yi-soo from causing trouble again.

But on the other hand, there was also a sense of impatience mixed with anticipation.

“By the way, teacher. May I ask what you mean by the proposal you mentioned?”

As he asked the question, Shin Ji-hoo forcibly calmed his heart that was beating unnecessarily fast.

If he hastily drank the kimchi soup, it could upset his stomach for no reason.

So he tried his best not to have high expectations while asking.

Before answering.

Hong Geun-sik glanced at Shin Ji-hoo for a moment.

There was a moment of silence.

“Me, teacher?”

“No. It’s nothing. Anyway.”

Hong Geun-sik vaguely smiled and said.

“I was originally going to have a meal first and slowly bring up the topic. But yes. It’s fine to finish the main topic first and leisurely eat.”

Hong Geun-sik answered Shin Ji-hoo’s question.

“What separate proposal could one actor make to another actor? Actor Seo Yi-soo, how about working on a project with me?”