episode_0005

“Huh? This isn’t the same place as last time?”

That was Sua’s first remark after activating ‘Time to Act.’ She had secretly expected the prairie from last time, but this time it wasn’t.

[‘Time to Act’ is deactivated.]

[The space is tailored to your tastes.]

“A hotel? And why is the hallway so luxurious?”

What entered Sua’s field of vision was an extremely luxurious scene. A red carpet was laid on the floor of the long hallway, and doors were placed at regular intervals on both sides.

After examining a few nearby doors, she couldn’t help but be surprised.

“And they even have names on them?”

As if attaching paper in front of a waiting room, luxurious phrases were engraved at each room entrance. Even in very familiar lettering.

[Audition Script]

[Independent Film Script]

“Ah.”

She understood right away.

“I get it. Once you step inside, the experience starts, I guess.”

Sua’s third perk, Time to Act.

Normally, it takes the form of a hotel, but the experience seems to start the moment you open the door of each category.

There’s no reason to enter now. Sua nodded and stepped back. For now, it’s enough to have figured out this much.

[A Sticky Time with a Wolf and a Fox]

※ Your status classification: Virgin

※ Virgins cannot experience bed scenes.

…Ah, and it seems that even such things are impossible to experience.

Sua thought. It’s a relief, actually.

“Wow, this is way simpler than I thought.”

Sua retraced what she had figured out.

“I know what kind of perk it is, and now all that’s left is…”

Exit.

I understand that it’s a very useful space, but isn’t it easier to use if you can freely enter and exit? How do I get out?

Fortunately, the time spent worrying was short. Because the exit was visible in the distance. Even with an emergency exit sign drawn on it.

Sua took a step toward it.

Whoosh─!

As soon as she passed through the emergency exit, everything returned to its original form. So did her own appearance, sitting in front of the computer.

It was then.

─♩♪♬

The phone rang just in time. An unknown number.

After hesitating for a moment, she answered it. It might be an urgent call.

She didn’t say anything and waited for the other person to speak, and before long, she heard a familiar voice.

“Hello? This is Son Ji-woong, the supervising PD of ‘I Became an Actor Like This.’ Is this Lee Sua’s cell phone?”

“…?”

Sua blinked quietly.

The PD is calling directly? Why?

“Yes, it is.”

“Ahahaha…”

Son Ji-woong burst out laughing awkwardly at Sua’s answer.

“I’m in a hurry, so I inevitably contacted you at a late hour. I’m sorry. Please don’t be too angry.”

I never got angry. Really.

Sua made an effort to feign composure and said.

“What’s this call about?”

“Sua-ssi, you passed. Congratulations.”

“…?”

Sua blinked again.

And she unknowingly asked back.

“…Me? Why?”

◈◈◈◈◈

Meanwhile, Son Ji-woong PD’s mind was complicated.

‘What’s with this woman?’

Normally, shouldn’t you be happy when you hear the news that you’ve passed?

Moreover, ‘I Became an Actor Like This’ is supposed to notify applicants of their acceptance via text message. Lee Sua is an exception.

The reason is, of course, writer Lee Geum-suk. She, who creates hit works with everything she touches, asked to keep Lee Sua around.

So I have no choice but to give her special treatment. I was just calling to make sure I could get a promise for the next appearance.

‘…She’s questioning this? What should I answer?’

Why is she asking back?

Ah, could it be.

She wants to be confirmed?

‘That’s right. That’s it.’

Soon Son Ji-woong nodded with conviction.

Lee Sua’s acting was so great that it received a unanimous decision from the judges. Sure enough, she knows her own skills.

It’s common in this industry for talented people to be picky.

‘A style that wants her own value to be recognized. Confirmed.’

Then all you have to do is acknowledge it. It wasn’t difficult either. What Son Ji-woong was about to say wasn’t exactly a lie.

“Why else? It’s because Sua-ssi acted well.”

But.

There was no answer.

“…”

Lee Sua opened her mouth after a long time.

“…Did I act well?”

“Huh?”

A question popped out of Son Ji-woong’s mouth.

What is this subtle and lukewarm reaction? Did Son Ji-woong’s praise not please her? Does she feel like it lacks sincerity?

“Really, did I act well?”

An utterly chilling timbre.

Son Ji-woong unknowingly swallowed hard. He also reiterated once again. This woman is very picky.

“Yes.”

I guess I have no choice but to praise her in more detail.

“The eye contact, the scene composition, the movements…. In my opinion, they were all amazing. Others felt similarly.”

“Hmm.”

However, the other person’s response was still subtle.

A meaning that I can’t read. Son Ji-woong was barely able to deduce the answer.

‘Thinking about it, she probably doesn’t feel much. She’s such a talented person.’

She must have heard countless compliments before. Isn’t it inevitable that she would be indifferent to any compliment? Lee Sua’s belatedly nonchalant reaction was completely understood.

Son Ji-woong, who had finished praising, finally brought up the main point.

“Anyway, I’d like to ask you to participate in the second mission as well.”

“Hmm?”

But again, it’s not the reaction I expected.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Yes?”

“I was just going to watch the first one for a little bit.”

“…”

Son Ji-woong’s mouth dropped open.

Come to think of it, Lee Sua said that acting was her hobby. Does that mean it wasn’t a lie? Moreover, does she not feel much merit in passing the first round?

Either way, I couldn’t help but be surprised.

Soon, I quickly shook my head and regained my senses. It’s foolish to urge them when the other party comes out with this attitude. First of all, I have no choice but to give them time while pretending to be as nonchalant as possible.

“I understand. Please consider it positively if possible.”

“Yes.”

A voice that sounds chilling no matter how many times you hear it. Frankly, judging from her tone, it doesn’t seem like she’s thinking about it positively at all.

What’s a way to win this woman’s favor…?

After contemplating for a while, Son Ji-woong came up with something brilliant.

“Hey, Sua-ssi. Aren’t you curious about how your appearance will be broadcast?”

“Broadcast?”

“Yes. The footage of Sua-ssi from the first audition. I think you’re curious about how it’s being edited.”

After that, there was silence for a while. Just as a little sweat was forming on Son Ji-woong’s palm holding the cell phone, an answer came back.

“I’m curious.”

Good, she’s taking the bait.

“If Sua-ssi wants, I can share it with you. Also, I’ll cut out any uncomfortable scenes as soon as you mention them. Instead, please consider participating in the second mission positively.”

As a PD, he can’t give more groundbreaking benefits than this. He has given Lee Sua a portion of the editing rights.

But.

“I want to see it. The recordings.”

“…”

The other party was also a master in negotiation. While spitting out what she wants, she doesn’t promise anything.

…But there’s nothing else I can do. Son Ji-woong is the weaker party.

“Yes. The capacity is quite large, so I’ll take steps to allow you to view it by accessing the link I’m sending. I would appreciate it if you could consider participating in the second round.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Click.

From Son Ji-woong’s point of view, the call ended somewhat anticlimactically. Just as he looked up at the sky and sighed,

“How did it go?”

Son Ji-woong’s entire body was shadowed. Because a very large figure appeared from behind.

Son Ji-woong reacted as if he knew who it was just by that.

“Ah, PD Choi Hee-won.”

PD Choi Hee-won, who is known to be more intelligent than his body, the rock-like man showed great interest in the situation just now.

“Yes. I was so curious. Did you get confirmation of her appearance?”

“I didn’t get it. She said she’ll think about it.”

“…Is there anything to think about? Ah.”

PD Choi Hee-won belatedly remembered something.

“She said acting was a hobby, right. Does that mean she auditioned purely for fun?”

“That’s right. It really doesn’t make sense.”

The two were silent for a while after that. They were just thinking about the appearance of such a unique being, but suddenly PD Choi Hee-won said.

“There is something I can guess about what she means by thinking about it.”

“What are you guessing?”

“There are already guys who smelled it and approached her.”

“Ah…?”

Son Ji-woong’s eyes immediately widened.

Choi Hee-won’s words made perfect sense.

Could someone have already proposed a contract? Anyone would be blinded by the discovery of such a shining raw gem.

“That really makes sense, doesn’t it? Are they already snatching her away?”

“Wouldn’t it be stupid to get robbed with your eyes open? I’ll meet writer Lee Geum-suk right away. Let’s re-shuffle the deck.”

“Re-shuffle? What kind of game?”

Choi Hee-won smiled as if asking what he was asking.

“With a much bigger game. Let’s take her straight to a drama.”

◈◈◈◈◈

Meanwhile, Sua took a shower and lay down refreshed.

“Whew…. I must have gotten through that okay.”

She really broke a sweat talking to the PD.

‘I wonder, how was my acting really?’

It was a question that took root in Sua’s mind.

She finally unlocked the perk and figured out that she could experience the script through it. But whether she vividly recreated it is a different matter.

‘You shouldn’t blindly trust the PD’s praise.’

She was secretly happy to hear the praise, but she repeated not to be complacent. It might be a ploy to seduce Sua to be used as a villain or a gag character.

‘See for myself and judge. Definitely!’

Since acting is the only path left for her, a careful attitude was natural. The link will be here sometime tomorrow, so let’s watch it directly and make a judgment.

Sua soon fell fast asleep.

Unaware of the huge storm approaching her.