episode_0143

A sudden silence fell.

“Let’s just call it quits from the start.”

That’s why Hong Ye-ji took such a strong stance.

Lee Geum-suk’s crew, Sua, Netflix Korea branch officials, Lee Seo-jung, and her manager. Everyone was gathered, but there were no exceptions. Most people were on their best behavior at her cold voice.

Of course, unexpectedly, over three minutes passed in complete silence.

No one actually left the meeting place.

“…”.

In reality, Sua’s mind was blank.

‘She looks so…intimidating…?’

Sua knew it was ironic for her to be commenting on someone else’s intimidating presence, but Lee Seo-jung was truly a woman with a strange aura. A different vibe altogether.

If Sua was closer to a wolf, Lee Seo-jung was more like a snake? You know, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue.

‘If Yeon-ju unnie has a refreshing and harmless vibe, she’s the opposite. Very alluring, but with a hint of poison.’

That’s why Sua met Lee Seo-jung’s gaze.

It wasn’t even like she was glaring back with an ‘eye for an eye’ kind of feeling. Sua had just frozen up.

No one was breaking the silence in this situation.

‘Ugh, I really hate this kind of atmosphere.’

Sua mentally rehearsed what she wanted to say. She even practiced the words in her head before uttering them.

‘Ah, hellooo….’

She was glad she didn’t actually say it out loud.

─Pass the initiative. This humble one will crush them. ─Sua sunbae, you need to try too.

The Sua Association was chattering this and that, making her head spin. But then.

“…?”

Glancing sideways, Sua discovered something surprising.

It was none other than Hong Ye-ji’s behavior.

Right now, Hong Ye-ji, with her arms crossed, was muttering something non-stop. No sound was coming out, but her lip movements were clear, and Sua swallowed hard.

‘Shibal’ ‘Shibal’ ‘Shibal’ ‘Get out’ ‘Please just get the fuck out’

Hong Ye-ji’s lip movements definitely conveyed that.

“….”

Thanks to that, Sua felt a certain emotion welling up.

It was probably inspiration and courage.

Hong Ye-ji was someone without any special abilities.

Moreover, she had continued to work as an assistant writer without a single representative work to her name. In terms of career, she was no different from Sua before she debuted as an actress.

But what about Hong Ye-ji’s attitude?

‘She’s different from me. In every way.’

Sua saw in her an unwavering conviction.

Even if what she held in her hands crumbled like sand, she had the courage to willingly break it if she couldn’t mold it into the shape she wanted. Unlike Sua, who was always so fearful.

‘…I want to become someone like that too.’

Sua thought. If there was anyone in her life she should look up to as a sunbae, it would definitely be someone like her.

Thanks to that, she gained courage.

Sua spoke to Lee Seo-jung.

“You heard the writer.”

Of course, her voice was still cold.

“If you’re thinking of participating, drop the power plays, and if you’re not interested in the script, then leave. At least everyone gathered here is serious about this.”

“….”

But Lee Seo-jung continued to stare at Sua without opening her mouth to say anything.

At this point, Sua felt a slight sense of unease.

‘…Looking at her again, it doesn’t quite seem like she’s trying to pick a fight? Then why is she staring at me?’

Of course, Lee Seo-jung’s inner thoughts were completely different.

‘Wait, hold on, could it be that the already-cast lead is…’

Her heart was racing very fast. She was busy piecing together the information popping up like popcorn.

‘Lee Sua? It’s Lee Sua, isn’t it? Why is she here? No, more than that, I guess you can’t trust photos after all. They don’t even capture half of her real beauty. Her skin must be so soft.’

The fact that Sua had taken on the lead role in a trashy script was shocking enough, but the fact that she was making eye contact with her made her body feel warm.

What should I say, I’m getting excited.

Lee Seo-jung tried hard to calm herself down.

Lee Sua’s intense gaze.

She wondered if it would last even if she blurted out everything that came to mind. You know, like, would she be able to maintain her composure even if she told some dirty stories?

However.

“…Heung.”

Now is not the right time to play with Sua.

Lee Seo-jung prided herself on being experienced in this area, and she concluded that it was better to hold back for now. In order to have more fun later.

“Hehehe.”

Instead, she let out a small laugh.

‘What would it feel like to act with her?’

Meanwhile, Sua was inwardly flustered.

‘…Her gaze is a bit different?’

It wasn’t quite anger, but a somewhat sticky gaze.

Her tone was slippery like a snake, making her want to take a bath. In reality, it was a gaze filled with ‘lust,’ but Sua didn’t know. How could a virgin know?

It was also because she hadn’t activated her ‘seduction skills.’ Sua, who had no sexual experience, couldn’t figure it out on her own.

At that moment, Hong Ye-ji opened her mouth.

“I don’t hold grudges. I didn’t expect anything in the first place, and I’m confident I’ll be grateful just for you showing your face today. Please speak your mind.”

“My mind? Alright. I liked the script a lot.”

Hong Ye-ji flinched as if she’d been electrocuted, but no one thought it was strange. Humans can be happy in the face of unexpected praise, after all.

Lee Seo-jung’s gaze returned to Sua.

“However, I’ll step down from the meeting. The reason being.”

“The reason?”

Sua briefly asked back.

That alone made Lee Seo-jung feel like clenching her thighs tightly. It felt really tingly.

But she resisted by swallowing her saliva once.

“Because I don’t think I can control myself.”

Everyone tilted their heads. It was only natural, as only Lee Seo-jung herself could understand what she meant.

But Sua relaxed.

‘What, is that woman weird?’

Thinking that the other person was missing a screw made her fear disappear? She thought she’d been too wary. So, she spoke without much thought.

“I guess you’re similar to me in that way.”

Maybe she has a lot of friends living in her head, or maybe she struggles because she’s not very intelligent, hmm, maybe that’s really it? Sua thought her guess was gaining traction.

But why, Lee Seo-jung shuddered.

She said, turning her back.

“Let’s check that out later.”

“Seo-jung, Seo-jung-ah? Hey! Seo-jung-ah!”

The manager hastily followed after Seo-jung, who was leaving.

.

.

.

.

.

After Lee Seo-jung left, the meeting resumed.

The assistant writers chattered quietly.

“Seo-jung nim is as unique as I’ve heard.” “I know, right. But I heard she has convictions. Once she’s set on something, she goes straight for it without looking back….”

Hearing that, Sua nodded silently.

‘She was unique, that’s for sure. And she seemed dangerous.’

Did she herself appear that way to others? Sua was suddenly lost in reflection. Sua reflection.

It was then that writer Lee Geum-suk smiled.

“Sua yang, thank you.”

“Hmm?” “I was going to watch over Ye-ji and let her handle this on her own today if possible. Each meeting is a big experience, after all. But just now, I was wondering if I should step in, but Sua-ssi stepped up first and helped out well.”

“Eyy, no way.”

Sua shook her head.

“I wouldn’t say I stepped up. Hong writer nim put her foot down first, didn’t she? That did all the work.”

At that, the assistant writers smiled brightly.

“That’s right. Ye-ji is always extraordinary.” “She’s always been out of the ordinary!” “She’s not afraid!”

The meeting room instantly turned into a warm atmosphere. The Netflix officials, who had been silent all along, began to open their mouths one by one.

“Anyway, Seo-jung ssi didn’t reject it either. It’s going smoother than we expected. I guess she has an unexpected charm.” “The writer seems to have conviction too.” “I think we can proceed in earnest, right?”

They each said a word and focused their gazes on one person. Who else but writer Hong Ye-ji?

“….”

Hong Ye-ji’s face was more serious than ever.

“Just, why…?”

Soon, she mumbled quietly.

“Just, why does it keep turning out like this…?”

Lee Geum-suk quietly patted her shoulder.

“Miracles aren’t something anyone can grab ahold of. Just realize anew that you’ve really worked hard. When something good happens, just be happy about it normally.”

The assistant writers also nodded.

“Y-yeah, that’s right! I saw you working hard!” “And always getting caught up in your worries!” “So it’s only natural!”

Hong Ye-ji rolled her eyes and stared at Sua.

“Sua ssi.”

Sua thought. Those are truly the eyes of an adult.

“Are you really going to do this work?” “Yes. I will take the lead role.” “Just, just…. What’s the reason….”

The reason for participating.

Sua would normally have had to rack her brains to come up with a reason. She needed a reason to give on the surface, other than seeing a high rank in the special ability.

But the Sua of now didn’t need to do that.

Besides the ranking, there was one more reason.

“There are things to learn.” “Things to learn?” “I’ll be able to grow more too.”

Hong Ye-ji made a “Kkeueung,” sound, and then.

“Kkeueueueu…!”

Suddenly, she wildly ruffled her hair.

Soon, she looked at Sua with a glint in her eyes.

“Sua ssi, are you prepared?” “Prepared?” “Yes. I’m going to make the actors work like crazy. If I think a scene is necessary for the work, I’ll write it without considering the actors’ well-being.”

Hong Ye-ji’s eyes turned fierce.

“Dance, song, exposure, action. I’ll write anything. I really write anything. A normal level of preparedness won’t be enough.”

“Hmm….” “If I write the seven letters ‘It was a perfect dance,’ Sua ssi, you have to perform such a dance. Are you still going to do it even like this? I’m warning you in advance.”

At this time, Lee Geum-suk chimed in.

“Yeah, these are the things you should definitely go over in the meeting. It’ll be a big problem if you discuss it after filming starts.”

But the words just now made it even more clear.

Sua thought.

‘What Hong writer nim is saying right now isn’t advantageous to her at all. It makes it easy to cancel the casting.’

But she still says it. A state of confidently revealing that there will be no compromise on the writing, no matter who the other party is. I get it now. This is how existences like her write 1st-class scripts.

‘It must have been hard.’

She understood the reason why Hong Ye-ji ruffled her hair.

This person pursues perfect writing.

However, she’s wondering if she can apply that standard to others. How many actors will be able to perfectly realize in the flesh the writing that exists only as letters?

However.

There’s one here.

‘I have a special ability.’

Sua thought. If I work hard, it’s possible.

‘In other words, we can save each other.’

Sua can carve the success of an OTT work aimed at overseas viewers into her filmography, and Hong Ye-ji will be able to see her writing become reality.

A match made in heaven.

Sua said, burning with even more determination.

“Just focus on the writing.” “Yes?” “I’ll do my best in the acting.”

After that, there was silence for a while.

A long time later, Hong Ye-ji slowly covered her face with both hands. The fact that her body was shuddering means that she’s still a rookie. She was bad at hiding her joy.

◈◈◈◈◈

Bwoooooong─!

On the way back to the agency in the van.

Lee Seo-jung occasionally tilted her head back as if drunk and made a “Heu,” sound. She looked relaxed, regardless of the manager’s fervent words.

“Seo-jung-ah, that writer has a really strong spirit. I thought, ‘She can make that kind of voice to you and Sua-ssi?’ I flinched without realizing it. I even forgot that the script was trash for a moment.”

Lee Seo-jung just thought of Sua. She couldn’t hear the manager mumbling very well.

“No matter how much I think about it, isn’t it amazing? Sua-ssi completely soared right now with Special Mobile Task Force 808, right? Why would she say she would take the lead role in such a trashy script?”

Lee Seo-jung doesn’t answer, but she talks well on her own.

“Ah! I got it! Lee Geum-suk writer is the Special Mobile Task Force 808 writer! Did she somehow coax her while filming? I really can’t explain it otherwise?”

“Me.”

Lee Seo-jung opened her mouth with one word.

“Yeah?” “What’s on my schedule for this year?” “You have some product commercials to shoot and meetings with big movies piled up. A lot of things that make your mouth water. Even Seo-jung you would be startled if you heard the director’s name, right?” “So there aren’t any schedules that have been confirmed yet.” “Right?”

The manager answered without thinking much.

A short time later.

He very slowly moved his eyes to the rearview mirror.

“…But why are you asking that?”

Lee Seo-jung didn’t answer.

The manager seemed to be getting a little anxious.

“Seo-jung-ah, it’s not what I’m thinking, right?”

Lee Seo-jung parted her lips as if indifferent.

“How good are you at driving?” “What?”

But that was an act of answering a question with a question, and at the same time, it was too out of the blue. The manager narrowed his brows, not understanding Lee Seo-jung’s words.

“Why the sudden question about driving? Are you changing the subject?” “How good are you?” “…I’ve never made you uncomfortable with my driving, have I? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?” “I’m going to participate in Hong writer’s work. Just know that.”

Immediately after, the van swayed.

The manager barely grabbed the steering wheel with widened eyes. It was no joke, if he hadn’t controlled his body just now, he would have accidentally swerved the car and caused a big accident.

Lee Seo-jung burst out laughing.

“You’re a terrible driver.”

◈◈◈◈◈

After finishing all the schedules, at Sua’s house.

The house that Mystic got her was much better than before. Sua took a bath and then used her phone.

She was looking at her SNS, which she had opened after a long time.

She had uploaded two photos.

@arctic_fox_sua

[ Sua Selfie ]

─Wow, what’s with the charisma!!! ─Take me, unnie ㅠㅠㅠ ─Can I call you hyung? ─The vibe is no joke. ─Wow…. What kind of presence….

[ Sumi Photo ]

─Sumi is so cute ─Is her name Sumi? Cute ㅠ ─I love Sumi ㅠㅠㅠㅠ ─I want to bite Sumi’s cheeks!

“….”

Yeah, well, she expected it.

‘But I didn’t think it would be this much.’

The reaction Sua wanted was coming to Sumi, and the reaction Sumi wanted was coming to Sua.

What a trick of fate this is!

How did the heavens give birth to Sua and then give birth to all living things more adorable than Sua! Why!

Sua thought it was fortunate that Sumi didn’t know Korean. Let’s keep this pain to Sua alone. Sumi would be very sad if she knew….

At that time, a text message came.

[ Sender: Lee Geum-suk ]

▷ Sua yang, you’ll get a call soon. ▷ Please take care of me!

What call? Please take care of what?

Sua took out the scripts while keeping her questions in mind.

Special Mobile Task Force 808 had ended, and the road ahead was long. She would not stop until she had conquered the whole world, so she had to hone herself even more. Sua conquest!

─♩♪♬

It was then that a call came out of nowhere.

A number that wasn’t saved.

Sua wondered if she should not answer, but soon changed her mind. She figured if they knew her changed number and called, it might be an important call.

…Huh? I’m smart, right? Sua smart?

“Hello.” “Hi.”

The other party playfully greeted her in English.

Sua narrowed her brows. It was because she could immediately guess the other party’s identity. She wasn’t happy about it.

“You are….” “That’s right. We met once at the meeting, right? Lee Seo-jung.”

“How did you get my number?”

Sua said with a look of disgust.

And the answer was unexpected.

“Writer Lee gave it to me.”

Writer Lee Geum-suk’s betrayal? At that moment, Sua was shocked.

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s not like she gave it to me casually. I just spat out conditions that I couldn’t help but be tempted by. Yeah, in some ways, it’s closer to a deal.” “A deal? Conditions? What are you talking about?” “Hong Ye-ji writer’s work.”

Lee Seo-jung paused for a moment and then said.

“If you, Sua, say with your own mouth that you want me to participate, then I will also gladly jump in.”

Sua quietly blinked her eyes.

It was a good thing that a high-class actress was joining Hong Ye-ji’s work, but what should I say, she didn’t know why she was doing this to her. It was suspicious and ominous.

“If I say it with my mouth, you’ll participate right away?” “That’s right. Exactly.”

Sua tilted her head.

‘She’s a weird person after all. She was like that last time too.’

Sua thought. Let’s be even more wary. Her guess last time was right. Someone who is somewhat lacking in intelligence.

‘Huh?’

Come to think of it, she didn’t feel bad.

There was someone with lower intelligence than Sua. Yeah, she wasn’t the most barbaric human.

No? Maybe that person was also a great person. It’s just that Sua had become too smart….

‘….’

Sua became afraid of her own development.

Sua tried to be smart towards someone more foolish than herself, or more accurately, she pretended to be smart.

Her shoulders were raised like a mountain peak.

“If you want to do it, do it.” “If you say it, I think I’ll want to do it.” “She’s someone with low intelligence.”

Sua frowned. At the same time, she slightly understood the gazes of the friends who had been watching her.

“You want Seo-jung ssi to participate in this work. Like this? We don’t even know each other, with just these words?”

But immediately after, she doubted her eyes.

[ Unclassifiable ─ Unsolved Case ]

▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements

▶ 1.5 Grade

Pajijik!

1.5 → 1.4 grade 1.4 → 1.3 grade….

[ Unclassifiable ─ Unsolved Case ]

▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements

▶ 1.3 Grade

‘Huh?’

She blinked her eyes several times and looked again.

‘…It’s changing? Why?’

What is it?

At that time, Lee Seo-jung said slyly.

“Yeah. You just need to say it like that.” “No, no, no, no….”

Sua came to her senses.

She almost lost her mind because she was blinded by the grade? That won’t do.

The grade is already high enough, and Hong Ye-ji is someone she respects. So, it’s good to filter out these low-intelligence impurities in advance.

It doesn’t matter even if she’s a high-class actress! This person has low intelligence! She’s strange!

“Hong writer nim is sincere. So don’t participate if you’re not sincere either. Look at the script one more time instead of messing with me. Get lost.” “Hoo…?”

Pajijijik!

1.3 grade → 1.2 grade 1.2 grade → 1.1 grade….

[ Unclassifiable ─ Unsolved Case ]

▶ Sufficient Implementation Elements

▶ 1.1 Grade

‘Wh-what is it?’