episode_0180

“Yeah. That’s exactly it.”

While Minami Akiko sounded quite confident, the employee still seemed worried, tilting their head.

“But isn’t it a bit risky to drop it right now? Director Yusaku isn’t exactly a pushover either…”

“Come on, what did I say? Let’s fuel the fire even more, right?”

Minami Akiko shrugged. “Of course, I don’t mean to burn it all at once. We’re going to take our time and slowly build it up over a long period.”

She was proud of her writing and also certain that her daughter, Sawako’s, script was lacking.

But.

‘Yusaku’s eye is something we need to be wary of.’

She had already been wondering what had captivated Director Yusaku so much. The answer was Su-ah, and she would be checking her acting today.

So, until then, she intended to be cautious. “It’s risky to release articles saying we’re going to win right away. We can discuss the details after seeing the acting for ourselves. But it’s a shame to miss out on this buzz, isn’t it?”

“That’s true. We might even be able to attract Korean audiences to this competition. It’s good if the scale increases.”

“So, let’s not say that we’re going to win yet. Let’s just subtly hint that this kind of dynamic exists. Like I said before, let’s build it up slowly over a long period.”

“You mean we should just do some behind-the-scenes work to increase the attention Su-ah is getting in Korea?”

“Exactly.”

Minami Akiko nodded.

“Anyway, a competition is bound to have winners and losers. It’s better to get as much attention as possible. That way, both the winner and the loser will gain a lot.”

“That’s true. If you combine the number of Korean and Japanese viewers, even the losing side will earn a huge amount of money. It’s hard to even imagine how much the winning side will get.”

“Yeah. And the losing side will lose face, but… it’s better than losing money too, right? Isn’t it?”

“That’s right.”

The employee inwardly felt a chill.

‘If the attention increases, the burden on her daughter will also increase. Isn’t she considering that? Or does she think even that will be helpful? Her way of thinking isn’t normal.’

From what the employee had observed, Minami Akiko had never shown any maternal love towards her daughter.

It’s the same looking at the current situation.

She’s only thinking about how to get more attention for her competition and how to ensure that both sides get a little more benefits. She doesn’t seem human.

Soon, the employee spoke.

“Then, I’ll release an article saying that the atmosphere in Japan is unusual. When should we release the follow-up?”

“After seeing Lee Su-ah’s acting with our own eyes.”

Akiko’s voice was firm. “It’s unlikely, but… if her acting impresses me, I might have to revise the plan. So, let’s write the rest of the articles based on the situation at that time.”

“Understood.”

After the short meeting, the employees began to organize what they had to do in an orderly manner. But the process isn’t quiet. Everyone looked like they had something to say.

“…The more I investigate, the more unusual it seems. It seems like there’s quite a bit of interest in Su-ah in Korea, but the problem is that Su-ah is a total rookie.”

“That’s right. It’s amazing that she hasn’t even been a year since her debut, and she hasn’t even experienced year-end award ceremonies. Japan has never had a rookie who showed this kind of growth, right?”

“It’s the same in Korea. They say she’s an unprecedented existence. That’s why her nickname is ‘Meteor’.”

Akiko listened to everything and thought quietly.

‘Hmm, I wonder what she’s really like.’

◈◈◈◈◈

Afterward, the internet was on fire.

[‘Kim Yu-han’ Lee Su-ah to Advance into Japan? What is the Exact Schedule? People Frustrated with Mystic’s Silence.]

The reason, of course, was that no detailed information had been released regarding Su-ah’s advancement into Japan.

A rookie who shook Korea is making a quick entry into Japan, so fans, reporters, and the entertainment industry were all paying close attention. They were curious about exactly what she would be doing.

However, the flood of articles didn’t allow them to focus solely on that. Why? Because Su-ah has booked only great Korean schedules.

[Ham Ah-yoon ─ Lee Su-ah to Co-Star in “Crescendo from Tomorrow”? Will We Get to See a Piano Duet?]

The fact that she was participating in a movie by the renowned director Go Tae-min, that she was even starring in it, and that she was taking on a role that required musical knowledge…

Each of those elements would be surprising to observe, but they were stacked on top of each other, three or four at a time. It couldn’t help but be amazing.

[Kang Hyun-sung PD Unveils Outline for ‘Star Summit Talk Show’!]

[Lee Su-ah Representing Korea? ‘Expectations Soaring’]

The fact that she was not only conquering the movie screen but also variety shows was great news for Su-ah’s fans.

Even for those who weren’t Su-ah’s fans, the situation was the same.

The fact that Su-ah was showing such a sensational trajectory like a meteor was a “success myth” to someone, and this perfectly captured the hearts of those who wanted to admire someone.

The concept that people often refer to as “‘*gukppong*’ (nationalistic pride)” was gradually being applied to Su-ah. Su-ah was now in a position to provide vicarious satisfaction to someone.

─Starring in Go Tae-min’s work? Wow, lol. Each and every one of them is so amazing that I don’t know which part to be surprised at.

─So, does that mean she’s going to start practicing piano now? She’s really diligent.

─Lee Su-ah as the representative of Korea, I’m excited! I had a lot of fun watching the pet special, so I wonder how she’ll be there, lol.

─I hope that our actors’ image will improve a little because they are advancing into Japan. That’s promoting national prestige.

─Everyone’s praising her so much that it feels like a group madness; Why are you all so excited about one actor? I don’t know what the difference is between this and old people enjoying patriotic videos…

─Patriotic videos are unfounded nonsense, but this is praising facts that are based on facts, compare things that are comparable; Lee Su-ah’s career is already untouchable among rookies

─No matter how much you guys are jealous, Su-ah will eventually succeed, Midas myth hasn’t broken down yet, ㅇㅇ

◈◈◈◈◈

Since the community and other places were boiling over, the aftermath naturally had a great impact on the surrounding area. CT Entertainment was the same.

“D-d-d-Director. You have to see this…”

“What is all this? Advancing into Japan? She’s going overseas?”

Those involved in Su-ah’s news of advancing into Japan couldn’t help but be dumbfounded. There are more than one or two things that make it really difficult to advance overseas.

The language barrier is the first, and even if you break through that, whether you can receive good treatment is a completely different issue. It’s not uncommon to just be embarrassed and return.

But Su-ah…

“…Director Yusaku actually suggested collaboration first? *Nigimi ssibal!* Is this even possible? She’s going to enjoy Korea and pave the way to success in Japan?”

The CEO of CT Entertainment shouted with a face that was red as if it would explode at any moment. He had done everything to cut down Su-ah, but he had never succeeded.

It’s the same this time.

“Isn’t this just tabloid gossip? Huh? Are you sure?”

“It’s official. It’s the position that Director Yusaku announced.”

“Heo…!”

The CEO of CT Entertainment made a suffocating noise, but it’s useless. No matter how much he throws stones from where he is, he can’t reach. Su-ah was already far away.

Yes, the train runs even if the dog barks.

.

.

.

.

.

In the midst of all this chaos.

“Hmm…”

Su-ah herself was at home with her arms crossed. She was narrowing her brows and thinking hard about something.

[Yeon Cheon Gyeong Diagram] [1. Kim Seon-il ─ Yeon Cheon Gyeong: Reconciliation] [2. Seo Yeon-joo ─ Yeon Cheon Gyeong: Ardent Love] [3. ■■■ ─ ■■■■]

‘…The next Yeon Cheon Gyeong, who on earth is it?’

She was busy examining the diagram that had begun to flicker like a mirage. She needed to solve this in order to advance to the next level. Then suddenly.

‘Huh?’

Su-ah shuddered.

She had finally arrived at a tremendous thought.

‘…Could it be? Could it be!’

Su-ah clenched her fist.

‘Is it finally my Yeon Cheon Gyeong!’

That’s right! Su-ah thought! Doesn’t it feel like Su-ah’s era has finally arrived? Su-ah Passion! Su-ah Burning!

◈◈◈◈◈

The next day.

Vroom─!

A black van heads towards the filming location of “Lie, Lie, Lie.” But the people inside aren’t actors or staff. If I had to put a name to it, they are special guests.

That was Sawako and Director Yusaku.

‘Why am I…’

Oh, and Hong Ye-ji was also there.

Hong Ye-ji kept fidgeting with her fingers on her lap. She wanted to play a rhythm game, but she couldn’t because it was an official event. It was driving her crazy.

Director Yusaku spoke first.

“Sawako, you’re finally going to see Su-ah’s acting.”

“That’s right. I’m excited.”

“You can’t see it right away. You’ll be able to see it tomorrow after staying at a hotel near the filming location for a day.”

“Yes. I’ll wait with a happy heart.”

Sawako shyly nodded.

Yes, the reason why they are currently heading to the filming location is to see Su-ah’s acting with their own eyes. Minami Akiko should be coming in another car as well.

“Um, Hong Ye-ji *sunbae-nim*.”

At that time, Sawako spoke to Hong Ye-ji. To be exact, she spoke through the interpreter who was riding with them.

“What?”

“We’ve only been communicating through translator apps so far, but since there’s an interpreter in the car now, I’d like to have a lot of conversations at times like this.”

“Conversations?”

Then Sawako nods with a slightly flushed face.

“Yes. There were many conversations that I wanted to have with *unnie*.”

“Is that so.”

“Of course. Um, was the script that I revised okay?”

“…”

Hong Ye-ji actually hadn’t even read it.

That’s because she originally wanted Sawako’s revisions to ruin the script. But the result was the opposite. Just looking at Director Kim Young-gon, he liked it very much.

“It was good.”

And it was good, so there was a problem. Why was it good? Hong Ye-ji barely swallowed what she wanted to say next.

“I’m glad. I was actually very scared. But *sunbae* told me to write down whatever I thought of without filtering it. That helped.”

“Um…”

“Um, originally, the main character goes to a matchmaking meeting and gets rejected, then experiences a crazy event, right? After that, they experience something very fantasy-like. I mixed my thoughts in there.”

“Yes.”

“Aliens kidnap the penniless main character, and when they open their eyes, they see a bunch of people with similar circumstances to the main character gathered together. Everyone is a bit quirky, but they don’t have any money right now.”

“Yes.”

“The aliens in my head are transcendent beings, right? They give various abilities to the people gathered there and make them play a game. The last survivor gets to take all the prizes. Um, they also gamble with planets in the middle…”

“Um…”

“I’m thinking of making each game a bit quirky. A rap battle with their lives on the line, suddenly battling with fantasy abilities, etc… I’m going to make it hard to tell whether it’s serious or not.”

Hong Ye-ji swallowed hard.

There was a cold sweat on her back.

What is this? Why does this seem a bit fun?

What’s more, it’s not just that.

‘Is this genetics? Is she a genius?’

Her mother is Minami Akiko, so blood can’t be lied to after all. Sawako was filling in all the ambiguous setting holes.

I don’t know if she knows it herself.

‘…’

She shouldn’t have left it to Sawako. She shouldn’t have done that. It’s like entrusting a sword to the best person in the world.

“Does Sawako-yang have a title in mind as well?”

“I do, but…”

“Please tell me.”

“Alien Game.”

“Alien Game…”

Stupid content. Stupid title.

But it was a strange thing.

Strangely enough, even Hong Ye-ji, who thinks this way, thought that she would watch the work once it came out. Kidnapped by aliens and having a rap battle with their lives on the line? Hmm?

“…”

After that thought flashed through her mind, she suddenly felt a chill.

The script written by Sawako, Kim Young-gon who freely interprets and directs it, Nextflix who freely invests capital, and the lead actors who will do their best on their own…

‘At this point, isn’t it not even my work anymore? Why?’

She couldn’t understand at all.

To put it strictly, is this work the Ship of Theseus?

Aren’t all the parts replaced and there are no traces of Hong Ye-ji left? But why is it still Ye-ji’s work? Why are you sailing under Hong Ye-ji’s name?

‘Why? Why? Why? Why on earth!’