Chapter 5

### Obsessed with Acting. Episode 5 (Additional Scene)

Today, I met my friend Oh Hae-il, and we decided to go to the orphanage together.

In my past life, Hae-il had suggested volunteer work to me many times, but I always made excuses about being busy.

I remembered Christmas Eve in 2003 from my previous life. I broke my promise with the orphanage children and went to a party hosted by the wealthy troublemakers.

I don't even want to think about what happened next.

After that, my life fell apart...

'Being a good actor is important, but I need to be someone who cares for my neighbors.'

I put "The Wizard of Oz" on the desk into my bag. I had practiced reading it to the children several times last night.

The small faces that would be happy with my small talent. A smile naturally formed on my lips.

I went to the kitchen. Mom had finished the dishes and was drying her hands with a towel.

"Mom."

"Yeah, where to?"

"Today, I'm going to the orphanage with Hae-il."

"Our son, you won the drama festival award, and now you're doing volunteer work. I'm so proud of you."

Mom patted my butt affectionately, looking at me with pride. I dodged her hand and ran to the front door.

"I might be a little late."

"Don't be too late."

"Got it. I'll come back as soon as possible."

"Son, do you need pocket money? Wait a moment. I'll give you some."

"No, I have a lot of money. Oh, wait a moment."

I almost forgot my real purpose. I took out two gift boxes from my bag.

"Here."

"Wh- What is this?"

"I bought it with the prize money from the award. It's makeup for Mom and a tie for Dad. And this money is for you and Dad to go on a date."

I gave her the remaining money from the prize, minus a little pocket money, in a white envelope.

"Son... This... A..."

Mom was so moved she couldn't speak.

I pretended not to notice and left the house.

"I'll be back."

***

I went to Goryeodang. It's the most expensive and delicious bakery in the neighborhood where I was meeting Oh Hae-il.

"Here."

Hae-il, who had arrived first, waved at me.

"What kind of bread do the kids like? I still have some prize money left. Let's buy plenty."

"Wow, future great actor, you really have a big heart."

"Great actor. Just hearing it makes me feel good."

"Sit down. Let's eat something."

The smell of the bread made me hungry. Hae-il and I ordered sandwiches and juice and ate them.

"Hey, Hae-il!"

"What?"

"Are you going to college?"

"College? No, I don't plan to. I want to go out into society and earn money on my own as soon as possible."

"Won't your parents be disappointed?"

"My parents say to do what I want. It's my life. Anyway, I want to earn money quickly."

In my previous life, Hae-il also didn't go to college after high school and jumped right into society. He worked various part-time jobs like cleaning, delivery, office assistance, serving, loading and unloading, making charcoal fires, and wearing character costumes at amusement parks, steadily gaining social experience. Hae-il was diligent and hardworking.

"How about being a manager?"

"Manager? What kind of manager?"

"Be my manager when I become an actor."

"..."

Hae-il didn't respond.

"This is a request. A friend's request."

"..."

"Tell me how much you'll pay first. I can't eat high-quality talent for free."

"I'll pay you until your pockets burst."

"Really?"

"Really."

"..."

"Deal. But there's a condition."

"Condition?"

"I don't like trivial things. Promise to become a great actor who can dominate not just the Korean film industry, but the global film industry."

"Of course. I'll be an actor who speaks through acting."

I extended my hand to Hae-il. He took it. The contract was sealed.

"Actually, I was completely blown away by your acting at the drama festival. I wondered if you were really my friend. You can do it."

We smiled at each other.

Then we picked up the tray. We filled it with red bean bread, soboro, cream puffs, manju, castella, and donuts, sweeping them up as we saw them.

***

The orphanage was near the bus stop. As soon as I got off the bus, I could see it. A wide playground surrounded by a low brick wall.

Through the large gate, I could see the playground clearly. The children playing there ran over when they saw Hae-il standing at the gate.

"Brother."

"Big brother."

The children's faces were full of joy.

"Hey, who's this uncle?"

"He's my friend. Isn't he handsome?"

"Yeah, really."

"Is he handsomer than you?"

The girl couldn't lie and lowered her head.

"Traitor~"

Hae-il playfully chased the children. They laughed and ran to the playground. A game of tag started naturally.

I put down my bag and the bread and joined in.

"Ha ha ha."

"Hee hee."

"Try to catch me."

"Coming."

We played with the children on the playground for a long time.

A little later, the gate opened wide, and a small truck drove in. The truck was loaded with books. A few people came out of the building and started carrying the books inside.

"Hae-il, shouldn't we go help?"

"Yeah."

Hae-il gently detached the children hanging on him. The children, though reluctant, listened obediently.

"I'll organize the books and play with you again."

"Brother, you promised."

"Yeah."

Today was the day to set up a new library. Helping with the busy work was a priority. We rolled up our sleeves and ran to the truck.

"Director, how have you been? This is my friend, Bae Woojin."

Hae-il introduced me to a middle-aged woman in front of the truck. She seemed to be the director of 'Heaven's Wish Orphanage.'

"Hae-il's friend? Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Bae Woojin."

The director introduced a woman standing next to her to us. She was a sophisticated middle-aged woman.

"Ah, this is the generous donor who donated all these books today."

"Nice to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you. I'm Kim Jin-suk. Seeing students do such volunteer work... it's very touching."

Kim Jin-suk smiled brightly at us.

Kim Jin-suk? The name swirled in my head. Do I know her?

"Ah, and this."

I gave the bread from Goryeodang to the director.

"You didn't have to bring anything..."

"The children will like it."

"Students don't have money, do they?"

"This friend won the drama festival award recently. He bought it with the prize money, so it's fine."

Hae-il answered for me, proudly. Was he already acting like a manager?

I smiled awkwardly.

"Was it the 'Young Acting Festival'?"

Kim Jin-suk's eyes widened.

"Yes, that's right."

"Ah!"

Kim Jin-suk didn't say more. She hadn't revealed her identity to the director yet.

She was the CEO of 'Unicorn Studio' and a major player in the film industry. She kept her identity a secret to avoid diminishing the meaning of her donation.

'I heard a new face emerged, overshadowing the strong candidates this year. I didn't expect to meet you here.'

She couldn't attend the festival that day due to her busy schedule.

I had heard about the new winner but didn't expect to meet her here.

At that moment, Bae Woojin also recognized her.

'Ah, Kim Jin-suk, CEO of Unicorn Studio!'

Her name was well-known in the film industry, so it wasn't unfamiliar. When she showed interest in the drama festival, I was sure it was her.

In my previous life, we weren't closely involved. Unicorn Studio's direction was different from mine.

"The library will be in the room at the end of the first-floor corridor. We just need to move these books there and organize them."

The introductions were over, and now it was time to work. The director explained what needed to be done today.

"Leave it to us."

Hae-il and I picked up bundles of books with both hands. At 19, such tasks were no trouble at all. We quickly moved and organized the books. The children helped, and the work was done quickly.

***

After dinner, the children gathered in the auditorium to listen to my storytelling. I thought about what I could do for the children and decided to read them a fairy tale.

Reading a fairy tale is also acting. One person has to perform all the lines and dialogues of the characters.

I adjusted my voice and relaxed my facial muscles. Even on a small stage, I couldn't be careless.

I started with the first sentence, using a slightly high-pitched, gentle voice for the girl. I didn't force it. The children perked up their ears and started to focus.

I raised my voice urgently, showing fear on my face, as if I were about to be swept away by a whirlwind.

"Run."

"Dorothy, where are Toto?"

"Ah~~."

"What do we do? What do we do?"

The children screamed in panic.

The commotion reached the director's office.

"Student Woojin must be reading the story well. It's been a long time since the children's laughter was so loud."

"They seem to be having a lot of fun. Should we go see?"

The director and Kim Jin-suk, who were drinking tea, went to the auditorium together. They quietly opened the closed door, and a wave of heat rushed out.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Hi~~."

I greeted the children as a scarecrow, and they responded loudly. The audience's enthusiasm was infectious.

Kim Jin-suk's eyes were sharp. The soft gaze she had while volunteering turned into the sharp eyes of a producer watching an actor's performance.

'He's not ordinary. With a soft yet firm voice, he captures the emotions of each character accurately. With his good looks, it's a perfect package. His charisma is impressive.'

Kim Jin-suk's business instincts kicked in.

'He's a gem!'

In the final scene, where the scarecrow, tin woodsman, and cowardly lion team up to defeat the witch, I put my whole body into the performance.

"Wow~~."

"Best, best."

"Fun."

Suddenly, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted. The audience's response, whether the stage was big or small, made the actor happy.

"Hae-il said you were a great actor, but you're a genius. A genius. If you have time next time, can you read more stories to the children?"

The director approached me, looking very moved.

"Sure, I'll come often and read to them."

I answered happily.

"Big brother, best. Best."

"Fun. Read more, please."

The children, still excited, jumped around me.

"You deserve the award."

Kim Jin-suk said.

I blushed from the continuous praise.

"There's no need to be shy. Anyway, see you next time. It was a good opportunity."

Kim Jin-suk extended her hand for a handshake.

***

In the principal's office, Bae Woojin, Oh Hae-il, their parents, and the homeroom teacher gathered.

It was a meeting to discuss the academic schedule and future plans for the seniors, Bae Woojin and Oh Hae-il.

"So, Woojin and Hae-il, you're not going to college?"

The principal asked the parents.

"Yes, Woojin's dream is to act.

If he has a clear path, why go to college?"

"Our Hae-il is the same. He's determined. He's going to be Woojin's manager.

As parents, we want to respect his decision."

"Hmm."

The principal thought for a moment.

"What do you think, homeroom teacher?"

"Woojin and Hae-il are diligent students.

They will do well in whatever they do.

College isn't the only answer."

The principal looked at Bae Woojin and Oh Hae-il.

"Woojin, Hae-il."

"Yes, Principal."

"Do you have no regrets?"

"Yes, I will do well. I won't tarnish the school's or my parents' reputation.

I don't think studying in college is the only way to learn.

I can learn a lot while pursuing my dream."

"I agree with Woojin."

"Good. With such firm resolve, you should follow your path.

The school is a place to help students achieve their dreams, not to hinder them.

You two can skip night study and extra classes."

The principal supported Bae Woojin and Oh Hae-il's dreams.

"In return, become excellent actors."

"Yes, thank you."

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