Chapter 9

### Chapter 9: Obsessed with Acting

I got into a taxi with Oh Hae-il.

"Please take us to SP Production."

The advertising company, "SP Production."

They said they contacted us after seeing the yoga studio advertisement.

I haven't even seen it yet... It's really strange how things work out.

"Hey, Woo Jin?"

Hae-il called out to me.

"Yeah?"

"If we sign the contract, you'll get paid for the commercial, right?"

I listened silently.

"How much are you thinking?"

"Me? Well... "

In my previous life, when I was at the peak of my career, I earned about 300 million won for a one-year exclusive appearance.

Now, it's not even comparable... I have no idea how much a complete beginner would be worth. After all, I didn't have a beginner phase in my previous life.

"Maybe around 100 million won? Is that too much?"

"That's why you need a manager."

"Why?"

"Listen carefully."

Hae-il calmly and logically explained his thoughts.

"They contacted you after seeing the yoga commercial, right?"

I nodded.

"There are plenty of models out there... There are more than a few models in entertainment and agencies. But they specifically picked you after seeing a local cable ad... It means they really need you."

"Then what?"

I perked up, intrigued by his convincing argument.

"Then what? This is a TV commercial, and they need you specifically... So, you could get around 200 to 300 million won."

"Really? That makes sense."

Hae-il's words were convincing.

"I'll speak firmly, and you just stay quiet. It's not good for the actor to handle everything directly."

"Hae-il, you're already a great manager."

We both laughed. I felt very reassured with Hae-il around.

The taxi stopped in front of a sign with a shark's mouth wide open.

The advertising company is different. It's refreshing.

"How did you get here?"

"Today, I have an appointment with Director Yoo Yun-jin. This is actor Bae Woo-jin, and I'm his manager, Oh Hae-il."

Hae-il looked at me and mouthed, "I'll handle it."

I nodded. Having a manager is really convenient.

"Ah, yes. She's waiting for you."

The staff led us to the room where Director Yoo was waiting.

The glass walls of the office were lined with figurines. From Alien to Terminator, Jurassic Park, and Titanic...

If Marvel comes out, they'll make a fortune.

Director Yoo smiled brightly when he saw me. I could sense his relief, though he tried to hide it.

"Please sit down."

Director Yoo didn't take his eyes off me, to the point where it was embarrassing.

"There's a Rembrandt and an Anders Zorn. It feels like they're within reach but disappear like a mirage..."

Director Yoo shared his thoughts on my appearance.

"Woo-jin is just unique."

Hae-il said confidently.

Director Yoo nodded in agreement and got straight to the point.

"It's a new smartphone commercial. The concept is mystery and healing. In short, a fairy-like character appears in a mystical forest, giving off a certain vibe. The idea is that using this phone makes you feel mysterious... something like that."

'A smartphone? This is a major project.' I was a bit taken aback.

"Is there anything that will disfigure your face or attach strange things to your ears? Our actor needs to maintain his image. He's currently filming a movie..."

Hae-il pushed forward like a bulldozer.

"Movie?"

"It's still in production."

"The commercial will come out first. The schedule is tight. And since the concept is mystery, it's also problematic if the public gets to know you first. We'll shoot and release it quickly.

First, we'll do a camera test. Since you're still a minor, we need your parents' consent."

Director Yoo hurried.

"But you haven't mentioned the most important part."

Hae-il didn't let it slide. The real important part hadn't even started.

"Ah, the appearance fee."

"Yes. Although the actor hasn't debuted yet, considering the upcoming movie... I hope you can take that into account."

Hae-il handled the uncomfortable topic well. He was starting to look like a real manager.

Under the table, Hae-il showed me three fingers.

'Three hundred million?'

I nodded.

"Hmm... This is handled by Producer Choi, but he's out right now. We've already discussed it. Do you have a number in mind? If it's too far off, we'll need to negotiate."

"We need at least 300 million won."

Hae-il said confidently, without hesitation.

"Three hundred million? That's too much. Even though you're filming a movie, you're still a complete beginner for commercials."

"Then, how much are you thinking?"

Hae-il flinched at the word "beginner" and took a step back.

"We were thinking 100 million won. That's already a lot. There are models lining up to do this commercial. It's a major ad with a great concept."

"Then, go with them. Our actor needs to focus on the movie... and we don't plan to do it cheaply. We can shoot the commercial after the movie is released. Let's go, Woo-jin."

Hae-il made a bold move. I was so surprised my mouth dropped open.

A hundred million won is actually quite appreciable...

If the manager Oh Hae-il says so, it has to be done.

I stood up and followed Hae-il.

Director Yoo, looking pale, quickly grabbed us.

"Hey, hey, hey. Why are you in such a hurry? Alright... Let's compromise and go with 200 million won. This is really... I might get scolded by Producer Choi."

Hae-il whispered in my ear.

"Two hundred million is fine, right?"

I nodded.

"Alright. Let's do it. Two hundred million won."

"Good. Great. And this is a one-year exclusive contract. During this period, you can't sign with other smartphone ads. We'll do the formal contract with your parents later.

The contract will be drafted, and a few days later, 200 million won will be transferred to your account."

"Really?!"

"!!"

"Two... two hundred million won??... Oh my god!!"

Hearing the appearance fee was 200 million won, Hae-il and I were momentarily stunned. I never imagined that one "sheet" would be one more zero.

***

The catering truck at the filming site is a truth. No matter what food is served, it always tastes like honey. Eating with the actors and staff who have worked hard together makes the food twice as delicious and boosts our energy.

Thinking back to my previous life, when I ate instant noodles alone in my room, I felt tears welling up.

"The eggs on the catering truck are the real deal. They're really delicious."

Na Gyun-sung, who played the leader of the gang, approached me while shoving an egg fry into his mouth.

"How many auditions have you been to?"

Na Gyun-sung sat down next to me and spoke warmly. In the movie, we're the same age, but he's actually four years older than me.

"This is my first one."

"Hmm, as expected."

He nodded and continued,

"I've been to fifty auditions, and I got rejected from all of them before finally making it here. At first, I thought... 'That kid got in because of his face'...

But as we filmed the movie, I realized that wasn't the case. It was just my own misconception.

You really act well. You're amazing. Watching you is inspiring and dazzling... I don't know how to put it. Even though you're younger, you feel like a mentor I want to emulate."

In reality, I'm a middle-aged man in my forties who has experienced everything in life. It's not surprising that Na Gyun-sung feels this way about me.

But my current appearance is that of a pure 19-year-old. I waved my hands and maintained my humility.

"No, no."

"You're even humble..."

"Thank you for your kind words."

'I just have to work hard, unlike in my previous life.' I thought to myself.

Na Gyun-sung, who seemed to have more to say, spoke more seriously.

"Actually, I was thinking of quitting acting... But the other day, I saw you acting so passionately in the rain, even with blood on your knees. I felt so ashamed. I started questioning myself if I had ever tried as hard as you before giving up."

Na Gyun-sung shared his honest thoughts. It seemed that my hard work had a positive impact on him, who was in a slump.

'What should I say to Na Gyun-sung? Acting is all about performance.'

"Senior, let's practice. I haven't quite gotten the feel for the first scene where 'Lee Jin-hong' and 'Gang Leader' meet."

"Sure, I'm happy to."

Na Gyun-sung finished his meal and stood up.

Bae Woo-jin and Na Gyun-sung stood facing each other in a corner next to the catering truck.

"I came here personally because I missed you so much. I feel honored."

"Long time no see, Jin-hong. You talk a lot."

"I'm just happy to see you. I'm scared of those sardines who stick together in groups."

Na Gyun-sung flinched at Bae Woo-jin's menacing tone. Even a short line was solid.

If I lost focus, I would surely be crushed. The practice had turned into a real performance.

"So, if we're sardines, what are you?"

"I'm a whale. Swimming freely in the vast ocean."

"Whether you're a sardine or a whale, swimming in the vast ocean is the same. But which one will die first, a whale or a sardine?"

People eating their meals naturally turned their attention to Bae Woo-jin and Na Gyun-sung, watching them as if they were a drama.

'When actors sync with Bae Woo-jin, they perform at 200% of their ability. It's a powerful energy. This movie will be a hit.'

Director Ryu Ji-wan's gaze was also on Bae Woo-jin and Na Gyun-sung.

"Of course, the whale. Why? Our sardines keep coming back no matter how many times you step on them. The more you step on them, the more they multiply. If you attack by numbers, one whale is nothing."

"You're kidding. I'll show you what a whale is."

Cha Min-hyuk was also watching from a distance.

Bae Woo-jin:

- Acts well.

- Works hard.

- Is humble.

- People gather around him.

- Is handsome.

Bae Woo-jin was becoming the center of the filming site. The staff and actors liked him. They approached him and practiced with him without hesitation.

Cha Min-hyuk felt increasingly uneasy. He couldn't shake the feeling of being pushed out. He was the lead, but...

The atmosphere on the set was being led by Bae Woo-jin. The lead in the script was Cha Min-hyuk, but the lead on the set was Bae Woo-jin.

'I understand why the term 'thorn in the eye' exists.'

However,

Despite this, Cha Min-hyuk didn't dislike Bae Woo-jin. Watching Bae Woo-jin reignited his passion for acting, made him want to work hard, and made acting fun.

Bae Woo-jin approached him first, greeted him warmly, and acted naturally.

In fact, Bae Woo-jin was the most friendly to Cha Min-hyuk on the set.

Whether it was the director, staff, or other actors, they all stiffened and avoided Cha Min-hyuk, but Bae Woo-jin treated him normally.

'That's why I dislike him. Yes, that's why I dislike him.'

He felt terrible.

Cha Min-hyuk bit his lip.

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