Chapter 10

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To work with a good actor,

"Great acting."

Yun Daesung, the manager, spoke somewhat stiffly to Woo-hyuk, who was looking at the business card he had just given him.

After all, he was the manager of one of the top three entertainment agencies in the country. Although Woo-hyuk was a good actor, he didn't want to be too humble to an actor over thirty who was still unknown. From Woo-hyuk's perspective, this must have been the moment he had been eagerly waiting for.

However, to his surprise,

"Thank you."

Woo-hyuk's response was calm.

He had clearly identified himself as a Wow manager and confirmed the business card, but what was this reaction?

When Yun Manager handed out his business card to new actors and aspiring actors, they usually had one of two reactions:

"Wow, Wow? Amazing!" They would be surprised and try to make a good impression, or

"Is this guy a scammer?" They would be suspicious.

But Woo-hyuk didn't fit into either category. His response was simply polite, no more and no less.

"I've never felt chills while watching a rehearsal."

Yun Manager approached a bit more proactively.

It might sound like the typical flattery of a manager, but it was genuine.

Not only his acting, but also the way he synchronized with the stunt actors and performed the continuous actions was impressive.

Woo-hyuk performed the continuous actions, which were just practice, as if they were real.

His movements weren't as smooth as the stunt actors, and his actions weren't as flashy, but his sincerity stood out.

The stunt actors were like mannequins. Mannequins with only flashy movements.

There was no sense of emotion.

Woo-hyuk was different. His eyes, expressions, and gaze were always serious and he gave his best effort every time.

Yun Manager saw his passion and seriousness in acting.

No matter how talented an actor is, without passion, it's hard to succeed.

'This actor should have been famous long ago and will definitely become famous. I have to sign him. Fortunately, it seems no one realizes he's a big catch.'

Woo-hyuk bowed his head slightly in response to Yun Manager's compliment.

The gesture was dignified and serious, but not arrogant or condescending.

Just as Yun Manager was about to say something, someone interrupted.

"Y-Yun Manager... Hello."

It was Jeong Manager.

'Although we know each other, we're not close. Didn't we greet each other this morning? Even if it was just a nod. A nod should be enough between us. Why "Hello" again?'

"Ah, yes! Hello."

Yun Manager greeted Jeong Manager half-heartedly.

Then he turned back to Woo-hyuk and delivered the prepared line.

"Mr. Actor, can I see you after the shoot?"

Jeong Manager, hearing Yun Manager's words, became restless.

He shot a look at Min-hwan, asking for help.

Min-hwan just shrugged.

Jeong Manager, giving up on Min-hwan's help, decided to intervene directly.

"Mr. Woo-hyuk! Have this."

He pushed Yun Manager's shoulder slightly and offered a vitamin drink to Woo-hyuk.

Min-hwan's eyes widened in surprise.

Jeong Manager, acting so rudely? Pushing someone with his shoulder without hesitation. He must think he's a rugby player!

Today, I'm seeing a new side of Jeong Manager.

This is more interesting than expected. A little physical contact makes any fight more entertaining. A fight with just words is just annoying and not worth watching.

Yun Manager, who had been pushed, looked at Jeong Manager with a bewildered expression.

At first, he thought it was an accident. But considering their positions, it was clearly intentional. Even if viewed positively, it was a push disguised as an accident.

He could tolerate this, but he couldn't tolerate Woo-hyuk being targeted.

No wonder he had the nickname "Bulldozer." He decided to challenge the shoulder push. He couldn't let it go.

Yun Manager pushed Jeong Manager with his shoulder.

"Ouch!"

Jeong Manager was pushed to the side and tripped over a box, falling down.

He had only pushed slightly, but it seemed to be done with emotion.

Min-hwan, who had been watching from behind, rushed to help Jeong Manager up.

Yun Manager, flustered, apologized to Jeong Manager. He had no intention of pushing him over.

"I'm sorry. I lost my balance and pushed you. Are you okay?"

Yun Manager blushed, embarrassed by his childish behavior.

"I'm fine."

Jeong Manager accepted the apology, hiding his displeasure. He couldn't say anything since he had pushed first.

Min-hwan, who had watched the entire childish scene, couldn't help but chuckle. Who would have thought grown men could be so childish?

He was worried that the shoulder push might escalate into a bigger fight, but fortunately, it didn't turn into a mud-slinging match.

"Mr. Actor, how is your schedule today? I'd like to treat you to a meal. I also have something important to discuss."

While Jeong Manager was brushing off the dirt from his clothes, Yun Manager resumed his pitch to Woo-hyuk.

Despite being known for his neatness, Jeong Manager stopped brushing off the dirt and observed Woo-hyuk's expression.

Usually, a new actor would be thrilled by a meal invitation from a Wow manager, but Woo-hyuk's expression was calm.

"I understand. Can I answer after the shoot is over?"

Woo-hyuk replied to Yun Manager.

Being invited to a meal by Yun Manager, a manager from one of the top three agencies, Wow, was a welcome and grateful opportunity.

However, he needed to focus on finishing the action scene well.

Woo-hyuk's mind was filled with thoughts about the action scene.

Jeong Manager inwardly rejoiced at Woo-hyuk's response. He had been worried that Woo-hyuk might accept Yun Manager's invitation.

On the other hand, Yun Manager, though embarrassed, accepted Woo-hyuk's response.

Was he annoyed?

Not at all!

He felt like asking for forgiveness for his rashness.

Woo-hyuk's expression clearly showed that he was focused on how to perform the scene well. It wouldn't be right for a manager to interfere further.

"Understood. I'll wait until the shoot is over."

Yun Manager took a step back.

Kang Woo-hyuk.

The more I see him, the more I like him, both as an actor and as a person.

A good person, even before being a good actor.

Woo-hyuk's response was infinitely gentle and humble, but not servile. There was no calculating look in his eyes.

Looking into Woo-hyuk's eyes from a very close distance, I felt a sense of greed settling like sediment. A feeling of being disarmed.

I felt like I would become a fan, supporting him no matter where he is.

Jeong Manager had his chance now that Yun Manager had stepped back.

But he remained silent.

Woo-hyuk was intensely focused on a point in front of him.

Jeong Manager couldn't interfere with Woo-hyuk's concentration. He already felt ashamed and embarrassed for the interference so far.

Yun Manager and Jeong Manager exchanged a brief glance and tacitly agreed.

Truce.

***

Jeong Manager and Yun Manager maintained a suitable distance from Woo-hyuk.

Almost simultaneously, they took something out of their pockets and then put it back.

Rice candy.

They carried it to quit smoking, but now a cigarette was more desirable than the candy.

Health is essential to continue this lifestyle. In his mid-thirties, his body wasn't the same as before.

They didn't realize they were doing the same thing because they were looking in different directions.

Although they were looking in different directions, their desires were the same.

The desire to work with good actors.

If they had only thought about money, they wouldn't have come this far.

They had come this far because they had walked with good actors and good singers.

Actors and singers are people who bring comfort, happiness, joy, memories, and meaning to life to people.

Working with them was fulfilling and rewarding. That's why they burned their youth and now found themselves approaching forty.

It felt like being a farmer who grows flowers and trees.

The joy of seeing a beautiful flower bloom or a fruit grow after sowing seeds, watering, and fertilizing.

A farmer's hands are dirty with soil and fertilizer, but their face is filled with a smile.

The joy and fulfillment cannot be measured in money.

Jeong Manager and Yun Manager had been driven by such thoughts.

During the busy times, they didn't have the time to think about such things.

At some point, both had questioned whether they should continue or quit.

Why do this? What's the point? They weren't making much money, and their bodies and minds were exhausted. Why?

At that point, managers split into two types.

Those who found no fulfillment and quit, or those who realized that helping actors and singers, who show the nobility and beauty of life to people, was the most valuable job in the world and enjoyed it.

Jeong Manager and Yun Manager were the latter.

They felt a joy and fulfillment comparable to, or even greater than, a farmer's when a song that brings tears or a performance that portrays the joys and sorrows of life gave people joy, emotion, happiness, and meaning.

Especially when it was an actor or singer they had discovered and helped grow.

That's why they didn't want to lose Kang Woo-hyuk. He had a strong stem and fresh leaves. With a little help, he would surely produce beautiful and mysterious flowers and fruits.

Jeong Manager and Yun Manager continued to watch Woo-hyuk's action rehearsal and the shooting from a distance.

They were so engrossed in his performance that they didn't realize they were standing side by side.

Suddenly, they both noticed and were startled, nodding to each other.

An awkward silence ensued.

"Great acting."

Jeong Manager spoke first.

"Indeed."

Yun Manager agreed.

Min-hwan, who was a few steps away, turned his head and noticed the two standing side by side.

"Are you two standing too close? Are you going to fight?"

Min-hwan watched them closely, ready to intervene if necessary.

"I'm sorry for earlier."

This time, Yun Manager spoke first.

"No, I'm the one who's sorry."

Jeong Manager replied.

Then, silence again.

"Would you like some candy?"

They almost simultaneously took out identical rice candies from their pockets and offered them to each other.

"I'm quitting smoking."

"Me too."

"My body isn't the same as before."

"Mine too. May I ask your age?"

"I'm thirty-eight."

"We're the same age. Nice to meet you."

"Are you married?"

"I couldn't."

"I didn't think you were."

"What about you?"

"I couldn't either."

"I didn't think you were."

"Ha ha ha!"

"Ha ha ha!"

Both men's faces broke into smiles.

They exchanged the candies, peeled them, and put them in their mouths, standing side by side and watching Woo-hyuk's performance. They rolled the sweet rice candies in their mouths, savoring them.