Chapter 9

"What?" Park Ji-hoon was taken aback, asking in confusion. He had a vague idea, but instinctively didn't want to admit it.

Park Min-ah didn't speak but instead turned on the computer and searched for "HUSHHUSH" and "Kim Tae-yeon," then clicked on a random video.

A cacophony of sounds filled the air.

What appeared on the screen was Tae-yeon's solo performance.

As the performance unfolded, Park Ji-hoon's expression grew increasingly grim.

Excessive stage collaborations, if it were in the past, he might have been able to accept them. But, in this situation! He hadn't forgotten that Tae-yeon had promised him on "We Got Married" that she would never do overly intimate performances! He still remembered the words, "Please stay by my side forever, please," spoken while lying in his arms...

Did she forget?

Previously, they had just had a falling out, and the main reason for wanting to break up was his relationship with S.M. Entertainment, so he even asked Tiffany to say "sorry" to her on his behalf.

In reality, he couldn't bear to let her go! So, he hadn't contacted her.

However, even if they had a falling out, even if he wanted to break up, they hadn't said the word "breakup" to each other. But... there was no "but" anymore! A sound like glass shattering echoed in his ears, and he slowly closed his eyes. After the video ended, he opened them again.

His eyes were pained and dazed.

Park Min-ah silently closed the computer, glanced at him, and said softly, "A person can't make the same mistake twice. Doing it again isn't a mistake, but a choice!" She had already successfully extracted the details from him by searching online a few days ago.

She felt heartache and thought it was not worth it for him!

Park Ji-hoon didn't react.

"It's okay, I'm still here for you, bro!" Park Min-ah wrapped her arms around his shoulders and comforted him softly.

Because of Park Ji-hoon, she had always kept an eye on everything related to Tae-yeon. When she saw this video, she had already anticipated his reaction. But, it was better to face the pain now rather than later, as it would eventually spread.

They were from ordinary families, not like the upper class who could "let things go." Influenced by their mother, they knew that love should be taken seriously.

Park Ji-hoon had always done so, but what he received was an even greater heartache!

Waves of pain washed over his heart like a tide. The sweet words and vows of the past, like sandcastles under the tide, gradually faded and crumbled...

After a long while, he finally spoke, "No need to worry, it's not the first time I've been heartbroken." His voice was low and hoarse, as if he had been shouting in a KTV all night.

Park Min-ah didn't speak. Her soft hands climbed up his neck and gently explored around his eyes.

"Am I going to cry over this?" Park Ji-hoon pulled her hands down and said with a forced smile.

Park Min-ah struggled but couldn't break free from his grip. Her heart ached—she had clearly felt moisture at the corner of his eyes! This was the first time she had seen him cry for another woman, apart from their mother and herself.

After a moment, Park Ji-hoon released her hands and said softly, "I'm going to sleep."

"Okay." Park Min-ah responded softly, and before leaving, she looked at his profile and said, "Bro, don't be too sad."

"It will get better in time." Park Ji-hoon said lightly.

"Okay." Park Min-ah understood that it was impossible to forget immediately, so she responded softly and added, "Smoke less."

Park Ji-hoon nodded.

"Also, when you wake up, remember to call me, I'll cook for you." Park Min-ah reminded him again before turning to leave.

At this point, Park Ji-hoon stood up and rubbed his eyes.

Being alone was fine, even if it was lonely, his heart wouldn't break again.

And wasn't Min-ah still there? At least she wouldn't abandon him.

After standing for a moment, he went to bed.

But despite being tired and sleepy, he couldn't fall asleep. Every time he closed his eyes, the scenes he had just seen would float before his eyes, causing his heart to twitch and a wave of pain to wash over him.

Tossing and turning, he finally got up after sleeping for a little over an hour and sat at his desk. Since the day he was enlightened, he had been writing things to prepare for the future.

Immersing himself in his world allowed him to temporarily forget some "unnecessary" things.

Several times he wanted to smoke, but was stopped by a gentle, concerned voice in his head.

Then, it was time to eat and head to the set.

Although they had shot all night yesterday, he only had a morning off today. Lee Jung-won hadn't lied; it was indeed very urgent.

However, when he arrived at the set, he found that the crew was in a bit of a mess.

"Director, what's going on?" Just then, Director Lee Jung-won, looking anxious, walked by, and he hurriedly asked.

"Oh, Ji-hoon!" Lee Jung-won had a very good impression of him, paused, and patiently explained, "Assistant Director Shin was in a car accident on the way here and needs to rest for at least two to three months! I'm currently negotiating with the producers to find another assistant director!"

The tight schedule had already made him wish he could reduce even his bathroom breaks, and now this unexpected incident was driving him crazy!

After saying that, he waved and was about to leave.

Park Ji-hoon's heart stirred, a wave of excitement rising, and without hesitation, he said, "Director, how about I take on Assistant Director Shin's work?"

Sometimes, an opportunity is just a matter of a single word. If you dare to speak, you might get the chance; if you hesitate, the opportunity will slip away.

Lee Jung-won's steps paused again. He first looked at him in surprise and then said, "Oh, I forgot, you've been an assistant director before."

"Right!" Park Ji-hoon nodded and said, "I often helped with auxiliary work when shooting movies and TV shows."

Lee Jung-won's eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Let's give it a try!" There was no time to hesitate.

"Thank you, Director!" Park Ji-hoon hurriedly thanked him.

Years of preparation finally paid off. He had attended a directing class, worked as an assistant director for over a year, and even after becoming an actor, he hadn't given up on this knowledge. He always offered to help without pay, and over time, he received some guidance. With the accumulated experience, he believed he was not inferior to an average director.

Lee Jung-won let him direct a minor scene and then made the decision, "That's it!"

From then on, Park Ji-hoon had an additional title of "assistant director."

Lee Jung-won really appreciated him and didn't hesitate to share all his experience and techniques. Moreover, Lee Jung-won discovered that his abilities went beyond this. He could even assist in writing shot breakdowns, and his understanding, language expression, observation, judgment, and directing skills were all top-notch!

"Is this a genius?" Lee Jung-won had the same thought as Cho Da-hui.

The crew was also amazed by Park Ji-hoon's hidden talents. Those who had looked down on him because of his current situation couldn't help but put away their arrogance. Such a person was very close to success!

The more time passed, the more satisfied Lee Jung-won became with him.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

December 24th, Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, Park Ji-hoon couldn't spend it with his sister.

"It's cold, and your health has been poor lately. Be careful not to catch a cold." Early in the morning, Park Min-ah was helping Park Ji-hoon pack his luggage and reminded him.

"What's wrong with my health?" Park Ji-hoon flexed his arm and said, "I've been practicing boxing recently!"

"Right—" Park Min-ah smiled and said, "Bro, keep it up, and you won't lose in a fight next time!"

"Where do you get a sister who hopes her brother gets into a fight?" Park Ji-hoon said, half-laughing, half-crying. As time passed, he seemed to have forgotten that day's events.

"I'm afraid you'll lose!" Park Min-ah zipped up the suitcase and stood up, saying, "All done!" He didn't even have a decent suitcase! Fortunately, she had bought a new one when she came.

"Take care of the house!" Park Ji-hoon picked up the suitcase and, just like when they were young, patted her head and instructed her before leaving.

"Got it! I won't open the door to strangers." Park Min-ah playfully responded.

Park Ji-hoon smiled and then said, somewhat guiltily, "While I'm away, go out and take a walk if you have time." He paused and added, "Keep the money safe, don't lose it." Although it wasn't much, for them now, even a coin was precious!

"Got it! You're more nagging than before." Park Min-ah stuck out her tongue and playfully said.

"Ha ha..." Park Ji-hoon laughed again and said, "I'm leaving."

"Okay!" Park Min-ah watched his back disappear at the door before returning to the room.

...

In the small town of Pukchon Mountain, in front of the village hall.

A thin figure wearing glasses stood alone among a group of PDs, writers, and VJs, swaying to keep warm in the cold weather, looking towards the village entrance.

A car arrived shortly, and a figure got out.

"Hey! I heard you shot an MV with Miss Yi-jin?" The waiting person teased the newcomer.

"Brother Shi!" The newcomer called out, somewhat shy and annoyed. Despite being a muscular man, his voice was somewhat high-pitched, and he easily showed a shy demeanor, which was quite surprising.

"National MC" Liu Zaishi and recently retired Kim Jong-kook were filming SBS's weekend flagship variety show "Family Outing."

Soon, the other family members arrived one after another. Korea's top female singer Lee Hyori, singer Yoon Jong-shin, actor Kim Soo-ro, and young actor Park Hae-jin.

After greeting each other, they chatted.

"Where's Daesung?" Lee Hyori looked around and asked with concern.

"Daesung is in Japan for a concert, so he can't come. This time, we found someone else to replace him." Liu Zaishi explained.

"Oh?" Lee Hyori and the others all showed interested expressions.