Chapter 40

After returning from the special recording of "Infinite Challenge," Yoon Hyun entered a relatively quiet period in his schedule. Although he was the male lead in a drama, he didn't feel like he had shot many scenes until he prepared to attend the annual Baeksang Arts Awards...

Such a depressed male lead was a novel experience for him. So, while the character in the drama was depressed, Yoon Hyun himself wasn't.

Not everyone thought he wasn't depressed, though. For example, his co-star, Han Hyo-ju.

Yoon Hyun didn't really know much about Han Hyo-ju. At least, in his previous life, he didn't have any significant memories of her. So, in Yoon Hyun's view, this cheerful and beautiful girl was probably just destined to be a second-tier actress, right?

So, although he liked her personality and enjoyed seeing her smile, he was always more polite than enthusiastic towards Han Hyo-ju. To be blunt, there were so many pretty girls; was this one who had a chance to work with him really that special...

What made Yoon Hyun a bit at a loss was that Han Hyo-ju always seemed very enthusiastic towards him.

Unlike Yoon Hyun, Han Hyo-ju, as the female lead, had a lot of scenes. She had many interactions with supporting characters, especially the male second lead.

But after each scene, Han Hyo-ju would always come over to Yoon Hyun, either intentionally or unintentionally, to chat.

At first, Yoon Hyun didn't realize this. Or rather, the phrase "being approached by a beautiful girl" didn't even exist in his vocabulary. In his fifty-plus years of life, this was only the second time it had happened.

The first time? Do you remember YoonA outside the audition room?

Yoon Hyun didn't remember that. Besides, it was just a misunderstanding, so he had no memory of ever being approached by a girl, especially a beautiful one.

So, he had no awareness of it. Yoon Hyun, who was focused on reading books on set, found this girl who kept coming over to talk to him... a bit annoying...

Heaven help him, he really thought that...

But out of politeness, he would always put down his book with a smile and chat and joke with Han Hyo-ju happily. After the six months of training on "Infinite Challenge," Yoon Hyun had become quite skilled at conversation, knowing how to make people happy and how to avoid awkward silences...

Speaking of which, Liu Zaishi was really a great teacher...

Of course, the reason Yoon Hyo-ju didn't mind Han Hyo-ju's frequent "disturbances" while he was reading was that they got along very well. Yoon Hyun liked her straightforward and genuine personality. They could chat and joke around quite freely.

"Why did you decide to act in a period drama, Yoon Hyun-ssi?" Han Hyo-ju had been wanting to ask this question for a long time.

"Well, I just wanted to try it out," Yoon Hyun replied with a smile. He couldn't say it was because of Liu Zaishi's suggestion.

"But it seems like you don't mind having fewer scenes. You don't seem to care at all," Han Hyo-ju shook her head, still not believing it.

"Just trying it out. Having too many scenes would be tiring," Yoon Hyun still wouldn't tell the truth. Of course, the truth couldn't be said. Was he supposed to argue with the screenwriter or director?

"Then, don't you think this approach as an actor will narrow your path in acting?" Han Hyo-ju said sincerely. "You need to take every role seriously to have better opportunities in the future!"

Yoon Hyun was taken aback for a moment, feeling a bit touched. If Han Hyo-ju were a senior with a lot of experience, her words might have sounded like a lecture or a show of superiority.

But when a peer, a beautiful girl, said this to him with a serious face, it was purely out of concern.

"But I entered the entertainment industry mainly because I wanted to sing," Yoon Hyun thought for a moment and said seriously, "Acting was just a whim, a way to experience something new and try it out."

"It's hard to believe that someone with your attitude could play a character like Yeong-min," Han Hyo-ju said with a helpless look.

"As the saying goes, 'If a man treats me as a noble, I will treat him as a noble.' I treat others the way they treat me. I've always done that," Yoon Hyun said with a smile.

"Speaking so righteously..." Han Hyo-ju said with a dismissive look but a smile, "Then, how do you think I treat you, Yoon Hyun-ssi?"

"If you need any help in the future, just let me know, Hyo-ju-ssi," Yoon Hyun's response was indirect but also direct.

Han Hyo-ju laughed.

"But to be honest, I like the way you act more," Han Hyo-ju continued.

"Like?" Yoon Hyun smiled, a bit teasingly.

"OPPA, you played Choi Han-jae very well," Han Hyo-ju said.

Yoon Hyun smiled but didn't say much more. But he felt warm inside.

After finishing this drama, he probably wouldn't act anymore, he thought to himself. After all, acting wasn't something he really enjoyed or wanted to do...

Although his marginalization in the drama made him start to resist acting, the feeling of not being in control of his own destiny made him very uncomfortable. However, with the announcement of the Baeksang Arts Awards nominations, Yoon Hyun once again became the focus of the entire entertainment industry.

The Baeksang Arts Awards, founded in 1965, is known as the "Korean Golden Globe" and is an annual television and film awards ceremony in Korea.

Yoon Hyun, as a rising star of the previous year, was nominated for Best New Actor and Best Actor in both the film and television categories.

He was also nominated for Best Variety Show Host.

Such a record was simply dazzling to everyone.

As is well known, Yoon Hyun had only three works last year: the variety show "Infinite Challenge," the drama "Coffee Prince No. 1 Store," and the film "The Chaser."

This meant that his performance in each of his works was recognized by the Baeksang Arts Awards judges.

This was not just unprecedented; it was a miracle.

So, almost immediately, the drama "One Fine Day" that Yoon Hyun was filming became the focus of attention. This attention gave SBS great confidence, and they finally decided to end the lukewarm "OnAir" and schedule "One Fine Day" to air earlier.

This brought joy to most of the crew.

"Yoon Hyun-ssi, who are you going to walk the red carpet with at the Baeksang Arts Awards? Yoon Eun-hye-ssi?" After the final day of shooting before the Baeksang Arts Awards, Han Hyo-ju approached Yoon Hyun.

"Um, I might have to take care of all three productions..." Yoon Hyun thought for a moment, feeling a bit troubled. Indeed, all three productions would be at the Baeksang Awards, and sitting with any of them seemed inappropriate.

"So, how about you walk with me!" Han Hyo-ju said with a smile.

"Really? Is that okay?" Yoon Hyun's eyes lit up. This was a good way to avoid offending anyone.

"We can arrive early, finish the red carpet, and then you can make an appearance with each production. How about that?" Han Hyo-ju suggested.

"Hyo-ju-ssi, thank you so much! That's a great idea!" Yoon Hyun thought it was the most practical solution and felt grateful to Han Hyo-ju.

"No problem. Because of you, this drama has received so much attention, and I've benefited a lot. It's only right to help. Besides, didn't you say you would repay those who are good to you? I'm waiting!" She finished with a playful tongue-sticking gesture.

"Then, we'll be in touch on the day of the awards?" Yoon Hyun made a phone call gesture with a smile.

"Sure!" Han Hyo-ju also smiled.

So, when the Baeksang Arts Awards organizers received Yoon Hyun's red carpet arrangement, they were a bit surprised. With the first episode of the "Infinite Challenge" special featuring Yoon Eun-hye airing, the cooling interest in Gao Eun-chan was reignited. To prevent further speculation, walking the red carpet with either Kim Yun-seok or the best variety show host nominees Liu Zaishi and Park Myung-soo would have been a better choice.

But Yoon Hyun chose Han Hyo-ju.

Of course, this could also be for promoting the new drama.

But as the individual with the most nominations this year, requesting to walk the red carpet in the first three groups was a strange request. Even if he couldn't be placed after Kwak Sang-woo, Bae Yong-joon, and Park Shin-hye, being in the last five pairs should have been possible...

But Yoon Hyun insisted on this arrangement, so the organizers couldn't say much. Especially when they learned that Yoon Hyun planned to make an appearance with each production, they understood.

"You look beautiful today!" Looking at Han Hyo-ju in her elegant attire, Yoon Hyun couldn't help but compliment her. "Modern clothes suit you better than period costumes."

"The director would kill you if he heard that!" Han Hyo-ju appreciated the compliment but teased him with a smile.

Soon, it was time for them to make their appearance.

The reporters, who were not informed, generally assumed that no big stars would appear early on the red carpet. They were surprised to see Yoon Hyun, dressed in a stylish suit, walking with Han Hyo-ju, who looked both elegant and a bit playful, as the third group of guests.

This instantly triggered a flurry of camera shutters.

As the broadcaster of the Baeksang Arts Awards, SBS was delighted by their appearance and gave them plenty of screen time.

After a brief interview, Yoon Hyun walked into the venue with Han Hyo-ju.

"You must be tired. Where will you sit?" Han Hyo-ju asked, half concerned and half teasing, as Yoon Hyun led her to her seat and immediately turned to leave.

"Wherever the award is being presented, I'll sit in that section," Yoon Hyun thought for a moment and gave a vague answer.

Then, Yoon Hyun made an appearance with each production as they arrived. Especially with the "Coffee Prince No. 1 Store" crew, he was required to pose with Yoon Eun-hye for many photos.

As the last big stars entered the venue, the 44th Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony finally began.

"Is Girls' Generation performing today?" Yoon Hyun saw on the program sheet and was a bit surprised.

"Aren't you close with Girls' Generation, Yoon Hyun-ssi?" Park Myung-soo, sitting next to Yoon Hyun, asked. He was nominated for Best Variety Show Host and was in a high spirits because of his upcoming wedding.

"Not really. After scolding them in the waiting room of SBS's 'Popular Song' last time, they haven't contacted me," Yoon Hyun said, feigning innocence.

"Wasn't that the time when Jungkook and I came to find you? You didn't seem to scold them at all," Liu Zaishi was also nervous and very eager to win the award.

"Anyway, I'm going to find Eun-hye-ssi. My first nomination is for Best New Actor in a drama," Yoon Hyun felt a bit tired of joking with these two sharp-tongued people and decided to leave.

"Comfort Eun-hye. She's really set on winning Best Actress this year," Liu Zaishi said as Yoon Hyun was about to leave.

"I know," Yoon Hyun nodded.

When Yoon Hyun arrived at the "Coffee Prince No. 1 Store" crew, Yoon Eun-hye was sitting there with a blank look.

"Eun-hye-ssi, are you okay?" Yoon Hyun sat down next to her.

"Ah... I'm fine," Yoon Eun-hye seemed a bit distracted.

"My turn is coming up. I wonder if I can beat Song Chang-yi," Yoon Hyun said with a smile.

"You'll definitely win, Yoon Hyun-ssi," Yoon Eun-hye smiled, slowly coming back to her senses.

Then, in the competition for Best New Actor in a drama, Yoon Hyun lost to Song Chang-yi.

Next, in the Best New Actor in a film category, Yoon Hyun lost to Jang Geun-suk.

Following that, in the Best Actor in a drama category, Yoon Hyun lost to Park Shin-hye without any suspense.

Finally, in the Best Actor in a film category, Yoon Hyun lost to Lim Chang-jung.

Although Yoon Hyun clapped excitedly when Yoon Eun-hye won Best Actress in a drama and when Park Myung-soo won Best Variety Show Host, his face was pale when the ceremony ended.

"Yoon Hyun-ssi, are you okay?" As Yoon Hyun's opponent in "The Chaser," Kim Yun-seok was also nominated for Best Actor and lost inexplicably. He felt a bit resentful.

"I'm fine," Yoon Hyun shook his head.

After all, "The Chaser" won the Grand Prize, and the director, Roh Hong-jin, won Best New Director. It wouldn't be polite to look too gloomy.

"Are you going to the after-party?" Kim Yun-seok thought for a moment and asked.

"If you go, I'll go with you. If you don't, I'll skip it," Yoon Hyun thought and said.

"What about the other two after-parties?" Kim Yun-seok asked again.

At this point, Yoon Hyun understood Kim Yun-seok's meaning.

"Eun-hye-ssi is the only one who won an award, so they probably won't have an after-party. And the 'Infinite Challenge' crew will understand if I don't go," Yoon Hyun thought and said honestly.

"There will definitely be reporters outside. Are you prepared?" Kim Yun-seok asked.

"I'm straightforward. If someone messes with me, I won't hesitate to put them in an awkward position," Yoon Hyun smiled.

"Then, let's skip the after-party tonight," Kim Yun-seok nodded.

"There's no need. Yun-seok-ssi, you're different from me. You're a pure actor," Yoon Hyun said, looking outside. "And I... I was just someone who liked singing!"

"You're wasting your talent," Kim Yun-seok couldn't help but advise.

"My talent? Yun-seok-ssi, you might have forgotten, but I'm a doctoral student in philosophy at Seoul University. Compared to that, what is this talent?" Yoon Hyun smiled confidently. "And even in the entertainment industry, if I want to sing, who can stop me?"

Kim Yun-seok was taken aback, then nodded and patted Yoon Hyun's shoulder without saying anything more.

Then, Yoon Hyun walked out of the venue alone.

"Yoon Hyun-nim, what are your thoughts on not winning Best Actor in a film?" As soon as Yoon Hyun stepped out of the venue, reporters swarmed him like sharks sensing blood.

"Best Actor in a film?" Yoon Hyun smiled and thought for a moment. "In 'The Chaser,' I acted opposite Kim Yun-seok-ssi. His portrayal of a small character and his detailed grasp of the psychological transformation and struggle were something I learned a lot from during filming. Compared to him, I fall short."

"But the Best Actor went to Lim Chang-jung-ssi," the reporter persisted.

"I'm not as good as Kim Yun-seok-ssi," Yoon Hyun said firmly with a smile.

"Best Actor in a drama..." another reporter asked.

"From the beginning, I saw the Best Actor nomination in a drama as a motivation," Yoon Hyun interrupted the reporter. "I never thought I would win such an award, even at the MBC Awards. I think a significant part of this nomination was due to Yoon Eun-hye-ssi. Congratulations to Eun-hye-ssi for winning Best Actress."

"Best New Actor in a drama..." the reporter, seeing that Yoon Hyun had a lot to say, stopped asking and just prompted.

"New actor? I already got a Best Actor nomination, so it would be a bit unfair to the younger actors if I complained about not getting the New Actor award," Yoon Hyun's smile turned cold. Most of the reporters had seen "The Chaser" and recognized the cold smile of the killer in the film, which made several of them shiver. "So, even if I didn't get it, I wouldn't complain. As a famous Chinese poem says, 'The past days that have passed cannot be recalled. Since they didn't give it to me, that's that.'"

Really? All the reporters wondered.

"Then, Best New Actor in a film..."

"I already said, I'm not as good as Kim Yun-seok-ssi," Yoon Hyun smiled and said again. "Finally, I want to congratulate Myung-soo-ssi. Since I've given you the Best Variety Show Host award, I won't give you a wedding gift!" Then he turned and left the reporters.

Before the excited reporters could turn their interview notes into reports for the media, a message from LOEN Entertainment's official website set the tone for the celebration.

"After discussing with Yoon Hyun-ssi, to fully respect the artist's wishes, our artist Yoon Hyun announces the following: Starting from the release of this announcement, Yoon Hyun will not accept any film or drama-related schedules for a certain period and will return to his role as a singer. We also thank all the friends who support and understand Yoon Hyun. Matters already contracted are not included in this announcement."

Yoon Hyun's fan café exploded.

In the past six months, Yoon Hyun's fan café had grown significantly, despite the three principles of joining causing frustration for many fans. Some even created unofficial fan cafés without these barriers. However, the official fan base had grown to nearly 50,000 members.

Within an hour of the announcement, nearly 25,000 people left Yoon Hyun's fan café.

But Yoon Hyun didn't have the energy to deal with this issue because he had more urgent matters to handle.

"You've disappointed me, Yoon Hyun-ssi," his manager, Kim Soo-yeon, said calmly.

"I understand your choice. After all, people aim for higher goals," Yoon Hyun was calm. He knew this would happen when he called the company on his way home.

"The company has assigned me to another job," Kim Soo-yeon remained calm. "I always refused, but I just accepted it."

"Right, you're a great manager. The artist you follow will be lucky," Yoon Hyun nodded.

"Then, I'll be going now." Kim Soo-yeon stood up, went to her room in Yoon Hyun's house, and took out her suitcase.

"Do you need me to see you off?" Yoon Hyun asked.

"No need." Kim Soo-yeon slammed the door hard.