Chapter 21

Reading (2)

Gang Ujin's February has come to an end.

Reflecting on it, February was a month of tremendous events for Ujin, who is just an ordinary person. Anyway, March has begun. It was a month with many things to happen, and before long, it was already March 7th, a Saturday.

Today was the day to leave for the MT and script reading of 'Profiler Hanryang'. The current time was early morning. The location was Gang Ujin's studio apartment. Naturally, the studio was pitch dark, and Gang Ujin was sound asleep.

What woke him up was...

-♬♪

The ringtone of his phone, which sounded even louder in the silence. After about a dozen seconds, Ujin, half-awake, fumbled and finally picked up the phone on his bedside table.

Still groggy, he brought the phone to his ear without checking the caller.

"Hello."

A hoarse voice came out due to his dry throat. In contrast, a clear female voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Oh? Were you sleeping?"

"..."

Ujin paused. As soon as he heard the woman's voice, he flinched and checked the phone screen. Squinting at the bright light, he saw:

-Hong Hye-yeon.

The caller was top actress Hong Hye-yeon.

"!!!"

Ujin immediately sat up and checked the time. It was just past 4:00 AM. What's going on? A dream? No, why would Hong Hye-yeon call at this hour?? Various thoughts crossed his mind, but Ujin quickly regained his composure.

‘Ah, first, the concept, the concept.’

He managed to pull himself together, having somewhat adapted to the concept. It didn't take long.

"What's the matter?"

"Are you not prepared?"

Prepared? Ah, for the MT and script reading?

"I know I'm supposed to arrive by 9:00 AM."

"That's right."

"I'm planning to take the staff minibus."

"Oh, that's a bit disappointing. It's the first appearance of the popular star 'Park Daeri.' I told you, both the actors and the staff are really curious about you."

"..."

"Where do you live, Ujin?"

"In Suji."

"Ah, wait a moment."

She seemed to be fiddling with her phone, and then Hong Hye-yeon continued.

"Then, Suji City Hall Station? Meet me here in two hours."

What? This feels like a date setup. Ujin blinked his eyes and asked.

"Why?"

Through the phone, he heard Hong Hye-yeon's laughter.

"Why? I'm picking you up. Instead of the minibus, let's go in my car."

About two hours later.

It was around 6:00 AM, and the streets were relatively empty due to the early hour. Among them, Gang Ujin, wearing a hoodie over his bomber jacket, was walking.

He stopped when he saw his reflection in a store window.

"Ah, it's the first script reading, so I should have dressed more formally."

It was a script reading attended by top actors and many other actors. Ujin had thought about it, but PD Song Man-woo had only said to come comfortably. Everyone was supposed to come in casual attire.

So, Ujin dressed as coolly as possible.

However, because he didn't pay much attention, his current appearance was completely casual. But it was too late to change. Going back would take too much time.

"Tsk, whatever."

With a resigned attitude, Ujin resumed his walk. The station was now in sight. Two large cars were immediately noticeable. On the side of the road near the station, a black minivan and a luxurious white van were parked.

Those are them. They looked anything but ordinary.

Gang Ujin, who had a hunch, put on a solid poker face as he crossed the street. He had been reciting his lines on the way, so he wasn't worried. However, he needed to be more composed than usual.

After all, he was about to ride in top actress Hong Hye-yeon's car.

Soon, Gang Ujin arrived in front of the two cars and looked around. The tinted windows made it hard to tell which one it was. Then,

-Click!

The rear door of the luxurious white van opened to the side. At the same time, Ujin caught a whiff of a pleasant fragrance. Next, Hong Hye-yeon, wearing a hat, appeared and waved her hand.

"Did you come?"

She was smiling inside the white van. Despite the early hour, she looked as beautiful as ever. Ujin inwardly marveled but kept his voice cool.

"Yes, hello."

"But... Ujin."

Hong Hye-yeon, who was in the car, scanned Ujin from head to toe. She seemed concerned about his appearance.

"Wow, you don't seem nervous at all?"

"I am nervous."

"Really? I mean, even for a script reading, there will be a line of actors, staff, and journalists. There will be at least 50 to 60 people, and you're dressed so casually?"

"I dressed appropriately."

"Too appropriate, don't you think?"

Ah, maybe I did dress too casually? As Ujin thought this, Hong Hye-yeon shook her head in disappointment.

"I knew, but Ujin, you don't seem to care about other people's opinions at all. You're an actor now, you know?"

"..."

"To us, the set is a battlefield, makeup is armor, and acting is a weapon. If you've decided to reveal yourself, you need to manage your image."

Hong Hye-yeon suddenly started lecturing. If it were a scolding from a mother, complete with a backhand, Ujin might have run away.

'She's nagging, but it sounds sweet. Why?'

Because it was Hong Hye-yeon, even her nagging sounded sweet to Ujin. Moreover, upon closer inspection, Hong Hye-yeon, though seemingly unadorned, was clearly well-dressed. Her full makeup and overall fashion balance were impeccable. In today's terms, she was the epitome of 'effortless chic.'

At this moment, Hong Hye-yeon let out a small sigh.

"Get in first. People are watching."

She gestured for Ujin to get into her van. As soon as Ujin got in, the minivan and the van started moving. During the ride, Hong Hye-yeon crossed her arms and looked at Ujin, who was sitting opposite her.

"There's so much to tell you. Why are you using that good-looking face like this? You have nothing to hide in acting, but you're a blank canvas in this area."

The nagging started again, but everything Ujin heard went in one ear and out the other. He couldn't focus.

The current situation was too stimulating for Gang Ujin.

He was in the car of top actress Hong Hye-yeon, whom he couldn't even dream of a month ago. She was so close that he could hear her breathing. Hong Hye-yeon was nagging at him, and the atmosphere made it seem like they were close friends. It felt surreal.

So, Ujin...

"..."

Just chose to remain silent. For now, he would just maintain his concept. He simply looked out the window.

At that moment,

-Swoosh.

Hong Hye-yeon reached out her hand toward Ujin, who was looking out the window. Startled, Ujin instinctively moved.

-Clack.

"Ah."

"What?"

Ujin had slightly pushed away Hong Hye-yeon's hand. He noticed she was holding a makeup powder. A moment of silence followed, lasting about ten seconds.

Then,

"Didn't you hear? I said I'd do your basic makeup."

Hong Hye-yeon pouted, and Ujin, trying to hide his embarrassment, quickly made an excuse.

"I'm sorry, I don't like people touching my face."

That wasn't true. Ujin inwardly sighed.

‘Ah, this is bad. I messed up my image. She must hate me now.’

On the other hand, Hong Hye-yeon, who was carefully observing Ujin's firm expression, thought:

‘He doesn't like people touching his face? What's his story? Is it related to his past...? But this is the first time I've been outright rejected like this.’

It was a first for her.

‘Ha, this is secretly hurting my pride.’

Around 9:00 AM, in Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong.

The location was a condominium in Gapyeong. It was a large complex with five buildings, and in front of Building 1, numerous cars began to park. Minivans, minibuses, large vans, and more—there were over 30 vehicles.

The reason was simple.

This condominium was the location for the MT and script reading of 'Profiler Hanryang.' The production team had rented Building 1 for a two-night stay.

As a result, the outdoor parking lot was crowded.

"Hey, hey!! That's this way! Bring it over here!"

"Hey! Rookie! Who told you to unload the equipment so carelessly! Do you know how expensive the lighting equipment is?!!"

"Come on! Everyone, quickly move your luggage and set up the reading room!!"

"We're short on walkie-talkies!"

Dozens of staff were unloading luggage from the buses, and the arriving actors, one after another, were busy greeting each other.

"Wow, your skin looks great? Is the makeup product you're advertising really good?"

"Of course. Do you want to try it? By the way, I heard you're doing a variety show?"

Journalists and the managers of the actors were also present. There were probably over a hundred people in total.

The overall scene resembled a university MT.

Everyone first unpacked their luggage in the designated rooms, and the staff of 'Profiler Hanryang' were busy with various setups. The large hall on the first floor was gradually filling up.

The script reading was scheduled to start at 10:00 AM in this hall.

Originally, it was an empty space, but now it was different. The hall, as large as a school auditorium, had desks arranged in a square in the middle. On top of the desks were snacks and drinks, and over 40 chairs were placed around the square desks. At the entrance of the hall, dozens of folding chairs were also visible.

The scale of the script reading venue was impressive.

Small cameras were set up in various places, and large cameras were placed all around the hall. There were even five or six camera crews filming the entire venue. They were the making team of 'Profiler Hanryang.'

The making team was busy interviewing actors as they arrived.

"What was the biggest reason you decided to do 'Profiler Hanryang'?"

"Hahaha, what is this? Are you really filming right now?"

Any scene could be used for the making, previews, and teasers later. Anyway, the actors gradually arrived at the large hall. Lead actors, supporting actors, and extras. Their management teams sat in the chairs surrounding the square desks.

After a few minutes,

The hall was almost full, with no empty seats left.

What was interesting was that...

"Did you find the actor playing Park Daeri?"

"No, not yet. Will he come to the reading today?"

"I heard he's from overseas. Is it really a foreigner?"

Most of the gathered actors were talking about the role of Park Daeri.

"Ah, I'll finally get to see him today. I've been so curious."

"Me too. I wonder what kind of unique actor they've chosen to keep it a secret until today."

"Maybe all the rumors were just rumors. None of the mentioned actors are even here."

"Why isn't he coming?"

The actors kept whispering and glancing at the empty seat for Park Daeri.

At this moment, Hong Hye-yeon, wearing a hat, appeared.

"Hello everyone—"

As she arrived with a few staff members, greetings were thrown at her. Among them, a tall man joined behind Hong Hye-yeon, who was greeting the actors.

"Hong Hye-yeon, are you going to the after-party after the reading today?"

Ryu Jung-min, the top actor playing the male lead in 'Profiler Hanryang,' asked. He still had long hair, as his hairstyle hadn't been decided yet. Hong Hye-yeon shrugged and replied casually.

"I don't know, it depends on my condition. But since I'm here, I should participate in the early part, right?"

"Ah, you should. By the way, have you seen the actor playing Park Daeri?"

Hong Hye-yeon laughed naturally in response.

"Who knows?"

"When is he coming? I'm so curious. Is he not coming today?"

Ryu Jung-min scanned the area and caught the eye of one of Hong Hye-yeon's managers, who was wearing a bomber jacket.

"Hey, this manager has a good face, doesn't he? He's handsome. His physique is good too. Hong Hye-yeon, isn't this manager a waste?"

Hong Hye-yeon smiled at the bomber jacket manager.

"Really? Maybe I should make him an actor."

"Hahaha, that's great. With Hong Hye-yeon as his backer, he'll be on the fast track."

Ryu Jung-min laughed and spoke to the bomber jacket manager, seemingly just to pass the time.

"Really, you should try being an actor. Your face is too good to waste."

"..."

But the manager didn't respond, maintaining an indifferent expression. Scratching his long hair, Ryu Jung-min turned his gaze back to Hong Hye-yeon.

"He's cool. He has a presence. Or is he nervous? Is he new?"

At that moment,

-Swoosh.

PD Song Man-woo, with a beard, appeared at the entrance of the large hall, along with screenwriter Park Eun-mi, who had long permed hair. As a result, the dozens of people in the hall moved to their respective seats.

Soon, PD Song Man-woo and screenwriter Park Eun-mi stood side by side at the head of the square desks.

At this moment, all the actors were focused on PD Song Man-woo, and the male lead, Ryu Jung-min, who was sitting next to him, spoke up.

"PD, what's going on? The actor playing Park Daeri isn't here. Is he not coming?"

The dozens of actors nodded in agreement. PD Song Man-woo and screenwriter Park Eun-mi smiled slightly. PD Song Man-woo spoke.

"He's here."

"..."

"???"

The actors tilted their heads, question marks in their eyes. Ignoring this, PD Song Man-woo turned his head to look at the middle of the square desks.

What he saw was the role list on the desk.

-[Park Daeri Role]

PD Song Man-woo nodded, seemingly acknowledging someone. Who was he nodding to? Instantly, all the actors' gazes shifted to the seat for the Park Daeri role. Not just the actors, but their managers and the production team as well. That seat was clearly empty.

But a man in a bomber jacket was standing there, having arrived at some point.

The man whom Ryu Jung-min had called Hong Hye-yeon's manager. As a result, Ryu Jung-min, with his long hair, blinked his eyes at the