Chapter 14. Son Jin-wook's House

"Public relations said the internet reactions are quite good, so it seems we can expect a decent first episode viewership. Of course, it could just be people drinking kimchi broth, but you know."

The number of comments and YouTube views did come out pretty well.

It was less because of Ryu Yeon-woo and more because Son Jin-wook and Han So-hyun were rising stars, the blue chips of the current generation.

"The first broadcast is only a week away now."

Director Kim said, and Jin-wook looked at his phone calendar and replied.

"Yeah, Jin-wook and So-hyun, you're attending SBC tomorrow, right?"

"Ah, I'm not going this year because I didn't have any projects with SBC. So-hyun, you were nominated, right?"

So-hyun, who had been listening intently to the conversation, turned around and stopped drinking her coffee.

"Hehe. If I win an award, should I talk about Yeon-woo?"

"Ah, no, then the 'Flowers Falling in Hanyang' team will give you the evil eye."

Han So-hyun, who was nominated for the Best Female Acting and Outstanding Female Acting awards at SBC for the popular fusion historical drama that ended in mid-year.

"Right? But since JNBC doesn't have an awards ceremony, I'm worried our Woo-ju might be disappointed."

"It's fine. Just debuting on television is enough to be happy."

So-hyun, who takes care of Yeon-woo like a younger sister, said.

Watching the actors, Director Kim Han-soo spoke up.

"Let's work hard and aim for the Korean Arts Awards. Actors."

"Oh, right. Director, there are the Korean Arts Awards!"

Established in 1965 to promote the development of Korean popular culture and arts and to boost the morale of artists, it is a comprehensive arts award that honors the production and cast of all films, plays, and TV programs broadcast over the past year across all domestic broadcasters.

"Well, I don't have a particular desire for awards, but it would be nice if it serves as a reward for our hard work."

"Hahaha. That would be great."

Director Kim's words to boost morale were echoed by Jin-wook.

"By the way, the production company mentioned something. It's a bit early to talk about it before the first broadcast, but since all the lead actors are here now."

Director Kim Han-soo's words caught the attention of the three actors.

"If the initial ratings are low, we'd like you to appear on variety shows for promotional purposes. You know, I'm not the type to force anyone."

"Ah, variety shows?"

It's not a difficult request.

"First, the actors need to be willing to participate."

"I'm very much in favor! I haven't appeared on many variety shows, but I think it would be fun with our team."

So-hyun, linking her arms with the two men, said.

"Hmm, I don't have much experience with variety shows, but I'm fine. I can appear for the sake of the project, not just for the ratings."

Son Jin-wook also liked the atmosphere of this shoot and the project itself.

"I'm honored to be called for anything."

Yeon-woo, a newcomer actor, was naturally in favor.

"If we do, which show will we appear on?"

"JNBC would welcome us with open arms for any of their variety shows."

Son Jin-wook nodded.

"Since we don't appear on variety shows often, our fan club has been hoping for it."

"Indeed, if Jin-wook appears on a variety show, it would be a big help. He's a rare sight on variety shows. We'll think about it later, but today, thanks to Yeon-woo's quick work in the morning, we had some extra time."

Director Kim Han-soo smiled and patted Yeon-woo's shoulder.

"Thanks to Mr. Lee's excellent guidance."

Yeon-woo blushed at the praise.

And, finding Yeon-woo cute, So-hyun pinched and stretched his cheek.

"Almost all the indoor scenes are done, and we just need to shoot a few outdoor scenes at the campus tomorrow. Let's wrap up the shoot for today."

Director Kim Han-soo called the assistant director and gave some instructions.

"Since we have some work to do for the outdoor shoot preparations, the actors can go home now."

"Yes, good job, Director."

"Good job."

The three lead actors left the set, saying goodbye to the staff.

So-hyun's manager, who had been waiting, drove up, and So-hyun got in the car, waving goodbye and leaving first.

"Yeon-woo, where is your manager?"

"Ah, I came by subway."

Jin-wook was surprised at Yeon-woo's answer.

"Really?"

"Yes, I was alone at my place and got bored. I just came to cheer you guys on, and I didn't want to trouble anyone to pick me up. Actually, I haven't even signed a management contract yet."

Hearing Yeon-woo's words, Jin-wook thought for a moment.

"Want to come over to my place? Stay the night."

"Really? Your place?"

Yeon-woo, surprised by the unexpected invitation, asked.

"Sure, I live alone anyway. We have the campus scenes tomorrow, so it's convenient to move together in my car."

"Ah, I'm fine with that. I just don't want to be a bother."

Jin-wook, seeing Yeon-woo's cautiousness, laughed heartily and put his arm around his shoulder.

"What bother? I'm bored too. Get in the car first. I left my coat."

Jin-wook led Yeon-woo to the waiting van and helped him in.

"Hello, Sang-woo."

Jin-wook's manager, Sang-woo, in the driver's seat, turned around.

"Oh, Yeon-woo."

"Ah, just call me by my name."

They were only acquaintances, having only introduced themselves.

"Ah, okay? Haha."

Click.

Jin-wook, who had gone back to get his coat, got in the car and said.

"Sang-woo, I invited Yeon-woo to my place today. Let's go home."

"Yes, sir."

Sang-woo changed the gear and started driving.

"Do you want to come over too? Do you have anything planned today?"

"Ah, I have a date today."

Oh, a date—.

Jin-wook made a playful sound.

"You're the oldest among us."

"Excuse me? If you and Yeon-woo say that, it's misleading."

Haha.

"Ah, right. Yeon-woo might have a girlfriend too. What do you think?"

"Ah, no, I don't."

If I had a girlfriend now, she would be two zodiac cycles older.

Yeon-woo scratched his head and left the rest unsaid.

"After our drama airs, you might get contacted by girl groups around your age."

Oh, girl groups—.

This time, Jin-wook and Sang-woo made playful sounds together.

"Haha. Sirs, you're doing this together? I'm not thinking about dating yet."

"Ah, dating is fresh and good at your age. But, given our profession, you might be wiser."

Of course, he likes girls.

He had dating experience in his previous life.

But in a life where he didn't know when or where he would be deployed, or when and how he would die, he didn't have the luxury to share his heart sincerely.

"About dating, if the opportunity comes, I won't avoid it."

"You mean 'natural dating'?"

Pursuing natural encounters.

Although his soul was that of an older man until recently, Yeon-woo knew this much.

"Can you do that?"

While chatting, they arrived at Jin-wook's house.

"Oh, this is the place where many celebrities live. A high-end village."

Yeon-woo hadn't expected to come here.

It was a place he had wanted to visit in Seoul in his previous life.

"Yeon-woo, my place is amazing. Better than a luxury hotel suite."

Sang-woo raised Yeon-woo's expectations.

"Haha. You can come back after your date."

"Ah, I'll pick you up in the morning. I need to sleep at home."

"Right, you don't have any luggage to take out. You can go home now."

Jin-wook said as he and Yeon-woo got out of the car.

"Yes, sir. See you tomorrow. I'll be there by 9. Yeon-woo, goodbye."

"Be careful."

Sang-woo drove the van back to the company, and Yeon-woo and Jin-wook got into the elevator.

Ding.

"Wait a moment."

Ding-dong.

Jin-wook used his security card to open the door and gestured to Yeon-woo.

"Come in. This is my place. Mr. Woo-ju."

"Wow, in the drama, I begged to stay at your place! Finally, you're letting me in?"

"What? Haha. It's like that."

From the entrance, they walked through an arched shoe rack that exuded a luxurious atmosphere and followed the marble walls. The first thing they saw was a wide window in the living room that opened up to a breathtaking view.

"Wow, this is why people talk so much about the Han River view. Brother, it's amazing."

The wide window offered a panoramic view of the Han River and a glimpse of the riverside road below.

From his previous life to this one.

Although he wasn't the type to be particularly interested in good houses and cars, good things were still good.

Jin-wook, seeing his adorable younger brother admiring the view with wide eyes and a raised thumb, was delighted and began to explain.

"Follow me, I'll show you around. There's even a practice room upstairs."

"Really? There's an upper floor?"

The two men excitedly toured the house, one explaining and the other marveling.

Anyone watching might mistake them for a real estate agent showing the house.

"I like decorating my place. I'm interested in interior design. Did I show off too much?"

"No, Jin-wook, I've never been to such a nice place. I've always wanted to visit this neighborhood."

The two, who got along so well, played together, losing track of time.

Then, Jin-wook suddenly remembered something.

"Ah, right! Yeon-woo, do you like watches?"

"Watches? I don't know much, but I like looking at pretty ones. The ones where you can see the gears moving inside."

"Oh, really?"

Seeing Yeon-woo's slightly interested reaction, Jin-wook smiled and gestured to him.

"Yeon-woo, come on. Follow me."

Jin-wook led him to the dressing room and showed him his collection.

"This one is pretty, and that one was a gift."

"Hmm? What's this?"

Yeon-woo, smiling at Jin-wook's childlike excitement, suddenly noticed a watch case that looked familiar.

"Ah, that one? Do you know what an Absolute Watch is?"

Hearing Jin-wook's words, Yeon-woo exclaimed and had a mysterious expression.

"The National Intelligence Service watch."

"Oh, you know about it too?"

Jin-wook took it out and gave it to Yeon-woo.

The Absolute Watch.

A watch made by the National Intelligence Service, given as a reward for meritorious service, especially for reporting spies and other contributions to national security.

It was marketed online as a special watch, earning the nickname "Absolute Watch."

However, it could be purchased as a souvenir after a tour of the National Intelligence Service if desired. In his previous life, Yeon-woo had often given away the watches he received as supplies to those who wanted them.

Although the design often changed, making Jin-wook's watch unfamiliar, he felt a strange sense of nostalgia at seeing a familiar item in an unexpected place.