Chapter 8: Han Haeun and Cha Uju

"Is there a reason you prepared a free performance for the supporting role's scene in the audition?"

"Among the characters in the script you sent, Cha Uju was the one I felt the most drawn to. Even though it's not a role you're casting through the audition, I wanted to seize this opportunity to act it out."

The production team had only been informed of the casting gap for the 'Cha Uju' role that morning, so it was impossible for the applicant to have known in advance. Jeong Caddy nodded, thinking it might be fate.

"Hmm. I saw it well, Ryu Yeonwoo. I wonder what kind of drink I should buy for Chulmin. Thank you for your effort. We'll contact you later, so please leave now."

The production team, who had looked tired from the continuous auditions since lunch, brightened up after seeing Yeonwoo.

"Yes, I'm a new actor, Ryu Yeonwoo! Thank you."

Yeonwoo bowed energetically and left the room.

The door opened again, and a staff member entered.

"I'll bring in the next participant."

"No, wait a moment. Let's take a 10-minute break."

"Yes, Director."

Director Kim Hansu looked around as the staff member left.

The other production team members met his gaze.

"Are you all thinking the same thing as me?"

"Director, this must be a case of turning a misfortune into a blessing."

"Uju... Yeonwoo..."

The production company people nodded at each other, and screenwriter Choi Mihyeon, who was still in a daze.

Thus, Yeonwoo's first audition in life came to an end.

Yeonwoo went down to the first floor.

Since it was his first time experiencing a casting audition, he wasn't sure if he did well or not.

However, since he completed his preparation without any mistakes, he had no regrets.

He took out his smartphone and called Jung Chulmin, who was waiting for him.

- Oh, are you done?

"Yes, I'm at the place where you dropped me off."

- Got it. I'll be there soon. It's dangerous to talk while driving, so get in the car and we'll talk.

"Yes, I'll wait."

A moment later, Chulmin's car arrived, and Yeonwoo got in.

"Did you do well without any mistakes?"

Chulmin asked while changing the gear and turning the car.

"Yes, I didn't make any mistakes, but it felt a bit strange."

"Strange? What do you mean?"

"I finished the free performance and then did the designated scene for Cha Uju."

Chulmin tilted his head.

"Not for Hwang Jaeil or Choi Hyuk?"

"Yes, should I have prepared for Hwang Jaeil's role in the free performance?"

Chulmin scratched his chin in response to Yeonwoo's question.

"No, in the free performance, you just need to show your acting skills. In other auditions, it's common to perform scenes from other movies or dramas."

Chulmin tilted his head again and asked.

"Did they say anything else?"

"Hmm, they complimented my appearance before the performance. Oh, and the director said he needs to buy you a drink."

"Kim senior? Buy me a drink?"

They chatted about the audition while heading back to Daejeon. Feeling hungry from the early morning start, they stopped at a rest area.

"Auntie, can I have a bowl of ramen? What do you want, Yeonwoo?"

"I'll have a fish soup."

Yeonwoo's answer made Jung Chulmin consider changing his order.

"Look at this kid's taste. It's just like mine."

"It's soul food."

They exchanged playful banter as they sat down.

"Yeonwoo, look. The gazes from people around us. They might think you're already a celebrity."

As Chulmin said, people of all ages who came and went in the rest area restaurant glanced at Yeonwoo.

Some even turned their heads to stare openly.

"Maybe they're looking at you. You're an actor."

"Hey, who would recognize me? Unless they're from the industry."

Yeonwoo felt a bit embarrassed but could sense that people were staring at him.

"Yeonwoo, it's 157. The youngest should go get it."

"Haha. There are two of us, so I should go."

Yeonwoo took the number and went to get the food, hearing murmurs from the crowd.

"He looks like an idol!"

"He looks a bit young, maybe he's a trainee?"

"His face is amazing."

"Hey, can I have your number?"

Encouraged by his friends, one of the murmuring group approached Yeonwoo.

"Excuse me, can I have your number?"

"..."

Surprised by the sudden approach, Yeonwoo instinctively held out the number.

"Wait, but this is our food..."

"I don't mean this number... No, sorry!"

The woman bowed and hurried away, leaving Yeonwoo puzzled.

He returned to the serving area and handed over the number, and the auntie smiled and handed him a tray of food.

"Oh, student, you're so handsome. I gave you extra, so enjoy your meal."

"Thank you."

Can you get more food than the standard amount at a highway rest area...?

Anyway, Yeonwoo was always amazed at how kind people were to him because of his different appearance from his previous life.

Even as he returned to his seat, people's gazes and murmurs about him didn't stop.

When he arrived at the table and put down the food, Jung Chulmin smiled and said to him.

"Look, you haven't even debuted, but you're already a celebrity."

"I've never had an experience like this before, so I was a bit flustered."

"It'll become part of your daily life soon."

After finishing his meal, Chulmin went to smoke a cigarette, taking a coffee to the smoking area.

Yeonwoo said he would go to the car first and took the keys to turn around.

At that moment, Chulmin's phone rang.

"Yes, senior!"

Seeing the name on the screen, Chulmin answered urgently.

Ryu Yeonwoo, who was about to turn around, perked up his ears and looked at Chulmin.

- Chulmin, I just saw the student's audition, Ryu Yeonwoo. The audition just ended.

"Yes, senior. I'm on my way back with him."

- You came up to Seoul together? Why didn't you show your face?

Kim Hansu sounded a bit disappointed, and Chulmin tried to lighten the mood.

"Oh, senior, you know how busy it is at the audition. I'll treat you to a drink soon. It's not because of the casting, ha ha."

- Chulmin, I should buy the drink.

"What? No, I should buy it."

- Here's the thing.

Puff! What?!

Chulmin, who was on the call, spat out the coffee he was drinking.

"Yes, of course. Thank you so much. Yes, as I said, he was amazing. Yes."

Yeonwoo's face showed curiosity at Chulmin's intense reaction.

"Yes, go ahead, senior. I'll see you soon."

After ending the call, Chulmin looked at Yeonwoo.

"How did it go, teacher?"

Chulmin, who had been silent, suddenly grinned and patted Yeonwoo's back hard.

Thump!

Ouch!

"Hey, you little guy. You're a lucky one. You got the role."

"Really? Haha. To be honest, I was really worried."

Despite trying to act calm, Yeonwoo was worried about the audition, especially since he didn't do the designated scene for the other roles.

"But, don't be surprised. Yeonwoo."

"Yes, teacher, why?"

"You got the role of Cha Uju."

"Really?!"

According to Director Kim Hansu, the casting for the supporting male lead suddenly fell through due to some circumstances. Despite being a newcomer, Yeonwoo was unanimously chosen by the casting committee to play the role of Cha Uju.

Yeonwoo, who was listening, was so excited that he jumped around like a child his age.

He was even happier than when he got accepted into the National Intelligence Service in his previous life.

Yeonwoo got into Chulmin's car and headed back to Daejeon.

"Teacher, thank you so much for giving me a ride today."

"Don't mention it. You did well, and our acting school will benefit from it."

Although he said this, the effort Chulmin put into helping Yeonwoo prepare for the audition was significant. Promoting the school through Yeonwoo's name was a small reward.

Chulmin helped Yeonwoo like a parent, staying up late every night to help and brainstorm together.

Yeonwoo, who already had a solid foundation in acting, was nurtured by Chulmin.

Yeonwoo bowed deeply again, filled with gratitude.

"Teacher, thank you so much for your guidance."

"Kid."

Chulmin's nose turned a bit red, sensing Yeonwoo's sincerity.

Embarrassed, he rolled up the window.

"I'm leaving. Tell your parents the news yourself."

"Yes, be careful!"

Chulmin's car left, and Yeonwoo went home with a happy heart.

***

A few days later, Jung Chulmin took Yeonwoo's father, Ryu Chulwoong, to visit a building in Seoul. They were there to sign a contract with LN Media, which was producing the drama "Summer Wardrobe."

"Brother, I've looked it over carefully, and it seems you've taken great care of the newcomer."

"Ha ha, that's right. We're not short on production costs, so we're investing in the future of your son, Ryu Yeonwoo."

For Chulwoong, a former civil servant and a simple family man, the amount was quite astonishing.

"Heh heh. I'm quite taken aback. I only vaguely heard a few days ago that my son was going to an audition in Seoul, but I didn't expect it to be such a big deal."

"We are confident that Ryu Yeonwoo will become a major star. If you're surprised by this, you'll have a hard time in the future, sir."

The production company representatives were pleased by the honest reaction of Ryu Chulwoong.

After all, the giver feels good when the receiver is happy.

"Also, after this project ends, many agencies will likely contact Yeonwoo. Please consider LN Entertainment, which is operated by LN Media, sir."

Feeling good but a bit overwhelmed, Chulwoong passed the decision to Chulmin.

"Yes, I understand. But such matters should be discussed with Jung Chulmin, who is here. I don't know much about this field. Of course, Yeonwoo's opinion is the most important."

"Yes, I understand. We'll discuss this matter later. For now, we'll take care of the management during the filming of this project. Please sign here."

After smoothly completing the contract, Chulwoong, who was heading back to Daejeon, was deeply moved by the fact that his son had earned money for the first time.