Chapter 28

28. Famous Kids

"I'm Oh Tae-ho, who used to work as a manager at CM Entertainment. Now I'm the principal of the acting academy run by CM. It's been about three years since we met when you were working on a project with writer Bang Su-hyun, right?"

In fact, Oh Tae-ho's memory of Han Yu-kyung was not very clear. He could only vaguely remember her after looking up her background.

Back when he was a team leader-level manager at CM Entertainment, she was just an assistant writer who didn't even catch his eye.

That's why he really didn't know much about the world, especially this industry.

Oh Tae-ho smiled at Han Yu-kyung, a smile that didn't quite match his true feelings.

"Ah, yes... Hello."

Han Yu-kyung also seemed to have no clear memory. But it wasn't particularly important to Oh Tae-ho.

"Do you remember? It's an honor to meet you again, great writer. Haha!"

The eyes of the CMI students sparkled as they watched Han Yu-kyung and Principal Oh Tae-ho exchange greetings.

Aware of their gazes, Oh Tae-ho spoke up loudly and confidently.

"This time, I've brought our kids to your audition. Haha. I hope you'll take good care of them."

"Ah, yes. Thank you for coming."

"Haha. It's not because they're my students, but really..."

"Ah, sorry. Just a moment."

Before Oh Tae-ho could say anything, Han Yu-kyung interrupted. A big smile spread across her face.

"Hey! Jin-hyuk! Se-rin! You're here!"

Han Yu-kyung approached them as if she were about to hug them, looking very pleased to see them.

'Tsk.'

Principal Oh Tae-ho awkwardly smacked his lips.

"Good to see you. Good to see you! Hehe."

"Writer! I've missed you! Hi."

Unlike Jin-hyuk, who bowed his head lightly, Se-rin grabbed Han Yu-kyung's hand and jumped up and down with her.

'What? Are they quite close?'

It was a very warm greeting, more than just acquaintances, even to an outsider.

While Jin-hyuk and Se-rin were happily greeting Han Yu-kyung, the CMI students began to murmur.

"Hey, who are those two? Man, their aura... I feel intimidated even before the audition starts. Is this what 'High School 2' is all about? Are these the kind of kids who will be lining up?"

"Ah! I remember. His name is Woo Jin-hyuk!"

One student mentioned Jin-hyuk's name as if it had just come to him.

"Woo Jin-hyuk?"

"Yeah, that's him, Woo Jin-hyuk from Myeongseong High."

"Woo Jin-hyuk from Myeongseong High? Is that him? I've heard of him."

"What? Who is Woo Jin-hyuk?"

"Ah, he's the top idol in our area these days. Everyone who knows, knows him. He even has a fan base in the neighborhood. Some students from our school go on field trips to the front gate of Myeongseong High."

The accompanying teacher, overhearing the students' conversation, thought to himself.

'They must be quite famous among the kids.'

He thought it made sense. With that kind of appearance, it would be hard for rumors not to spread in the local schools.

Then, those girls...

The teacher was also surprised by the two female students.

One had a doll-like appearance. Anyone could see she was born to be an entertainer.

"Yeon Se-rin is here too."

"Is she famous too?"

"Ugh, you don't know. She's been famous since kindergarten. She's had that face since then. She's a local celebrity."

The other had a slightly more mature and mysterious charm, a star quality that could capture people's attention.

"Really? What about the girl next to her?"

"Hmm... Who is she? I don't know. She's not from our area. With that appearance, it would be hard not to know her..."

"I know. Her name is Min Se-yeon. We went to the same elementary school. She went abroad for early education in third grade and came back last year. She was famous in elementary school. I heard she was a child actor when she was young."

"Really?"

A child actor?

The teacher narrowed his eyes and focused on Min Se-yeon. He couldn't think of anything specific.

Feeling left out of the conversation with Han Yu-kyung, Oh Tae-ho subtly turned back to his group.

The teacher approached Principal Oh Tae-ho and whispered.

"Principal."

"What is it?"

"There are three of them. They seem quite famous among the kids. The students know their names, and one of them is a former child actor."

"Really?"

Principal Oh Tae-ho narrowed his eyes and looked at the three of them again.

***

"By the way, who is this friend?"

Han Yu-kyung's gaze turned to Min Se-yeon as she greeted them warmly.

"Ah, this is Min Se-yeon, my classmate."

While Jin-hyuk was introducing her, Yeon Se-rin, who had already become friends with Min Se-yeon, was holding her arm.

"Hmm—"

Han Yu-kyung smiled warmly.

"Beautiful girls next to beautiful girls, they say."

"Huh?"

"Hehe. It's a nice sight."

Han Yu-kyung was actually impressed. Yeon Se-rin and Min Se-yeon had completely different charms and auras.

A mysterious charm, a hint of maturity, and a rebellious glint in her eyes.

She was a girl who could have stepped out of a drama.

When she saw Jin-hyuk and Se-rin, she felt a different kind of anticipation. But...

"Se-yeon, have we met before?"

"Huh? No, this is the first time I've met you."

"Really?"

Why does she seem familiar?

Han Yu-kyung shook her head. Déjà vu was a common occurrence.

"Today, I have a good feeling. I'll be looking forward to all three of you."

As Han Yu-kyung turned to leave, her face full of anticipation, Principal Oh Tae-ho stuck to her side.

"Writer, our students are also participating in the audition today."

"Ah, yes."

Han Yu-kyung tried to hide her annoyance and responded.

She was annoyed with the pushy businessman, not the innocent students.

"Good to see you all! You all look great. Don't be nervous, just do your best. I'll be cheering for you."

Han Yu-kyung's smile was genuine.

Misinterpreting her smile as a response to his hospitality, Oh Tae-ho burst into a hearty laugh.

"Hehehe. Don't worry, Writer. Our students are very talented. They're full of potential. If you have a moment, would you like to meet them?"

"Ah, yes. I'm sorry, but I don't have time right now."

Han Yu-kyung gave a polite answer and turned away, signaling that she didn't want to continue the conversation.

'Tsk.'

Principal Oh Tae-ho, feeling a bit disappointed, smacked his lips. His gaze shifted to Woo Jin-hyuk and his group.

'They're all from SH Academy, huh?'

Oh Tae-ho felt a pang of jealousy. He was genuinely envious.

Where did Yeon Seung-hun find and keep such kids? Are they all current actors? Damn.

'And it seems they're close to Writer Han Yu-kyung too.'

Oh Tae-ho glanced at his own students, feeling a bit annoyed. He then looked back at Jin-hyuk and his group, thinking.

'Well, I just need to bring them all in. I'll do whatever it takes to bring them in.'

Desire burned in Principal Oh Tae-ho's eyes. He was the type who, once he set his mind on something, wouldn't rest until he got it.

'If all the SH aces drop out, it'll be natural for the school to close down.'

Oh Tae-ho twisted his lips.

***

"Se-yeon, Jin-hyuk and I still have a lot of time left."

Yeon Se-rin laughed awkwardly.

"We came too early. But it's less nerve-wracking to be here and wait..."

In fact, it was the same for Min Se-yeon. It was her first drama audition since she was six.

Though she didn't show it, she came early due to her anxiety. She also wanted to calm her nerves at a café.

"I still have plenty of time too."

"Really? That's great. Let's go get something to drink and then head up!"

Jin-hyuk and his group moved to a café.

"Look, that seat looks good!"

As soon as they entered the café, Yeon Se-rin skipped to a seat inside.

Jin-hyuk's brow furrowed.

'She's going to... again...'

His star often stumbled, but fortunately, not this time.

Following Se-rin, Min Se-yeon whispered.

"Hey, when did I become your friend?"

"Did I say that? Friend?"

Se-yeon looked bewildered.

"Just now, to the writer. You said we were classmates."

Being classmates was a bit different from being 'friends,' wasn't it?

Jin-hyuk thought for a moment. It wasn't really that different. Some people became 'friends' within 34 seconds of meeting.

"So, we're friends, then?"

"What?"

"Why not?"

"..."

"Or do you want to be friends now?"

Min Se-yeon, who seemed to be giving no answer, suddenly spoke as she sat down.

"Think about it."

Se-rin, who didn't understand what was going on, nodded.

"Uh, uh. Think about it. Here's the menu, Se-yeon."

Seeing Se-rin extend the menu, Se-yeon burst into laughter.

"Ahaha. The menu, the menu..."

Se-rin was momentarily taken aback by the sudden laughter but soon joined in.

"Hehe."

Laughter has a synergistic effect. The two girls laughed together for a while, looking at each other.

'...'

Teenagers can burst into laughter over the smallest things. Understanding the hearts of these girls was probably an impossible mission for Jin-hyuk.

Jin-hyuk shook his head, not understanding.

***

"Enough. That's it."

PD Jung Doo-il gestured with a blank expression, speaking irritably without even looking at the audition participant.

"Really, how can you send kids who can't even do the basics?"

He then looked at the staff.

"Let's take a break."

The frozen participant awkwardly bowed and left the audition room.

"Phew. I'm tired. Writer Han, are you okay?"

PD Jung Doo-il asked in a seemingly respectful manner. Given his previous grumpy attitude, it was probably the most polite he could manage.

But it wasn't a genuine question about her well-being. Han Yu-kyung knew that well.

PD Jung Doo-il had been negative about the open auditions from the start.

'You know this is all because of you, right?'

Han Yu-kyung liked PD Jung Doo-il's directing style. They worked well together, and 'High School' was a great result of their collaboration.

However, PD Jung Doo-il's personality and attitude were a different story.

Han Yu-kyung immediately frowned. It wasn't a natural reaction for her, but she needed to be strong with PD Jung Doo-il to work together.

"PD Jung."

"Yes?"

"Do you not want to work with me?"

"Huh? No, why would I say that? Which PD wouldn't want to work on a project with Writer Han?"

"Then stop making the same complaints."

The affable production company president interjected to ease the tension.

"Phew. Here we go again. Let's keep the atmosphere light."

PD Jung Doo-il, glancing at the president, spoke more warmly.

"No, Writer. I just think you shouldn't have to go through this trouble."

"..."

"As you know, there are plenty of established friends lining up. Agencies are desperate to get them in... There's no need to go through all this..."

PD Jung Doo-il was frustrated. Casting idol stars in 'High School' was a huge success.

Even if they weren't top-tier, he had struggled to secure quite well-known idols for the previous series.

But this time, it's different.

With the drama's success, idols who can act are now lining up to be cast. PD Jung Doo-il's phone was almost on fire from the pressure from managers.

How much easier it would be to put together a dream team.

Cast more famous idols in leading roles and use idols from the previous series in supporting roles.

Add some child actors with less star power but solid acting skills, and it would be perfect. Comfortable and safe.

Even if the drama's quality was lacking, the fan base's support would ensure a moderate success.

'Why suddenly decide to discover new talent? It's like you have a death wish.'

PD Jung Doo-il was frustrated with Han Yu-kyung. No, he was annoyed.

But he couldn't be too harsh with the writer who held the key to 'High School 2.' PD Jung Doo-il suppressed his emotions and spoke softly.

"Writer, I think your intention to discover new talent is truly admirable. It's a necessary step for the greater good. But how many did we see at the first audition? If it didn't work out then, why not take it easy now? Who would call it a compromise?"

"Should I take it easy, then?"

"Really? If you want, I can start making calls right now..."

"It would be very easy if PD Jung gave up directing. Or if I went elsewhere."

"Huh? No, Writer, that's not what I meant..."

PD Jung Doo-il, about to say something, sighed and fell silent. His face was full of dissatisfaction, but he seemed to have nothing more to say.

PD Jung Doo-il wasn't in a position to be more forceful. Thanks to Han Yu-kyung, he had his first hit. That was 'High School.'

"I cast Yoon Eun-joon and An Yena in the lead roles. Isn't that enough? And Lee So-hyun, Jung Ha-neul, and Yoo Geon-woo. Shouldn't that be enough? I want to work with PD Jung. You know I really like your directing style. Why are you doing this now?"

PD Jung Doo-il's expression softened at the flattering words. It was a skill Han Yu-kyung was good at.

The president, who had been watching the two with concern, let out a sigh of relief.

"And you can expect great things today."

"Why? Is there something special today?"

"Watch and see."

Han Yu-kyung smiled meaningfully.

"Let's continue. We have a lot to do."

At Han Yu-kyung's words, the staff member moved.

"Next, please come in."