Chapter 22

022. When asked about the rise and fall of the film (3)

"Director, I'm going."

After Han Seoho's solo performance ended,

the moment the cut sign was given, Song Eun-hye, the writer, who had been biting her nails, sprang up.

"Already?"

In response to the assistant director's question, Song Eun-hye nodded with a face that seemed urgent, as if she needed to rush to the bathroom.

Director Park Dong-jin, who had been sitting leisurely beside her, merely smiled faintly, as if he had expected this.

"Go quickly. Are you going to the studio?"

"Yes, that's the plan."

"Go and pour it out quickly."

At his casual remark, Song Eun-hye laughed strangely, a mix of embarrassment and subtle excitement on her face.

"I understand why the director suddenly came that day. I think I look just like the director did then."

"What are you talking about? Song, you're even more inspired now. I'd believe it if you said you were possessed."

Song Eun-hye laughed, agreeing, and slung her heavy eco-bag over her shoulder. She then turned to Director Park Dong-jin and asked,

"By the way, can you connect me with the friend who's my stand-in? I have so many questions. I think it will help with my next project too..."

"Didn't you say you wouldn't do a music film next time?"

"Well, I thought I wouldn't, but now I'm not so sure."

Seeing Song Eun-hye shrug, Director Park Dong-jin smiled.

"Okay. I'll talk to them."

"Thank you! Then I'm really going!"

...She disappeared quickly, and the assistant director, looking in the same direction, started a conversation.

"They must have been quite surprised, right?"

Them?

Since it couldn't be Song Eun-hye, he turned his gaze slightly. At the end of the path Song Eun-hye was heading, Kim Gwan-woo, the CEO, and the investors were gathered.

"Looks like it, doesn't it?"

"Indeed, even we were surprised by this scene. How much more surprised must they be? Still, why is the CEO standing there like that?"

The assistant director was right; Kim Gwan-woo was standing in front of the investors, staring at the set, dazed.

Director Park Dong-jin said with a new expression.

"Indeed. He's turned to stone."

"CEO, I'm going!"

Watching Song Eun-hye pass by, Kim Gwan-woo didn't shout, "Say hello to the guests!" He couldn't even think about it.

It was really absurd,

but it was all because of the performance just now.

Strange. To be so captivated by a performance!

This was not just strange but almost bizarre.

For Kim Gwan-woo, music was...

just music.

It wasn't particularly important. If he heard it, he heard it; if he didn't, it was just that.

The same went for film music.

It might help a good film, but it wasn't something that could determine the success or failure of a film.

To him, who thought films were just entertainment for the masses, music was even lighter.

That's why he couldn't understand Director Park Dong-jin's obsession with music, and this was still the case.

Why? What's so special about music?

So, Kim Gwan-woo was even more confused now.

Just a moment ago, he was so anxious!

This scene seemed too weak.

He regretted not inviting the investors when they were filming the intense scenes with Seo Chang-gyu, Lee Min-jae, and Jeon Hye-in, the blue chips of Chungmuro, where their acting skills exploded.

He didn't know.

What was so moving and chaotic?

A scene with no sad moments, just a stand-in visible on the distant stage,

made him feel like he needed to hold back tears, which was hard to believe for a middle-aged man.

'Could it be menopause?'

It seemed certain.

It's terrifying. Getting old.

After deciding his state, he frowned and turned to the guests.

To break the silence, he made a joke.

"Wasn't it... well played? We really got a good stand-in."

The guests nodded slowly in agreement.

The atmosphere wasn't bad. He felt good, as if the performance had left a good impression.

"Are you all hungry? If you're okay, let's go for a meal. I know a good Korean restaurant nearby, and we can have some drinks..."

But Kim Gwan-woo didn't know.

That performance had deeply impressed him and started to crack his long-held views on music.

#

Seeing my mom yawn while driving, I quickly picked up the anti-drowsiness gum my dad gave me.

I took two pieces out and handed them to her, then put the rest in my mouth.

Cough-. It's spicy. It made my nose tingle and my eyes water.

"Seems effective, right?"

"Yeah, my eyes are burning."

Wiping away the tears, my mom focused on driving with sparkling eyes.

I looked at the set in the side mirror, feeling relieved as it grew smaller.

"Wasn't the set beautifully decorated today?"

"Yeah, but the performance was even better."

I smiled at my mom.

"It was fun."

"I was really impressed. With so many people there, how did you not get nervous?"

"Actually, I was."

"You? I didn't feel it at all."

"But if I got too nervous, it would affect my performance. So, I suppressed it."

Performance can't be affected. Right.

I left just enough to use as fuel and pushed the rest aside.

That's why. My heart is only now beating a little.

Thinking about today's performance makes it even more so.

"Can you really suppress it like that...?"

Hearing my mom's defeated tone, I smiled, and then I heard a regretful voice.

"Anyway, I felt a bit sorry. You can't tell anyone you're a stand-in. With such an amazing performance, the audience won't know."

I shook my head cheerfully.

I was already satisfied that my composition would be in the film, and this experience was enjoyable, so I wasn't disappointed at all.

Besides...

"It's fine. Many people saw it today."

Those who saw it on set know.

Who performed.

"Indeed, I went to where the crowd was out of curiosity, and everyone was amazed. Some people even had tears in their eyes. When someone asked who it was, I almost said, 'I'm his mom!' That would have been too silly."

While my mom's face lit up with pride,

my dad, who had sent me several messages, couldn't hold back and called.

"Hello?"

-Oh, did the filming go well?

"Of course. We left about 10 minutes ago."

-Then why didn't you call...

"I couldn't, in case I was busy."

-So, you talked to Director Park Dong-jin.

"Couldn't hold back, could you?"

-Hehe, the investors' reactions were amazing.

"The investors weren't the only ones. Everyone there reacted strongly. I was curious, so I went among the people... No, it would take too long to explain. I'll tell you when we get home.

He agreed and asked, "Wine tonight?" while my mom's mood soared.

I thought, "I want a drink too," when my dad called me.

-Oh, Seoho.

"Yes, I'm listening."

I'm ready to drink too.

After all, I learned drinking from my dad. Although I taught myself before the regression...

-The premiere date for 'The Boy Who Became a Wolf' is set. Are you going?

Oh, not that.

The disappointment was brief, as the thought of hearing my composition in the cinema made me feel elated.

"Of course, I'll go."

-We have many invitations, so bring your friends.

"Okay."

-And what else did I want to say...

After a moment of hesitation, my dad exclaimed, "Ah!"

-Your compositions were all registered with the copyright association today.

"Wow..."

My mouth slowly opened, as if something was hanging from my chin.

And when I heard my dad's next words,

the suppressed excitement burst out and spread.

-You're a real composer now.

#

The next day.

SJ Entertainment Film Division.

Team Leader Im Hyun-sung, who had returned from the 'Yoonchart' set the previous day, hung his alcohol-soaked jacket on the back of the chair and slumped into it.

"Ugh..."

He groaned and took off his glasses, receiving greetings from employees who had arrived at work.

...After rubbing his eyes for a while, he regained his senses when he recalled the scene he saw yesterday.

A not-so-big but artistically decorated festival site.

A stage standing alone, where the crowd's gaze was focused.

And the main character performing.

The crane camera capturing it all in one shot.

The scenes flashed vividly in his mind.

"...Wow, I'm sober now."

He muttered to himself, with no hesitation. He got up and strode across the office.

He rushed to the division head's office.

Knocking and turning the doorknob, he saw the division head, who had been busy with work since the morning.

"Division Head."

"Oh, Team Leader Im. I was just about to call you."

This was a terrifying statement for an employee, so Im Hyun-sung licked his lips.

"Yes? What's the matter?"

...Fortunately, it wasn't a big deal.

"That 'The Boy Who Became a Wolf,' the last trailer was a huge hit. I think we should push it harder. What do you think?"

It was a well-known film, especially to Im Hyun-sung, who was well-informed in the industry.

"It should be fine. It's Baek Seung-gi's first film in a long time, and the visuals are highly praised. Plus, the rumors I've heard... the music is insane. It's hard to fail, I think."

As expected, he spoke smoothly.

The division head nodded and moved his pen.

"Is that so? Then we should push the advertising and screens... Oh, and how was the set you visited yesterday? What was the title again?"

"Yoonchart."

"Oh, right, that one."

The division head, who had been leaning back, immediately looked through his schedule.

"Let's see. There are a few blockbusters set to release around Chuseok, including a Hollywood film. Hmm, it won't be easy, will it?"

"Yes, but blockbusters don't always do well as Chuseok films. Family-friendly films often perform better because they're less stressful to watch."

"That's true, but... What? It seems quite good?"

The division head, who had been scanning his schedule, looked up at Im Hyun-sung.

After a moment of thought, Im Hyun-sung answered honestly.

"It was even better than that."

"Really?"

"First, Director Park Dong-jin is a reliable director for music films. Song Eun-hye has been working with him, so they have good chemistry. The story and direction are solid. And the most important part, the music... "

Ha...

Feeling a small shiver, Im Hyun-sung said,

"This is really something to look forward to."

#

The OST for 'The Boy Who Became a Wolf' is completely out of my hands.

And there are no more 'Yoonchart' shoots planned for a while.

It's been quite a while.

To feel this relaxed.

"Ah, it's over!"

Seeing Kang Jun-seo, who looked relieved as if he had completed a great task, I smiled.

"Shouldn't I be the one saying that?"

"That's what you say when it's normal. But you're at the highest level of difficulty, so I can say it too. I really worked hard. Praise me. I'm the best."

Seeing Kang Jun-seo pat his own head, I burst out laughing.

After a while, Kang Jun-seo put his violin in the case and stood up. I also stood up and gathered my bag, which made his expression change.

"Where are you going?"

"To meet friends."

"You...?"

What can I say? Seeing his disbelieving face, I felt like I had said something