Chapter 7

Former Internet Celebrity Becomes Top Star - Chapter 7 (7/110)

7

"Are you going to buy clothes?"

The manager asked, puzzled.

"Yes. I looked, and all the clothes are weird, so there's nothing I can wear."

Rowoon nodded, recalling the clothes piled up to the brim in the dressing room.

'I can't go out wearing those. For my social dignity...'

Though they were all expensive brand clothes, the problem was that they were too over-the-top.

The absurdity was so lacking in taste that it was hard to find any sense in it.

It was just the extravagance of a nouveau riche who bought everything expensive without discernment.

Moreover,

'How could every single outfit be so mismatched? It's really amazing.'

He couldn't even guess how he managed to wear such expensive trash.

How low his aesthetic sense must have been.

Even the main character, who didn't seem to notice the absurdity, posted such photos on SNS!

'And then he fought with... his fans.'

It was truly shocking.

An actor who lived on the love of the public getting angry because someone pointed out his poor fashion sense!

Of course, not everything the public says is right.

But in this case, the fans were right and justified.

The problem was that the former owner pulled a lot of attention by saying things like, 'Do you know how much these clothes cost?', 'I won't talk to someone who doesn't know luxury brands', 'If you're annoyed, buy and wear them yourself', and so on.

Even though the main character, who was used to being criticized, had only a handful of very precious and valuable fans left!

'...Should I delete it?'

Rowoon's account still had many followers.

Most of them were negative, but still.

'Right. I'll delete my SNS first.'

Rowoon calmly organized his plan.

For the future, it's best to erase such unnecessary black history.

'...But it might be better to keep the account? It's a bit of a waste to delete it with so many followers...'

He couldn't bring himself to delete the account with five million followers.

Rowoon tried to rationalize it to himself.

Meanwhile, the manager covered her mouth with both hands, eyes wide.

"Memory loss is really the best..."

Rowoon, who never listened when she told him to throw away those awful clothes, was now calling them 'weird clothes'!

She felt a bit guilty, thinking it was fortunate that he was injured.

"Brother, I'll move the car first, so come out slowly!"

The manager hurried out of the house, afraid that Rowoon might change his mind.

Wishing that his memory wouldn't return.

* * *

The shopping was short.

So short that the manager was bewildered.

"Really, this is all you need? Really?"

"Yes, really."

It was the umpteenth time she asked and confirmed.

Ever since Rowoon refused the tour of the department store and luxury boutiques.

'Somehow, I thought it would be like this, so I wanted to come alone.'

Unfortunately, he had no money.

Selling his possessions would take time.

So he cautiously brought up the topic of an advance with the manager.

-Advance? Why an advance all of a sudden? What do you need an advance for...? What, you're buying clothes? You're getting an advance to buy clothes? No, then just come with me! Let's go quickly!

And he ended up going with her.

'Strange. Do other agencies handle such things as expenses?'

In his previous life, after the problems started, almost all support was cut off, and even stage costumes were often homemade.

As a result, Rowoon found this situation very unfamiliar.

But he wasn't in a bad mood.

Just saying he wanted to buy clothes, and the manager came along.

Even the manager encouraged him to buy better things!

"But, Rowoon. Are you really okay with this? They're not even branded clothes..."

"Why not?"

"You used to be the type who would get hives all over if it wasn't luxury... something about the fabric being different or something?"

Isn't fabric pretty much the same?

"Anyway, it feels like you've become a completely different person."

"Hmm..."

The manager also seemed a bit off.

It was natural to be suspicious since his taste had completely changed.

'But the previous taste was really trash.'

Rowoon maintained his composure, almost revealing his true identity.

If all else fails, he could use the memory loss excuse.

'Maybe I should sell some medicine just in case.'

Rowoon put on a serious expression.

"Actually, there was a reason to avoid the places you recommended."

"Reason? What kind of reason?"

"I needed an outfit for an audition."

"If that's the case, wouldn't your clothes be better? They might be a bit weird in pattern and color, but they're more luxurious. Or we could ask our company's stylist."

"No. Dressing like that won't help. I need to change clearly."

It was a thought that came from the youngest member.

'According to the synopsis, I absolutely can't go for a flashy look.'

Rowoon decided to overhaul everything.

"How about it, brother? Does it look good?"

His previously bright, bleached hair, which made him look frivolous, was now dark and calm.

His unruly curls were straightened, giving off a smooth, glossy shine.

After dragging the manager into the shop, these changes occurred.

"It's... good. It looks good and suits you. You have a good face, so anything looks good. But... isn't it too ordinary? You said you're preparing for an audition."

"Do I look ordinary?"

The manager, who was about to say yes, hesitated.

A completely ordinary outfit and hairstyle.

But his pale face contrasted with his dark hair, making it stand out more.

Perhaps because of this, his large, delicate features looked even more striking.

His inherent good looks, which were previously hidden by all the peacock feathers, were now more prominent.

'No, what is this? He just lost his memory, but he looks like a completely different person.'

While the previous Rowoon was like a flashy peacock.

Now, even with ordinary clothes and hairstyle, he was more eye-catching.

It was hard to describe.

There was something that kept drawing his gaze.

"...It's not ordinary, but it's not as eye-catching as before."

Ironically, his charm was more prominent now than when he looked frivolous.

But for an audition, you need to stand out.

Only a few people among many can get the role.

And the judges, being human, have limited attention and focus.

At the beginning, they might scrutinize each applicant carefully.

But after a while?

'Only the most eye-catching people will be remembered.'

So the manager's concern wasn't wrong.

Just like in Rowoon's past, to get a chance to say something, you need to do something to attract attention.

Whether it's an overwhelming performance or a striking visual impact.

"It's fine. This is just right."

Rowoon understood the manager's worry.

But he had already made up his mind.

"Don't worry."

Rowoon's lips curved into a smooth smile.

* * *

Kairo.

A film that means "returning home."

'A story that shines a light on those who wander in search of their dreams.'

To summarize Kairo's plot simply:

The protagonist, who nurtures the dream of becoming a writer despite difficult living conditions.

However, he faces the cold reality of society.

He tries hard not to give up on his dream, but after experiencing various events, he eventually becomes disillusioned and breaks his pen.

One day, the protagonist recalls his forgotten dream.

Picking up his pen again, he achieves his dream at a later age.

'In a way, it's also a healing story.'

In a harsh era.

For the weary young people living in that world.

Kairo comforts and consoles such young people through the protagonist's journey.

'...But is that all it is?'

The director, who had been effectively blacklisted from the industry due to a scandal.

And his comeback film is a healing story?

Especially when no one is waiting for his return?

'He was also known for provocative stories.'

Despite the precarious situation with funding and distribution, and the risk of the production being canceled.

Why is he insisting on holding a public audition?

Moreover,

While it seems like a healing story overall...

The adversities and hardships the protagonist of Kairo faces don't seem ordinary.

Although the completed script hasn't been released yet, Rowoon had a different feeling.

'It's not just a healing story.'

For now, it's just a hunch.

He had doubts while reading the synopsis multiple times, but confirming it is still a distant goal.

'Once the proper script is released, I'll know for sure.'

If the film is produced successfully, he can confirm.

Whether it's just a hunch.

Or if he has correctly picked up on subtle hints.

To do that...

As Rowoon lay down on the bed, Cheonghwa asked,

"Yes."

Recalling the entity that had been helping him since the day before, Rowoon smiled.

"Time is tight, so I have to work hard on everything."

This was how Rowoon and the entity first met.

Only three days were left until the audition.

The problem was that he had never acted before.

"Brother, can I get a short lesson?"

At first, he tried to find someone to help.

But,

"Who? Iroon? What is that idiot doing? Acting? It sounds like a scam."

"Oh my, why are you calling someone who's washed up?"

"He can't act properly, so tell him not to waste his money."

Hearing the responses, Rowoon thought,

'What kind of people are these?'