Chapter 84

After getting to know the girls, in order not to disturb their practice, Zhang Chengyuan encouraged them with a few more words, signed for each of them, and then led the two Jung sisters out. It was not long until lunchtime, so he simply let Jung Soo-yeon end her morning practice early. After all, Jung Soo-yeon had already practiced hard for so many years, and a short break would not make any difference. And ** Company was recently preparing to launch a new female singer group, so they did not strictly manage these young female trainees. Therefore, it was quite easy for Jung Soo-yeon to go out.

They found a Western restaurant, ordered steaks and other foods, and the three of them enjoyed a delicious meal. This was not because the food was particularly good, but because the three of them were in high spirits. During the meal, Zhang Chengyuan looked at Jung Soo-yeon and said, "I didn't expect you to have so many friends around your age now. Weren't you called 'Ice Mountain' before?"

Jung Soo-yeon grumbled不满地嘀咕道, "Aren't you the same as me?" At one time, Zhang Chengyuan was even colder than Jung Soo-yeon, making her feel a chill even when she saw him. However, after several years of struggling in the entertainment industry, Zhang Chengyuan became more smooth, and his inherent cold and proud demeanor was mostly reined in. However, there was no guarantee that he wouldn't revert to his old ways once he reached a certain status.

After Jung Soo-yeon vented her frustration, seeing that Zhang Chengyuan was still staring at her, waiting for her to respond, she obediently answered, "The company plans to launch a large male group and a large female group within two to three years, so they have gathered us, who are around the same age and either perform the best or have the most potential, to train together. As we spent more time together, our relationships naturally improved. There's nothing strange about that!"

Zhang Chengyuan said in disbelief, "Your company's decision-makers are really imaginative. A group of over ten people, will each of them only sing a few lines in the future?" After thinking for a moment, he continued, "You need to practice hard. If you don't want to be eliminated in the end, you'd better work even harder."

In Zhang Chengyuan's view, ** Company's plan was not only extremely risky but also required a significant investment. To reduce costs, the selection of debut members would be extremely strict, ensuring that each member of the group was an elite. Although Jung Soo-yeon was a veteran trainee, she could still be eliminated if she was not careful.

Jung Soo-yeon said solemnly, "I understand, I won't slack off." She thought to herself, "How could I give you a chance to look down on me?"

After lunch, Jung Soo-yeon returned to the company to continue practicing, while Zhang Chengyuan drove Xiao Shuijing home, helped her with her homework, played games with her, and stayed until she fell asleep at 9 PM before leaving the Jung family. When he left, he did not forget to say goodbye to Jung Soo-yeon's parents and Jung Soo-yeon, who had just returned home.

With the broadcast of the two episodes of "X-Man" that Zhang Chengyuan participated in, his popularity continued to rise, and he received many more job offers. In November, he became even busier, not only becoming a regular on various variety shows but also shooting cover photos for several well-known fashion magazines and even endorsing advertisements for two medium-sized enterprises. As for various large and small fashion shows and commercial performances, there were even more.

One day, while he was practicing hip-hop dance at the dance academy, he suddenly received a call from his agent and the company's representative, Park Byung-ryeol, asking him to go to the company for an important matter.

At the company, in Park Byung-ryeol's office, Zhang Chengyuan was surprised to find that the company's top-earning chief artist, Kim Tae-hee, was also present. After a moment of surprise, he immediately greeted her, "Sister Tae-hee, you're here too!"

Kim Tae-hee waved him over, had him sit next to her, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile, "I'm really happy to see you back on your feet these days."

Zhang Chengyuan smiled and said, "I should thank you for your help before!" When Zhang Chengyuan was just discharged from the military, his popularity had almost hit rock bottom. If it weren't for Kim Tae-hee shooting ads with him and agreeing to create a scandal, Zhang Chengyuan would have had a much harder time making a comeback.

Kim Tae-hee said, "Don't say thank you, I don't like to hear it. Just keep it in your heart. Who knows, maybe I'll need your help in the future!" When talking to Zhang Chengyuan, Kim Tae-hee was always very direct, unlike when she spoke to reporters, where every word had to be carefully considered.

Zhang Chengyuan suddenly picked up her delicate hand, lowered his head, and gently kissed it, then let go and said, "Sister Tae-hee, meeting you is truly the luck of my life." Apart from the four elder sisters like Lee Hyori, among the sisters he knew, Kim Tae-hee seemed to be the one who treated him the best. Therefore, this kiss was only out of gratitude and admiration, with no hint of disrespect.

Kim Tae-hee patted his head and said, "I don't know why, but every time I see you, I feel very close, as if I'm seeing my younger brother Kim Heng-soo. But you are more handsome, stronger, and more considerate in character."

Not only did Kim Tae-hee have this feeling, but all the people Zhang Chengyuan wanted to open up to and befriend, such as Ha Ji-won, Moon Geun-young, and Yoon Eun-hye, could easily and directly feel Zhang Chengyuan's most sincere emotions from his eyes and behavior. Thus, they naturally recognized and accepted him, treating him as a close friend they could confide in. Even if they hadn't been in touch for a long time, this bond would not fade away, as if it could grow stronger over time.

Zhang Chengyuan understood that this was a side effect of his powerful spirit. With this powerful tool, he had made many true friends, but he never felt it was immoral because he also put in his heart. Moreover, he would not use this trick unless he met someone with a truly good heart and whom he respected.

While Zhang Chengyuan and Kim Tae-hee were chatting happily, Park Byung-ryeol hurried in and said, "Sorry to keep you waiting, I had an emergency at home..." Although he was the boss of the company, Park Byung-ryeol never put on airs with Zhang Chengyuan, Kim Tae-hee, and others.

Before he could finish, Zhang Chengyuan immediately stopped him, "Representative, brother, you don't need to tell us about your family matters. We can't help you, and even if we wanted to, we'd only help your wife, since all our income is in her hands."

Park Byung-ryeol was an anomaly among Korean men, very loving and afraid of his wife. Perhaps because of this, his personality remained so gentle, and he was so kind to the artists and staff under him. In a way, Zhang Chengyuan and others should thank Park Byung-ryeol's wife.

Park Byung-ryeol coughed awkwardly a few times and then got to the point, "This morning, the company received two audition invitations for a SBS TV drama to be aired in late November, called 'Love in Harvard.' The content, as you can guess from the title, is about a love story. Here is the synopsis and the first few episodes of the script. Take them home and read them carefully, decide whether to accept them, and let me know your decision by noon tomorrow. Personally, I hope you will accept it! This is a TV drama that can take your careers to the next level! Of course, even if you want to accept it, you still have to pass the audition."

The contracts Zhang Chengyuan and Kim Tae-hee signed with the company were relatively loose, giving them the right to choose their own scripts, while the company only had the right to suggest. Therefore, Park Byung-ryeol could not force them to accept a TV drama they were not interested in.

Zhang Chengyuan asked, "What roles are they?"

Park Byung-ryeol slapped his forehead and said, "Oh! I almost forgot to mention that. They are the lead roles. With your current popularity, the company wouldn't let you play supporting roles."

Kim Tae-hee did not ask any more questions but opened the script and read it seriously. After just two pages, she said, "I really like this drama, and the character fits me well. I don't need to wait until tomorrow; I've decided to audition now." She paused and added, "Chengyuan, I think this drama suits you too. Why don't you audition as well?"

Zhang Chengyuan hadn't even opened the script, but hearing Kim Tae-hee say this, he said straightforwardly, "Sure, I've been dreaming of working with Sister Tae-hee in a drama. Representative, I don't need to think about it. Just tell me when to audition and what to pay attention to during the audition!"

Park Byung-ryeol said, "According to the information I have, the female lead is almost confirmed to be Tae-hee, so her audition is just a formality, but Tae-hee shouldn't be too careless."

Kim Tae-hee nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll prepare seriously." Her expression was calm and composed.

Park Byung-ryeol continued, "But Chengyuan has a tough time ahead because his opponent is the most popular TV star of the past two years, Kim Rae-won."

Kim Tae-hee frowned and said, "The Kim Rae-won who is called one of the 'Four Little Kings of TV' by industry insiders?" Hearing "Kim Rae-won," she couldn't help but worry for Zhang Chengyuan because this opponent was indeed not someone the current Zhang Chengyuan could match.

Before Zhang Chengyuan joined the military, Kim Rae-won was just starting to make a name for himself in the film and TV industry, and his popularity was far behind Zhang Chengyuan's at the time. But after two years, Kim Rae-won, with popular TV dramas like "Red Bean Love" and "Roof Top Cat," had become one of the hottest stars, winning awards such as the MBC Acting Grand Prize, the Most Popular Male Actor of the Year, the Andre Kim Star Award, and the Best New Actor at the 41st Grand Bell Awards.

Although Zhang Chengyuan's appearance was better and his acting skills were not inferior, in terms of popularity, TV audience appeal, and status in the entertainment industry, he was almost powerless. No wonder Park Byung-ryeol and Kim Tae-hee didn't have much confidence in him.

In fact, after Park Byung-ryeol introduced Kim Rae-won to him, Zhang Chengyuan himself didn't think he had a chance to win, unless Kim Rae-won gave up or got injured or sick. However, with Zhang Chengyuan's strong will, he wouldn't give up before even starting. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, he would do his best to seize it. Of course, if there was a better choice, he wouldn't stick to one option.

In the following days, Zhang Chengyuan stayed at home, fully immersed in studying the script, almost to the point of neglecting sleep and meals. If it weren't for Lee Hyori, who was free at the time and came to take care of him, he might have lost ten pounds.

Unfortunately, not all efforts are rewarded. A few days later, Park Byung-ryeol called Zhang Chengyuan and said regretfully, "Chengyuan, you don't need to prepare for the 'Love in Harvard' audition anymore. The male lead is already confirmed to be Kim Rae-won."

Zhang Chengyuan was stunned for a moment and finally sighed, "Forget it, I can't match him now!" After saying that, he fell into Lee Hyori's arms, and she comforted him by patting his head.

Park Byung-ryeol continued, "But don't be discouraged. I've found another TV drama audition for you, and it's also the lead role."

Zhang Chengyuan doubted, "Is there another formidable opponent? My brother, don't play with me. I haven't slept well for five or six days." He glanced at Lee Hyori and thought to himself, "I didn't even touch Sister Hyori even though she was right next to me!"

Park Byung-ryeol said, "This time, you can be reassured. Your opponent is not at the level of Kim Rae-won. His stage name is 'Jae-hee,' and he's not very famous. He's just been nominated for the Best New Actor at the Korean Blue Dragon Film Awards."

Zhang Chengyuan said somewhat angrily, "Is that all? The Blue Dragon Film Awards is one of the highest film awards in Korea. An actor who can win the Best New Actor award is not to be underestimated. I haven't even won a film new actor award yet!"

Park Byung-ryeol hurriedly said, "The Blue Dragon Film Awards will be held at the end of November. He's only been nominated so far, and he hasn't won yet. Therefore, his current popularity and fame are still lower than yours, and you have a good chance of winning! Chengyuan, believe in yourself, you're the best!"

Zhang Chengyuan calmed down, gathered his spirit, and said, "Brother Park, I was out of line just now. Don't worry, no matter what, I'll do my best to win, even if it's against a senior like Jang Dong-gun."

Although Park Byung-ryeol didn't think Zhang Chengyuan had a one in ten thousand chance of beating Jang Dong-gun, he was very happy to see Zhang Chengyuan's determination and enthusiastically agreed, "That's right, that's right! As an actor, you should have this kind of confidence!"