Chapter 5

Villain Only Acting 005

Wouldn't Go That Far (2)

PD Song Jung-woo unexpectedly found that Jeong Se-hoon had business with him. His expression was slightly flushed, indicating he had rushed over in a hurry.

"Do you know how long I've been looking for you? Ah, the expression acting I saw back then was so impressive, it wouldn't leave my mind. Haha."

Song Jung-woo continued talking non-stop.

"I heard you came for the audition, but you didn't show up at all, which was quite a dilemma. I had loudly proclaimed to the writer that I had found the perfect actor, but when you didn't show up, I was completely flabbergasted. Did you have some urgent business?"

"Oh, PD! Is that really true? Our Se-hoon was that perfect?"

"I had no idea you knew our youngest director. Hehe, the world is so small. But what's your relationship?"

"He's my younger brother."

"Ah, I see. When I saw the two of you, I thought the family resemblance was undeniable, especially with the way you both have that actor vibe."

"......But you used to say he was terrible in front of the camera."

"No, that's not what I meant. Cough, cough."

Song Jung-woo cleared his throat and asked in a calmer voice.

"So, what's your younger brother's name? Oh, I'm Song Jung-woo, the director. I directed 'Prince Sky,' 'Winter Villa,' and 'Faded Lake.'"

"Ah, yes. Jeong Se-hoon."

"......?"

"PD, my brother doesn't watch dramas or movies at all...... Oh! I must be crazy! Even if he doesn't watch them, I should have lied and said he's a drama enthusiast...... Oops, I'm sorry."

"Well, if he doesn't watch dramas or movies, it's understandable."

The works Song Jung-woo listed were his major hits, leaving a significant mark in the history of Korean dramas. He had secretly assumed that as an actor, Jeong Se-hoon would naturally know all of them.

Worried about how to calm him down if he reacted too strongly, he now felt incredibly foolish.

'But he doesn't watch dramas or movies at all?'

Then what was that acting he saw back then?

Song Jung-woo calmly examined Jeong Se-hoon's face.

First, the mask was good. Even without a camera, he could vividly picture how it would look on screen.

However, the fierce and wild nature he had seen before was completely absent.

He was the epitome of a well-behaved young gentleman.

'His emotional immersion is so good that it can overcome the preconceived visual image......'

He wanted to see him properly.

Not with the naked eye, but through a camera monitor.

"Do you have a moment? I'd like to see you act once."

"I'm sorry, but I gave up at the end because I didn't think I would pass."

"Didn't think you would pass? Who said that?"

Why he didn't show up for the audition was no longer important.

"It's just that my sister, who has severe 'entertainment disease,' told me to stop......"

"Really? Did Suyeon say that?"

"Hey! When did I ever!"

In fact, these were the words Jeong Se-hoon had said to Jeong Suyeon.

"Short, unattractive, and no acting skills. If you get a few advances from some ugly guys and start feeling smug, you're already on the brink of severe 'entertainment disease' and need to quit and get treatment immediately......"

"You little brat! Where are you slandering me! That's all what you said!"

"......Haha, the two of you have a great relationship."

"I'll go in first. My part-time job is over."

"......Part-time job?"

Usually, one would get up to leave because of a part-time job, but he was saying he would go in first because his part-time job was over?

"Oh, my brother sometimes helps me with physical tasks. He carries my bags and drives for me. I have a driving ban at home."

"Still, once......"

"It was nice meeting you. I'll go in first."

Jeong Se-hoon bowed politely and turned around without hesitation.

Song Jung-woo, watching his well-composed gait with a hint of regret, turned to Jeong Suyeon.

"Our youngest director has such a brother?"

"He's not a brother, he's a nemesis. Even in front of PD, you're still trying to save face. You'll probably try to get back at me with interest."

"Talk to your brother. Get him to do a camera test. Okay?"

"But is he really perfect for the role? Did you get that feeling right away?"

"Of course! I'm good at capturing those moments of inspiration. The moment I saw his expression acting, I knew he was exactly the character I imagined."

"But what role?"

"Private Lee Jin-wook."

"......Ah, Private Lee Jin-wook."

Jeong Suyeon's expression slightly deflated, but Song Jung-woo, lost in his own imagination, didn't notice.

"This is a supporting role in the first episode, but the character is so good that if he acts well, he can make a strong impression and even steal the scene......"

***

"Hey."

"What."

"Absolutely don't do it."

"What?"

"That drama audition."

"Why?"

"Why? Why do you want to? Did you suddenly get 'entertainment disease'?"

"I wasn't planning to do it, but now that you told me not to, I want to."

Isn't this the most Jeong Se-hoon-like response?

Jeong Suyeon sighed deeply.

"I thought it was a big deal and assumed it was a major supporting role. But it's just a one-episode role, almost like an extra."

"You couldn't even get such roles and always got rejected."

"I'm seriously trying to deflate your ego, so show some respect and call me 'sister.'"

"I've never had any ego to deflate."

Jeong Suyeon, scratching her head in frustration, continued.

"Those street casting success stories are all old news. Unless the director is really into you and casts you as a lead, you might get carried away by PD Song's flattery."

"I have no intention of doing it."

"I know, but getting carried away is really scary. I was out of it for a long time after getting a big head."

"I know. I saw it happen."

"It's true!"

Slightly irritated, Jeong Suyeon ran her hand through her hair.

"PD Song is a master of flattery. He can charm anyone. It's no big deal for him to lure young actors like you. Listening to him, you might think he's making tofu from soybeans."

"He is making tofu from soybeans."

"See? You couldn't resist and got charmed. I can't live, really."

The 'soldier' persona Jeong Se-hoon was trying to maintain almost slipped.

"If he contacts you, absolutely say no. If he suggests meeting, put up a solid wall. You're good at that, right? Oh, maybe you're not because you've never done it with a guy. Anyway, be thorough."

"Why would he contact me?"

"Sorry. I gave him your number."

"Why did you give him my number? And then tell me not to do it?"

"Since the person who holds my livelihood thinks your brother has potential, I gave him your number to talk a bit. Would you have refused?"

"......"

"If a big company manager offers a good intern position to your brother and asks to talk, would you say, 'My brother doesn't do internships'?"

"Fine, give it to me."

Jeong Se-hoon held out his palm, and Jeong Suyeon placed two 50,000 won bills on it.

"Reject PD Song's call and go to a club with this."

"For a pardon, this is too cheap. It barely covers transportation and entry fees."

"My salary is low, so I can't do much. At least don't end up like me. Don't even look at this industry or get involved."

"At least it's not a water ghost."

"I never intended to use you as a driver. How about this? If you talk to mom now......"

"Are you trying to crash the bumper again?"

"Hey! That was a mistake! I'm a good driver now!"

"Did you secretly take the car again?"

"......I'm hungry."

***

Jeong Se-hoon had no time to dwell on Song Jung-woo's words.

He was busy sorting through two overlapping memories and rehabilitating to adapt to his current life.

He still reacts sensitively to external stimuli, but he can now perfectly control his outward actions.

He still strongly avoids crowded places.

When surrounded by many people, he can hear their heartbeats thumping loudly in his ears.

-Hello, is this Jeong Se-hoon?

And the call from PD Song Jung-woo came.

Less than an hour after Jeong Suyeon's warning.

-This is PD Song Jung-woo. The station where your sister works. Remember?

"I've given up on acting. I don't have the talent."

Given that he had lied about practicing acting to avoid a sudden situation, this response felt natural.

-Oh, usually siblings can't see each other's strengths. Everyone is like that. A third party can be more objective, right? How about a camera test?

"I'm sorry."

-Just give me one day. I'll give you 2 million won for the interview, or travel expenses. Think of it as a one-day part-time job.

"......Do you usually go this far?"

-Not usually, no.