Chapter 38
-“It started with just a few customers, but now it seems the word has spread. More and more people are showing up.”
“There will be even more from now on.”
Before the drama aired, Min Taehoon, who composed the OST, mentioned he would stop by my mother’s store.
If news broke out that Min Taehoon, often called the prince of ballads, visited, even my mother might become famous.
-“I’m already overwhelmed as it is. Really?”
Her voice was excited and full of energy. A shopkeeper saying they don’t want to earn more money is never sincere.
“Yes, so you need to take good care of your health, Mother. By the way, I suppose this means you can’t close the shop for a day and come up to Seoul?”
-“Why? What’s going on? Do I need to go to Seoul? Or wait, do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.”
Doyun cut her off firmly, preventing any expectations from building.
-“Then what is it?”
“The live broadcast rights for Music Campfire have come through. I wondered if you and Dohee could come and watch. But because of the store…”
-“Why not? I can just close the store for a day. When is it?”
Her willingness to close the shop and come to Seoul immediately made Doyun laugh.
Dohee had a knack for singing and dancing, so he often wondered where she got her talent and enthusiasm.
But after seeing his mother enjoy the dance event led by Seo Dongjin in Jeongdongjin, he realized something.
‘My mother has always had that spark and passion.’
Life’s heavy responsibilities had made her live as just “Mom.”
“They said the shoot would be sometime next week. But what about Dohee’s school?”
-“Dohee is doing well in her studies. Missing one day won’t hurt.”
“Alright. I’ll confirm the schedule and let you know.”
-“Okay. Thanks. Having such a big gift on my son’s birthday makes me so happy.”
“Okay, then…”
After hanging up, Doyun chuckled to himself.
“She seems even happier than when I gave her two million won.”
***
[The North Pacific high-pressure system is developing….]
Eun Jihoon’s future news appeared midair, accompanied by an anchor’s voice.
“Change channel.”
[A new channel can be selected once a day without conditions. Additional channel changes are available when Eun Jihoon’s success satisfaction reaches 70%.
When satisfaction exceeds 80%, you can view the news for a specific date.
Channel options: Entertainment News, Economic News, Weather Forecast, Social News, Cultural News, Political News.
*If Eun Jihoon faces despair, failure, or gives up, the ‘Eun Jihoon Route’ will close.]
The guide text scrolled down, followed by a voice prompt.
“Would you like to change the channel?”
“Okay.”
“Please select a channel.”
Given the ongoing Music Campfire production and the situation with Jin Gunwoo, it was essential to stay informed about the entertainment industry.
While Eun Jihoon’s success satisfaction was not yet at 80%, preventing access to specific date news, future news was still valuable. Knowing something was better than being clueless.
“Entertainment News.”
[Today’s Entertainment Hot Picks!]
The tone brightened, and upbeat background music played.
[Choi Eunah, who left a strong impression with ‘Fire Butterfly,’ has officially announced her retirement with her marriage. Her agency, The Spectrum, stated that she had been cautiously dating a non-celebrity businessman…]
“Non-celebrity, my foot. He’s a chaebol’s son.”
Choi Eunah was likely dating a chaebol heir and would announce her marriage as soon as her drama ended.
The news wasn’t particularly useful.
“Or is it?”
The Spectrum was Jin Gunwoo’s agency. This being Eun Jihoon’s future news could mean that The Spectrum might eventually connect with him.
Just then, his phone vibrated. The number was unfamiliar.
“This is Kim Doyun speaking.”
“Hello, Producer Kim. This is Yoon Jungho from The Spectrum.”
The Spectrum!
It was Jin Gunwoo’s agency and also represented Jo Soojin, who played Jeon Sera’s mother in the drama.
“Hello, Director Yoon. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling regarding the ‘A Summer’s Cantabile’ lineup article.”
It seemed Jeong Woon-Young had pushed the reporters hard to publish that lineup article.
“Yes, please go on.”
“Regarding Eun Jihoon, who is playing Seo Dongjin’s younger counterpart—does he currently have an agency?”
“Does it matter if he does?”
“Even if he is contracted with an agency, I’d like to meet him. Could you provide his contact information?”
Promising to pay the penalty fees to the agency was essentially the same as saying they were utterly captivated by Eun Jihoon. Honestly, it was baffling.
All they did was distribute Eun Jihoon’s profile picture to the reporters when the lineup was revealed.
Having never seen Eun Jihoon act before, it was hard to interpret the situation.
“I’ll inform Eun Jihoon of what you’ve said, Director Yoon.”
“Please do. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled. Joining The Spectrum would pave the way for him to become a top star like Jin Gunwoo. I’ll be waiting for your response.”
Yoon Jungho ended the call, his voice brimming with confidence.
“Judging by Jin Gunwoo’s depression, their actor management doesn’t seem to be doing so well.”
_
That evening, Doyun headed to Ilwon-dong to meet Seo Dongjin.
Seo Dongjin had bought a spacious first-floor villa, remodeled it, and decorated it quaintly to live in.
“Welcome, Producer. Jihoon is here too.”
Seo Dongjin, seemingly in the middle of acting practice, was dressed head-to-toe in denim. The script he held was tattered from repeated use.
Seeing his dedication and immersion in the work, Doyun felt there was nothing more to ask for.
“Thank you for helping Jihoon practice his acting. It must be quite a task.”
“Not really. I’m just helping him get the tone right. Jihoon’s already so good that there’s nothing for me to teach.”
Right after speaking, Seo Dongjin’s expression turned into a mock complaint.
“Still, if you knew Jihoon beforehand, you should’ve told me earlier.”
Anticipating this eventual remark, Doyun shrugged.
“If I had introduced Jihoon to you, you wouldn’t have invited him to your home to teach him like this.”
“Well, true. But how long have you known Jihoon?”
For over 20 years—though it might’ve been even longer. Doyun smiled as he replied.
“…It’s been a while.”
“Good thing I didn’t treat Jihoon poorly, or I would’ve been in trouble.”
At Seo Dongjin’s words, Doyun shook his head to indicate otherwise.
“You’re important to me too, Mr. Seo Dongjin.”
“That’s a nice thing to hear.”
“Ah, you’re here.”
Eun Jihoon came bounding over.
It seemed Seo Dongjin had lent him his denim jacket and jeans because Eun Jihoon was also dressed entirely in denim.
“So, how do you feel about your own acting?”
“…It’s a little less scary now.”
“It should still scare you. Not to the point of intimidation, though.”
The statement wasn’t something Doyun came up with himself. It was from a legendary actor who said during an awards ceremony that standing before the camera was always terrifying, but striving to overcome those fears pushed him to give his best.
Doyun took a revised script from his backpack and handed it to Seo Dongjin and Eun Jihoon.
“This is the final version, edited by Writer Han Jiseon to match your tone and image, Mr. Seo.”
“It’s finally starting.”
Seo Dongjin took a deep breath, looking genuinely moved.
“The production presentation will be in two days, followed by the script reading on the third day. That evening, we’ll head to Jeongdongjin for the first shoot.”
Doyun distributed the schedule to Seo Dongjin and Eun Jihoon.
“Their managers will receive the schedule as well, but I wanted to hand it to you directly.”
“As always, your sense of responsibility is impeccable.”
Shifting his seat, Doyun continued talking with Seo Dongjin.
“By the way, did the agency ask if you could ride a motorcycle?”
“Oh, so you knew? I can ride pretty well, and they asked me about it… Haha. I used to do delivery jobs.”
Watching him scratch the back of his head, Doyun spoke firmly.
“Please don’t ride a motorcycle in the drama. It’s a cheap trick to create competition between you and Jin Gunwoo to boost viewership.”
Doyun had seen countless instances where staff were overworked, and actors put in danger because of reckless stunts. The outcomes were rarely favorable.
“You’re a very charming actor, Mr. Seo Dongjin. There’s no need for any competition with Jin Gunwoo.”
“Wow, you think of me on the same level as Jin Gunwoo?”
At that, Doyun chuckled.
“Just don’t let my rosy view of you fade. Can you do that?”
“…Yes!”
Seo Dongjin answered emphatically, then scurried off before returning with a shopping bag.
“It’s nothing much… I prepared it in a hurry.”
Looking bashful, he handed the bag to Doyun. Inside was a denim jacket identical to what Seo Dongjin was wearing.
“What’s this?”
“It’s for birthday.”
“Birthday?”
It felt odd to be told that. Seo Dongjin must’ve thought so too because he quickly corrected himself.
“Sorry, I mean, it’s your birthday, right? Haha. Jihoon told me.”
Carrying a tray of drinks, Eun Jihoon approached, looking sheepish when he caught Doyun’s gaze. It seemed like the topic of Doyun’s birthday had come up unintentionally.
“I’ll accept it. Your birthday isn’t far off either, Mr. Seo Dongjin. I’ll make sure to prepare something for you then.”
“You know my birthday?”
Looking both flattered and puzzled, Seo Dongjin widened his eyes.
“…I had to book tickets for the shoot in Jeju. Episode six includes a shoot there.”
Though Writer Han Jiseon hadn’t yet written episode six, Doyun already knew its content and had booked the tickets in advance.
“Oh, I see. Would you try it on? I eyeballed the size, so if it doesn’t fit, I’ll need to exchange it.”
“It looks like it’ll fit…”
“Oh, just try it on.”
At Seo Dongjin’s insistence, Doyun reluctantly slid his arms into the jacket.
The three denim-clad men stood awkwardly before a mirror.
“…Looks like we’re ready to brawl or something.”
“What? Pfft, really?”
Messing around, Doyun struck some playful poses before tugging at the white patch sewn onto the jacket’s elbow.
“Isn’t this distressed style supposed to be trendy now? But it feels like it might tear if I pull too hard.”
Rip—. With just a gentle tug, the patch tore off.
Eun Jihoon’s eyes widened in alarm as he glanced at Seo Dongjin.
Equally flustered, Doyun stood frozen, realizing he’d just ruined a gifted jacket.
“Ah, damn…”
“…You didn’t like it, did you?”
Looking visibly hurt, Seo Dongjin blurted out in a clipped tone.
—
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