Chapter 115

“For the time being, I have a bit of a busy schedule, so I might not be able to visit as often.”

Now fully familiar with the full tracking equipment. The 3D character displayed on the other monitor—these were things Jiyeon had grown accustomed to. Initially, it started as a birthday gift for Seoyeon, but now it had become both a hobby and a job she genuinely enjoyed.

-[I don’t know what’s going on, but hang in there!! ₩100,000]

“…”

Jiyeon gave a hollow laugh at the super chat message sent without acknowledgment. She recognized the sender well.

‘Why are you sending money?’

Jiyeon sighed, pondering how to return the money. Was the sender continuing to send it because they expected her to return it?

But then again, maybe not… Initially, it seemed like a joke, but it appeared to be genuine now.

‘Sometimes, I don’t know what to think.’

Seoyeon, as a Vtuber, had some unexpected sincere aspects. For instance, despite clearly knowing that Jiyeon was Ramiel, the sender kept it under wraps.

However, while they didn’t make it obvious, there were moments when it wasn’t concealed entirely. Such as subtle glances sent during collaborations with her sister ‘Erchebet the Wizard,’ who had helped when Jiyeon started Vtubing.

It was amusing, so Jiyeon occasionally teased about it but didn’t plan to do it often.

“The number of regular viewers is now over 1,000.”

It was not just going smoothly but growing at an incredibly rapid pace. Other Vtubers were acquainted through her sister, though they didn’t know Jiyeon’s true identity.

Jiyeon worried what they might think if they knew she was an actress.

‘Surprisingly, this suits me.’

Jiyeon enjoys planning or trying new content. If she hadn’t been an actress, she might have turned Vtubing into her full-time job.

‘If I hadn’t met Seoyeon.’

That thought came to her. If she hadn’t met Seoyeon, Jiyeon would probably still have been at Eunha Entertainment. Considering how Eunha ended, that would have been unfortunate. Would she have continued acting?

Truthfully, probably not. Although Jiyeon had a strong sense of pride as an actress, her initial motivation stemmed from her mother’s encouragement. Honestly, she didn’t start with strong drive or intention.

That changed after meeting Seoyeon.

‘Sometimes I have these thoughts.’

Seoyeon sometimes acted as if she knew the future. Regarding the movies and ads Jiyeon was considering, Seoyeon occasionally gave subtle advice on what was good or not. It wasn’t just coincidence—it happened too frequently.

‘…Have I been watching too many comics recently?’

Jiyeon chuckled. Her recent comic study might be fueling these thoughts.

‘But…’

Jiyeon shook her head as a fleeting thought came to her. Right now, auditions were more important. What Seohui casually offered was a significant opportunity for Jiyeon.

Director Baek Min’s movies—few actors expected them to be blockbusters due to their highly artistic nature, which sometimes led to unpredictable success or failure, making the production side reluctant. Still, his loyal fan base ensured a steady demand.

‘Plus, the director has more recognition overseas than domestically.’

Some actors surely joined hoping to leverage that. Although their numbers might be small, their quality wouldn’t suffer.

It wasn’t even clear yet what role was being cast. Lead or supporting?

Seohui didn’t specify, but it was unlikely to be a minor role, most probably the female lead. If a role went to Seoyeon, it would likely be something significant.

‘First co-starring role with Sooyeon Joo.’

Jiyeon wasn’t sure how Seoyeon felt about it, but to her, it held great significance. Seoyeon had always seemed out of reach, no matter the decade-long gap. Jiyeon believed that once Seoyeon returned to this industry, she’d shine.

It was true. Seoyeon was rapidly rising and already ahead of Jiyeon.

In the past, Jiyeon may not have cared. “Sometimes, I just want to slap you.”

In response…

– [Ramiel’s smile is too cute ₩100,000]

– [Puuu ㅠㅠㅠ ₩100,000]

– [Fire ₩100,000]

– [Ice ₩100,000]

– [Ting ₩100,000]

– [!!!! ₩100,000]

– Shit! Enough already!

– Speak properly, b*tch!

– Ban this b*tch?

– Can’t ban a big spender!😂

“…”

Jiyeon muted Seoyeon as the continuous super chats came in one after another.

***

Cheonghong Action School.

Professor Kim Hongbaek scratched his head while looking over the list of newcomers interested in receiving his training. Recently, many actors who previously showed no interest in action were signing up.

Well-known management agencies even approached him directly to ask if he could train some rather famous actors.

“Is this due to GH Group’s plans?”

“There’s talk of an upcoming action movie, though it may also become a reality TV show.”

A large-scale action actor survival audition. Since this kind of event was unprecedented, interest in the audition itself was high, more than in the movie.

Difficult for terrestrial channels, but with web releases, it could reach cable networks if successful.

The tagline: a fierce battle among action actors competing for the movie’s leading role.

“Word has it that every young actor who feels confident in action has applied.”

Indeed. The concept alone was intriguing. GH Group wanted Kim Hongbaek to appear in the show himself.

He was, after all, South Korea’s top martial arts director — appearing in such programs was almost a given.

Still.

“…Is Miss Seoyeon planning to participate?”

“I doubt that.”

Professor Kim Hongbaek and his long-time associate Professor Seong Hocheol remained silent for a while. They thought of the actress who excitedly visited him every week.

At first, she seemed a bit awkward, but now, she freely moved through the Cheonghong Action School. Other aspirants no longer dared to say anything to her.

Especially since those picked by Seoyeon to “help” with her practice often ended up needing to make a hospital appointment as well.

“Hmm, should be fine.” “Probably won’t cause issues now. …Probably.”

Initially, Seoyeon was like a runaway train, but with her current level of practice, everything would be fine.

Beyond her physical talents…

‘Her acting has far surpassed her previous self.’

Action acting.

When filming *The Chaser,* she had been somewhat awkward, but now, she was different. Professor Kim saw the actress in Seoyeon.

Handling her gaze.

Calm and measured action without overdoing it.

Not relying solely on physical ability, every movement was diverse and unpredictable.

Seoyeon now seemed like an entirely different person compared to her past self.

“So, even if she doesn’t come anymore…”

“Seems like she’s bored.”

“….”

Professor Kim knew to some extent. Seoyeon came to the school to relieve stress — not job-related, but because she wanted to really use her body.

Even with closed eyes, Kim knew Seoyeon always compensated for what she broke.

Thanks to this, although equipment at the school was often wrecked and had to be replaced, it was also continually upgraded.

“Guess we need more sandbags…”

The cheapest way to restrain Seoyeon.

Professor Kim muttered, though he could never tell her to stop coming.

***

GH Group’s new survival show.

The provisional title was *Hyper Action.*

Young action actors duking it out purely by skill for the movie’s leading role. The competition would be split into male and female divisions.

It made sense given the lead character designation as the “female lead,” though the exact plot details were undisclosed.

Preproduction meeting to familiarize actors ahead of filming.

“GH’s up to something interesting.”

A lazy-looking actor muttered under her breath. Such pre-screening meetings were uncommon.

But others familiar with her gulped.

“Min Do-ha.”

She gained recognition from her role in a previous action movie. Although the movie itself didn’t perform well, her action skills were praised, having attracted over four million viewers purely through the action scenes.

“Perhaps this is to boost everyone’s enthusiasm by knowing the competition.”

A calm-voiced actress guessed, drawing a reaction from Min Do-ha.

This woman also stood out among the candidates. The previous “disaster-escape” drama showcased her athletic prowess.

“Even handled most stunts on her own.”

Courage mattered in action roles. Fear of injury was natural.

Han So-yoo had that courage in spades, delivering audacious, thrilling scenes, despite the program’s cable status, achieving decent ratings. She was one of XN Entertainment’s rising prospects.

The room sat in tense silence around a table.

Another female figure appeared.

“!!”

Some actors were surprised. This was an unexpected visitor, as Jo Seo-hui hadn’t acted in action movies yet.

The room buzzed since Seo-hui’s star was brighter than anyone else there.

This was an actress who didn’t need auditions, as she had a choice among scripts.

“Maybe… this is her new challenge in action.”

“A great time to showcase her true skills.”

As the actors thought, Seo-hui swept the room with her sharp gaze. Her piercing look caused other actors to draw back automatically, and she took a seat without hesitation.

Min Do-ha smirked, recognizing the move.

“Trying to suppress them early. This is interesting.”

Seo-hui’s sharp gaze said, “We’re not on the same level.” She exuded an aggressive aura rare for her age.

However, contrary to what these actors thought,

“Joo So-yeon isn’t here yet.”

Seo-hui was simply checking for So-yeon’s presence and possibly aiming to sit next to her by arriving late.

She frowned slightly, sensing the tension around her.

Finally, as the room filled, the last empty seats were next to Jo Seohui.

Creak.

The door opened, and a young woman entered, with sleek black hair, slim build, and an unusually striking crimson gaze.

Joo So-yeon.

The room’s attention shifted.

This new rival’s arrival was unexpected.

‘Her action scenes in *The Chaser.*’

‘And the recent reality show…’

They assumed the action scenes in *The Chaser* or the escape scenes, where she wore a raincoat, had featured stunt doubles.

But even if so, her overall action acting was good. Plus, her athletic abilities were clear from *Dream Future*.

‘Just how much of her reality show performances were exaggerated…?’

The reality show segments were too ridiculous, making it hard to tell if they were over-edited or genuine.

Still, her looks and charisma were undeniable. This young rising star naturally caused tension.

“?”

Perceiving the reactions, So-yeon tilted her head confusedly, finding her seat next to Seohui the only option among the available spots. Thinking it was better to sit next to someone she knew, she did so. Jo Seohui engaged her in conversation.

“You’re late.”

“I came right after school ended.”

Because everyone was silent, everyone could hear her response. Seohui clearly didn’t care. She thrived being the center of attention. Also…

“…Isn’t your school Yeonhwa High School?”

Upon this revelation, other actors froze, finally understanding her tardiness.

‘Impressive start.’

Indeed, Yeonhwa High was five stops away. Her running there highlighted her physical prowess.

“?!”

So-yeon was unaware of their thoughts, as she had only rushed there due to traffic concerns.

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