Chapter 152

‘There are kids I often see on late-night dramas too.’

Gently opening her eyes, Jiyeon first observed the people she saw.

Just like Jiyeon, these were actors who also appeared in late-night dramas.

It seemed they recognized Jiyeon as well, and a slight nod was noticeable from them.

It felt like bumping into someone occasionally here and there.

‘Of course, to them, I must seem like just another kid.’

Indeed, considering the age factor, that was true.

The characters in this *Gyeongseong Lady* are set to be in their late teens to early twenties.

Thus, in the story, the scenes aren’t particularly intense or overly dramatic.

What is crucial is developing a dense emotional line, and correspondingly, there was a necessity for a solid acting ability to support that.

Therefore, actors in their twenties were inevitably preferred.

The acting skills of teens tend to be unstable, and while twenties can also be tricky, they are better than teens.

‘After all, unless the setting is a school, audiences generally recognize actors to be in their twenties or older.’

Unless there’s something overwhelmingly compelling, like in the cases of Seohui Jo or Sooyeon Joo, the roles available to teenage actors are relatively few.

Likely, the same will apply to this audition.

Actors of the same age as their roles.

Such a factor isn’t really beneficial; rather, it might be closer to a penalty.

“Next, up to number 10 please.”

Jiyeon’s turn was almost the thirtieth, nearly the last one.

When she was younger, this waiting time was merely boring.

After becoming slightly more contemplative, it turned into a time of tension, but now it’s unclear.

‘Just like practice.’

The practice Jiyeon had done with Seohui Jo and Sooyeon. A lingering uncertainty about whether she could truly perform like back then.

That uneasy palpitation of Jiyeon’s heart was eating away at her, when—

‘Hmm?’

Jiyeon noticed a curious figure.

Oddly moving between the staff members, the person stood out.

Dressed in a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, an almost suspicious figure, yet no one was stopping them.

Rather, some of the audition staff were even greeting them warmly.

‘… Could it be?’

After briefly scanning the waiting area, Jiyeon paused for a moment.

Then the peculiar way they slipped away reminded her of someone.

‘…’

Though nothing was unusual, Jiyeon couldn’t help but feel a little disturbed. Despite being a staff member technically, she decided against paying too much attention.

Still,

‘Seems like I’ve relaxed a bit.’

Somewhere, Jiyeon could sense someone watching from hiding.

At least, Jiyeon herself was aware of it.

Though peculiar, it made her feel her nervous heart calming down.

***

Today was Jiyeon Lee’s audition.

Initially, Sooyeon Joo had no particular intention of coming here.

But this morning,

[You coming?]

A casual text from Seohui Jo, probably aiming to seize this opportunity to see Sooyeon more.

Despite this seemingly clear intention, Sooyeon just stared at the message.

[Your friend is doing a scene with me, you should come.]

While she was also implying that Sooyeon should watch her, definitively, Seohui Jo would be Jiyeon’s on-screen partner today.

Seohui Jo was definitely unique in her behavior, but her acting was something Sooyeon couldn’t deny.

From early childhood, they’d clashed, and Sooyeon had naturally found herself subconsciously aware of her skills.

Indeed, Seohui Jo’s acting was remarkably excellent—no, extraordinary was a more appropriate term.

Even during her child-actor days, Seohui Jo showcased remarkably stable performances. As she grew older, she added more intense emotions to her portrayals.

There were many similarities between her style and Sooyeon’s emotional imitations.

Seohui Jo wasn’t as much about method acting but rather faithfully reproducing what she had learned.

[The audition scene is a romance. It’ll be fun to watch, and you’re an insider, aren’t you?]

At Seohui’s words, Sooyeon narrowed her eyes.

Romance scene.

Of course. Sooyeon had helped Jiyeon practice not too long ago, but now, the thought of Jiyeon and Seohui having such a scene together felt oddly indescribable. After all, it was a romantic scene between her friend and her friend’s love interest.

This was probably why watching movies with people you know in them was difficult. At the same time, it sparked both curiosity and concern.

Could Jiyeon handle the performance well against Seohui Jo?

After briefly pondering, Sooyeon replied.

[I’ll come.]

So now.

Sooyeon was hiding in a corner of the audition room, quietly observing the proceedings. Their eyes met briefly as she entered, but she was sure Jiyeon hadn’t noticed her presence.

‘By the way.’

Sooyeon carefully observed the performances of the actors currently auditioning.

Outside, they might be unaware of what was happening inside, but—

‘This is somewhat terrifying.’

Seohui Jo, who was always so friendly with Sooyeon via text, was, in fact, giving off an impression akin to the archetype of a villainous young lady.

Even now, she carried a fan in the audition room.

Apparently, this Seohui Jo would be portraying the daughter of a wealthy household, fitting perfectly into the villainess role, to accentuate this image.

‘Director Baek Min was apparently planning to cast Jo Seohui from the start.’

Sooyeon could almost understand why.

It reminded Seohui Jo of Cha Sooah in the role she fit so naturally.

The role in the story, ‘Amanabi Michiko,’ is Japanese, and the story is set in the Japanese colonial period.

The script reveals that she, along with the protagonist, eventually moves to Japan after the ending.

And today’s audition is to select the lead character ‘Yeon Seonye.’

“…”

As she thought this far, Sooyeon suddenly realized a fact.

‘I’m playing the Japanese role?’

Incidentally, Sooyeon’s role would be Kasugayama Yuina. Realizing this anew, she pondered.

‘Japanese lines, there must be some.’

She hit a snag.

She could understand Japanese, certainly. After all, thanks to anime and games, she’d had plenty of exposure to Japanese.

However, speaking it was another matter.

For instance, pronunciation and such.

‘What should I do?’

Moreover, it seemed she was being asked to meet in Japan, for *Dream Future.*

She’d likely need proper lessons.

‘Let’s see.’

Sooyeon calmed herself. Anyway, there was time.

And she had someone in mind to ask for help.

Right now, Jiyeon’s audition was more important.

“Next.”

With a stern expression, Jo Seohui’s words prompted the actress who had just auditioned to step back with a disheartened look. Even seemingly tough actresses fell like chaff before Seohui’s single flick of the fan.

‘The audition scene is after Michiko develops a deep interest in Yeon Seonye.’

In other words, she’s harboring hidden feelings but isn’t yet aware of them, while Yeon Seonye hasn’t felt anything yet.

Purely as a noble lady.

Yeon Seonye becomes Michiko’s maid, intending to take her life.

However, contrary to her expectations, she’s gradually developing feelings toward Michiko.

She must turn her eyes away because she needs to kill her, but she’s drawn to Michiko’s beauty.

She feels compassion for Michiko’s situation.

And a sense of empathy for her solitary life.

This was the emotion Yeon Seonye should feel toward Michiko.

The scene being filmed now isn’t particularly complex in terms of dialogue but heavily relies on the emotional line.

Thus, it was the most suitable scene for the audition.

Tak!

“Next.”

Another actress fell to the flick of Jo Seohui’s fan. The actress exiting the room, head bowed, clearly knew how poorly her performance had been.

Her lines and body movements were lacking, and this was not solely her problem.

Most of the new actors at today’s audition were similar.

Even experienced actors get flustered, so why not new ones?

‘Even though I’m technically a newcomer too.’

Despite continuously appearing in works lately, Sooyeon was also a newcomer. Only her debut date, going back to her child acting days, made her seem exceptionally experienced.

“Now, we’re almost done. Please come in up to number 30.”

In contrast to the menacing Seohui Jo, Director Baek Min chuckled as he spoke.

Despite the apparent warmth of his words, the paper in front of him was densely filled with notes.

‘Now…’

And this time, number 30 was called, Jiyeon Lee’s number.

***

Seohui Jo observed the incoming actresses with a calm gaze.

Among them, four had experience, and one was a complete novice.

‘Jiyeon Lee.’

She could see Jiyeon standing amidst the others.

Firstly, Jiyeon looked like both a match and a mismatch for her role.

Her strong presence made her stand out, making her less suited for Yeon Seonye, which required a relatively gentle image.

Her acting tone was also strong.

Frankly speaking, it could be risky without proper handling.

‘If she doesn’t do a good job, she’ll fail.’

During their practice sessions, Seohui Jo had assisted Jiyeon a lot.

While she had given acting tips, she hadn’t hinted anything specific about this audition.

After all, giving her an edge over the others would’ve been improper.

Seohui Jo focused more on Jiyeon’s personal feedback rather than offering direction about the role of ‘Yeon Seonye’.

Anyway, since Sooyeon Joo was close friends with Jiyeon, Seohui Jo didn’t want to give her a negative impression, but if Jiyeon underperformed, she would have to be cut.

‘So please, do well.’

Seohui Jo could feel Sooyeon’s hidden gaze somewhere in the shadows.

There was no need to look far; Sooyeon was likely hiding nearby, peeking out from behind her face.

Though why she had come in disguise was unclear, Seohui Jo found it endearing, so it was fine.

“Let’s begin right away. Do you have your script?”

“I’ve memorized it all.”

“Great, let’s start.”

The confident response about memorizing the entire script from candidate #26 drew a nod from Seohui Jo.

However, within just five minutes—

“I think having the script with you would’ve been better this time.”

“…”

The candidate returned looking dejected.

She had stumbled over her lines in the middle, a significant reason for deductions.

In general, even during filming, rarely does a scene complete in one take, but other aspects, like physical performance, were lacking as well.

In short, to be considerate, the lines at least should not have been missed.

That was Seohui Jo’s assessment.

“Number 30.”

Finally, it was Jiyeon Lee’s turn.

Standing calmly before her gave off a better impression compared to the others.

Probably because Jiyeon was of the type who generally didn’t feel overly pressured.

“Let’s go. Do you have your script?”

“I’ve memorized it all.”

Naturally so.

Seohui Jo nodded.

She already knew Jiyeon had memorized the entire script.

And given how the script was distributed beforehand, memorizing was more likely anyway.

“Then let’s begin.”

After casting a glance at Director Baek Min, Seohui Jo turned back to Jiyeon.

She then smoothly opened her fan, partially concealing her lips.

Her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, though not with Sooyeon’s crimson gaze, there was certainly a compelling force in that look.

A profound silence enveloped the room.

The pressure Seohui Jo was exuding made even starting the first line difficult. It was a completely different sensation compared to their practice sessions.

Thus—

“Miss, you seem to have a pale complexion recently. Would a little rest be beneficial?”

Serene Jiyeon—her voice as Seonye—marked the beginning of the performance.

The ticking clock, as well as Seohui Jo calmly opening her fan and looking at Seonye with quiet contemplation.

Michiko softly stared at Seonye.

Her gaze was as if to devour the other, deeply probing her innermost being.

Her emotions rippled in that moment.

Seonye sensed a fraction of those emotions, though she coldly averted her gaze.

“No.”

The partially lowered fan revealed a crooked smile aimed at Seonye.

“Seonye, fetch my shawl. There’s an auction today.”

Her eyes shone as if gazing upon a precious treasure.

A viscid, penetrating gaze, akin to how others would look at her in the auction house.

Michiko observed her maid with such intensity, though she herself seemed unaware of it.

“You should look your most beautiful.”

As Michiko gently pressed Seonye’s shoulder with her fan, her statement revealed a certain tantrum.

Groom yourself to appear beautiful.

As you wish.

The underlying intention behind Michiko’s words.

Upon hearing this, Seonye appeared flustered, briefly biting her lower lip.

‘Emotion.’

Seohui Jo could faintly sense the emotional undercurrent in the performance coming from Jiyeon.

It wasn’t as strong as before, but it was slightly diluted.

Which wasn’t necessarily bad.

Rather, it suited Seonye’s character.

A soft, malleable color that easily blends with stronger tones.

Perhaps influenced by Sooyeon’s guidance?

“You should start with your makeup, Miss. Looking for a shawl first will lead to mistakes.”

Seonye, bowing her head and speaking thus, seemed to be rejecting Michiko’s advances.

Her tone was composed, almost childishly innocent.

There was a noticeable shift in the acting tone.

‘Nurturing affection.’

Ah, yes.

That was the impression.

While Jiyeon’s overall presence was quite strong, this didn’t fit well with the role of Yeon Seonye.

But this time, the tone had softened.

Her gaze and gestures toward Michiko carried a tender affection, like a mother to her daughter.

But behind this maternal affection hid a deeper emotion of sympathy.

Sympathy which acted as a barrier against Michiko.

Therefore, her actions appeared entirely natural.

‘How did she change her feeling so quickly?’

And more importantly, does Seonye fit?

Seohui Jo continued to watch Jiyeon’s performance attentively.

Jiyeon naturally responded to Michiko’s aggressive words.

Handling Michiko’s hair,

She calmly addressed several points,

Her voice was very composed, unlike her usual demeanor.

Experienced in managing many difficult people, she handled each interaction with ease.

Her voice’s tone.

The acting tone as well.

That color belonged to neither Yi Yeon-nor Yeon Seonye, but someone else.

Definitely based on something.

‘Hmm, perhaps…’

Seohui Jo looked at Yi Yeon’s face.

Then she realized from exactly which aspect Yi Yeon had drawn her inspiration.

When understanding hit her, Seohui Jo allowed herself this reaction:

Michiko could laugh happily.

“Do you truly think I am beautiful?”

“Miss, you’re more beautiful than any precious gem.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“You’ll shine the most beautifully at today’s event.”

Upon hearing this, Michiko’s lips curved even further.

The hidden sympathy behind the maternal affection.

Although she didn’t fully grasp the deeper truth, this maid felt pity for her.

Which was both urgently desired and an affront to Michiko’s pride.

“I hope that was sincere.”

Slowly, Michiko’s fan traveled along Seonye’s shoulder.

It glided across her collarbone.

And finally rested under her chin.

Her face close enough to breathe, Michiko gently pressed the tip of her fan against Seonye’s lips.

The same tip of the fan that had just brushed her own lips was now pressed against Seonye.

“I detest lies the most.”

With that line, the scene concluded. Naturally and seamlessly.

The judges were visibly impressed, though Director Baek Min’s expression was almost impossible to describe.

From the corner, Sooyeon who had observed the performance:

‘…’

Covered her mouth with both hands, completely startled.

Isn’t the romance scene supposed to be not too intense?

‘And…’

Simultaneously, her stomach started bubbling with agitation.

After all, the foundation for the acting skill Jiyeon was showcasing so vividly was something Sooyeon greatly cherished.

Literally, Sooyeon shivered.

Sensing this from Sooyeon, Seohui Jo:

‘Why, why is she reacting like that?’

She couldn’t help but be a little puzzled.

After all, according to her own judgment, Jiyeon’s audition had been exceedingly successful.

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