Chapter 153

As Seoyeon stared with an untamed gaze, Joo Seohee was growing flustered.

Jiyeon, on the other hand, was still tense.

Unlike the other two, Jiyeon hadn’t received a proper outcome yet.

Audition.

Of course, an answer wouldn’t come today, but Jiyeon at least wanted to hear any insights into how it went.

“First, we need to understand what kind of character Yeon Seonye is.”

As the two practiced, Seoyeon told Jiyeon this.

“Compared to the two ladies, Yeon Seonye has a relatively modest impression. After all, she is originally an ordinary citizen who accidentally receives a request.”

Yeon Seonye was a young woman who served as the head of her household while raising her younger brother alone. But by chance, she applies for a maid position and is successfully hired.

A man approaches her while she is celebrating and promises her a large sum of money if she kills Michiko and retrieves a certain necklace.

Yeon Seonye later realizes that her being hired as a maid was part of this man’s plan. But even with the promise of a large sum, Yeon Seonye, unwilling to commit murder, tries to refuse until…

“Your brother, isn’t it?”

Her resistance crumbles under his threat involving her younger sibling.

“Of course, Yeon Seonye isn’t without her extraordinary qualities, but she at least gives off an ordinary vibe.”

In fact, she blends into the background. Because of this, the strong emotions Jiyeon is displaying now aren’t fitting for Yeon Seonye’s character.

Yeon Seonye wouldn’t express her feelings so vividly.

“The most important thing…”

The key for this audition was whether or not Jiyeon could portray the essence of Yeon Seonye. Should she bring her own unique character to it? Or should she perfectly follow the script’s direction?

To succeed at auditions, one must understand the evaluators’ preferences. Joo Seohee, who Seoyeon knew well, was like the perfect student—she didn’t favor adventurers, so if Jiyeon interpreted Yeon Seonye independently from the script, Seohee likely wouldn’t approve.

That said, even though Seohee’s influence might be limited as a judge who’s also an actor, her feelings could still seep into her judgment.

“Director Baek Min’s style…”

Seoyeon only knew Baek Min through news and articles. He always appeared to be smiling, relaxed, and enjoyed good relations with actors. However, reviewing his works, Seoyeon realized that he preferred actors not to overly reinterpret his already envisioned characters. He appreciated someone fitting the mold of exactly what he had drawn in his mind, which was why he seemed to like Joo Seohee.

‘Both Joo Seohee and actress Jeong Eun-seon and Director Baek Min lean toward actors who can follow directions perfectly.’

The perfect student, the overachiever. Add talent to the mix, and one could easily understand why Joo Seohee would be favored.

In contrast, Seoyeon, who often brought independent interpretations into her performances, was likely to be seen as a troublemaker by their tastes.

“Given that, I think this might actually work in your favor.”

Seoyeon glanced at Jiyeon, “It’s an advantage, you know? This character might actually feel very familiar to you.”

Seoyeon didn’t explicitly state what that meant. Of course, this familiarity stemmed from a connection with her virtual identity, Ramiel!

Ramiel and Jiyeon are different, yes, but Seoyeon occasionally pondered on how much they overlapped.

Anyway, this time around, it was an invaluable opportunity to draw from.

“Yeon Seonye is a young head of household and, in truth, very determined. She holds some sympathy for Michiko.”

The emotions that arise here are complex. Initially, Yeon Seonye wasn’t fond of Japanese individuals, but she started working as a maid to provide for her younger brother. Similarly, she is now targeting Michiko for a large sum of money and her brother’s survival.

However, living in the mansion, she vaguely senses an emptiness in Michiko’s ostentatious life. She realizes the woman lacks a true family, unlike herself.

Surrounded only by enemies, Michiko frequently changed her staff, including maids, likely due to this environment.

“…”

Jiyeon momentarily went silent at Seoyeon’s words. She was probably considering how Ramiel and Yeon Seonye compared.

Certainly, Yeon Seonye and Ramiel had differences. But at least in terms of their actions’ motivations, they shared some resemblance.

“Though I’m not saying you should copy her directly. But definitely, you could use her as a reference.”

Just as Seoyeon referred to her past self when portraying Cha Sooah.

“Surely, you’ll do fine.”

If Jiyeon portrayed Yeon Seonye in a way akin to how Baek Min imagined Ramiel, it would surely fit exactly into his vision.

‘Honestly, I don’t particularly want that…’

Ramiel should stay as Ramiel!

If Ramiel became the main inspiration for [Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo]—with the character of Michiko tied to her—it would be unbearable for Seoyeon to witness.

This was quite a horrifying occurrence! But, for her friend’s acting sake, there was no other way.

Seoyeon, with a pained heart, had delivered her advice. Well, though not entirely, she still felt it was somewhat valid.

‘Was she referring to Ramiel?’

This was something Jiyeon also dimly understood.

Of course, role-playing and acting do have some differences. Seoyeon would probably spout blood hearing this, but Jiyeon did feel that way. In fact, compared to the amateurish Seoyeon, Jiyeon was professional in this regard, so her take was fair.

Nonetheless, at least in terms of ‘creating a character,’ they might share common ground.

Ramiel, a character rooted in everyday actions, overlapped with Yeon Seonye in some ways.

“Maternal love.”

Ignoring her viewers who always shouted “Maman Maman,” Jiyeon had aimed to represent just that. Perhaps that was the key?

Having made up her mind this way, the next steps were simple. Jiyeon extracted elements from Ramiel and incorporated them into Yeon Seonye.

Honestly, she couldn’t gauge how well this would work out.

“Hmm…”

At the audition, Director Baek Min was calmly and simply observing Jiyeon with a smile.

“Good acting.”

That was all he said. No fancy compliments or detailed performance critiques.

Others who auditioned before her received some feedback, but Jiyeon received nothing. Did she fail?

Though slightly disheartened, Jiyeon bowed and stepped aside. Time would reveal the results, so there was enough room to rest her mind.

Watching Jiyeon’s retreating figure, a judge asked casually.

“Director.”

“Yes?”

“Was it terrible?”

Director Baek Min simply smiled in return.

***

Since Jiyeon’s audition ended, Seoyeon had been carefully observing herself, mainly because Baek Min hadn’t given any clear evaluation at the audition.

She inquired subtly with Seohee about any behind-the-scenes talk.

“That, I can’t say.”

Incredibly cold. Seohee, that wicked girl.

Anyway, she was the straight A’s kind of student. Seohee was indeed thorough in her evaluations, though she found Seoyeon’s reaction somewhat perplexing.

“Isn’t Jiyeon’s acting good enough?”

Did she get mad earlier because the performance didn’t meet expectations? Seohee’s curiosity only intensified.

“Normally, the results will be announced a week from now… but, there’s been some issues.”

“But?”

“There’s been some hiccups with the movie, so I can’t be sure yet. Regardless, it won’t be too delayed.”

Issues?

Apparently, these words meant something was wrong with Director Baek Min’s film.

“Let me inform you later since you’re also involved in this film. It’s something the director himself wants kept quiet.”

Seoyeon nodded obediently.

Anyway, she ended her conversation with Seohee.

‘Best to lay low for now.’

After all, it was unclear when the audition results would come out.

For all her apparent lack of perception, Seoyeon was quite observant. Jiyeon would likely remain under a lot of pressure until the results were in.

Seoyeon didn’t bother clinging to her in school or annoying her with chatter. During Ramiel’s broadcasts, she modestly sent only small super chats, and unusually kept her comments simple.

‘Even while maintaining a regular broadcast schedule, she’s awfully conscientious.’

Both Seohee and Jiyeon were similar in this aspect. Seoyeon was relatively more lenient.

“Ah, your broadcast is today, right?”

Thus, Seoyeon focused on her packed schedule. First on the list was the advertisement.

It was an advertising schedule meeting for Aids, the chair brand she recently contracted.

“The filming will start next week. I heard that [Sky Garden] will air in a month, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Currently, the drama was filmed up to episode six, after which regular broadcasting would begin.

It was a Thursday–Friday drama, whereas Baek PD’s drama was scheduled as a Monday-Tuesday show, featuring high-profile actors and a well-known screenwriter, making it an impressive lineup.

[Sky Garden] received some investment from KMB but couldn’t compete with Baek PD’s work. Instead, it was heavily influenced by drama division head Ha Tae-oh.

This internally set off an informal competition between Drama Department 1 and Drama Department 2. While losing here wouldn’t directly impact anything, for those currently deciding their future directions, it would serve as an important indicator.

“The internal assessments for [Sky Garden] look good, so we’re hopeful. We’ll take your advice…you understand, right?”

“Yes.”

Indeed, Aids had already arranged some sponsorships for [Sky Garden], so chairs used in the broadcast were mostly provided by them.

“Alright, we need a concept. You mentioned the intellectual image, anything else?”

At Team Leader Kwak Hyun-woo’s words, Seoyeon nodded.

“Yes, that’s all for me.”

It was good that some of her feedback was considered, though her initial request likely resulted in reduced payment.

“By the way, is our furniture also appearing in your upcoming variety show?”

“…”

Seoyeon hesitated for a moment then nodded.

Yes, they do appear.

“They’ll certainly appear since you’re a student often seen studying.”

Of course, in a way that subtly influences things…

However, Seoyeon chose not to emphasize this.

“The PD may have edited it.”

An honest mistake after Young-bin teased her. Hoping Young-bin wouldn’t crumble under the camera, Seoyeon decided not to bring it up, though she probably should have.

“Probably a healthy image would be okay.”

If not edited, it would still be fine. Seoyeon tried to convince herself.

“We’re hopeful. From now on, we’ll be closely observing this variety show.”

With a laughing Kwak Hyun-woo, Seoyeon awkwardly nodded with an ambiguous smile. He clearly expected something different, but Aids’ chairs were definitely going to appear on air.

***

“Is it today’s variety show with Joo Seoyeon?”

“No, tomorrow.”

The Joo Seoyeon fan café was already buzzing with excitement. With Seoyeon showcasing new faces in each variety appearance, anticipation was high for what she’d reveal this time.

Recently, controversy swirled around her involvement with [Hyper Action Star], with some suggesting she was focusing too much on variety shows rather than acting.

“But isn’t that normal for actors?”

“How many actors actually release multiple projects in a year?”

“True that.”

“Compared to others, Joo Seoyeon works diligently as an actress.”

“Isn’t [Golden Duckling] interesting?”

“Nope. What started as an amusing observation show turned into a talent battle format and lost its charm.”

“????”

The short 15-second preview for [Golden Duckling] was generating a lot of buzz.

Captured stills of Seoyeon diligently studying and snippets of her family captured by the camera had started trending on the fan café, though limited due to the short footage.

“Who’s the woman bringing Seoyeon fruit?”

“Isn’t that her mom?”

“Mom? Can’t you see? It’s her sister.”

“Woah, I thought Seoyeon was tall already, but wow.”

“Genes are insane.”

The early debate centered around the identity of the woman briefly featured in the preview, sparking various opinions, before shifting when a male figure appeared.

At first, he passed as just Joo Seoyeon’s father, but a post capturing him on a community forum turned the tables.

“Isn’t that Joo Young-bin???”

“Who’s that?”

“Wasn’t he the lead planner of Unchained?”

“Yeah, I saw him in the press conference. He’s one of the heads who buried themselves in work.”

“Moved from Unchained, maybe?”

“But didn’t Unchained stabilize already?”

“That’s after he took responsibility and completed the game.”

“Oh, serious?”

He was the famed leader of the Unchained planning team at Raywill Games. Revealing this fact set the community ablaze with excitement.

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