Chapter 204

In *Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo*, Seoyeon’s role is Kasugayama Yuina.

In other words, she is the main antagonist who operates on the surface.

The one pulling the strings for Kasugayama Yuina is Isamu, who instead starts out as an ally to the protagonist early in the story.

It begins like this.

Kasugayama Yuina hires Yeon Seonye, the protagonist, to obtain the Amanabi family’s fortune.

Yeon Seonye’s role has two major tasks: finding where the family’s assets are hidden and obtaining the key to open it. The second is to kill Amanabi Michiko, the only heir.

“Therefore, you will be able to secure a large sum of money that’ll allow you to live leisurely for the rest of your life.”

Kasugayama Yuina laughed, her eyes slightly narrow, her smile distorted at the corners of her mouth, as if mirroring her true nature.

“Director Joo Seoyeon plays the villain excellently as always.”

“To be honest, she could’ve handled the protagonist’s role just as well…”

This was what the actors participating in the script reading thought as they watched Seoyeon’s performance.

Even though she had only delivered her first lines, there was something chilling about it.

This was something that had been noted since Cha Sooah’s time: Seoyeon’s ability to vividly portray the darker aspects of human nature.

Could this be Method Acting?

“No.”

Jiyeon, who had directly experienced Seoyeon’s performance, knew it wasn’t Method Acting. Seoyeon’s Method Acting was richer and deeper.

Especially when it came to playing villains, Seoyeon avoided Method Acting as much as possible, since its effects linger for too long.

Indeed, the most challenging role for an actor engaging in Method Acting is portraying a villain. This was true for Seoyeon as well, if not more so.

“Excuse me, why are you silent? If you’re a stray dog, you should wag your tail obediently upon your master’s command.”

With delicate steps, a fluid hand gesture swept toward Jiyeon’s – that is, the protagonist ‘Yeon Seonye’s – chin and grazed it softly, applying pressure to her lips with a thumb.

Jiyeon swallowed hard, the crimson eyes inches away from hers. This wasn’t acting.

In truth, she was internally startled by how close Seoyeon’s face was.

Wasn’t this in the script?

No, this degree of detail wasn’t mentioned anywhere.

As far as she remembered, the actions for Yuina were limited to, “Looking at Yeon Seonye while flashing an alluring smile.”

But it looked like Seoyeon had added her own interpretation to this character.

Thus, it was a challenging moment, not just for Jiyeon but for other actors watching the scene.

“Isn’t the actress playing the protagonist just someone who’s appeared a few times in cable dramas?”

“This isn’t exactly a parachute casting, but it might not go smoothly.”

No one was undermining Jiyeon’s acting skills, but it was about presence.

Could the actress playing the protagonist establish herself against a presence like ‘Yuina’?

Frankly, it wasn’t easy.

First, Yeon Seonye was an ordinary girl who had good hands but wasn’t extraordinary in any way.

Therefore, it wouldn’t be ideal if Seoyeon’s level of presence overshadowed her.

Yet, if the protagonist Yeon Seonye fades completely in Yuina’s dominance, that would also be problematic.

A delicate balance was needed here.

Given how complex this interaction was, it would be quite challenging acting, they all thought. Just as this crossed their minds…

Yeon Seonye bit down on the finger that had rested on her lips with a loud snap.

“KCH!”

Who would have thought she would bite at that point?

Looking startled and pulling her hand back, Yeon Seonye smiled faintly and spoke:

“Ah, I’m sorry. We, as you said, are mere stray dogs, and when something touches our mouths, we unintentionally bite.”

Ironically, it was an improvisation, one that felt extremely natural following the intensity of Yuina’s act. For a moment, the actors wondered if it had been scripted.

As a result, Yuina’s commanding presence diminished, and Yeon Seonye’s individuality came to the fore, despite her doing nothing particularly remarkable.

It was an elegant countermeasure – softness naturally overcoming strength.

“Indeed, miss, as you say, I will do everything you tell me to.”

Yeon Seonye, bowing her head modestly, continued.

“Of course, only if you keep your promise, miss.”

At those words, Yuina’s eyes narrowed. That defiant gaze seemed almost audacious.

However, Yuina couldn’t dismiss Yeon Seonye so easily right now. First, since Yeon Seonye was a person brought in not by Yuina but by Isamu.

There was none better than her for thievery in the vicinity.

Adding to this, her audacious act of biting Yuina’s finger during improvisation also stood out.

That revealed the full essence of Yeon Seonye’s character.

“Of course. As the master, it’s my duty to reward a dog who listens well.”

With that, Seoyeon and Jiyeon both put the script down simultaneously.

The reading for Scene S# 17 was over.

It was the first meeting between Yeon Seonye and Yuina.

And one of the most crucial scenes in the early segments of the movie.

“…”

Despite the act ending, no one raised their hand to continue. The performance had left them contemplating.

“How scary the younger generation can be…”

No one expected this much from Yi Jeon, whose previous roles had been confined to minor cable dramas.

Her sudden improvisational moment was stunning enough that even Director Baek Min, who usually disliked improvisations, nodded unconsciously.

“It would be much more natural this way. I hope we could have a similar scene during actual filming.”

Even to the point of revising the script. The actors could only marvel at her unexpected brilliance from the very first reading.

With Director Baek Min helming the project, they had been prepared, but given the quality of the acting they’d just witnessed, they had to anticipate their abilities being tested.

***

Let’s start by saying it was somewhat exciting, despite the romance being a little overwhelming. But at today’s reading, it wasn’t necessary to get into romance anyway.

The first meeting between Yeon Seonye and Yuina.

Seeing Jiyeon opposite the script, Seoyeon couldn’t help but feel pleased.

After all, this was their first real collaboration. They needed to put in their best effort.

Not only that, she wanted to give a stunning performance.

She thought naturally,

“I’ve got to teach Yi Jeon a lesson.”

She had already shown her acting during rehearsals, but rehearsals and actual scenes were different.

Especially intense script readings, which often matched the intensity of real filming. With finicky directors, it could also take considerable time.

Director Baek Min was one such demanding figure.

There was no way to relax. And even if Jiyeon slipped up, it wasn’t a situation where she’d draw undue criticism.

But she didn’t expect to be the one surprised in return.

“Who would’ve thought she would bite?”

“It doesn’t hurt anyway.”

Jiyeon’s cheeky remark drew a sharp glare from Seoyeon.

True enough, even if Yi Jeon chewed with all her might, her teeth wouldn’t leave a mark on Seoyeon’s skin, as impervious to paint as it was.

Still, that was one thing. This was another.

“But great! You certainly startled me, Yi Jeon. Didn’t plan that ahead, did you?”

Impressed voices echoed, including Jo Seohui’s.

She was one of many applauding Yi Jeon’s improvisation silently.

Everyone knew Seoyeon’s skills, but Yi Jeon was a new revelation.

“Joo Seoyeon.”

“What?”

“Was that scream during the act?”

“…”

It wasn’t so much about pain, but rather sudden shock — with her finger lodged in someone else’s lips, bitten without warning.

“Just a bit caught off-guard, that’s all.”

Caught slightly off-balance by an unexpected improvisation, nothing more. Normally, Seoyeon’s thoughts during acting remained as tranquil as still water.

Emotional brushstrokes required that calmness, after all, to avoid the quiver of a shaky stroke. This was just a rare exception.

“It won’t happen again.”

“Hmm…”

Of course not. Yi Jeon knew Seoyeon was meticulous about her acting.

But it didn’t stop him from having a laugh. Just as she was thinking this,

“Next is my turn, isn’t it? I think we need to do this scene together… is that okay?”

Jo Seohui took over after Seoyeon. Though she lost the first script reading spot, the second was something Director Baek Min couldn’t deny her.

Besides, this scene included Yi Jeon, as the protagonist of the movie.

“Let’s see if you mess this up.”

Crossing her arms, Seoyeon decided to watch their performances.

“What kind of scene is this anyway?”

Searching through the script for the scene number requested by Director Baek Min, Seoyeon located the sequence Yi Jeon and Seohui would read.

Upon seeing it, Seoyeon’s gaze shifted, looking back and forth between the script and the two in front of her.

“You look like a doll, miss.”

“Why? Swaying at the slightest touch of the maid, unable to resist even a thread of string?”

“I mean beautiful and delicate. Why do you twist my words?”

It was not an early scene, rather further along. The scene showed their growing bond inside the mansion with Michiko Amanabi.

It was also the first instance where their eyes met.

“Mis Yeon, please dry my hair. I find your gentle touch quite pleasant.”

As she spoke, Michiko’s long hair met with Yeon’s delicate hands. Their eyes met between the strands as they exchanged subtle smiles.

“Hold on a moment, just a moment…”

Watching this left Seoyeon overwhelmed, feeling emotions difficult to explain. Simply put, Yeon Seonye’s portrayal of the relationship with the young lady resembled Lamiel’s portrayal far too closely.

***

Recently, Seoyeon had become aware of a new emotion — tension. This doesn’t mean it was her first instance of feeling it.

But this kind of tension was different from anything she’d experienced. She lacked confidence.

“What’s going on with Jo Seohui anyway? Why’s she so adept?”

The acting she saw during that script reading kept replaying in her mind.

It wasn’t anything grand. A scene where Yeon Seonye meets Michiko’s gaze, recognizing burgeoning love. Yeon Seonye views Michiko like a precious treasure, portrayed with striking naturalness.

“It’s naturally bound to be so.”

Of course, that’s because her usual acting as Lamiel carried genuine affection. But realizing Seohui was the object left Seoyeon rummaging unconsciously through her bag for a coin.

“Snatched away… huh.”

Spirit-soothing popping bubble toys were confiscated, and she had no other handy objects worth handling.

“…”

Seoyeon scanned her surroundings. She was currently at the KMB Broadcasting Company.

They had much to discuss concerning the Japanese broadcasting incident. An offer to reshoot new commercials for *Dream Future*.

“Team Chaser is also planning something, it seems.”

The Japanese release was scheduled to move up to next month, which was rare for a South Korean film.

Her character’s image as a serial killer was unconventional, even in Japan’s scene.

“Anyway.”

With a soft cough, Seoyeon glanced at her script. Though no explicit scenes, some passages made her cheeks turn red.

‘And with Yi Jeon…’

Despite initially responding nonchalantly, thinking about it now made her uneasy. It dawned on her why Jo Seohui had seemed so flustered when proposing it before.

“Similar to Joo Harin, but this feels deeper.”

Kasugayama Yuina’s romance had similarities with Joo Harin. The difficulty of openly expressing affection for a loved one. Also, the unattainable nature of that love.

“Joo Harin’s case could’ve been faked, but this… will be tougher.”

She was worried. Seoyeon’s acting typically started with an emotional foundation.

Without fully understanding Yuina’s emotions, there’s a risk of missing critical scenes.

“I should ask Senior Jung Woo… no.”

Even for the brash Seoyeon, asking Jung Woo about this seemed… a bit inappropriate. Nor were there many actors of the same gender she could consult.

What about Actress Jeong Eun-seon?

She’d likely answer if asked, but Jeong Eun-seon was notorious for chiding Seoyeon whenever they met.

Predictably, they’d meet and she’d get scolded again.

“Actresses should never crawl around on the floor.”

She’d say that, glaring like she wanted to bore a hole through Seoyeon’s face just because she made a small coconut hole on a deserted island.

Jeong Eun-seon placed immense emphasis on actress dignity and image.

Watching Seoyeon happily bouncing around during variety shows would lead to a text or Kakao message every time.

“Hmm, so if I ask her…”

“Who are you looking at?”

“!!”

Hastily covering the script, Seoyeon diverted her eyes. Not that the script was embarrassing, but it just felt… odd!

And that familiar voice.

“Ah, what? Why?”

“No, nothing.”

Scrambling to look away, a sense of awkwardness quickly faded, replaced by slight sympathy.

Seoyeon had regained her usual composure.

“Hello, Artist Yeo Hee.”

“Uh, oh… ah, hello? What a coincidence.”

Seeing Yeo Hee’s composed smile, Seoyeon narrowed her eyes. Upon reflection, she had felt an unusual presence even before she opened the script.

At the time, she assumed it was just another celebrity recognizing her…

“Hold on.”

Seoyeon looked at the woman speaking to her with new thoughts.

The woman standing before her was one who, for 20 years, had harbored undying affection.

In other words, Seoyeon had before her the perfect teaching reference for her character’s feelings right now.

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