Chapter 108

Kim Jeong-hyun was a girl who was cherished by everyone around her since birth.

She was precisely the type of person that could be described as a flower in a greenhouse.

The only granddaughter of one of the most prestigious families in Joseon.

Her looks and disposition were so exceptional that not only her family but also the guests visiting the house cherished Kim Jeong-hyun.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that everyone who knew the name Kim Jeong-hyun held her dear.

However, for Kim Jeong-hyun, this affection was…

“Everything is changing in Hanseong because of the enlightenment. Yet, my own world is as calm as a narrow lake.”

As a result, this was also the decisive reason that turned Kim Jeong-hyun into a frog in a well, unaware of the ways of the world.

“Live like the lotus flower on the calm lake. That is the life that suits you.”

This caused a confrontation with her grandfather, Kim Ja-gyeom, who blocked all external influences out of concern for her safety.

“The city is filled with Westerners and people from other lands coming and going as if it were their own home, and more and more women are dressing in Western attire instead of traditional hanbok.”

“That has nothing to do with you.”

“If the matters of Joseon are unrelated to Joseon people, then who are they related to?”

“Do the current events not appear to be actions taken by Joseon? Joseon is merely being swept away!”

Kim Ja-gyeom understood that his granddaughter was frustrated living a confined life in a tile-roofed house.

However, he still thought it was better than exposing her to the rapidly changing world.

She was a child more cherished than any precious possession.

Even if it meant incurring Kim Jeong-hyun’s resentment, he was determined not to allow her safety to be at risk.

Ultimately, what Kim Jeong-hyun faced was the unwavering gaze of her grandfather, Kim Ja-gyeom.

The fierce presence of Kim Ja-gyeom, who seemed almost ageless at nearly eighty, forced Kim Jeong-hyun to once again keep her mouth shut.

In any case, Kim Ja-gyeom was the strongest person among those Kim Jeong-hyun knew.

At the same time, he was someone who had lived his entire life with the rigid mindset of a Joseon yangban.

As the head of the best family in Joseon and faithfully fulfilling the duties of a yangban, known as ‘beomjung-eom,’ he earned the respect of many.

But he was extremely strict in matters like ‘boundary distinctions’ created by social hierarchies and gender differences, and no one could bend Kim Ja-gyeom’s will.

Commoners remained commoners.

Yangins remained yangins.

Yangbans remained yangbans.

Men remained men.

Women remained women.

He believed that each person’s role and life would never change, no matter the era.

He believed that there should be no changes at any time.

So, even more so,

There couldn’t be any compromise regarding the role given to his beloved granddaughter to be ‘loved’ and to live a life of beauty, meeting a ‘good man’ until the end.

“Be aware! If you bring in any more strange books into your room, your nurse will surely discipline you!”

In the end, Kim Ja-gyeom confiscated Kim Jeong-hyun’s books and sternly warned her.

Even though despair and frustration mixed on Kim Jeong-hyun’s face, she had no choice but to back down.

With that, the scene cut to Kim Jeong-hyun’s heavy footsteps as she headed out from Kim Ja-gyeom’s love chamber.

A satisfied “OK” sign was heard from director Kwon Jae-hyuk, who had been quietly observing the filming site.

“I never expected it to fit so well. I have a good feeling already.”

In Kwon Jae-hyuk’s gaze towards Ha Eun from across, he found Kim Jeong-hyun’s noble aura.

It felt as if something other than mere acting was embedded within it.

He knew how to express what kind of person one in a relatively high position like Kim Jeong-hyun would be.

At the same time, she seemed to have a good understanding of what it means to be a flower in a greenhouse.

“Should I say her understanding is exceptional? Or should I say her acting is skilled…?”

Loved by everyone around her, Kim Jeong-hyun had everything she could possibly want in terms of home, clothing, and food, but she was not free.

The most important thing in portraying Kim Jeong-hyun was her longing for the world outside the tile-roofed house.

This lofty longing of Kim Jeong-hyun became the principle behind her actions.

Moreover, it served as a clear rationale for explaining to the audience why she so desperately wanted to step outside the safe confines of the tile-roofed house.

Kim Jeong-hyun’s yearning for freedom was a theme that remained unchanged from the beginning to the end of “The Sunshine.”

Even though its form might gradually change, what remained constant was her desire for “freedom” until the very last moment.

Therefore,

Ha Eun’s performance, which fit Kim Jeong-hyun’s character even better than Kwon Jae-hyuk had imagined…

“Baek Tae-hoon really has a good eye for people.”

“…Is that so?”

Made Kwon Jae-hyuk presume that the upcoming filming would also go smoothly.

It was true, after all, that he turned Kim Jeong-hyun, who could easily appear as childish, into a ‘young lady’ from the very first shoot.

It seemed the nickname of a noble girl was not given in vain.

Even when not filming, her calm expression and heavy aura made her presence even more distinct.

In any case, a clear presence was a great asset for an actor.

Capturing people’s attention was essential for an actor’s performance to become more focused.

“If she’s already showcasing her presence like that, I wonder how it will be later.”

“Hmm… I think it’s a bit much to pamper her.”

“How could you not spoil a child as well-mannered as her? If I had a granddaughter like her, I’d have no more wishes.”

“…Has it been that time for you to have a granddaughter?”

“It seems that way, by chance.”

About twenty minutes later, the scene of ‘Adult Park Ju-ho’ returning to Joseon was shot smoothly without any issues.

Thanks to Baek Tae-hoon, an outstanding actor in his own right, there were no unfortunate delays in the filming.

***

After the first shoot of “The Sunshine” successfully concluded,

Ha Eun’s daily life, which had begun to gain momentum once again, was filled with several upcoming schedules beside the filming of “The Sunshine.”

One of them was the “Infinite Challenge Music Show,” which would begin filming in two days.

According to Lee Jun, other singers, in addition to Ha Eun, would also participate to promote themselves as singers, so Ha Eun needed to prepare for Pinocchio’s promotion as well.

In any case, promotion as a singer had to center around singing.

Unlike other singers who were cast solely based on their abilities and reputations, Ha Eun felt that her casting was somewhat due to her buzz as an actress.

To showcase her identity more clearly as a singer, she needed to practice a song that required a higher level of vocal performance, taking feedback from Lee Jun.

“Think of it as establishing your position; you need to sing vigorously. People might underestimate you because of your youth.”

Just as Ha Eun had left a strong impression as an actress, Lee Jun also told her that she needed to leave a strong impression as a singer for the audience.

He added that there were quite a few people who only knew Ha Eun as an actress.

“You’re not just a decent singing actor; you’re stepping out as a proper singer. You can’t just take it easy.”

“Yes.”

Thus began a long session of intense practice.

However, the reason for heading to Daulby’s studio wasn’t limited to the “Infinite Challenge Music Show.”

-Ding.

[Yuna Cover Song Recording File_Final_Once More_Last_Really Final.mp3]

[Yena (Yuna)] – Help me, teacher! I feel like my throat is going to tear!

[Yena (Yuna)] – (Shivering duck emoticon)

[Lee Ha-eun (Diah)] – Hmm.

[Lee Ha-eun (Diah)] – I’m a bit disappointed considering how hard I sang.

-Ding.

[Yuna Cover Song Guide Vocal_v11.mp3]

[Lee Ha-eun (Diah)] – Adjust the parts where it’s hard to breathe, and sing along with me.

[Yena (Yuna)] – (Rolling duck emoticon)

[Yena (Yuna)] – Can’t I just use yours? Do you know how demoralizing it feels every time I hear that I sing worse than the guide vocal?

[Lee Ha-eun (Diah)] – Then you just need to practice until it doesn’t feel demoralizing.

[Lee Ha-eun (Diah)] – (Thumbs up otter emoticon)

[Yena (Yuna)] – Hey!!!!!!!!

Currently, Pinocchio was not only a participant of the “Infinite Challenge Music Show” but also a special vocal instructor for the cover song project of the fantasy realm.

Ha Eun, who was focusing on taking care of Yena among the fantasy realm’s virtual YouTubers, was recording Yena’s guide vocal for her cover song.

Each time Yena’s singing improved a little, Ha Eun raised the difficulty level progressively and recorded anew.

Yena, stunned, questioned via calls and chats why it had to be this intense.

“I think you can do well.”

In response, Ha Eun’s answer was simple and clear.

Later, out of curiosity, when Yena asked if this was payback for teasing about the kiss scene in “The Moonlight Divided by Clouds,” Ha Eun answered honestly, “That’s not entirely absent.”

It was immediately followed by a statement made that she would not give up until she was satisfied.

Thus, Yena had no choice but to alternate between silent screams and audible ones.

Looking back, everything was Yena’s doing, so there was no one to blame.

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