Chapter 10

“Zero, one, two, three, four, five, six… Hmm…”

Ha Eun’s expression, while counting the views of the music video she appeared in on the living room computer, became a bit complicated amidst the undeniably small numbers.

Considering Daulby’s status, it wasn’t such an unusual view count, but somehow…

‘It’s been less than a month.’

Thinking that over a million people had seen her in just two short weeks made some part of her heart tingle.

Perhaps it was because she could see an exact figure like views, unlike during the CF.

It felt more realistic than when, a few months ago, the sales of Handong Pharmaceutical’s children’s supplements spiked.

Receiving a few boxes of children’s vitamins from Handong Pharmaceutical because of that was a slightly more tangible experience.

The somewhat different gazes from the kindergarten teachers also made Ha Eun realize she had gained some fame.

As for the children in her class, they were at an age where they weren’t particularly interested in hip-hop singers like Daulby, so there weren’t any significant changes there.

‘Hey, Ha Eun, you were on TV yesterday, right?’

A few children recognized Ha Eun from the matchstick music video, which aired occasionally on TV, and asked her various questions.

Although they were innocent inquiries stemming from curiosity about a classmate appearing on TV, it was still meaningful.

In any case, the situation was overflowing with the purpose that Lee Jun and Lee Geon-yeol had for casting Ha Eun.

Lee Jun and Lee Geon-yeol had ensured that Ha Eun would be affiliated with their management agency, Luna Entertainment, blocking the attention that would pour onto her.

Additionally, the previously promised singing classes were adjusted to twice a week instead of once a month.

This change was largely due to Lee Geon-yeol’s resolute assertion that significant skill improvement couldn’t be achieved with only one class a month.

Regardless of the frequency of classes, receiving singing lessons from people situated at the pinnacle of the music industry.

If she learned from those who understood better than anyone what kind of voice could enchant people, Ha Eun’s singing abilities would dramatically improve.

In addition, it meant she had acquired a powerful weapon that she could use in her future when she became a Virtual YouTuber.

Though not all Virtual YouTubers were excellent singers, most of the so-called “big companies” were generally endowed with outstanding singing skills.

‘It’s a bit strange to ask this now, but is your dream to be a singer, Ha Eun? Not an actress?’

On the first day of singing class, she had to mumble about contemplating various paths when Lee Jun asked about her future aspirations.

It was expected for children her age to have their dreams change frequently, so Lee Jun didn’t inquire further.

In fact, Ha Eun had considered changing her dream, but not once had she failed to fulfill the expression, gestures, and voice she had consciously crafted.

‘Well, it seems the likelihood is high that it might be ■■■■. So please be prepared—’

However, she vividly remembered moments when things she believed to be hers vanished in an instant.

Having once experienced that the concept of a life that might seem natural to someone else could transform into something that wasn’t natural for her.

She didn’t take the various interests and accolades granted to her in the present as things to become complacent or arrogant about.

After all, these events occurred merely within a year.

No one could predict what would happen next.

Therefore, Ha Eun remained steadfast in her belief that she had to pursue the most reliable path with a relatively low chance of failure.

While the reason Ha Eun clung to becoming a Virtual YouTuber wasn’t limited to that, it was still valid.

Regardless of the outcome, she didn’t particularly care whether she acted or filmed a CF at that moment.

For Ha Eun, who hadn’t experienced a real “world” yet, everything was a unique experience.

Her parents also hoped their daughter could have more experiences, which, in a way, could be seen as her fulfilling her duty as a daughter.

The sight of Sung Yoon’s eyes widening while watching the matchstick music video was quite an enjoyable experience too.

Technically, the concept of a Virtual YouTuber still had over ten years before it truly emerged in the world.

Thus, Ha Eun planned to prepare diligently for her debut as a Virtual YouTuber.

While also experiencing those moments of a typical school life that she hadn’t yet lived through.

She aimed to fill her once unthought-of ‘life’ with ordinary moments like everyone else.

“Hey, Ha Eun. Can I talk to you for a sec before class starts?”

“?”

It seemed she had already parted ways with the word “normal.”

And the fact that the title of the movie on the front page of the script handed to her by Lee Jun was “The Neighbor Uncle” only reinforced that.

“Doesn’t the movie name sound strange to you too, Ha Eun? But it’s not really a weird movie; it’s basically about a remarkably strong uncle who tries to protect a girl your age—”

Worried that Ha Eun might misunderstand, Lee Jun hurriedly continued to explain the movie.

However, irrespective of Lee Jun’s efforts, his explanation didn’t resonate much with Ha Eun.

Simply put, she already knew both the content of the movie and its expected performance.

“The Neighbor Uncle.”

Admittedly, it wasn’t a ten-million-view film, but it had garnered fame comparable to other ten-million films.

Or rather, perhaps it had even garnered more fame than many a ten-million film with the remarkable performance of its lead actor.

While the lead actor’s outstanding performance had generated considerable buzz, Ha Eun also remembered that the child actor’s performance was equally impressive.

Because of this, it wasn’t a film suitable for her, who hadn’t yet taken any proper acting classes.

Although it was true that the “matchstick” music video had gained attention for Ha Eun’s tremendous immersion, the movie’s runtime was far beyond what a music video could compare with.

To be sure, her self-assessment was indeed more cold-hearted, deeming that it couldn’t possibly go that far.

“Uh, Ha Eun. Don’t feel too pressured; just think of it as experiencing an audition for a movie. It’s an audition that other kids have already lost out on…”

“…Okay.”

Nevertheless, the reason she ultimately accepted the audition proposal was due to Lee Jun’s earnest request.

Seeing Lee Jun speak as if he expected Ha Eun to fail the audition, just like the other child actors from Luna Entertainment, stirred something of a rebellious spirit deep within her.

Thus, they confirmed to audition for “The Neighbor Uncle.”

After reading and rereading the script, which was much thicker than the music video storyboard, the day of the audition finally came.

“Oh, our actor has arrived.”

‘…Why is the CEO here?’

However, the CEO of Luna Entertainment appeared right in front of Ha Eun and personally took her to the audition site.

This time, he vowed to crush that stubborn director’s pride.

For Ha Eun, who hadn’t been particularly desperate about this audition, it became a bit of a predicament.

***

“Ugh…”

A heavy sigh escaped from Kwon Jong-hyuk, the director of “The Neighbor Uncle,” as he watched the audition recording from a few days ago.

Given the lackluster feeling, it seemed to be a bust.

It was good when he rushed to catch a taxi after receiving a sudden phone call and met the rising star actor Kang Seon-woo.

It was almost a miracle that such a significant actor extended a hand for his film, which still hadn’t secured any real investors.

However, he still hadn’t found a child actor for the role of ‘Kim Jiji,’ which should also be another lead.

Perhaps due to the rumors circulating in the industry that Kang Seon-woo would appear, countless child actors applied for the role of Kim Jiji.

‘…I just wish they would focus on honing their skills before trying to make a name for themselves.’

Unfortunately, most of them were all fairly mediocre child actors.

There were certainly some promising child actors among them, but he still hadn’t found anyone truly suitable for the role of Kim Jiji.

A child actor from Luna Entertainment was scheduled to audition in a few minutes, but apart from their relatively good looks noted in their profile, he didn’t get a remarkable feeling.

The children’s vitamin CF and the matchstick music video listed in the experience section of their profile were also not the kind of performances Kwon Jong-hyuk wanted.

In other words, it meant that this would likely be yet another waste of time.

He thought he might confirm whether the sobbing of the matchstick girl in the music video was CGI or if the child actor had actually performed it and then head out for a quick smoke.

However…

– Squeak.

“I’m here, Director Kwon.”

He hurriedly tucked the lighter he’d been holding into his pocket as the CEO of Luna Entertainment unexpectedly appeared in front of him.

“Oh, uh… What brings you here, CEO Jeong?”

“I came to see the guy who dared to say there’s no talent in Luna.”

The bigger problem was that the bulky old man seemed to have learned of the disparaging remarks made in a private conversation among acquaintances.

Yet, since it had merely been a complaint over drinks with friends, and he had criticized other famous agencies too, Kwon Jong-hyuk felt a bit wronged.

“Of course, let’s start with our actor’s audition first. We can discuss our feelings of disappointment later.”

‘…Is this some sort of pressure?’

Regardless, the person with whom he had an agreement was not CEO Jeong but rather child actor Lee Ha-eun.

Finally facing the child who had been hidden behind the imposing figure of Jeong Do-cheol, Kwon Jong-hyuk looked at Ha Eun for the first time.

“Ah… Hello. I’m Lee Ha-eun.”

Her voice had a distinctly awkward tone.

With a demeanor that was no different from other child actors she had seen before, Kwon Jong-hyuk’s interest diminished greatly.

In any case, it wouldn’t do to go easy on the audition with CEO Jeong present.

After finishing the camera setup for the audition recording, Kwon Jong-hyuk spoke to Ha Eun again.

“You can start whenever you feel comfortable.”

“Ah, yes…”

She took a light breath, and with somewhat anxious eyes, stared straight ahead.

Gradually, from her slightly parted lips came a graceful voice.

“…Phew.”

It took on a form mixed with self-mockery that Kwon Jong-hyuk had not anticipated.

At that moment, he shifted his gaze toward Ha Eun, his eyes rigid.

“I’m being laughed at because I knew someone like you wouldn’t acknowledge me… How foolishly I hoped.”

The previous anxiety was nowhere to be found, replaced by a wry smile and reddened eyes meeting Kwon Jong-hyuk’s.

At the same time, there was CEO Jeong Do-cheol in the distance, smiling while looking at him.

‘…This sly old man.’

Though he didn’t want to admit it, he had been caught off guard.

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