Chapter 145

**The Veterans** is a movie with a theme of good versus evil.

It tells the story of “righteous detectives” struggling to capture the villain Lee Yeo-seo.

Most of the main cast in **The Veterans** play roles that oppose Ha Eun’s Lee Yeo-seo.

Ha Eun had to handle the persistence of several renowned actors gathered for the first script reading of **The Veterans** on his own.

Perhaps that’s why.

“I’m Seo Jin-taek, playing the role of Jeon Jae-han.”

“I’m Yu Sung-jae, playing the role of Kang Chan-seong~.”

When the actors taking on the two main roles in **The Veterans**, namely Jeon Jae-han and Kang Chan-seong, introduced themselves, Ha Eun felt a bit tense.

Yu Sung-jae, who had worked with him in **The Moon Cutting Through the Clouds**, and Seo Jin-taek were both outstanding actors.

It wouldn’t be easy for Ha Eun to hold his own against the remarkable performances of those two.

‘…Eventually, I’ll have to go toe-to-toe with those people.’

The fact that they would be the ones to enter a physical confrontation with Lee Yeo-seo lingered in Ha Eun’s mind.

The two are detectives serving in the so-called ‘Gwangsu Unit,’ which investigates major crimes, making them key figures in **The Veterans**.

‘For sure, their action styles would be different. …This is going to be tricky.’

Jeon Jae-han, one of the detectives who would clash with Lee Yeo-seo, is described as a seasoned police officer.

He boasts about 20 years of extensive experience as a detective and has directly apprehended criminals on-site with his keen instincts and skilled fighting techniques.

Although he had grown accustomed to various crimes throughout his long police career, he remained a principled man who believed that any crime should be punished.

Seo Jin-taek, who played Jeon Jae-han, was a middle-aged actor with a serious demeanor.

He had the kind of face you often see on an uncle in the neighborhood, yet he didn’t appear weak.

“A few years ago, I played a Yakuza role, and now I’m taking on a detective role. I hope to work well together.”

He was an actor with a considerable presence; his real age and acting experience all contributed to him being in a senior position compared to Ha Eun.

In contrast, Yu Sung-jae’s character, Kang Chan-seong, was a so-called ‘passionate detective.’

He was a young police officer with a comparatively shorter career than Jeon Jae-han.

“It’s a relief to be on the same side as my respected senior. I look forward to working with you.”

An enthusiastic police officer, he was a rookie detective full of zeal who would dive into any situation headfirst in the pursuit of justice.

The characterization of Kang Chan-seong resonated somewhat with Yu Sung-jae’s actual personality, particularly in his proactive nature.

‘He’s still inexperienced and struggling in various ways.’

Compared to the seasoned Jeon Jae-han, he came across as a bit clumsy.

However, it was clear that he embodied the six-character phrase of a righteous detective.

As the introductions of the two main actors wrapped up, everyone’s gaze slowly shifted towards Ha Eun.

‘Hmm, he had a friendly image in **The Sunshine**.’

‘Is it because he’s quiet and expressionless? He feels a bit different now.’

To be honest, Ha Eun’s casting came with a hint of question marks.

That’s because all the roles Ha Eun had played before had been heroic.

Many still remembered Lee Ha-eun from **You Who Came From the Stars** as the young Han Yu-hwa.

The image of a youthful girl who was dying alone had imprinted deeply in people’s minds.

His appearances on variety shows like **2 Nights 3 Days** or **Infinite Challenge** were also far removed from villainous roles.

The overwhelming aura he had displayed at Gocheok Sky Dome was of a different kind entirely from that of a villain.

‘Didn’t Yu Sung-jae actively recommend him?’

‘Is there something different that those who have acted together can see?’

Strictly speaking, Ha Eun’s sharp gaze and heavy aura suited him for villain roles.

However, it remained uncertain whether he could successfully portray Lee Yeo-seo, who experiences very few emotional changes, especially considering his past acting style focused primarily on maximizing emotions.

‘The director wouldn’t have cast him without reason, though.’

‘Is it because he’s the youngest among the actors? There’s a slight feeling of indecisiveness.’

Thus, various discussions about Ha Eun buzzed among the staff and actors of **The Veterans**.

Soon after Ha Eun finished his introduction, doubts and curiosity about him continued to linger.

Three people sensed this buzz more than anyone else: Ha Eun himself, Yu Sung-jae who had recommended him for the role of Lee Yeo-seo, and the director Kim Hong-seong of **The Veterans**.

A brief discussion happened between Yu Sung-jae and Kim Hong-seong afterward.

“So, how about we move from S#17 to S#18 in sequence?”

“Hm, S#18…”

Ultimately, Yu Sung-jae’s suggestion wasn’t rejected.

Kim Hong-seong thought that S#17 and S#18 showcased clearly what kind of character Lee Yeo-seo was.

In other words, it could determine whether Ha Eun could portray Lee Yeo-seo effectively.

Thus, at the request of Kim Hong-seong, Ha Eun and a few supporting actors had to step up.

They proceeded to a somewhat empty space slightly removed from the table where the actors and staff were seated.

As the actors began to position themselves, Ha Eun’s atmosphere gradually shifted.

And so…

– Smile.

“Ah, Executive Park. It’s been a while.”

Ha Eun’s acting commenced.

For some time, he had harbored a smile akin to wearing a mask.

“This construction bid matter, the chairman is interested. It’s a project that means the fate of the company.”

That emotion felt very light.

It seemed as if he was forcing the dialogue to continue.

However, from the standpoint of someone like Executive Park, who was completely unaware of Lee Yeo-seo’s true identity, it didn’t appear odd.

It was normal for the third-generation chaebol, who would inherit a company, to show interest in the business.

“Well then, I’ll see you at the executives’ meeting.”

It was friendly yet businesslike.

There was a vague distance, neither fully ignoring nor pretending to be overly friendly.

However, it didn’t raise any suspicion.

The atmosphere was unruffled, without any significant sense of discomfort.

Crucially, from Executive Park’s perspective, Lee Yeo-seo was merely a child who had taken on the position of director through family influence, nothing more.

There was no reason to delve any deeper into Lee Yeo-seo.

In other words, it meant that the true identity of Lee Yeo-seo was entirely unknown at that point.

As a result, those watching Ha Eun’s performance felt a clearer understanding of Lee Yeo-seo’s image management.

‘There’s no sign of awkwardness.’

‘He seems fine.’

Thus, Ha Eun’s seemingly ordinary performance continued until the end of S#17.

The image people saw of Lee Yeo-seo was merely that of a young company director.

The real twist occurred when the performance for S#18 had just started.

“Secretary.”

“Yes?”

“I’d like to get some fresh air for a moment.”

Alone.

The softly muttered words for the first time created a sense of discomfort.

It felt as if emotions had suddenly subdued.

Still holding onto a light smile.

However, just as the supporting actor playing the secretary disappeared from Ha Eun’s sight.

– Swoosh.

The corners of his mouth, which were slightly raised, transformed into a perfect straight line.

Almost simultaneously, he slowly ran his fingers through his hair.

‘Oh?’

‘The atmosphere…’

Ha Eun’s gaze.

His demeanor.

His expression.

All these things instantaneously grew cold.

No, it would be more accurate to say they vanished entirely.

The silence that enveloped everything made the faint friendliness that had been felt moments earlier vanish in an instant.

It felt like confronting a mannequin rather than a person.

The atmosphere, feelings, or moods that one would expect from a human extinguished like an extinguished lamp.

Nothing could be distinctly felt.

An empty gaze.

A face closer to a doll than a human.

– Step.

The sound of footsteps quietly echoed, pressing down the surrounding atmosphere.

At that moment, it became clear that everything seen in S#17 had merely been an act.

In other words, it was a reversal.

Once it was revealed that all the expressions and voices from moments ago were fabricated, a natural chill spread.

‘This is beyond acceptable.’

‘Is this really acting?’

An utterly vacant face.

The emptiness in the gaze left no room for emotions to occupy.

After continuing to walk, he finally confronted the victim, the supporting actor who had been crouched in a corner.

– Hmm! Hmm!

“I’m sorry, mister. There are a lot of people calling today.”

Ha Eun, who spoke with a deadpan expression, then pretended to search for something in the air.

The supporting actor, who was set to be imprisoned by Lee Yeo-seo, also followed Ha Eun’s fingertips with his gaze.

Just a few seconds later, Ha Eun’s hand seemed to clutch something.

Immediately after, the opposite hand lightly grazed the object Ha Eun was holding.

The image that rose in horror was that of a stabbing knife or a kitchen knife.

An invisible weapon had taken shape in Ha Eun’s hand.

– Step.

Once again, step.

Finally, nearing the supporting actor’s face, Ha Eun slowly bent down.

Bringing his eyes level with those of the supporting actor, who had now become completely identical.

“…You know, mister.”

With that empty gaze, Ha Eun stared directly into the supporting actor’s eyes as he extended his hand forward.

Almost simultaneously, there was a heavy sensation felt in the lower part of his chest.

‘I stabbed him.’

The supporting actor, who had already memorized the script for S#18, recognized instantly what Ha Eun had just done.

The expression on Ha Eun’s hand twisted as it began to rotate slowly in a clockwise direction.

“Please don’t make this too difficult for me.”

Thud. It sounded almost like a spattering of blood.

Ha Eun had stabbed the supporting actor in the chest with an invisible knife, pulled it out, and again stabbed as he twisted it brutally, committing murder.

– Thud, thud.

“The CCTV deletion, honestly, it’s a hassle. Let’s make this clean and quick.”

– Thud, thud, thud, thud…

– …Whoosh!!

“…Ah, damn. I’ve ruined my clothes. What do I do about this?”

With his hand brushing off his blouse as if he had really stained it with blood, Ha Eun glanced at the already lifeless victim with contempt.

“Until the end, being a nuisance. You little bastard…”

After turning away from the victim, Ha Eun continued to unbutton the top button of his blouse.

However, just as he was about to unbutton the second button, he heard a cautious voice.

“Yeo-seo. Didn’t you say you were going out for some fresh air? Surely not again…”

“Ah, oppa. Let’s just clean up one more piece of regular trash.”

Acting in a slightly disheveled manner, he pretended to be talking to another supporting actor.

There was no hint of emotional change.

Thus, the moment he finished the call, Ha Eun let out a slight sigh, concluding S#18.

However, no one, including Director Kim Hong-seong, dared to break the silence.

Even Yu Sung-jae, who had brought Ha Eun here, was speechless.

‘I thought he would do well.’

But it wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Ha Eun, who had naturally performed an everyday act of brutality that saw human life as worth less than his clothes, left everyone at a loss.

It was surprising that he felt neither the thrill of killing nor guilt.

More than anything, the details of that brutal stabbing.

‘Could it be that he really…’

It wasn’t merely stabbing a person.

For more lethal damage, he twisted the knife inside and tore into the victim’s organs, which kept weighing on his mind.

However, Ha Eun couldn’t grasp why people were looking at him with tremors in their eyes.

That’s because just moments ago, he was merely mimicking a scene from a famous VR horror game.

‘I thought I was doing my best to mimic it… Was it awkward?’

As those watching Ha Eun remained tense while casting anxious glances, Ha Eun found himself unable to escape the unease reflected in others’ eyes.

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