“Hmm, Asher Baldwin?”
At the sound of that name, Seohui Jo crossed her arms and adopted a thoughtful expression.
“Now that you mention it, I’ve heard something. There was talk that Asher Baldwin recently went to Japan.”
“Did he end up making a film there?”
“Maybe. But I’m not sure. Hmm, it’s possible that they gave him some funding over there in Japan.”
At Seohui’s words, Sooyeon paused in thought.
It’s well known that in the Japanese film industry, directors don’t usually receive much money.
Even Sooyeon, who didn’t know much about the industry, was aware of this fact.
‘In my past life, there weren’t any Japanese films directed by Asher Baldwin, right?’
If he had made a film, it would be hard for Sooyeon not to know about it.
Though she lacked knowledge of foreign films, especially those released overseas, it was clear that any Asher Baldwin-directed film would have entered the Korean market.
If she didn’t know about it, it was likely that it never premiered.
While contemplating this, Jiyeon, who had been silently listening, finally spoke up.
“So, Sooyeon, is the famous director considering you for the lead role?”
“I’m not sure about that.”
Anyway, it was a Japanese film.
It was very rare—no, it was almost unheard of—for a Korean person to play the lead role in a Japanese film.
“Especially for a Japanese-financed project.”
The Japanese film industry likely had various strategies to revive the stagnant film market. Perhaps, one of their bold moves was to bring in a famous foreign director.
‘If that’s the case, maybe the film didn’t pan out in my past life.’
It was certainly plausible.
It was evident that Asher Baldwin’s recent film had stumbled, tarnishing his reputation somewhat.
Still, his two-time Oscar-winning director credentials weren’t going anywhere.
Even in America, he remained one of the most renowned directors, and his name carried immense weight—not just in Japan but even compared to any director in Korea.
Indeed, Asher Baldwin is known for balancing both artistic integrity and commercial appeal.
Contrary to the common belief that attempting two things often results in failure, he managed to excel at both.
“I guess we should first listen to the details.”
“Yeah, participating in Asher Baldwin’s film, even if it’s just as an extra, would be worthwhile.”
Seohui nodded calmly, though she seemed somewhat preoccupied.
“Still, this is Japan, so I’m a bit concerned about the production environment. That said, if Asher Baldwin asked, people would likely join him from America. In particular…”
“In particular?”
“Asher Baldwin has an adopted daughter. If I remember correctly, she’s reportedly joining him on this trip to Japan.”
…
The mention of Asher Baldwin’s adopted daughter made Sooyeon pause and quickly search her mind.
One name came to her immediately.
“Stella Baldwin.”
“Ah, you know her? Not many people are aware that she’s his adopted daughter.”
“It’s in the name, isn’t it?”
“True, Baldwin is a fairly common last name, but still…”
In any case, it was likely that Stella would appear in Asher Baldwin’s latest work.
Sooyeon didn’t know much about foreign actors, much less directors.
She had never watched movies or dramas just for entertainment. She only viewed them as resources for mimicking emotions in her own performances.
‘Mimicking emotions from foreign productions might not serve my purpose.’
Initially, Sooyeon never watched movies or dramas purely for enjoyment. She only used them to study the emotions portrayed in them.
As a result, all the films and dramas Sooyeon watched were Korean.
Each culture portrayed emotions differently, and since exposing herself to too many variations might negatively influence her performances, she focused on Korean productions.
“With Stella, though, I know her for reasons unrelated to her work.”
Generally, for less-than-positive reasons.
“So, if he selects a foreign actress for the lead role, it’ll probably be her, right?”
“Maybe.”
“I guess we don’t know. Besides, they haven’t even told us which roles are available yet.”
“The whole situation is a bit confusing, but it seems like they’ve at least approached you. I’m busy too, for what it’s worth.”
“True.”
In any case, they would need to hear more about the project once in Japan since they were already set to film “Gyeongseong Lady” there.
“Hey, Sooyeon.”
“Hm?”
“Did you see this?”
At Jiyun’s sudden question, Sooyeon looked at her with wide eyes.
“What?”
“This.”
Inadvertently, Sooyeon stared at the smartphone Jiyun showed her.
There, on the screen:
[Fear… Ramiel… They say a ghost is coming…]
Sooyeon’s expression cracked.
Who was that in the video?
Could it be me?
Even if that’s true, she didn’t normally talk like that or cling to people.
Well, okay, Jiyun wasn’t male, but…
What the hell is this?!
“Was this edited?”
“Not likely. Yesterday, you clung to me all day—I thought I would die.”
No, it wasn’t all day.
It was just during the time she woke up.
But still, she couldn’t deny it. This must be her when she lost consciousness.
Ah, drunk.
Watching herself babble while intoxicated, Sooyeon felt a pounding headache.
“Am… I sensitive to alcohol?”
Sooyeon had immense confidence in her seemingly invincible TS body—not just physically but internally as well.
She never got sick from spoiled food and had never felt any adverse effects. But why now with alcohol?
“Who took this video?”
“Huh?”
“You were stuck with me, so someone else must have taken it, right?”
Sooyeon’s eyes darted around.
Factually speaking, at this moment, there was only one person who could have recorded it—Seohui Jo, who was subtly avoiding eye contact.
“Our cat took it, I guess.”
“But we don’t have a pet cat, do we?”
“…”
If she had known this would happen, she would have raised one.
Seohui nervously sweated under Sooyeon’s intense gaze.
Still, she wasn’t regretful. If she got the chance, she’d do it again.
“…Anyway.”
Sooyeon deleted the clip from Seohui’s phone while contemplating.
Asher Baldwin.
And Stella.
Those two mattered most for now.
There were too many concerns swirling about this situation beyond just a casting decision.
“Did you find a good actor? You look pleased.”
At a luxurious hotel in Japan, Asher sighed as he entered the lobby amid the murmuring of bystanders.
He wondered if he should warn his daughter who had appeared suddenly out of nowhere.
Hadn’t he thought there would be fewer people in Japan who recognized him?
“You said there weren’t any good actors in Japan, right?”
“Your phrasing makes it sound like you’re putting down Japanese actors.”
“Huh? Isn’t it the same thing? You don’t like Japanese acting, Papa.”
Upon hearing this, Asher casually glanced around.
Though technically true, it wasn’t the right thing to say in Japan.
Luckily, the only people around were his translator and some security guards who wouldn’t understand English.
“She’s not Japanese but Korean.”
“Same difference, right?”
“You do realize you just subtly racially discriminated there?”
“Eh? That’s not exactly what I meant.”
A smile flickered on his face—like a fairy’s.
Now eighteen years old, she still had an immature charm compared to Western actors her age.
“Well, half of you is Asian, right?”
Whether Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, it wasn’t clear.
Still, in response to that, Asher sighed once more.
Truthfully, Stella didn’t favor Asians much.
In fact, when he mentioned their trip to Japan, she had thrown quite a tantrum.
‘Originally, I intended to cast her as the lead in my next film.’
But a Japanese movie? It would be too much.
Besides, he wanted to spend more time on this next project since his recent one didn’t go so well.
The Japanese film was a challenge for Asher too.
Trying something new in a different cultural context, collaborating with actors and directors who didn’t share his background.
‘Perhaps with this opportunity, she could win the youngest Academy Award for Best Actress.’
Since meeting Stella on the streets, he hadn’t changed his expectations for her.
However, it might prove difficult now. Stella was a prodigy and there hadn’t been anyone who matched up to her thus far.
‘Still…’
This Korean actress could likely inspire her.
‘Their appearance, aura, and immersive acting.’
It reminded him of the shock he experienced when he first met Stella.
He felt disappointed but also grateful that such an actress was in Japan.
Unfortunately, she was Korean.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.”
“And didn’t you mention earlier you found a great actor? You’re not going to answer?”
Asher walked toward the hotel lobby, gathering his luggage, while Stella chirped in pursuit.
Upon hearing her, Asher smiled faintly.
“Yes, I found one.”
Of course, Stella’s reaction—frowning in obvious displeasure—was entirely predictable.
“Director Baldwin?”
Director Baek Min looked slightly surprised at Sooyeon’s words.
Today, Sooyeon was briefing him about recent events prior to their next filming.
“That’s an incredible director. Though, it’s understandable he noticed your performance, Ms. Sooyeon.”
Director Baek Min paused thoughtfully before speaking again.
“Director Baldwin specializes in the kind of acting I aspire to but also excels commercially. He is truly someone I could learn from.”
At this, Seohui Jo, standing nearby, seemed eager to say something—probably something along the lines of “I prefer Director Baek Min’s films,” but with Asher Baldwin in the conversation, she held back. It was hard to make such a comment easily when dealing with someone of his reputation.
Most likely, Director Baek Min would take it as a flippant remark rather than sincere praise.
“Still, it’s a bit disappointing to hear it’s a Japanese film. If it were shot in Hollywood, appearing even as an extra would be much more valuable.”
“That’s not entirely confirmed yet.”
“I see. Let me guess then…”
Being a Japanese film, it might prove challenging to cast Sooyeon as the lead. Perhaps they were considering her for a minor role?
At first, Director Baek had thought so too.
However, if he were to accidentally see Sooyeon’s performance, what role would he assign her?
“To be honest, it’s obvious.”
“?”
“Probably a villainous role.”
“Ugh…”
Baek Min’s comment made Seohui Jo snicker despite biting her lower lip hard, indicating she barely held back a laugh.
‘She probably feels the same way.’
Sooyeon glared icily at Seohui.
Regardless, did she completely delete that video?
Not entirely certain.
She should’ve confiscated and verified the deletion back then.
Now, Sooyeon regretted missing that chance.
“Actually, playing a villain would be easier.”
Indeed, it was true.
Due to discriminatory or alienating perspectives, it was common for people to empathize more with villain roles.
Villainous roles typically started with those negative emotions.
Not that Sooyeon only wanted to play villains.
‘Devil Lady might be better.’
Kasugayama Yuina.
Initially, she found it intimidating, but it grew to be a role she enjoyed.
Especially when she started understanding the nuances of her emotional arc, there was a hint of regret.
Had she portrayed those nuances earlier, they could’ve captured some better scenes.
“Anyway, we have some time before we shoot in Japan, so we should prioritize filming the scenes with Sooyeon.”
“Ah, is our schedule being changed because of me…?”
“No, it’s not. But considering the possibility that Sooyeon might get busy, it’s better we move quickly.”
Scheduling aside, Baek Min felt it was better to film Sooyeon’s scenes rapidly.
Given that emotional performance was her forte, capturing her work before her emotional intensity faded was crucial to achieving better scenes.
“Soohui, are you alright with this? Are you okay?”
“Yes, of course.”
Director Baek Min nodded.
The scenes involving Kasugayama Yuina required much work, primarily from the lead actresses since Yuina’s moments were often interwoven with Michiko or Yeon Seonye’s.
Next in line was Isamu.
“Director Baldwin is interested…”
Upon hearing this, Lee Sang-soo wore a worried expression.
Having experienced a significant failure in Hollywood, he was concerned about Sooyeon.
Of course, even if Sooyeon joined the project, it would be with Japanese cinema—far from Hollywood—but he still seemed uneasy.
“Let’s revisit that topic later… Are you both ready, Sooyeon and Soohui?”
“Yes.”
Sooyeon nodded with a tense face.
Director Baek Min looked puzzled at this.
“You seem nervous while acting, Sooyeon.”
“Yeah… Well, I am human too.”
Sooyeon laughed awkwardly.
Actually, her tension today had a different reason entirely.
‘A scene where I wrestle and fight with Michiko.’
Seohui, unaware of Sooyeon’s physical capabilities, simply tilted her head in confusion.
But Sooyeon, who had previously sent two actors to the hospital during the filming of “The Chaser,” couldn’t help but be anxious.
Sometimes, when deeply immersed in her role, she occasionally lost control, and she was wary of such moments.
