Chapter 54

What did I eat wrong?

Or did I not eat what I should have?

This was the first thought that crossed Ha-eun’s mind upon hearing Da-yeon’s sudden declaration of a slap.

Well, there was no way to guess the reason this time.

“…What did I do wrong?”

“No, maybe it’s not that you did something wrong, Lee Ha-eun?”

“??”

Ha-eun knew that Da-yeon was not that warm-hearted. She also knew that Da-yeon had no qualms about expressing her feelings or thoughts towards Ha-eun.

Yet, Ha-eun had never ignored or avoided Da-yeon’s feelings or thoughts until now, simply because she hadn’t really done anything wrong.

For the past 11 years spending time with Da-yeon, she had only thought that she could wait until Da-yeon’s feelings softened. In fact, things usually resolved well in due course.

However, it was the first time Da-yeon was trying to translate her feelings or thoughts into action. She couldn’t even guess what made her feel that way.

The expression that came to Da-yeon’s familiar face was quite different from the signs of anger or sulking. It looked like she was hesitant about something.

For the first time, Ha-eun faced Da-yeon’s cautious expression since getting to know her. A thought flickered through Ha-eun’s mind momentarily.

At the same time, the two characters “No way” also popped into her head, but everyone has their secrets.

“…Do you possibly have that kind of preference?”

With a little hope, she moved a bit closer to Da-yeon and bravely whispered.

Instantly, Da-yeon’s face flushed bright red.

“Wh-what are you saying, you crazy girl?!”

Sure enough, it was a scream.

Despite Ha-eun’s attempt to speak softly, her consideration was in vain as she shouted loudly, echoing through the hall.

It took only a few seconds for the gazes of those around to gather towards Da-yeon.

By then, Da-yeon’s face was burning with embarrassment, and she executed a swift retreat.

‘…Did I really eat something wrong?’

Ha-eun’s question about Da-yeon remained unanswered.

However, no matter how calm Ha-eun’s personality was, getting slapped out of the blue was still a bit much.

She decided to wait for a moment when no one was around and talk to Da-yeon again.

After all, even though Da-yeon was probably dying to get at Ha-eun, she wouldn’t have slapped her without reason.

Nevertheless, Da-yeon started avoiding Ha-eun.

And it went on for a whole week.

Ultimately, they hadn’t had a real conversation by Friday.

The “1” next to the last chat message sent to Da-yeon still hadn’t been deleted.

However, as Ha-eun had been cast as a prominent role in [The Moonlight Split by Clouds], she couldn’t afford to keep focusing on Da-yeon.

Deciding that she would tackle Da-yeon’s situation again starting Monday, she chose to concentrate on the first script reading scheduled for Saturday around lunchtime.

As time passed, and about an hour remained until the first script reading of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds] began.

“Eh, what? I thought I was first.”

“Ah… Hello. Nice to meet you.”

Ha-eun greeted the actors and staff who began to arrive one by one, starting with a middle-aged actor scheduled for a minor role.

Being polite and greeting everyone was certainly the best first impression one could make.

However, in contrast to Ha-eun’s intention to greet the last person to arrive, another leading actor, Yu Sung-jae, who was playing the male lead, “Prince Lee Hyun,” spoke to Ha-eun in a friendly manner.

“Though I’m older than you in age, you’re way more experienced than I am, Ha-eun. So please treat me casually.”

Ultimately, she had no choice but to stop her polite greetings and take a seat next to Yu Sung-jae.

If Ha-eun, the senior, kept standing, it would put the junior, Yu Sung-jae, in an awkward position in many ways.

The conversation that followed mainly revolved around the original novel of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

Like Ha-eun in the past, Yu Sung-jae had read the original novel several times, so there were no interruptions in their conversation.

“What scene did you like the most, Ha-eun? I really liked the scene where Yeom Wol reappears in a completely different form.”

“Hmm…. I liked the scene where the two of them talk with a door between them.”

“You’re talking about the mid-episode, right? The scene where Prince Lee Hyun shows his true feelings for the first time.”

“Yes.”

“Definitely, that scene had a lasting impact.”

As they continued to discuss [The Moonlight Split by Clouds], the time drew near for the script reading to begin.

All the actors and staff who were set to attend the script reading were already seated.

“Hello, I am Jin Kyu-seong, the director of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].”

The director’s greetings started the script reading.

He then briefly shared his thoughts on directing [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

Afterward, Yu Sung-jae, who had been sitting right next to Ha-eun, stood up.

“I’m Yu Sung-jae, playing the role of Prince Lee Hyun. I will strive to present a wonderful performance.”

With a gentle smile, bright voice, and, most importantly, a handsome face that couldn’t even be called ugly, he drew applause.

As soon as Yu Sung-jae sat back down, countless gazes turned to focus on Ha-eun.

It was natural that there was an expectation mixed among those looks.

Until now, Ha-eun had mostly stuck to supporting or minor roles.

Nevertheless, her unique talent for stealing scenes remained, managing to create at least two or three highlights in every project she participated in.

It was only expected that people would be curious about what kind of performance she would deliver now as a prominent lead in [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

Ha-eun’s audition video had also been somewhat circulated.

Even though she had never seen the video herself, it was enough to raise expectations for her performance further.

Finally.

“I am Lee Ha-eun, playing Yeom Wol. …I will do my best.”

With a slightly nervous look, Ha-eun stood up and greeted the actors and staff, just as Yu Sung-jae had done before her.

She received applause similar in intensity to that which had been directed toward Yu Sung-jae.

Even after Ha-eun sat down again, the greeting time had not yet ended.

However, feeling a little parched, she took advantage of the moment when a minor female actor had just finished her greeting and quickly picked up a water bottle in front of her.

Just as she was about to take a sip of the lukewarm water.

“…I am Min Da-yeon playing Queen Yoon.”

“Cough!”

The identity of the person who had been wearing a black baseball cap for quite a while was revealed, causing Ha-eun to choke.

Yu Sung-jae, looking worried, glanced at Ha-eun, asking if she was okay.

However, in that moment, it didn’t matter what Yu Sung-jae said; she couldn’t comprehend a word.

Naturally, Queen Yoon was the one who would truly torment Ha-eun’s Yeom Wol.

Moreover, it was Da-yeon, of all people, who had been cast for the role of Queen Yoon.

This was enough to make Ha-eun anxious about what would unfold on the filming set of [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

Ha-eun’s eyes widened in surprise.

Subconsciously, she even felt a slight sense of betrayal towards Da-yeon.

However, regardless of what state Ha-eun was in, this was a script reading session for [The Moonlight Split by Clouds].

“So, let’s start with [S#13. Three-person Encounter in the East Palace].”

She had to somehow calm her slightly sore throat and shift her gaze to the script.

Still, she couldn’t help but pay attention to Da-yeon across the way, as Queen Yoon also appeared in the scene of the three-person encounter in the East Palace, which Jin Kyu-seong had just mentioned.

Standing in for the late Prince Lee Hyun’s biological mother, the newly crowned Queen Yoon warily regarded Prince Lee Hyun, while Yeom Wol stood silently by his side.

Queen Yoon, who was also monitoring Prince Lee Hyun, would inevitably engage in a sharp exchange of lines during this three-person encounter scene.

For example,

“To step into the East Palace in such bright daylight, it seems Queen Yoon has quite a lot of free time?”

This line from Yu Sung-jae sarcastically pointed out that while the king lay bedridden, Queen Yoon was idly strolling around the palace.

“I should be able to stop worrying about the young prince. If it’s not with the Lord, I wouldn’t even think of stepping outside the East Palace.”

This line by Da-yeon contained a mix of derision aimed at the young prince, even though she was more than capable of taking on regent duties.

However, there was one line sharper than any other.

“What would happen if a servant like you keeps indulging the young prince’s whims? Even a tiny sparrow stops bringing food to a fully grown chick.”

This line was aimed at Yeom Wol, who never left Prince Lee Hyun’s side.

Da-yeon’s gaze towards Ha-eun from across the room was equally fierce.

‘…As expected.’

From Jin Kyu-seong’s perspective, who had pushed for Da-yeon to play Queen Yoon, her performance was very satisfactory.

In contrast to the other actors who were exhibiting a so-called “traditional” performance, Da-yeon displayed a guarded acting style, fully recognizing both Prince Lee Hyun and Yeom Wol as her adversaries.

Of course, other actors could have also attempted to exhibit a cautious performance towards Yeom Wol.

However, ultimately, among many actors, only Da-yeon succeeded in portraying the caution against Yeom Wol.

“I am just a mere beast, Your Majesty. I only show my teeth to the enemies of the prince, so do not worry.”

Immediately following, the scene where Ha-eun’s performance collided head-on with Da-yeon’s brought another satisfied expression to Jin Kyu-seong’s face.

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