Chapter 70

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on February 25, 2025

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<[The Chaser]> had a brief hiatus following the highlight filming session.

There had been times when filming had been rushed, and the remaining scenes could be taken more slowly.

However, Director Bae Jin-hwan decided to take a small break, rather than immediately continuing.

“Ms. Seoyeon, you’ve been immersing yourself too much while acting. Let’s slow down a bit.”

It was a thoughtful gesture from Director Bae Jin-hwan, assuming her method acting might lead to mental fatigue.

Additionally, there was no immediate urgency for pressing scenes, so there was no need to push the actress.

‘I’m not that tired though.’

Despite this thought, she honestly appreciated the break, given she had a fair amount of other things to do besides the movie shooting.

Moreover, now that they had become slightly acquainted, being called as “Ms. Seoyeon” instead of “Seoyeon” felt a bit endearing.

Occasionally, Seoyeon thought about it — older people in particular seemed to genuinely like her.

…Strangely, only her peers ever seemed awkward around her.

‘But, that’ll all sort itself out with time.’

Seoyeon nodded twice.

With the upcoming school festival where she would play the ghost role, she would naturally find herself having more interactions with kids.

Casual conversations would naturally lead to jokes and some playful banter, eventually leading to friendships.

It was perfect.

Then, Jiyeon wouldn’t be able to tease her about not having any friends.

Yes, even Jiyeon…

“…”

Seoyeon suddenly clutched her head.

Oh, right — she had forgotten. She was about to ask about the situation with the Vtuber and how everything came about.

And who was that wizard?

‘Probably because I’ve been focusing so much on playing Cha Sooah…’

Ramiel’s first stream was still a week out.

It was meant to be a significant broadcast, after all.

She also didn’t want to stir things up unnecessarily before then.

It was like unnecessarily scratching a wound and creating a sore.

Besides, it wasn’t as if she had taken any red pill.

‘I don’t know this person called Jiyeon.’

Would that be the right mindset to approach the broadcast?

Yes, it seemed appropriate, but…

<[Ramiel's Channel]>

Subscribers: 325.

Seoyeon squinted while looking at that number.

It was still a small count, but considering that no proper broadcast had even been done yet, it felt surprisingly high.

Perhaps it was because the modeling was very good, or maybe it was due to the wizard she had streamed with before.

‘…’

Seoyeon felt a touch of jealousy for some reason.

Jiyeon hadn’t told her, yet she had discussed things with the wizard.

‘…Anyway, I need to visit the voice acting academy, at least after her first stream.’

While she didn’t have any specific plans, going to the academy might reveal why Jiyeon suddenly started a Vtuber career.

That’s all she wanted—just that.

***

At the Éclat Étoile advertising set.

Technically, the set didn’t amount to much more than a few green screens and lights, since most of the elements would be added via graphics.

All they needed was to confirm that the green screens and lights were functioning correctly.

“Miss Song, you were told not to be late this time.”

“Yeah, I heard she’s been making it obvious that she doesn’t want to do this ad.”

The actor whose recent Monday-Tuesday drama had garnered huge popularity.

When they shot the previous ad, it was before the drama became a hit.

Even back then, Song Heebin had already been showing her disdain toward this particular advertisement.

It was as though she had this attitude of:

‘I don’t want to keep doing ads for this has-been brand!’

Though she had never explicitly said that out loud.

But people can guess other’s feelings from their demeanor and facial expressions.

And while she had shown such attitude before, how would she act now that she had become so famous from her drama?

Some of the production crew were already feeling somewhat worried about today’s filming.

“Oh, didn’t you hear? The ad model has changed.”

“Really? What do you mean?”

“Yes, Miss Song is stepping down, and they’re filming with a different actress.”

“Another actress? If they’ve said there was no budget for a replacement, then is this all a lie?”

“I’ve heard it’s… Joo Seoyeon. The young actress from *The Moon that Hid the Sun*.”

“Young actress?”

“Yeah, but she’s grown up now. It’s been how many years since *The Moon that Hid the Sun*?…”

“Right. It’s been about ten years already?”

“Ten years? Wow, has it been that long?”

Joo Seoyeon.

At the mere mention of her name, some of the crew let out gasps of awe.

She had, after all, made a dazzling comeback recently with *Looking Back at the Past*.

People active in online communities were already familiar with her, thanks to *What If She Were a Princess: Joo Seoyeon Edition*.

“Yeah, she got a lot of press from her comeback… what’s the latest on her?”

“I saw her on stage recently, and she was seriously impressive!”

A female staff member raised her hand playfully, laughing and responding.

Staff members who regularly attended theater or musical performances were well acquainted with her in this context.

‘She’s been busy with a lot of projects recently.’

She had only made headlines recently with her return in *Looking Back at the Past*, but already various members of the crew knew her through different channels.

The staff found it quite surprising.

Even the director of this advertisement, Do Hyung-tae, felt the same way.

‘Play, variety show… and now this ad.’

She really was keeping busy.

Her fame may not have reached astronomical levels yet, but was this just sheer ability?

Or was she backed by someone influential?

In the mind of a relatively young director like Do Hyung-tae, it seemed like that could be the case.

Song Heebin had already left the project, but Éclat Étoile wasn’t a small company.

This advertisement wasn’t a small one either.

There would’ve likely been plenty of other actors interested in taking the role.

So, the fact that Joo Seoyeon managed to secure the spot meant either that she had backing or that she had something extraordinary going for her.

‘Could this be a future-focused investment? Nah, advertising isn’t a game for amateurs.’

Occasionally, investors throw their weight behind someone they believe will definitely rise, driven by a gambler’s heart.

But that’s easier said than done.

Advertising makes someone the face of a brand for at least a few months.

As such, the model is essentially the face of the company.

Hiring someone without fame means accepting the potential loss for the brand, making it tough to simply label it an “investment” without due consideration.

That wasn’t to say it never happened, though.

“Well, at least she listens well.”

Whether it was due to backing or future investment, getting the role was a big deal for the actress.

Particularly since Joo Seoyeon was still quite young.

‘Seventeen? Wow, she’s young but works so hard.’

Frankly, this was also a slight concern.

Seventeen years old.

Éclat Étoile was, of course, a cosmetic brand targeting adult women.

But teenage girls naturally carried a tinge of youthful innocence.

The appeal of adult women lay more in beauty than in cuteness.

Doesn’t each age have its own suitable makeup?

Thus, there was a possibility that her young features wouldn’t take the makeup well.

‘Of course, the advertisers must’ve considered this, right?’

But not every expert fully accounts for everything.

In any case,

‘Looks like she’s full of confidence, isn’t she?’

If she could already maintain such an active career, having a sense of arrogance seemed plausible.

Especially considering her start as a child actor, hitting it big early.

It was perhaps a bias, but it was hard to imagine her as someone with a good character.

Recalling how filled with hubris Song Heebin had been, it seemed fitting.

“So when exactly is Joo Seoyeon arriving?”

“Oh, she’s already here. Makeup is all done.”

“Really? She came quicker than expected.”

Do Hyung-tae checked the time.

About thirty minutes remained until filming.

Compared to Song Heebin, who was often tardy, this arrival was quite prompt.

Considering the makeup process, it could be estimated that she arrived at least an hour early.

“Possibly to avoid delays with makeup, she’s come early.”

“Hmm…”

Upon hearing this from another member of the crew, Do Hyung-tae folded his arms.

Was she conscientious, then?

In that case, that was at least reassuring.

Creak.

About ten more minutes passed.

Then, the door to the set opened.

All the staff, who had just finished their preparation, turned their gazes towards the entrance.

The new ad model.

Even though she lacked much renown, interest was piqued in seeing how this young actress would appear as a cosmetics model.

“…”

Instantly,

The entire room went still.

Even Do Hyung-tae’s hand, which had been fidgeting with a cigarette in his pocket, froze in place.

The first thing noticed was her long black hair.

Following that, her brown eyes with a hint of red.

Her pale complexion was so flawless it was hard to discern if it was natural or made-up.

One thing was clear though—whatever makeup she’d used suited her perfectly.

She was only seventeen, but her look was reminiscent of an adult actress’s beauty.

This point struck Do Hyung-tae deeply.

“Hello, I’m Joo Seoyeon. I look forward to working with everyone today.”

And with a bow,

“Ah.”

Do Hyung-tae let out a short sigh.

‘This… yes, this.’

It was something like a bargain buy, or investing in the future.

‘With this kind of appearance, it’s worth it.’

Her appearance.

It aligned perfectly with the Éclat Étoile brand, which translated to “Shining Star.”

Song Heebin was already forgotten from his mind.

“Wow… she’s something else.”

There was a notion that actors possessed an aura different from ordinary people.

Do Hyung-tae had encountered many actors and indeed recognized that aura in some.

Song Heebin had a certain presence, in her own way.

But this actress, Joo Seoyeon, was different.

He began to understand why she’d made her name as a child actor.

“I’m glad to meet you. I’m Do Hyung-tae, the director for today’s shoot.”

Do Hyung-tae, contrary to his usually cynical nature, extended his hand first.

And as he did, he thought:

Regardless,

This advertisement was likely to be a significant entry in his career.

***

Three days until Yeonhwa High School’s festival.

The festival’s preparations were nearing their final stages.

Seoyeon’s class, in particular, had an enormous task ahead, so much so that even students who weren’t usually interested in activities had to participate.

It was quite clear that the school focused heavily on academics.

“Err… uhm, uhh…”

A female student struggled to form words while staring at the girl in front of her.

Currently, in her hand, she held makeup to adorn Seoyeon’s face.

Well, it wasn’t makeup but rather costumes.

Staring directly at Seoyeon’s piercing gaze, the girl froze, unable to move her hand.

After all,

“Will… er, it be okay if I erase the makeup on your face?”

Seoyeon’s face was already done up with makeup — no, perhaps it should be called a beauty look.

‘As a model for the advertisement, she should use the cosmetics of the ad.’

This was true for Seoyeon as well.

While it wasn’t a strict rule, there was a sense of duty as the model for the product.