Chapter 79

“…….”

Jiyeon let out a sigh as she sat in her noisy classroom early in the morning.

The class was unusually restless, but the reason was nothing special.

It was because of a single presence that had been aimlessly hovering around their classroom since the morning.

‘Can’t you just wait until lunchtime?’

It was another class, and the school festival would be followed immediately by test period. Even though Yeonhwa High School might have a reputation for neglecting academics in some areas, there was still a basic standard that needed to be maintained.

“Jiyeon, isn’t that your friend…?”

“Should we just leave them like this? Ah, they’re looking over here.”

When Jiyeon was chatting with other students, they would gaze over at her with an expression that resembled a drenched dog.

It wasn’t entirely unpleasant, but it was getting on her nerves.

“They’re always like that.”

“Are they?”

Sooyeon Joo is always like that. However, all of it was an act—an unspoken plea for someone to greet her first. Occasionally, her behavior might be genuine, but at least in this moment, it was all an act.

Having known Sooyeon for a long time, Jiyeon was perfectly aware of this.

“It’s too much.”

Eventually, when lunchtime rolled around, Sooyeon finally began to speak.

“You could make friends other than me.”

“I did.”

Ah, the class president, Jiyeon thought. She couldn’t quite remember the president’s name, but it seemed that they were having a decent conversation.

“Hmm.”

She wasn’t exactly sure whether or not they could be called a “friend,” but it was clear that they were conversing openly. Sooyeon might have an unusual personality, but she wasn’t unkind, so it wouldn’t take long to become friendly with her.

Jiyeon thought as much.

“…….”

While Jiyeon was thinking this, Sooyeon seemed to be pondering something.

‘Should I mention yesterday’s broadcast?’

Apart from Ramiel, she wanted to thank her for remembering their childhood stories and reenacting them faithfully.

Even though she had passed out soon after hearing “Happy Birthday,” she woke up in the morning and replayed the rest. What she watched was a fairly standard debut stream.

Although she hadn’t been able to watch Ramiel’s original debut broadcast, this time she had successfully managed to catch the live stream.

‘The first broadcast, considering it was personal, was mentioned quite a bit.’

First, thanks to the overwhelming influx of funds, it garnered serious attention. Moreover, with her acting skills and clearly trained voice, some even wondered if it was a technological showcase by some company.

‘…….’

After hesitating whether or not to mention it, Sooyeon soon shook her head and Jiyeon smiled faintly at the sight.

She had recently learned a fair bit about the physiological aspects of Vtubers, and based on Sooyeon’s stubborn personality, Jiyeon was confident that Sooyeon would never bring it up herself.

The dividing line between Ramiel and Jiyeon.

Still, seeing her like this, it was clear that she had indeed received a birthday gift yesterday. Jiyeon had spent quite some time preparing it.

‘After all, I’ve known her for 10 years.’

The words Sooyeon wanted to say.

And regarding Ramiel—Jiyeon couldn’t help but know about it all.

“Isn’t the PV coming out today?”

“Yeah.”

Sooyeon nodded.

Tonight at 10 PM, the PV for [The Chaser] was scheduled to be released.

It was also expected that proper promotional efforts would start soon, with the movie set for release within three to four months at the earliest.

Since the official date was also rumored to be announced this month, it was clear that the release was fast approaching.

“I guess I should work harder too.”

In response to Jiyeon’s statement, Sooyeon turned her gaze for a moment. Although Jiyeon was doing pretty well on cable TV, she lacked a public image.

‘Dramas or movies Jiyeon could star in.’

Sooyeon glanced at Jiyeon.

Objectively speaking, Jiyeon’s acting was good. It was just that compared to real adult actors, there was undoubtedly room for improvement given her age. But she definitely had the potential to grow.

‘If only there was an opportunity…’

However, a proper project didn’t come to mind. Given Jiyeon’s current career status, most were out of reach.

And personally, Sooyeon also wanted to collaborate with Jiyeon on a project…

Tak.

As she was lost in thought, Jiyeon tapped Sooyeon’s shoulder with her palm, snapping her out of it.

Turning her gaze, Sooyeon wondered if something was wrong.

“…What’s all the commotion?”

Hmm?

Sooyeon lifted her head to see students bustling around. Their murmurs were audible.

The hurried footsteps heading somewhere seemed as if a celebrity had arrived. …A celebrity?

Jiyeon and Sooyeon exchanged glances. Without a word, both of them stood up from the bench where they had been sitting.

***

“You’re late.”

Sooyeon wasn’t sure what to respond when the sharp female voice spoke.

‘Have people these days developed a fetish for dramatic entrances?’

The woman with brown-dyed hair neatly tied to the side had an intense gaze. Her appearance was that of a haughty princess or queen. Had it not been for the brown-colored school uniform, Sooyeon might have mistaken her for an adult.

“Sooyeon Joo. Or is this your friend?”

“Huh?”

Clearly, Jiyeon had just been about to refer to “that person” earlier. She must have restrained herself since they were in the same field, but it was indeed an entrance worthy of “that person.”

“Seohui Jo?”

“Is that really Seohui Jo? Wow, she really is beautiful.”

“Do you know each other?”

Students standing at the school gate were watching them both. Even the homeroom teacher was standing nearby, gawking in awe. Typically, they would have interfered, right? But for once…

‘Why is Seohui Jo…’

She sighed when the students kept their curious glances alternating between her and Seohui.

“What do you want?”

“You can speak freely.”

Seohui responded. It seemed as though she had taken into consideration Sooyeon’s earlier statement—”Aren’t we particularly close?”

The two were the same age, and while Seohui had said it was fine to speak casually, there was an oddly senior-like vibe about her. Especially since she had debuted even earlier than Sooyeon, making her harder to interact with.

“Hmph. Fine.”

It seemed Seohui gave up and gave a nod to someone behind her.

A woman who looked like Seohui’s manager then appeared, carrying something.

At a glance, it was a paper bag full of boxes.

“Birthday gift.”

“?”

“For me and Mr. Park.”

There was only one person she could be referring to as “Mr. Park.”

Jung-woo Park.

“He said that he’d surely cause trouble if he showed up himself, so he sent me.”

She clicked her tongue.

“Ah, of course it’s also a personal present for me. Consider it a tribute.”

“Tribute?”

“Yeah. Definitely, as you said… we aren’t that close, right?”

Seohui smiled mischievously after saying that.

“So, I thought I’d try to win you over a bit.”

“….”

At this, Sooyeon took a step back, causing Seohui to smirk.

“I didn’t mean it like that. Lighten up!”

“Yes.”

However awkward it was to say, to Sooyeon, someone like Seohui, who reminded her of a villainous young noblewoman in a story, was incredibly burdening. That said, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing to get along with other female actors of the same age.

‘Strange…’

When had she and Park Jung-woo become close enough that he’d ask her to deliver gifts?

Looking at the handed-over paper bag, the contents were clearly expensive.

What was slightly amusing was that the items seemed to be products Seohui herself advertised. What an incredible display of self-confidence!

This was something Sooyeon wanted to emulate.

“Next year.”

At that moment, Seohui spoke.

“Huh?”

Seohui continued, “This year looks pretty hectic, so I’d like to set an appointment for next year—are you okay with that?”

“No.”

Sooyeon wanted to say no but decided to hear her out and nodded instead.

“Do you know Director Baek Min?”

“Yes. The director of ‘Emergency Partnership’, right?”

“That’s correct. I was in that movie too, you know.”

Is she boasting?

This crossed Sooyeon’s mind as she looked at Seohui.

“Actually, I got to know Director Baek during that time, and I heard by chance that he’s making a movie next year.”

Director Baek Min was famous for creating high-quality works with limited budgets yet achieving impressive results, leaving a significant impact on the audience.

‘Ahhh, no way.’

As she thought further, one particular film clearly rose to her mind.

“I didn’t get the details of the project, but I heard they’d be recruiting a lot of actresses.”

“Ah, I see.”

“…Do you see?”

“I’m sorry, no.”

Sooyeon nodded.

Director Baek Min’s movies.

They were certainly highly acclaimed. The audience turnout was around 4 million.

Not exactly an overwhelming number, but considering the genre, it was an impressive figure. Moreover, the movie had undeniably left a massive impact on the public.

It had garnered significant positive reviews overseas, even being mentioned at the Academy Awards, and had received numerous awards in different countries. It was a prime opportunity to enhance her recognition internationally.

“Starring in one of Director Baek Min’s movies would be a great learning experience.”

Vaguely, Sooyeon interpreted this as an invitation to collaborate in a movie together.

This was because a high-quality film was the perfect stage to showcase one’s acting skills.

Indeed, this upcoming film by Director Baek would heavily test acting ability.

“…I’ll think about it.”

Seohui wasn’t entirely satisfied with Sooyeon’s vague response but soon nodded.

“Am I bothering you?”

“No, it’s not like I don’t want to co-star with you.”

“Is that so? Alright, I understand.”

For some reason, it felt like Seohui had become incredibly disheartened.

She had been quite upbeat when talking about Director Baek Min’s movie.

“…Anyway, if you want to act in it, let me know. I’ll put your name down for the audition.”

Seohui then briefly looked at Jiyeon standing beside Sooyeon and added,

“If you wish, I can also mention your friend.”

And with that, she got into her vehicle and drove away.

It seemed that she had made time to visit during lunch.

Seohui’s mention of Jiyeon wasn’t for any other reason:

“Maybe if I win over her friend, she’ll come around?”

That was all she probably had in mind.

But this situation left Sooyeon equally perplexed.

‘Does she really not know what movie this is?’

If she had, there was no way she would have boldly asked Sooyeon to “co-star” with such confidence.

And there’s good reason for this.

The title of Director Baek Min’s next movie was ‘Gyeongseong Yeong-nyeo’.

It was a film about the love between women—an LGBTQ film.

***

The first preview release of [The Chaser].

A work by director Bae Jin-hwan, known as the “illusionist of visual arts.”

It was a film that had garnered significant public anticipation but was burdened with the uncertainties that come with being a thriller. This was mainly because the recent string of failed Korean thrillers had caused considerable fatigue among audiences toward the genre.

“Five more minutes.”

Producer Cha Jin-hwan exchanged a glance with the promotional team for the PV and waited anxiously for the 10 PM release.

It felt like his blood was boiling in tension.

If this was the second or third PV, it wouldn’t have been so nerve-wracking. But this was the first PV, the initial gauge of public reaction. Regardless of how much critics might say “previews are just hype,” a lack of response even here would significantly boost the risk of the movie flopping.

Why do so-called “late bloomers” suddenly become trending?

Because such events typically shouldn’t happen, that’s why.

Naturally, this was something Producer Cha Jin-hwan didn’t wish to witness.

“It’s out!!”

And then, the PV for [The Chaser] began flooding various online communities.

‘Please…’

Perhaps a response to Producer Cha’s silent prayer?

[Movie: The Chaser First Teaser]

Views: 2,170,344

Breaking two million views in a single day.

This was the highest number of views for any movie teaser released this year.

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