Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

On the set of Episode 4, Scene 50, Choi Ji-Yung began drawing something on her and Miso's foreheads with the fake blood from her pinky finger.

The strange symbols she was drawing were the goblin script used in Hwaranjeon. In the world of Hwaranjeon, only the Second Queen knew this forgotten goblin language.

Using these symbols, the Second Queen performed a forbidden ritual to transfer her lifespan to her daughter. She left just enough years for herself until Yu-Hwa reached 18, the age when she could become queen, and offered the rest of her lifespan.

At that moment, the goblin BiHyungRang drawn by the sacred blood of the Second Queen accepted the deal. Acting as an intermediary for the heavenly spirits he served, the goblin transferred the lifespan.

To portray this scene, Choi Ji-Yung drew the symbols with the fake blood and clasped her hands together before she began chanting an incantation.

When the props team lead signaled with a hand gesture, a junior staff member from the props team quickly turned on a massive wind machine.

Whoooosh!

As the blades of the wind machine spun, a strong gust filled the set and caused doors to rattle and shake. Everything in the princess's chamber was blown around, while the king, queens, Princesses Jeong-Hwa and Do-Hwa, and the attendants all panicked and created a commotion.

『Oh my goodness!』

『You must move! The goblin is coming!』

『Yes, Your Majesty! This whirlwind is surely the goblin's doing! You could be harmed. Please leave at once!』

Despite the attendants' frantic cries, Song Ji-Hwan stood his ground. The child actors also followed Oh Bok-Hee's detailed instructions and performed their parts with remarkable precision.

Thanks to their commitment, the scene unfolded flawlessly without a single weak link.

Moments later, the wind machine extinguished the four candles on set. In sync, the lighting crew dimmed the stage lights.

In the chaos of the wind-ravaged princess's chamber, Choi Ji-Yung held Miso in her arms and cried out with an almost wailing tone.

『Heavenly spirits, please take my life and return my daughter's!』

The moment Choi Ji-Yung's voice grew louder and more desperate, Oh Bok-Hee gave another signal to mark 30 seconds allocated for a future CG effect.

In Hwaranjeon, this would be the moment when the goblin BiHyungRang responded to the Second Queen's deal by sending thousands of fireflies.

Upon seeing the signal, Choi Ji-Yung adjusted her performance accordingly. Thirty seconds later, Oh Bok-Hee gave the final signal for the end of the CG sequence.

At that instant, Choi Ji-Yung's body trembled violently and her eyes rolled back before she collapsed onto the ground.

Thud.

After Choi Ji-Yung's powerful performance, the crew turned their focus to Miso. It was now Miso's turn to seamlessly carry forward the intensity of Choi Ji-Yung's performance. ȒÅΝöＢĚꞨ

The air on set became thick with tension as any disparity in their acting levels could result in an NG.

At that moment, Miso's limp fingers began to twitch.

Twitch.

Twitch.

The subtle movements seemed deliberately timed with a heartbeat. Through these tiny and precise motions, Miso signaled the return of life.

After a few seconds, Miso suddenly snapped her previously closed eyes wide open. Then she slowly raised her upper body and glanced around as if trying to figure out where she was.

『Why am I... here?』

In this scene, Princess Yu-Hwa's life was saved by the goblin but she ended up suffering memory loss as a side effect of her resurrection. Miso, who was portraying Princess Yu-Hwa, wore a fresh and innocent expression as though she had just woken from a long sleep.

Then Miso noticed Choi Ji-Yung collapsed on the ground.

It was time for the highlight of Hwaranjeon's Scene 50 where Princess Yu-Hwa possessed by the goblin BiHyungRang warned Princess Jeong-Hwa and Princess Do-Hwa.

Sweat dampened my palms as I grew nervous.

At that moment, Miso looked at Choi Ji-Yung's fallen body and began trembling as if struck by lightning. Her eyes rolled halfway back as she pointed at Yang Yi-Ji and Jin Gong-Ju while speaking in a chilling, otherworldly voice.

『I have seen it all. The karma you have accumulated... will bind your remaining years...』

Miso's performance as if genuinely possessed sent a wave of terror across Yang Yi-Ji's and Jin Gong-Ju's faces.

Then Miso gazed at the two of them with a sinister grin. Her body shook again violently as if shocked before she fell limp, collapsing onto Choi Ji-Yung.

Thud.

Miso's body rested on Choi Ji-Yung's with all her strength drained.

Just like that, Princess Yu-Hwa lost her memory, leaving Princess Jeong-Hwa and Princess Do-Hwa speechless.

The filming of Scene 50 from Episode 4 of Hwaranjeon finally came to an end.

The poisonous mushroom incident became a tale known only to the goblin, one that hinted at future events in Hwaranjeon.

***

"Cut! Okay!"

Unable to contain her emotions, Oh Bok-Hee sprang to her feet and clapped enthusiastically. "Miso, I love you!"

At that moment, Geum Eun-Dong gently nudged her side as a signal to avoid showing favoritism.

Realizing there were many people watching, Oh Bok-Hee quickly formed a heart with her hands toward the other actors. "Of course, I love Yi-Ji and Gong-Ju too~ You were amazing as well!"

While the performances of Choi Ji-Yung and Miso had been central, the child actors' reactions elevated the scene's overall quality.

As the actors shook off their immersion in the moment, the staff regained their composure and erupted in cheers.

"Hey, did you see Ms. Choi Ji-Yung's acting?"

"And what about Miso?"

"I was worried about how Miso would follow after Ms. Ji-Yung's intense performance, but that kid nailed it!"

"Watching Miso act made my heart race!"

The filming director expressed admiration while the youngest member of the lighting team shook his head in disbelief. The props team banged on the wind machine in celebration and Geum Eun-Dong whistled as he held his cue cards under one arm.

The applause didn't stop as everyone basked in the moment of success.

That's when Choi Ji-Yung reached out to take Miso's hand and helped her stand up. Her face was full of admiration for the child actor who had continued her performance seamlessly.

"Thank you so much~"

"Thank you for your hard work!"

This marked Miso's final filming day for Hwaranjeon, and the curtain fell on her role with resounding applause.

***

After the child actors finished their last scenes for Hwaranjeon, the staff gifted Miso and the others with armfuls of flower bouquets.

Miso returned to the waiting tent, clutching the bouquets with a beaming smile. She looked up at me and asked cheerfully, "Uncle Yoon-Ho, did I do well?"

"Of course you did."

Miso then turned to Yoo-Jin. "Mom! Did I do well?"

Yoo-Jin nodded with tears streaming down her face. "Miso... you were the best."

At that moment, Miso squirmed a little and handed me her bouquet. "Uncle Yoon-Ho, can you hold this for me?"

"Sure."

I took the bouquet from her and Miso walked toward the crying Yoo-Jin. Then Miso spread her small arms and hugged her mother tightly. "Mom, why are you crying? Don't cry."

Yoo-Jin hugged Miso back just as tightly. "I'm crying because I'm so proud of you...I'm so impressed."

Miso tilted her little head toward her mother. "But why cry? If I did well, you should pat my head instead."

Yoo-Jin gently stroked Miso's hair. "Alright, Miso. You did so well. I'm so proud of you."

Miso's eyes also glistened with tears as she lifted her face. "I want to keep acting with you, Mom. Is today really the end?"

Yoo-Jin cupped Miso's cheek with her hand. "It's okay. We'll have plenty of chances to act together again."

"Really?"

"Of course!"

At that, both Yoo-Jin and Miso turned their gazes toward me. Their eyes conveyed an unspoken demand that I must find a project where they could act together again.

I could face down corporate tycoons and major stars without batting an eye, but the intensity of these two gazes was utterly disarming.

I reluctantly nodded. "I'll look for something. Preferably a movie or drama where you can be together from start to finish!"

Yoo-Jin and Miso beamed with joy.

"Okay!"

"Yay! Uncle Yoon-Ho, you're the best!"

It seemed like I would have to drop everything and start searching for a project for them immediately.

***

We were having a wrap party at Seorabeol Pork Belly Restaurant to celebrate the completion of the child actors' filming.

With over 100 people including extras from the historical drama grilling meat simultaneously, the restaurant owner was half-dazed and running around trying to keep up.

Nevertheless, his face glowed with happiness as he saw the meat and drinks disappearing quickly. After all, today's sales would be astronomical.

Meanwhile, Lee Tae-Yeon was so upset that she had left without attending the gathering.

At our table, Miso and Jin Gong-Ju sat across from each other with serious expressions. They resemble professional players reviewing a game of Go.

Jin Gong-Ju poured soda into a plastic cup and handed it to Miso, offering her honest thoughts. "Miso, you were amazing earlier. Your acting was so good!"

As the soda fizzed, Miso took the bottle with a smile and poured soda into Jin Gong-Ju's cup in return. "Thanks, Gong-Ju. You were great too.

Since Jin Gong-Ju's mother hadn't been present on set, Miso and Jin Gong-Ju had become friends at least during filming. They had become close enough to share a soda and casually review their performances.

Their earnest exchange made the surrounding staff burst into laughter.

Miso and Jin Gong-Ju raised their plastic cups for a toast. "Cheers!"

After sipping their soda, Miso and Jin Gong-Ju both shivered.

"Ugh, my throat's all tingly."

"Ugh, mine too!"

The two set their cups down and clutched their throats with both hands.

At that moment, Oh Bok-Hee approached with a feigned expression of sadness. "How am I going to live without seeing my Miso and Gong-Ju~?"

"Me too, Mrs. Oh!"

"Me too, me too!"

As Miso and Jin Gong-Ju hugged her tightly, Oh Bok-Hee couldn't resist rubbing her cheek against them like she didn't want to let go.

After promising to bring the two back for at least a flashback scene, Oh Bok-Hee turned to me and asked me to step outside for a moment. "Mr. Jung, can we have a quick chat?"

"Of course."

Curious, I followed Oh Bok-Hee outside.

Next to a vending machine, Oh Bok-Hee spoke with a serious expression. "It's about the role of BiHyungRang."

"BiHyungRang? Come to think of it, Mr. Sun-Hyuk didn't show up today, did he?" I asked.

The role of BiHyungRang was supposed to start filming today, but Kim Sun-Hyuk, who had been cast for the role, had not arrived on set.

"Yes, he got himself into trouble."

Kim Sun-Hyuk had been chosen for the role of BiHyungRang through an audition. He was a thirty-two-year-old actor from TNT Entertainment who had striking features and a reputation for delivering strong performances.

However, his fondness for alcohol often led to trouble such as drunk driving and assaults, ultimately forcing him to leave the entertainment industry a few years later.

Apparently, Kim Sun-Hyuk had gotten into a drunken fight with a fan last night. While he managed to settle with the fan, the incident could make headlines at any moment.

This situation had also occurred in my past life where it had been swept under the rug. This time, however, things were different.

Oh Bok-Hee continued explaining, "With President Yoo Kang-Seok having stirred things up with Miss Yoo-Jin's interview a few days ago, TNT Entertainment has been ordered to discipline Kim Sun-Hyuk. He's been fired as part of the effort to clean up risks."

It seemed Choi Sang-Byung had been waiting for an opportunity. Kim Sun-Hyuk had been dropped even before he could show up on set.

Since Oh Bok-Hee was telling me this, there could only be one reason. I replied, "Don't tell me you're asking me to find another actor for the role?"

Oh Bok-Hee grinned slyly. "You catch on quickly. Do you have any good candidates in mind?"

Finding someone to embody the mystical aura of BiHyungRang wouldn't be easy. Still, it wasn't impossible.

"I can look for someone."

However, Oh Bok-Hee immediately added a difficult condition as if she had been waiting for my response. "Originally, BiHyungRang wasn't supposed to have much screen time. But we need someone who can hold their own against Ji-Yung or Yoo-Jin in terms of acting skill."

"What did Miss Han say?"

"Of course she's fine with it."

That left me with one last question. "How much is the budget for their pay?"

"That's the problem. Our production budget is tight, so we can only afford 1 million won per episode."

"1 million... per episode?"

1 million won per episode was a decent rate for minor supporting roles with speaking lines in a broadcast mini-series. However, it was far too little to attract an actor capable of matching Yoo-Jin and Choi Ji-Yung.

Even 10 million won per episode might not suffice, yet they were offering just one-tenth of that. Furthermore, that wasn't the end of the conditions.

Oh Bok-Hee added, "Also, the actor needs to be around thirty years old."

"Are you serious?"

"I am. I know it's a tough ask, but please try. Okay?"

It might have been possible to find someone among the experienced supporting actors if there were no age restrictions. But with this limitation, finding someone suitable became almost impossibly difficult.

'What should I do?' I wondered.

At that moment, a name came to mind. 'Han Woo-Hyuk.'

At thirty years old, he had shown remarkable acting skills upon debuting three years ago but had taken an indefinite hiatus due to stomach cancer. By now, he was likely finishing his treatment and preparing for a comeback.

'I need to meet him first.'

With a potential candidate in mind, I took a deep breath and responded cautiously. "I can't guarantee anything due to the low pay, but I'll try to find someone after the Hwangryong Film Association in three days."

As if she had expected this, Oh Bok-Hee promised she would make it worth my while.

'What's she planning to offer me this time?'

***

It was the day after Miso's final shoot.

Yoo-Jin was scheduled to return with Lee Yung-Jin for the Hwangryong Film Association in two days, so I returned to Seoul with just Miso.

After dropping Miso off at the Cheonho-dong house, I went straight to the company.

The staff were gathered near the elevator and chatting idly after finishing lunch. Despite the busy schedule leading up to the Hwangryong Film Association, the topic of conversation was the company's upcoming "employee share" which would only be available after the year's end.

"I heard it cost tens of billions to acquire the entire Gwanwoo Entertainment. Are our finances okay?"

"They haven't finalized the payment yet. But why not just skip the acquisition? Things are already going well."

"It's not like we can decide that ourselves. By the way, my wife says we shouldn't buy shares and should save up to buy a house instead. What should I do about that?"

"The atmosphere in Actor Division 1 is all about forcing us to buy into the stock ownership plan. This is driving me crazy. What if we lose money after buying in?"

Gu Seong-Cheol and the team leads from Actor Division 2 had been spreading exaggerated rumors, leaving employees growing increasingly worried.

In Actor Division 1, Chief Choi Eun-Seok's insistence on everyone purchasing "employee share" was backfiring to create even more resistance than cooperation.

As soon as the sunbaes spotted me approaching, they clammed up.

"O-oh. Team Lead Jung, you're here."

"Good afternoon, sunbae-nims. Were you talking about the Hwangryong Film Association?"

"H-huh? Y-yeah. Well, the awards are the day after tomorrow. Tae-Poong is ready, right?"

"Yes."

"Alright then. Keep up the good work."

They quickly fled into the elevator almost as if escaping. Smiling to myself, I waited for the next elevator.

Everything was falling into place and I couldn't help but feel more at ease.

***

When I arrived at the office, Gu Seong-Cheol gestured for me to come over urgently. "Team Lead Jung, come over here for a second."

Looking around cautiously, Gu Seong-Cheol leaned in and whispered. "Have you heard about Director Bang meeting with the jurors from the Suhyaejong?"

Bang Sang-Yung, who had tried to block Actor Division 3's actors from joining my team by promising a lead role in a 15-billion-won film, had been keeping a low profile after his failure.

However, he was reportedly meeting privately with the jurors for the Hwangryong Film Association happening the day after tomorrow.

This didn't feel right. Meeting the Suhyaejong jurors at this time strongly hinted at an attempt to influence the awards.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a notification from my planner.

[Notification: A new schedule for 'Lee Tae-Poong' has been added for November 30, 2020.]

November 30 was the day of the Hwangryong Film Association. I quickly flipped through my planner to check the details.

What I found written there was utterly absurd.

Ristretto's Thoughts

Ristretto: But Hwaranjeon actually sounds like such a good drama. I'd watch it

Maggy: me too!!! It looks really interesting hahaha

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