Chapter 124: Competing for the Lead Role (1)
Lee Tae-Poong hurriedly apologized to Cha Tae-Hoon.
"Ah, sunbae-nim. I'm sorry about not greeting you earlier. It wasn't my intention to disrespect you..."
Cha Tae-Hoon silently stared at the bowing Lee Tae-Poong and smirked. "Kid, you've practiced quite a bit, haven't you? Great performance back there."
"Thank you."
"Don't mention it. But Tae-Poong—don't try too hard."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm saying practicing alone won't make the lead role yours."
Ju Ho-Sung added that the lead role had already been decided.
"Assistant Manager Jung. This might be uncomfortable to hear, but the higher-ups have already finished their discussions. Tae-Hoon has already been chosen for the lead role in this movie, so let's not embarrass yourselves."
Lee Tae-Poong turned to me with a flustered expression.
Seeing this, Cha Tae-Hoon clicked his tongue and said, "Kid, don't make that face. I came here because I didn't want you to get your hopes up. But I'll talk to Mr. Choi to get you a good role."
After finishing talking, Cha Tae-Hoon patted Lee Tae-Poong on the shoulder and headed to his van.
"Mr. Tae-Poong seems to have improved a lot in acting, so I'll personally push for him to get the role of Kang Ill-Rok. Don't worry," said Ju Ho-Sung as he followed behind Cha Tae-Hoon, unaware of my true intentions.
The role of Kang Ill-Rok, a North Korean special forces colonel chasing the protagonist Cha Sung-Ha who kidnapped a nuclear physicist, was a key supporting character in the project.
However, I really wanted to secure the lead role for Lee Tae-Poong. The lead role would play a pivotal role in transforming Lee Tae-Poong's image, which had long been associated with the nickname 'Lacking David'.
As the two left, Lee Tae-Poong hesitated before asking in a disheartened voice. "Hyung, is it true? Was the outcome of today's audition already fixed from the start?"
I smiled wryly and shook my head. "How could that be? Just trust me."
'That statement would have been true without you. And even without me, it would have become true.'
However, the future was about to change thanks to the successful audition we just had.
'But it won't be easy.'
"Let's go grab something to eat first."
"Eat?"
"Yeah. Let's have beef today."
Jung Sang-Bong and Lee Dae-Ho looked at me with worried eyes.
"Mr. Jung, Tae-Poong has been fasting for a long time so it might be hard for him to eat meat."
"We'll eat meat and Tae-Poong can have beef pine nut porridge. Anyway, everyone, just follow me."
Based on my knowledge of events in my past life, I knew that Choi Sung-Moon would arrive 20 minutes earlier than the scheduled time and would be waiting.
That 20-minute window would be the time I had to meet Choi Sung-Moon and secure the lead role for Lee Tae-Poong.
***
Upon entering the lobby of the high-end Hanwoo restaurant, GuuGuu, we were greeted by well-maintained potted pine trees and black tiles.
Entering such a grand establishment, Jung Sang-Bong asked anxiously, "Mr. Jung, this place looks really expensive, doesn't it?"
My voice trembled involuntarily. "It-it's okay. We'll manage somehow."
I couldn't use a corporate card in this kind of restaurant, which meant that I had to pay with my own money.
A single serving of 120g cost a whopping 65,000 won. I daren't imagine the total cost of the bill today.
Lee Tae-Poong cautiously glanced at me. "Hyung, are you sure about this? I can pay."
"It's okay. I've saved money for times like this."
I planned to use the generous bonus I got from Kang Gam-Chan.
In the reserved Room 4, I ordered five servings of fresh hanwoo short ribs and beef pine nut porridge for Lee Tae-Poong, who had been fasting.
As the side dishes were laid out on the table, I stepped outside the room. The current time was 7:09 PM. Choi Sung-Moon was due to arrive soon.
I checked my planner after stepping out and closed the sliding door behind me.
'The entry is as planned.'
Surely enough, I could see Choi Sung-Moon and his party who had finished the audition entering after waiting for about a minute.
"Did we arrive a bit early?"
"We're about 20 minutes early, but Chief Kim has reserved a room for us. He said it's Room 5..."
Choi Sung-Moon and Ga Eun-Soo were walking in front, followed by Pyo Eun-Mi, Kim Moon-Dong, and Shin Jong-Ki.
At that moment, Choi Sung-Moon's eyes met mine.
Choi Sung-Moon tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? What's this? Why is Mr. Lee Tae-Poong's talent agent here?"
"Ah. Hello, sir. I heard the beef pine nut porridge here is great, so I came to help Tae-Poong recover."
Choi Sung-Moon smiled warmly. "Ha ha. Is that so? The beef pine nut porridge here is indeed exceptional. Sometimes I prefer it over meat. So? Which room are you guys in?"
"We're in Room 4, sir."
"Oh, really? Right next door then."
As Choi Sung-Moon laughed heartily, Ga Eun-Soo tried to cut the conversation short.
"Enjoy your meal, Assistant Manager Jung. We have an appointment so we'll be leaving now."
At that moment, Choi Sung-Moon interjected, "Why the rush? I was hoping to have a quick chat with Tae-Poong. Is that alright? Do you guys have time?"
'Of course, it would come to this. After showing such a performance, it wouldn't be like the great Choi Sung Moon to just let Tae-Poong slide.'
Things were going much smoother than expected.
"We can always make time for you, Mr. Choi. We have plenty of time!" I replied.
"Ha ha! Look at this guy.”
Of course, not everyone was pleased with this situation. The visibly flustered Ga Eun-Soo hurried to Choi Sung-Moon and began whispering in his ear.
But Choi Sung-Moon frowned. "What's the matter with you today? Is there a reason I shouldn't meet Tae-Poong?"
Ga Eun-Soo quickly bowed his head when Choi Sung-Moon glared at him. "N-no. It's not like that, sir."
Choi Sung-Moon urged me to go to our room, saying he had time before the appointment. It didn't matter which room we went to since Rooms 4 and 5 could be connected by sliding doors. As we opened the door to Room 4, the party that was about to start grilling meat stood up abruptly.
"M-Mr. Choi!"
"Ha ha ha. I happen to have a reservation in the next room. Sit down. Sit down."
The staff of GuuGuu came in and opened the sliding door connecting Room 4. Suddenly, Rooms 4 and 5 merged into one long room.
After a brief greeting, Choi Sung-Moon took a sip of his pre-dinner tea and started questioning Lee Tae-Poong.
"By the way, Tae-Poong. You've completely changed. What happened to cause such a transformation?"
Lee Tae-Poong answered uprightly. "I've been working hard, sir."
"Ha ha ha. If hard work could produce such a remarkable change, wouldn't everyone in Korea be an actor? There must have been some secret turning point."
Choi Sung-Moon chuckled heartily and began to relentlessly inquire about Lee Tae-Poong's stellar performance. As expected, Choi Sung-Moon was deeply interested in Lee Tae-Poong.
At that moment, Ga Eun-Soo stepped in to interrupt Choi Sung-Moon.
"Mr. Choi, could we talk privately for a moment..."
Choi Sung-Moon tilted his head with a puzzled expression at Ga Eun-Soo's strange behavior.
"What is it? Just say it here."
"It's a matter that's difficult to discuss in front of others."
Choi Sung-Moon frowned and reluctantly stood up.
"Goodness, what a hassle today. Alright. I was about to go to the restroom anyway, so I'll listen on the way."
After Ga Eun-Soo took Choi Sung-Moon outside, Pyo Eun-Mi took over the conversation. The rest of the judges also intermittently asked Lee Tae-Poong about their interests. It seemed that Lee Tae-Poong's earlier performance had left a significant impression on them.
About three minutes later, the sliding door opened and Choi Sung-Moon returned. But then, unexpected words flowed from Choi Sung-Moon's mouth.
"Tae-Poong, I'm sorry, but could you guys move to another table? I think it would be uncomfortable for both parties to dine in adjacent rooms like this."
It was a clear order to leave.
Everyone who had been waiting was taken aback by the sudden change in Choi Sung-Moon's demeanor.
Tight tension filled the air.
Consequently, Ga Eun-Soo shouted in a loud voice. "What are you all waiting for? Get moving!"
However, I ignored Ga Eun-Soo's words and stood my ground. Knowing Choi Sung-Moon's nature to never look back once he's made up his mind, retreating now would mean losing any chance.
I asked Choi Sung-Moon for a reason. "If we've made a mistake, please scold us directly. We will correct it."
"Do I really have to spell it out?" Choi Sung-Moon replied and made an uncomfortable expression.
Just then, Ga Eun-Soo interrupted the conversation. "Ah, you're so persistent. Do you really not know why?"
"No. I'm asking because I really don't know. Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?" I asked.
Ga Eun-Soo raised his voice, "Lee Tae-Poong has a camera phobia, doesn't he!? How dare you attend the audition hiding such an important fact? What were you planning to do when it came to light during the actual shoot?"
'Wait a minute. He knows about the camera phobia? But only the people from Actor Division 2 should know that. Someone must have leaked it!'
But I had to resolve the current situation before figuring out who leaked it. After all, there was an easy way to clear up such a misunderstanding.
"Who said that? Tae-Poong has a camera phobia, you say?" I questioned.
"Ah! Look at this guy. Do I really need to say it out loud?" Ga Eun-Soo asked dismissively.
"Yes. Wouldn't it be unfair if we were misunderstood because of such a lie?" I responded indignantly.
Choi Sung-Moon awkwardly cleared his throat. "Ahem."
Ga Eun-Soo took a glance at Choi Sung-Moon and lost his temper. "And that's not all! I heard he's also receiving sponsorship from Daechon Inc. Dare you say that's also a rumor?"
This was also something only known within Actor Division 2. It seemed I would need to find out who leaked these facts once this was over.
Not just Choi Sung-Moon, but Pyo Eun-Mi and the representatives from the investment and distribution companies also frowned. After all, being sponsored by a company made an actor no different from a ticking time bomb.
"I was completely unaware...no wonder Producer Ga was hesitant," muttered Choi Sung Moon.
The situation was getting worse.
Lee Tae-Poong attempted to explain, but I raised my hand to stop him. This was something I needed to handle.
I glared at Ga Eun-Soo and asked, "Did Mr. Kim tell you that?"
"Wh-who said it doesn't matter, does it?"
"Of course, it matters. I've been warned by Mr. Kim Dong-Soo that the lead role was already decided and not to interfere. So I need to know who you heard this from, Mr. Ga!"
I confronted Ga Eun-Soo directly. Despite knowing that Ga Eun-Soo had known Choi Sung-Moon for over 10 years, I had to clarify the situation no matter what. That was the only way to cling to even a sliver of hope.
Fortunately, Choi Sung-Moon reacted as I had hoped.
"Wait, what do you mean the lead role has already been decided? What are you talking about? I'm the director and I'm still considering it. Who decided on the lead role?" Choi Sung-Moon questioned with a frown on his face.
When Choi Sung-Moon glared suspiciously at the investor and distributor, they hurriedly waved their hands and denied any involvement.
Then, Choi Sung-Moon glared at me this time and said, "Assistant Manager Jung, you know words spoken can't be taken back, right?"
I nodded. "Yes, sir. Even if we can't get the lead role, we must clear up the misunderstanding. This is too unfair! You have no idea how hard Tae-Poong has worked for this audition!"
Perhaps sensing something was off with my earnest protest, Pyo Eun-Mi subtly spoke up. "Let's hear their side of the story."
Ga Eun-Soo protested, "But Ms. Pyo!"
Despite Ga Eun-Soo's protests, Pyo Eun-Mi remained calm.
"Are you saying we shouldn't even listen to their explanation? Mr. Ga, you're acting quite strange today," Pyo Eun-Mi retorted.
'That was a nice assist.'
I never expected Pyo Eun-Mi, known for being strict, to come to my aid.
Choi Sung-Moon sat down and gulped down some cold dongchimi[1]. He seemed frustrated by how the situation had unfolded, given his interest in Lee Tae-Poong.
After taking a deep breath, Choi Sung-Moon spoke. "Alright. You might have your own side of the story, so let's hear what you have to say.”
"First off, if you're talking about the sponsorship from Vice President Kim Ae-Ja of Daechon Inc, Tae-Poong has nothing to do with it. I personally rejected the offer when it was made," I explained.
"How can we believe that?" Choi Sung-Moon questioned me.
"Don't you know what kind of person the Vice President of Daechon Inc is? Anyone she sponsors gets immediately slotted into advertisements. Vice President Kim Ae-Ja approached us in April and it's already mid-May," I argued.
"That's not enough evidence."
I almost presented a recorded file but then reconsidered because I couldn't predict how Kim Ae-Ja would react.
After thinking hard for a few seconds, I spoke with determination. "Then let's change the approach. If Tae-Poong gets the lead role and receives any advertisement deals or sponsorships from Daechon Inc. or Vice President Kim Ae-Ja, we'll sign a contract to cover all damages arising from it."
Choi Sung-Moon quietly scrutinized me upon hearing my determination to stay away from Daechon Inc. by any means. Then, he asked, "Can you stand by that statement?"
"If necessary, you can verify this with our company's director," I stated calmly.
Sensing the conversation was taking an unexpected turn, Ga Eun-Soo hastily interjected, "B-but what about the camera phobia!? It's fraud to attend the audition hiding that fact! What if he starts trembling during the main shoot like before?"
I managed to suppress my anger while looking at Ga Eun-Soo who had become aggressive again. To explain this, I needed to talk about Lee Tae-Poong's condition.
When I turned my head, I saw Lee Tae-Poong nodding. He was giving me permission to reveal the truth.
I took a deep breath.
Then, glaring at Ga Eun-Soo with a sharp voice, I slowly began to speak.
'It's your turn to face the consequences, Ga Eun-Soo!’
1. Radish water kimchi ☜
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