Top Star By Luck [EN]: Chapter 22

22. Scholarship

Min-ki could hardly believe Director Park’s words.

‘Is this for real? Out of the blue?’

He’d almost given up on ever receiving one.

Even now, as Director Park spoke, he wondered if he’d heard correctly.

No, he was suspicious. There were many kinds of scholarships, after all.

But Director Park clarified, leaving no room for doubt.

“From now until Min-ki’s debut, your tuition will be completely waived.”

“……”

“Furthermore, we will refund 50% of the tuition fees you’ve already paid.”

He gasped.

His vision blurred, and a flush crept up his neck, like spotting a roe deer while on watch duty [a sudden, unexpected surprise].

‘A 50% refund means I’d get back over five million won [approximately $3,700 USD].’

Min-ki hadn’t been attending this academy for just a day or two.

He’d started after being discharged from the military, and it had been well over a year.

To get that money back…

He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted.

He’d been sacrificing sleep, juggling convenience store shifts and modeling jobs to cover living expenses and the expensive tuition.

But Min-ki’s past misfortunes triggered a warning in his mind.

‘There’s always a reason why people are nice to you.’

Director Park wasn’t offering this purely out of kindness.

There had to be a catch.

Like needing him to perform well in a recent audition or something.

“Is there a condition, perhaps?”

Director Park’s expression clouded slightly at Min-ki’s question.

“It’s not asking for much. Just lending Min-ki’s name for academy promotions in the future. It would be even better if you could write a short testimonial about your experience.”

Just as he suspected.

Min-ki sighed inwardly.

‘It’s not like I absolutely can’t do it, but…’

Although he didn’t particularly like Director Park, there was no reason to refuse several million won.

Even debuting wouldn’t immediately solve his financial problems.

The scholarship would be a huge help until then.

He knew.

He knew it well.

But he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

‘Why don’t I feel happy, even though I’ve been recognized?’

He knew the answer without having to ask.

It was probably because Director Park’s attitude had changed so drastically.

Accepting it was the logical thing to do.

But his pride made Min-ki hesitate.

A few seconds of silence stretched out.

“Actually, I know this might sound strange coming from me,” Director Park said, making an unexpected remark.

“……Pardon?”

Min-ki responded, bewildered.

Director Park nodded slightly, as if anticipating his reaction, and said,

“I’ll probably look like a hypocrite, right? Suddenly calling you in and saying these things, without even a proper interview. People should be consistent.”

His tone was self-deprecating.

Min-ki couldn’t think of a response to this sudden change and simply blinked as Director Park continued.

“I’ve heard a lot from Instructor Kim Ah-sung. I’ve also been secretly watching you practice. Unlike before, I’ve realized that you’ve definitely improved. It’s probably because you come to the academy early every day and work tirelessly.”

“……”

“Watching that gradually changed my mind.”

This much seemed sincere.

Director Park had been ignoring Min-ki.

Beyond personal feelings, he had rational reasons.

He’d seen so many people attend the academy and fail.

The number of students who made it, even as supporting actors, was probably less than one in a hundred.

There was no point in giving equal attention to students who weren’t showing promise.

Because only a few would succeed.

It was enough to treat them politely and fulfill his basic duties.

[This isn’t giving up. It’s choosing and focusing.]

Director Park had believed this for a long time.

That he had to be rational.

But Min-ki…

“As an educator, I’ve reflected a lot on seeing you.”

Changed him.

“You’ve reminded me that anyone can change if they work hard consistently.”

Being rational was good.

Helping those who could succeed, succeed.

But education was education because it could help even those who seemed unlikely to succeed.

“……”

“Please think of the scholarship as a small gift for such a student. The promotion story was just something I said. You don’t have to do it.”

A brief silence fell.

Even Min-ki’s skepticism wavered.

‘Is it possible he wasn’t just saying things without thinking?’

It seemed there was some sincerity in Director Park’s offer.

He still couldn’t trust him completely.

Min-ki knew that people changing their minds after living for so long was rare.

But.

“Where should I write the testimonial?”

He could trust him enough to reluctantly accept the scholarship.

* * *

The next day.

Min-ki officially received his acceptance notice from JC Entertainment.

[Ah-sung Teacher: Min-ki, our company will be calling you later to give you the good news, so answer the phone]

[Ah-sung Teacher: They’ll call]

[Ah-sung Teacher: If you don’t answer, you’re out]

[Me: Really?]

[Ah-sung Teacher: lol no]

He was undeniably happy.

He also had a lump sum of money coming his way.

He felt like splurging and going on a trip.

But instead of giving in to impulse, Min-ki decided to stick to his routine.

Early dawn.

[I’m a superhero~ A world where everything you wish for comes true~ If seven failures and eight attempts aren’t enough, then a come-from-behind home run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs~] [Lyrics from a Korean children’s song, often used as a cheerful alarm]

“……”

He wakes up to the loud alarm.

Shwaaa――

As soon as he opens his eyes, he washes up, replaying the previous day’s acting while he does.

He eats chicken breast, roasted sweet potatoes, and salad for breakfast, sticking to his healthy diet.

Only seven almonds.

Once all the preparations are complete.

“Hoo, hoo.”

He ran to the academy, breathing in the early morning air.

His legs were tired and his body was hot, but his excited heart quickly calmed down and became focused.

This was when Min-ki planned his day.

‘Getting in is great, but it’s too early to get complacent. The agency contract is just a step.’

Of course, even that step was something Min-ki couldn’t even dream of in his past life.

The agency Min-ki signed with was a fly-by-night company created during the entertainment boom.

And his work was limited to bit parts in obscure projects, or minor roles where his face flashed by for a second.

But because Min-ki had a long career as a minor actor, he knew the industry a little.

That the real competition started after joining the agency.

‘Well begun is half done. I have to start strong.’

Even after joining the agency, there was still competition for roles.

The standards that had been lenient for trainees were now replaced with professional standards.

How many actors had a bad start and were undervalued for years?

If they were clueless rookies, they might get caught up in the excitement of becoming a celebrity just by signing a contract.

‘Hoo, I’m already here.’

But Min-ki was the type to become even more cautious.

‘It feels like I’m arriving at the academy earlier every day.’

Of course.

Yoo Seon-ah wasn’t.

“Min-ki, congratulations! You’ve worked so hard!”

She spoke in the brightest voice, as if Min-ki’s success was her own.

“……”

“Um? Aren’t you very happy?”

When Min-ki didn’t answer, she asked, surprised.

“No, it’s not that. I am happy, but…”

It was a difficult situation to be purely happy about.

Because everyone except Min-ki had failed the audition.

His fellow students who had studied under Kim Ah-sung, including Yoo Seon-ah, were no exception.

“Ah, is it because of me?”

She chuckled and said.

“That.”

“Min-ki, you don’t have to worry about me. Is this the only opportunity?”

“……”

“Auditions are about failing and passing multiple times. I’m a little disappointed, but it doesn’t hurt that much. I heard some people fail the document screening more than ten times.”

“Me?”

“Ah, no, I didn’t mean to say that about Min-ki…”

Yoo Seon-ah was flustered and stammered for a moment.

Soon, she shook her head and said.

“I’ll catch up soon, so go ahead and pave the way.”

A provocative and audacious remark.

Min-ki stared blankly, then chuckled and said.

“Okay. Thanks for congratulating me. I’ll buy you a meal later.”

He was finally able to express his gratitude.

Even though she had failed, she could genuinely be happy for someone else’s success. He felt fortunate to be pursuing his dream with someone like her.

What Min-ki was feeling now was what people commonly called good fortune in people.

The awkward atmosphere lingered for a moment.

“Hey, Min-ki.”

Yoo Seon-ah glanced at Min-ki and said slyly.

“Do you want to have a celebration party just us tonight?”

“Party?”

“Yeah, with the teacher and Tak too. There’s a good wine bar next to the academy. I’ve wanted to go there sometime.”

“Hmm, a party sounds good, but…”

Min-ki hesitated and said after thinking about it.

“I have a part-time job tonight.”

“Can’t you take just one day off?”

“No, I can’t. It would be a problem for my boss if I skipped out, and I have to keep practicing.”

“Wow… Min-ki, you’re a true role model.”

Kim Tak clapped his hands like castanets at Min-ki’s firm words.

“How can someone be so disciplined? Min-ki, are you perhaps… a machine?”

“I’m not.”

“Then is this your second life?”

“…I’m really not, okay?”

His heart skipped a beat for a moment, but he pretended not to notice.

Min-ki got up from his seat as if protesting to Kim Tak, stretched, and continued.

“And just because I got accepted doesn’t mean JC will hand me everything on a silver platter. In fact, many people remain unknown even after joining a good agency… From now on, I have to work several times harder than I have until now, right?”

It was close to the truth.

But it was also a difficult principle to live by, especially after receiving an acceptance notice.

Yoo Seon-ah said, sounding impressed.

“I was going to relax today, but after hearing Min-ki’s words, I feel ashamed.”

“No. Relaxing is also important.”

“…?”

Yoo Seon-ah looked puzzled at Min-ki’s seemingly contradictory statement.

“It’s just that I want to live like this. Depending on the person, things might work out better if you take time to relax.”

“……”

“And I have a few days left until my cheat day [a day where you can eat whatever you want while dieting]. If I drink today, the gym manager will kill me.”

“Ah, you said you work out.”

“Yes, so let’s plan to go on the weekend. Just wait a few days.”

“Hmm, okay. That sounds good.”

That’s how their congratulatory chatter ended simply.

Min-ki chose a diligent life even after achieving some success, and Yoo Seon-ah was positively influenced by him.

‘This guy is really amazing.’

Kim Tak also felt something, even if it was small.

And Kim Ah-sung.

“Oh, you’re already here.”

Arrived a step late and said.

“Teacher?”

“Min-ki, you got into the audition after a long time, so let’s do something other than practice today.”

He suggested skipping practice.

“Yes?”

Just as Min-ki was about to answer.

Kim Tak spoke up, as if speaking for him.

“Teacher, you can’t.”

“Huh? I asked Min-ki, why are you, Tak, saying that?”

“Because our Min-ki said he’s going to practice today. It’s not too late to go out later.”

“Oh, is that so? That’s the right attitude.”

Trainer Kim Ah-sung nodded, looking puzzled, and said.

“But I’m not saying let’s go play today.”

“Yes?”

“You got into the audition, right? So let’s do something even better.”

He turned his gaze to Min-ki, gestured outside the practice room, and said.

“They’re filming something around here, and they need a minor role. One male actor.”