Top Star By Luck [EN]: Chapter 70

Squeak!

A grating screech echoed through the open space of the studio.

It was caused by the actress, Bang Eun-young, abruptly rising from her chair during filming.

She protested in a voice as sharp as fingernails scratching a chalkboard.

“I told you to bring me water. Why aren’t you listening? Am I a joke to you?”

At her tone, as if they owed her water, the staff exchanged uneasy glances.

It wasn’t out of fear.

Rather, what should one call it?

‘Oh, is she acting up again?’

It was closer to shared annoyance.

Perhaps disliking those looks, Bang Eun-young, even more agitated, shouted in a voice raised by half an octave.

“Can’t you hear me?”

It was at that moment.

Someone walked forward with a gentle smile.

“Actress, is there something wrong? Did our staff perhaps offend you in some way?”

It was Director Kwon Ye-rin.

Not just a director, but also the head of Studio Half Pants, she stepped forward.

“Would you like to tell me about it?”

At the appearance of the person in charge, Bang Eun-young glanced up and down at her for a moment, as if assessing her.

Then, she spoke in a voice filled with obvious displeasure.

“I told the staff earlier. I get thirsty often during filming, so make sure to have a bottle of water ready.”

“Ah, our staff forgot about that.”

“Yes, I’ve said it several times, but I don’t know why they keep ignoring me.”

Strictly speaking, her complaint was close to being a demand.

If she needed water, she could get it herself.

In the first place, she was neither a superior nor anything to the Studio Half Pants staff, so she had no right to order them to bring it to her, only to ask.

It was a completely over-the-line action.

However.

“Ah, so that’s what happened. It seems they were absentminded because there was a lot to do on set today. Actress, I apologize on their behalf.”

Director Kwon Ye-rin was incredibly humble.

Like a clerk in a luxury department store dealing with a customer.

Why was that?

These two were not in a superior-subordinate relationship, so why was she bowing her head?

The reason was quite simple.

‘Bear with it, the one in front of me isn’t a person but an orangutan. No one barks back just because an orangutan is barking in its cage.’

It was easier to give in and move on.

‘Bang Eun-young, she’s acting like we owe her something. Just like the rumors say.’

She was notorious to begin with.

Apparently, she often found fault with things at the studio.

A typical case of celebrity disease.

Even so, the reason she willingly lowered her head was that she was clearly, undeniably, the key figure in this advertisement.

Bang Eun-young was virtually unknown to the public.

But without her, the project would have to start over from the planning stage.

If such a situation were to occur, what would the client think?

Would they comfort her, saying, ‘Oh! You had such circumstances’?

‘Of course not, they’ll only look at the results.’

It would mean that Studio Half Pants would be seen as an incompetent studio that couldn’t even handle a model’s whims, causing delays in the schedule.

In other words, it wasn’t that they were afraid of the poop.

It was that they avoided it because it was dirty.

‘Bear with it, bear with it. Kwon Ye-rin, you’ve done well so far. You’ve endured worse power trips.’

If she could smooth things over and complete one project without incident, it was a worthwhile deal.

Director Kwon Ye-rin rationalized it that way, swallowing her feelings.

‘Ugh, this is annoying.’

Still, being annoyed was being annoyed.

This was why she disliked rookies.

There were more than a few people who, suffering from celebrity disease, would act superior even if they weren’t million-dollar actors, so how could she like rookies?

She saw either pretense or power trips almost once a week.

She was only amazed that Writer Na still liked celebrities.

‘Still, bear with it.’

Perhaps because Director Kwon Ye-rin was smiling gently, it was difficult for her to argue further.

“Hmph.”

Bang Eun-young frowned once, as if she couldn’t argue any more, and said.

“Please be more careful next time.”

“Thank you. Over there, Young-hoo, did you hear? Please bring the actress some water from the pantry. A new one.”

“Yes, yes!”

The atmosphere on set, which seemed about to explode, was calmed down in an instant by the director’s intervention at a precarious moment.

But it was only the beginning.

Bang Eun-young’s hysteria, once ignited, showed no signs of stopping.

“Over there, the lighting is too bright. Didn’t I say that before?”

“It’s necessary for this position…….”

“I don’t know about that, I can’t open my eyes, okay?”

She found fault with the lighting.

“I almost got hurt just now.”

Prop placement.

“Can’t you see I’m sweating? What’s the point of having air conditioning?”

“I’ll lower it right away.”

She even complained about the temperature on set.

Bang Eun-young’s power trip continued thoroughly and meticulously in every corner.

Lee Min-ki, watching from a distance in the corner, was truly impressed.

‘Wow, this is no joke. There’s a reason she’s a big name.’

It was amazing.

Who was Bang Eun-young?

Lee Min-ki, he had at least heard her name.

In the near future, among actors, she would become more famous than anyone else for celebrity disease.

[Bang Eun-young, Apologizes for Power Trip During CF Shoot, Revelations Continue]

[Announces Time for Reflection and Self-Restraint]

It was incredible.

There were more than one or two celebrities with bad personalities.

Assaulting a manager or noise pollution wouldn’t even make the news.

As such, it was difficult to stand out with ordinary power trips, but surprisingly, Bang Eun-young had succeeded in making a name for herself in this industry.

[Bang Eun-young (Actress) / Incidents and Controversies / 8.1. Power Trip]

Among the similarly looking Roland gorillas, she had secured the position of the silverback [dominant male gorilla].

So Lee Min-ki had been looking forward to witnessing her legendary power trip if he ever encountered her, and here he was seeing her in person.

It was truly moving.

‘Wow, she’s just a rookie playing supporting roles in dramas, and she’s already at this level?’

So this is what it takes to become the epitome of power trips. As expected, authorities in any field have unique aspects.

He heard that a small broadcasting station PD [Producer Director] was a relative of hers.

So she had developed bad habits from a young age.

‘Wait, is she already famous?’

Lee Min-ki sent a message to Manager Park Han-mo, just in case.

[Manager]

[Do you happen to know an actress named Bang Eun-young?]

It was the moment that personal message arrived.

Immediately, the number 1 disappeared [indicating the message was read].

Ding!

‘Whoa!’

A reply came in less than 10 seconds.

[Manager: Are you with her?]

[Me: Yes, I came to tour that studio before, and she’s filming right now]

[Manager: Don’t get involved]

[Manager: Don’t even talk to her]

[Manager: Don’t even make eye contact]

“…….”

What was that?

Just as he was about to ask for a reason, another message came.

[Aseong Teacher: ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

It was Trainer Kim Ah-seong.

Not Manager Park Han-mo, but Trainer Kim Ah-seong.

He wondered what was going on, but he sent an additional message.

[Aseong Teacher: ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[Aseong Teacher: Of all people, Bang Eun-young ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[Aseong Teacher: It would be perfect if the two rookies got along well ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

Yeah.

Trainer Kim Ah-seong had been acting strangely for a day or two, but it seemed they were together.

Lee Min-ki read the messages over and over, and gave a small wry smile.

‘How is that person perceived among industry people?’

He was just a rookie in his second year.

Even at this time, when he should be considered unknown, it was like this. How far would her notoriety grow after she became a famous actor with a few successful projects?

Perhaps it would break through the stratosphere and advance into space.

‘Considering her career, it seems like she’s barely making enough to cover her living expenses with her acting work, where does that confidence come from?’

If she caused a ruckus on set and rumors spread in the industry, her work would be cut off unless she was incredibly famous.

It would be fortunate if she became famous later.

How could she act like that when she was still unknown?

‘Amazing.’

I shouldn’t be like that.

If I’m going to be famous among industry people, I want to be known as a good person.

As Lee Min-ki was watching with an expression like he was observing a gorilla in a cage.

“Hey you.”

Bang Eun-young finally aimed her arrow at him as well.

“Who is that person, staring at me from earlier? With those lecherous eyes.”

“Excuse me?”

“He even took out his phone. Isn’t he secretly filming me?”

Director Kwon Ye-rin’s head spun at the unexpected spark that flew to the corner of the set.

‘Oh, this is a mess.’

* * *

A situation where things have become hazy.

Lee Min-ki’s first words were:

“Huh? Me?”

It was a confirmation.

You never know.

Maybe it was friendly fire.

Maybe someone really was doing something weird, so let’s just watch.

…Thinking that was pointless, as Bang Eun-young spoke in an almost pathetic voice.

“Then who else would it be besides you? The person over there with the mask and hat. You secretly took a picture of me with your phone, didn’t you?”

“I did?”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re dressed suspiciously too.”

“……”

Lee Min-ki’s eyes twitched.

‘Wow, is this for real?’

Bang Eun-young didn’t seem to recognize Lee Min-ki yet.

There was no helping it.

He was sitting in a rather shady corner of the studio, wearing a hoodie and a baseball cap pulled low over his head.

He even wore a mask on his face.

All to avoid attracting as much attention as possible from people coming and going on set.

If someone recognized him, it would make them both self-conscious.

‘This situation is a bit awkward.’

Over there, they think I’m some kind of paparazzi secretly taking pictures on set?

‘These are dark times.’

Lee Min-ki sighed inwardly.

If he had to put it bluntly, he was the one being photographed, not the one taking the photos.

‘What did they see that made them suspicious? Wait, are they mad about me taking a picture with my phone camera earlier?’

That wasn’t a picture of Bang Eun-young.

They set up the lighting in a unique way, so I took a picture to check it out and ask Director Kwon Ye-rin about it later.

In fact, the photo didn’t even have Bang Eun-young’s face, not even a shadow.

‘I guess I’m not always lucky.’

Luck is a funny thing.

It seems good, but when it’s bad, it’s really bad.

Like missing the bus this morning.

Of course, that bus had an engine failure on the way, dropped off the passengers, and went to the repair shop.

As Lee Min-ki was about to let out a deep sigh, Bang Eun-young frowned.

Soon after, she turned her head to Director Kwon Ye-rin and said,

“Is that person an employee here?”

“He’s an actor who came to observe. Well, you shouldn’t be doing this here.”

“Observing? An actor? Ha, I’ve met my match.”

The next moment, Bang Eun-young left the makeshift set prepared for filming.

Then, she walked straight towards Lee Min-ki, her footsteps echoing with a chilling intensity.

‘Is she trying to pick a fight with me now?’

That’s how it was, the moment she reached Lee Min-ki.

“Who are you?”

“Well, that is.”

Lee Min-ki lowered his mask.

“……”

The thin piece of fabric left Lee Min-ki’s face in just 0.3 seconds.

Bang Eun-young’s face began to turn white.

“……”

“Um, did I do something wrong?”

Lee Min-ki asked repeatedly.

But there was still no answer.

“Actor, please say something.”

“……”

Still no words.

Bang Eun-young was frozen in place, only expressing her agitation by endlessly shaking her pupils.

‘Lee Min-ki?’

Who is Lee Min-ki?

Among the recent rookies, he was arguably at the top in terms of rising popularity.

From his debut, he caused a stir with a supporting role.

Next, he was recognized for his skills in a thriller movie, and even led a supplement advertisement that could have easily been buried to become a hot topic.

Recently, he joined the ranks of bankable actors with [Cafe del Dia].

A rocket.

His rising speed was like a rocket.

In just one year, he filmed three works and flew like a three-stage rocket.

Among similar rookie actors, there were more than a few who wanted to be like him and made him their role model.

That being said, he is still a rookie.

Just a successful rookie.

But to Bang Eun-young, who was suffering from celebrity disease, Lee Min-ki, who was advancing at a speed that couldn’t even be compared in the same field, couldn’t help but look like a monster.

Moreover.

There was another decisive reason.

‘I heard this person is the nephew of the agency’s president.’

There was a secret rumor spreading.

Unlike Lee Min-ki’s veiled pre-debut days, was it because he debuted with [Campus Story] and grew at a rapid pace?

There was a rumor circulating among rookies who liked to talk about others.

[I heard he’s the nephew of the agency’s president.]

[He’s a third-generation chaebol [family-owned conglomerate].]

[I heard he’s the hidden son of a famous actor.]

[Son of a high-ranking official at the broadcasting station.]

[He’s on a first-name basis with million-dollar actors.]

[I heard he’s friends with the son of a pharmaceutical company owner?]

All lies or exaggerations.

But there was one more decisive piece of evidence that she couldn’t help but believe.

[There’s an actor who had a fight with Lee Min-ki in Campus Story, right? Park Taek-gyeon… no, Park Tae-gyeon. I heard that person hasn’t been able to appear in a single work since then.]

Park Taek-gyeon… no, Park Tae-gyeon was marked by Lee Min-ki and was unable to film any works against his will.

Of course, this was also just a rumor.

Park Tae-gyeon was just busy playing around and voluntarily wasting his life.

It had nothing to do with Lee Min-ki.

But anyway, it was clear that the rumors had snowballed and Lee Min-ki was being evaluated as a monster beyond his actual self.

The moment she realized that she had suddenly insulted such a person.

‘What did I just say?’

Bang Eun-young’s blood drained away and her head spun dizzily.

Suddenly, she came to her senses and realized the reality.

The studio, where she had reigned as queen until just now, felt as cold as a dark night road.

“Actor.”

Lee Min-ki asked her repeatedly with an awkward smile.

“Um, did I do something wrong to you?”

It was a question asked out of genuine ignorance.

But Lee Min-ki’s voice that Bang Eun-young heard was like the touch of the Grim Reaper.

“That, the, camera……”

“Ah, you misunderstood because of the camera. I was just taking a picture to check the lighting for a moment. Should I show you my gallery?”

Lee Min-ki said, smiling even brighter as if trying to reassure her.

As the old saying goes, you can’t spit on a smiling face.

Lee Min-ki was someone who had lived his life being cursed at a lot, so he was someone who would smile whenever there was even a slight misunderstanding.

It was also true that his naturally gentle face had an effect.

But in this case, it was the wrong choice.

The smile that Bang Eun-young saw was the smile of a boss with a bad personality.

[The world has become a better place. Right?]

Even the words that Lee Min-ki didn’t say seemed to be heard in her ears.

His expression said it all.

Bang Eun-young shrank back and said.

“It’s okay……”

“I don’t want to be misunderstood as a criminal either. If you’re really worried, it’s right for you to check it yourself. It’s better to resolve these things and move on. Right? Here. Take your time and look.”

Lee Min-ki handed over his phone altogether.

‘Oh, oh?’

Bang Eun-young inadvertently received it with both hands, and like a child holding a bomb in her hand, she couldn’t move and continued to look around the studio, trembling.

But everyone’s expressions looking at her were the same.

‘Why can’t she say anything over there?’

‘Is that what they call being tough on the weak and weak on the strong?’

‘Serves her right.’

‘Actor Lee Min-ki, does he have something [influence or power]?’

It was about why she had been happily bullying people until now, but why she had become a coward over there.

Strictly speaking, Bang Eun-young is not in a position to bully anyone.

She’s just close to being a dog covered in poop [a nobody].

While they were avoiding her because she was dirty, Lee Min-ki happened to be a good cure.

That was all.

‘Wow, this is kind of fun?’

40 minutes after starting filming with Bang Eun-young as the model.

Director Kwon Ye-rin smiled brightly for the first time.

‘Min-ki, he looks so gentle, but he has quite the temper? He even says what I want to say for me.’

No.

He doesn’t have any particular thoughts.

But that’s how it can’t help but look to the people on set.

Meanwhile, there was one more person who was smiling even brighter at this sight.

‘This is it.’

One person.

There was someone who shouted Eureka [an expression of triumph upon discovering or inventing something] after accidentally visiting the studio.

And also.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? For what?”

“For suspecting people without reason……”

“Suspecting?”

“I won’t do that anywhere else.”

“Do what?”

“That… suspecting……”

“Why is that? You can suspect people.”

On the contrary, Bang Eun-young was receiving Lee Min-ki’s kindness head-on and felt like bursting into tears.