An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 286

286. #51 – Consideration for Whom (4)

I stared at Director Park, my eyes wide at his words.

“Excuse me? What do you mean…?”

The reason I was cast in this movie.

In other words, the reason I even got a meeting with Director Park in the first place was because of ‘Song Yuna.’

Song Yuna had promised to star in Director Park’s next film, and that’s how I ended up on the casting shortlist for this project.

It was thanks to Song Yuna.

And it was also because of Song Yuna.

That’s why I didn’t want to be in this movie even more.

No, I couldn’t do it.

It felt like I was manipulating my girlfriend’s casting.

Of course, I knew very well that it was with good intentions.

But those good intentions might not be received as such by the person on the receiving end.

Aside from the pressure, if I were to film this movie, I would think of her during every shoot and every scene.

I would think that I was standing here not because of my own strength, but because of Song Yuna.

That’s why, even though I really liked the movie, I was going to give it up.

I wanted to express my intentions as soon as possible to prevent the movie shoot from being delayed, but…

I couldn’t help but be surprised by what Director Park said.

“As I said, I cast you because of you, Hee-sung, not because of Yuna.”

“So… it’s also true that Yuna withdrew my casting?”

He smiled at my words and nodded.

“Yes, she suddenly called and asked me to cancel the casting of Hee-sung that she had suggested.”

“Ah….”

I lowered my gaze at Director Park’s words and nodded.

I hadn’t expected that at all.

The reason I was still here.

I thought Song Yuna had ignored our conversation and proceeded as planned.

Seeing my expression and tone, Director Park narrowed his eyes and asked.

“Perhaps… is that why you wanted to meet today?”

“Yes, I was worried that Director Park might have cast me because of Song Yuna’s offer for her next project, and I thought I might be hindering the project….”

Before I could finish speaking, he laughed so heartily that the place echoed.

“Haha, is that really what you were worried about?”

“…Yes.”

Director Park looked at me as if he was surprised and continued to laugh.

His expression didn’t seem to be mocking me.

It almost looked like he was smiling with satisfaction.

After laughing for a while, Director Park, having shaken off all the laughter, looked at me intently with a kind smile.

“Hee-sung.”

“Yes, Director.”

“Hee-sung, you’re a good actor.”

“…….”

An actor who is good at acting.

An actor who suits their role.

An actor whose mask fits well, etc.

I’ve heard many stories from directors.

But it seemed like it was the first time I’d heard the words ‘good actor.’

Because those words contained a comprehensive meaning.

“Hee-sung, you’re a good actor. Not only your acting, but I thought you were the perfect actor for the role I had in mind. Moreover, despite being an actor in that position, you have the passion of a rookie, no, even more than we expected.”

“Thank you for thinking so.”

Director Park raised his eyebrows and said to me.

“Actually… our investors had a preference for the type of lead actor they wanted. They valued experience more than current form or career. Of course, I know that Hee-sung is also an experienced actor.”

He continued in a tone that was devoid of any lies or playfulness.

“Nevertheless, the investors only looked at that long experience. Naturally, the *time* of that experience was what those who wanted Hee-sung’s double wanted.”

At Director Park’s words, I could only nod.

I also started as an extra and a minor role, so I do have a long career.

But the experience they were thinking of wasn’t about when I first started acting.

They only recognize the experience after I made a name for myself in the industry.

And in terms of the experience that the industry talks about, I wasn’t a very old actor.

Fortunately, and thanks to my efforts, I became a star in a relatively short period of time.

From minor roles to supporting roles, and then to leading roles and Hollywood.

It was a line that I could never have reached with ‘luck’ alone.

Nevertheless, it was true that I couldn’t fit into the mold of an actor that the investors were thinking of.

Director Park then put a smile on his face and said.

“But we convinced them.”

“Yes?”

“The acting and passion that Hee-sung showed us. It seemed to prove how Hee-sung got to that position.”

Director Park listed his thoughts on me, and I listened to his words.

Hearing evaluations and opinions about me from other people was not as common as I thought.

“The considerations you showed for the script that day were very impressive. I was convinced that an actor like that could show anything.”

“…Thank you.”

I was most bewildered by Director Park’s unexpected story.

Because I came here today to end this movie.

“Neither Song Yuna nor the investors were involved in my casting. It’s my conviction that I want to go with Hee-sung.”

He reached out his hand to me, and I shook it.

“I will do my best.”

“Good. Let’s make a blockbuster!”

* * *

After finishing the meeting with Director Park.

As soon as I came out of the building, I picked up my cell phone without any hesitation or worry.

Then, after clearing my throat, I immediately called Song Yuna.

Before coming to meet Director Park.

It was me who misunderstood her words, so it was my responsibility to apologize.

Song Yuna answered the phone even though the signal didn’t ring several times.

-Hello.

And a blunt voice was essential.

She must have been very angry with me.

I didn’t even have to worry about what to say first.

A sincere apology to her came first.

“Yuna, I’m sorry.”

-Why are you suddenly calling and apologizing? When did you get so angry?

“I thought you didn’t tell Director Park because you were thinking of me. I just met Director Park and talked about it. I misunderstood, I’m really sorry.”

-See? I told you.

“I know. But since the movie side kept asking me to work on the project, I naturally thought you didn’t say anything out of consideration for me. Oppa [older brother/boyfriend, term of endearment] misunderstood, I’m sorry.”

She sobbed at my words and answered.

-Look, I told you. Why don’t you believe me!

“I’m sorry, I misunderstood.”

-Hmph, I really hate you, it’s annoying….

There was sadness mixed in her words, but there was absolutely no hostile feeling towards me.

That’s how Song Yuna was, as far as I knew.

“What are you doing, are you home? Oppa will go.”

-I don’t know….

“Should I go now?”

-Whatever… but what, you just met Director Park….

“Yeah, I decided to do the project.”

-Really?

“Yeah, I finally decided to join. The script reading date has been set, so I came to finalize it.”

She shouted with joy, so much so that she didn’t even remember when she had a sad voice.

-Wow, that’s really great. See, I told you it would be okay.

“I know. Thank you.”

Song Yuna shouted at me in a high-pitched voice.

-Where are you?

“I just came out of the meeting. I called as soon as I came out.”

-No, you said you were coming to my house. When are you coming?

“Haha, I know. I’ll go quickly.”

-Come quickly. Let’s have a party!

“Party?”

The sound coming from over the receiver.

It was as if I could see her standing up from her seat and bustling around.

-Oh, Oppa is going into a project, of course we have to have a party. I have to do this much so that you can work hard. Anyway, hang up quickly. I’m going to prepare for the party.”

I burst out laughing at Song Yuna’s words.

“A party?”

-Of course! This is Oppa’s first project after leaving WG Entertainment. I have to do this much so that you can work hard. Anyway, hang up quickly. I’m going to prepare for the party.

“Take your time. I’ll go soon, let’s do it together.”

Song Yuna’s brightened appearance.

And the sight of us smiling again made a smile spread across my face.

* * *

Pop-!

The cork flew away from the champagne bottle, emitting a cheerful sound.

“Congratulations!”

She shouted at me as she watched the champagne explode.

“Thank you.”

I responded to her and immediately filled the champagne in the glass.

Clink-

Then our glasses collided in the high sky with a clear sound.

Foods filled the table that she had prepared at some point.

Even a strawberry-filled cream cake that looked appetizing at a glance.

It was a perfect party table.

I took a sip of champagne and admired the table.

“When did you prepare this so quickly?”

At my words, she shrugged her shoulders and answered me.

“I’m Song Yuna, a woman who does what she says.”

At her words, I smiled and patted her shoulder.

“Thank you. For taking care of me like this.”

“Well… it’s just a boyfriend’s party.”

Clink-

We made eye contact and clinked glasses.

After taking another sip of champagne, I felt refreshed.

“Having a party like this after getting the project confirmed makes me feel like I’m back in my rookie days.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it used to be really hard to get a project…. Anyway, having a party makes me feel like I’m back in my rookie days, and I mean it in a good way.”

At my words, Song Yuna chuckled and said to me with a playful expression.

“Well… Jinhee-sung actor deserves it. I’m such a star that projects pour in even if I just sit still.”

It was her playful words, but it was an undeniable fact.

Not that I was an actor who deserved it.

Because Song Yuna was an actress who shook the Korean acting world.

“That’s my girlfriend.”

When I said that, raising my eyebrows, she smiled and nodded.

“Yes, just know that you have a really great girlfriend.”

“Yes, thank you. Song Yuna actress. For meeting me.”

“You’re welcome.”

Matching her playful words, we just focused on each other in front of us.

And I enjoyed this moment to the fullest.

“Good.”

Song Yuna said, looking at me with a champagne glass in her hand.

My gaze was also directed at her eyes.

“I know. Being like this feels like a dream.”

Having her, whom I truly loved, in front of me after going through 10,000 years.

This moment when she and I love each other and are affectionate.

I was so happy that I couldn’t just express it as good.

Without any worries, talking about the same topic with her in the same space.

Spending time like this in a normal way.

No, I’ve never lived such a normal life before.

This scene of talking with her and sharing the same food was really like a dream to me.

Overwhelming emotions that cannot be expressed in words.

A smile keeps spreading on my lips.

No matter what she says, no matter what expression she makes, this moment is just precious to me.

After spending every hour and every second so precious, we sat side by side on the sofa.

“So, the script reading will start soon?”

Song Yuna asked, widening her eyes at me.

I nodded and answered.

“Yeah, the casting is over and the dates have been set.”

“Wow… then you’ll be busy.”

“That’s right. But I have to meet Yuna from time to time.”

Song Yuna raised her chin and said to me.

“That’s a given!”

Then she snapped her fingers and asked me.

“Ah, but what role are you playing in the project?”

“Me… a businessman pretending to be a genius.”

“If you’re a genius, you’re a genius, what’s pretending to be a genius?”

She leaned her head gently on my shoulder and asked.

I stroked her hair with my hand and opened my mouth, lowering the decibel.

“What kind of role is it….”