An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 184

184. A Virtuous Tale Generator (2)

The video of Kim Min-gyu on my phone replayed in my mind.

I smiled, feeling like he had articulated the very words I wanted to say on the broadcast.

“So, Min-gyu thinks that highly of me?”

I smiled, thinking of Kim Min-gyu, but a wave of shyness soon washed over me. It felt like he had evaluated me too favorably.

“Still, it feels good that my juniors think well of me… I guess I’ve lived my life right?”

After Kim Min-gyu appeared on the broadcast and spoke about me, it was as if a signal flare had been launched. Stories about me began to surface on various entertainment shows and radio programs.

The drama ‘Doctor’ had been a massive hit that year, catapulting many of its actors to fame, including the leads, Song Yu-na and myself, as well as the supporting cast.

Even minor actors like Kim Min-gyu were being cast in numerous programs. While minor actors typically couldn’t get onto famous entertainment programs, they often appeared on the radio.

Usually, when I had schedules for drama or movie shoots, I didn’t listen to the radio or music in the car. I needed to practice while reviewing the script, so silence was the norm.

However, in the car when I didn’t have to look at the script or practice, especially when Manager Kim was driving alone, the radio was always on.

Perhaps radio with commentary was more effective at warding off sleep and aiding concentration than music.

So, Manager Kim, who habitually listened to all the radio programs, would inform me whenever a story related to me surfaced.

“Hee-sung, did you listen to the radio this morning?”

“What radio?”

“Do you remember actor Park Cheol-min?”

At his words, I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

“Of course. Cheol-min was on the radio too?”

“Yeah, the radio show that starts at 7 AM.”

I nodded at Manager Kim’s words and replied.

“Oh, we listened to it a lot when we were heading to our schedules.”

“I knew you’d remember. He was a guest on there.”

Park Cheol-min, a minor actor with whom I had many encounters after filming with Kim Min-gyu. I smiled, feeling happy about him being on the radio as if it were my own accomplishment.

“That’s great. I should start listening to the radio again.”

“You have to listen. He mentioned you there.”

“Really?”

Manager Kim smirked and shook his head.

“Your virtuous tales are pouring out from this drama. These days, whenever actors who worked with you appear on TV, they all share virtuous tales about you.”

“Wow, I guess I’ve lived my life right? Haha.”

At my words, Manager Kim gave a thumbs up and replied.

“Of course. Do you know what they call you on entertainment shows these days?”

I tilted my head and shrugged.

“What do they call me?”

When I asked with a face full of anticipation, Manager Kim stretched his lips wide and replied.

“A virtuous tale generator.”

I burst out laughing at Manager Kim’s words.

“Haha, I’m a virtuous tale generator?”

“Yeah, whenever they film a project with you, everyone is busy telling virtuous tales about you.”

“Wow, everyone is really grateful.”

“So these days, whenever actors who worked with you appear somewhere, they ask if there are any virtuous tales about you like an official question.”

I scratched my head and muttered softly.

“I don’t think I’m that great….”

“No, when you listen to them, they’re not making things up or exaggerating; they’re all true. You’re living well, Hee-sung.”

“It’s embarrassing for no reason.”

At my words, Manager Kim patted me on the shoulder and said.

“That’s why I’m even more proud to be your manager these days, you know?”

“I’ll try to live even harder, hyung [older brother or close male friend].”

***

Late at night.

Jin Hee-sung, who had been practicing acting at the company all day, opened the front door looking exhausted.

Ding-dong.

As soon as he entered, he dragged his tired body and went straight to the sofa.

“Haa… I’m tired.”

Then, he naturally turned on the TV with the remote control.

At that time, an entertainment program was airing.

“Oh? It’s ‘A Drink’ isn’t it?”

‘A Drink’, a popular late-night entertainment program.

This program is a talk show with guests that change every week. However, the unique aspect of this broadcast is that it incorporates ‘alcohol’.

A program that facilitates candid conversations with celebrities while they drink alcohol. It also tempts viewers to crave late-night snacks and alcohol with its delicious food pairings.

Jin Hee-sung smacked his lips while watching the commercials before the program started.

“Should I watch ‘A Drink’ live for the first time in a while?”

He smirked and jumped up from the sofa and hurriedly ran to the refrigerator.

“I should watch it while drinking beer too.”

Chee-eek-.

Jin Hee-sung opened a can of beer and took a big sip.

“Keah, that’s right. Drinking beer after working hard all day like this is the best!”

At that moment, the program’s opening theme played in the living room.

Jin Hee-sung hurriedly grabbed his beer and returned to the sofa.

“Well, shall we enjoy some leisure for the first time in a while?”

He leaned back on the sofa and fixed his gaze on the TV while drinking beer.

“Hello, let’s begin our conversation with tonight’s guests on ‘A Drink’!”

MC Han Dong-dong’s energetic voice filled the room.

Jin Hee-sung’s eyes sparkled as he watched TV. Who will the guest be? Will it be someone I know? He wondered with expectant eyes.

Soon, the screen transitioned, revealing the guest’s appearance.

Jin Hee-sung, who was watching TV with a beer in his hand, widened his eyes.

“Tonight’s guests! We have invited amazing people. Please welcome actress Song Yu-na and Kim Ha-na!”

Jin Hee-sung quickly placed the beer down on the table and opened his mouth wide.

Song Yu-na, who recently filmed a drama with him, and Kim Ha-na, who lives right next door, were the guests.

Jin Hee-sung stopped treating the TV as background noise and put down his beer, focusing his attention on the screen.

“Hello. ‘A Drink’ viewers, I’m actress Song Yu-na, nice to meet you.”

“Hello. I’m actress Kim Ha-na. Today, I will engage in sincere conversation while drinking with the viewers.”

The panelists applauded and cheered at their greetings.

Clap clap clap.

“Since we have invited actresses who are difficult to meet today, we have prepared a drink that suits the two of you.”

Han Dong-dong continued to speak to Song Yu-na and Kim Ha-na.

“A Drink’s signature cocktail for the two of you!”

“Wow, the color is really pretty.”

“Then, shall we start by enjoying a glass and continuing with our conversation?”

The program continued for a while.

Jin Hee-sung, who was watching TV, also concentrated while drinking beer again, but then, a comment that made him put down the beer he was holding was heard on TV.

“Yu-na, you recently finished a huge project.”

At Han Dong-dong’s words, Song Yu-na smiled and replied.

“Yes, thanks to the fact that more viewers than I expected enjoyed our ‘Doctor’, we had a happy ending.”

“Ah, it was really fun. The love line that made us smile!”

Han Dong-dong raised his eyebrows and asked Song Yu-na.

“You portrayed a deep love line with Jin Hee-sung, who is a hot topic as a virtuous tale generator these days. What are the two of you actually like? Do you two meet often outside?”

At his question, the panelists next to her also looked at Song Yu-na with sparkling eyes. She covered her mouth and smiled shyly and replied.

“Well, I’ve never met him privately….”

Song Yu-na suddenly looked at Kim Ha-na, who was sitting next to her, winked, and asked.

“But Ha-na, are you close to Hee-sung?”

At her question, all eyes in the studio turned to Kim Ha-na. Kim Ha-na smiled leisurely and replied.

“Ah, I’m Hee-sung’s neighbor. But I haven’t been able to do any projects with him. Yu-na, haven’t you done several projects with Hee-sung?”

At her question, Song Yu-na smiled and nodded.

“Yes, that’s right. I’ve seen Hee-sung more often than Ha-na.”

Song Yu-na’s expression was relaxed.

Han Dong-dong interrupted their conversation and opened his mouth.

“But recently, when I looked at Ha-na’s SNS [Social Networking Service], there was a picture taken with Hee-sung at home?”

At his words, the studio erupted with cheers from surprised panelists.

“Wow!”

“Wow.”

Then Kim Ha-na shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

“Ah, that?”

“Perhaps… are the two of you very close…?”

At Han Dong-dong’s suspicious gaze, Kim Ha-na chuckled and replied.

“We’re just neighbors. As you know, we often run into each other because we’re in the same agency and neighbors.”

An invisible war of nerves seemed to unfold between Kim Ha-na and Song Yu-na as they continued to talk about Hee-sung for a while.

***

“Hoo… I’m nervous again because it’s been a while.”

I placed my hand on my left chest and grasped my pounding heart.

“But I’ve attended a few award ceremonies last year, so I’ll be more relaxed today.”

“I think it’ll be okay once I get out. I’m most nervous before getting out of the car like this.”

Numerous reporters were visible through the window, along with a long line of fans. The constantly flashing lights and cheers made my heart feel like it was going to explode.

But I didn’t hate this nervousness. I had yearned for this place of trembling so much in the past.

The award ceremony I attended for the first time last year felt like a distant memory. Time flies so fast that this year’s award ceremony season has already begun.

“I’m going to enter a little later than last year today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, you’re nominated for the Top Excellence Award this year.”

Thanks to the drama ‘Doctor’, I was eventually nominated for the Top Excellence Award. If you have expectations, you will be disappointed, so I came here trying to control my mind as much as possible.

“There are so many strong candidates, so I’m not going to expect anything.”

At my words, Manager Kim tilted his head.

“That’s true, but Doctor’s viewership ratings were so high.”

“Yu-na is nominated for the Grand Prize; I hope Yu-na receives it.”

As a colleague who filmed together, I sincerely supported her, who was nominated for the Grand Prize. Song Yu-na was nominated for the Grand Prize last year as well, but she didn’t ultimately receive the award.

At my words, Manager Kim smirked and replied.

“It would be nice if you and Yu-na both received it.”

At that moment, Manager Kim received a signal. He turned his head, looked at me, and opened his mouth.

“Hee-sung, get ready.”

“Okay.”

Soon, the car door opened.

Click. Click-.

Flash-!

The sound of flashing lights and camera shutters filled the air.

“Kyaa!”

“It’s Jin Hee-sung!”

My heart started beating like crazy in response to the fans’ cheers. Even with such excitement, I waved my hand with a relaxed expression and gesture, and stepped lightly onto the red carpet.

“Hello.”

I bowed and waved to the fans who were cheering for me.

“Hee-sung oppa [term used by younger women to address older male friends or idols], please look here too!”

The fans shouted even louder. I passed the red carpet with a fluttering heart rather than trembling, and entered the awards ceremony hall.

After bowing to the actor colleagues who had arrived in advance, I found my seat with my name on it and sat down. The red carpet scene from earlier was being shown on the big screen.

We were watching the appearing actors and getting used to the atmosphere.

At that moment, cheers erupted from the screen. The MC who was hosting the red carpet introduced the appearing actor in a loud voice.

“WG Entertainment’s Kim Ha-na and her agency colleague, Song Yu-na, who is also nominated for the Grand Prize today, will appear together!”

They arrived in their respective cars, but in the cars that arrived one after another, they walked together on the red carpet.

At their appearance, we opened our mouths wide and stared intently at the screen.

Song Yu-na was wearing a bright red dress, and Kim Ha-na was wearing the same red, flashy dress.

The two dresses were flashy, as if to show who was more gorgeous and whose dress was more eye-catching. They glanced at each other’s dresses quickly and smiled as they stepped onto the red carpet.

…What, are they competing or something?