An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 37

#37-9 An Unpredictable Future (5)

“Director, this friend is an amazing actor,” Choi Seo-bin said, looking at Director Jang.

Director Jang smiled and gave a slight bow. “Yes, I was really looking forward to meeting the actor you were introducing, Seo-bin.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

Choi Seo-bin nodded. “Director, it’s not just that he’s good; when I’m acting with him, I feel completely drawn into the scene.”

Choi Seo-bin rolled his eyes, as if replaying our scenes together. “I don’t know if it’s just me, but remember ‘The Clockmaker and the Dancer’ that we filmed recently?”

Director Jang’s eyes widened. “Oh, I saw it! I also saw Hee-sung acting in it.”

“Strangely, I felt like my acting improved whenever I filmed with him.”

I felt a little awkward at the compliment. It was high praise, and I would have been thrilled even if someone else had said it. But coming from Choi Seo-bin, a recognized acting genius, it was unbelievable.

My heart pounded in my chest. A drop of sweat trickled down my back. I was incredibly grateful that Choi Seo-bin thought so highly of me, despite our limited time working together.

I turned to him. “Senior, thank you so much for saying that.”

He shook his head. “There’s nothing to thank me for. You’re just a good actor.”

“That’s right. Seo-bin doesn’t usually praise others so easily, so I have high expectations for you,” Director Jang added with a contented smile.

He turned to me. “Ah, Director. Please, speak comfortably.”

“Shall I?”

“Yes.”

Rows of striped beakfish [a type of fish often used in Korean cuisine] were arranged on a wooden ship model. Sake was poured into an elegant ceramic bottle.

I looked at Director Jang. “Director, I really enjoyed ‘Prosecutor’s Success’.”

“Really?”

“Yes, especially the scene where the protagonist inevitably accepted dirty money to climb the ladder.”

I swallowed, recalling the scene. “And then he brought down the conglomerate…”

Director Jang listened intently as I spoke about his work.

“I felt a sense of bitterness and regret about that reality. Was that the message you were trying to convey?”

“Oh, exactly!” Director Jang exclaimed, pleased.

“That’s what I wanted to express, but it’s such a politically sensitive topic these days.”

“That’s right. The fact that you were able to show that without causing discomfort with just that one depiction is truly amazing.”

He laughed heartily. “Haha, it’s enough if the audience recognizes that.”

“I’m sure all the viewers noticed because the director’s intended message was so well expressed.”

“Ah, this friend is also good with words!” Director Jang said, raising the corners of his mouth and lifting his glass. “Come on, let’s have a drink.”

Before I could even try the snacks after finishing my sake, Director Jang asked, “Have you seen ‘World of Blood’, then?”

“Of course, Director. How could I not have seen that masterpiece?”

Choi Seo-bin agreed. “Wow, if Hee-sung has seen ‘World of Blood,’ then he’s a true fan of our Director Jang!”

I gave a thumbs up. “Of course. That’s why I’m so honored to be here today, Director.”

“Haha, I’m also honored to have met a good actor.” Director Jang looked at the empty sake bottle. “Shall we have some Somaek [a Korean mixed drink of soju and beer] instead of sake?”

“Sounds good.”

Soon after, soju and beer arrived. He lined up three beer glasses in front of me. I mixed soju and beer in a 2.5 to 7.5 ratio, perfect for drinking in one gulp, and handed them to Director Jang and Choi Seo-bin.

“Here’s Somaek with the golden ratio.”

Director Jang downed the Somaek in one gulp. “Ah, that’s amazing.”

“Haha, thank you. I’ll make another one.”

“Good.”

Two hours passed with non-stop conversation.

“Really, there aren’t many young actors like this these days,” Director Jang said with a smile, seemingly a little tipsy. “Thank you for seeing me in a positive light!” I stood up and bowed.

Beep, beep-

Director Jang’s phone rang. “Hello? Oh, good. Then…” He held out his palm and continued the call. “Yeah, I remember. Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

Hanging up, he looked at Choi Seo-bin. “Seo-bin, you two should wrap things up and go.”

Choi Seo-bin straightened his posture. “Where are you going?”

“Hyun-man is at my house.”

“Ah, are you talking about Director Bong Hyun-man?”

Director Jang nodded. Director Bong Hyun-man was also a renowned film director.

“Hyun-man seems to have something urgent to say. I should get going first.” He stood and picked up his coat. Choi Seo-bin and I stood and bowed.

“I’ve met another good actor today. You two talk a bit more and then go.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“We’ll see you next time, Director!”

“Okay, don’t bother coming out.” He waved and left.

Only Choi Seo-bin and I remained. We spent a few minutes finishing the remaining alcohol.

I looked at him. “Senior, why are you being so nice to me?”

I was genuinely curious. Why was he speaking informally to me? Why had he called me to this private meeting and introduced me to Director Jang? I was so grateful, and I wanted to understand his motives.

“Hmm… I don’t know.” He stroked his chin and stared into space. “I don’t know why… but I have really good intuition, you know?”

Choi Seo-bin looked into my eyes. “But there’s a unique magic in your acting.”

“Is there?”

He nodded. “Didn’t I say it before? My acting gets pretty good in scenes I’m in with you.” Choi Seo-bin pointed at me with his chin.

I nodded.

“But sometimes there are people who think of their fellow actors as competitors. That’s wrong.” He frowned. “If it becomes a blockbuster, they also benefit from the trickle-down effect. That’s how this industry works.”

I couldn’t help but agree. If a drama becomes a hit thanks to the outstanding performance of a fellow actor, the other actors naturally gain recognition. There’s no need to be jealous or envious.

“You don’t need to have any jealousy or competitiveness towards anyone either.”

“That’s right. There’s not enough time even if you only focus on self-improvement.”

He smirked. “Exactly. I find those who harbor such useless feelings the most pathetic in the world.”

At Choi Seo-bin’s words, only one person came to mind: Park Min-joon. Choi Seo-bin shook his head repeatedly, as if recalling that person.

***

“Hello.”

“Oh, Hee-sung, you’re here?”

“Yes, good morning, Manager Han.” I greeted Manager Han as I arrived at the company.

He peeked over the partition. “Manager Kim seems to have stepped out for a moment. If you wait at your desk, he’ll be here soon.”

“Okay, thank you.” Having finished reading all the scripts I had until yesterday, I decided to sit at Manager Kim’s desk and wait.

I saw a script lying alone on his desk. *Is this a new script?* Leaning back, I started reading.

I read half of it. *What is this script… it’s really good?*

“Hee-sung, you’re here?” Manager Kim approached and placed his hand on my shoulder.

Startled, I dropped the script. “Oh, hyung [older brother or male friend].”

“Were you reading the script I left out?”

“Yeah, I guess it’s the script you brought this time.”

Manager Kim raised his eyebrows. “How is it?”

“It’s really good.” I made a ‘ss’ sound, indicating I wanted a role.

“The roles are good too, right?”

“Yeah, I think a supporting role here would be good enough.” It was a supporting role with a sub-narrative connected to the main leads. A supporting role of this level would be quite significant.

I poked the script and glanced at him. “Hyung, can’t I audition for this?”

“No.” He replied firmly. “There’s no need.”

“Don’t tell me the casting for this role is already finished?” I squeezed my eyes shut, disappointed that I couldn’t even try for the role I wanted.

Manager Kim smirked. “No, it came to you.”

“…Huh?”

“The role offer came directly to you.”

*…Crazy.* I swallowed.

“Not just sending out the script?”

“Yes, Jin Hee-sung, you received a direct casting offer!”

I was speechless. My heart pounded. My chest swelled. I blinked and kept looking at the script. An exclamation burst out of me with indescribable joy. A role came directly to me, without an audition.

I felt all my nerves tingle. It was so thrilling that goosebumps rose on my head. I clenched my fist and tensed my body. *Yes!*

Just as I was reveling in the joy, Manager Kim’s cell phone rang. He tilted his head. “Top One Film?” He put his index finger to his mouth and nose. “Hee-sung, just a moment.”

I pursed my lips as Manager Kim answered the call.

“Hello. Ah, yes, that’s right. Yes, of course.” Just as I was feeling uncontrollable excitement, I lowered the corners of my mouth at Manager Kim’s serious expression. It seemed like they were discussing something important.

“Yes, I heard. You met Director Jang Ho-cheol.” *Were they talking about the meeting with Choi Seo-bin?*

“Ah… really?” Manager Kim’s face grew increasingly stiff. Equally serious, I leaned closer.

“Why, what is it?” I asked. Manager Kim tilted his head.

“Hee-sung, you got another offer.”

“…What?” My eyes widened. Manager Kim took a breath.

“Director Jang wants to cast you as a supporting role.”