An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 45

45. #11 – There is no eternal Gap, nor eternal Eul. (3) [This likely refers to a philosophical or religious concept, possibly related to the impermanence of things.]

At Director Lim’s call, all eyes turned to Kang Chan-sung.

Kang Chan-sung, who had been visibly annoyed while fiddling with his padded sleeve, smoothed out his expression, at least out of respect for Director Lim.

“Yes, Director?”

A silence followed as Director Lim didn’t respond immediately.

In that fleeting second, it felt like the temperature on set dropped a degree with each passing second, amplifying the tension.

He had been openly displaying his annoyance on set, of all places.

*Director Lim must be furious too*, I thought.

Contrary to that expectation.

Director Lim addressed Kang Chan-sung with a surprisingly gentle voice.

“It’s awfully hot, isn’t it, Chan-sung?”

My brow furrowed involuntarily at that unexpected reaction.

I had anticipated a stern reprimand, but he spoke in such a mild, placating tone.

Kang Chan-sung raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by Director Lim’s attitude.

“Chan-sung, please bear with it a little longer, even if it’s uncomfortable. We’ll film the Chroma Ball scene as quickly as possible.”

Director Lim spoke in a warm, almost saccharine voice, as if coaxing a child.

His face was shiny with beads of sweat, and his smile looked forced and strained.

Hunched over slightly, Kang Chan-sung nodded.

“Wearing two layers of padding in this weather… Anyway, I understand.”

He flapped his padding with his hands, emphasizing his discomfort from the oppressive heat.

Director Lim replied with a strained smile.

“Okay. We’ll wrap it up quickly.”

*As expected, in the entertainment industry, popularity is the ultimate currency*, I mused.

Instead of reprimanding Kang Chan-sung’s rude behavior, he was being coddled and appeased.

Even the director, the highest authority on this set, was acting subservient to Kang Chan-sung, which made me shake my head in silent disapproval.

Some people seem to think popularity grants them a free pass to abuse their power.

Witnessing such behavior only strengthened my resolve to become a top star as soon as possible.

Not so I could imitate such behavior, of course.

If I ever reach that position, I absolutely shouldn’t act like that.

My desire to become an actor who doesn’t engage in power trips when reaching the top became even more fervent.

I’ve seen countless instances of such distasteful behavior.

“Alright… Ready, action!”

Under the scorching sun.

Director Lim shielded his eyes with his hand and shouted.

“Cut, okay!”

The Chroma Ball filming was approved after a few takes.

It was supposed to be a simple 10-second scene, but.

Because the staff was tense and on edge due to Kang Chan-sung’s earlier outburst, the filming dragged on for almost a minute.

“Thank you for your hard work, everyone.”

As soon as the scene was finished, I bowed and greeted the staff.

At the moment I made eye contact and greeted the supporting actor I filmed the scene with.

Kang Chan-sung was already looking around, searching impatiently for his manager.

His eyes were filled with simmering displeasure, on the verge of exploding again.

As if sensing his volatile mood, Kang Chan-sung’s manager rushed over.

“Chan-sung, you worked hard today.”

Kang Chan-sung, not even acknowledging his manager’s words, quickly stripped off the two layers of padding one after another, then,

“Ugh, it’s so hot!”

He threw the padding at his manager as if venting his pent-up anger, and stormed off the set.

The padding, tossed aside with disdain rather than handed over politely, naturally didn’t land in the manager’s hands.

The manager barely managed to catch the falling padding.

Kang Chan-sung didn’t even glance back as he wiped his sweat and leisurely strolled towards his car.

***

The scorching sun was slowly beginning its descent.

And the filming continued relentlessly without a break.

“Cut, okay!”

A break was finally called after one scene concluded.

As I returned to the car to change, Manager Kim greeted me.

“Hee-sung, they said the next scene will start after about an hour’s break.”

“Really?”

I replied, shrugging off my outer garment.

“That’s good news. I was starting to get hungry, so I can grab a snack and squeeze in some practice.”

I stroked my stomach, which was growling audibly from the continuous filming.

“Ah, that’s right!”

Manager Kim snapped his fingers as he saw me touching my stomach.

“What is it?”

“There’s a snack truck here today.”

At his words, I tilted my head in surprise, and Manager Kim’s lips curled into a smile.

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, a hot dog snack truck. Do you want to grab something to eat?”

Events like coffee trucks and snack trucks happen quite frequently on set.

Sometimes, the actors filming will arrange for them to be sent to the set for their colleagues or the staff as a gesture of goodwill.

But mostly, the actor’s fans or acquaintances send snack trucks to the set as a show of support.

I nodded eagerly and started to get up from my seat.

“Sure, let’s go.”

Manager Kim shook his head and replied.

“No, just relax and rest. I’ll bring something back for you.”

“It’s okay. Let’s go together. I need to stretch my legs.”

“You want to?”

Manager Kim and I got out of the car at the same time.

The snack truck was visible in the distance, a beacon of delicious smells.

“Hyung, who sent it today?”

“I heard it was sent by Kang Chan-sung’s fan club.”

That explained it.

Kang Chan-sung, who had been constantly simmering with anger, had been noticeably different in the last scene we filmed.

I had wondered if something good had happened to suddenly improve his mood.

It must have been thanks to the snack truck sent by his devoted fans.

I recalled the self-satisfied smile Kang Chan-sung had worn and smirked inwardly.

*Well, he must be in a good mood since his fans even sent a snack truck for him*.

The tantalizing smell of hot dogs tickled my nose as we walked closer.

Manager Kim exclaimed, his eyes lighting up.

“Wow, Kang Chan-sung must be feeling great right now.”

I closed my eyes slightly and wrinkled my nose appreciatively.

“The smell is amazing.”

“I was waiting for you to come so we could eat together. Haha.”

Manager Kim smiled brightly.

It seemed like all the staff were taking a break, as there was a long, snaking line in front of the snack truck.

Manager Kim and I stood at the end of the line.

At that moment, Kang Chan-sung sauntered towards the snack truck with his manager.

I glanced at him as he approached, then quickly looked forward again, trying to avoid any unnecessary interaction.

But Kang Chan-sung didn’t stop behind me.

He confidently walked past me and started heading straight to the front of the line.

Regardless of the long wait, he went directly to the front and nonchalantly received a hot dog.

I understand it’s a snack truck that came to support Kang Chan-sung.

But shouldn’t he at least acknowledge the staff and actors who have been patiently waiting for their turn?

I clicked my tongue softly and watched him with growing disapproval.

Kang Chan-sung seemed completely oblivious to the disgruntled stares he was receiving and stood next to the signboard.

Then, he flashed a dazzling smile, showing all his teeth, and struck a pose.

He held several hot dogs in both hands, brought them up to both cheeks, and exaggeratedly raised the corners of his mouth.

Then, his manager, holding a professional camera, started snapping pictures of Kang Chan-sung non-stop.

Click, click, click.

The shutter clicked in rapid succession.

Kang Chan-sung put the hot dogs down on a plate and beckoned his manager over with an imperious gesture.

“Hyung, let’s see the pictures you took.”

“Okay, here.”

The manager scurried over to Kang Chan-sung and showed him the pictures he had just taken.

Kang Chan-sung frowned and complained loudly.

“Ugh… I blinked in this one. And why does this one make me look so short!”

Kang Chan-sung’s expression became increasingly distorted as he flipped through the pictures with a dismissive hand.

“Take it from a lower angle next time. How can you even call yourself a manager if you can’t even do this properly?”

“Ah… I’m so sorry.”

Kang Chan-sung closed his eyes briefly and sighed dramatically.

“We only need to take two or three decent pictures anyway. Let’s get it right the first time, Hyung.”

“…I’ll take them again. I’m really sorry.”

“Hurry up and take them again then.”

The manager rushed back to retrieve the camera again.

Kang Chan-sung picked up the hot dogs he had put down and plastered on another bright, artificial smile.

I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief at Kang Chan-sung’s entitled and obnoxious attitude.

Manager Kim, who was standing next to me, also let out a long, weary sigh.

We didn’t exchange any words, but it seemed like we were both thinking the exact same thing.

“Hyung, now film a short video.”

“Okay, I’ll film it right away!”

Kang Chan-sung positioned himself strategically next to the placard and signboard with his name emblazoned largely on them.

“Thanks to all of you today, I’m feeling so energized on set! I think I’ve already eaten about ten hot dogs, haha.”

He smiled charmingly with a deliberately cute voice and winked at the camera.

“To our amazing fans who knew exactly that I love hot dogs and sent them! Thank you so much, and I love you all!”

Kang Chan-sung looked directly at the camera and sent hearts with his hands.

Kang Chan-sung’s shoulders were practically raised to his ears, puffed up with pride thanks to the outpouring of love from his fans.

As soon as he gave a subtle signal, the manager lowered the camera.

The corners of Kang Chan-sung’s mouth, which had been artificially raised, immediately drooped down at the same time.

Adding his usual dry, apathetic voice.

“Is it over?”

“Yeah, all done.”

“Ugh, how annoying.”

At that precise moment.

“Um… Hee-sung, please go ahead and get your hot dog first.”

The supporting actor standing in front of me gestured for me to go ahead of him.

I waved my hand dismissively and replied.

“Oh, it’s okay. Please, you go ahead.”

The supporting actor responded with a grateful nod, and Kang Chan-sung and his manager brushed past us.

A staff member who encountered him called out to him.

“Chan-sung, I’ll enjoy the food!”

“Yes, please eat a lot. Haha.”

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, we finally received our hot dogs.

Manager Kim and I each held a hot dog in our hands and moved away from the crowded area around the snack truck.

“Do we have some time before we have to start filming again?”

At my question, Manager Kim glanced at his watch and replied.

“Yeah, we have plenty of time left. Why do you ask?”

“Then, instead of just staying cooped up in the car, shall we take a walk around and eat our snacks?”

I wanted to stretch my legs and get some fresh air, since I was either filming or sitting in the car for most of the day.

As if sensing my unspoken feelings, Manager Kim readily nodded in agreement.

As we moved away from the noisy snack truck area, I noticed a small group gathered in one corner of the set.

It’s the designated filming break right now.

Most people are over at the snack truck, so why are they all huddled together like that?

Tilting my head in curiosity, I started to walk towards them.

The closer I got to the group, the more clearly I could hear their voices.

“Alright, everyone! We’ll be filming until this evening and then we’ll all be heading back to Seoul together, so please take a little rest and recharge.”

I could tell right away, even without hearing many more words.

That they were extra actors [background actors].

And that the person shouting was the assistant extras manager.

My own acting career had started as an extra.

That time came vividly to mind, and I looked at them with a sentimental gaze.

Then.

One of the actors tentatively asked a question.

“When will we be able to go get the hot dogs at that snack truck?”

At his question, the manager hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.

“You guys aren’t allowed to eat those.”

“Yes?”

“I heard that the snack truck was stocked with just enough food for the main actors and the core staff. So, unfortunately, you guys can’t partake.”

The actor who had asked the question made a visibly disappointed face at the manager’s words.

It couldn’t be helped, I suppose.

Originally, except for the main meal truck, only supporting actors or higher are typically allowed to utilize snack trucks or coffee trucks.

The assistant extras manager pointed to a nearby table with his finger and added.

“If you look over there, I bought some red bean bread and cream bread, so if you’re feeling hungry, just grab one of those to eat.”

The manager clapped his hands together once and continued.

“Then, feel free to rest and relax, and please gather back here before we resume filming!”

As the manager walked away, some of the actors sighed audibly.

“Ah, those red bean bread and cream bread are always the same.”

“I know, right? The smell of those hot dogs is so strong, but we have to hold back and eat this instead….”

“What can we do? Let’s just eat the bread. We’ll be too hungry to film if we don’t.”

“That’s right.”

The actors brushed off the dust-covered clothes and slowly got up from their seats.

I watched their figures from afar and swallowed a sigh of empathy.

*I used to be in that exact same position too….*

If I ever send a snack truck to a set, I’ll definitely make sure to send a generous amount for everyone.

I reluctantly turned my gaze away and continued walking forward.

Thud.

As soon as I rounded the corner, a young child ran out unexpectedly and bumped slightly into my leg.

Surprised, I immediately bent down to check on the child.

“Are you okay?”

“…Yes.”

The child avoided making eye contact, seemingly expecting me to scold him rather than express concern.

“I’m sorry…”

“No, are you sure you’re not hurt?”

The child nodded his head.

I hadn’t bumped into him very hard, so I assumed he was just startled and wanted to make sure he was alright.

While looking at the child at eye level.

Gulp.

The distinct sound of the child swallowing reached my ears.

Come to think of it, the child’s gaze was intently fixed on the hot dog in my hand.

I smiled warmly and held out the hot dog to the young child.

“Do you want to eat this?”

The child’s face lit up with a bright smile, and he nodded shyly.

Fortunately, I was able to hand the child the hot dog, which I hadn’t even taken a single bite of yet.

“Here you go, enjoy it.”

“Thank you! Hehe.”

The child, grinning from ear to ear, eagerly took the hot dog and immediately took a big, satisfying bite.

***

Kang Chan-sung sat on a chair with the words ‘Kang Chan-sung’ ostentatiously embroidered in gold thread and unlocked his cell phone.

Then, carefully examining the pictures his manager had taken a little while ago, he asked.

“Hyung, which one do you think is better, this picture or this picture?”

“I personally think the second picture is slightly better.”

At his words, Kang Chan-sung pouted slightly and replied.

“Hmm, I actually think the first one looks better?”

“Now that I look at it again, that one does make you look more handsome.”

At the manager’s quick change of opinion, Kang Chan-sung glared at him playfully and looked back at his cell phone again.

“What, changing your mind back and forth like a weather vane.”

Kang Chan-sung accessed his social media account and started composing a new post.

-The amazing snack truck that my beloved fans sent to the set today!

The sound of a child’s happy laughter suddenly reached Kang Chan-sung’s ears as he was typing.

He frowned in annoyance and raised his head to see what was going on.

“What’s all that noise about?”

Soon, the child came into his direct view.

He turned to his manager and asked.

“Aren’t those the extras who were filming with me earlier?”

“That’s right. And the people standing next to them are all assistant extras.”

Kang Chan-sung’s face visibly contorted with displeasure, and the manager asked with surprised eyes.

“What’s wrong? What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. But why is that kid eating a hot dog?”

At his words, the manager quickly got up from his seat and frantically rolled his eyes around, trying to assess the situation.

“That’s right. I specifically told the assistant extras manager not to let them eat any of the hot dogs….”

The stylist, who was meticulously touching up Kang Chan-sung’s clothes, opened her mouth with a somewhat blank expression.

“Ah, I think Jin Hee-sung gave it to him?”

Soon, Kang Chan-sung’s brow furrowed even deeper.

“Why did Jin Hee-sung give it to him?”

“Well, from what I overheard, he was walking by with the hot dog and the kid seemed to really want it, so he just gave it to him?”

Kang Chan-sung raised one corner of his mouth in a dumbfounded expression.

“Why is he acting so generous with *my* stuff?”

He closed his eyes tightly and sighed audibly, as if actively suppressing his rising anger.

*That bastard Jin Hee-sung… this is starting to get a bit unpleasant.*