Godsent Top Star [EN]: Chapter 90

Three Meals a Day, Definitely! (1)

090. Three Meals a Day, Definitely! (1)

2022.01.29.

The filming was progressing smoothly. So smoothly, in fact, that Director Ji blurted out, “Something’s weird…” “What is it?” “It’s going *too* smoothly…” The assistant director, who was monitoring, chided Director Ji, “Oh, Director. Don’t say things like that. You’ll jinx us!” But Director Ji remained unconvinced. “But it really *is* strange…” In his entire film career, he had never experienced a production progressing so seamlessly. “Is it because it’s commercial…?” But even Ji’s first commercial debut hadn’t been this easy. Director Ji tapped his foot nervously. No matter how he looked at it, the film’s smooth progress was just too unusual. At first, he couldn’t even secure investors, and the production company had rejected him, saying, ‘Director Ji, this project is a bit… it might be better for your career to try something else.’ But strangely, things had suddenly started to fall into place. Director Ji turned to Yeonwoo, who was working with Yeon Dohee. ‘Is it… thanks to Yeonwoo?’ He had created the script with Yeonwoo specifically in mind. And it felt like things started to go smoothly as soon as Yeonwoo started participating. The most obvious example of this was the investor who poured in a huge sum of money at the last minute. Thanks to that, they were able to continue filming in luxury without having to worry about going hungry. He always felt bad about squeezing his staff, who were like family, but now he could spend as much as he wanted on extra allowances. Even the business card handed over by Woo Do-gyeom’s secretary seemed to radiate brilliant gold. [Cheongwang Group is a major conglomerate.] “We’ll take care of distribution and promotion, so you don’t have to worry. We’ll take care of everything.” On the surface, it sounded arrogant. But whether it was arrogance or confidence depended on who said it. With Woo Do-gyeom, it was definitely the latter. A film that had been rejected by several investors, major distributors, and even the production company. He pondered the reason for investing billions of won in it all at once, but there was only one explanation. ‘He seemed very close to Yeonwoo…’ To be precise, rather than close… ‘It felt like he was being unilaterally nagged at…?’ But that was probably only possible because they were close. When rumors spread that Cheongwang had invested a large sum, people suddenly appeared, eager to get involved, but Director Ji politely refused all offers. In fact, he was worried about how to refuse if more people came, but fortunately, the people who came took one look at Director Ji and quietly accepted his refusal and left. It was a stroke of luck. ‘I don’t have to worry about money…!’ Only those who have been strapped for cash know what that’s like. Thinking back to his previous projects, he could almost cry. “Assistant Director… we… there won’t be any problems, will there…?” “Oh, Director Ji, you worry too much. What are you so anxious about?” “Ah, no… I’m not anxious at all…” “Why don’t you do something about that shaking leg of yours before you say that?” “I’m serious… I really am…” It wasn’t a lie. He had plenty of production costs, the production company told him to do whatever he wanted, and even the actors were acting perfectly. ‘Indeed… I made the right choice…’ Casting Kang Yeonwoo was indeed a divine move. Despite being a rookie, he didn’t falter at all against the seasoned Yeon Dohee. His emotional range, his delivery of lines, his gaze. And what about his aura? -“Ah, Director Ji. Where did you find such a kid? I almost felt butterflies in my stomach after a long time while acting.” Yeon Dohee had laughed, saying that she felt like she would forget her age and become immersed in her character when Yeonwoo looked at her. Director Ji wholeheartedly agreed. Every time he took a solo shot, he felt that Yeonwoo’s eyes had a way of making people feel strange. ‘At this point, it’s safe to say it’s a guaranteed hit.’ So this anxiety is just Director Ji’s meddling, who isn’t used to things going so well.

* * *

“Cut! Let’s take a break!” The staff member who received the instruction slammed the clapperboard and called for a break. The lights, which had been burning so hot as if to roast people, were turned off. “There are so few NGs [No Good – mistakes] that the filming is unintentionally progressing intensely. Dohee, you look a little tired, so take a break.” Director Ji appropriately cut the scene. Instead of Director Ji, who immediately sat in front of the monitor, the assistant director called for a break. There were no NGs, no mistakes. Everything was perfect, but the reason for calling a break was because Yeon Dohee’s face was flushed. As soon as the word ‘break’ was uttered, Yeon Dohee’s stylist, who had been waiting, quickly approached and began to touch up her makeup. “Yeonwoo, are you dating someone right now?” A sudden question. “Yes?” Yeon Dohee, who put her palm on her cheek, asked back in bewilderment. “I shouldn’t be blushing here, but whenever I look at Yeonwoo, my face keeps getting hot. I know it’s not true, but it really feels like you have a crush on me.” “Ah…” “It’s not easy to have that kind of look unless you’re dating someone. That’s why I asked. I don’t think you have a crush on me… are you dating someone?” “No. I’m too busy with acting to have time for that yet.” Yeonwoo smiled faintly and immediately recalled one of his abilities. Eyes filled with A-grade sorrow. It was an ability he had obtained from a noblewoman in Europe. It had the effect of shaking people’s emotions and moving them as desired simply by looking at them. ‘I thought it would be perfect to use it right away.’ It seemed that the effect was appearing immediately. Of course, this was also because Yeonwoo’s relentless acting training had supported him. He remembered watching DVDs and Blu-rays until he was sick of them. ‘I should say it’s fortunate that it’s working well, right?’ Virgin from birth… it’s sad to say it all, so let’s stop here. Anyway, if Yeon Dohee was saying this even though he had no dating experience, it meant that the training effect was creating a synergy effect with his sorrowful eyes. “That’s a shame. Ah, of course, I don’t mean that I’m disappointed, so don’t worry. Actually, I’m not really into these cheesy romances. So, Manager, you don’t need to look so pale.” “Ahahaha… haha… Surely not. Everyone in this industry knows that Yeon Dohee is professional. I never had such a misunderstanding!” The pupils of manager Lee Gyu-han, who said that, were shaking wildly. In no way did he look credible at all.

“Yeonwoo, it’s not uncommon for actors to date each other while filming these kinds of romances, right? But Yeonwoo, you can’t do that. Please save me. Sung-hyun is going to kill me.” Lee Gyu-han, who gave an awkward smile, hurriedly took Yeonwoo to the van, saying he would let him rest for a while. “Kwon Sung-hyun? Why is Kwon Sung-hyun coming out of here?” “Why else? He’s holding back because he knows it’s a nuisance to come to the set himself. But if Yeonwoo gets into a scandal with Yeon Dohee…!” Lee Gyu-han shook his head, saying he didn’t want to think about it anymore. “Of course, Yeon Dohee is famous for being very cold-blooded in this area, right? But this is the first time she’s reacted like this, so I’m very anxious.” “You don’t have to be anxious, though.” “Oh, how can I not be anxious? It’s Yeon Dohee, not someone else. Anyway, Sung-hyun is a bit strict in this area. Scandals are like shortening an actor’s lifespan.” “Is that so?” “So Sung-hyun himself is very careful. Yeonwoo told me very earnestly. If a scandal breaks out here, it will tarnish Yeonwoo’s career…” “…?” Then shouldn’t he not recommend romance in the first place? What’s with recommending it himself and then worrying about it? “Still, building a variety of images is a very important thing, so he probably recommended it for that reason. It’s better to avoid being stuck in one image in order to have a long run, unless you’re going to be a flash in the pan in the beginning.” Still, Lee Gyu-han defended Kwon Sung-hyun, perhaps because they had been together for a long time. “Don’t worry. The kind of thing you’re worried about won’t happen.” “…Really?” “Yes.” Is there any need to lie about something like this? Yeon Dohee’s attitude is like a happening caused by being moved by her abilities. In fact, Yeon Dohee, -Favorability: Medium She showed a very firm level of favorability. The one word ‘medium’ contained a firmness that drew a line, neither more nor less than a colleague working together. It was a very objective and even dry level of favorability, even though she could have felt human affection. It was a firmness that she would treat him as a business partner to the end. “You really don’t have to worry. Both me and Yeon Dohee.” “…I’ll trust you since Yeonwoo isn’t one to make empty promises…” Yeonwoo shrugged. Well, trust is entirely up to Lee Gyu-han. ‘Living is important, not dating.’ It’s a hundred times better to work hard and gain lifespan than to date. Because love doesn’t turn a minus life back into a plus. “We’ll start filming again!” Yeon Dohee, whose redness had disappeared, greeted Yeonwoo with a bright smile. “I can’t be pushed back by Yeonwoo! I’ll work harder, so let’s do well.” “That’s what I want.” “Scene 48 Take 2! Action!” Clack! With the cheerful sound of the clapperboard, filming began again. There were some minor incidents, but the progress was very smooth.

* * *

“Let’s eat and continue filming!” It was the time when the sun was setting and the sunset was beautifully unfolding. The filming crew, who were filming outdoors, stopped what they were doing at the welcome notification and gathered one by one. The faces of those gathering in groups of three or five were full of undisguised anticipation. “Ha. I never thought I’d be waiting for meal times like this.” “That’s true, but I never dreamed I’d be eating so well every day?” “Oh, right. That’s right. How long has it been since I’ve lived with such a work-life balance?” At this point, when filming was going on until late at night, work-life balance was a thing of the past, but not in this industry. Filming wasn’t being delayed due to unnecessary power struggles or abuse from actors. The fatigue of the filming set wasn’t increasing due to continuous NGs. And it wasn’t like they were filming while struggling with money. There were no particular problems, and they were filming while receiving extra allowances, so it was natural to be satisfied. “You know Director Song? The one who started filming this time.” “Oh, yeah. The one that’s highly anticipated in Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood] this time.” “My friend is a staff member there, and he’s trying to die.” “Why? I know he got a lot of investors?” “The more investment you get, the stronger the influence from above, right? Do this, do that. Ugh. We who are running around on set know best, what do people sitting at their desks know.” “That’s true.” “Anyway, that’s why filming is tough? The director is sensitive because there’s friction from above, and the actors are prickly. He’s trying to die.” “Ugh. It’s going to be really hard if it starts to get twisted like that.” “That’s right. Compared to that, this place is heaven, heaven. I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve filmed so comfortably. They give us food on time, and they even take care of snacks and drinks so we don’t get tired. I don’t know if this is a workplace or a resort?” “That’s true. These days, I like eating here more than going home early.” So much so that there were staff members who were disappointed when filming ended early. “The smell is amazing again today.” “Wow. It’s a feast again today.” The faces of the staff who saw the food truck full of fancy menus lit up. Sizzle! Steaks were being grilled on one side, and on the other side, a spicy soup was being prepared, adding a smoky flavor to the seafood. In addition, the carefully prepared 5-star hotel-level meal delighted the staff’s eyes, mouths, and stomachs for a long time. “What’s coming tomorrow?” “Which side is it tomorrow?” “Today it was Yeonwoo’s agency, so I think Cheongwang will send something tomorrow?”