In This Life, I Will Die As An Actress, Not As A Villainess [EN]: Chapter 116

Two weeks later.

My photo collections were already lined up on the living room table.

Mom smiled contentedly, flipping through the pages of the *Hanbok* [traditional Korean clothing] dress photo collection, a collaboration with designer Song Hong-mae.

“Wow, you look like an angel, my daughter.”

Dad, who came out of the bathroom, hurriedly sat next to Mom and craned his neck.

“Wow, is that really you? How much Photoshop did they use?”

“Not much, okay?”

Just a little bit.

I also looked at the photos again.

The photos in the collection were masterpieces, even to my eyes.

A work where the artistic spirit of the designer and photographer bloomed.

My role felt like a small pebble used to create a beautiful lake.

Just that tiny bit.

When else would I have such a luxurious opportunity?

Walking the runway was definitely the right choice.

In fact, this fashion show briefly reversed the ranking of views for .

I heard that sales of ‘Hong Mae Hwa’ also jumped several times.

It was amazing.

I took my eyes off the photo collection and turned on the internet.

– Ah, when will the out-of-stock issue be resolved? Even if not *Hanbok*, make handbags in advance!! Seriously ㅡㅡ. What am I supposed to do if even bracelets and ear cuffs are all sold out?

– It would be really nice if it becomes a trend to carry these small accessories around.

– I’m a student at the OO Women’s University Language Institute, and foreigners are going crazy over it. I was a bit surprised that they like it more than Koreans ㅋㅋ.

– Shut up and take my money. Please.

– Is it okay to wear a *durumagi* [a type of Korean overcoat] to work? ⤷ Please refrain.

– The dresses are so beautiful, please make a lot of everyday *Hanboks* too. It would be perfect to wear coolly in the hot summer. Idea toss~^^

I smiled slightly after quickly reading the comments.

The fans’ reactions were good.

In fact, thanks to the dress I wore at the finale, I even received an invitation to be an honorary ambassador in Gyeongju.

‘They want to take photos at Bulguksa Temple and Anapji Pond?’

Mom and Dad burst into laughter at the completely unexpected schedule.

I also smiled awkwardly and sent an okay sign to my sister.

Anything Korean was always good.

Lost in emotion for a moment, I put my glasses back on, which I had placed on the table.

My eyelids, full of fatigue, felt heavy.

My whole body felt stiff.

Since the successful completion of the fashion show, I had been buried in scripts.

I got up from the sofa and went back to my room and sat down.

My eyes were spinning from reading the overflowing scripts from my desk to the laptop file folder.

I sighed briefly and picked up a script at random.

A small post-it was attached to the script cover.

‘Writer actively appealing ★★★’

Ah, is this that one?

I flipped through the cover, recalling the words Min-young had said in passing.

‘The writer is making a fuss saying it has to be you. She’s a rookie, but I heard she’s already famous in the novel industry.’

I heard that the drama production company also sent a strong love call.

Still, what could there be that only I could do?

I guess they just marked me as the first casting choice.

I slowly started reading from the introduction of the characters.

But…

“Multiple personalities?”

I read the character’s characteristics out loud, quite shocked.

The main character in the script is a top actress, and the characters from her impressive works are created as personalities within her.

“The setting is interesting.”

After reading the character introduction, I read the script line by line with a half-doubting heart.

But the script was more absorbing than I thought.

So much so that I couldn’t even imagine how much effort the writer put in.

In particular, I felt unique emotional lines that I had never seen in Korean TV dramas.

Identity confusion and destruction, and the growth and passionate romance that takes place within it.

Facing unfamiliar images, I read through Part 1 to the end.

After reading to the last page, I put the script down with a thud.

“Hoo… what is this?”

The subject matter itself was truly shocking.

Moreover, the script was not confined to the subject matter itself, but was exuding sufficient charm through the characters’ actions and emotions.

However, an eye-catching subject is a double-edged sword.

Thinking about the difficulty of acting, five stars filled my head.

The risk is high, and I have no idea how to research the character.

I shook my head slightly and closed the script.

The writer’s strong request was appreciated, but instinctively, I felt that I should read other scripts first.

* * *

A few days later.

The drama production company sent another love call to our company.

– They’re begging you to come out for just one meeting. Are you interested?

I paused for a moment after receiving Min-young’s call.

Then I asked her.

“Sister, have you read the script?”

– Yeah. It’s ambiguous, isn’t it?

My sister also seemed to be thinking the same thing, trailing off.

– The expression ‘either a jackpot or a flop’ should only be used in times like this, in my opinion.

“Right….”

– The writer writes really well, but you know. Good writing doesn’t necessarily lead to good acting.

I sighed briefly after hearing my sister’s words.

That’s what I’m saying.

“This seems to be the most difficult character I’ve ever received.”

– Why wouldn’t it be?

After saying that, my sister was lost in thought for a moment.

I also became troubled for a short time.

After a moment of silence, my sister spoke again.

– Well, I’m sure this won’t be the only production company to say this in the future, but.

“??”

– There’s a 90% or higher chance that the production itself will be canceled if you’re not cast.

“Huh??”

What is this all of a sudden?

– From the beginning, it seems like these people have no intention of using other actors. I heard that other actors they turned to for insurance were all rejected.

“Wow.”

But I immediately thought that it was understandable.

– That doesn’t mean you need to feel responsible at all. They’re just begging while saying all those things. It’s just going to make you feel uncomfortable.

I ran my hand through my hair as I listened to my sister’s words.

Geez….

An earthquake struck my already wavering heart.

Actually, I’m a little curious.

In the end, I put my glasses down with a thud.

“Oh, well! I guess I’ll meet them.”

* * *

Arriving in front of the Haechi Production building.

The PD [Production Director] ran out barefoot in a hurry.

I waved my hand at the PD, gesturing that it was too much.

But this was just the beginning.

“I really hope you’ll take on the role.”

“I earnestly ask you.”

When I entered the conference room, all the production company people bowed their heads and made requests.

Besides, I didn’t know the writer would be there too.

The writer, with poodle-like permed hair, a hairband, and thick horn-rimmed glasses, slowly approached and held my hand tightly.

What should I say?

She was a person whose eyes overflowed with an extraordinary aura.

“Really, actress. It will be perfect. I guarantee it. I can tell…….”

The writer’s voice, as if casting a spell, was a little scary.

I need to be objective at times like this.

Stay calm, Han Sae-na.

I took a deep breath and smiled slightly.

Then I looked straight at the writer and asked.

“What aspects of me made you offer me this casting proposal?”

The writer, upon receiving my question, answered without a single second of hesitation.

“Personally, I think you are the best actress in her 20s, regardless of recognition.”

“….”

“Not to mention reputation, image, and topicality. Besides, I was completely hooked after seeing the one-person, four-role villain performance you briefly showed on the recent program.”

“Ah, you saw that.”

I understood the point the writer had discovered and nodded.

“It was the closest interpretation to the multiple personality acting I had imagined.”

Next, the PD took over the conversation.

“If you agree to appear, we will not only give you the appearance fee you want, but also discuss the casting of the co-star together.”

Hearing those words, my eyes widened as if my eyeballs were about to fall out.

It was the first time I had heard such a shocking condition in both my past and present lives.

I rested my chin slightly and pondered.

Really, it’s not bad, but…….

Doubt about my ability to digest it still remained.

Besides, I was also concerned that all the other actors had refused.

I thought I needed more time to think.

“I’ll go back and discuss it with the company. I’ll contact you.”

I got up from my seat and bowed my head.

* * *

“Hey, I need to get on Han Sae-na’s line too. It’s a complete golden lifeline, huh?”

“More than that, I heard that AK Yang’s manager went crazy this time?”

“I knew that bastard would do that someday, sigh. So, is Sae-na taking a break these days?”

A boisterous gathering.

I was at an actor’s gathering with Seo Jae-yeon, which I hadn’t attended in a long time.

Lee Seok-hyun, who was busy preparing for his next project, was absent from this gathering.

Other actors heard about my recent situation and started talking excitedly.

It was a bit surprising that Yang Eui-cheol’s news spread so quickly.

“This industry is so fast. And Yang Eui-cheol is becoming more and more famous for rotting away.”

Ah….

Is it fortunate, at least?

On the one hand, I felt a bit bitter.

I was reminded of the time in my past life when I had to handle everything alone, without recognition or people around me.

It would have been a little different if I had people around me like this back then.

I didn’t have a single word of such easy information back then.

I smelled the wine for a long time and was lost in thought for a moment.

Then the topic changed, and the conversation began to flow to the next project.

One actress raised her voice and asked the surrounding actors.

“Anyone seen the script?”

“…!”

I was startled and looked at the actress.

Most people shook their heads.

Except for me, Sung Min-hee, Seo Jae-yeon, and three or four others.

They looked at Sung Min-hee and Seo Jae-yeon with great interest.

Sung Min-hee put a french fry in her mouth and frowned.

“How can you digest that? I think the writer has no sense because it’s her first time writing a script.”

The other two actresses agreed with Sung Min-hee, saying, ‘That’s right, that’s right.’

Seo Jae-yeon quietly sipped her drink.

Min-hee continued.

“You could be criticized for various controversies for no reason. It’s a bit of a no-no.”

“That’s right. By the way, Jae-yeon? Did you refuse?”

Another actor looked at Seo Jae-yeon with wide eyes, as if curious.

Then Seo Jae-yeon nodded slightly.

I was a little surprised and carefully watched Seo Jae-yeon.

Seo Jae-yeon answered as if it was nothing.

“It’s good to try anything. But gambling is not my thing.”

It was a really short and clear reason for refusal.

Hearing those words, Sung Min-hee shook her body exaggeratedly.

“That’s a script that will really bury an actor. With bad acting controversy.”

Hearing those words, I cautiously asked back.

“Bad acting?”

“Yeah. Sae-na, have you read that script out loud? I couldn’t even get through three words without stuttering.”

“Ah, is that so….”

Seeing Sung Min-hee, who had tried in many ways, I realized something.

Sung Min-hee is second to none when it comes to acting skills.

It didn’t seem like she was just making a fuss.

Then Seo Jae-yeon put down her glass and looked at me and asked.

“Then what about you? Are you interested?”

“Ah, that’s….”

But Seo Jae-yeon cut me off and said again.

“Ah, no. Should I ask you this way? Are you confident?”

People’s attention was focused on me all at once.