I Acted Once, and Now They Call Me a Genius - Chapter 15

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 15

It wasn’t just Seon-woo who was thinking such thoughts.

“If we do well today…”

“If I could just get into Yoo Chan-woo’s Company, I’d have no other wishes.”

“I don’t even dare hope for Director Yoo Chan-woo himself. Even Han Hee-jung’s Company would be…!”

The other troupe members were also stirring restlessly, all showing signs of growing ambition.

Of course, those who weren’t appearing in [Confession] felt just as disappointed.

“Ah, damn it. I really should have been the one doing this…”

Right now, Seo Jin-wook was pulling at his hair and throwing a tantrum.

When their eyes met in the midst of this, Seo Jin-wook stormed out of the theater with angry steps.

Seon-woo smiled inwardly.

This feels pretty satisfying.

Anyway, seeing Seo Jin-wook’s reaction like that made him realize even more how huge an opportunity this was.

Well, he would have done his best regardless, but… he really felt like he needed to burn everything and give it his all in his acting.

It was then that Do-young spoke up.

“Everyone, calm down.”

At those words, everyone who had been busy murmuring shut their mouths tight and looked at Do-young.

Do-young looked around at everyone with heavily sunken eyes.

“I understand you’re excited, but don’t think about useless things. We’re actors, and what we need to do is simple. Act properly. Don’t get distracted by Yoo Chan-woo or whatever else. Understood?”

“…Yes.”

Those were words typical of Do-young.

Thanks to that, Seon-woo’s somewhat dizzy mind also settled down.

Right. First, I need to be faithful to my duties. Whatever happens, there’s only one thing I need to do. Give a good performance.

Even thinking about the audience… I shouldn’t get too distracted by the side benefits.

‘But still…’

Seon-woo looked at Do-young with fresh eyes.

He knew well that Do-young wasn’t even glancing toward the film industry, but he didn’t expect him to be this calm even when a big shot like Yoo Chan-woo appeared.

In the first place, the reason he came here was most likely because of Do-young himself.

At this point, he was getting a little curious.

‘Is Do-young sunbae really planning to refuse this time too?’

Even when the other party is a big shot like Yoo Chan-woo?

* * *

“Wow, the audience seats are packed.”

The bear-like, sturdy-built man, Yoo Chan-woo, cleaned his glasses while looking around.

“I heard the theater scene is pretty tough these days, but this place doesn’t seem affected by the market?”

“Cheongseong has had a solid fanbase since way back. Good works and good actors too.”

“Well, that’s probably why the writer brought me here.”

Yoo Chan-woo nodded.

“I’m curious what kind of actor it’ll be. I know better than anyone how picky our writer Han Hee-jung’s eye is.”

“…Hehe, once you see him, you’ll want to kidnap him right away.”

Han Hee-jung smiled confidently.

Despite his words, Yoo Chan-woo’s expression showed he didn’t have particularly high expectations. Han Hee-jung understood him.

The reason they came here now was to find a lead actor for the project they were currently preparing.

Yes, a lead, not a supporting role.

Honestly, using a complete novice with no movie filming experience would be quite a stretch.

It was rather surprising that he came all the way here after hearing her words.

But Han Hee-jung was confident.

‘The Director will change his mind once he sees him too.’

Cheongseong has a gem.

Not a rough stone. A gem. A large gem that’s been perfectly cut and polished.

Once Yoo Chan-woo sees him with his own eyes… he’ll definitely start drooling.

All Han Hee-jung had to do today was simply show him.

The moment Yoo Chan-woo sees Do-young, he’ll immediately understand why she brought him all the way here.

‘I’m already getting excited.’

Han Hee-jung moistened her lips with her tongue.

What kind of expression would Yoo Chan-woo make when he saw Cha Do-young, that monster?

He probably never could have imagined it. That such a monster had been living without seeing the light all this time.

Of course, there was a good reason for that.

The actor himself was reluctant to enter the film industry.

‘It’s a rare case.’

No matter how passionate an actor might be about theater, when given the opportunity to appear in movies, they usually can’t refuse.

It’s inevitable.

Money, honor, popularity… In all these areas, movie actors and theater actors are in completely different leagues.

But Do-young was a man who had consistently rejected recruitment offers from the film industry.

‘He’s like a unicorn.’

There had been quite a few directors who had tried to recruit Do-young over the years.

Rumors about there being a monster at Cheongseong had been quietly spreading for several years already.

But no one had managed to recruit Do-young.

That’s how firm Do-young’s resolve was to live as a theater actor.

Still, the reason Han Hee-jung had come all this way was…

‘Maybe Director Yoo could persuade him?’

It was because of her faith in Yoo Chan-woo.

With his recognition, his skill, his charisma… she thought he might be able to captivate Cha Do-young.

Yes, just like Xiang Yu who tamed Wuzhui.

Of course, that was basically assuming Cha Do-young would win over Yoo Chan-woo’s heart first, but honestly, she wasn’t worried about this part.

‘Director Yoo will definitely fall for him too.’

Han Hee-jung’s focus point for today’s theater viewing was one thing.

What kind of expression would Yoo Chan-woo make when he saw the actor named Cha Do-young.

And,

“Confess your sins.”

“…!”

Indeed, it was quite a sight to behold.

It was the moment the Priest stepped onto the stage.

Yoo Chan-woo’s expression changed completely.

His body, which had been languidly leaning against the chair, straightened up in an instant, and sparks suddenly flew in his half-closed eyes.

It was understandable.

The Priest had already given tremendous impact with just his appearance alone.

But on top of that, his voice, expressions, and acting… there wasn’t a single aspect that didn’t shake people’s hearts.

Thanks to this, the longer the acting continued, the more a smile of ecstasy bloomed on Yoo Chan-woo’s lips.

He couldn’t help it.

It was definitely acting that was enchanting just to watch.

‘I should thank the writer for this…’

As Han Hee-jung had guessed, Yoo Chan-woo actually hadn’t had high expectations for the actor named Cha Do-young.

If he really was such an amazing actor as Han Hee-jung claimed, he thought someone would have snatched him up long ago.

But seeing this, he understood.

‘…To think such an actor would be in a place like this.’

Goosebumps rose all over his body.

Just thinking about capturing him through his camera lens was enough to make his whole body tingle with excitement.

He was a treasure.

He was certain. If he used that actor… he was absolutely confident that results beyond what he had imagined would follow.

No matter how shabby the lines he was given, that man would definitely elevate them into a work of art.

While he was thinking such thoughts,

‘Oh?’

Yoo Chan-woo’s eyes sparkled once again.

However, this time what was captured in his eyes wasn’t the Priest.

It was the character who was announcing he would kill someone in front of the Priest, Seung-do.

‘This guy…’

There was a nickname attached to Yoo Chan-woo in Chungmuro.

The Gem Appraiser.

It was a nickname he had earned by launching countless rookie actors to stardom.

They said his eye for recognizing the qualities needed to become a star was better than anyone’s.

Yoo Chan-woo actually didn’t think it was an eye for recognizing star qualities.

He was just better at running simulations.

What if this actor encountered this kind of role?

What if he acted with this kind of feeling? Such simulations.

Through this, Yoo Chan-woo could visualize in his mind all kinds of characters he could draw out from any actor he met.

And now, at this moment facing Seung-do and Seon-woo,

‘Interesting.’

Yoo Chan-woo’s eyes lit up.

He could already picture it. That actor expressing this dangerous yet sorrowful atmosphere… what he would look like when touched by his hands.

And this actor… seemed like he would bring life to any painting he drew.

The emotional line he expressed was incredibly delicate and alive.

Look at that. Even in front of that Priest with tremendous stage presence, he could capture his attention in an instant.

Expressiveness that couldn’t be gained through effort… something that could only be described as truly natural talent.

‘If I could just polish his basic skills a bit, he’d really be something…’

After thinking that for a moment, Yoo Chan-woo turned his gaze back to Do-young’s Priest.

He couldn’t forget his priorities. For now, he needed to focus on his original prey.

‘I’m definitely taking him.’

His mind was made up.

After the performance ended, Yoo Chan-woo headed straight to the Actor’s Waiting Room.

“Please come this way!”

“This way, Director!”

“It’s an honor to meet you!”

“Haha, yes, yes. Thank you.”

Even though he wasn’t particularly a staff member, no one tried to stop Yoo Chan-woo.

Rather, they even guided his way, showing how thrilled they were just to encounter Yoo Chan-woo.

Thanks to this, Yoo Chan-woo was quickly able to meet that man, Do-young.

And he was impressed anew.

‘…He really is incredibly handsome.’

Yoo Chan-woo had worked with South Korea’s representative handsome actors.

As such, Yoo Chan-woo could confidently guarantee that Do-young’s appearance didn’t fall short compared to those actors at all.

Yoo Chan-woo swallowed hard.

And forced himself to speak with a composed voice.

“Hello, Mr. Cha Do-young. I’m Director Yoo Chan-woo.”

“Yes, hello. Director.”

Do-young looked at Yoo Chan-woo while wearing his priest robes.

Even though he was facing a director that all actors wanted to work with, Do-young’s eyes showed no trace of desire.

Rather, there was a somewhat troubled expression.

…Could he really not be interested?

I don’t know. In times like this, I just have to take the plunge.

“I enjoyed the performance. It was wonderful acting. I’ll… get straight to the point.”

Yoo Chan-woo’s eyes flashed with intensity.

“Would you like to work on a project with me?”

“…”

At those words, the Cheongseong troupe members who were watching nearby gasped.

They had expected it, but casting by Yoo Chan-woo?

But Yoo Chan-woo didn’t stop there. He opened his mouth again.

“For reference, what I’m offering you right now is the lead role in the movie I’m currently preparing.”

At those words, everyone who had been whispering around them fell silent.

A silence so complete that even breathing seemed to stop.

What had they just heard?

Lead role? He could become the lead in a movie directed by Yoo Chan-woo?

They had expected him to try to recruit Do-young, but… wasn’t this something they couldn’t even imagine?

No matter how outstanding an actor Do-young was, he had never stood in front of a camera before, yet he was suddenly being offered a lead role.

Everyone looked at Do-young with desperate expressions.

They all knew well that Do-young’s stubbornness about staying in the theater scene was tremendous, but surely he wouldn’t reject such an incredible offer. Please, he couldn’t reject it.

“…I’ve always loved Director Yoo Chan-woo’s works since I was young.”

And under everyone’s gaze, Do-young finally opened his mouth.

But…

“However, I don’t think I’ll be able to work on the project with you.”

Do-young ultimately rejected Yoo Chan-woo’s proposal.

Someone sighed as if they had expected this, while someone else clutched their head as if they never thought it would come to this despite everything.

Yoo Chan-woo was more on the latter side, if he had to choose.

Even most top actors wouldn’t be able to refuse his offer for a leading role…

“…May I know the reason?”

“I’m a theater actor. I want to protect this theater company. That’s all.”

Normally, it would be an incomprehensible reason.

But Yoo Chan-woo nodded his head.

“…I understand. I get it. Then could I at least get your phone number?”

“That’s… Director. I really have no intention of going into the film industry.”

“Yes. But I’d like to try persuading you a bit. Couldn’t you at least give me a chance to persuade you?”

When he put it that way, it was impossible to refuse.

In the end, Yoo Chan-woo obtained Do-young’s phone number and left the theater. Han Hee-jung chuckled as if she had expected this.

“Not easy, is it?”

“…You’re right. I was wondering why such a guy still hasn’t seen the light, but he has absolutely no intention of seeing the light himself.”

“What will you do?”

“Well, what can I do? I’ll have to keep knocking persistently. There’s a saying about visiting three times to recruit talent, right?”

“So you’re retreating for now?”

“Let’s call it a strategic repositioning.”

Yoo Chan-woo chuckled and started walking.

And it was when he hadn’t walked more than a few steps.

He went “Ah,” and stopped walking, then looked back at the theater. While the troupe members who had been pressed against the glass window in front of the theater, secretly watching him, scrambled to hide in an instant, Han Hee-jung looked at him with curiosity.

“What’s wrong, Director?”

“…No. Come to think of it, there’s one more guy who caught my eye.”

“Someone who caught your eye? Hmm… by any chance, that guy who was confessing about killing someone?”

Han Hee-jung nodded as if she knew who he meant.

Yoo Chan-woo nodded with a smile. I thought only I noticed him, but that wasn’t the case?

“Ah, yes! That’s right. Wasn’t that guy really good? He was so charming.”

“Well, he was. His character was very vivid, I guess? He was someone who gave me inspiration while watching. Should I say he had that raw charm alive in him?”

Han Hee-jung swallowed the saliva that had gathered in her mouth.

But soon she shook her head with a resolute expression.

“But it won’t work. There are no remaining roles.”

“I know. I wasn’t thinking of casting him right away either. He still seems to have a lot of rough edges to polish. I just found him eye-catching, that’s all.”

“Hmm, well if that’s the case, then it’s fine. But when our director finds someone eye-catching, that’s usually no ordinary matter… That kid, maybe he’ll be a star later on?”

“Come on, you’re acting like I’m some kind of star scout. I don’t know whether he’ll become a star or not. It’s just…”

Yoo Chan-woo trailed off for a moment.

What he felt when he saw that kid was that he was like an unpolished gem.

Then what would it feel like if time passed and that kid grew more?

“…Next time I see him, it might be hard to look away.”

And by then, he might not be able to leave so easily without regrets.

As a director, as a filmmaker, Yoo Chan-woo secretly hoped.

That such a day would come soon.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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