I’m an Unknown Actress, But Everyone Knows Me - Chapter 179

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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 179

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manager Ma’s face, buried in her neck pillow, was full of fatigue.

 

“If it’s going to be like this, just like when we invested in , we should also invest in …!”

 

“No.”

 

Manager Ma immediately cut her off.

 

“The situation is already precarious because of that little one’s influence, and now we’re going to put money into this too? Phew… This would be an outright declaration of war…”

 

Manager Ma pursed her lips and let out a long breath.

 

“That our influence is very strong.”

 

Filling the investor’s empty spot wouldn’t work. Diminishing Han Yeoreum’s influence was nearly impossible. Taking risks was necessary to change her image all at once. Hoping that mentions would naturally decrease over time wouldn’t work either.

 

‘The production company that has to distribute the confirmed casting for won’t wait for us.’

 

Even from Manager Ma’s perspective, Gi Juye had become the better choice.

 

“…If it comes to this…”

 

Every path seemed like a dead end. She couldn’t see an escape route.

 

But Manager Ma was one of the pillars of JC ENM’s success. She couldn’t back down from this good scenario. Manager Ma’s mind raced.

 

‘What should I do?’

 

Variety shows were the best option for changing Yeoreum’s image in a short period.

 

‘But if we consume too much of her image…’

 

It would distance her from the wistful first love image. Moreover, it would be impossible to avoid mentioning on variety shows.

 

‘The best scenario would be for investors and producers to choose Han Yeoreum and convince Eun Baekhap…’

 

Trust in Han Yeoreum. That’s what was needed.

 

One audition would be enough to convince them, but the problem was that if Eun Baekhap’s side caused trouble before the audition, they wouldn’t even get a chance.

 

‘This is nearly impossible.’

 

If Eun Baekhap, who would be the lead actress, refused, what would happen next was obvious.

 

‘If that Eun Baekhap rejected her, would other actresses accept Han Yeoreum?’

 

Seeing Manager Ma’s serious expression, the marketing team employees even breathed quietly.

 

Tick- tick- tick-.

 

In that silence, the sound of the office clock’s second hand was loud enough to be clearly heard.

 

‘…I suppose we should take some time and…’

 

The answer was that it would be best to look for other roles instead of Yeonhuijae in .

 

Rising actors tend to get into trouble when they rush things.

 

‘Han Yeoreum’s skills aren’t going anywhere…’

 

Manager Ma’s rational Plan A was to choose a different character from among the scenarios that had come in, trusting in that.

 

‘…Still, I want her to play Yeonhuijae!’

 

She wanted to see Han Yeoreum as Huijae, who smiled even while getting rained on, replacing the image of Seo Ryeong looking forlorn in the rain.

 

Manager Ma began desperately racking her brain to create Plan B.

 

‘I need to create a reason why they’d have no choice but to select Han Yeoreum, even considering the penalties.’

 

Since they maintained good relationships with Taiwan platforms, if they offered to help with distribution, they would gladly provide an audition opportunity.

 

‘If I offer the groundbreaking condition of not taking commission fees for goods in Taiwan, I could negotiate the Taiwan platform fees for KBC’s .’

 

If JC ENM, which recently took first place with , acted as an intermediary, both sides would welcome it.

 

‘…Though it’s putting in too much effort for just one audition.’

 

Han Yeoreum was JC ENM’s first actress. She was worth this much investment.

 

‘If JC raised Han Yeoreum, then it’s also JC’s job to create a foundation for Han Yeoreum to get new roles.’

 

That’s when it happened.

 

Buzz-.

 

Manager Ma’s cell phone rang.

 

After checking her cell phone, Manager Ma tilted her head greatly to one side. It wasn’t just tilting. It was leaning way over.

 

“Manager, is something wrong?”

 

Manager Ma had witnessed all kinds of incidents and accidents, but this was the first time she’d encountered such an unexpected case.

 

“…, they say she’s auditioning together with Gi Juye…”

 

“That’s great! If we settle it with an audition, it’s as good as us winning!”

 

The marketing team employees cheered. Manager Ma opened her mouth with a puzzled expression.

 

“…And Ji Haebeom suggested holding it?”

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

This was the department store in Apgujeong where the high-end brand P was located. An event to promote newly released watches was in full swing.

 

Yoon Hyeonjo, who had arrived earlier than the scheduled time as usual, let out a light sigh.

 

‘Ah… I tried to refuse…’

 

It was because of the phone call he’d just received. It was a junior asking for a birthday coupon. In a way, it was just one simple word. It wasn’t a difficult request.

 

 

 

“…You want me to tell Ji Haebeom that?”

 

“Yes…”

 

“Who told you to do this? This doesn’t seem like something you’d think of on your own.”

 

“It was just my own idea. Senior…”

 

“That’s a lie.”

 

 

 

But sometimes that one word could completely change the situation. What Han Yeoreum had said was a precisely calculated wish.

 

 

 

“I’m sorry if it was an unreasonable request. I was being greedy.”

 

 

 

There must have been more than one or two scenarios sent from Chungmuro.

 

‘Even if Director Ja’s work is good, leaving a moderate impact as a lead would be better for her filmography than leaving a strong impact as a child actor…’

 

Since she had a good eye for choosing works, she could just pick one of them, but Han Yeoreum was being greedy.

 

 

 

“You want to do it that badly? Using your wish for appearing in a 4-episode work seems a bit inefficient…”

 

“I really want to do it. I really do.”

 

 

 

Normally, Yoon Hyeonjo would have politely refused. Not receiving or giving anything was more comfortable. He hated troublesome things the most.

 

“Ah… This is why it’s more comfortable not to accept anything.”

 

Since he had already received something, there was nothing he could do about it. What Yoon Hyeonjo had received from Han Yeoreum was something he had lost.

 

For the junior who had taught him ad-lib again,

 

 

 

“…Alright then. I’m just going to say something. Don’t get your hopes up too much that it’ll work out.”

 

“Thank you! You’re really the best senior!”

 

 

 

He decided to at least say a word for her.

 

Just then, a dark shadow approached near Yoon Hyeonjo’s van. A black van of similar size. It was Ji Haebeom’s car.

 

Yoon Hyeonjo got out of his car and waved lightly in greeting. Ji Haebeom, who saw Yoon Hyeonjo through the window, opened the door and got out.

 

A man who looked better the darker it got.

 

That was the nickname given to Ji Haebeom right after his debut. Thanks to his distinct facial structure, when shadows fell, his natural lines became even more pronounced.

 

The shadows running from his forehead to his eye area, and down to his jawline, always made Ji Haebeom rank first among male celebrities with outstanding real-life appearances.

 

“Hello, hyung. It’s been a while.”

 

His deep voice echoed through the parking lot. Seeing Ji Haebeom smile warmly, Yoon Hyeonjo replied lightly.

 

“I heard the news. You’re starring in .”

 

“It’s not confirmed yet, but the scenario was pretty good.”

 

“I have a favor to ask.”

 

That Yoon Hyeonjo was making a request. The surrounding air briefly filled with tension. The nearby Staff Members exchanged glances.

 

Everyone knew that Yoon Hyeonjo had guided Ji Haebeom when he was a rookie.

 

It was called a request, but whatever Yoon Hyeonjo put forward, Ji Haebeom had to accept it.

 

“When you say things like that, it scares me, hyung.”

 

Contrary to his words, Ji Haebeom’s eyes lit up. There was anticipation that something interesting was about to happen.

 

“Participate in the audition. For the child role.”

 

“Me?”

 

“Yes. You.”

 

Could there be anything more absurd than making demands about an audition for a work he wasn’t even appearing in? Right now, Yoon Hyeonjo was saying that Ji Haebeom should take the lead role in and even select the child actor he’d recommend through an audition.

 

Ji Haebeom, who understood this immediately, laughed loudly.

 

“Hyung. How can you make such a big request? You wouldn’t accept anything I tried to give you before. Now you’re coming at me big.”

 

“It’s not a request for favors, just a request. I didn’t say to pick them.”

 

“It’s because of that kid, right? Seo Ryeong.”

 

Yoon Hyeonjo nodded slightly. Ji Haebeom leaned against Yoon Hyeonjo’s back as he pressed the elevator button and said playfully.

 

“That’s petty… Hyung, you only hang out with young people these days. An old guy like me won’t do?”

 

“If you’re an old guy, then I need to start making my coffin.”

 

“When I invited you to come hang out at my place, you said you didn’t want to unless it was official business.”

 

“I didn’t even drink Alcohol when I went there.”

 

“Then why did you go?”

 

At Ji Haebeom’s question, Yoon Hyeonjo straightened his posture as always. The moment they got off the elevator, his schedule would start immediately.

 

“Just~ because it’s fun?”

 

Yoon Hyeonjo, who had entered the elevator, made eye contact with Ji Haebeom. At those words, Ji Haebeom took a leisurely step forward.

 

“…Did that friend tell you to say that too? To say it’s fun?”

 

Yoon Hyeonjo didn’t bother to answer. The bait for Ji Haebeom had been cast.

 

Now whether the giant fish would bite the bait or not was out of Yoon Hyeonjo’s hands.

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

 

“Myeong Jeha!”

 

“Please look to the left one more time!”

 

Myeong Jeha, who had been receiving the brilliant Flash at the Photo Wall, entered the Store. As the clerk put a Watch on his wrist, the Shutter sounds rang out loudly once again.

 

 

 

“It’s time to use the Wish Ticket.”

 

 

 

This morning, Myeong Jeha had called Han Yeoreum. Given the flow of events, now was the right time.

 

With one word from Ji Haebeom, he could grab and shake not only investors but even the Production Company. And the one who moves that Ji Haebeom is Yoon Hyeonjo.

 

 

 

“Just that one word will do it? No, what if Ji Haebeom says he won’t audition… Anyway, it’s all because I’m too good at Acting…”

 

“That won’t happen.”

 

 

 

Myeong Jeha could read the situation better than anyone. It was a game he had repeated to the point of being sick of it. For him, there was only one variable: Han Yeoreum.

 

 

 

“How can you be so sure?”

 

“Ji Haebeom is someone with as much curiosity as he has sharp Intuition.”

 

 

 

A work addict who holes up Inside the House during inactive periods and binge-watches all the hit shows.

 

A movie and Drama fanatic who watches famous works enough to memorize them all.

 

Ji Haebeom, whose eye for Scenarios even surpasses the predictions of top-tier Production Companies.

 

 

 

“He likes interesting things.”

 

 

 

Just then, he was entering with countless Cameras in tow. Ji Haebeom, naturally smiling in front of the lenses, wore his usual business smile.

 

But Myeong Jeha could see that subtle difference. It was Ji Haebeom’s characteristic smile when he was expecting something interesting.

 

 

 

“Just prepare for the audition.”

 

 

 

At that moment, their eyes met. Ji Haebeom, who had been looking at Myeong Jeha, nodded slightly.

 

It was a brief greeting. Myeong Jeha bowed his head in return. Soon, well-fitted Dress Shoes came into his view.

 

Ji Haebeom approached.

 

“My child actor Myeong Jeha is here too. Nice to see you.”

 

“Hello, Senior Officer.”

 

“Can I ask you something?”

 

“Please speak comfortably.”

 

The mischievous look in his eyes was something Myeong Jeha already knew.

 

“Why did you specifically come into ?”

 

“Because I liked the work.”

 

“Don’t lie like that. You shouldn’t deceive adults.”

 

Ji Haebeom grabbed Myeong Jeha’s wrist. Shutters fired in succession at the sight of Ji Haebeom pretending to look at the Watch.

 

“If you’ve made your mark in the movie industry with twenty million viewers, even with all your might… When you said you’d enter Drama, your Entertainment Agency manager must have collapsed.”

 

Ji Haebeom was sharp. He knew exactly the interests involved in a single work. He was an actor who could read the landscape.

 

“And it’s a child role, not the lead, just consuming your image with nothing left… Right.”

 

“…”

 

“To make a name as Ji Haebeom’s child actor, you already got the nickname ‘Police Officer’ from your previous movie…”

 

Myeong Jeha had prepared two baits.

 

“Pushing that and going for a genre film supporting lead would obviously be the better direction.”

 

One was Yoon Hyeonjo’s request,

 

“Why would you specifically choose a child role? I don’t quite understand.”

 

The other one was.

 

“Do I need a grand reason?”

 

Kicking away a coveted position in the movie industry and specifically choosing a Drama child role.

 

“Because it seemed like it would be fun.”

 

Rising star Myeong Jeha’s gamble.

 

At least the Ji Haebeom I know never turns away from something this interesting.

 

“I see.”

 

Ji Haebeom removed the Watch he was wearing on his wrist. Caressing his light wrist, Ji Haebeom smiled.

 

“I’m trying to make things interesting too…”

 

Ji Haebeom’s decision was clear.

 

The big fish had taken the bait.

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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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