Translator: Dreamscribe
S-Class Top Actress Choi Rina. If you were to name the most prominent actresses in the country, she was always mentioned in the TOP 5. This year marked the 10th year since her debut, and though her career span was shorter than other actresses, her impact was immense.
Rather than falling behind the other top stars, she was often ahead of them.
She even had a good eye for selecting projects, so the dramas she acted in consistently boasted high viewership ratings, and none of the films she had appeared in had been considered failures.
On top of that.
"[Issue Talk] Lipstick. Cosmetics. Clothing... Choi Rina's sell-out legend continues"
With her fair skin, long straight hair, tiny face, beauty mark beside her straight nose, and her overall visuals and figure consistently making her the public's "wannabe", she was often in the spotlight. At award ceremonies, she was always selected as a best dresser. Such a Choi Rina quickly skimmed through the script as soon as she heard the name of PD Jung Soo-ryeong, even though it was just a one-act drama.
As a top-tier actress, she could have easily brushed off a one-act drama.
"..."
She read the one-act script with great focus. Watching her silently, the CEO cleared his throat.
"I'm just saying this just in case, but you always ask to be shown whatever project PD Jung Soo-ryeong is involved in, so I brought this to you. But taking on a one-act drama? Even if it's directed by PD Jung Soo-ryeong, the main direction is probably handled by a junior assistant director and PD Jung is likely stepping in just as a CP. It doesn't make sense for PD Jung Soo-ryeong to be directing a one-act drama, right?"
But Choi Rina continued turning the pages without answering, and only moved after several dozen seconds had passed.
"CEO-nim, let's eat later."
"Hey, hey, Rina. Did you hear what I said??"
"Yeah, yeah, I heard. I'm going."
"Rina! Choi Rina!"
Although the CEO called after her, Choi Rina ignored him and walked out of the CEO's office. She went down to the parking lot with her large-framed manager and got into a white van.
"Noona, what about CEO-nim?"
"It's fine. Let's go to the skincare salon first."
"Yes, ma'am."
The van smoothly started moving. Choi Rina swept her long hair back and put on a hat, then reopened the one-act drama script she had brought from the CEO's office. The title on the cover read:
-'Rental Lover'
-Writer Kang Chul-soo
The writer aside, as her eyes moved down the script, Choi Rina recalled the face of PD Jung Soo-ryeong. Then she muttered internally.
'Why is PD-nim suddenly doing a one-act drama?? If it was being handled by a junior, she wouldn't put her name on the direction credit.'
Choi Rina was paying unusually close attention to PD Jung Soo-ryeong. The reason was simple. It was PD Jung Soo-ryeong who had discovered Choi Rina. Of course, Choi Rina had been a rookie once too. The first significant role she had been cast in was in a drama directed by PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
That was almost eight years ago.
It had been a minor role, yet she was selected over many well-known actresses. PD Jung Soo-ryeong had chosen the then-unknown Choi Rina. Although she did go through an audition, at the time, casting an unknown actress in a substantial supporting role was considered groundbreaking.
Despite opposition from the broadcasting station and others, PD Jung Soo-ryeong had insisted on Choi Rina.
Thanks to that, Choi Rina got the role, and the drama achieved high viewership ratings. It was through that drama that she first caught the public's eye and her recognition skyrocketed. Her rise to becoming an S-Class Top Actress was in part due to PD Jung Soo-ryeong. Later on, Choi Rina even played the lead female role in a mini-series directed by PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
Choi Rina considered PD Jung Soo-ryeong her benefactor.
-Flap.
That benefactor had suddenly circulated a one-act script, so Choi Rina couldn't help but be interested. PD Jung Soo-ryeong was a major figure in the drama industry. It made no sense for her to direct a one-act drama.
-Flap, flap.
Soon, Choi Rina immersed herself in the 'Rental Lover' script, and about 30 minutes later, she muttered to herself.
"'Rental Lover'? This is exactly PD-nim's style."
That same day around lunchtime, at the 'Produce That 100!' campus in Paju.
Kang Rojun could be seen sitting alone in the empty lounge. Wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and jeans, he was sitting alone at a six-person table with a laptop in front of him.
He was in the middle of revising 'Rental Lover'.
Naturally, only Kang Rojun, who had passed training, was in the lounge. The rest of the participants were undergoing their usual training.
Rojun, who had paused typing on the laptop, was now looking at his phone.
"Oh-"
It was only natural that Kang Rojun couldn't concentrate on script revisions. Every few minutes, he picked up his phone to check various reactions.
Right now, he was browsing through YouTube.
YouTube was being bombarded with uploads, including official videos posted by the 'Produce That 100!' team and many related clips. The popularity of the videos was overwhelming, with each one gathering massive views. The lowest had 300,000 views. It clearly showed how hot 'Produce That 100!' was at the moment, and today's real-time most popular video was:
- !Hot Clip! Contestant Number 1 who shocked the judges! His performance of 'Farewell'｜'Produce That 100!'
- Trending video #1
- 5,197,745 views
It was the edited clip of Kang Rojun's 'Farewell' performance. While videos of other contestants' performances reached several hundred thousand to as much as two million views, Rojun's clip uniquely surpassed five million.
Grinning subtly, Rojun checked the already tens of thousands of comments.
- Looks like an all-time legendary character has arrived in the idol scene ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ can't wait for next week
- Singing a song his late parents loved as his first audition piece... this is a drama, a real drama
- Watched the live and came back again to listen... can't forget it... if you came back too, like me, raise your hand
- I don't like this guy, he's a total jerk
- Is this insane? His face could easily outshine actors... and he sings so damn well too
- He knows he's damn good, so it's annoying, but when I see his face, I forgive him ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
- 'Farewell' is my life song and that young friend expressed the emotion so well I was completely immersed
- Is this the first time such a skilled, winning candidate is also the villain??
.
.
.
Goosebumps ran down Kang Rojun's arms in astonishment. His face was all over YouTube, and the overwhelming number of viewers watching 'Produce That 100!' were pouring attention onto contestant number 1. These things he had only imagined were now happening in reality, so it wasn't strange that he had goosebumps.
-Swoosh.
Shaking his head to snap out of it, Kang Rojun put down his phone and turned his gaze back to the laptop.
'Once you start watching, time flies. This stuff's addictive.'
After about another hour of revising the script, Kang Rojun seemed satisfied and stopped his hands.
'For now, the story of Lover No. 4 should be good enough. I'll finalize the detailed revisions or additions after the meeting with PD Jung Soo-ryeong-'
Rojun had created a new character, Lover No. 4, who didn't exist in the original 'Rental Lover' script. Crossing his arms, he recalled PD Woo Han-suk's dark eye circles.
'Guess it's time I tell PD Woo Han-suk that I'm appearing in 'Rental Lover', huh?'
He had already told him that his writing work and the script 'Rental Lover' had been selected as best at SBC, but he hadn't yet mentioned his appearance in the work. Though his writer-related activities had been approved, actually appearing was another matter.
At that moment, Rojun's phone vibrated.
The caller was PD Woo Han-suk, who had sent a message in advance. He was currently not on campus but at the 'JTVM' broadcasting station.
"Yes, PD-nim."
"Yeah. I saw your message, Rojun-ssi. What did you want to talk about?"
"I think it would be better to tell you in person."
"Really? Ah- well, I won't be able to get to campus today. I can probably make it there by tomorrow afternoon?"
"That's fine. I'll talk to you tomorrow then. And as I mentioned in the message-"
"Yeah, I saw it. You said you've got a meeting tomorrow morning with the SBC Drama Department? That's okay, but- hmm, Rojun-ssi, you really need to be careful right now, you know?? You saw how crazy things are, the 'Produce That 100!' craze is insane right now. If your face gets seen somewhere, a crowd could gather and that'd be trouble."
"Yes. That's why the drama department PD said she would personally come pick me up. We're going to talk somewhere out of the public eye."
"Alright then, just be extra careful. If anything happens, call me immediately."
"Understood."
After finishing the call, Kang Rojun scratched his chin and muttered inwardly.
'A crowd might gather if my face is seen? Feels like I've really become a celebrity.'
The next morning, in front of the 'Produce That 100!' campus.
It was around 10 o'clock. A sedan pulled up near the campus entrance. In the driver's seat sat PD Jung Soo-ryeong, her frizzy brown hair tied back. As she let out a big yawn and looked toward the campus gate, she spotted a man with black hair walking toward her.
The moment she saw him, PD Jung Soo-ryeong chuckled as if impressed.
"Whew- Eye candy in the morning, how does this kid look like he's in a photoshoot just by walking?"
The one walking over was Kang Rojun. As soon as he saw the car parked in front, he approached it, and PD Jung Soo-ryeong rolled down the driver's window and waved her hand.
"Writer-nim, good morning-"
"Yes, hello, it's a great morning."
"A great morning? You're always a bit unusual. Anyway, get in."
As soon as Kang Rojun got into the passenger seat, PD Jung Soo-ryeong started the car and pulled away. While turning the steering wheel, she asked Rojun,
"You brought a mask and a hat, right?"
"I did."
"I'm sure the 'Produce That 100!' production crew told you already, but you're not just an ordinary person anymore. You're the face of a program that surpassed 15% viewership. You've got to be aware of the public eye. But honestly, weren't you already getting stares even before 'Produce That 100!' aired?"
Kang Rojun gave a slight nod and looked down at the hat and mask in his hands.
'In the past, I wore these to hide my monstrous face, and now I have to wear them because my face is recognized.'
Though the situations were drastically different, he felt a strange similarity in the outcome. PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had stopped the car at a traffic light, turned her head.
"Before our meeting, I want to see someone first. If it's uncomfortable, I can go alone."
See someone? Who? Curious, Kang Rojun replied simply.
"I don't mind, but who are we meeting?"
"I got the call out of the blue, too. Hm, I think- no, I'm almost certain it's someone related to 'Rental Lover', so it would be good for you to meet them. Feels like I stumbled upon a big catch."
"A big catch?"
"Yeah. Do you have a favorite actress, by any chance?"
Kang Rojun didn't particularly follow any actress passionately. Still, there were a few he acknowledged as good performers.
"I don't have a favorite actress, but I've watched some works because Choi Rina and Seo Soo-min act well."
PD Jung Soo-ryeong's smile deepened.
"Really? Then you might be a little surprised."
Surprised? What does she mean by that all of a sudden? As Kang Rojun tilted his head slightly in confusion, PD Jung Soo-ryeong changed the subject.
"'Rental Lover' is growing more and more in volume. This is my first time with a one-act drama like this. But remember, all of this started because of Writer Kang Chul-soo. Honestly, I only got interested in taking on 'Rental Lover' because of you, Writer-nim. If it weren't for you, I definitely would've given it to a junior."
She was right. It was Kang Rojun who submitted 'Rental Lover' to the script contest, and it was because he was the writer that a heavyweight like PD Jung Soo-ryeong agreed to direct it.
In effect, Kang Rojun had triggered everything.
Then, as they merged onto the highway, PD Jung Soo-ryeong continued.
"I don't know about other things, but I do have a good eye for people. I've got high hopes for you, as a writer and as an idol. As for acting, it's still hard to judge, but one thing's certain. You're visually the best male actor I've ever seen."
Embarrassed by the overwhelming praise, Kang Rojun awkwardly looked out the window.
The place PD Jung Soo-ryeong led him to was a classy-looking Korean restaurant quite a distance from Sinsa Station. Naturally, she took the lead.
"We made a reservation under the name Jung Soo-ryeong."
"Yes- just a moment please."
Wearing his mask and hat, Kang Rojun looked around the luxurious Korean restaurant.
-Slide.
They entered the room the staff guided them to. It was a traditional floor-seating room with a table. After ordering drinks in advance, PD Jung Soo-ryeong checked the time.
"We got here a little early. They'll be here in about ten minutes."
"Okay."
"Oh, and even if it's uncomfortable, keep your mask and hat on. It's not time to go public yet."
Who on earth was coming? Kang Rojun tried to guess.
'She mentioned an actress earlier, don't tell me, is an actual actress really coming here??'
His heart soon began to race. About five minutes later, the tea they had ordered was served, and after another ten minutes passed, there was a knock, and the door of the room slid open. A woman entered, also wearing a mask, just like Kang Rojun.
The woman brushed back her long straight hair and removed her mask.
"PD-nim, I'm here."
Smiling, PD Jung Soo-ryeong hugged the woman and jumped in place excitedly.
"What is this? Your beauty game got even stronger? Have you been going all out with skincare lately since you've had a break??"
"Of course, and you got prettier too, PD-nim?"
"Are you picking a fight? Bring it on."
Kang Rojun, who had awkwardly started to rise, flinched in shock.
'Hul? Hul!! Crazy... Choi Rina???'
The one who entered was none other than Choi Rina, the top actress everyone in the country knew, even Kang Rojun. Seeing a top actress in person for the first time in his life, Rojun froze. Regardless, PD Jung Soo-ryeong briefly chatted with Choi Rina, and then Choi Rina, who had taken a seat across from him, looked at Rojun and smiled.
"But, who is this?"
It was a reasonable question. She thought she'd only be meeting PD Jung Soo-ryeong, but there was a man wearing a mask and a hat sitting there. PD Jung Soo-ryeong answered.
"He's the writer working with me on the project, but he's a bit shy. Also, for certain reasons, he's covering his face. That okay?"
Choi Rina's eyes widened slightly, and she asked again.
"He's a writer? Then is he the one who wrote 'Rental Lover'?"
PD Jung Soo-ryeong nodded.
"Yep. This is Writer Kang Chul-soo, who wrote 'Rental Lover'."
Kang Rojun, who had been briefly lost in Choi Rina's smile, finally came to his senses.
"...Hello."
"Nice to meet you, Writer-nim. I finished reading your script in one day, it was that good."
Top actress Choi Rina complimented his writing, what he had thought of as garbage words. A rush of adrenaline flooded Rojun, and as he grabbed his teacup, PD Jung Soo-ryeong chimed in.
"How'd you even get to read it?"
"I asked my CEO-nim to show me anything that comes from you, PD-nim."
"That's scary, really scary."
"Oh, come on. I was just surprised. PD-nim suddenly doing a one-act drama?"
"Well, that's how it turned out. So? What's the reason our Ms. Choi suddenly wanted to meet?"
Choi Rina tucked her hair behind her ear and leaned slightly forward. As Rojun caught a pleasant fragrance, the top actress Choi Rina smiled with her eyes and said,
"PD-nim, I want to do 'Rental Lover'."
Kang Rojun blinked several times. His mind temporarily stopped functioning.
'...Huh?'
*****
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