abcnovels
Chapter 15 - I Leave the Follow-up to You
Chapter 15 - I Leave the Follow-up to You
Chapter 15 - I Leave the Follow-up to You
Chapter 15: I Leave the Follow-up to You
TL: Aniea
“···Ah, I’m dying.”
As soon as I hurried back home, I threw myself on the sofa. A groan escaped my lips the moment I lay down.
The task of immersing myself in a role without a moment’s rest was physically and mentally exhausting.
‘I somehow managed to get through the crisis.’
As my tension eased, I had the leisure to recall my meeting with Director Baek Do-young. Even now, it felt like a nerve-wracking tightrope walk akin to a circus performance.
I hadn’t expected a mid-boss to pop up out of nowhere. And he came fully armed with my weaknesses at that.
‘I thought I was going to be kidnapped or something.’
The size of the secretaries, large as houses, flickered before my eyes. Their overwhelming presence was such that I wondered if I should secure a pistol for myself.
Of course, I doubted they would resort to physical force in broad daylight at the department store, but one can never be too sure with the ways of the world.
‘I need to memorize the candidate encyclopedia as soon as possible.’
The existence of such a booklet is ridiculous, but it did help me safely navigate the crisis that came my way today.
Considering the hardships that lie ahead, it’s only right to familiarize myself with it in advance.
‘I also need information about Eun-ha ssi’s family.’
Their goals differ from those of Baek Do-young and other prospective groom candidates.
While the assets and influence that Kim Eun-ha holds are important to the groom candidates, what matters most to them is the significance of mixing blood with the Mirae Group.
Even in a semi-forced political marriage, Kim Eun-ha’s cooperation is essential for properly integrating into the Mirae Group.
‘It’s sort of a trophy.’
Though the expression is somewhat crude, to them, Kim Eun-ha is like a trophy. She must be kept in as pristine a condition as possible to retain her value.
Therefore, it was likely they would not choose actions that directly harm her reputation or career. For example, revealing a history of bringing a good-for-nothing husband into her home.
‘This must be why Baek Do-young came to see me personally.’
He wanted to avoid making a big fuss if possible.
After all, until recently, I was just a guy who hung around Daehak-ro. He probably thought that threatening me a bit and then giving me some money would resolve the issue.
However, if it had been Kim Eun-ha’s family, the situation would have been quite different. They would have sought to exploit the decisive evidence that I was a worthless husband to cause the biggest scandal possible.
‘They need to find a flaw, after all.’
What they need is the shares and succession rights to the Mirae Group that Kim Eun-ha holds, not her herself.
Thus, whether her heart breaks or not. In fact, they might even be happier the more she falls apart.
Of course, as long as Chairman Kim Seok-ho is watching with eagle eyes, they wouldn’t dare to cause a scandal big enough to eat into their own company’s flesh.
‘At the very least, they would have threatened her.’
Something like, keep your mouth shut and hand over the shares, or be content with the department store and separate from the conglomerate in moderation. The possible scenarios are endless.
Therefore, the ones I need to be most wary of are none other than Kim Eun-ha’s family. I must gather as much information about them as possible.
‘When you think about it, Eun-ha ssi really has it tough.’
For a family that should provide a place of mental refuge in a normal household to instead threaten her existence. This part genuinely saddened me.
This is a problem that not even a wealth of money can inherently solve. Of course, outwardly, she seems utterly unfazed by it.
‘Would it have been different if her parents were still around?’
Kim Eun-ha’s parents passed away when she was young, and I don’t really know the details. Simple internet searches don’t reveal much.
The Mirae Group must have spent a fortune to keep journalists quiet. It was a time before social media became widely active, so it was entirely possible.
“Um. Let’s bury this part.”
It might be a sort of trauma for Kim Eun-ha. Unless she brings it up herself, there’s no need to stir up unnecessary trouble.
“Speaking of which, I think I received a text earlier···.”
When I checked my phone, there was a message from Writer Jung Ha-rin.
After roughly summarizing the lengthy text, it seemed to mean ‘Please contact me when you have time.’ Immediately, I pressed the call button.
Beep- Click!
Perhaps it was good timing, but the call was answered before the ringback tone could even sound once.
– Hello, Woo-ju ssi! Are you available to talk?
“Yes, I am.”
– Phew, thank you. I was actually contemplating whether to contact you again. Did you happen to check the message I sent you?
“Yes, did the script schedule get moved up again?”
– Actually, it’s that…
The schedule was already tight due to adjustments, and it has been pushed forward yet again. The production team had no choice but to be mindful of the actors’ schedules.
The fact that Jung Ha-rin contacted me directly, even though an assistant director had been assigned, was probably for the same reason.
Because of this, Jung Ha-rin started to explain the situation very carefully, in an almost cowering voice.
– The schedule was moved up so hastily that it’s been difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedule. There are actors involved in other productions as well. But we are really trying our best, really the best we can! to accommodate.
“And?”
– Eek! That, that is…
I wasn’t trying to point anything out in particular. It seems my voice still carried the sharpness from the standoff with Baek Do-young earlier.
Ahem-
I took a moment to move the phone away and cleared my throat, trying to sound as gentle as possible.
“Writer Jung Ha-rin.”
– Yes, Yes!?
…A normal conversation seems difficult.
I’m not sure why she’s so nervous, but I decided it was best for everyone if I quickly ended the call.
“Is there anything else I need to be aware of, aside from what you’ve already mentioned in your message?”
– No, not at all! That’s the final word!
“Then, is there anything else you’d like to say?”
– Uh… Probably not?
“Understood. I’ll see you then.”
– Oh, okay!
“Goodbye.”
Click-
After ending the call, I sighed softly. Receiving such treatment when it’s not in my fate makes my skin crawl.
“…Well, it’s good to have good things, I suppose.”
Since there’s no use crying over spilled milk, I decided to look on the bright side as much as possible.
In other words, it means my acting is being well-received right now.
I placed my phone on the table and immediately picked up the script. To perfectly portray Kang Joo-heon on the day, it’s necessary to back it up with corresponding effort.
* * *
“Writer Jung! How did it go?”
Zap-!
Director Kang In-ho rushed over to her as soon as the call ended. Jung Ha-rin, annoyed by his presence, glared at him silently.
“Ah, I’ve been too busy. Next time, I’ll make sure to call myself.”
“Ah, to think this person is a director.”
“Just criticize me all you want, but let me know the results quickly. Can we stick to the schedule for that day? Half of the 1st episode’s content is about that jerk!”
Kang In-ho hurried Jung Ha-rin.
It made sense since the most significant and crucial role in the first episode of “Peaceful Chaebol Life” was Kang Joo-heon.
“It’s settled.”
“Huh?”
“He said okay.”
“Ha-ha-ha! As expected of Writer Jung. I had faith in you!”
An overjoyed Kang In-ho grabbed Jung Ha-rin’s hand and shook it vigorously. Startled, she quickly withdrew her hand and stepped back.
“…That look in your eyes really hurts. It’s like you react as if a cockroach clung to you.”
When Director Kang In-ho genuinely felt disappointed, it was actually Jung Ha-rin who was taken aback. She blushed and continued.
“It’s because you suddenly grabbed my hand without saying anything!”
“So, I should ask for permission in advance?”
“…If you have time to say weird things, go do your work! Actor Kim Young-ho is also participating in this reading, so make sure it goes smoothly without any mistakes!”
“Ah.”
Whoosh- Whoosh-
At the mention of that magic word, everyone in the office who was working turned their attention towards them.
The comedic act between the two in front was a common occurrence, but the exclamation “Ah” was enough to alert everyone.
Since it was almost an unspoken taboo in the office, Jung Ha-rin also widened her eyes and raised her voice.
“Why!? Is there another problem!?”
“···Actor Kim Young-ho is coming for the script reading.”
“Huh? Since he’s playing Kang Joo-heon’s father, that’s obvious. He’s one of the main characters in our drama. Wait! Don’t tell me he can’t make it to the reading?”
“He said he would come. The problem is that Kang Woo-ju will also be there.”
“Why is that… Ah.”
As Jung Ha-rin thought over Director Kang In-ho’s words, she finally realized the issue.
Kim Young-ho, a venerable senior in the entertainment industry.
And Kang Woo-ju, a rookie actor.
What would happen when the two met?
“Wasn’t there a similar situation before!?”
“It’s common in this industry. Normally, the rookie actor who arrives on set first would greet the senior with a 90-degree bow as a sign of respect.”
“···Will Kang Woo-ju actually bow?”
“···It doesn’t seem like he’d arrive early.”
He would probably arrive just in time.
With that thought, both of them started to sweat coldly from their backs. They could already envision the tense atmosphere of the scene.
Swoosh-
Jung Ha-rin and Kang In-ho looked around. The staff members naturally avoided their gazes, knowing well the rumors about Kang Woo-ju.
“Writer Jung, so what I mean is···”
“Director, I’ll leave the follow-up to youuuu!”
“Hey! Jung Ha-rin! Are you not going to stand there!?”
Feeling an ominous premonition, Jung Ha-rin turned and fled, with Kang In-ho expressing regret as he chased after her.
Left in the office were the staff members, who exchanged looks and silently communicated, all thinking the same thing.
‘When exactly will those two start dating?’
Shaking their heads as if on cue, the staff members returned to their work as if nothing had happened.