Chapter 238 - Tidal Wave (5)

Chapter 238: Tidal Wave (5)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Hwalin stood in front of the elevator, and Hong Hye-yeon had just entered the building. The two exchanged brief eye contact. Thanks to that, a short silence spread through the hallway of the building.

“······”

“······”

Both clearly had surprised faces. It was understandable. They hadn’t mentioned anything about this audition to each other. Well, it wasn’t strange. Although they often called each other, no matter how close they were, they didn’t share everything about work.

But to run into each other like this.

In fact, both Hwalin and Hong Hye-yeon were very interested in ‘Leech’. It had been that way for a while. From the moment Director Ahn Ga-bok officially announced ‘Leech’, they had been preparing something. Although their aims were slightly different, their goal was the same.

To appear in ‘Leech’.

Soon, among the staff of the actresses facing each other, the managers on both sides had awkward expressions. On Hwalin’s side,

‘Ugh- of all people, why did Hong Hye-yeon had to come. This is so awkward.’

It was the same on Hong Hye-yeon’s side.

‘The atmosphere is going to get weird. The audition will proceed fairly, but since these two are close, they’ll be conscious of each other.’

Even the burly Kim Dae-young, who had not been seen in a while, was among Hong Hye-yeon’s group.

‘Damn······this feels like a morning drama. Judging by their expressions, they had no idea. Does that bastard Woojin know?’

Looking closely, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwalin’s situations were somewhat similar. Hong Hye-yeon had been on a break since her cameo in ‘Island of the Missing’ and ‘Our Dining Table’, and Hwalin was the same. Anyway, it was Hong Hye-yeon who first broke the spreading silence. She brushed her long hair back and let out a short sigh.

“Whew- that really surprised me.”

Hwalin shrugged her shoulders.

“Me too. You didn’t say a word about doing this, unnie.”

“As if you said anything either?”

It looked like they were bickering slightly, but it was their usual appearance. Then Hong Hye-yeon stood next to Hwalin in front of the elevator.

“This project itself has a lot of confidentiality. Besides, since it’s Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work, there are plenty of actors jumping in. Even though I didn’t hear who exactly, the rumors say they’re all formidable. Well, although the audition itself and Woojin-ssi being a judge was a bit of a filter, many will come, and it might not work out, so I didn’t bother to mention it.”

“Yeah, unnie. You’re right. I felt the same. Besides, I’m an idol-turned-actress. It felt awkward to talk about it. Honestly, I debated a lot about coming. I wondered if I’d be okay in this audition.”

“What are you saying. There’s nothing wrong with you.”

“It’s not that, it’s just that the perception can be a bit tricky.”

As they waited for the elevator, the two spoke sincerely. However, they hid one thing.

‘Talking about Woojin-ssi······well, I don’t have to bring him up.’

‘Just in case, let’s not mention Woojin. It wouldn’t be good if it became obvious.’

It was Kang Woojin. Both actresses had been significantly influenced by Woojin in getting to this point. Whatever the case, the atmosphere became subtle.

“When did you start preparing?”

“Since the rumors about ‘Leech’ began circulating. How about you, unnie?”

“Around the same time. When Director Ahn Ga-bok came to Da Nang.”

“Ah, really? Hmm, unnie, you’re probably auditioning for the same role as me, right?”

“Probably? From what I know, there’s only one female character being auditioned for today.”

A competitive dynamic formed between Hwalin and Hong Hye-yeon. It was the first time since they had become close. They hadn’t had overlapping opportunities before and didn’t expect such a situation to arise in the future, so their minds were somewhat complicated as they talked.

Regardless, both teams boarded the elevator.

-Ding!Visitt novelbin(.)co/m for the latest updates

After getting off the elevator on the second floor, Hong Hye-yeon murmured first.

“Hwalin, do well. But I’m going to do well too.”

“Of course. No going easy on each other.”

“There’s no room for that. Let’s just survive this, no matter what.”

“True······this is a battlefield, right? I’ll call you after.”

“Sure, sure.”

After wrapping up their brief conversation, Hwalin and Hong Hye-yeon parted ways and headed to their respective waiting rooms. Unlike their initial surprise, both accepted the competition with calm faces. At this moment, regardless of their close friendship, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwalin were just two actresses.

Craving to secure a role in ‘Leech.’

Moreover, the actors they needed to outshine today were not just a few. There was no room to worry about trivial matters.

Therefore,

“Hye-yeon ah, are you okay?”

“About what.”

“I mean, you wouldn’t have known that Hwalin-ssi was here.”

“Anyway, I don’t know all the actors coming today. One of them happens to be Hwalin. Where’s the script?”

“Ah- here.”

On Hwalin’s side as well.

“Wow- things are really rolling, huh? I didn’t expect Hye-yeon-ssi to come, of all people... I’m really uneasy about this. Hwalin, can you focus on the audition without worrying?”

“Yeah. In fact, it makes me more fired up. This is the first time something like this has happened with unnie. I might be severely lacking, but I still want to give it a shot.”

For some reason, their fighting spirit suddenly intensified. It wasn’t out of disdain or jealousy towards each other. It was energy born out of mutual respect. Watching Hong Hye-yeon open her brief script, the burly Kim Dae-young murmured to himself.

‘Hong Hye-yeon and Hwalin. They have completely different styles... I can’t predict how this will turn out.’

Meanwhile.

Actors started arriving at the Theater building where the ‘Leech’ audition was to be held. Top-tier to A-tier, both male and female. Already, more than five had shown up, and twice as many were expected to come.

There are more people than expected.

“It’s nothing.”

“Heh heh. As I mentioned before, it’s fine if you just sit and observe, so don’t feel too pressured.”

“······”

“By the way, I heard various things while you were in Japan. What was that piano video about?”

Kang Woojin lowered his voice.

“I played a simple piece, but it gained more attention than I expected.”

“From what I heard, it didn’t sound like something you picked up in just a year or two. Really- the more I see you, the more mysterious you become.”

“······”

“Ah, right. You’re in PD Song’s next project too, right?”

“Yes.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had approached closer, scrutinized Kang Woojin’s face carefully.

“You’re not overworking yourself, are you?”

“I’m fine.”

The legendary director of the Korean film industry, Ahn Ga-bok, exhaled a worried sigh while looking at Woojin.

“···Woojin, you’re an actor who will lead the Korean acting scene in the future. Don’t push yourself too hard, because if you stop, it will be a significant loss to the Korean acting industry.”

It wasn’t just lip service. Director Ahn Ga-bok’s serious expression showed his sincerity. As an old man, he vaguely knew.

‘I don’t have much time left. This guy will be the one to carry on my history and goals.’

He wasn’t just talking about Korea, but Hollywood too. Kang Woojin nodded solemnly.

‘As expected, this old man is a bit of a tsundere. He takes care of me in his own way.’

At this point, Director Ahn Ga-bok changed the subject.

“Oh, and there’s one more confirmed actor along with you and actor Sim Han-ho. It’s actress Oh Hee-ryung for the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’.”

This meant that the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji,’ one of the key characters in ‘Leech,’ had been cast. Actress Oh Hee-ryung, mentioned by Director Ahn Ga-bok, was over 50 but still possessed a beauty that made her look like she was in her 30s, with over 25 years of experience.

Additionally, she was associated with various keywords: alluring, elegant, sophisticated, and captivating. Therefore, she was still a top actress in many projects. Compared to Hong Hye-yeon, she was a level above.

Of course, Kang Woojin was also aware of Oh Hee-ryung.

‘Wow- amazing. She’s taking on the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’? The synchronization rate is crazy.’

From the side, a deep male voice joined in.

“Are you doing a rehearsal or something?”

It was the veteran actor Sim Han-ho. Still exuding charisma reminiscent of a tiger, with his gray-streaked long hair tied back, he strode onto the stage. He greeted Director Ahn Ga-bok politely, then turned to Kang Woojin and extended his hand.

“I’ve been watching your impressive performances.”

Kang Woojin, inwardly startled by Sim Han-ho’s unique presence, maintained his composure and poker face as much as possible.

“Thank you, sunbae-nim.”

“You must be busy, but have you analyzed ‘Leech’?”

“Yes, to some extent. I’m currently doing it too.”

Sim Han-ho released Woojin’s hand and glanced at Director Ahn Ga-bok before looking back at Woojin.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Afterward, the setup for the audition in the theater, which resembled a play stage, was quickly completed. Though nothing grand was prepared, they checked the lighting, and the judges, including Kang Woojin, took their seats. Key staff members from ‘Leech’ and the managers of the actors occupied various seats.

Finally.

“Alright, let’s begin. Who’s the first actor?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, seated at the front row, asked, and the assistant director next to him whispered.

“Jin Jae-jun is first.”

“Hmm, call him in.”

“Yes, sir.”

The assistant director radioed the production staff who were on standby, and Director Ahn Ga-bok opened the provided brief script that was distributed in advance. Today’s audition was planned to be a designated acting session. Depending on the role, scenes from ‘Leech’ would be performed.

“Let’s see, the co-actors for each actor are-”

Director Ahn Ga-bok trailed off, and the film company CEO, seated to his right, chimed in.

“How about I do it?”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll just be reading the lines.”

At that moment.

“Director-nim.”

A low voice suddenly spoke from the far end. This caused everyone, from Director Ahn Ga-bok to Sim Han-ho, the film company CEO, the key staff in the back seats, and the other actors’ managers, including Choi Sung-gun, to turn and look.

At the end was Kang Woojin, who murmured in a low tone.

“I will be the co-actor.”

The small theater fell silent for a moment.

*****

For more chapters, you can check out my Patreon here –>

If you enjoy this novel, please review and rate it at Novelupdates. Thanks! ????

To receive the latest update notifications or report mistakes, join our Discord server linked below.

Discord Server: .gg/woopread