Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Today, someone from our class made it into the top ten of the entire school.

If this were a movie set, the camera director would immediately capture the homeroom teachers face in a reverse-angle shot. Suspicion-filled eyes and stern glares were mercilessly projected onto the subject. The report card seemed to amplify the doubt like a subplot.

Jang Yeongguk, congratulations.

The students reactions spread like wildfire, and their faces were soon filled with disbelief. After all, considering Jang Yeongguks midterm grades, it seemed impossible. Wasnt he the one who used to compete for the last place in the class? It only made sense for their suspicion to spread since he had only achieved the feat in just a few months.

Arent you going to take your report card?

When the homeroom teacher gestured with the report card, Yeongguk got up and walked to the podium. However, strangely enough, the expression on Jang Yeongguks face as he received his report card was not pleasant. He looked uncomfortable, like someone who hadnt properly taken care of business in the bathroom.

Thank you.

Homeroom teacher Kim Bongdu licked his lips in a slightly awkward response to Yeongguks reaction. The first thing that came to his mind when he received Jang Yeongguks report card in the teachers office was cheating. It was only natural, as Yeongguk, who used to be the last in the class, suddenly took tenth place in the whole school.Findd new stories on nov/e(l)bin(.)com

The subject teachers gave him very good evaluations.

When considering the teachers words in charge of subjects, including Korean, English, and Math, Yeongguks learning attitude was perfect. Not only did he never fool around during class, but he also never stopped taking notes when the teachers casually mentioned things. All the teachers agreed that it seemed like he had transformed overnight.

It does happen sometimes, but

As a teacher, one occasionally witnessed dramatic changes in students. However, could a student who spent lunchtime playing soccer and never even glanced at his studies suddenly become one of the top ten in the school after just a few months of hard work? Some parents already raised suspicions at the parent-teacher conference, questioning if the exam papers had been leaked.

Tenth place in the whole school?

On the other hand, Yeongguk received his report card with a feeling of emptiness, unlike what his homeroom teacher and friends thought. He had been studying relentlessly, even losing sleep since he returned to the past a few months ago. Perhaps it was because of his regression, but his memory and comprehension abilities were significantly better than in his previous life. He could easily memorize a thousand English words a day as evidence. His expectations were so high that he even looked forward to the day the report cards were distributed. After the final exam, he wondered if he might have gotten a perfect score.

Jang Yeongguk, come with me to the office for a moment.

Although the class hadnt started, Kim Bongdu was determined to resolve this mystery. Out of consideration, he led Yeongguk to the office instead of the busy teachers room. When they arrived, he immediately locked the door and leaned back in his chair.

Jang Yeongguk, did you cheat?

No, I didnt.

Kim Bongdu coughed awkwardly at the immediate response. However, after twenty years as a teacher, he couldnt back down now.

Come on, how could you not have? I know your midterm grades. Yeongguk, its illogical for a student whos been at the bottom of the class to suddenly rank tenth in the entire school. Even a passing dog would say thats impossible.

Thats nonsense.

What?

Im from Yeongdo, and my father was a fisherman.

Choi Eunsuk was a drama writer with five years of experience. However, she had not yet had a successful debut work. Until now, she worked as an assistant writer under a famous writer. In this sense, PD Yoo and Choi Eunsuk had much in common. Both of them were hoping that this project would serve as the turning point in their careers.

But Writer Choi, is it alright for us to come down here together when the first day of shooting has been decided?

Typically, drama writers have a time-sensitive job. Unless its a pre-produced show, the script can be lengthened or shortened depending on the audiences reaction and the broadcasters influence. Not to mention, they must also adjust the importance of each character in the script. Its no wonder partial scripts were considered a tradition in the drama department.

Its my debut work. Its like giving birth for the first time; I cant be lazy as the mother. Plus, there are unkind glances questioning whether my debut is too early. If this project fails, itll cut my career in half.

I feel more pressured now that youve said that. But dont worry. I wont take this lightly as its my turning point too. Ill go all-in for this project.

You seem to have a lot of concerns for someone who claims to go all-in. You were lost in deep thought while checking the casting status on the train down here, werent you?

As they strolled through Namhang Market, PD Yoo gave a brief nod.

Actually, Im satisfied with all the main actors.

So, youre not satisfied with the supporting actors?

No, its the child actor that Im not happy with. The one whos playing the younger version of the protagonist, Kim Hajin. I think his name is Kim Mintae. Writer Choi, you should know him too. Hes the kid who played a role in the drama The Age of Immortality, written by the famous Writer Wang.

Isnt that child quite a good actor? I remember the Writer Wang praised his performance several times after watching the broadcast.

PD Yoo licked his dry lips.

Among his peers, hes one of the better child actors. But his accent doesnt sit well with me. It feels like hes wearing clothes that dont fit. Hes supposed to portray the rough childhood of a man born and raised in Busan, but its difficult for a kid from Seoul to express that. I understand the limitations.

PD Yoo recalled the audition of child actor Kim Mintae. Just in case, they prepared a dead fish for him to interact with. However, not only was he startled when touching the fish, but his awkward accent made his performance even worse. The problem was that there were no alternatives. The child actors who auditioned in Seoul were all unsuitable for the role. It became a matter of choosing the lesser evil rather than the best option.

It was then.

Hey, you over there! Youve got a pretty face, why not come and check out our fish? The mackerel are so plump today that the fishermen thought they caught sharks! Ill give you a generous discount!

Seemingly not yet past puberty, a youthful voice rang out powerfully between the long rows of fish stands at Namhang Market. The enunciation and vocalization were so precise that the thick accents of Busan ajummas felt like background music akin to gentle waves. Captivated, PD Yoo and Choi Eunsuk quickly headed in the direction of the voice.

Sir, take a look at our flounders! Theyre tastier than what youd eat at a sushi restaurant. If you buy this today, your girlfriend will be over the moon. Ill also pack a few good-sized mackerels for you. Dont just glance over them, take a closer look. You need to examine it closely to know if its a good catch!

Oh my, Im turning 40 the day after tomorrow, but how can I resist buying from someone as adorable as my son?

Hahaha, you think Im your girlfriend?! Kid, you sure know how to do business!

How could someone be so naturally charming while talking to a middle-aged man with a protruding belly? The boy looked very young, perhaps a middle school student. But there was power in his voice. Enthralled by his gestures and vocalization, passing tourists moved closer, and even the surrounding ajummas looked on with satisfaction. The woman next to the boy, presumably his mother, seemed overwhelmed by the influx of customers as she busily prepared the fish. At that moment, PD Yoo and Choi Eunsuk locked eyes in midair.

We found him!