Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Bold.

After ending the call, the first thought that came to his mind was about the actors payment. It was not uncommon for actors to raise their own worth. Many agencies inflated their appearance fees, and some even argued that they should be paid more than their counterparts. This was particularly true for up-and-coming stars just starting to make a name for themselves. There was a saying that when the shad jumps, the mackerel jumps too.

However.

Its the first time Ive seen this happen with a newcomer.

Moreover, it was a child actor. In drama and film, child actors generally receive lower pay than adults. Even if they played the younger version of the lead, they often received fees similar to or slightly higher than those of minor roles. With fewer appearances and a focus more on increasing their recognition rather than their worth, this was usually the case.

It was intriguing to think how confident the actor must be in their skills. Interestingly, Jang Yeongguks tone and accent had no trace of a regional dialect during the call. It was undoubtedly standard Korean spoken by someone who had lived in Seoul for a long time. It was surprising, considering the listener had heard more fluent regional accents from Busan market ladies.

PD, why would you leave in the middle? People are waiting for your toast. Lets hurry back in.

Choi Eunsuk walked out to the front of the seafood restaurant, where the salty sea breeze could be felt. Filming hadnt started yet, so only a few staff, including assistant directors, were on site for coordination. Still, with over ten people, it was quite a bustling scene. A few assistant writers joined, making it seem like a gathering to foster camaraderie. After all, directing and scriptwriting were inseparable. Clapping alone wouldnt make much sound.

I just got a call from the student, Jang Yeongguk.

Choi Eunsuk felt the buzz of alcohol kick in instantly.

Oh, really? So, what did he say? Is he interested?

He was bold, asking straight up how much I could pay without even blinking. I broke out in a cold sweat.

Ha, he must have sold fish at the market for a day or two. You can tell just by their size. He cant even compare to Seoul snobs. He is a tough kid who survives among the strong Busan ladies. Assuming his ordinary would be a mistake. But will they be good at acting?

Youve seen it too, Writer Choi. He has that special vibe.

Choi Eunsuk nodded briefly. However, there is a clear distinction between attracting customers in a market and acting. Thats why countless child actors attend acting academies and learn how to handle their gaze and voice projection before even learning algebra. Theres a saying that the difference between a beginner and an experienced actor is as vast as the sky and the earth unless they are natural-born genius.

I told him well have him do a script reading first.

A reading for the child actor?

Child actors typically dont attend script readings. More accurately, they cant. The amount of screen time they get in a drama is limited, and attending a script reading could potentially disrupt the concentration of the adult lead actors with awkward performances.

But the funny thing is, when I mentioned the reading, he immediately said hed meet me tomorrow.Diiscover new stories at nove/lbin(.)c/om

Huh.

You can tell how high his nose is, right? So, I told him I probably wont be satisfied with anything. When I asked if he was confident, guess what he said?

The laughter of the bustling crowd at the seafood restaurant echoed harmoniously with the swaying seawater beyond the Yeongdo Bridge. As Yoo Myeonghan raised a shot of soju for a late toast, Choi Eunsuk drew attention by tapping the table with her spoon.

Already? Oh, Ill do it.

Writer Choi, where did you sell your conscience? Isnt it the aunts voice that we should hear, not a noonas?

Oh, come on, what does it matter? Its been a while since Ive read lines, and Im nervous. Where should we start?

You can start from any part you prefer.

Choi Eunsuks eyes widened. Did he memorize everything already? Really? In less than thirty minutes? Thats too short a time to grasp everything, from stage directions to dialogues and situations. And not just one scene but every scene featuring the child actor. At this point, Choi Eunsuk was at a loss for words. Was it confidence or sheer stubbornness? Her curiosity was piqued.

Oh dear, stop it, Hajin. Youre making my insides burn.

Choi Eunsuk started reading the lines. Of course, she was reading from the script. Although she wasnt trained in acting, as a writer, she tried her best to understand her own work by even changing her usual intonation. It was an admirable attitude. Yoo Myeonghans gaze turned towards the boy before them. However, the boys expression was unusual.

Drama.

In drama, lines were the ultimate persuasion unfolding within limited space and situations. The role of an actor was not to become the protagonist in the script but to convey to the viewers beyond the TV screen that the protagonist was, in fact, the actor. The acting was what made this possible. Soon, a calm yet seemingly containing massive waves-like voice resonated.

Ill tell you. Minseok, that wretched son of a bitch called me a fatherless bastard. As if being beaten like a dog wasnt enough, I had to apologize too. And my mom, oh, my mom. I dont even know why I should bow my head to you. What wrong did I do?

Silent film master Buster Keaton once said that there were countless expressions in the world. However, an actor must find sorrow and joy within a blank expression and deliver the resulting concentrated emotions to the audience beyond the screen. The boys face changed as if frames were being cut, gradually transitioning from anger to sadness and eventually to wailing.

Im going to school! I told you I dont want to wear those worn-out shoes. How many times have I told you to throw those ragged shoes away! Thats why I dont want to come home to this place! Do you understand? Why do I have to live like this, poor and miserable like those rotten shoes?

Jin, its not like that, honey.

Whats not like that? Did I ask you to kneel before me? You did it without me asking!!

Because Im your mom. Im sorry, Jin. I cant help it.

Ahhhhhh!

The high and low pitches of the lines spat out as if screaming were clear, filled with anger, depression, and a sense of injustice. And then, like pulling the trigger, the emotions exploded.

Please just throw those shoes into the sea. Like how dad drowned in the ocean!

A fisherman was swept away by the sea, leaving behind a gift tightly held by the mother.

The scene was over, but no one dared to speak first. It was appropriate to say both were overwhelmed by the boys acting. Even though there was no camera, just reciting the lines in the confined space gave Yoo Myeonghan and Choi Eunsuk goosebumps. As the curtain of the play closed, the boys expression returned to its original state, back to an ordinary boy, not the one who had been furiously spewing his lines.

How did you act like that?

It was Choi Eunsuks curiosity. As a writer, she marveled at how the boy reproduced the image of Kim Hajin she had envisioned using only the lines. But, the simple answer that reached her ears made her heart race.

Because the script told me to do so.