Chapter 21

Chapter 21

A few months ago, a similar situation occurred. A subtle tension filled the classroom. If this were a movie set, the camera director would have captured the homeroom teachers face in a reverse-angle shot, just like last time.

Today, we have the third-highest ranked student in the entire school from our class.

However, unlike before, the homeroom teachers expression was different. It was not a suspicious look. Instead, it was a look of pride and admiration, like facing a mature son. The reaction of the classmates was also different.

Jang Yeongguk, congratulations!

It was no wonder, as Man of August had just aired. Dismissing peoples concerns, the successful debut work of PD Yoo Myeonghan and Writer Choi Eunsuk made a strong impression. Already, there were talks of an extension, and not only were the ratings good, but the viewers reviews were also quite favorable. And how about the boy?

People often call it a meteoric rise to stardom, although its a story limited to the small area of Yeongdo. The child actors part had already passed, and the adult actors were now on the stage, but the people of Namhang, including the boys classmates, couldnt forget his passionate performance.

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

At the homeroom teachers call, the classmates faces showed a hint of disappointment. After all, during break times, the boy often received letters and chocolates from unknown female students. It seemed to be because of the character Kim Hajins fondness for chocolate in Man of August. Having never experienced love in his past life, the feeling of being loved like this wasnt so bad.

Hey, stop standing like a statue and sit down.

Like before, the homeroom teacher leaned on a chair when they arrived at the headteachers office. He gave the boy a peculiar look. It wasnt an unpleasant stare. It felt more like a bonsai enthusiast admiring a rare tree.

Are you satisfied with your grades this time?

Not extremely satisfied, but its not bad either.

Youre being greedy, kid.

It wasnt a lie. Although the third-highest rank in the school was a surprising result, he wasnt entirely content. After all, it was only a middle school exam. The lack of differentiation meant that ranks were often determined by a difference of just one or two questions. However, he wasnt upset, as there was still room for improvement.

Hey, do you know how much of a headache youve caused your teacher lately? The girls write you letters and bring you chocolates every day, and the boys go to the water fountain during break time to fill their water bottles, just like theyve seen you do. If they get diarrhea or something, itll be my problem.

Im sorry about that.

Youre so serious about everything. Its no fun. In the drama, you played a lot of pranks on your teacher. Theres no such thing as a childlike old man here. Anyway, have you finished the study guide I gave you last time?

The homeroom teacher reluctantly handed over a shopping bag. Inside were study guides and stationery.

Your fan gave this to you as a gift, so study hard with these.

A fan?

Yeah, hey.

He was taken aback. After Man of August aired, he received many chocolates but never received a gift like this. As he bowed his head deeply and was about to leave, the homeroom teacher took out a sheet of paper and a marker.

Hey! Before you go, give me an autograph.

What?

Homeroom teacher Kim Bongdu scratched his nose awkwardly.

Im a huge fan of Yeongguk.

* * *

Didnt they say that a rumor without legs travels a thousand miles? Im not sure where the rumor started, but the number of tourists at Namhang Market exceeded weekends despite being weekdays. It was so crowded that it felt like people were being pushed along as they walked.

Here it is! Hajin, Im going to buy this and this. Can you take a picture with me?

Of course! You came all the way here, so it is wrong if I didnt take a picture with you! Dont worry, and take your time looking around!

The boy also had such passion in his past life. Like an untainted sky, he was filled with a pure passion for acting during that time. Reminiscing about those days, his mother added, seeing her sons naturally blooming, innocent smile.

Son, I wish you could do everything you want to do. Studying is good, and doing business is not bad either. But I like it best when Yeongguk is acting.

Acting?

Yeongguk, do you remember? When your father went out to fish, catching the morning dew, we would wait for him to return, crouching down at the port, watching him carefully. When your father returned with a full boat, your face would light up with a smile, and you would be the first to run to him and hug him. Your fathers expression then was just like yours now. I cant describe how happy and proud I felt seeing our son on TV, reciting lines.

The mother hugged her son.

It feels so good, like watching your father return from fishing with a full boat.

* * *

Before the morning dew had even disappeared, the sound of rummaging through the wardrobe filled the room, typical of Busan. Kim Seonghwan, the CEO, carefully put on the shirt his wife had neatly ironed the night before. However, his light-sleeping wife couldnt possibly know about it.

Honey?

With a drowsy voice, Kim Seonghwans eyes were filled with more joy than ever as he looked at his lovely wife.

Myeongja, are you awake? Dont worry about it, and go back to sleep. I have to go on a business trip today.

A business trip? You didnt mention that yesterday.

Can a fisherman not go to catch a big fish?

He replied with an awkward dialect he had learned in Yeongdo. Kim Seonghwan felt as if the boys voice he had heard the night before was still ringing in his head. At first, he blinked his eyes several times, wondering if he had accidentally picked up the phone while half asleep.

CEO, Ill do it.

Jang Yeongguk? What are you going to do?

The following answer made Kim Seonghwan feel as if his sleepiness had instantly vanished. It was not a shock as if cold water had been poured on him, but a heartwarming emotion as if he had heard the first cry of a newborn baby.

Ill act!

He had stayed up all night with his eyes wide open. His heart raced, and his feet were restless as if he had met his first love again. Or maybe it was the feeling he had when he went on his first school trip as a child. He couldnt sleep a wink because of the tingling excitement on his face.

Hold on, where are you going on your business trip?

Yeongdo!

Kim Seonghwan gave his wife a loud kiss on her forehead as she rubbed her eyes adorably, then immediately grabbed his car keys and left. The old car, which was hardly suitable for a CEO, made a cheerful cry as it started. If someone unfamiliar heard it, they might mistake it for the sound of a light airplane.

Ah, there should be some warmth!

The small, cramped room where the mother and son lived was far from spacious. Although there was warmth, he wanted to provide an even more comfortable and perfect haven. The dinner table for that day appeared before his eyes countless times. The boys acting echoed in his head like a lingering sound, making him pick up and put down the phone so many times that his hand hurt. However, they say that waiting brings good fortune, and that point is not wrong.

Theres no choice but to hope that the locked door will open on its own!

The locked door finally opened. There was no more time to wait for the first train. His heart raced as if it was about to break. Some might say that as a businessman, the investment value was absolutely zero. But how can one measure the value of an actors life? He knew that art was something whose value could not be measured.

Yeongdo, wait for me! Im coming!

The old car moved forward, letting out a cheerful cry. Just as the lighthouse illuminated the coast, the rising dawn guided him.



Love the series? Share your thoughts on Novel Updates by rating and reviewing it now!

Also, would you consider making a donation to support our ongoing efforts in translating new chapters? Your contribution will help us continue bringing you the latest content.