Chapter 44

Chapter 44

A red dragonfly gently alighted on the water jar. As if heralding the beginning of early summer, the gardenia started to bloom. The wind chime hanging under the eaves made a clear sound, and cicadas, already awakened from their long slumber, held to the lush old pine tree, spreading their calls.

Mom, what are all these dishes?

Itd be fitting to say the table legs were about to break. From seafood with the scent of Namhang to mountain herbs that seemed to have just been picked. The table was filled with a feast that wouldnt be out of place even on a holiday celebration.

All I can do for you is cook, Guk. With a teacher in the house and another grown-up living here, I cant imagine how much the food costs. And today, one more guest is coming besides Teacher, right?

Half the week, he has breakfast with my uncle. But you prepared too much, Mom. You should have told me before I went to exercise. Today is the day when the housekeeper doesnt come

Dont worry about it. I almost finished preparing everything, so I only had to transfer and reheat the dishes. But what about this uncle? Does Teacher have a younger sibling?

The affection that felt like family was evident. Grandpa (Director Baek Janghun) had a wide smile on his face. Uncle (actor Ahn Junghyeon) also had bright eyes, full of anticipation. After all, Moms cooking skills were no exaggeration to say were the best in Namhang. However, Mom had an unusual expression on her face.

Mom, is your stomach not feeling well?

No, its fine. But was the uncle you mentioned earlier Ahn Junghyeon?

Why?

Guk, Ive been a fan of his since long ago.

Although Mom spoke in a small, embarrassed voice, it was impossible that Uncle, with his keen hearing, didnt hear her.

Really?! Yeongguks mom!

Oh my! It seems you heard me. Yes, its true. Ive been a fan of Ahn Junghyeon since my maiden days.

Wow! Listen to this, Yeongguk! Your uncle was so popular back in the day. He even got such delicious food served to him. If its alright with you, Ill send you all the movie tapes Ive appeared in so far!

Really? Then, could you also give me an autograph?

Of course! Not only an autograph but lets also take a picture together today! Hahaha! You saw, right, hyung? Ahn Junghyeon is still alive!

Mom looked as happy as a high school girl at Uncles reaction. I never would have dreamed that Mom was Uncles fan. In fact, it might have been obvious. It wasnt for nothing that they called him the National Actor Ahn Junghyeon.

As for the man who always barged into the bathroom without shame and casually hung around, such familiarity had numbed me to his manly features and generous personality. Ive forgotten how he was as popular among middle-aged women as the trot singer Na Huna.

Yeongguk, are you going to the filming site with your mom today?

Yes, Grandpa.

Alright, enjoy the visit, and take good care of your mom. And Yeongguks mom, dont feel too uncomfortable. Having this empty house filled with so many people feels so good. Instead, Im sorry that all I can do for you after youve prepared such a lovely breakfast is to lend you a room.

Dont say that! Im the one whos sorry for my child being in your care. Still, as a parent, my heart is at ease knowing hes living in such a good house with good people. Thank you very much, Teacher.

Grandpa showed his warmhearted smile. We passed through the main hall, and Grandpa and Uncle came to see us off. Mom was dressed in a beautiful Western-style dress she had never worn before. She must have thought of maintaining my dignity and ironed it nicely before bringing it. I complimented Mom, who looked as beautiful as a blooming gardenia.

Mom, you look pretty.

***

I had never visited a shooting site with my mother in my previous life, so the excitement and tension of last night had kept me awake. My heart raced relentlessly as if I were a student going on a school trip.

PD Kim Jin exaggeratedly clapped his hands, and his sharp mouth never ceased, easing my mothers tension. Thanks to him, my mother seemed to have adapted a bit. Soon, we heard the AD shouting that the standby was complete, and everyone headed to the shooting site. My mother held my hand tightly and said,

Yeongguk, Ill be watching you from over there.

My heart raced, just like the first time I stepped onto the stage of a play in my past life. Facing the audience was a nonstop thrill. Not to mention, it was my mothers first time visiting the filming site. She was like an eternal audience to me.

Scene number 61, Dojin and Jisu at the valley!

Like crayfish scurrying around in the crevices of rocks, youth gathered beneath the cascading waterfall at the mountain base. Watermelons floated in the water, serving as impromptu refrigerators, and the male students splashed around without a care in the world. Among them, one boy stood out.

Its a catch!

The boy, who had been swimming underwater, emerged with a fish in hand. His tall figure was accentuated by his sleeveless shirt. Beneath his wet hair, a smile full of summer blossomed. The female students sitting by the water smiled as they watched him, all except one.

Tsk, what kind of catch is that?

Its a catch nonetheless. Open your eyes and look. Theres nothing like it.

Dojin (Jang Yeongguk) nonchalantly laughed and returned to swimming underwater. Crayfish hid among the rocks, and the fish swam around his feet playfully. The underwater camera captured his image. His drenched hair defied gravity, and his sleeveless shirt fluttered like a butterfly in the water.

Between his slightly closed eyes, his long eyelashes held a refreshing sensation. Like a painter admiring their subject, the young man captivated the underwater camera.

At that moment, his calf-like eyes slowly opened underwater. One of the mischievous male students quickly dived and yanked off Dojins outer shirt. The soaked sleeveless shirt flew towards the female students sitting by the water.

Hey, Choi Cheolho!

Seeing the boy embarrassed and mad at the same, the other male students burst into laughter. The overflowing refreshing stream portrayed youth, while the purple azaleas growing on the mountain slopes wept. Then, it happened.

Ah!

A scream rang out from the waters edge. One of the female students who had come on the trip shouted that Jisu (Seo Minhye) had been bitten by a snake. At that sound, Dojin rushed out of the water, forgetting he wasnt wearing any shirts.

His emotional portrayal is amazing.

The young man who had been playing in the valley with his friends just moments ago was now utterly changed. His joyful expression while swimming underwater was gone, and his face gradually twisted.

PD Kim Jin, watching the recorded scene on the monitor, swallowed his admiration. He boasted of filming numerous actors until now, and there were many kinds of emotional scenes. However, breaking down such subtle emotions frame by frame was a truly challenging expression. Even veteran actors struggled with it. There was no need to cut the scene for editing since it had become unnecessary.

Where? Where were you bitten?

At Dojins frantic shout, Jisu slowly opened her eyes and laughed mischievously. It was a lie. At that moment, Dojins expression returned to normal. However, Jisu could not smile as the natural scenery that shone through the dense foliage cast a shadow on Dojins wet shoulder.

In one corner of the filming site, his mother watched him.

Her child, who once sold fish with her at Namhang Market, was now pursuing his dream with people just like him. How could she not be proud of him? Her wrinkled gaze was directed at her son.

My son, youre really amazing.



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