Chapter 77:

Chapter 77:

Chapter 77

Stop, everyone.

In the middle of the rehearsal, the director Lee Chang-hoon raises his hand. His gaze is fixed on one person.

Its Ji Dong-yeon. He looks uneasy on the stage, as if he cant hide his discomfort even while delivering his lines. His eye contact is shaky.

How many times is this already?

The other actors faces are full of dissatisfaction. For some reason, Ji Dong-yeon has been making mistakes repeatedly since the morning rehearsal.

He has made more errors than the rookie Yeon-soo, who is known as a novice in the theater scene. And Ji Dong-yeon is supposed to be a seasoned actor who has been in the theater for a long time.

I thought he got his groove back.

Young-guk licks his dry lips. He was sure that Ji Dong-yeons acting was quite impressive two weeks ago.

He seemed to have regained his form from his heyday. But somehow, his acting skills have deteriorated suddenly.

The biggest reason for that must be his lack of concentration. Even now, he looks like that.

The director Lee Chang-hoon calls him aside and says something, but Ji Dong-yeons expression is not that of someone who is scolded, but rather someone who is lost in something else.

Come to think of it.

Young-guk recalls his past lifes memories.

There are countless actors in Korea.

There are stars who appear like comets and shine briefly before fading away, and there are actors who last for decades. Ji Dong-yeon was neither of them.

He certainly made a name for himself as a theater actor and also appeared frequently in dramas, raising his popularity among the public. But a few years ago, he suddenly disappeared from the drama scene and reappeared in the theater.

What happened to him later?

Unfortunately, he was not very interested in Ji Dong-yeons future. He cant remember his name in his past lifes acting career.

He must have quit acting at some point.

At that moment, Park Sang-ah speaks loudly enough for the other actors to hear, expressing her discontent with the interrupted rehearsal.

Whats wrong with you, Ji-sunbae? You look like a zombie. How long have you been like this? Youre going to ruin the play, arent you?

Its not a wrong statement. He clearly has a big problem, judging by his inability to explain why he cant focus. Hes suffering alone, and I cant help him. If he keeps this up, he might make the same mistake at the National Theater Festival. But still.

Wow, look at him. Hes not even listening to the director. How can he call himself a senior?

She crossed the line. I could understand her words, considering her hot-tempered personality, but that was too extreme. She must have looked down on Ji-dong-yeon, who was less popular and famous than her.

This kind of remark would harm the group. I look at the actress Park Sang-ah and say firmly.

Park, if you cant say anything in front of me, dont say anything behind my back either.

***

It was only a week before the National Theater Festival.

Where is Ji Dong-yeon!

A sudden intruder barged into the theater troupe. His face was red and blue, and his eyebrows were furrowed in anger. He breathed heavily as he searched the place like a madman. The director, Lee Chang-hoon, stepped in.

What is the reason for this, sir? This is private property and the actors are performing here. Please leave immediately!

What the hell.

He seems to rely on alcohol, because he is sleeping soundly in this cold attic. Young-guk looks down at him and remembers his past life.

I was like this too.

He also lived on alcohol after losing his mother in his previous life. He didnt have anyone to care for him, maybe because he had a bad personality.

He lost his jobs and his wallet was empty. He died while looking at the faint light in his room. Young-guk goes to the kitchen and fills a dusty pot with tap water. Then.

Thud.

He walks toward Ji Dong-yeons face. Ji Dong-yeon is sleeping like a shrimp in his whole body. He doesnt seem to notice the cold in the floor, maybe because of the alcohol. Young-guk cant stand his sight and splashes the cold water on his face.

Splash.

Ji Dong-yeon opens his eyes wide and jumps up from his spot. He rubs his eyes with his sleeves, as if he thinks this is a dream. Then.

Why do you live like this?

Young-guk asks softly. Ji Dong-yeon finally realizes that this is not a dream and looks embarrassed. He sits down on the dusty floor and says self-mockingly.

Why do I live like this? I dont know. I woke up and found myself like this. You must think Im pathetic. I cant even say sorry to you, or to the members. But how did you know where I live?

You left your wallet in the waiting room. Maybe you were in a hurry. But what happened to you? Youve been doing well in your work. Youre a senior, you shouldnt have money problems. Did you gamble or something?

No, its because of my father

Ji Dong-yeon confesses as if he has nothing to hide. He had borrowed a huge amount of money, a hundred million won, without even getting married.

He said he had to support his fathers reckless business. But his fathers business failed and his father died from the shock and his illness worsened.

Maybe thats why, he became so weak that he couldnt bear it without alcohol. And in the end, he was fired from his agency and suffered all kinds of hardships.

No one wants me in the broadcasting or film industry anymore. Then Writer Jung came to me. He said he would cast me, a pig-like actor. What else could I do but accept?

Young-guk felt like he saw his past self in him.

Ji Dong-yeon was pouring out his heart to his much younger junior because he had no one to listen to him.

Young-guk also wanted to open up to someone, but he had no one by his side. When his heart was so fragile, having someone next to him was a great comfort.

What are you going to do now?

Huh?

Are you going to keep running away? The creditors will come to the theater soon. Or maybe youll show up at the Korean Theater Festival. Are you going to keep hurting the theater people? What about Writer Jung and Director Sung? Theyre making a comeback after leaving the theater scene for years. Are you going to ruin everything because of you?

Ji Dong-yeon cant lift his head at Young-guks scolding.

Do you think youll find the answer by looking at the floor? Come back to the theater tomorrow. And tell the creditors youll pay them back somehow after the festival. Ill help you.

What are you talking about? How can I take money from my junior?

Does age or experience feed you? Im not giving you money for free. Ill lend you with a promissory note and a fair interest. Act again. This is not me lending you, this is a last chance from someone who used to waste his days drunk and ruin his life.

Ji Dong-yeon doesnt understand what Young-guk is saying. But he cant bring himself to ask for money from his junior.

He doesnt answer right away. Young-guk sighs. He looks similar to his past self.

He was much younger than when he decided to die.

He says.

Lets put age and experience aside and be honest.

Young-guk glares at Ji Dong-yeons miserable face and says.

Get a grip, Ji Dong-yeon.