Rebirth: King to Superstar

The doors opened once again, and the director walked in with the others. The director had a drink in his hands as he shouted, "I'm sorry, guys. The shoot took a little longer than we thought. Now that we are let's start this party. Please bring in the food. I'm starving." As he gave orders to the waiter standing at the side. He, along with U-Hyun, made his way toward the table.

The waiters began to bring in the dinner, and the party kicked off as they started talking about various stuff. The people tried to get Joon-won drunk, but he cleverly dodged it every time they gave him a toast and managed to keep his drinking to a minimum. 

The director's face became a bit red from the drinking as he gulped the food in his mouth and asked Joon-won, "Joon-won, what's next? Did your agency plan something for your next movie? Did you submit any audition tapes? You should try your luck more often." 

Joon-won shook his head and simply said, "Not really.. But, unfortunately, I do have to go back and attend classes again. However, I'm sure Do Hwan is looking out for any good opportunities which fit me now. So I'll just wait for now." 

The director simply hummed and nodded before he changed the topic. Only after another hour of partying did the group walk out of the restaurant. Most of the people's faces were pink. On the other hand, Joon-won was supporting Hea-Jung, who didn't hold back at all, especially because she had no shoot tomorrow. Noticing her slipping, he immediately grabbed her up and looked around to find Han Ju. After a few seconds, he noticed her car and waved his hand. It seemed like Han Ju noticed him as she sprinted out of her car towards him and almost snatched Hea-Jung away as if she was protecting her from a beast. 

Joon-won's face twitched a little when he saw her antics but ignored it as she said to him, "The car would be right there please come quickly." And she didn't wait for a response as she scurried away with Hea-Jung. He only sighed, seeing it, and looked around to see everyone was already getting in their cars. 

"Joon-won, come here. Let me give you a hug. After that, who knows how long it might be before we get to meet or get a chance to work together once again." He heard a shout behind him and turned to see the director walk towards him with his hands spread out. The man was stinking alcohol a little, and by the looks, it might seem like tomorrow's shooting would be delayed a little. 

Joon-won gave him a small hug before getting separated. The director laughed and said while patting his shoulder, "You will be a big superstar in the future. I am sure of it. So don't forget your first director and do me a favor by acting in one of my films when I come then." Joon-won nodded, and before he could respond, he heard car honks. Then, turning around, he saw it was Han Ju.

The director also noticed it and said, "It seems like you got to go. Alright then, I wish you a good future. Now go on; that girl might run you over if you don't." Joon-won nodded, thanked him before running towards the car. 

The director looked at Joon-won's back and hummed to himself as he took out his phone. The car drove away as the director dialed a number. On a silent night, the director stood there in front of the restaurant as his car rolled before him with his phone in his hand, waiting for the call to be picked up.

As he got into the car, the call seemed to be picked up, and he heard an old voice from the other side, [You better have a good reason to be calling this late. If not, I'll break your bones the next time we meet.] Sounding very grumpy and serious. The director laughed hearing that and replied.

"Yun Sunbae, don't be so grumpy all the time. The wrinkles on your face will become clearer if you do." 

[It seems like you are drunk, you bastard. If this is a drunken call, you better hope to never be in front of me anytime soon.] The old voice shouted on the other side.

The director once again laughed and replied, "Alright, Yun Sunbae, I called you for an important matter. It's something which could solve your current headache."

[Now be quick to spit it out. I have a lot of headaches, and new ones come up every single day. So be specific about which one.]

"Yun Sunbae, did your audition for the serial killer role complete? Or are you still looking for actors for it? Of Course, knowing you, you must still be demanding better actors." 

[Oh! It's about that. If you know so much about it, then why keep the suspense? Do you have a solution for it then? I tried many actors until now. Even today, some A-listed actors came in, but damn, the standards keep decreasing a lot these days. Every donkey is becoming an A-listed actor.]

"Sunbae, I am sure the actor must have been fine. It's just your standards are too huge for normal people. Cut people some slack, and the roles would be filled faster."

[Hmph! If I cut some slack, then what's the difference between your film and mine? Every role has a designated actor written on it. It's my job to find that actor. Now anyway, enough of this nonsense why are you mentioning this now? Out with it.]

"What if I say I have the perfect actor for it?" Hearing him, the other side went utterly silent. The director seemed to have expected this as he just continued to wait for a response.

[Is this some favor you owe Don Chang? Don't involve me in your favors. I told you this the last time too.] Don Chang was the director's name, and he was just smiling hearing the old voice he called Yun Sunbae.

"Yun Sunbae, did I ever joke around with you? I really found a fantastic actor. He was an emergency actor who filled in for the original actor, and hiring this guy might have been the best decision of my life. This guy's talent is on another level. He might satisfy that thirst you have." 

The other side went silent once again, and Don Chang just kept waiting again. He knew the guy he was talking to was not simple. He worked as his assistant for almost an entire decade, so he knew him pretty well, especially his view on hiring actors. 

But this time, it was different. After hearing how Joon-won didn't have any gig lined up next, he remembered this senior struggling to fill in a role. After working with Joon-won in the small-time he did, Don Chang noticed a few strengths Joon-won had, and one of them was hiding his emotions and showing them at the right time with the right amount. But he also has an apparent weakness, and that was his lack of experience. 

[So you are telling me that some kid you didn't even hire in the first place is perfect for playing the role of the serial killer in my movie? You should know how specific I am about this role, and after looking at so many actors, you think I'm going to give the role to a filler actor?]

"Sunbae, would I ever joke around with you? Trust me when I say this. This guy can pull it off. Give him a chance."

[How much experience does this guy have? What other films did he act?] 

Don Chang coughed and whispered, "One." 

[Did my ears go numb? Did I just hear you say one? So this guy you are speaking about only acted in one film, and this includes yours, right? So the first time he would appear in front of the people is only after a few months? It looks like you are very drunk and talking complete nonsense now.] The old man didn't hold back and berated him.

Don Chang coughed once again and replied, "But that is the only thing this guy lacks right now. It's an experience. Just have a big heart and give him an opportunity. Come on, do it for me."

[Alright, can I see this young guy act anywhere? I should at least see if this guy deserves an audition trial. Don't tell me there is no footage of him even acting?] 

"Of Course not. Check the Roses Drama house shows of the past 2 months. He is in every single one of them. I'll send you the guy's picture afterward so that you can identify him. His name is Kim Joon-won."

[Alright, I'll call you in a few days. If I don't, then forget about it.] And the call got cut. Don Chang sighed and just leaned back on the seat as he looked out the window.

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