The Genius Actor Who Brings Misfortune

Translator: Marctempest
Editor: Rynfinity

Chapter: 34

“You could see it that way. There’s no scene that makes you think he’s smart.”

Just by looking at the script, Yu-hyeon was far from being described as smart.

Unlike Yu-hyeon, who just shed tears, Hyo-won captivated people, making the contrast even clearer.

Additionally, as an adult, Hyo-won worked hard to stabilize the increasingly chaotic country, while Yu-hyeon only focused on Na-bi.

That made him look pathetic. But―.

“I think Yu-hyeon cried a lot as a child because he was smart. Even at a very young age, he clearly understood his position and duties.”

Of course, it would have been better if he had stopped crying and shown a better side.

But that’s not a matter of intelligence; it’s about whether he has innate courage and leadership.

Being timid or lacking qualities as a monarch doesn’t necessarily mean he isn’t smart.

It’s the same with his apparent lack of interest in politics after meeting Na-bi.

He seemed uninterested because he literally had no interest in it.

It wasn’t that Yu-hyeon was too stupid to understand the political landscape.

“So, he must have known that the queen didn’t love him for a long time. He also knew that wanting to be loved by the queen wouldn’t change anything.”

“Hmm…, so acting to impress the queen wasn’t because he wanted to be loved?”

“Whether the queen liked him or not, the important thing was survival. It was a method he learned to survive. Since the queen needed the crown prince, if he at least tried to do well as the crown prince, she would keep him alive.”

Yu-hyeon had value to the queen as the ‘crown prince.’

He had survival value as a role, not as a name. If he realized that… well, it would be nearly impossible for Yu-hyeon not to dislike the queen.

So, I think that’s why Yu-hyeon became more attached to Na-bi.

Because she saw Yu-hyeon as Yu-hyeon, without any hypocrisy or contradiction, regardless of his role.

“So, I thought Yu-hyeon hated the queen.”

“…….”

I wondered if his curiosity was satisfied.

I tried to use clear words, but it wasn’t easy to explain since it wasn’t a clear-cut event.

It’s hard enough to express my feelings in words, let alone someone else’s emotions.

Thinking I had done my best, I looked to the side and saw Actor Kim Seok-jun quietly lost in thought.

I wanted to let him think more, but there was no time.

“Hyung. Can we continue the conversation next time? It’s been 20 minutes.”

“Oh…, right. Hmm, I have to go soon too. Thanks for telling me.”

“No problem. See you next time.”

After saying goodbye to Actor Kim Seok-jun, I hurriedly moved.

Where could she be? I was about to turn my head when I first caught the scent drifting in the air.

Walking a bit further in that direction, I saw Han Se-young sitting upright on a small chair.

“Nuna.”

“You’re here? Finished talking with the senior?”

“Yeah. Shall we start?”

Han Se-young nodded with a smile. That was the end of the conversation.

After that, we each looked at the script and gradually matched the scenes we had to shoot today.

* * *

“Yu-hyeon, are you okay? Oh dear, if you had agreed when I said I’d get some medicine, this wouldn’t have happened!”

“Why are you angry….”

“Who said I was angry? Come on, get up. No matter how sick you are, you have to eat.”

Na-bi, who had entered vigorously, put down the bowl of porridge.

Despite his flushed cheeks from the fever, Yu-hyeon sat up quietly as Na-bi led him.

The spoonful of porridge approached Yu-hyeon, who was sitting on the bedding.

When Yu-hyeon, slightly embarrassed, blinked, Na-bi urged him to open his mouth as if it was nothing.

“Come on, hurry. Ah~.”

“……Ah~.”

With a gulping sound, the warm, soft rice grains went down his throat.

After eating about half a bowl, the stinging in his throat eased a lot.

Seeing Yu-hyeon’s complexion brighten, Na-bi smiled subtly.

“How is it? Better?”

“Yeah. It’s delicious. Did you make this too?”

“Of course~. Around the time before the spring starts, my mother always catches a cold. When I cook this for her, she gets better as if it never happened. You’ll be fine soon too.”

Na-bi, who had rolled up her sleeves neatly, fed Yu-hyeon the last spoonful and suddenly placed her hand on his forehead.

Yu-hyeon, surprised by the casual gesture, froze with wide eyes.

“The fever seems to have gone down since the morning. Don’t do anything today and rest well.”

“Uh-huh. Thank you. Na-bi.”

At Yu-hyeon’s murmur, Na-bi smiled and patted his head.

It was a gesture that was adored by the shy younger brother.

Even in a situation where they couldn’t afford a single servant, being of noble birth still mattered.

No matter how chaotic it was, the world still had a social hierarchy.

Despite that, cooking porridge for Yu-hyeon, who was believed to be a commoner, and taking care of him was not something an ordinary person would do.

Thinking that, Na-bi’ hand on his head felt even warmer.

“……I was this sick a few years ago.”

Yu-hyeon thought about when he was in the palace.

Looking back now, it was a minor cold that would have healed in a day, but as a child, he was terrified, thinking, ‘Am I going to die from this?’ and shivered in extreme fear all night.

In his feverish and hazy state, many people were around Yu-hyeon.

Doctors hurriedly called in and servants diligently wiped his sweat. But that was all.

Thinking about the two people who never showed up, Yu-hyeon smiled faintly.

“It was hard back then…, I didn’t know being sick could be this pleasant.”

“You! Don’t say such things, even as a joke. Being sick is a miserable thing.”

Na-bi, not understanding Yu-hyeon’s words, scolded him with a hardened expression.

Instead of feeling sorry for the rebuke, Yu-hyeon laughed as if he was delighted.

Among the appearances seen so far, it was the brightest smile.

While Na-bi was bewildered by the sight, Yu-hyeon, still smiling, looked at her.

“Na-bi. I…”

“…….”

“I’m really glad you’re here.”

His words scattered as he whispered, his smile lingering.

Despite that, it didn’t seem light-hearted because Yu-hyeon’s eyes were filled with deep affection.

They were the eyes of a boy in love.

“Cut!”

The PD, who checked the shooting urgently, shouted cheerfully like an excited child.

“Okay―, that was great! Let’s move on to the close-up. Na-bi, I mean Yu-hyeon first!”

At the PD’s words, the staff moved in unison.

Amidst the busily moving staff, PD Kim stood with his hand covering his mouth.

Yet, the thick smile couldn’t be hidden.

‘Wow…, this is going to be a hit….’

The chemistry between the child actors was much better than expected.

The storyline of the first episode was filled with scenes of the child actors.

Due to the strong demands of the investors, there would be a brief appearance of the adult leads at the end of the first episode, but the second episode would still have many scenes with the child actors.

Since the beginning part is crucial in deciding whether viewers will continue watching the drama, there was some concern, but it was thought to at least hit ‘average.’

Han Se-young had already experienced acting as a female lead’s child several times, and Sung Lee-jun was also decent at acting.

It just lacked a strong impact.

‘The impact was right there….’

PD Kim’s satisfied gaze fell on Lee Yeon-jae, who blinked blankly. So lovely, really.

Even though the role of Yu-hyeon wasn’t very large, it wasn’t one to be underestimated.

No matter how good the visuals were, it seemed reckless to cast a rookie with only extra experience, but if not, he might have been crying by now.

“Ho-seok, how many more scenes does Lee Yeon-jae have left?”

“Oh…, about six more, I think? Most of them were shifted to Actor Kim Seok-jun.”

“That’s right…. Ha, why did I do that?”

“What?”

“Nothing. Just carry on.”

Sending away the puzzled staff, PD Kim fell into deep thought.

Since the genre was romance, it seemed difficult for the child actors to handle such deep emotions, so the initial storyboard had minimized their roles.

But now he had a feeling.

“I’m sure it’s going to cause a stir when it airs….”

The scene just filmed would be in the latter part of the first episode.

The future was already visible. Countless clips of Lee Yeon-jae saying “I’m glad you’re here” with slightly flushed cheeks would circulate.

They’re just supporting roles.

To be blunt, it wasn’t impossible to increase the supporting roles a bit more.

Having finished his contemplation, PD Kim took out his phone. The sooner the better for taking action.

“Hey, Writer Han. Are you busy? No, don’t curse. I know you’re busy. I’m busy too! Yeah, I have something to talk about. It can’t be done over the phone. I’ll come over today.”

* * *

“Actor! Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Sorry to worry you.”

“Don’t say that… Just sit here and rest for now!”

Without giving me a chance to refuse, Manager An Jin-bae opened a chair, and I collapsed onto it.

As the nausea returned, I lowered my head, and Manager An Jin-bae nervously examined my face.

“Would you like another digestive pill? Or maybe some candy.”

“Hyung. I’m sorry, but it’s hard for me to talk….”

“Oh, yes! Got it. Just close your eyes and rest.”

Feeling queasy, even opening my mouth was tough.

Today was the last day of shooting with Han Se-young.

I thought I had been holding it in well, but as the vomiting lasted for nearly two weeks, my stamina waned, and the nausea hit me when I let my guard down.

Fortunately, in the rush, I made it to the restroom, avoiding any mishap in front of everyone.

I roughly told the anxious Manager An Jin-bae that it seemed like an upset stomach.

The PD suggested continuing the shoot tomorrow since it wasn’t much left, but I shook my head.

Only one scene remained, and there was no need to delay it.

Nodding that I was okay and returning to Han Se-young, I immediately regretted it. I should have postponed it.

‘Are you okay?’

‘Yeah. My stomach’s upset. Sorry for disrupting the flow.’

Han Se-young looked troubled but smiled gently, saying not to apologize for such things.

Even with just a few light conversations, the strong scent overwhelmed me, making me unsure if I was maintaining my expression.

Maybe because I clenched my hands tightly, fearing my nails might break, the shooting ended smoothly.

Only one scene with Mrs. Lee remained.

It was scheduled for two days later, so I just needed to go to the orphanage and rest.

Suddenly, the PD asked if we could talk when I had time, so I was waiting, half out of my mind.

The thought that I wouldn’t have to endure that scent anymore was the only thing keeping me going.

“Yeon-jae, are you feeling better now?”

“Yes. I’m fine. Oh, Writer, hello.”

Seeing the writer behind the PD, who patted my shoulder, I quickly stood up and greeted him. Why was the writer here?

“Hello. Your face doesn’t look good. PD Kim wants to talk to a sick person. We can discuss it later.”

“He’s just in a hurry. Sorry, Yeon-jae. It won’t take long. Let’s have a quick chat and finish. Manager, please sit with us.”

We sat on some hastily arranged chairs in a corner of the set, which lacked a proper meeting room.

What could it be about?

Suppressing the queasiness, I lifted my head and saw the PD’s friendly face.

“Yeon-jae, can you handle more scenes?”