The Genius Actor Who Brings Misfortune

Translator: Marctempest
Editor: Rynfinity

Chapter: 36

Manager An Jin-bae immediately retrieved the perfume.

The reason was that such a method was of no help at all.

Although my condition was weakened by repeated vomiting, the effect itself had been there.

I had a lot to say, but I didn’t have the right to speak any further, so I kept quiet.

Last night, Manager An Jin-bae’s reaction after hearing my story was simple.

He thanked me for telling him, said it was late, and suggested we sleep, which we actually did right away.

I was worried that the conversation might get lengthy with words like abandonment, trauma, and counseling, but thankfully, it didn’t.

The next morning, I thought he might bring up the unfinished conversation from the previous night, but he still didn’t say much.

Instead, he explained what the PD had said, which I had missed in my daze yesterday.

“So, there will be three additional scenes: one where Hyo-won and Na-bi are discovered together, one where he talks to Na-bi, and one where he cries alone.”

“Yes. Originally, Hyo-won realizes he likes Nabi after becoming an adult, but the storyline is changing slightly.”

Is that okay? Well, even if it changes, it won’t be a dramatic shift.

Since it involves taking scenes away from actor Kim Seok-jun, shouldn’t we consider his perspective too?

“Won’t Seok-jun hyung be upset?”

“It seems the PD has smoothed things over. Even if Yu-hyeon’s role grows as an adult, it’s not that significant. If you bring Yu-hyeon to life more, it benefits actor Kim Seok-jun as well.”

Apparently, the offer was that if he gave up the scenes, they would push adult Yu-hyeon to a lead role.

With the sensitive issue of screen time resolved, it was entirely up to me.

I… didn’t mind doing it. To be honest, I wanted to.

At first, I was nervous, but after a few repetitions, standing in front of the camera became somewhat enjoyable.

The only issue was that two of the three additional scenes involved shooting with Han Se-young.

Manager An Jin-bae suggested asking Han Se-young directly if she could change her perfume.

Of course, it wasn’t a method I hadn’t thought of before.

It was just funny to ask someone to change their perfume because it bothered me.

However, when I voiced my concern, Manager An Jin-bae replied nonchalantly.

“If you ask and she says no, we can think of another way then. A single comment won’t ruin the relationship.”

“Hmm… you’re right.”

Right, that settled it.

If she showed any reluctance, I’d just practice as usual. There were only two scenes left anyway.

Manager An Jin-bae said it would be enough to mention that the scent didn’t agree with me.

He advised that while it wasn’t something to hide, there was no need to go into detail, which I agreed with.

That evening, I went to the set.

I asked the puzzled Han Se-young if we could talk alone and cautiously brought up the topic. Then―

“Sure, I’ll do that.”

“…That’s it?”

“What else do you want?”

Han Se-young smiled as cleanly as ever.

“I thought you’d ask why.”

“I knew you were uncomfortable around me. I wondered why since I wasn’t going to eat you, but now I get it. It was the perfume. You should’ve told me sooner. It’s not something I cherish.”

When Han Se-young casually mentioned it, she asked, “Was the vomiting last time because of the perfume?”

I hesitated before nodding, and she slightly widened her eyes and then laughed.

It was the first time I saw her laugh out loud.

“What a surprise! Why suffer alone over that? Anything else bothering you?”

“No. Just change the perfume when you meet me. Is that okay?”

“I told you. I don’t cherish it. The scent suits the mature image I’m going for, that’s all.”

Han Se-young was still smiling as she wiped away the tears in her eyes.

This was the longest conversation we ever had. It felt strange to hear a different tone from what I had imagined.

“Thanks. If you ever need something from me, just ask.”

“Oh, I have something to ask.”

I was slightly taken aback, not expecting her to say something right away, but she waved her hand, saying it was nothing.

“You’re going to keep acting, right? Let’s do a few more projects together before you become an adult.”

“…”

I was too surprised to respond immediately. ‘Before becoming an adult’?

As she patiently waited for my answer, Han Se-young dragged two chairs from the corner and sat down, saying her legs hurt.

She exuded a tough atmosphere as she plopped down.

“There aren’t many projects for our age in Korea. I’ve done a few indie films, but the most effective is still the female child role in a public TV drama. Have you seen ‘My Life is a Mess’?”

“Yes. The drama you shot right before this one.”

“The ratings were decent, and I got a lot of recognition. But I thought it would do even better.”

Han Se-young smiled slightly, looking as composed as ever.

The intense aura she exuded was the only difference.

“I wondered why and realized it was because the chemistry with the male lead wasn’t great. To rise through a romance, chemistry is crucial. In that sense, you and I have good chemistry. We look good together, and your acting is top-notch.”

“Yes…”

“What I’m saying is, let’s keep in touch even after this drama ends. Perfume is just perfume. If something bothers you, tell me beforehand.”

Listening to her confidently, I had a question.

Right now, Han Se-young was undeniably favorable towards me. It was to the point of feeling unexpected.

If we had spoken a few times before, maybe, but we hadn’t had many personal conversations in the nearly three weeks of filming.

Suddenly, it felt like she was baring her soul, which was bewildering.

“Noona, can I ask you something?”

“You’re cute when you ask before asking. Would you not ask if I said no?”

“…Is that a no?”

“Pfft, no. Go ahead. What is it?”

“We haven’t talked much before, right? Suddenly, you’re treating me comfortably.”

Her ever-present smile widened.

Before I could ponder the unfamiliar angle, her cheerful response followed.

“I’m sharp.”

“Huh?”

“At first, I was unsure. But three weeks is enough to figure it out. You’re definitely going to be a big star. Much more than now.”

Her playful smile deepened.

Her eyes were filled with joy.

“To benefit from sticking close to you then, I have to get close now. Most boys like it when I smile gently, but you’re not that type.”

“…Do you always talk this frankly?”

“Haha, I thought this would work better with you.”

I chuckled at how spot-on she was.

Indeed, I felt more comfortable with her now than with her previous clean-cut smile.

“Well, I’m not sure if I’ll continue acting. But if there’s a chance, let’s do another project together.”

“Opportunities can be created. Oh, the director mentioned you might get additional scenes. Will you do it? It also increases my screen time, so please think positively.”

“Yes. I’m going to tell them I’ll do it now.”

Han Se-young gave me a thumbs up, saying she liked it.

Our conversation continued longer than I expected, flowing smoothly.

We even discussed acting, and her opinions differed slightly from Manager An Jin-bae’s.

Han Se-young believed that the partner’s discomfort was their issue and that an actor must act well no matter what.

“I’m surprised every time I act with you. You don’t just pretend; you completely become someone else. But don’t worry and do what you want. I’ll handle my part.”

“Thank you. I’m always amazed by your acting too. You’re really good.”

“I know. I’m quite good.”

Han Se-young shrugged lightly and laughed.

As she left for her remaining shoot, Manager An Jin-bae approached with deodorizer, waiting impatiently.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his urgent yet nonchalant face.

The lingering scent was still unpleasant, but oddly, it was slightly less so.

I couldn’t help but remember my foster mother’s pale face, trying to smile despite the nausea the scent caused.

The house filled with damp air, and people who gradually spoke less.

All of them, vividly.

But immediately after, I thought of Han Se-young’s smiling face, her eyes curved with joy.

Feeling a sudden itch in my ear, I lightly scratched it.

* * *

“Yeon-jae, you’ve gotten even more handsome! Camera massage is truly the best.”

“Ugh. Hyung. I can’t breathe.”

I urgently patted actor Lee Jung-hyun’s back as he hugged me tightly upon meeting. I wasn’t kidding; I really couldn’t breathe.

Laughing, actor Lee Jung-hyun released me and suggested we go for soft milk ice cream today.

The ice cream at the farm we reached after an hour’s drive was rich and smooth. A bit sweet, though.

“How is it? Nice scenery, isn’t it? Feels refreshing, right?”

“Yes. It’s nice. Do you come here often?”

“Once or twice a year? I come when I finish a project. It feels like closure.”

The blue meadow contrasting with the clear sky without a single cloud was indeed nice.

Honestly, I thought the taste wasn’t worth an hour’s drive, but there was something better than the ice cream.

“Haha, have you been to Jin-bae’s house already? I almost fainted when I visited last year. It’s incomparable to mine.”

“Your house was nice too. But his house is really big. I struggled to pretend I wasn’t surprised.”

“Right. I also pretended to be used to it. When else would acting come in handy but then.”

After some small talk, the sun quickly set.

Time to head back. Feeling a bit regretful, I stirred my empty cup with a straw, sensing a gaze from beside me.

“How do you find acting? Fun?”

“Hmm… yes. I think it’s fun.”

Feeling a bit shy, I said it like that, but it was indeed fun.

At some point, I stopped caring about the misfortune factor.

Even though I was saying the same lines, the feeling changed every time. It was fun to see the chemistry with my co-actors improve with each take.

I even enjoyed the bustling noise of the crowded set.

Though the PD’s ‘cue’ would bring sudden silence, the countless eyes watching me remained the same.

I also liked Manager An Jin-bae, who always watched over me, no matter where or when.

These days, I liked everything. It was surprising.

After hearing my answer, his gentle eyes curved into a smile.

“That’s good to see. You said you have one shoot left?”

“Yes. Since school starts tomorrow, we’ll shoot next weekend.”

The remaining scene was an emotional one I had to shoot alone.

Missing a day of school wasn’t difficult, but they adjusted the schedule for the weekend.

The PD, laughing and saying I had to get perfect attendance, he smiled at me, and I smiled back.

I swallowed my words about losing my perfect attendance because of last year’s car accident.

“Then, let’s celebrate the end of the shoot with a nice meal. Let’s eat with Jin-bae too.”

“If your schedule allows.”

“You always say that. I’m free, really. You’re the busy one. Don’t ignore me when you become a superstar, okay?”

Soft laughter and warm eyes met my face.

It’s funny how he talks as if he’s not the superstar. What a truly amusing hyung.

As he reached out to help me up, I took his hand and stood.

Leaving the store, I saw a mountain of empty ice cream cups by the entrance.

Our purposeless meetings were piling up like that.