The Genius Actor Who Brings Misfortune

Translator: Marctempest
Editor: Rynfinity

Chapter 52

“Why are we suddenly doing a variety show?”

As I got into the car and asked, I was told to fasten my seatbelt first.

“They said they’d explain the details directly. It’ll take about 20 minutes to get to the company, so please have some kimbap first.”

“What about you, hyung—”

“I’ll eat later. I might get indigestion, so please eat slowly.”

Since I couldn’t bring myself to say I had no appetite to the person who immediately packed kimbap from a place near my house right after ending the call, I unwrapped the package.

I put a piece of kimbap in my mouth and turned on the video on the cell phone Manager An Jin-bae handed over.

“It’s a cable variety show called ‘Mission Clear.’ They air seven episodes per season every year. It’s been about three years now, and it has a solid fan base.”

“Have you seen it, hyung?”

“I haven’t watched it in detail, just a few episodes in passing.”

As the name suggests, ‘Mission Clear’ was a show about clearing missions.

The missions changed every episode, and the biggest feature of this program was that they didn’t reveal what the mission was.

The cast, blindfolded and transported to the mission location, had to figure out the mission and complete it. They had to shout “Mission Clear!” together at the end to succeed.

“The concept is unique.”

“There were times when the mission location was in the mountains, and other times it was in a remote village. The missions vary by location, making it fun to watch. Or so they say.”

When I glanced at the rearview mirror, I saw a slightly flushed face.

Hmm, he must be a fan.

Although I didn’t usually watch variety shows, I recognized the cast as famous comedians who felt familiar to me.

It seemed they hadn’t invited any guests throughout Season 3.

So, if they contacted us, it meant I was coming on as an extra, not a cast member.

Even skimming through the video, the roles of the extras looked quite significant.

Since the cast had no idea what to do, I had to lead them and act naturally to help them immerse themselves in the situation.

“It sounds fun. If I appear, I’ll get you an autograph.”

“There’s no need—”

“…”

“…Yes, thank you… Please do.”

As I looked at the hesitant face in the rearview mirror, he hesitated for a moment before shyly asking for it.

I was about to laugh at that sight when the smile disappeared as soon as I saw the company building in front of me.

“Hyung, can I ask you something?”

“Yes! Anything.”

“Does the CEO… usually take care of things like this? I was just curious if other entertainment companies do this too.”

I tried to phrase it differently since it didn’t seem right to ask if he had nothing better to do.

Even though I expressed it mildly, he seemed to understand exactly what I meant and answered awkwardly.

“They usually don’t. The CEO is generally busy just receiving reports…”

Yeah. Then why is he so enthusiastic?

As if reading my silent question, Manager An Jin-bae made excuses on his behalf.

“I’m not in a position to meet the CEO often either. In fact, the time we met him with you was the first time since I joined the company. I heard he doesn’t usually get involved in selecting projects for actors, so I don’t know why he’s doing this… I’m sorry, that wasn’t helpful.”

“It’s okay. Thanks for telling me.”

It was the expected answer, so I wasn’t particularly disappointed. But before I could refuse his enthusiastic offer to look into it, the car smoothly entered the company parking lot.

We quickly got out, took the elevator, and soon arrived at the CEO’s office, which was starting to feel familiar.

I greeted Han Manager, who was standing there in a neat suit, and entered the CEO’s office, where CEO Jang sat with an excited face and Team Leader Woo beside him.

They even called in Team Leader Woo. My likability for them dropped further.

“So, what do you think? Isn’t it pretty good?”

The smile with deep dimples was pleasant to see, but it no longer felt boyish like last time.

He just seemed like a wicked boss.

“Yes. I’m appearing as an extra, right?”

“Yeah. Our company doesn’t usually like appearing on variety shows, but this one seemed okay. Team Leader Woo agrees too.”

CEO Jang turned to Team Leader Woo with a proud face as if he had found a reliable ally.

I wondered why he was so excited, but it seemed like it was because there was no one to contradict him.

I thought of Jung-hyun hyung, who was probably shooting a pictorial in Switzerland right now, as I listened to Team Leader Woo’s additional explanation.

“The program itself is popular, and although it’s a variety show, it’s still acting, so there’s no need to worry about image damage.”

“Absolutely.”

“I heard they don’t usually use well-known actors to help with immersion in the situation. So it’s known among unknown actors as a good opportunity to appear on TV.”

So if I go on, another spot for unknown actors will be lost.

While I was mulling over this, CEO Jang, who was nodding at Team Leader Woo’s words, opened his mouth confidently.

“There was supposed to be a child actor appearing this time, but they suddenly had an accident and couldn’t make it. The shoot is in three days, and they contacted us to see if we could do it, so we need to respond quickly.”

“I see. Three days?”

I habitually nodded and then asked again in surprise.

Even at my surprised expression, CEO Jang, still excited, answered, “Yeah, three days.”

Without even asking why I was so surprised, he seemed strongly intent on making sure I filmed it.

“So, what do you think? You’ll do it, right?”

Looking at his bright smile pretending to know nothing, I nodded obediently.

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

“That’s the spirit! So refreshing!”

My answer was already decided anyway.

Though the schedule was tight, it wasn’t an unreasonable request. Since I signed the contract, I had to do my part too.

Moreover, it was hard to refuse when the CEO was so enthusiastic.

“Great. Team Leader Woo, contact them. Don’t forget to mention that we barely managed to free up the schedule.”

“Yes. I’ll make the call right away.”

“Yes, yes. We need to confirm this before Jung-hyun gets back.”

CEO Jang grumbled about Jung-hyun thinking he was the CEO while he really lacked any dignity.

It made him look even less like a CEO.

“So, you’re going to school tomorrow, right? It’s already this late. You should head back.”

“Yes. But do you know what role it is?”

Since they contacted us first, I assumed it would be a role similar to Yu-hyeon.

The answer came immediately, with a voice tinged with astonishment that I was only now asking.

“Oh. They said it’s a shaman?”

…A shaman?

* * *

―If I had time, I would tell you in person.

“It’s okay. Thank you for calling me in the morning, hyung.”

―No, no…! Do well. You’ll do great. But it’s a shame we can’t go on the reward vacation together.

After exchanging Korean-style farewell words with a voice that sounded truly regretful, I ended the call.

Even though Sung Lee-jun was born in the U.S., he had lived in Korea since childhood, so he probably knew this was a farewell greeting.

Today was the day of the ‘Mission Clear’ shoot.

It was also the day for the reward vacation for the production team and main cast of ‘The Burning Butterfly under the Zelkova Tree.’

The drama that made a big hit in the second half ended with a successful rating of 15.8%.

The queen, planning to shelter Yu-hyeon until his maternal family’s power was solidified, fell into confusion as Hyo-won played the role of the crown prince quite well.

Driven by the desire to possess Na-bi, Yu-hyeon even antagonized his only ally, the queen, who ultimately abandoned him and chose Hyo-won.

Hyo-won, who had avoided public appearances due to his frail health, revealed his face as soon as he became an adult.

It was the official moment when the position of the crown prince had changed to a commoner.

Losing his mind, Yu-hyeon broke into the palace, screaming that he was the real crown prince.

Despite many incidents, the final episode concluded with Hyo-won smiling happily with Na-bi in the palace.

Yu-hyeon, who had brandished a sword at Hyo-won’s neck but disappeared after a conversation with Na-bi, did not appear again until the end.

The performance of actor Kim Seok-jun, glaring at Hyo-won with bloodshot eyes and then seeing the frightened Na-bi, was superb.

So much so that I didn’t want to see it again.

Maybe because I was so immersed in Yu-hyeon, I couldn’t bring myself to rewatch the last episode.

Anyway, the drama ended with great interest, and a reward vacation was scheduled.

Though I couldn’t attend because of the ‘Mission Clear’ shoot.

“Are you done with your call, actor?”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

After finishing my call with Sung Lee-jun, who had stepped aside for a moment, I moved to the set with Manager An Jin-bae.

The reason I called Sung Lee-jun was to ask about the shaman role.

As it turned out, he had played a shaman a few years ago.

However, the situations were too different, so it wasn’t much help even though the role was the same.

It was also hard to explain the details to him because of spoilers.

“Are you very nervous?”

“Yes. It’s not a normal role, after all.”

Manager An Jin-bae, who attended the meeting with the writers together with me two days ago, patted my shoulder as if he understood my concerns.

“It won’t be easy, but I’m sure you’ll do well. You’ve practiced a lot.”

“Yes, but there wasn’t enough time to practice. I wish I had more time.”

Including the time spent with Mist, I had been immersed in practice for three days straight, but it wasn’t satisfactory.

Still, there’s no choice. I couldn’t just complain.

I smiled at Manager An Jin-bae, who handed me a sugar-free candy, and as soon as I entered the set, I bowed and greeted everyone.

After greeting everyone I saw for over 30 minutes, I finally managed to sit down.

I heard the main cast would arrive in the afternoon.

The entire morning was spent coordinating with the other extras, and a few hours flew by.

It was 8 AM when I arrived at the set, but it was already lunchtime.

I told Manager An Jin-bae, who had brought lunch boxes, that I needed to go to the restroom for a moment.

After confirming there was no one around, I went into the last stall and sat down.

‘Ugh… this is hard.’

I tried my best not to show it, but my legs were shaking because of the role.

Just as I was trying to suppress the rising discomfort by thinking about random things, I heard voices.

“Ugh, damn. This is so hard. What’s with that lunch box? Are they trying to mess with us?”

“Yeah, I’m already tired, and we haven’t even started shooting. Damn jerks, they pay us so little too.”

I was about to open the door, but I sat back down quietly.

So careless. They should check if anyone’s here before talking.

Just as I hoped they wouldn’t say anything more troubling, I heard a rough male voice.

“Damn, and that kid was acting so cocky too.”

There was only one person on set who could be called a kid.

It was obviously about me.