Chapter 5: Let’s make a new board. A much bigger board.

“Huh? This is a different place from last time.”

It was Su-a’s first words after activating the ‘Acting Time’ ability. She had secretly expected the same meadow from last time, but this time, it was different.

[‘Acting Time’ is in an inactive state.]
[The space is being arranged according to your preferences.]

“Hotel? Why is the hallway so luxurious?”

What Su-a saw was an extremely luxurious scene. A long hallway with a red carpet on the floor, and doors spaced evenly on both sides.

After briefly checking a few nearby doors, she couldn’t help but be surprised.

“Moreover, there are names attached?”

Like a sign on the waiting room door, each room entrance had a luxurious inscription. It was even written in a very familiar font.

[Audition Script]
[Independent Film Script]

“Ah.”

She immediately understood.

“I see. When I enter, the experience will start.”

Su-a’s third special ability, “Acting Time.”
Normally, it took the form of a hotel, but it seemed that the experience began when she opened the door to any of the rooms.

There was no reason to enter now. Su-a nodded and stepped back. For now, this much understanding was enough.

[The Sticky Time of the Wolf and the Fox]
※Your status classification: Virgin
※Virgins cannot experience bed scenes.

…Ah, it seems such things are impossible to experience.
Su-a thought. Actually, that’s a relief.

“What? It’s much simpler than I thought.”

Su-a reviewed what she had figured out.

“I understand what kind of special ability this is, now all that’s left is…”
Exit.
It’s clear it’s a very useful space, but it should be easy to access freely, right? How do I leave?

Fortunately, the time spent thinking was short. She could see the exit in the distance. There was even an emergency exit sign drawn.

Su-a walked toward it.

Swooosh!

After passing through the emergency exit, everything returned to its original state. She was now sitting in front of a computer.

It was then.

Just in time, the phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.

After a moment of hesitation, she picked up the phone. It might be an urgent call.

She waited silently for the other person to speak, and before long, a familiar voice was heard.

“Hello? This is the executive producer Son Ji-woong from ‘How I Became an Actor.’ Is this Su-a’s phone?”

“…?”

Su-a blinked quietly.

The PD is calling directly? Why?

“Yes, this is it.”

“Ha ha ha…”

At Su-a’s answer, Son Ji-woong let out an awkward laugh.

“I had an urgent matter, so I had to contact you at this late hour. I’m sorry. Please don’t be too upset.”

But I never got angry. Really.
Su-a tried to maintain an air of calm as she spoke.

“What’s the reason for your call?”

“Su-a, you passed. Congratulations.”

“…?”

Su-a blinked once more.

And without thinking, she asked again.

“…Me? Why?”

Meanwhile, Son Ji-woong PD’s mind was in turmoil.

‘What is this woman?’

Isn’t it normal to be happy when you hear that you’ve passed?

In fact, the usual procedure for notifying the passing candidates is by text message for “How I Became an Actor.” Su-a was an exception.

The reason, of course, was the renowned writer Lee Geum-sook. She, who creates hit works one after another, had asked to keep Su-a.

So, there was no choice but to treat her specially. The call was simply to ensure her next appearance.

…And yet, she’s asking me again? What should I say in response?

Why is she asking?

Ah, could it be…

She wants to confirm it?

‘That must be it.’

With that, Son Ji-woong nodded in understanding.

Su-a’s acting was so outstanding that it earned unanimous praise from the judges. As expected, she knew her own talent.

It’s common in the industry for talented people to be demanding.

‘She’s the type who wants to have her value acknowledged. Understood.’

So, it should be easy to confirm. It wasn’t difficult. Son Ji-woong’s answer wouldn’t be a lie either.

“Why? Because you performed well, Su-a.”

But.

There was no response.

It wasn’t until after a long pause that Su-a spoke.

“…You think I acted well?”

“Yes?”

Son Ji-woong’s question slipped out unintentionally.

What is this subtle and uncomfortable reaction? Did my praise not work? Does she feel like it lacked sincerity?

“Really, you think I acted well?”

Her voice was chilling.

Without realizing it, Son Ji-woong swallowed hard. He also reflected again. This woman is very hard to read.

“Yes.”

It seemed that he would have to praise her in more detail.

“Your eye contact, scene composition, movement… To me, everything was great. The others felt the same way.”

“Mm.”

However, the response from the other side was still subtle.

There was no way to read her thoughts. Son Ji-woong struggled to guess her reaction.

‘Now that I think about it, she probably didn’t feel much. She’s such a skilled person.’

She must have received countless compliments before.

No matter what compliment was given, she would probably remain indifferent to it.

Su-a’s late, carefree response made complete sense to Son Ji-woong.

After finishing the praise, Son Ji-woong finally got to the point.

“Anyway, I hope you’ll definitely participate in the second mission.”

“Hmm?”

But again, it wasn’t the expected response.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Sorry?”

“I was only planning to take part in the first round.”

Son Ji-woong’s mouth fell open.

Now that he thought about it, Su-a had said acting was just a hobby.

Did that mean it wasn’t a lie?

And did she not feel any real benefit from passing the first round?

Either way, he was shocked.

Quickly shaking his head, he gathered himself.

It was foolish to rush when the other party was showing such an attitude.

For now, he had no choice but to remain calm and give her time.

“I understand. Please consider it positively if possible.”

“Okay.”

No matter how many times he heard it, that voice still sent chills down his spine.

Honestly, from her tone, it didn’t sound like she was thinking positively at all.

What could he do to win her favor…?

After a brief moment of thought, Son Ji-woong suddenly had an idea.

“Su-a, are you curious about how your appearance will be shown on the broadcast?”

“Broadcast?”

“Yes. The footage of you from the first audition. I think you’d be curious about how it’s being edited.”

After a brief pause, as beads of sweat began to form on Son Ji-woong’s palm, the response came.

“I am curious.”

Good, the bait was taken.

“If you’d like, I can share it with you. And if there’s any part you don’t like, I’ll make sure to cut it out. All I ask in return is that you positively consider the second mission.”

As the PD, this was the most extravagant benefit he could offer.

He was essentially giving Su-a some editing rights.

However…

“I want to see it. The footage.”

She was a master at negotiation as well.

While saying what she wanted, she didn’t actually promise anything in return.

…
But there was nothing he could do. Son Ji-woong was at her mercy.

“Okay. The file size is a bit large, so I’ll send you a link where you can access it. I’d really appreciate it if you could consider participating in the second mission.”

“I’ll think about it.”

With a thud, the call ended abruptly.

Son Ji-woong let out a deep sigh as he looked up at the sky.

“How did it go?”

Son Ji-woong’s entire body was overshadowed.

A large figure had appeared behind him.

Son Ji-woong reacted as if he immediately knew who it was just by the presence.

“Ah, PD Choi Hee-won.”

Choi Hee-won, known for his sharp mind rather than his size, was a massive figure who had shown great interest in the situation.

“Yes. I was so curious. Did you get a confirmation for her appearance?”

“I didn’t get it. She said she’d think about it.”

“…Is there really anything to think about? Ah.”

Choi Hee-won suddenly seemed to recall something.

“She did say acting was just a hobby, right? Does that mean she auditioned just for fun?”

“Yeah, it doesn’t make sense, does it?”

For a while, neither of them said anything.

They were both puzzled by the appearance of such a unique individual, when suddenly, Choi Hee-won spoke up.

“I have a guess about what she meant by thinking it over.”

“What’s your guess?”

“There are probably already some people sniffing around, trying to make their move.”

“Ah…?”

Son Ji-woong’s eyes immediately widened.

Choi Hee-won’s words made perfect sense.

Could it be that someone had already offered her a contract?

Anyone who discovered such a brilliant gem would inevitably try to make a move.

“That actually makes sense, doesn’t it? Has someone already made a move?”

“If you’re stupid enough to let her get snatched away in front of your eyes, then you’re the fool. I’ll go meet with Writer Lee Geum-sook right away. We need to shake things up.”

“Shake things up? What kind of shake?”

Choi Hee-won grinned as if to ask, “What are you even asking?”

“A much bigger shake. Let’s bring her into a drama right away.”

Meanwhile, Su-a lay comfortably after taking a bath.

“Phew… I think I passed the test.”

She had really sweated bullets during the phone call with the PD.

‘How was my acting, really?’

That was the question running through Su-a’s mind.

She had finally unlocked her special privilege, and through it, she realized she could experience scripts.

But the real question was whether she had truly brought the script to life.

‘I shouldn’t get too carried away with the PD’s praise.’

She was secretly happy to hear the compliments, but she kept reminding herself not to let her guard down.

There was a chance they might be trying to lure her in to use her as a villain or comic relief character.

‘I need to see it with my own eyes and judge for myself. Definitely!’

Acting was the only path left for her, so a cautious approach was natural.

The link would probably come by tomorrow, so she decided to see it for herself and make her judgment then.

Before long, Su-a fell into a deep sleep.

Unaware of the massive storm heading her way.