Chapter 13: No Wonder It Was Overlooked

Diligently acting, he finally earned the nickname “The Classy Trash” from the public: Kim Sun-il.

“…Amazing.”

He couldn’t even blink as he observed Sua.

“…Senior, run. You’re familiar with the path, aren’t you?”

As all distractions faded, he found himself wholly immersed in Sua’s performance. It felt inevitable.

“Kim Yuhan… This is so similar to the initial version of Kim Yuhan that the writer sculpted—before any revisions. The raw, untouched character that no actor had ever managed to portray…!”

Kim Sun-il was someone who had longed more than anyone for the completion of this script.

He knew everything about Kim Yuhan’s creation—why the character was made, how it was refined, and what revisions it underwent. Yet, now, before him stood the final embodiment of the role.

“It fits perfectly. She’s perfect. Even though she’s a woman.”

Kim Yuhan was originally written as a male character.

Gender is decided by nature, and overcoming that limitation isn’t about skill but rather the boundaries of human capability. It’s inherently impossible to defy the natural order.

And yet, what stood before Sun-il now?

Kim Yuhan. No matter how he looked at it, this was Kim Yuhan.

“I… couldn’t escape my own image.”

As an actor nicknamed “The Classy Trash,” Sun-il had always wanted to break free of his typecasting. He dreamed of taking on the role of the whimsical genius Kim Yuhan, but its complexity led to repeated failures.

What he failed to achieve, this rookie had just demonstrated effortlessly.

“That rookie… has transcended her own limits so easily…”

Gender. The impression conveyed by her appearance. Sua overcame all of it.

And not just that.

“It’s natural for interpretations of a character to vary, but there’s nothing here to argue against. Her interpretation is flawless.”

There was no clash, no inconsistency. Her understanding of the script was impeccable.

Reaching a conclusion wasn’t difficult.

“Lee Sua. She absolutely has to play Kim Yuhan. She’s the final piece needed to complete this script.”

When he turned his head, he locked eyes with Seo Yeon-ju, who was wearing a headband over her delicate hair. Like looking into a mirror, the two had identical expressions.

Without a word, they nodded in unison.

Their intent was clear:

Cast Lee Sua as Kim Yuhan, no matter what.

“…Sua, please take on the role of Kim Yuhan. It absolutely has to be you. No one else can do it. You’re the only one who can bring this interpretation of Kim Yuhan to life. Let’s truly blow the audience away.”

This was the first time Sun-il had ever seen Lee Geum-sook so excited, yet it didn’t feel like an overreaction. The coffee cups rolling around on the floor didn’t even register in anyone’s mind.

Sua, however, cautiously raised a question.

“I have a question. Why does she have to cross-dress?”

“Ah, that’s because…”

At that moment, PD Choi Heewon, Seo Yeon-ju, and Kim Sun-il gathered closely around Lee Geum-sook, as if waiting for the question. They stared intensely at the laptop, and an impromptu brainstorming session began.

“Sua is the only person who can play Kim Yuhan, but if we blatantly pair a male detective with a female detective, it’ll give off a heavy rom-com vibe. That’s a problem.”

PD Choi Heewon nodded in agreement.

“Cross-dressing. It’s a brilliant idea. Kim Yuhan is someone who would do anything to catch a criminal, even deceive their own team. It’s fantastic.”

“Right? Plus, Sua is stunningly beautiful. Imagine the reaction when it’s revealed in the latter half that she’s a woman. Wow, it’s already driving me crazy just thinking about it.”

“But how do we pull off the cross-dressing convincingly? I hugged Sua from behind earlier…”

Seo Yeon-ju awkwardly moved her arms, as if she were trying to mime holding a giant full moon.

“Well, uh, I have to admit, I’m pretty envious. It doesn’t seem like something the makeup team can easily handle…”

“Wrap some bandages, put on loose clothing, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll need special effects. Worst case, the editing team will have to step up. If we’re aiming for a masterpiece, can’t we at least go that far?”

They say too many cooks spoil the broth, but today, that saying was wrong.

Maybe it was thanks to Lee Sua playing the perfect compass. The discussion around the laptop progressed seamlessly, with the details of Kim Yuhan’s character practically writing themselves.

Everyone remained standing, focused entirely on the task, as the spilled ice on the floor slowly melted. They seemed to have forgotten everything else.

Seo Yeon-ju let out an impressed exclamation.

“Wow, solidifying the Kim Yuhan role makes my position as Ha Yoon-jin so much clearer, too.”

“This scene also falls into place.”

“…This is insane. How is everything fitting together like a puzzle?”

Everyone was buzzing with excitement, except for Sua, who, despite being the one to ask the question that sparked it all, now found herself a little left out.

Sua quietly scratched the back of her neck.

“Well… I guess it’s working out? Still, this team is something else, solving even an incomplete script. It’s unbelievable.”

Given the intensity of everyone’s enthusiasm, Sua felt it wasn’t the right moment to chime in. Feeling awkward, she started picking up the pieces of ice scattered on the floor.

At some point, her eyes met PD Choi Heewon’s.

“Oh no, we’ve accidentally neglected the lead actress.”

“What? Oh no! Sua, don’t clean that up!”

Seo Yeon-ju quickly rushed over and scooped all the ice from Sua’s hands onto her own palms, flashing a sunny smile as she did.

“Sua, you seemed so intimidating at first, but you’re unexpectedly kind.”

“Pardon?”

Sua wondered. Isn’t it normal to clean up your own mess? Or did they think I was that inconsiderate?

“Leave stuff like this to someone like Sun-il. He even has a touch of OCD.”

“…Huh?”

Is it okay to make someone with OCD clean up messes? Sua felt increasingly confused, though Kim Sun-il showed no particular reaction.

Seo Yeon-ju smirked slightly.

“Usually, he’d get annoyed if I said something like that, but today he’s quiet. Sua, I think your performance really left an impression.”

Around that time, the writer finally closed her laptop.

“Sua, I’m sorry. I can’t help but write whenever inspiration strikes, and you’ve given me so much of it.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

But then, it happened.

“I don’t understand.”

A low voice interjected. It was Kim Sun-il.

He stared intently at Sua as he spoke.

“Lee Sua, you remember the role of Kim Hyo-jin, right?”

“Yeah, I remember.”

Of course, she remembered the name, though she hadn’t actually performed it.

“Kim Hyo-jin is a straightforward, stable role with a reasonable amount of screen time. Kim Yuhan, on the other hand, is an unfinished character. Why did you choose Kim Yuhan?”

He continued, his voice calm and measured.

“Because most rookies think this way: Let’s just pass the audition with a safe role. Let’s at least find a way to participate in this writer’s drama, no matter what.”

At that, Seo Yeon-ju’s eyes sparkled.

“Now that you mention it, I’m curious too. Sua, you’re a rookie, aren’t you? If you failed by challenging yourself with the role of Kim Yuhan, you’d lose the chance to participate altogether. Weren’t you afraid?”

“This is quite a captivating topic,” added PD Choi Heewon, joining in and waiting eagerly for Sua’s response.

Meanwhile, the person in question was simply baffled. Do they really think that highly of me?

The truth was, Kim Yuhan’s role was just one of the options available to her. But Sua wasn’t foolish enough to reveal that.

“I-I told you, didn’t I? I said I wouldn’t do it unless it was the lead role.”

She stuttered slightly, but hopefully, they didn’t notice. Sua tried to muster her courage. Be confident!

Regardless, her words caused quite a reaction.

“Wow…”

“When I was a rookie, I wouldn’t have dared to even imitate that kind of boldness.”

At that moment, writer Lee Geum-sook reached out and held Sua’s hand.

“Sua, there’s something I need to tell you seriously.”

“Yes?”

“The truth is, you’ll likely receive scripts only a few days before shooting, as most scenes will need to be rewritten. On top of that, Kim Yuhan’s role might still change drastically. Are you okay with that?”

Instead of answering immediately, Sua glanced at her Special Experience tab.

[Special Forces 808]

• Sufficient implementation elements
• Experience completed / Grade 1
  Kim Yuhan
  -001…

The role of Kim Yuhan was still available for experience. Nodding, Sua replied confidently.

“Yes, I’m fine with it.”

“Sua… to go that far…”

Lee Geum-sook’s eyes reddened with emotion. Why?

Then, as if possessed, the writer suddenly began rummaging through her files, pulling out several sheets of paper. At a glance, Sua noticed they looked like contracts.

“Sua, let’s write up the contract right away.”

“C-contract? Oh, a contract.”

She responded as if she knew what was going on, but in truth, her mind went blank.

The reason? Sua wasn’t good with numbers beyond the multiplication table, let alone legal terms. To her, a contract filled with difficult words was no different from an alien text.

Moreover, there was a phrase deeply ingrained in both her past life and present life—something she’d heard countless times before:

“Never sign a contract on the spot!”

The Special Experience system could help her with acting, but it wasn’t going to help her negotiate contract terms. In other words, Sua needed time to fully understand the contract.

“About the terms… um, I think I need some time to think…”

Who around here knows about this kind of stuff? I’ll go home and look into it thoroughly.

Lee Geum-sook, the writer, urged once more.

“Sua, are you worried we’ll treat you badly? Don’t worry, we’ll make sure it’s not too much.”

“No, um…”

Regardless of whether the contract terms were good or bad, if Sua continued to stare blankly at the contract, she would just look foolish. That could not happen.

She had to maintain her current image, which wasn’t easy to manage. She knew that maintaining this image would lead to better treatment in the future.

Is there any excuse I can use to delay this?

She searched hard and soon found something she could use.

Right, now that she thought about it, there was something else that needed to be addressed before shooting the drama.

“Um, but will the shooting even be possible?”

Sua carefully pointed with her index finger at one person.

“Kim Seon-il, he’s the one playing the role of Lee Kang-cheol.”

That was the troublesome guy, Kim Seon-il.

“He really hates me, so it’s kind of scary to work with him.”

A mix of hesitation and a bit of sincerity in her words.

However, it seemed the others took it differently. Across the table, every face turned pale without exception.

“Contact me again later.”

Sua quickly exited the space.

The café’s restroom.

“Phew…”

Once she reached the restroom, Sua took a deep breath to calm herself. She didn’t punch the mirror, just in case, but…

As the tension left her, a wave of fatigue washed over her, and at the same time, she realized something.

“The contract. Wait, did I forget to grab a copy of the contract?”

Sua realized she hadn’t even picked up a copy of the contract.

She had said she would think about the terms, but she hadn’t even grabbed the contract. How could she be this incompetent? She messed up her hair in frustration.

“Ugh, this is crazy. What should I do? Should I go back and get it? No, that would really make me look foolish.”

She had even pointed out Kim Seon-il’s high status earlier and now was in no position to return. Forget it. It’s the times; they’ll probably email it to me.

As she left the restroom, she heard a familiar deep voice calling her name.

“Sua.”

She nearly jumped in surprise. Kim Seon-il had been waiting for her.

Without realizing it, she swallowed dryly.

He’s known for playing villains. Is he going to try and stab me or something?

She steadied her trembling legs and asked.

“…What’s going on?”

Kim Seon-il slowly approached her. Sua unconsciously tried to step back but managed to resist, using her willpower.

He was really tall. As he came close, Kim Seon-il spoke.

“You didn’t like my attitude, did you?”

Sua timidly nodded her head.

It was true that Kim Seon-il was a well-established and famous actor, but he hadn’t exactly been kind to her.

“…Your attitude wasn’t great, was it?”

She wanted to say it like a villainess, but she ended up saying it timidly. Kim Seon-il’s brow furrowed even more. She was terrified.

Of course, Kim Seon-il’s thoughts were quite different.

How angry is she, really?

Sua’s tone was cold and sharp like a blade, her hair tangled messily. Kim Seon-il, who was never afraid of anyone, found himself unexpectedly nervous for the first time in a long while.

…but he had to keep her. She was a necessary talent.

That was the conclusion Kim Seon-il had reached.

And he was willing to do anything for the sake of completing the script. Anything, even if it meant swallowing his pride.

Just as Sua was trembling and trying to leave, Kim Seon-il spoke.

“If that’s the case…”

Kim Seon-il lowered his head.

Sua’s eyes widened. She thought he was just bowing, but he had actually knelt down.

“I apologize.”

“I was rude.”

Sua quickly looked around.

Fortunately, the café was already closed. It was late at night, and it seemed like only the building was left since it had been a gathering of influential people.

In any case, the shock was immense. She had never imagined he would come right after her and apologize like this.

“I worked hard to finish this script, but all I found were actors with high egos but no talent. I assumed you were the same, Sua, and tested you.”

“Uh… um…”

“But I was mistaken. This script truly needs you, Sua. If my attitude was the problem, I’ll fix it.”

For Sua, it was just a shock.

Even though his attitude had been bad, she was still a newcomer, and Kim Seon-il was a highly respected actor.

So, she had been mentally prepared for not receiving an apology. She had just hoped to buy some time to think about the contract.

…Is he really apologizing? Like this?

Did I act that well? Is his passion for the script this intense? Or maybe it’s both?

It was then that Seoyeonju quickly approached. When she saw Kim Seon-il kneeling, her eyes widened.

“He… He actually knelt down? The one with OCD?”

Her voice was full of surprise.

“Ugh, I told him from the beginning to be kinder. I’ve told him so many times to fix that attitude…”

At that, Sua spoke up.

“Please get up. Don’t do this.”

Only then did Kim Seon-il rise. Seoyeonju added.

“Sua, please consider it. He did wrong, but his passion for the drama is real. It’ll be fine during filming. There are also some circumstances…”

“Seoyeonju.”

At Kim Seon-il’s words, Seoyeonju stopped talking.

“…Alright. Anyway, think it over, Sua.”

Meanwhile, Kim Seon-il opened his wallet. He took out three bills and slipped them into Sua’s pocket.

“Hmm?”

Sua checked it without much thought and was shocked. It wasn’t a 100,000-won bill, but three 1,000,000-won bills.

“The transportation fare I promised, and a small token of my sincerity.”

And it didn’t stop there.

Seoyeonju forcibly handed a card to Sua.

“A card?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong, but I’m trying to appeal by being nice.”

She smiled brightly as she continued.

“Use it as much as you like, and I’ll get it back from you at our next meeting. In exchange, please consider positively participating in the filming.”

While Sua stuttered, unsure of what to say.

“Hey, Sua, this must be uncomfortable for you. Let’s go upstairs.”

“…Okay.”

Fortunately, the actors left first.

A little later.

After leaving the café, Sua hailed a taxi. Only after closing the door did she lean her head back on the front seat and let out a deep sigh.

“Phew… I thought I was going to die…”

Sua suddenly reflected on what had happened today.

She received the script contract offer, a high-ranking actor gave her 3 million won as an apology, and Seoyeonju, the epitome of innocence, embraced her and even gave her a card…

…Is this really okay? For real?

She shook her head.

“Ah, I don’t know… I don’t know… I’ll just rest for a bit…”

She was exhausted, not joking, but truly tired.

Meanwhile, on their way back upstairs, Seoyeonju and Kim Seon-il were talking.

“What is going on? Kim Seon-il actually knelt down. To a newcomer, no less.”

“This is the script I’ve been longing for. I’ll do anything to finish it.”

“Anyway, I get that your passion is a bit crazy.”

Seoyeonju clicked her tongue.

“…But, is she really a newcomer?”

“She’s a newcomer, alright. She has no experience.”

“Does she have any overseas experience?”

“Oh? That might be possible. Should I ask later?”

Seoyeonju seemed to remember something and ran her fingers through her hair.

“Oh, right. I should also ask about her agency.”

“Anyway, we need to get her. The role of Kim Yoo-han. It has to be her.”

They weren’t really close, but the topic of this shocking new actress, Sua, had them talking excitedly.

When they returned upstairs, writer Lee Geum-sook and PD Choi Hee-won were waiting with worried expressions.

Seoyeonju spoke first.

“Relax, everyone. If it’s an apology, Kim Seon-il did well. I even gave her a card, so just wait.”

“No, that’s not the problem.”

Choi Hee-won spoke seriously.

“Sua didn’t even take the contract with her.”

“What?”

“Despite Seon-il’s attitude, it seems she didn’t like the conditions themselves…”

Right at that moment.

“She didn’t take it with her…”

Kim Seon-il, who had scanned the pre-contract with his eyes, spoke up.

“Three million won, Seoyeonju’s card… Even after receiving all that, her face showed nothing but the expression of someone who picked up trash. How could she care about this contract?”

It was a conversation that would surely leave Sua dumbfounded if she heard it.

The next day.

“Sua left the contract behind.”

Writer Lee Geum-sook muttered under her breath.

The luxurious mansion-like accommodation was filled with PD Choi Hee-won, assistant writers, and drama production staff.

Drinks and takeout boxes piled up around the room. But no one here seemed happy.

And it was understandable. They had gathered for such an important matter. Tension filled their faces.

“From now on, we’ll have a production meeting to discuss under what conditions we will bring Sua in. What does that mean?”

Writer Lee Geum-sook said with a very serious expression.

“Until we finalize the contract with Sua, no one is allowed to leave.”