Chapter 15: Why is the newbie getting paid?

“Yes. I lost it.”

It was a reflexive response.

However, for Sua, there was no other choice. Thinking about how they saw her, she couldn’t admit that she had bought the doll herself.

‘They think of me as someone extraordinary. I can’t shatter that illusion. It would be like kicking away my luck…!’

Fortunately, the response that came back was positive.

“Really? Then, we should first block the card.”

Sua’s plan seemed to be working quite well. She let out a deep sigh of relief at that point.

“However, this is really frustrating. Don’t you think so?”

“Pardon?”

“If you found a lost card, you’d report it, right? But suddenly saying you used it? This is something that needs to teach a lesson about the bitterness of life.”

What? The bitterness of life?

Isn’t she fine without being fed that kind of bitterness?

“I thought it might be from a naive kid who doesn’t understand the world, but if they’d been properly educated, they wouldn’t have used a found card. I’ll need to report it though. It’s a crime.”

A naive kid… an uneducated kid…

And a crime…

Sua was thankful she hadn’t confessed to buying the doll. She almost got treated like a child. But if she went ahead and reported it, that would be a problem in itself.

In the end, Sua made a decision. Quite solemnly.

“Yeon-ju.”

“Yes?”

“Right now, that’s not important.”

She said it very resolutely.

Yes, with the mindset of the bodyguard she had just been portraying. A feeling more desperate than anyone else, something she absolutely had to protect, even if it meant death…

“I thought this was going to be about the contract.”

“…Ah, I understand what you mean.”

“…?”

Understand? What does she understand?

Right now, there was nothing more terrifying than those words to Sua.

“Soon, writer Lee Geum-sook will contact you directly.”

“Pardon?”

That was how her first call with Seo Yeon-ju ended.

Short and intense.

“Hmm.”

Right after hanging up with Sua, Yeon-ju dialed someone else. The golden hand, writer Lee Geum-sook.

“She says she didn’t buy it. She said she lost it.”

“Really? Well, I expected that.”

There were several reasons why Seo Yeon-ju had given Sua her card.

While the desire to look good was sincere, she also wanted to know more about Sua. If she could figure out her spending habits and preferences, it would help with the contract.

But it wasn’t that easy. The person she was dealing with was not just anyone.

“Normally, when someone gets my card, they treat it like treasure, you know? But Sua… she seems to take it so casually.”

“Sua was different right from her first appearance.”

“Plus, the lost card feels intentional too.”

“Intentional loss? What do you mean by that?”

At the writer’s question, Yeon-ju calmly continued speaking.

“Ultimately, the question about the contract is what’s important, and I got goosebumps on my arms. I already felt like she knew my intentions.”

“Looks like we can’t proceed with some flimsy conditions after all.”

Writer Lee Geum-sook chuckled.

“Anyway, we were already talking about dropping the idea of saving money. Well done, Yeon-ju.”

“Yes, I’ll hang up now.”

After ending the call, Yeon-ju looked over Sua’s messenger.

It was neat. The photos, background, and status message… there was nothing written, and that was especially noticeable. It seemed to suit her well.

Suddenly, she reconsidered her attitude. Despite losing someone else’s card, there wasn’t a single apology. In fact, it seemed like she was hinting that Yeon-ju should apologize first because she had understood her intentions.

…Someone who could treat her like this? Impossible.

“I want to call her ‘older sister’ even though she’s younger than me. What’s going on?”

After the call, Sua continued focusing on her acting practice.

Ah, of course, with the rabbit dolls.

Thump, thump.

The rabbit dolls bumped into each other’s heads. Their soft, fluffy texture made her feel good as she fiddled with them, and combining it with acting practice made her feel like she wasn’t just lazily passing time.

…Well, at least that’s what Sua thought.

Then, once again, the phone rang.

“My phone’s been a total crybaby lately. It rings all the time.”

Sua muttered without thinking as she answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Hello. Is this Lee Sua?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“I’m calling regarding an energy drink commercial inquiry.”

“Ah.”

Sua hadn’t forgotten. She had applied for various things, not just this writer’s project.

“The interview was originally scheduled for this weekend, but it’s been postponed. It should be next Wednesday, just so you know.”

“Okay. Got it.”

“Was the content uncomfortable for you? I hope you understand.”

“No? I’m not upset.”

After repeating the countless explanations she had given in her life, Sua ended the call. Phew, this one also needs to be a success.

She planned to build her filmography, but she wasn’t planning on doing it lazily. She aimed to use her time as efficiently as possible.

“Let’s see, now the next thing to do is…”

Sua scratched her side below her chest as she muttered, but the truth was, she already knew what she had to do.

Writer Lee Geum-sook had said she would call soon. That meant there was no more delaying. She needed to ask for advice about the contract.

“…But where should I ask? The internet? A gallery?”

Getting help from the internet or a gallery was too risky in this situation. The moment she asked a question, it would immediately be known that she, Sua, was the one asking. Eventually, she found a group chat after a long time.

[Sua: Hey guys, hey guys, hey guys]

[Sua: Emergency, emergency]

[Sua: @(Tagging everyone)]

[Deer: ᄋᄋ]

[Sua: I’m serious right now. Anyone who can help.]

[Deer: Are you pregnant?]

• The chat room administrator kicked out Deer.
• Deer joined the room again. –

[Monkeying: Long time no see, Sua]

[Black Bear: I’m busy watching charts]

[Monkeying: I’m busy with gallery work]

[Seongji: So what’s the matter?]

[Sua: Is there anyone who knows the entertainment industry well?]

[Black Bear: Ask Seongji. She’s a reporter.]

[Seongji: Hmm?]

[Seongji: I am a reporter, but I don’t know everything.]

“Wow, is it true that you became a reporter?”

If that’s the case, there’s even less reason to hesitate. Anyway, she would know more than me, right? Sua immediately called Seongji.

“Hello? Seongji?”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s been so long, little bunny!”

Her voice was as bright as sunshine, no matter how many times you heard it.

“Actually, I think she’d suit being a squirrel more than a mouse.”

This was a thought Sua had every time she talked to Seongji. A cute and bright squirrel that runs around quickly.

In fact, Seongji didn’t even seem nervous or misunderstand when hearing Sua’s voice. Thanks to countless group calls they had shared.

“Our little bunny~ It’s nice to hear your voice after so long.”

“…Hey, what’s with the nickname?”

Actually, Sua’s first nickname had been “little bunny.” But it was stolen right after their first call because it didn’t suit her at all.

“What was I thinking?”

…She couldn’t help but feel a little guilty, even now. Why did she do that?

“Anyway, Seongji, we used to play games together, but when did you become a reporter? I feel so small now.”

“I’ve always been preparing steadily. But how about you, Sua? You said you’ve got something serious on your mind. I’m really worried.”

“Ah, it’s not anything big.”

Sua fiddled with the tip of her nose before asking.

“Seongji, you’re an entertainment reporter, right? So do you know people like Kim Sun-il, Seo Yeon-ju, Lee Geum-sook, PD Choi Heewon… people like them?”

“Of course I know them! Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju are actors, so that’s understandable, but how do you know Lee Geum-sook or PD Choi Heewon?”

“Uh? Ah, just. By chance.”

She decided to gloss over it for now. She didn’t want to make a big deal about being an actor right from the start.

“By chance, the people Sua just mentioned have been collaborating for years, but right now, they’re struggling with casting. It’s not progressing at all because of that.”

“Struggling… struggling, huh…”

Did she really get offered such a difficult position? Sua felt strangely happy but also tense at the same time.

“Hey, Seongji.”

“Yeah, yeah!”

“What if, hypothetically, such a highly anticipated project starts production again?”

“How do you even start? Sua, if such a project goes back into production, it becomes news itself. It’s even a scoop.”

“No, no, just imagine it.”

“That assumption is hard enough… But okay, I got it.”

Sua thought to herself. It’s hard even to make assumptions.

“How much do actors in such a project get paid?”

“Seo Yeon-ju or Kim Sun-il? Of course, they get paid in the millions.”

“No, I mean supporting roles or minor roles.”

“Well, that depends a lot on the situation.”

“What if a newbie with no experience takes on a unique role, where the number of appearances is not even fixed?”

“Hmm…”

After a moment, Seongji, who hadn’t responded, spoke up.

“Why would a newbie get paid?”

“Huh?”

“Think about it, Sua. Just getting a chance to dip your toes into such big waters is a huge experience and part of your filmography. There are even people who would want to pay to participate in such projects.”

“Ah, really?”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s such a ridiculous question, I’m a bit taken aback. But how does this relate to your worries, Sua?”

“Uh, well, actually, it’s someone else’s worry. Someone I know.”

Sua made a quick excuse, asked about how Seongji was doing, and then ended the call. However, she realized one very important thing.

‘Even if I get no money, I’m thankful. I’ll bow and do it!’

The text from Lee Geum-sook had already arrived.

Now, it was really time to sign the contract.

The scheduled afternoon. Drama production company ‘Art Warehouse.’

“Wow, I feel so small… Look at the atmosphere…”

As soon as Sua was guided inside, she felt the pressure. It was a very sophisticated meeting room, and there were quite a few people waiting.

Lee Geum-sook, PD Choi Heewon… these were the people Sua recognized. The rest were probably some stakeholders. The problem was that there were nearly ten of them.

Of course, the situation was entirely different for the other side. To them, a nervous Sua appeared to be even more sensitive than usual.

The space grew tense, but Lee Geum-sook smiled.

“Sua, you came prepared today, didn’t you?”

“Prepared? Ah, yes. I’m prepared.”

Even if I don’t get paid a penny, I’m prepared to participate. Sua nodded with that meaning in mind.

“…I see, you really have no intention of compromising, do you? I actually like that attitude.”

“…”

What is this writer talking about? Sua swallowed her question silently as she sat in the designated seat.

At that moment, PD Choi Heewon smiled and handed over some documents.

“Sua, we stayed up all night thinking about your conditions. Please take your time and look over this.”

“Hmm.”

Sua rested her chin on one hand, trying to look composed.

[The production company ‘Art Warehouse’ (hereafter referred to as the ‘broadcaster or production company’) and the ‘production company’ will produce a video titled Special Task Force 808 (Season 1, 24 episodes)…]

A small laugh escaped Sua’s lips.

“What is this? What on earth is written here…?”

I really don’t understand anything. What is this?

But the people across from her flinched at Sua’s small laugh. PD Choi Heewon, whose shirt looked like it was about to tear due to his muscles, asked her.

“Sua, is there something wrong with the conditions?”

“No… It’s just that I don’t quite understand…”

Sua made an excuse, but it wasn’t really about that. What does this even mean? Back when she had been just skimming through the document, looking only for numbers…

“You don’t understand?”

PD Choi Heewon’s words made Sua snap out of her thoughts.

She swallowed dryly at that exact moment. It was then that she realized she had just muttered her true feelings out loud.

“Ah, what I mean is…”

“Alright. In that case, let’s add just one more small thing.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s add one million more here. That’s what I mean.”

Sua couldn’t believe her ears.

One million? One million?

Is that really a small amount? It sounds huge.

What bothered her more, though, was the word “here.” Doesn’t that imply there was already an agreed-upon amount? The moment Sua’s gaze followed PD Choi Heewon’s finger…

“Ugh.”

Sua bit her tongue, and it hurt quite badly.

[3,000,000 * 1 episode
Filming + meal expenses]
Tax deduction applied
▶ Payment for appearance fee will be made to the account designated by “Lee Sua”
300,000 per episode.

The amount already promised to Sua was exactly that.

Next episode.