Chapter 17: Do as You Please

A week was enough for the articles to pour in like a torrential downpour.

[“Special Task Force…. Finally, the production has started.”]
[“‘Kim Yuhan’s role, viewers need to know too.”]
[“That role they have to hide… why?”]

The weight of the crown of anticipation, ‘Special Task Force 808’ continued to grow in size, even with just the news that production had started. And at the center of the storm was the main character, Lee Sua.

Zing zing zing-

Clunk!

“Ah, damn. The ink’s all out?”

Completely oblivious to the pouring articles and rumors, she simply kept the printer running all day. Naturally, it was for the scripts and such.

“Drama fans really have an immense love for it, huh…”

For popular works, there were always scripts carefully organized by fans with pure affection, and for Sua, it was a welcome sight. They would all become precious materials.

The reason for printing was simple. For acting practice.

Experience complete.
Experience complete.
Experience complete…

As a result, what was laid out before her was the fruit of her efforts. Sua had gone through countless scripts.

“Acting. If you want to survive, there’s nothing but acting. Truly.”

In fact, Sua had been repeating these words since the early morning.

‘I must be really mistaken about something.’

Whatever her intentions were, she was aware that she was currently being perceived as a ‘promising, talented newcomer.’ To survive, she had no choice but to become a real talent.

…Especially after the dinner gathering, this feeling became even stronger.

“And for my personality… hmm, I’ll just work hard on it…”

Changing her timid nature. In fact, this was harder than acting practice itself. Still, she was trying. Repeating to herself, ‘Sua, you’re going to be a great actress!’

Then, she continued with systematic training.

“First, I’ll record myself recreating the scene… Ah, the angle is off. I need to do it again. Then, I’ll find the original video of another actor performing the scene…”

She compares what she recreated with the actual drama scene.

Did the original actors feel the same emotions she did? Did her interpretation of the script match the original work? If there were differences, which one was better?

Thanks to this, Sua felt that her acting skills were improving, and she felt this most strongly when she thought this way.

“I think I can do better than that actor.”

Sua muttered to herself, “Hmm?”

“…Wait, was that too arrogant? Am I crazy?”

But after reviewing the video of her own recreation, she was certain. Sua had begun to notice the shortcomings and emotions of other actors in detail.

“Look at this, look! The things that seemed strange, when you look them up, the viewership starts dropping! If I had acted, it wouldn’t have failed this badly… Ah, what am I saying? Be humble, Lee Sua.”

She slapped her own mouth.

Am I crazy?

You’re a rookie actor! You have no experience!

Anyway, as her skills improved, the process didn’t feel so hard. On the contrary, Sua found it enjoyable and fulfilling.

However…

Sua tilted her head.

“By the way… I still don’t get it…?”

Her small hands fiddled with the scripts.

“…What’s the standard for a role that doesn’t get picked?”

It was then.

[The proficiency of the special skill has increased!]

[Role suitability observation is now possible!]

[The ‘Unsuitable Role Block’ feature has been removed.]

“Hm?”

Suddenly, a notification appeared, and as she examined the various details of the special skill, she quickly understood what had changed.

Kim Yuhan -001 (Suitability A)

Lee Kangcheol -002 (Suitability B)

Ha Yunjin -003 (Suitability B)

Kim Hyojin -004 (Suitability F)

Sua’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Kim Hyojin’s suitability is only an F? So that’s why it never appeared? The automatic removal feature must have blocked it completely.”

Now, with her proficiency increased, she could roughly guess the reason. The skill seemed to be whispering that with her increased abilities, she could now experience more freely.

“Ooh… Special skill, you’re kind of touching…?”

In a world where everyone misunderstood Sua, wasn’t the special skill the only one truly on her side? A warm sensation filled a corner of her heart.

“Alright, that’s enough practice for now… Next!”

Sua quickly grabbed a script.

It was a short historical drama film, ‘Sword.’

[Short historical drama film ‘Sword’]

Sufficient elements implemented

Experience complete / Rank 2.

With the production of ‘Special Task Force 808’ now confirmed, Sua consistently kept an eye on other projects as well.

After all, just because she landed a Rank 1 project didn’t mean she should discard all Rank 2 works. That’s not something Sua would do.

‘Filmographies aren’t completed in one line.’

Just looking at Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il, who were currently extremely popular, made this clear. Their list of major works, spanning over the years, was both enviable and impressive.

There was also another thing.

— They’ll probably send the script as soon as it’s finished.

That’s what the Caddie had said, and Lee Geum-sook, the writer, had also hinted that she would rewrite the role of Kim Yuhan from the beginning. All these elements pointed to one thing.

Time.

Time had been given to Sua.

‘There’s still plenty of time before I get the Kim Yuhan script, so I don’t want to just waste it by doing nothing.’

Most other actors would be anxious, wondering if they could get the Kim Yuhan script sooner. After all, getting a script right before filming would be a disaster.

But Sua didn’t have such worries. What did it matter when she got it? She had the special skill.

[Short historical drama film ‘Sword’]

Thus, Sua began to delve into the scripts in earnest. She opened the phone book in the public phone booth of the special skill hotel.

Haryeong (Lead) – Suitability B

Wi Ji-hye (Lead) – Suitability A

Hwa Cheon (Supporting) – Suitability D…

“Wow, even the name gives off a strong historical drama vibe.”

Now that all roles were available to experience, supporting roles and extras had low suitability across the board.

Therefore, the goal was Wi Ji-hye. For Sua, securing the role with the highest suitability was the best option.

She was about to experience Wi Ji-hye right away.

But her hand, which had been reaching out, suddenly froze.

Then it reached out again, but once more, it hesitated.

“Hm…”

She kept hesitating. There was something bothering her.

“…But why is the production team so quiet?”

The production team for the short historical drama film ‘Sword’ was eerily quiet. That was the reason Sua’s wrist was frozen. Compared to the energy drink commercial team, the difference was particularly striking.

Sua turned on her phone and checked the messages she had received.

[Energy Drink ‘Fever’ Interview Notice]

Hello, Lee Sua! This is the Energy Drink CF team. Thank you for applying!

If you have any questions about the interview, feel free to contact us at this number anytime. Thank you.

While the energy drink commercial team had been regularly notifying her with a friendly attitude, there had been no contact at all from the short film team.

‘Is this normal? Or has something gone wrong?’

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t figure it out. Sua was a newcomer. She was inexperienced.

Help me, friends. In the end, she opened the group chat.

[Seongji: Guys, I think I’ll be busy for a while.]
[Seongji: I’ll work hard and come back… ]

“Huh? Of all times, Seongji is busy?”

She had planned to ask Seongji, but now it was awkward. There was no other choice. Sua, in a desperate attempt, typed a message.

[Sua: Is anyone interested in films?]
[Sua: It’s a short film called ‘Sword’.]

[Monkeying: ‘Sword’? I know that one.]
[Monkeying: How do you know about it?]
[Sua: …That’s exactly what I want to say?]

Sua honestly replied like that.

Monkeying, this guy isn’t called Monkeying for no reason. A monkey clinging to the computer all day long. A cyber talent who diligently plays games and digs through galleries.

…Does someone like that know about films? Why?

[Sua: You’re interested in movies?]
[Monkeying: Well, it’s more like Yang Ha-rin is.]
[Sua: Who’s Yang Ha-rin?]
[Monkeying: How do you not know Yang Ha-rin?]
[Deer: Sua usually knows less.]

• The chat room administrator has kicked out Deer.
• Deer has entered.
  [Deer: Stop.]
  [Sua: So who’s Yang Ha-rin?]
  [Black Bear: A leading newcomer for the rookie of the year award.]
  [Monkeying: She’s pretty because she’s from an idol group.]

An idol, a rookie of the year candidate…

Sua thought to herself. That’s impressive.

[Sua: First of all, I understand. Thanks, everyone.]

After searching through the portal site, Sua found that her friends’ answers were correct.

To Sua, Yang Ha-rin was pretty, and she was aiming for the rookie of the year award, working tirelessly without any rest. She was like a factory for filming.

‘The production team probably didn’t need to contact the participants one by one. They’ve already secured Yang Ha-rin.’

We’re even working with Yang Ha-rin!

Even if you don’t participate, it’s fine, we won’t miss you!

That was probably the mindset. Sua guessed this for now and turned off the interest. She had searched for this information because she was worried it might have fallen through, but as long as that wasn’t the case, it was fine.

At that moment.

Suddenly, a call came in, and the moment Sua saw the caller’s name, she froze.

“Damn it.”

Seo Yeon-ju.

It was the caller’s name. Sua’s body tensed, and she shuddered as she answered the call. Why was she calling suddenly? Did she find out that Sua had bought the doll?

Or maybe she reported her to the police…?

“Sua-ssi. How have you been lately? Wait, it’s okay if I speak informally, right? We’re not strangers, and it’s about time we got more comfortable with each other.”

The first to break the silence was Seo Yeon-ju.

Sua tried to respond as calmly as possible, but because of her sharp wariness, even she was surprised by how cold her voice sounded.

“What’s this about?”

“…Wow, your reaction is really cold, huh?”

Seo Yeon-ju chuckled as she muttered.

“I was just wondering if you’ve been keeping up with the articles flooding out lately.”

Sua thought. Articles? What articles?

“No.”

“I recommend you take a look. You’ve become quite the topic, Sua.”

…What am I being talked about for? That I still can’t give up my hobby of collecting rabbit dolls at my age? And that I even bought them with someone else’s card?

Sua quickly shook her head.

“…Please tell me the reason you called.”

“I just thought I’d check in whenever I get bored. But hearing your voice, I guess I should ask for permission first? Are we not close enough for that yet?”

She said she’d call like this sometimes?

Sweat started to form on Sua’s forehead.

‘Why is she doing this? Did she find a weakness of mine?’

Or is she planning to keep an eye on me?

“Ah, do whatever you want. It’s up to you anyway, Yeon-ju.”

Sua clenched her eyes shut and hung up the phone.

Meanwhile.

Seo Yeon-ju, ready to go out, was slightly confused. She was holding the phone, which had ended the call on its own.

“…What’s this?”

She furrowed her brows and slowly replayed the situation in her mind.

“So, did I get rejected? I tried to offer friendship, but…?”

The one line that stuck in her mind.

─Do as you please. It’s up to you anyway, Yeon-ju.

Wasn’t she implying that she would think about it after seeing Seo Yeon-ju’s handling of the situation? Amazing. Which rookie would dare treat Seo Yeon-ju this way?

However, there was no trace of displeasure on her face. If anything, a smile was all that showed.

This experience was new to her. Very new.

“Really, you keep making me curious.”

“Representative, please, just once, think about it again.”

In the office. A man was kneeling and pleading.

The secretary and bodyguards stood at regular intervals, their eyes fixed straight ahead. Meanwhile, the man with a harsh look leaned back on the leather sofa, staring at the kneeling man.

On the desk in front of him was a script.

[Short historical film ‘Sword’]

“Director Park, what’s this about? Why are you kneeling? Today is a good day. Didn’t you secure the production budget from me? The money issue is resolved, so shouldn’t you be happy?”

“Representative, I am truly grateful for your investment. However…”

“However?”

“Yang Ha-rin… Ha-rin…”

“Ah, so what about Ha-rin?”

The man clenched his teeth and couldn’t continue.

The man kneeling was Director Park Jun.

Once called a master. There was a time when his historical films had taken South Korea by storm, with massive success.

But life is full of uncertainty.

One great success doesn’t guarantee future triumphs. Afterward, his life had been downhill, and it was tragic. And the one at the heart of this downfall was Director Park.

The representative raised his chin.

“In exchange for me providing the production budget, I want Ha-rin to be the lead. Is this condition something you can’t accept? Or is there an issue with Ha-rin’s acting?”

“That’s not the case. Absolutely not.”

“Really?”

The representative smiled slyly.

“That’s the right answer. There’s no rookie like Ha-rin. She’s going to take home the rookie of the year award this year.”

“Yes. Of course.”

This should be a moment of joy. I’m funding the production and even telling them to use Ha-rin, so isn’t Director Park supposed to be happy about it?

“What kind of situation is this?”

“We’ll make this a co-lead project. We’ll find another rookie actor to be the second lead. I’m just asking to change this part.”

Director Park’s voice was filled with desperation.

“Representative, I will use Ha-rin as the sole lead. Isn’t it enough to focus on her? There’s no need to bring in another co-lead.”

The reason Director Park was so desperate had its own explanation. Just thinking about the headlines that immediately popped into his head was enough to understand.

[

‘Jinx’… is it real?] Yang Ha-rin’s

[Fearful rumors in the entertainment industry]

Yang Ha-rin.

She was famous for making rookie actors who co-starred with her quit their careers. The public didn’t know the reason, but Director

Park knew it all too well.

“Yang Ha-rin, to handle that crazy personality?”

She was arrogant by default, and her bullying and territorial behavior were extremely severe. How many young actors couldn’t

withstand that pressure and ended up leaving?

In Director Park’s eyes, Yang Ha-rin looked like a man-eating flower. A monster flower that devours its co-stars.

Then, it happened.

“It’s not going to happen.”

A very firm interjection.

Director Park’s gaze naturally turned toward the source of the voice.

A pale woman was biting into a peach.

She sat in a leather chair, one leg crossed, maintaining an arrogant posture that suited her perfectly.

Her black hair, seemingly woven from the darkest time of dawn, and her languid eyes were unmistakably hers. She was Yang Ha-rin.

She spoke while chewing on the fruit.

“Give me the money, add my appearance… We’re not a charity. I should get something out of this, don’t you think?”

She smirked as if to mock, but there was grace in it.

Director Park was at a loss.

“If it’s about the appearance fee or conditions, they’re already top-tier…”

“I don’t need that. That kind of thing.”

Yang Ha-rin interrupted Park’s words bluntly.

“Bring me a rookie who can inspire me, a rookie who can be the foundation of my acting. I’m not interested in money. I’m focused on

improving my acting skills.”

The representative, who was listening from the side, nodded.

“That’s Ha-rin’s wish. Isn’t that the best attitude a true actor can have? You’re a lucky director, Park.”

“It’s difficult. It will be hard to find someone.”

Director Park raised his voice desperately.

New actors will be too scared to take on the role. As for bringing in veteran actors… it’s just a short film, who would want to participate,

Representative?

“It’s difficult.”

“Shut up. Director Park, you only need to remember one thing.”

The representative’s voice was very firm.

“If you don’t meet the above conditions, I’ll withdraw the investment, and Ha-rin won’t participate. The one who should be thinking is

not me, but Director Park.”

“Representative, Representative…!”

The representative quietly called for his secretary.

“Secretary Kim.”

“Yes, Representative. I’m listening.”

“Director Park, send him away appropriately. Everyone knows, right? I don’t have the hobby of repeating the same thing over and over.”

“Understood.”

“Representative, Ha-rin, please… just once…!”

But no matter how many times he pleaded, the result didn’t change, and Park Jun was helplessly pushed out. No, in reality, he was kicked out.

“…ot….”

Park Jun eventually collapsed with vacant eyes.

He could only tear at his hair, as it seemed the only thing left to do.

“…What on earth… should I do…”

Park Jun wandered the streets with a hopeless expression. He sighed deeply every second and made phone calls non-stop to somewhere.

“Ah, it’s been a while. Um, by any chance….”

He was rejected.

“Actually, it’s… that…”

He was rejected.

“Hello? Ah, you’re busy? Aha…”

Rejection. Rejection. Only rejection.

The connections he had built during his successful days were like mirages. As soon as he started failing, they quickly disappeared. No matter how much he walked around, he couldn’t find a place to get help.

It was a relief if someone at least answered his call. Park Jun, today, had received more rejected calls than any other day.

Then, at some point,

Park Jun’s phone rang. Another call came in. Even more surprising, it was from a very well-known person, making his eyes widen.

“Ye-hello?”

“Yes, yes, Director. What’s the reason for all these calls?”

On the other side, a very elegant woman’s voice came through.

“…I thought you were ignoring my calls.”

“Don’t say that. I may not be great at other things, but I always take good care of those who had a good time working with me. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, are you doing well these days?”

“I’m doing well, but it’s just that I’m really busy. But why does your voice sound so gloomy, Director? Is something wrong?”

At that, Park Jun let out a deep sigh.

“Well, it’s the same as always. Got completely screwed over.”

“Oh, sounds like me. I also got screwed over earlier.”

“…What? Are you seeing someone these days?”

“No, not really. But anyway.”

The other side burst into a bright laugh and then asked.

“So, why did you call me?”

“I originally had something to ask…”

“Director, you want to be in my movie? Unfortunately, I’m really busy these days. Let’s work together on the next project.”

“Yeah, I thought so. I’m just here to complain about my misfortunes.”

“Do you need a drink? We’re just finishing up practice and having a drink. Why don’t you join us? It’ll be all familiar faces anyway.”

Park Jun shook his head.

“I have some decency. How could I go there?”

“Really, there are only people you know here. I’ll send you the address, so please come! It’d be nice if you stopped by to say hi.”

After hanging up the call, a message with the address came through. It wasn’t far. It was a place he could reach in 15 minutes if he caught a taxi.

Director Park hesitated multiple times. Really, multiple times.

And 30 minutes later,

Director Park finally set foot into a well-known upscale restaurant. A place that only served high-quality steaks and wine, the kind of restaurant where ordinary people would have to be brave to enter.

‘I’m crazy. I really came here without any consideration.’

But even knowing that, he came. He felt like if he didn’t share his feelings with someone now, it would fester forever.

Yeah, let’s just complain a little.

Finally, when Park Jun climbed the stairs and entered the restaurant,

“Director, this way.”

A woman waved her hand playfully. She had a headband in her long, flowing hair. She had an innocent, pure look.

“Director Park..? It’s been so long.”

“Oh my, isn’t that Director Park? How long has it been?”

A muscular man who resembled a rock, and a woman fidgeting with a laptop next to her wine glass, as if it was a habit.

“…Director Park Jun?”

And a man, so obsessive about cleanliness, that he seemed to be doing the job of the restaurant owner by wiping the dishes with cleaning solution.

“Hello, everyone…”

Park Jun politely lowered his head.

The people in front of him were Seo Yeon-ju, PD Choi Heewon, Lee Geum-sook, and Kim Sun-il.

They were the senior staff members of Special Operations Unit 808’s production team.