Chapter 41: Sua is an Arctic fox.

The bus left Wanju and headed toward Seoul.

Sua sat alone by the window seat.

To others, her side profile might appear cool and detached, but in reality, it was quite the opposite.

Sua was actually in a very good mood at the moment.

‘Yay.’

Everyone on the production team of The Sword had been looking at her with admiration, and there were even some people who wanted to have her as their acting mentor.

Of course, she turned them down and sent them away.

‘I’m too busy taking care of myself to have a disciple. That’s just ridiculous.’

She had neither the time nor the confidence to teach.

She wasn’t at that level yet.

But so what?

Just the fact that such things were happening made her feel good.

It was similar to how, even if she wasn’t interested in dating someone who asked for her number, it still boosted her self-esteem.

She was excited.

Really excited, but she had no one to share her pride with, and it made her feel frustrated.

Ah, right. How about the group chat?

She immediately pulled out her phone.

[Sua: Alright, everyone, focus.]

[Sua: I have a very important announcement!]

[Deer: If you don’t say it in 3 seconds, I’ll kill you.]

Just as Sua was about to continue,

“Sua-ssi.”

Sua hurriedly put her phone away.

It was none other than Director Park Jun, who had sat next to her.

He spoke as if he understood.

“Were you checking your schedule? I guess with your skills, you’re getting busier every day. Soon, you’ll feel like even having two bodies wouldn’t be enough. It’s something all shining new stars go through.”

No.

She was thinking about boasting in the group chat.

But Sua nodded, acknowledging him.

“I acknowledge that.”

“If you get used to it quickly, it’ll be better. You’re doing a drama right now, aren’t you? Once that airs and catches the viewers’ attention, what do you think will happen? Even if you had ten bodies, it wouldn’t be enough.”

“Hmmm.”

While nodding, Sua thought to herself.

Could that day really come for her? The life of a famous person? She actually wanted to experience it.

Meanwhile, Director Park Jun looked at her as if she were some kind of treasure.

After choosing his words carefully, he spoke again.

“By the way, Sua-ssi, how is your agency situation?”

“My agency?”

“Yes. After the special operations team 808 mock filming, rumors started circulating in the industry about a monstrous rookie. From what I can gather, it must be about you, right?”

Park Jun continued with excitement.

“Emails, messages, phone calls, actual meetings… They must’ve used every method possible to contact you. I’m curious to know how it turned out.”

“I’m still looking into it. I’m positively considering one agency.”

Actually, that was a complete lie.

Due to the chaos of filming, she hadn’t had a chance to explore agencies at all, and the only one she had met with so far was Mystic Entertainment.

Park Jun’s eyes widened.

“One agency? This is unexpected. I thought you’d refuse them all. I even guessed that you might be aiming to start your own agency.”

“Maybe that crossed my mind too.”

Sua thought to herself.

Maybe she was becoming a bit too brazen.

“Do you know the industry standards, Sua-ssi?”

“Not really. It’s not something I’m interested in.”

“Well, I hope my story will help you. Mystic just provided funding, so would you like an example based on Mystic’s standards?”

“As you wish.”

Though she pretended to be indifferent, Sua was actually listening very carefully.

This was incredibly important information for her.

It was a rare opportunity to hear about the industry standards that she had been curious about for a long time.

“Mystic may be a new company, but for unknown actors, it’s close to a dream agency.

With Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il there, and with fewer actors, they can provide more meticulous care.

It’s the kind of entertainment company that would be worth slipping some extra money to get into.”

Sua thought to herself.

Should she have signed a contract with Mystic that day when she met CEO Kim Yi-seo?

Had she made a big mistake?

But…

“However, Sua-ssi, your situation is quite different.”

Park Jun’s next words were slightly different from what Sua had expected.

“Do you know what entertainment agency representatives do?”

“Umm…”

“They assign value to actors. But let’s think logically.

What value do you think would be assigned to someone like you right now?”

She didn’t know. Was she lacking common sense?

“Think about it. You landed the lead role in Special Ops 808, turned the mock filming site upside down, and had the entertainment directors following you around.

How much value do you think that would be worth? Any guesses?”

“I admit that.”

“Eh? What do you keep admitting from earlier?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Sua quickly recovered.

It was a habit.

Anyway, it was quite difficult for her to assign value to herself.

How could she know what the standards were? How could she know the units of this industry?

Then Park Jun started explaining on his own.

“Sua-ssi, you might think that your only strength is that you’re a good actor, but the perspective of entertainment agencies is quite different.

They’re using countless calculators to measure your worth.”

“I completely understand.”

“Every actor is basically a seedling. The entertainment companies nurture them, giving them skin care, sending them to academies if needed, and making them work out.

But you, Sua-ssi?”

There was a slight excitement in Park Jun’s voice.

“You’re already a tree. All they have to do is plant you, and that’s it.

Whether it’s a drama, an advertisement, or a variety show, you’re bound to bear fruit on your own.

How can they resist that?”

“I completely understand.”

…This time, it wasn’t just an “I understand.”

She truly understood.

‘What? When I listen like this, I’m really amazing, huh?’

She had only thought she wasn’t at the point where she’d be ignored anymore, but thanks to this conversation, Sua realized her position more clearly.

She felt thankful to Park Jun at the same time.

“Sua-ssi.”

At that moment, Park Jun spoke with a serious expression.

“You’ve got a dream car, right? Ask for one.”

…What?

As Sua headed toward Seoul from Wanju, the Special Ops 808 production team was working diligently.

They were collaborating with the journalists they had pre-arranged, releasing all kinds of articles.

[‘Special Ops 808’ successfully completed its mock filming!]

[Does Special Ops 808 have what it takes to take over primetime?]

In truth, they didn’t even need to collaborate with the journalists.

With a script from Lee Geum-sook, direction by PD Choi Heewon, and Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il involved, the journalists were eager to write articles.

Thanks to that, articles were pouring in like a rainstorm.

[‘Special Ops 808’ Secrets Revealed: Who Invested?]

[The Bold Mock Filming… ‘Everyone Passed’]

[Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il Perform a Successful Ritual on Set!]

But what good is a promotional article if it’s just written in print?

The production team released a few still cuts taken during the mock filming and, at the same time, unveiled the poster that would become the face of Special Ops 808.

Of course, Kim Yuhan, a top-secret character, was only shown as a silhouette.

It was clear that they were determined to keep her hidden until the very end.

And amidst this storm, the youngest reporter of Star Catch, Kim Seon-ah, was still working without having submitted her resignation.

She suddenly stopped what she was doing and stared at the article she had written.

[The Identity of Special Ops 808’s Kim Yuhan? Lee Sua!]

Even she thought it was a ridiculous article.

“…Have I finally lost it? Did I really write this?”

But there was no reason to be afraid.

If it turned out to be true, that would be great.

If it wasn’t true, she could just submit her resignation as originally planned.

She decided to think of it that way.

The only thing she was pondering was when to upload it.

Meanwhile, on MuteB, the world’s most popular online video-sharing platform, an official channel for Special Ops 808 had been created.

Of course, video uploads followed.

Perfectly edited still cuts were used as thumbnails, and the titles were all carefully selected.

[Mock Filming Pre-Release] “Lee Kang-chul should be the one to do it~?” Seo Yeon-ju gives Kim Sun-il a surprise order! #SpecialOps808

Special Ops 808 Outstar https-

Special Ops 808 Website
https-

The video was exactly one minute long.

But just the two-shot of Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il in their uniforms was enough to draw significant attention.

No, the word “significant” doesn’t do it justice.

It attracted massive attention.

In just two days, the video hit 1.6 million views.

This firepower naturally led to a buzz in the gallery.

[Special Ops 808 Gallery]

[Title: Did you see the pre-release, you crazy bastards?]

[Did you see the pre-release, you crazy assholes? If you haven’t, just go now before you get hit. Seriously, Seo Yeon-ju in uniform, wow. Seo Yeon-ju, seriously.]

• What idiot has become…
• I understand that feeling.
• Amazingly, I completely understand what that means.

[Title: Finally, Kim Yuhan’s identity is coming out!]

[It’s almost time! Holding my breath!]

• I’m holding my breath too.
• Are we all breathing through gills now?
• It’s got to be Jo Il-hyun. It’s got to be Jo Il-hyun.

That day, the Special Ops 808 gallery proudly secured the top spot as the most talked-about gallery in real-time.

Now, it was truly a countdown to the massive time bomb waiting to explode.

From Sua’s perspective, the days had been utterly chaotic.

Two more days passed.

And then… Ta-da!

“Cheers!”

“Please, may our director Park win an award!”

“Everyone, you really worked hard!”

The filming of the short film Geom had been completely wrapped up, and to celebrate, the entire production team gathered for a dinner.

They had rented out an entire famous gopchang restaurant for the occasion.

Actually, it was Mystic Entertainment’s CEO Kim Yi-seo who had arranged the rental.

Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju couldn’t attend because of their busy schedules, but Sua came. She came with pride.

Everyone was quite surprised and happy to see Sua, but for Sua, there wasn’t any particular reason for her appearance.

She just couldn’t resist the opportunity to eat gopchang and drink beer for free.

Anyway…

“Sigh, I’m actually a bit disappointed that it was just a short film.”

“Right? I wish we could see more of Sua’s acting.”

“How about we work harder and catch up to Sua? We can meet again in another project, and we’ll get to see her again.”

“Ugh, how many years of practice would that take?”

Although it had been less than a week, the supporting actors had already become quite close.

If you looked at the atmosphere, you’d think it was a high school reunion.

They had even made a group chat and set up regular meetings. The idea was to grow together.

From Director Park Jun’s point of view, this was absolutely delightful.

Meanwhile, Sua’s situation was a bit different.

Sua had come with the intent to eat a lot of gopchang, even skipping lunch, but she hadn’t even eaten three pieces yet.

Her hand holding the chopsticks was almost frozen in place.

Was it because so many eyes were glancing at her? Or because there were so many conversations about her?

That wasn’t entirely the reason, but it wasn’t the main cause either.

The biggest reason was that Sua, now placed at the center of this atmosphere, was naturally experiencing certain feelings.

She was realizing it now.

This atmosphere… It’s fascinating…

Everyone had created this work with their best efforts, and they were all rooting for its success with one heart and one mind.

This kind of mutual support was a feeling Sua had never experienced before.

And the fact that she was the center of it all? It was nothing short of amazing.

Sua suddenly retraced the filming process of Geom.

Since everything was new to her, the week-long filming felt like it passed in the blink of an eye.

She had to manage her image while performing real acting, and it was challenging for many reasons.

She was so exhausted that when she returned home, she collapsed and slept like a corpse.

But Sua was certain.

Even if she went back to a week ago, she would still do it.

Sense of accomplishment. Unbelievable.

Sua’s life hadn’t included much sense of achievement.

She was lethargic because she couldn’t do anything, and because of that, there was nothing to accomplish.

But now, Sua was moving forward with her own strength, not anyone else’s.

She was changing her own life.

The world was no longer changing Sua’s life.

…I hope there will be many more days like this.

Of course, this was only the first step.

To reach even greater heights, Sua knew she would have to keep walking relentlessly.

It was while Sua was thinking this, with a piece of gopchang in her mouth, that she heard a voice.

“Miss Sua!”

One of the supporting actors called her cautiously.

“Don’t you like gopchang? You haven’t eaten any!”

“Miss Sua, eat more! You worked the hardest!”

“Ever since I came back from the forest, my skin’s been a mess, but Miss Sua, even after all that hard work, your skin still looks perfect. Look at your beautiful skin.”

Sua slowly waved her hand, signaling them to stop.

If there was something different about her now, it was that she no longer said “enough” out loud.

If she did, people would actually stop.

That couldn’t happen.

Never stop! Keep praising me!

A moment later, Park Jun calmed them down.

“Everyone, don’t bother Miss Sua too much. I can’t say everything, but Miss Sua has a very big project going on separately. She’s a precious person.”

This only made the supporting actors even more excited.

“A big project?”

“What is it? What is it?”

Sua maintained a blank expression, her anger simmering under the surface.

Her lips itched, but she had to maintain the confidentiality clause. It was part of her contract.

“Is it the Special Operations Unit 808…?”

“No, that can’t be it. Kim Yuhan is a man.”

It was then.

“Miss Sua! Let’s take a picture together! Picture, picture!”

“Right! We can’t just sit around eating gopchang! If not now, when will we take a picture with Miss Sua? We should take it now!”

“…A picture?”

The mention of a photo seemed to be the trigger, and they all moved with synchronized precision, as if it had been prearranged.

Soon enough, they gathered around Sua as if they were taking a group photo at a wedding.

“Miss Sua, strike a pose! Pose!”

“Do a V!”

“Can you smile for us?”

“Anything is fine! Just do it, Miss Sua!”

Sua quietly formed a V with her hands.

Was it strange to be expressionless in the photo? Image management was important, after all.

She smiled slightly, keeping it subtle.

The people around her swallowed their dry saliva.

A mix of a cute gesture and a fierce expression—a strange combination.

To others, that’s what it seemed like, but no one dared to point it out.

In fact, no one had the courage to do so.

“Miss, Miss Sua! Just one more! Please!”

It was a lie.

Sua endured almost a hundred shots.

It wasn’t until much later that Sua finally regained her freedom.

Now, with the atmosphere growing warm as the alcohol took effect, Sua chose to step outside to get some fresh air.

Heavy drinking wasn’t really her thing.

However, soon another person came out.

It was Director Park Jun.

He picked up a can of coffee from the vending machine across the way and handed it to Sua.

The two sat side by side outside the gopchang restaurant.

It was a dark night, the store lights glowing, with a cool breeze.

Sua was feeling quite good now, and Park Jun asked her,

“How does it feel, being harassed by everyone?”

How did it feel?

It was really overwhelming.

But it didn’t feel bad at all.

It was surprising to realize that she, who had been useless up until now, was finally being sought after by others.

But she couldn’t say all of this.

A moment of humble silence.

“I understand.”

“That’s such a Sua thing to say. That’s right, you get it, don’t you? Wouldn’t you have given up if you hadn’t clung to others? But Sua, do you think you’ll still understand when the whole country starts doing this to you?”

…That sounds a bit scary.

“That’s a problem for the future.”

“The future isn’t as far away as you think. I don’t think it’s that far. It feels like it will happen soon.”

Park Jun’s voice grew serious.

“Anyway, thank you, Sua. Thanks to you, the shoot finished successfully. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be editing non-stop.”

“That sounds tough.”

“Tough? Not at all. It’s actually something to enjoy. The scenes you acted in? Each one is amazing! It might have been the hardest, but it will probably be the most enjoyable moment too.”

Then, as if something suddenly came to his mind,

“Ah.”

Park Jun quickly took the can of coffee away from his lips.

“Sua, also, prepare yourself. Wait, maybe you don’t need to prepare? It’s a big event, but…”

“Prepare? A big event?”

Sua tilted her head.

“Yes. It’s just a hunch, but I’m sure you’ll make it to the finals. If that happens, you’ll definitely have to attend. You’re the one who played Wi Ji-hye, the start and the end of this project.”

“Mm.”

“Of course, if you’re too busy, there’s nothing to be done. But I’m emphasizing how important it is because there’s a reason. At the short film festival, all the big names are gathered. Just by showing up, you’ll gain so much!”

Park Jun seemed ready to go on forever, but that’s when Sua’s phone rang.

“Hold on a second.”

“Oh, take your time. Go ahead and chat. I’ll head inside to take care of the crew and supporting actors.”

After Park Jun went back inside, Sua answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Sua, it’s me, Lee Geum-sook, the writer.”

Sua quietly nodded.

At this point, Lee Geum-sook was a very familiar figure to her.

“What’s going on?”

“Sua, a soldier going to war wears a combat uniform, right?”

“…I guess so? But the talk about soldiers came out of nowhere.”

Did Lee Geum-sook write a scene where Kim Yuhan is dragged to the battlefield? That sounds intense.

As Sua was thinking this,

“Sua, you’re an actress now. What’s an actress’s combat uniform? It’s styling. Or, what we call ‘coordination.’ Adornment.”

Lee Geum-sook slowly continued speaking.

“A lot of people cling to you, right? Styling helps immensely with that. Just the atmosphere it creates, it becomes a weapon in human relations and negotiations these days.”

Sua just listened for now.

“Finally, I’ve figured out your styling, Sua. It looks perfect to me. And, if you wake up tomorrow morning, we’ll go straight to the shop. Of course, our production team will be with us.”

“Mm.”

Styling? Is that what’s happening to me now?

Sua nodded, oddly excited, but at the same time, curious. How will I be styled?

“First, tell me what kind of styling it is.”

“Of course, I’ll tell you. But before that, do you know what makes a great styling?”

“Not really.”

“It’s when the association becomes clear. Seo Yeon-ju is a rabbit, Kim Sun-il is a crow. Something like that. Now, something like that will develop for you too.”

“What about me?”

Sua asked, half curious and half expectant.

“You, Sua, are a polar fox.”

The animal that came up in the answer was something unexpected.

“…A polar fox?”

“Yes. I’m planning to dye you completely white.”

Lee Geum-sook’s voice sounded more excited than any other time during their conversations.

“I’m sure no one will be able to resist.”