Chapter 50: Covering the sky with the palm of your hand

“Do-hee’s life-changing performance…”

Lost in thought, PD Choi Heewon rubbed his chin, and Director Go Tae-min quickly agreed.

“That’s right. At first, I thought Do-hee’s agency might have exaggerated a bit to push her casting, but every insider I’ve talked to has been full of praise. It piqued my curiosity.”

“It’s true that Do-hee did remarkably well that day.”

“That makes me all the more eager to see it for myself. While I’m at it, I should also check on Hwang Myung-pil. He’s a capable actor, and it would be wrong of me to reject him unfairly. It would feel like I owed him an apology.”

It wasn’t unusual for a director to visit a filming site for inspiration. What surprised PD Choi Heewon was Director Go Tae-min’s meticulousness.

“Honestly, someone like Director Go has no reason to worry about such things.”

Actors would be lining up to join his projects, and any changes with Do-hee could simply be resolved by casting someone else. Yet, here he was, going out of his way to ensure thoroughness.

“Actors lucky enough to connect with Director Go are truly blessed. Is there another master this detailed?”

Filled with admiration, PD Choi Heewon sincerely expressed his thoughts.

“Director Go, you’re truly remarkable. Casting purely based on an actor’s skill each time—it’s no wonder people call you the ‘discoverer of hidden gems.’”

“That nickname is far too generous. I haven’t done much, really. I just cast the actors I want, when I want them.”

“That’s precisely what’s incredible about you. Most people chase actors with big names, faces, and hefty price tags.”

As he recalled the past, PD Choi Heewon’s thoughts became clearer.

Director Go Tae-min often worked with unfamiliar actors, and the results were always the same. A rising star would emerge, or a previously overlooked actor would gain newfound fame.

All of this, undoubtedly, was thanks to Director Go’s meticulous care.

“Thanks for saying that. Let’s chat on the main shoot day.”

As the call ended, a thought flashed through PD Choi Heewon’s mind.

“Wait a second…”

The scene involving Park Do-hee was the one where she performed with the very actor who brought out her potential. A man as detail-oriented as Director Go would not overlook that.

PD Choi Heewon began to anticipate the main filming day with growing excitement.

Profile Shoot Scene

“Alright, I’ll show you the results of today’s shoot. From the left, we have Kim Yuhan’s profile, Nam Jang-han’s profile, and finally, Sua’s authentic profile.”

After seeing the results, Sua nodded enthusiastically.

Sua nodded energetically.

The reason was simple.

“Each of the three is entirely different, but I like all of them immensely.”

It felt like standing before a character selection screen in an RPG.

You know, when one character offers completely different vibes depending on the chosen class? That was exactly what these photos conveyed. The starting point was the same, but each had branched out in unique directions.

She was genuinely satisfied—completely and utterly thrilled.

Of course, the one she liked the most was…

“…This one.”

Naturally, it was the photo that captured her unfiltered self.

The team leader chuckled knowingly.

“That one really is great, isn’t it? I’ll admit, it was the first request like this I’ve ever received since starting this job, but Sua, you made it work. Thanks to you, my perspective has broadened. Thank you.”

And so, the final profile photo to represent Sua’s true essence was chosen.

Honestly, I was quite worried. I feared that portraying myself as I truly am might come across as unattractive. But those concerns turned out to be unfounded. The results I held in my hands were surprisingly satisfactory.

Lee Sua tilted her head slightly.

“…Am I really changing?”

It was fascinating. Hadn’t she always struggled with social interactions and been incredibly shy?

And yet, here she was, expressing her desire to capture her authentic self with such conviction. It was something she could never have imagined before.

In the past, she likely would have spent the entire shoot watching the team leader’s every move, trying to please them, then settling on a passable photo to wrap things up.

Looking back, the difference was striking.

It seemed the privilege she had gained was even affecting her personality.

What started as a mere curiosity had grown into near certainty.

“Yes, I really am changing.”

There was no problem with that. Accepting it was all that mattered.

This change wasn’t harming Sua in any way. In fact, it brought benefits, so she might as well embrace it with joy.

The team leader spoke up again at that moment.

“You have this vibe, like a wild animal that’s just stepped out into the world. Anyone who sees this will feel the urge to tame you.”

“The urge to tame me, huh…”

“It could be someone from the industry, or even a viewer. The desire to take something incomplete and make it complete is only natural. That’s why this photo will draw a lot of opportunities your way.”

Out of all those words, one phrase stuck with Sua.

“…A wild animal just stepping out into the world. I like that.”

Sua and the team leader nodded in unison.

Of course, the animals they each envisioned were completely different.

Inside the VIP lounge at the profile shoot location.

The room was cozy, filled with plush chairs, and stocked with magazines and snacks.

At the moment, Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju were in the room.

“Hey, give me that chair.”

“You should’ve sat there first.”

“That’s why I’m asking nicely. Move.”

Seo Yeon-ju, sitting across from him, propped her sock-clad feet on Kim Sun-il’s lap, making him frown.

As usual, the two shared their “incredibly close” dynamic.

In reality, most actors barely pay attention to others from the same agency.

It’s only during award ceremonies that they think, Oh, we have someone like that in our agency too.

Considering that, Mystic Entertainment’s current situation was quite unique. Both Kim Sun-il and Seo Yeon-ju were not only interested in Sua’s profile shoot but had also come to watch.

Of course, their presence wasn’t solely due to friendship. The three of them were co-leads in Special Task Force 808, making Sua’s styling and profile shoot significant for their work as well.

“Ugh… so heavy.”

At that moment, Kim Yi-seo entered the room, carrying a load of shopping bags.

Some of the bags dragged on the floor, collecting dirt, but it couldn’t be helped.

Kim Yi-seo’s petite frame made it a struggle, though she seemed unfazed, as if she was used to it.

Seo Yeon-ju’s eyes sparkled at the sight of Kim Yi-seo.

“Has the CEO arrived? CEO, I video-called Sua earlier, you know? I got a sneak peek of her makeup, and it was…”

“I’ve already seen it. I had a video call with her too.”

“Seriously? Way to ruin the moment.”

Seo Yeon-ju’s gaze faltered, but then her eyes landed on Kim Yi-seo’s hands.

“Huh? By the way, what’s that you’re holding?”

Kim Yi-seo raised an eyebrow slightly.

“How about you help carry some of this before asking? It’s heavy.”

“If it’s a gift for me, I’ll help. Oh, I get it now. It must be from that dreadful ad you shot with Sun-il recently. What is it? A bracelet? A necklace?”

“It’s for Sua.”

“What? CEO, are you already favoring Sua?”

Disappointment flashed across Seo Yeon-ju’s face, like when a parent comes home with gifts, but they’re only for the younger sibling.

Before Yeon-ju’s playful complaints could escalate, Kim Yi-seo spoke calmly to clarify.

“Director Park Jun seemed confident about ‘Sword’ advancing to the finals. That’s why I’ve been gathering some dresses for Sua to wear.”

“CEO, I’m the lead in ‘Sword’ too, you know?”

“Act like a professional, Yeon-ju. Sua is still a rookie.”

“Sua isn’t a rookie; she’s a monster. You should start prioritizing me! I’m still a baby, a baby Yeon-ju.”

The mention of “baby” seemed to strike a nerve in Kim Sun-il, who had been quietly listening until now. His body shook as if he were holding something back.

“Such a pity to be so immature at your age.”

“…Sun-il, what exactly do you mean by that?”

Regardless, Kim Yi-seo and Seo Yeon-ju carried on their chatter like a mother and daughter. There was always plenty to talk about.

They discussed everything from the ad shoots meant to cover Sua’s contract fees, to the main filming schedule for Special Task Force 808, to their plans for the latter half of the year.

And, of course, they couldn’t avoid one particular topic.

Naturally, it was about Sua turning down Director Kim Jun-gi.

“Seriously? She completely blew off participating in the audition?”

“Yes. She said it didn’t stir her passion. Honestly, considering the tension it might create with Director Kim Jun-gi, she should have at least attended the audition. But what can you do? If she’s not motivated, she’s not motivated.”

Kim Yi-seo let out a deep sigh.

“Really, when I look at Mystic, it makes me wonder why we’ve gathered such an odd group.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Everyone gets their work done, don’t they?”

“Well, yes, but…”

Kim Yi-seo scanned the Mystic Entertainment roster in her mind.

Seo Yeon-ju felt like a daughter—prone to pouting and complaining but still getting her tasks done. Kim Sun-il resembled a son who’d occasionally go AWOL without a word.

And Sua…

Kim Yi-seo shook her head abruptly, stopping her thoughts. Words like “disobedience” flashed in her mind, and she quickly dismissed them.

Meanwhile, Seo Yeon-ju continued.

“Actually, it might’ve been better that she rejected it. Director Kim Jun-gi claims his next project is a 15+ rated film, but I’m willing to bet it’s a lie. He’ll probably change his tune, saying it turned into an adult-rated movie while making it.”

“That’s not entirely out of the question.”

“And haven’t I told you this before? That director gives me the creeps. He kept staring at my chest and hips, you know?”

“I understand why you’d feel that way, Yeon-ju.”

“Yeah, it’s probably for the best. We shouldn’t let Sua deal with things like that.”

Seo Yeon-ju shuddered as she recalled her unpleasant experience with Kim Jun-gi. It wasn’t just that rejecting him might have been better—it was simply the right thing to do.

Thinking back to that unsettling incident, Yeon-ju felt it was enough that she had endured it alone. She didn’t want Sua to have to experience anything similar, not even for a moment.

Oh, speaking of Sua, I really miss her. When is Sua coming?

“I’m here.”

At that moment, the door to the VIP lounge opened.

It was Sua.

Everyone, including Kim Sun-il, who had been napping with a magazine over his face, turned their attention to Sua. Compared to when they first met her, she was now even more stunning.

“The white hair is genius.”

“That black dress looks great on her.”

“Look at those proportions. Imagine if she hadn’t become an actress!”

Sua was thrilled by their reactions. After all, who doesn’t enjoy compliments? Just a few words were enough to make her forget how exhausting it had been to sit for so long.

‘I must remember to thank Lee Geum-sook later. Everyone seems to love the Arctic Fox concept. Including me.’

Kim Yi-seo tapped the lounge table lightly.

“Alright, let’s take a look at the results from the shoot.”

Sua immediately placed three photos on the table. One of Kim Yuhan, one of her male disguise profile, and one of her natural self.

The strong reactions came almost instantly.

“Wow, what is this?”

“Kim Yuhan looks exactly like Kim Yuhan. Honestly, which detective would think of dyeing their hair white? Such a unique character.”

“This natural profile—if it gets released, people are going to lose their minds. They’ll think she’s a handsome oppa, but then they’ll realize she’s a stunning unnie… It’s already exciting.”

“And the name for the male profile is going to be Lee Su-an, right? Honestly, it doesn’t feel like an actor but an idol. Totally gives off the ‘ending fairy’ vibe. She’d sell the most photocard merch in a group.”

The words poured out like a flood, and every single one was praise.

Sua felt a little shy. Compliments always felt awkward, and it was even stranger to have people looking forward to her future more than she did herself.

Still, one thing was certain—Sua was genuinely happy.

“They’re calling it the Arctic Fox.”

While the entire Mystic team ignored the comment, Sua took their lack of denial as agreement. In her mind, it was like they’d collectively created a world where no one got hurt.

But then, Kim Sun-il furrowed his brow.

“There’s a problem.”

“A problem?”

“Yeah, her face is perfect, but…”

Kim Sun-il began alternately looking at the photos and Sua’s body. The others soon followed suit, and it didn’t take long for everyone but Sua to understand what he was concerned about.

“Even if we manage to bind the chest with bandages…”

“Her hips are too wide. CG might be the only solution.”

“…And they jiggle when she moves. A lot.”

“About the same size as mine, or maybe even bigger. Must be heavy—I’d know.”

Kim Yi-seo and Kim Sun-il stared at Seo Yeon-ju as if to say, What are you even talking about? But Seo Yeon-ju pretended not to notice.

In any case, it was clear that disguising Sua’s feminine figure as male was practically impossible.

The amount of “volume reduction” needed was, well, substantial.

The three of them felt a bitter sense of defeat for different reasons.

One envied what they could never have.

One marveled at the acting talent that overshadowed physical limitations.

And one… just everything.

Eventually, a single thought united Mystic Entertainment.

“Now that we’re looking at it… even CG might not work.”