Chapter 182: The Wrap Party
“Your Majesty.”
It was January, and the cold was biting.
King Jungjong gazed blankly at the steaming cup of tea. At the sound of his name, his clear eyes looked up.
“Jo Gwangjo has been executed by royal decree.”
The royal secretary scrutinized his monarch’s face. Surely, he would be pleased that things had gone his way, or perhaps he felt a twinge of regret.
“I see.”
But that was all Jungjong said. Instead, the secretary lingered, as if he had more to say.
“……How were his final moments?”
Was he trying to read the king’s mind? Jungjong sipped his tea and asked,
“Yes, Your Majesty. The officer of the Bureau of Punishments said that before he died, he instructed them to make his coffin thin, so his journey would not be difficult.”
At the secretary’s words, Jungjong chuckled lightly. It was indeed a fitting end for him.
After organizing his writings one last time, he had drunk the poison and put a final period to his life.
“And?”
“They found Your Majesty’s letter.”
“……Did I not send it personally?”
“My apologies.”
What Jungjong had sent was more of a note than a letter. It was enjoyable, it said. Take your time and go in peace.
But perhaps it was too brief to comfort Jo Gwangjo.
“You may leave.”
The secretary quietly backed away. In the stillness of the room, Jungjong turned his gaze outward. It was the same day, the winter day when he had first felt betrayed by Jo Gwangjo.
‘I should have written more.’
Jo Gwangjo was there that day, but today, he was alone.
Softly, softly, snowflakes began to cover the world again. Jungjong’s gaze was steady as he stared straight ahead. Behind him, just like that day, sunlight-filled snowflakes danced in the air.
Tra-la-la—
The mournful sound of a string instrument echoed, and the king turned his gaze.
“Thank you for your hard work!”
“You really worked hard! Thank you!”
“Thank you for your hard work!”
“Whoaa! It’s over!”
Muyoung, who had perfectly wrapped up the final episode, felt a bittersweet rush at the thought that it was truly over.
The staff crowded around him, patting his shoulders with gratitude and comfort. A fragrant bouquet of flowers was an added bonus.
“Thank you for everything.”
“We should be the ones thanking you. Think of all the good things that happened because of you, Muyoung. Right?”
“Absolutely.”
“Gosh, filming winter scenes in summer must have been tough, right?”
There would be no more filming for Blade’s Path.
Though there was still the wrap party, it was uncertain if all the staff would attend. Muyoung hugged each person, offering his final farewells.
“Thank you.”
“Oh my! I hit the jackpot! I even got a hug from Muyoung!”
“I’ll give you a hug too, Director.”
“Oh my! Tickles—!”
“Ahahaha! The director’s so embarrassed!”
Was there another actor like this in the world?
The staff felt their noses tingle at the thought of parting with Muyoung. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t been in the industry long and hadn’t become jaded, or maybe he was just like this.
But if there was one wish—
“Muyoung, stay just the way you are, okay?”
Don’t change. Muyoung smiled brightly and nodded.
As the set was cleared, Muyoung changed his clothes and asked Gyeongmin,
“Hyung, has the date for the wrap party been set?”
“Yeah, it’s the evening of the day the final episode airs. We’ll have dinner and celebrate together.”
“Oh, that’s nice.”
Eunseong had finished his final shoot earlier than Muyoung since his character died midway through the drama. Muyoung, who had roughly removed his makeup, gathered his belongings.
“I’ll be a bit busy this month, but I’m free next month, right?”
“Right? Ah, I’m coordinating with Eunseong’s team for a variety show and some ads, but I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s confirmed.”
Blade’s Path was such a huge hit that calls were coming in from everywhere. But aside from interviews, he hadn’t done much else.
Due to the last-minute script changes in the latter half and the genre being a period drama, there hadn’t been much time to spare.
“And next week, there’s the Asian Film Festival, and that’s it. Bora and I will be going together. Other than that, just rest. You’ve worked hard.”
“Got it, hyung. You’ve worked hard too.”
The two patted each other’s shoulders and headed out.
As they walked, Muyoung greeted every staff member they passed, not missing a single farewell.
Thanks to him, it took over thirty minutes just to leave the building.
“Whew.”
“Heading home?”
“Yes, sir.”
Muyoung leaned against the seat and closed his eyes.
Just as he was thinking of getting some sleep, his phone rang.
[Yuna: Oppa, what are you doing?]
“Huh?”
Yuna? What’s going on?
At the unexpected caller, Muyoung answered without hesitation.
“Yuna!”
-Oppa?
His fatigue vanished.
Hearing the child’s voice after a long time, he couldn’t help but smile.
Gyeongmin turned down the music so Muyoung could talk comfortably.
“I’m heading home from work. What’s up? Did you eat?”
-What time is it? Of course, I ate. You’re calling right away. Aren’t you busy?
“The wrap party for Blade’s Path is coming up, so I’m a bit free now. What’s going on?”
The child hesitated for a moment. Muyoung patiently waited for Yuna’s words, and soon a cautious invitation came.
-Next week, my school is having a cultural festival. Will you come play?
“Next week? What day?”
-Wednesday.
“Hyung, what day is the Asian Film Festival?”
“Friday to Sunday.”
The dates didn’t clash. Fortunately.
Muyoung readily nodded and replied,
“Sure, I’ll come. What are you doing, Yuna?”
-I’m doing a play with my classmates. I’m the lead.
“Wow, as expected, you’re amazing. I’ll definitely come watch. Send me the details—time and place—in a text.”
-……Thanks. I’ll hang up then.
“Huh? Yuna?”
Muyoung instinctively tried to hold her back. He wasn’t sure why, but Yuna’s voice didn’t sound right.
“Is something wrong?”
-No, nothing. Oppa, get some rest too. I was just doing my homework. I’ll text you the details right away.
Click.
That’s odd…… Muyoung tilted his head, staring at the phone screen that had gone dark. Gyeongmin glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
“Is something wrong with Yuna?”
“She invited me to her school’s cultural festival, but her voice didn’t sound right.”
“Maybe she’s just tired because it’s late?”
“I don’t think so……”
I’ll have to ask her in person.
Muyoung made up his mind and rested his forehead against the window. A pleasantly cool sensation seeped into his skin. The bouquet of flowers beside him gave off a sweet scent.
Vroom—
Muyoung fell asleep instantly. Gyeongmin drove carefully through the city’s night.
And so, the day of the wrap party arrived. Muyoung, dressed in a hoodie and jeans, froze as he looked outside.
“……Wow, there are so many people.”
Even during You are a Star, I am a Star, he hadn’t expected this. This time, it was on a whole other level. Traffic was at a standstill, with police directing the flow.
“How did they all find out? The production team said they didn’t disclose the location of the wrap party.”
“What do you expect from reporters? They must have heard through the grapevine.”
“Even so, this is too many.”
It wasn’t just reporters.
Fans had also gathered on both sides, waiting for the cast. Despite the heat, they were all gathered there……
“This is so touching.”
Muyoung murmured, his eyes sparkling.
Honestly, he hadn’t fully grasped the drama’s popularity. His recognition had already been high, and variety shows and ads had been postponed due to filming.
Aside from the viewership ratings, there weren’t many tangible indicators.
“Muyoung, look at that.”
Following Gyeongmin’s gaze, Muyoung looked across the street. On the billboard opposite the building where the wrap party would take place, there was a huge poster of him and Eunseong.
[Congratulations on the finale of Blade’s Path. A new history has blossomed through you.]
It was an ad placed by ‘Eunseong Nation x Muyoung Heritage.’ Muyoung gazed up at it, mesmerized.
He was overwhelmed by the thought that he had been part of such a great work.
“Muyoung, it’s time for us to go in.”
“Oh, yes. Just a moment.”
While Muyoung took a photo of the billboard, the coordinator beside him tidied his hair and clothes. When she nodded to signal he was ready, Muyoung opened the car door.
Creak—
Click! Click!
“Look! It’s Ha Muyoung!”
“Ha Muyoung has arrived!”
“Muyoung-ahhh! I’m dyinggg!”
“Congratulations on the finale of Blade’s Path! Can we have a comment?”
“Stop pushing from behind! I can’t breathe!”
“With the final broadcast today, do you think the viewership will exceed 40%?”
“That’s ridiculous. Who asks that kind of question!?”
“Muyoung-ssi, over here please!”
Click! Click!
Boom! Boom!
The chaos of reporters and fans blended together. Guided by the bodyguards, Muyoung stepped inside the building. The flashbulbs were blinding.
“Thank you. Thank you.”
Muyoung could only move forward with his eyes almost closed. Somehow, he found himself smiling.
“Muyoung-ah! Catch this!”
“Muyoung-ssi! I’m a fan!”
Hands suddenly reached out from the crowd. Muyoung gave light high-fives or accepted fan letters. Unfortunately, he couldn’t accept large gifts.
“Sorry, my hands are full.”
“Please take it— Ahhh—”
“Hyung! Over here for a moment!”
The fans, realizing that the person following Muyoung was his manager, handed their gifts to Gyeongmin. In an instant, the scene turned chaotic. Muyoung, holding a large bouquet of flowers and letters, stood in front of the photo wall.
“Muyoung-ssi, look this way!”
“Front, to the right!”
“Can we have a comment?”
By now, it was almost embarrassing. It felt like he was being welcomed like a national athlete.
Muyoung, holding a bundle of microphones, briefly greeted everyone.
“Ha Muyoung here, who played King Jungjong in Blade’s Path. Thank you so much for the love, and I’m grateful for this wonderful experience. I hope you all have a great evening. Thank you.”
And with that, he finally moved inside, flanked by bodyguards. Once inside, he saw that all the other actors and staff had already arrived.
“Oh my, finally, everyone’s here.”
“Am I the last one? Gosh, sorry.”
“No, no, everyone just arrived.”
A large barbecue restaurant had been rented out, and a projector was set up on the wall. It seemed they had brought it to watch the finale of Blade’s Path together. Guided by the staff, Muyoung sat across from Eunseong.
“Hyung, did you see the billboard outside?”
“My picture came out terrible.”
“What? It looked great!”
Though they hadn’t seen each other in a while, they chatted as if they had just met yesterday, skipping formal greetings. Soon, meat and alcohol were set on the table, and the PD took the microphone.
“Ahem, I’m not good at making speeches, but since it’s the wrap party, I should at least start it formally, right?”
“Whoaaa!”
The staff cheered, hyping up the atmosphere.
“Everyone has really worked hard. There were a lot of challenges, but you all did so well, and we were able to create a great piece of work. As a PD, this has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
At that moment, Muyoung caught Yuchan’s eye, who was sitting diagonally across from him. They exchanged a silent agreement to meet later.
“And of course, we should hear from our lead actors.”
“Eunseong! Eunseong!”
Eunseong waved his hands as if to say he hated this kind of thing. But what could he do? The atmosphere demanded it.
“……It was a good experience. Everyone, take care.”
“Me too! I don’t think I’ll forget this. If there’s another opportunity, I’d love to work with you all again. Eunseong hyung, thanks for putting up with me.”
Muyoung jumped in to wrap up Eunseong’s socially awkward greeting. Everyone burst into laughter, and the party officially began.
“Does Muyoung drink? I heard he can’t hold his liquor.”
“Of course, I’ll drink if it’s offered by the director! I’m fine today.”
“Cheers!”
“Another round?”
Glasses clinked as they drank, soothing their regrets. Empty bottles piled up quickly beside the table. Their faces flushed from the heat of the grill.
By the time everyone was tipsy,
the final episode of Blade’s Path began to air.
Using the drama as background music, they continued to drink without pause. Only Eunseong sat quietly, focused on the screen.
“Eunseong-ssi, a drink……!”
The PD, who had been tapping his shoulder, stopped in surprise.
Muyoung, sipping on soda, suddenly exclaimed,
“Whoa! He’s crying!”
“What? Eunseong’s crying?”
“No, I’m not! Are you crazy? You’re drunk!”
“It’s you who’s drunk! Wow, Eunseong hyung’s crying!”
“Eunseong’s crying?”
“The guy who didn’t even cry at awards shows? Let’s buy a lottery ticket today.”
His eyes were red, glistening with tears. Seizing the moment, Muyoung shouted excitedly.
Everyone crowded around to watch him cry, and Eunseong, flustered, waved his spoon.
“What are you all looking at! Go back to eating!”
“He’s crying~! He’s crying~!”
“Ha Muyoung, get over here.”
“Oops, sorry.”
Everyone laughed and enjoyed the raucous party.
Their laughter echoed until dawn, and it wasn’t until morning that the PD’s phone, tucked in a corner, revealed the viewership ratings.
It was the first time in Company J’s history that a drama had surpassed 40% viewership.