Chapter 22: I’ve Made Up My Mind

I’ve made up my mind.

‘Huh? What?’

Instead of a face above his shoulders, there was only a swirling mist of acting. He babbled something enthusiastically, but Muyoung couldn’t hear him.

‘I’ve never seen him come out like that before.’

Smoke spewed from his mouth.

Muyoung remained cautious but didn’t stop eating. After all, it’s what it is, and meat is meat, right? He chewed a mouthful and scrutinized Park Moonchul intently.

“-So if you sign a contract, I’ll do my best to support you. Let’s do well, okay?”

He seemed to think Muyoung was focused on his words. His voice was highly charged. His face was swallowed up, so his expression was invisible.

“Yes. But can I order some rice?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Muyoung casually asked the team leader. It was an extremely dry reaction. Cho Miyoung, who was sipping soju next to him, laughed and raised her hand.

“Oh? Sure. Was Muyoung hungry? Madam, can we have a bowl of rice here, please?”

“They’re at a growing age. Eat a lot. Today’s the day we’re going to drain the boss’s wallet. Do you want to take some home when you leave?”

The team leader patted Muyoung on the back affectionately and said this. Muyoung, who consistently and uninterruptedly devoured the meat. Park Moonchul, sitting opposite him, silently sipped his soju.

‘It’s really uncomfortable.’

Eating at the same table as the smog. And since his face wasn’t visible, it was quite distracting. He was wondering how to get out of this situation.

“Muyoung! Come and have a drink with us too!”

The director and the production team shook the soju bottle and called him over. Right on cue! Muyoung, thinking this was his chance, stood up holding the bowl of rice the madam had given him.

“Oh yeah! Should I? Just a moment.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go around and say hi to everyone. They all really missed you. I think things are going well because we got off to a good start.”

The team leader gestured for him to go, as if urging him on.

‘Wow. Thank goodness!’

“Thank you!”

Muyoung expressed his sincere gratitude and then moved to another seat. The team leader watched his back and muttered.

“See? I told you Muyoung isn’t interested in the agency. You’re just making him uncomfortable.”

“He seemed pretty interested when you talked about the signing bonus. Senior, just spill it. How much are you thinking?”

At their words, Park Moonchul smiled quietly. Muyoung couldn’t see it because of the smog, but he was constantly smiling. How cute!

“I’m really going to give him a good deal.”

His actual appearance was much better. His acting skills, which he had demonstrated in just one role, were top-notch. Unlike other aspiring actors, he was a complete talent who didn’t require much investment. And—

“He has a unique charm.”

Should I call it determination? Usually, when meeting aspiring actors, they would do anything to impress you. But look at Muyoung.

“He has his own distinct color. That’s what makes him unique.”

He seemed resolute. An attitude that naturally evoked the phrases ‘I walk my own path’ or ‘you do you, I do me.’

It must come from his confidence in his abilities. From what I’ve seen in the entertainment industry, people like that are the ones who make it to the end.

“You’re completely smitten, aren’t you?”

“I like him. I really do.”

“Do you think you can get him?”

“Have you ever seen me fail to get someone I’ve set my sights on?”

Park Moonchul was known for his good instincts and persistence, especially given his past successes. It wouldn’t make sense to miss out on someone who’s clearly destined for greatness.

“If it goes well, you’ll have to let some of our project kids join in, right?”

Cho Miyoung rested her chin on her hand and picked up the bottle of alcohol. The two of them poured drinks for each other, filling their cups. The team leader sitting opposite them clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘I don’t think Muyoung has any intention of giving them the rice cake.’

Muyoung was moving around the table, acting cute, like a nephew who had reunited with his uncles after a long time. The director started singing a line, using a spoon as a microphone as a punishment.

“Ahh—the person I hate—”

“Ooh! What is that? It’s so old-fashioned.”

“Where aaar—ee you!”

“Wow, Muyoung! Do you know that song?”

In response to the staff’s jeers, Muyoung put all his energy into the chorus. The meat sizzled in the hot heat. People laughed and drank, washing away their fatigue in the warmth of the moment.

“Taxi!”

The party ended only in the early hours of the morning. A few people who were still somewhat sober took care of the others. Among them were the team leader and Muyoung.

“Ugh. It’s tough. Muyoung, are you okay?”

“Yes. I didn’t drink much alcohol. This is all meat in my stomach. Hehe.”

Muyoung laughed, patting his bulging stomach.

Well, judging by his brighter-than-usual smile, he seems drunk. The team leader checked the time—it was already past three o’clock—and asked.

“Are you going back to the dorm?”

“Um, no. The curfew means the door is closed. I have a place to go nearby, so I’m fine.”

No matter how little he drank, he couldn’t go to Junho’s house smelling of alcohol. Muyoung planned to walk to BV Academy—he wanted to see his teacher in the morning, too.

“Was it a bit much earlier?”

“What do you mean?”

The team leader took out a cigarette and lit it.

“Director Park Moonchul.”

While Muyoung was enjoying the music and drinks, the CEO and director had left early. They said that company dinners were meant to be enjoyed by employees alone. Especially Park Moonchul, who left after saying something meaningful about seeing them next time.

“Ah, it’s nothing. He likes me and made me an offer, so that’s good enough.”

There was nothing to it. Although the black smog had risen, as long as he didn’t get involved with that guy, it was someone else’s problem. The team leader took a long drag on his cigarette and asked casually.

“Are you considering Sealing?”

“No.”

“Cough—”

A refreshing answer that came without a second of hesitation. Muyoung smiled and blinked, as if wondering why he asked.

“Why? It’s a pretty good company.”

“It might be a good company, but…”

The person feels ominous. The person.

What kind of smog rises from inside a person’s body?

Muyoung swallowed those words and gave an ambiguous answer.

“I don’t want to work with someone whose face I don’t know.”

Honestly, after the brief introduction, he hadn’t seen the man’s face again. He couldn’t remember it. The team leader let out a small laugh at his odd response.

“Oh dear. I can’t take it anymore.”

“Oh? There’s another taxi coming. Team leader, go quickly.”

“Okay. You be careful too. Thanks a lot. If you have any ideas for your next project, let me know, okay?”

Muyoung simply smiled in response and waved him off. The quiet street. Perhaps it was the pleasant intoxication, but the night streets felt like a stage prepared just for him.

“Oh ho!”

And the BV Academy building was still sparkling with pollen, like stars falling from the night sky. Yes! This is it! His eyes, clouded by the smog, felt refreshed.

Squeak—

“Teacher. Are you asleep?”

A dim light seeped through the window. Muyoung cautiously called out to Oh Seok.

“Oh! What is it? Muyoung-ssi.”

“Teacher, teacher! What’s going on?”

Oh Seok was also having a drinking session with someone. There was a table cluttered with ramen and snacks. He greeted Muyoung with a happy expression.

“What are you doing here at this hour?”

“I just finished a web drama wrap party nearby. I was going to sneak in and sleep…”

“You little rascal! You’re all grown up now, huh? The kid who used to eat pork belly with soda. If you’re tired, go sleep in the practice room. Or do you want some ramen?”

Muyoung sat down next to Oh Seok. The person sitting opposite him. Thick glasses and a checkered shirt—he gave off a total nerd vibe.

“Gyeongmin, this is Ha Muyoung, the guy I told you about. He’s an amazing actor—he was in that Seoul City MeTube promo web drama, remember?”

“Oh, that’s you? Nice to meet you. I’m Ko Gyeongmin.”

“He’s my college junior. He came by for a drink after a long time. Why are you being so formal? Be casual, be casual! Haha!”

Gyeongmin offered Muyoung a handshake.

He looked much older, yet he was very polite. The moment Muyoung grasped Gyeongmin’s hand—

“……?”

Muyoung noticed the pollen emanating from the tips of his fingers. He thought it was coming from BV Academy, but it wasn’t. It started right here, from this person.

“What’s wrong?”

“Huh? No, you have very strong hands.”

“Maybe because I’ve done a lot of hard work? Haha.”

When Gyeongmin laughed awkwardly, Oh Seok added.

“He’s been through a lot. There’s no such thing as a satisfied actor, but he’s had a really tough life. About ten years, right?”

After graduating, he worked in theater, earning only two million won a year. He dedicated his life to acting, driven solely by his passion. But the reality was too harsh and unyielding.

“He couldn’t take it anymore and quit. He’s done every kind of job imaginable. Right?”

At Oh Seok’s question, Gyeongmin just smiled and nodded.

“I did manual labor and worked in the fields in Gangwon-do, picking grapes and stuff. Ah, senior, it’s embarrassing. Let’s not talk about that.”

“What’s embarrassing about it? I think you’re amazing—I mean that in a good way, man. Right? I think it’s incredible!”

He seemed fine, but he was drunk. Oh Seok praised Gyeongmin incoherently.

Muyoung watched the two of them while chewing on squid.

“Muyoung, this guy used the money he earned working in the fields to come back, can you believe it? He’s crazy, right? If it were me, I’d never set foot in this industry again.”

He loved acting, but he was an actor who wasn’t chosen. All Gyeongmin could do was take a step back and watch. The same went for Oh Seok, who, instead of being on stage, was now working as a teacher.

“Is the academy still running?”

“Uh, no. I’m not really cut out to teach anyone. I work as a manager at Big Win Entertainment.”

“Big Win Entertainment?”

“You probably haven’t heard of it. It’s a small company with only two actors. But since I’m an actor-turned-manager, it’s a great place to practice scripts. Haha.”

Yes, I really have no idea.

Muyoung looked at Gyeongmin with great interest. Maybe it was because of the smog he saw earlier, but the pollen coming from him seemed especially bright and clear.

“By the way, Muyoung, have you decided on an agency yet?”

Oh Seok shook his beer can and asked. When he first received offers from several places, he had asked Junho and Oh Seok for advice.

“From what I’ve seen, Bright seems to be the best option. Have they kept contacting you since then?”

“Yes. I got another business card today. From, uh, Sealing Actors.”

“Sealing Actors? I take back what I said earlier. Sealing over Bright! They’ve got money. Our Muyoung’s doing well. Those intermediate guys, they go to college and don’t even call. Muyoung’s the best! The best!”

I heard Bora’s preparing for a drama… I haven’t heard from Yuchan or the others. No news is good news—I just hope they’re doing well in college.

“By the way, manager—”

Muyoung wasn’t sure how to address Ko Gyeongmin, so he used the title ‘manager.’ Gyeongmin raised his eyebrows and smiled gently.

“Does Big Win Entertainment not recruit newcomers?”

“Huh? No, we’re always welcome to them, but as you can see, we’re not a very impressive place. Haha. Why? Do you want my business card?”

He was joking. Why would a newcomer who received an offer from Sealing come to his company? They couldn’t even offer a decent signing bonus. But Muyoung immediately nodded and held out both hands.

“Yes!”

“……Yes?”

“Please give me your business card. I want it.”

Innocent and overjoyed to have finally found what he was looking for, Muyoung’s smile grew even brighter.

Ko Gyeongmin stared at him blankly, his mouth hanging open.

What just happened here?