Chapter 66: The Golden Maknae
Ssssssss—
Quite some time has passed.
While the chatter of the noisy crowd keeps dwindling, Muyoung’s sizzling meat never ends.
Lee Yujin, the exhausted PD, asked in amazement after finishing her meal, “Does all that fit in your stomach?”
“Yes. Can I order one more serving?”
“Go ahead. That’s impressive.”
“Isn’t it a national rule that free food can be eaten infinitely?”
And then, more gobbling.
Muyoung devoured the meat as if it were his first bite, finding it delicious.
Hong Seokjo and Na Geumdong’s table turned into a very calm atmosphere. They kept clinking their soju glasses and muttering, as if discussing something serious.
Zzzzzz.
At that moment, Muyoung’s phone rang.
It was a message from Yuchan after a very long time. It carried some happy news.
[Muyoung, the third-quarter play has been decided as
The village head role was quite important.
He proactively kills the protagonist, Mari, and delivers the village’s tragedy to the audience at the very end. Muyoung clapped his hands, pleased, and replied.
[That’s great. Let me know when the play opens, and I’ll come watch.]
[It’s all thanks to you. Thank you, in many ways.]
The premiere was about two and a half months away. Since it was a quarterly play, the schedule was quite tight. Muyoung pondered as he mulled over the words
‘Come to think of it, that ghost lady…….’
The woman who spends her days holed up in the living room, unable to find peace. If
“Oh!”
A pretty good idea flashed through his mind. It might be the perfect way to help her find peace, something more satisfying than just rehearsing lines for her.
“Why? Is something good happening?”
“A friend of mine got an important role in a theater company.”
“Oh? That’s great. Aaahhhm.”
Lee Yujin the PD let out a huge yawn. Having gotten to know Muyoung well enough, the purpose of this meeting had been achieved. His mask and demeanor were quite good, but his musical talent was regrettably lacking. Bang, bang, bang!
“Are you tired? Should we head out now?”
Ko Gyeongmin suggested, observing her demeanor. Perfect timing.
It was past one in the morning, so it was time to wrap up. Muyoung had filming scheduled for tomorrow morning—or rather, later today.
“Senior, should we call it a night here?”
“Huh? Already? Anyway, what’s up with the stamina of young people?”
“Sorry, I’m really tired.”
“That’s too bad…… Director Na, shall we go for round two?”
“Sure!”
The only person who could suggest ending the night to Hong Seokjo was Lee Yujin, who held an equal position as a PD.
Ah, poor Director Na. Muyoung looked at Na Geumdong with a sympathetic gaze. Taeseok seemed to be half out of his mind already, his neck crooked.
“Then, shall I take you to a place I know well? They’re famous for their intestines. It’s nearby. Nearby.”
“Should we? Then let’s take a taxi—”
“No, it’s right nearby. It’s just over there, right?”
Hong Seokjo. Na Geumdong. Taeseok. And one production staff member.
“Ride in my car. It’s literally right in front, less than five minutes away. Come on. Here, I’ll pay the bill!”
He walked toward the counter with a cheerful smile. Staggering and walking in a zigzag pattern, he was clearly drunk, yet he wanted to drive?
“Director, don’t do that. Let’s walk over.”
“It’s far if you walk, but it’s quick if you drive. Don’t you know?”
“Then at least call a designated driver—”
“What’s the big deal for a five-minute drive?”
At the staff member’s suggestion, he laughed heartily and waved his hand. Oh dear, this is tricky. Na Geumdong, Taeseok, and Ko Gyeongmin felt the same way. If there was someone who hadn’t been drinking, they could take the wheel, but everyone had been drinking.
“Hmm?”
Muyoung rinsed his mouth with cider and looked at the back of Hong Seokjo’s head. Black Smog was rising from under his feet and extending all the way to the white car parked outside the store.
“Is that the director’s car? The white one?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“This is bad.”
Drinking and driving itself is absolutely unacceptable, but the situation was even more forbidden now.
Look at that smog! Not knowing how deep the misfortune might be made it even more unsettling.
“Hyung, try to stop him. He absolutely must not take the wheel.”
“Wait a minute. It would be better to just call a designated driver—”
“What’s going on? Come on, everyone, hurry up.”
“Oh, Director. Just a moment. I’ll call a driver, so why don’t you have a cigarette in the meantime?”
Na Geumdong rushed over to him to divert his attention. Hong Seokjo kept grumbling and waving his hands.
“It’s so close, what’s the big deal? The driver fee is a waste!”
No, a man who earns a high salary from a broadcasting station, why is he so concerned about the driver fee? The director pushed away Na Geumdong’s hand and opened the driver’s door.
Click—
“No, you can’t.”
But Muyoung smiled and closed the door again. Huh? What’s this guy doing now? Hong Seokjo blinked. He seemed to think it was a joke and grabbed the door handle again.
“I said you can’t.”
“What’s going on?”
“You absolutely must not take the wheel. If you do, I’ll report you right away.”
“Muyoung—”
If I had the money, I’d just rip the steering wheel out. If you’re lucky, you’ll get caught at a checkpoint. If not, you’ll die. I’m not kidding, I’m serious. That’s the power of the Black Smog.
“Hey! What’s this guy doing?”
Staggering, Hong Seokjo grabbed Muyoung’s arm, unable to keep his balance. Look at that. How can someone in that state drive? He’s crazy.
“Get out of the way, you bastard?”
“No, you can’t.”
“You bastard! Screw you!”
“Oh! Director! Screw you!”
Muyoung shouted back just as loudly. Hong Seokjo was shocked and could only hiccup. There had never been a rookie like this before. It’s usually hard for them even to make eye contact. What’s up with this guy?
“Puff puff puff!”
Watching the scene, Lee Yujin covered her forehead and laughed, finding it ridiculous. Then she helped Muyoung slowly close the car door.
“Senior, if you write another apology letter this time, it’ll really be the end.”
Hong Seokjo had already been caught drinking and driving twice before. It had been a while ago, so it hadn’t made the news, but within the company, he was one step away from a third strike.
She waved at him as she hailed a passing taxi. “I’ll send you home. Have a good time at round two, and go home safely. Thanks for organizing this gathering today.”
“Uh? Wait, Yujin!”
“Be safe. Have a good time at round two!”
Na Geumdong and Taeseok seized the moment and pulled him into the taxi. The two waved from the window, signaling to Muyoung and Ko Gyeongmin that they should go prepare for their morning schedules. It was like a typhoon had passed.
“He’s certainly a unique character.”
Yujin pulled out a cigarette and smiled. She looked at Muyoung with regret.
“A rebel is needed, but there’s no need to go completely off the rails.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“The lead in the next project. It’s strange. I don’t know why, but I keep thinking about you.”
A person who’s likable without doing anything special.
It had been a long time since he’d felt this way.
She didn’t know it, but it was a producer’s instinct that drew her to a good actor.
Working with good people would lead to good results.
“Take this.”
She took a business card out of her wallet and handed it to Muyoung.
There are certain images that come to mind when thinking about a character who plays intense band music.
Someone who is resolute and principled, firmly holding their ground.
“It was so nice meeting you today. Honestly, I think I like you. The character you show from time to time is perfect.”
Of course, as an actor and a producer.
“So, this project might be a bit disappointing, but if we get the chance next time, let’s definitely work together. At least you won’t cause trouble by drinking and driving. Ha ha.”
Muyoung looked at the business card intently and muttered.
Pollen from Lee Yujin radiated brightly, sticking all over him like flowers.
“You said you like me. So why not?”
“Huh? Didn’t you hear? It’s a musician role, so you need to sing well. Of course, it’s a guitar position, but there are quite a few scenes where you hold a microphone. You can’t cover that with directing every time, right?”
She patted Muyoung’s shoulder comfortingly, saying, “Tsk tsk.”
It won’t work out this time! Ko Gyeongmin sighed in disappointment at the dawn air. But Muyoung didn’t give up.
“So, if I become good at singing, will you cast me?”
What a cute suggestion.
Lee Yujin stubbed out her cigarette and nodded readily.
“The chances will increase, I’m sure.”
I can guarantee that the writer and the production company will also like Muyoung.
A fresh rookie with great visuals and a personality that fits the role perfectly. What more could you ask for?
“If you know anyone around you who sings, ask them for help. Alright, I’ll head in first. Have a good wrap-up.”
Yujin said that and disappeared into a taxi.
The heat of the barbecue restaurant still lingered.
Muyoung carefully put the pollen-covered business card into his pocket and looked at Ko Gyeongmin.
“Do you want to do this?”
“Yes. I think I need to.”
There’s no need to worry about anything else when you’re already walking on a path of flowers. He wanted to seize this opportunity that had just appeared.
Ko Gyeongmin scratched under his nose and turned his gaze to the roadside. He’d be happy to support him, but his singing skills were…….
“Go home and rest first. When the sun rises, let’s come up with a new strategy.”
“Can I charge the taxi fare to the company?”
“Sure. But take a regular taxi, not a deluxe one.”
He smiled and helped Muyoung hail a taxi.
Even though I didn’t drink a drop of alcohol, why am I so tired?
As soon as Muyoung entered the officetel, he collapsed onto the sofa.
Judging by the shoes in the hallway, it seemed like Junho would be commuting from here again today!
“Singing. Singing.”
Was I that bad?
He thought he sounded pretty good when he listened to himself. Muyoung considered whether he should look into a vocal academy and turned on the TV.
The weekend rerun of ‘Show! Music Festival’ was airing.
[Next up is the number one candidate team, ZeroTerm’s stage!]”
“ZeroTerm?”
It was the team that Enbin belonged to. Actually, he’d only heard the name and had never seen him sing or dance.
“Ohh. What’s this?”
Muyoung hugged a cushion and focused on the screen.
People really are the coolest when they’re doing their main job. The charisma he showed on stage was no joke. But Enbin seemed to be in charge of rap and dance rather than singing, so his parts were sporadic.
[Don’t do this, when I cling to you—]
The main vocalist was clearly the man with pink hair. From the endlessly rising high notes to the whispering parts, it was a flawless live performance. As the interlude played, the fans’ cheers could be heard.
[Golden maknae! Lee Romin!]”
Romin? If it’s Romin…….
That guy. Enbin’s youngest member and the master of bad acting. The one who wanted to act and was looking into academies. Muyoung’s body jolted as if he’d been electrocuted.
“That’s it.”
Since they both have what the other needs, wouldn’t they be able to help each other? As a professional, he could at least teach him how to look like he sings well in a short-term intensive course.
“Yay!”
While he jumped up from the sofa, the ghost lady quietly peeked out. Muyoung immediately wiped the smile off his face and gestured to her.
“Ghost lady, come here. I have something very important to say.”
Swooosh.
“I just got a message from a friend.
At his words, the ghost’s eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.
“So, you should practice until then and perfect your skills. I’ll take you to the performance when it happens.”
A properly set stage, with other supporting actors, performing a complete work. If it’s a truly satisfying stage, she’ll be able to move on without looking back.
“On that day, instead of the person playing Mari’s role, I’ll only watch you. I’ll be your audience, the audience that wasn’t there when you practiced! So, really, prepare without regrets.”
In two months, Muyoung would also be leaving.
It would be best for her to move on when the opportunity arises. No matter how much she wants to stay here, those who must leave should leave—that’s the way of nature.
“Do you understand what I’m saying? If you reject this, there’s no other option. This is the best I can do for you.”
At his words, the ghost lady only nodded.
Did she realize that the real end was near? She quietly disappeared as she had come, probably heading back to the living room.
‘Phew.’
He was a bit nervous, wondering if she might throw a fit.
Muyoung glanced toward the living room and picked up his phone. The music show ended with the news of ZeroTerm’s first place win.
[Congratulations on ‘Clinging’ taking first place. But is your youngest member still practicing acting?]”
He replied immediately, as if he’d been awake.
[‘Clinging’ was from a month ago. Watch some TV. The maknae? He seems to be going around for auditions, but there’s no news yet. Why?]”