Chapter 71: Information

“Is it okay for Romin to do that without the company knowing?”

Cheongdam, a neighborhood whose name exudes an air of nobility.

That was Muyoung’s impression of Cheongdam. But upon arriving, it didn’t seem much different—just a slightly cleaner residential area. Muyoung glanced at Gyeongmin, who was driving.

‘Is he saying that because it’s the company’s position?’

When Romin was informed about the audition, everything proceeded naturally. Enbin contacted Director Yujin on Romin’s behalf and supported him.

“Isn’t it because it wouldn’t work, so they’re being careful?”

“Well, if he really wants to do it, they’d probably let him. That big company.”

“They said they opposed it because bad acting would damage his image. But I think that makes sense, too.”

When I actually saw it, I was really surprised.

“You? What about you, Muyoung? Are you okay?”

“Me? Why me?”

“Technically, he’s your competitor. If you help him like this and the result isn’t great, you’ll be the only one feeling bitter.”

Unlike the man who sang a serenade in the TV station hall, Romin secured the audition solely based on his reputation as Zero Term. He even refused to be seen alone.

“It’s okay. If he got the role because of his reputation, Romin would already be working on another project.”

Besides, we have different goals.

I want to be the lead, and Romin wants to play the mermaid prince.

Our goals are different, but our direction is the same, so it would be great if we could help each other along the way.

“Besides, I got the audition because Romin helped me. I want to repay him at least this much.”

“If you say so. But I’m asking you, please don’t do anything without the company knowing. We’ll listen to you. Okay?”

He sounded like a worried parent whose child had made friends with a troublemaker. Muyoung laughed and pointed ahead.

“Hyung, I think we’re here.”

I see a stylish sign that says Chunchunrang. It’s famous in Cheongdam, but I’m not sure what it is. It doesn’t seem to be a hair and makeup place.

“Is that Romin over there?”

“Who? That guy?”

There was a man standing in front of him. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a mask, his face was hard to identify. Muyoung leaned out the window, and the man waved his hand, as if inviting him in.

“It is Romin. But why doesn’t he get in and ask me to come in?”

“Go ahead. I’ll park and come in.”

“Okay!”

Squeak!

As soon as Muyoung got out, Romin ran over to greet him warmly. He then led him inside as if he were familiar with the place.

“Thanks for coming. I don’t have a license, so I was wondering what to do. Taking a taxi seemed a bit much.”

“No problem. It’s on my way anyway. But aren’t you done already?”

Since Romin had to move without a manager, he planned to ride with Muyoung in his car. That’s why he came to pick him up in Cheongdam……

“I’m almost done. But what about you, hyung?”

“Me? I—”

“Don’t say you’ve done it.”

Romin cut off Muyoung’s words abruptly.

Is it that weird? I paid the most at the local hair salon to get it done. Muyoung entered awkwardly, and the staff greeted them both.

“Romin, where have you been?”

“Just outside for a bit. Hyung, meet the director. He’s my manager and the best in Cheongdam.”

“Oh, now you’re even good at flattery.”

“Sister, please take good care of my brother.”

“Huh? Me? Me too?”

“Come on, sit down over here.”

Muyoung was almost dragged to a chair and sat down. Instead of the typical salon smell, there was a faint, sweet scent in the air. The director fiddled with his hair and muttered,

“Your makeup is a bit smudged, too. Should I redo it?”

“Oh, Romin, we don’t have time.”

We don’t have money either, you idiot!

Then Romin just winked, as if telling him to stay still.

“That’s why we met early. The director can do it in thirty minutes if he starts right away, so it’s okay.”

And celebrities get a huge discount here.

Romin covered his mouth with his hand and smiled. For ordinary people, it required a long waiting list and hundreds of thousands of won, but it was different for celebrities.

‘Since they’re basically walking daily PPLs, getting photographed whenever they go to an event, I guess that’s how it is.’

“Close your eyes.”

Muyoung gently closed his eyes at the director’s words. He wouldn’t know. Not just any designer, but the director himself! How hard it is to get this kind of treatment without waiting.

“Hyung, listen to this while you’re doing that.”

“Huh? What?”

“Know your enemy, and you’ll win every battle. Knowing who’s coming to the audition in advance might help a bit.”

“Oh, maybe?”

It’s an acting audition, so even if you know your opponent, there’s not much you can do. But at least you won’t be caught off guard, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to appeal to their weaknesses……

“Enbin lied to the company, saying he was interested, to get this information. Actually, he was trying to get me in.”

After connecting Romin with Director Yujin, Enbin changed his mind and backed out. The team atmosphere seems much stronger than other idol groups. That’s probably why they’ve made it to the top.

“Anyway, I think it would be good for you to hear it too, hyung.”

Romin smiled and shared the information he had heard.

Very quietly. But the depth of it—

‘It’s definitely a big agency.’

That’s what you’d say.

“Director, how is it?”

In the drama production company’s meeting room, auditions for female roles were scheduled for the morning, and male roles for the afternoon. Since only one person could be seen at a time, this kind of day was expected to last for a week. Director Yujin flipped through the papers and replied,

“I think Song-a’s vibe is good.”

“Her tone is friendly, so her delivery is smooth, too. And her skin is so pale. Ah! I don’t know why kids these days are so pretty.”

“But won’t Song-a’s comeback season overlap? I’m not sure how the hair will work out.”

“We’ll have to talk to the company. Excluding the comeback, she’s the top priority. Right?”

“I’m in favor of that, too.”

“Me too. And then there’s Pyo Lai.”

“Oh! She’s much prettier in person. On screen, she has a cheerful image, but she looks a bit cold, which was unexpected.”

The director, the writer, and the production company staff were all huddled together, trying to decide on the female lead and her friend. As the meeting continued, the writer covered her head and leaned her neck back.

“But somehow, this project is really an idol fest.”

I knew established actors would avoid it, but I didn’t think it would be this bad. Half of the auditionees were minor idols, and the other half were rookie actors.

“Don’t think badly of it. Kids these days act well, and they have big fanbases. The ads will do well.”

“I don’t know.”

I was determined to make this project a huge success! But to be rejected at the casting stage! The writer slumped over the desk, feeling defeated.

Knock.

Knock.

“The audition participants are here.”

“Is it time already?”

Director Yujin waved her hand, as if telling them to get ready.

Since the audition was for people who had already debuted, it was usually done one-on-one. But—

‘Since it’s a band, we need to check the chemistry between the members.’

They needed to see how they would look on camera together and if their images would create a good synergy, so they were brought in as a group.

“Hello, I’m Guryong from Along!”

“Come in, come in. Sit down. Sit down.”

Besides, this is the first round of auditions.

There’s not much to do—just a camera test, some reading, and a casual conversation.

“Are they all here? Eight in total?”

There were active members, rookies who had just debuted, and even some who hadn’t been active in a while. They exchanged awkward glances and sat down to wait.

“Two more should come, Zero Term and the one I mentioned before.”

“Ah, Ha Muyoung?”

At the mention of Zero Term, the applicants perked up. Even senior musicians and top idols have to go through this! They were all tense inside.

Squeak.

“Hello. Oh dear, we’re late.”

Romin entered. As the youngest, he exuded a lovable aura. His neat hairstyle and fresh makeup, along with his slightly red eyes, gave him a nostalgic look.

“No, you’re right on time……”

Then a man entered behind him. The writer couldn’t speak and just stared. His slightly faded hair color, pomade, and light smoky makeup—his gaze seemed ready to devour anyone.

‘A black panther.’

He was alive. Anyone standing before him would feel like prey.

“I’m Ha Muyoung.”

His voice, as he bowed his head in greeting, echoed like in a cave. The writer glanced at the director.

‘What is he?’

‘I told you, he’s really good.’

Director Yujin, who was looking at him, felt a thrill, too. The charm he exuded was much riper than when she saw him at the TV station. He was sparkling enough to go on stage right now. Even more than the active members beside him!

“Well, let’s get started. Let’s just talk casually and do a little reading. Hahaha. Think of it as a comfortable place. You all know each other, right?”

“We’ve seen each other around.”

“Let’s keep it natural. Naturally.”

The production manager shuffled some papers and announced the start of the audition. A strange energy filled the meeting room.

“Well, let’s start with Guryong, who came first.”

“Ah. Yes.”

“You have acting experience?”

“Actually, I tried to debut as an actor, but it didn’t work out, so I debuted as an idol. I went to acting school whenever I had time and never gave up.”

“Oh, really?”

The manager seemed to like him. As his name, Guryong, suggests, he had a very middle-school, macho vibe. You could say he had a rough aura about him.

“Do you have a role you want? I think you’d be a good guitarist.”

Everyone here knows the guitarist is the lead. Guryong answered confidently.

“I’ve been playing guitar for ten years. I’m confident.”

“You’re in good shape, too. Do you work out?”

“Yes, I like being active.”

He said that because the character is a free spirit and will likely have a shirtless scene at some point. Either way, the atmosphere is warm. Director Yujin didn’t think he was that bad, either. It’s just that she had someone else in mind.

‘What was Ha Muyoung’s physique like……?’

I was so focused on his face that I don’t remember his build. I do remember he was tall, though. As she glanced over casually, she was startled.

‘What?’

Muyoung was leaning back in his chair, looking relaxed as he observed the meeting room. His expression was indifferent, as if it were someone else’s business. He seemed so desperate when I saw him at the TV station, though?

“How tall is everyone?”

“I’m 181.”

“77.”

Everyone looked at Muyoung. He smiled and enjoyed the attention. He’s definitely a performer.

“I’m the tallest at 184.”

“Your body line is beautiful. Are you a model?”

“No, I’m an aspiring actor. Do I need to build my body a bit?”

At his question, the manager adjusted his glasses.

“Since there’s romance involved and it’s the male lead role, there will be some upper body exposure, mostly the back. Is that okay? Do you mind?”

The manager’s playful question made Muyoung smile broadly, as if to say, What a strange question.

“No, I’m totally confident. I can build my body by the time we shoot the drama. Plus, my skin is really good. No tattoos, no blemishes.”

“You’re right. Hahaha. Your skin looks good.”

While everyone laughed warmly, Guryong had to force a smile.

‘Tattoos? Oh—’

He forgot about the nine dragon tattoos on his back. Since he only looks in the mirror from the front, he kind of forgot they were there.

“But Guryong was speaking……”

“Ah, it’s okay. It’s a common question. Hahaha.”

Muyoung looked at Guryong and nodded slightly, as if to apologize for interrupting. To him, it seemed like he was apologizing for interrupting during his turn……

‘Ah, I’m sorry.’

Muyoung was apologizing to someone else. The information Romin gave him was just the beginning.