How a Loan Shark Survives as an Actor Chapter 64

Chapter 64

 

How does an unknown actor see Yoo Seulho?

‘A shameless bastard.’

No unknown actor looked kindly upon Yoo Seulho, who had no talent yet kept taking casting opportunities thanks to his parents’ influence.

Every actor around Kang Hyunggu hated Yoo Seulho, and Kang Hyunggu was no exception.

Then Yoo Seulho suddenly displayed completely different acting skills in his drama.

After watching it, Kang Hyunggu had no choice but to acknowledge his talent, but a part of him still felt bitter.

‘If it had been me, I’d have been buried long ago…’

He would’ve never even gotten the chance to show such improvement.

Of course, Yoo Seulho must have worked hard to change. Kang Hyunggu knew that. He had no intention of denying it.

‘But wasn’t the only reason he could change like that because of all the privileges he had?’

Wasn’t it only possible because he’d received opportunities ordinary actors like himself could only dream of?

‘This feels strange.’

For the past week, Kang Hyunggu had been plagued by complicated emotions.

Getting an offer for a commercial from a major brand was something to celebrate, but the model just had to be Yoo Seulho.

The thought of facing someone he disliked made him uneasy, but in the end, he was the one who needed this opportunity.

‘Anyway, Yoo Seulho’s the star. I should make a good impression.’

With that in mind, Kang Hyunggu froze when he saw Yoo Seulho receiving makeup on the day of filming.

‘What…?’

The real Yoo Seulho was completely different from what he’d imagined.

First, he was larger than he looked on TV, and maybe because of his expressionless face, he seemed intimidating.

‘Wasn’t he supposed to have a friendly face?’

He had always seemed like an easygoing pushover.

The atmosphere around him was much harder to approach than Kang Hyunggu expected, so he hesitated for a long time.

“Um, hello.”

“…?”

Seizing the moment Yoo Seulho stood up after finishing his makeup, Kang Hyunggu hurried over.

“It’s an honor to work with you today, sir. I’ll do my best.”

After years of playing minor and supporting roles, Kang Hyunggu had learned one thing:

When dealing with famous actors like Yoo Seulho, the safest option was simply to bow your head.

There were too many terrible actors in the industry, and it was wisdom earned through countless experiences.

‘It’s not that I’m afraid of shit. I avoid it because it’s filthy.’

Bowing to someone he had always disliked felt somewhat humiliating, but Kang Hyunggu tried to grovel with dignity.

Usually, actors reacted one of two ways.

Half simply went, “Ah, okay,” and walked past.

The other half gave formal smiles and said, “Yes, please work hard. ^^”

Just as he wondered which type Yoo Seulho would be…

“Likewise. What’s your name?”

For some reason, Yoo Seulho stared at him before asking his name.

“Huh? My name?”

Not once had a lead actor ever asked for his name.

Forget lead actors… even directors didn’t ask.

If someone were relatively polite, they’d call him “supporting actor.”

If they were older and ill-tempered, they’d simply yell, “Hey, part-timer!”

He’d experienced it so many times that his pride no longer suffered from it.

“I’ll do my best to support you, Mr. Hyunggu.”

“Support… me?”

“You have to make the beer look delicious today, right? Fighting.”

But hearing his own name like that gave him an indescribable feeling.

And “support”?

Anyone could tell that Yoo Seulho was the star of today’s shoot.

‘Well, I am the one drinking the beer.’

But Kang Hyunggu was merely one of the ordinary guys drinking beer.

The commercial still belonged to Yoo Seulho.

For a second, he wondered if Yoo Seulho was subtly mocking him, but there wasn’t the slightest trace of ridicule in his eyes or attitude.

“Then I’ll see you on set later.”

“Ah, yes…”

Bowing instinctively, Kang Hyunggu blankly watched Yoo Seulho leave.

Then his gaze fell upon the script in Yoo Seulho’s hand.

‘…Wait.’

How did someone turn a simple commercial script into ‘that’?

It looked worn out from being read over and over.

Sure, it was a story-driven commercial and had some dialogue, but it wasn’t difficult.

Most of it consisted of everyday conversations and offered little opportunity to show off acting skills.

‘He’s even marked it up with pen.’

His handwritten notes covered so much of the white pages they looked almost black.

Was today’s shoot really worth all that?

‘Is he putting on a show?’

Regardless of Kang Hyunggu’s doubts, preparations continued smoothly.

The extras took their places, and everyone got ready.

“Ready, go!”

The moment the director shouted, the quiet studio transformed into a lively company dinner.

The camera focused solely on Yoo Seulho.

Yet Yoo Seulho acted as if the camera right in front of him didn’t exist and looked only at Kang Hyunggu.

“So…”

Their eyes met.

Grinning, Yoo Seulho said,

“So, Sangwook, when are you getting married? At your age, you should already have two kids.”

“Huh?”

“Come on~. That’s how it is. If you’re Korean, you should have kids. Why aren’t you married yet? Your parents won’t support you?”

Ugh.

Even knowing it was acting, disgust rose inside him.

“Haha…”

Like countless office workers in real life, Kang Hyunggu forced a smile and humored him.

But Yoo Seulho showed no signs of stopping.

“Do you have a house? Monthly rent? Jeonse? Surely you don’t own one, right?”

…

He was the perfect old-fashioned boss who casually said rude things to coworkers.

Even when Kang Hyunggu showed mild irritation and tried to stay quiet, Yoo Seulho never let up.

In fact, when he raised his voice and complained that “kids these days don’t know the value of money,” admiration naturally arose.

‘Wow.’

He’s really good…

Twenty-five-year-old Yoo Seulho had the face of a young employee, not an overbearing boss.

When Kang Hyunggu first read the script, he’d wondered about that.

‘Is he going to awkwardly act older?’

But the performance in front of him was completely different.

“I’ve got more advice for you, Sangwook. Listen carefully.”

His face was youthful, but his posture and the way he pointed at Kang Hyunggu radiated seniority.

As if…

‘Did he join the company early?’

Like someone who entered the company in high school and rose higher than employees his own age.

‘Yeah, people like that do exist.’

As scene after scene passed, Kang Hyunggu became convinced.

Watching Yoo Seulho speak arrogantly, he could vividly picture someone who had entered the company young and spent years absorbing the values of older coworkers.

‘That’s why…’

It didn’t feel like acting.

Countless little details removed any awkwardness and made it feel real.

‘God, this is irritating.’

At some point, Kang Hyunggu forgot they were filming and acted like someone enduring an actual company dinner.

“Cut! Okay! Excellent!”

Every scene passed smoothly.

‘Holy crap. Amazing.’

Director Yoon Kyungmin was famous for being difficult.

Kang Hyunggu had heard enough stories from others that he’d considered declining the offer as soon as he heard the man’s name.

Yet contrary to his fears, the director wasn’t nearly as terrifying.

“Seulho, one second?”

No, he was definitely picky.

But nothing happened that gave him reason to be upset.

“How about lowering your tone slightly for the last line?”

Every time the director spoke, Yoo Seulho listened to the end without interrupting.

Seeing him quietly accept feedback pleased the director.

Naturally, the staff and supporting actors followed suit.

Before anyone realized it, all of Yoo Seulho’s scenes were finished.

‘Seriously? It’s over already?’

It was unbelievably fast.

Afterward, it was time to film Kang Hyunggu’s close-ups.

He wondered if he’d be too nervous to concentrate, but thanks to Yoo Seulho delivering the lines exactly the same way as before, he quickly immersed himself.

‘…Actors like this really exist.’

He remembered something his acting instructor once said.

“A truly great actor helps their co-stars shine. Some actors try to overpower others with their acting, but acting isn’t a competition. If your partner gets intimidated and can’t act properly, who really wins? Our goal is to create a great piece of work. We all have to win together.”

Words he’d almost forgotten finally made sense.

Without realizing it, Kang Hyunggu forgot his burden of proving himself.

He focused solely on enduring the annoying remarks of his boss.

As a result, even the beer-drinking scene went smoothly.

After washing away those irritating words with several gulps of beer, he got the okay after only a few takes.

“We’ll finish with Mr. Seulho’s bonus shots!”

Even the director’s voice sounded cheerful because filming had ended much sooner than expected.

Yoo Seulho discussed things with the director and filmed several versions.

First, he drank while striking cool poses like male celebrities usually did.

Then they filmed the annoying boss quietly drinking alone after lecturing everyone.

“That’s strange…”

Watching the footage, the director tilted his head.

“How does he make it look delicious while drinking so miserably? Weird.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

“Hahaha!”

Even the beer company representative laughed and gave a thumbs-up.

“Great work, everyone!”

Thus, the day’s filming ended in a warm atmosphere.

‘It feels… like a dream.’

As Kang Hyunggu absentmindedly packed his things, he spotted Yoo Seulho getting into his car and hurried over.

“Sir!”

He hesitated briefly, but if he let this chance go, he’d regret it forever.

Hearing his trembling voice, Yoo Seulho stepped out of the car.

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to thank you for today. Really.”

And maybe apologize for misunderstanding him all this time…

Just as Kang Hyunggu hesitated…

Yoo Seulho, who had listened with a blank expression, spoke.

“Can you give me your number?”

“…Huh?”

Stunned, Kang Hyunggu asked again.

A beat later, Yoo Seulho went, “Ah.”

“Giving out numbers is sensitive for celebrities, right? Then can you give me your email address?”

“No, I’m not the celebrity… Why do you need my email?”

At Kang Hyunggu’s bewildered question, Yoo Seulho pointed toward the driver’s seat.

“My manager spent all day filming me like some stalker. He said it’d help with facial expressions later. Anyway, you ended up in some of the videos, so if you need them, I’ll send them.”

His words were unexpectedly kind despite his indifferent voice.

When Kang Hyunggu asked,

“Why… are you taking care of me like this?”

Yoo Seulho paused and made a ‘Come to think of it, why am I?’ face before shrugging.

“You resemble someone I know. If you don’t need them, that’s fine.”

“No! No, I’d appreciate it!”

“Alright. I’ll contact you.”

Yoo Seulho left without any lingering attachment.

Left behind alone, Kang Hyunggu could only mutter blankly,

“He really is impossible to understand…”