How a Loan Shark Survives as an Actor Chapter 77

Chapter 77

 

“Actually, I wanted to ask… you’re the one who wrote this screenplay, right, Director?”

“Ah, that’s right.”

“That’s seriously impressive. You’re directing and writing it yourself.”

“Well…”

Director Seo avoided my gaze and fidgeted with his fingers.

He was obviously embarrassed.

‘What’s with him?’

Seeing a grown man act shy wasn’t exactly pleasant, but I forced the corners of my lips upward.

After I threw in a few more compliments, Director Seo gradually lowered his guard and awkwardly asked,

“But seriously… do you really think I’m similar to the protagonist?”

“Yes! The protagonist is a masculine, strong type. I think that’s what resembles you the most, Director.”

There are several things you have to be careful about when flattering someone.

First, don’t do it too often or exaggerate too much.

Second, don’t debase yourself and act pathetic.

Third, give compliments that sound believable instead of empty praise.

And if you want to add something that sounds truly convincing?

“There’s probably no one in Korea directing his third commercial film at your age. That kind of drive comes from strength. The kind only real men possess.”

“A real man…”

Director Seo muttered blankly.

I’d guessed it from the protagonist’s personality, but it seemed he had a strong yearning for masculinity.

“So, are we done now?”

“Th-there’s still the free acting…”

Director Seo shuffled through the papers, hesitating.

I quietly waited for him to say I didn’t have to do it, but he merely glanced at me without finishing his sentence.

‘Ha.’

At this stage, it was better to humor him whenever possible.

Honestly, I didn’t want to do it, but it’d be a waste to throw away all the groundwork I’d laid.

So I kept smiling.

“Then I’ll show you a short free performance.”

“What did you prepare?”

“I practiced by imagining a scenario. I often wondered how Junho would act if he had conflicts with his classmates.”

“Oho.”

Director Seo’s eyes sparkled.

He seemed pleased that I wasn’t performing another movie or drama, but using ‘his’ protagonist.

“Start whenever you’re ready. Take your time.”

His tone was much gentler than before.

I thanked him with a smile and turned my back.

‘Not like there’s anything to prepare.’

Despite claiming I’d imagined this often, everything I was about to say was improvised on the spot.

It was like acting from a blank script.

But I wasn’t nervous at all.

That’s how familiar the fictional character Junho had become to me.

“Hey.”

I flicked my wrists behind me, leaving the director out of my sight.

There was no answer.

Frowning, I turned my head.

“What are you doing?”

Still no response.

That annoyed me.

“Hey. I asked what you’re doing.”

Now I fully turned around and looked the other person up and down.

Compared to how Director Seo had looked me over earlier, my gaze was far rougher and more aggressive.

‘Gulp.’

I saw Director Seo’s Adam’s apple move as he sat behind the desk.

Without hiding my irritation, I stared straight through him.

“Why’d you get scared? You were talking a lot just a second ago. Keep going.”

“……”

“So girls like me. What does that have to do with you? Come on, keep talking.”

I stepped forward like I was about to pounce.

‘Crunch.’

At that moment, I heard paper crumpling.

Looking down, I saw that Director Seo had crushed the sheet in his hand.

“Quit muttering behind my back and say it to my face. Stop being so damn creepy and–ah, forget it. I don’t even want to hear it.”

I cut him off with a wave of my hand.

I didn’t raise my voice.

There was no need to get worked up over someone who was just a classmate.

“We’re adults now. Stop acting childish. You don’t like me, right? Well, I don’t like your ass either.”

I rolled my wrists again.

I was warming up before class.

At the same time, I lowered my gaze.

Looking away from your opponent in a fight meant you didn’t see them as threatening.

Speaking quietly to the man staring at the top of my head, I said,

“So cut the crap and keep it reasonable, alright? If you’ve got something to say, write it in your diary.”

After finishing my stretches, I slowly raised my head.

There sat a young man looking at me with shining eyes.

He had already forgotten how he’d shrunk enough to crumple the paper.

His eyes sparkled.

“…That’s all.”

“Wow, you’re really Junho! You’re exactly how I imagined him!”

Director Seo jumped to his feet and applauded.

His face lit up with excitement as he clapped, saying how cool it was.

He really looked like a kid.

“I’m glad. Then can I expect good news?”

“Ah, yes! I’ll contact your agency today. But I really want to work with you, Seulho.”

His voice even carried a trace of excitement.

He truly believed I could perfectly bring his ideal male protagonist to life.

‘He’s thrilled.’

At the same time, I felt relieved.

Director Seo was twenty-three this year.

The same age as Choi Ran.

Having dropped out of high school and spent years making films with his parents’ money, he’d probably be the youngest director I’d ever work with.

‘In a way, this is an opportunity.’

This might be the last time I’d meet a director I could handle exactly the way I wanted.

I could say things I’d never dare say to PD Jang or Director Baek.

‘First, I’ll gradually change the script.’

Just as Team Leader Ahn had said, Director Seo’s horror film wasn’t bad.

But the dialogue was overly dramatic.

Normally I’d just take the money and act quietly, but I didn’t want to force out lines I couldn’t immerse myself in.

“Director, before we officially begin, how about just the two of us meet up? Have some drinks, man to man.”

“…! Sounds good!”

We weren’t even officially working together yet, but I smoothly set up our next meeting.

As casual conversations piled up, I easily extracted all kinds of information.

His values as a creator.

The filming schedule.

Everything.

Using the word ‘man’ at the right moments made his reactions much better.

“Haha, then we can go straight into script reading next month.”

“Yes! Let’s grab a drink afterward too! Just us men!”

“Of course, Director.”

Before I knew it, we’d even discussed the table read schedule.

Director Seo practically trotted after me as I left.

“Take care on your way home!”

Anyone could tell from his voice that he sounded like a younger brother.

I looked down at him like an older brother too, but I never stopped calling him “Director.”

‘He can’t feel like I’m looking down on him.’

In the end, we bowed politely to each other.

It had been a truly successful audition.

 

***

 

“Congratulations on your first lead role.”

As soon as I arrived at the company, Team Leader Ahn greeted me with a smile.

What the hell?

I was planning to surprise them.

“You already got the call?”

“Yep. They sent over the contract thirty minutes ago.”

Checking the time, I realized it had been exactly thirty-six minutes since I’d left Director Seo’s office.

‘He sent the confirmation six minutes after I walked out?’

Oh-ho.

‘That’s not bad.’

I’d been thinking I couldn’t let my guard down around someone so pathetic.

People who are moody and socially awkward often think things like,

‘Actually, this annoys me. Screw it, let’s pretend this never happened!’

‘I’ll give him credit for this.’

Keeping his word meant he wasn’t hopeless.

“How’d you charm the director?”

“He’s just a kid. I soothed him a little, and he came around.”

Team Leader Ahn chuckled at my casual answer.

“There are pros and cons to having a young director. Older people aren’t automatically wise or good directors, but younger ones often struggle to control their emotions.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll have to compete with him from time to time.”

“It’ll be annoying, but think positively. You won over a director who rejected hundreds of actors. That’s marketing material all by itself.”

Team Leader Ahn was delighted.

Beside him, Choo Seomok nodded enthusiastically.

Clicking my tongue, I called him.

“Seomok.”

“Yes?”

“If you want to take notes, do it now. Don’t wait until we get home and suffer trying to write everything down.”

“Ah, is that really okay?”

Seomok opened his eyes wide and sought Team Leader Ahn’s permission.

Completely confused, Team Leader Ahn still smiled and nodded.

“Thank you!”

Seomok immediately pulled a notebook from his bag.

“Hearing conversations between you two broadens my perspective. I always review them once I get home.”

“Haha. I’ve known Seomok for a long time, but this side of him is new.”

I shook my head.

“A few days ago, I accidentally went into his room and found him recording every conversation we had throughout the day.”

I remembered how shocked I was.

I’d already guessed he had obsessive tendencies, but this seemed excessive.

For a moment, I even wondered if he was my stalker.

“When I asked, he said it was an old habit. Apparently he doesn’t trust his memory. But why memorize ordinary conversations…”

Before I finished muttering with a sour expression, Seomok quickly answered,

“As a manager, I believe understanding my actor’s preferences, values, likes, and dislikes clearly improves work efficiency.”

“Right, you’re amazing.”

Seeing my exasperated face, Team Leader Ahn smiled softly.

“I’m glad you two get along.”

“Mr. Seulho accommodates me well. However, I do have one complaint. Even though I expressed my wish to contribute to the rent, he firmly ignored me.”

“Hey, the company lets me live there for free. Why the hell would I take your money?”

Did he think I was crazy?

I’d rather he save the money and find his own place sooner.

At my words, Seomok’s eyes widened.

“You are correct. I shall rectify myself.”

“…Ha. Talking to you feels like talking to a robot.”

My irritation only made Team Leader Ahn smile wider.

After exchanging a few more lighthearted conversations, I stood up.

“I’ll organize your schedule and send it tomorrow. For today, you’ve worked hard, so just go home and sleep.”

“You too, Team Leader.”

After saying goodbye, I left the company.

Seomok took the wheel while I sat alone in the back seat.

‘What should I do when I get home?’

Since I’d soon be filming a romance, I thought about watching some romance movies.

That was when…

“Mr. Seulho.”

“…?”

I looked up and met his eyes in the rearview mirror.

Then Choo Seomok spoke in a low voice.

“We’ve got a tail.”