Chapter 502: Rumor and rumor (3)

Eun-Ah appeared with only basic skincare after removing her full makeup.

Her hair, which was usually neatly tied back, was half-messy with stray hairs sticking out in various places. Her cheeks were flushed and sweat droplets formed on her forehead. This was Han Ye-Rim after finishing practice in Scene 44 of

Ballerina of Time

.

Most actresses and singers tried to look as beautiful as possible in front of the camera, especially idols. However, Eun-Ah shed her goddess-like image from Cherry Blossom and fully became

Ballerina of Time

's Han Ye-Rim. The staff members were visibly surprised by how she showed no concern for looking pretty.

Yet Na Hyung-Joon watched Eun-Ah with growing interest. Unlike when she auditioned with full makeup due to scheduling conflicts, Eun-Ah was now fully immersed in her role.

Na Hyung-Joon asked, "Did you tell her to do that?"

I quickly shook my head. "No, I just guided her to focus on the role."

Na Hyung-Joon smiled approvingly. "

Hmm...

Well, at least she has the right attitude. Let's see if she truly becomes Ye-Rim or if she stays as Eun-Ah."

He had noticed Eun-Ah's timid personality during the audition and still had his doubts. Nevertheless, Eun-Ah was an award-winning actress who had won multiple Best Actress awards at the Hwangryong Film Association before the regression. When she played intense roles, her performances could send chills down people's spines.

Knowing her true abilities, I wasn't too worried.

Na Hyung-Joon called out to the staff with a slightly expectant expression. "Alright, everyone, quiet down! The actor is focusing. Why is there so much chatter?"

The staff quickly erased their surprised expressions and hurried to their positions. "Sorry, Mr. Na!"

Na Hyung-Joon flashed a grin at me. "See you later."

"Yes, Mr. Na."

After bowing to Na Hyung-Joon, I headed toward Eun-Ah, who was sitting in a waiting chair.

***

Eun-Ah sat on the waiting chair and skimmed through the script one last time to absorb the essence of Han Ye-Rim. Like all the actors I managed, she never let her talent make her complacent.

Meanwhile, Baek Hee-Yung discreetly roamed the set and listened in on conversations to find out who among the staff was gossiping about Eun-Ah.

As Baek Hee-Yung seamlessly blended in with the staff, Choi Eun-Seon called out. "Actors, please gather!"

Jo Yoon-Jung, dressed in a white ballet outfit, left her coat on the chair and headed to the practice stage. Soon after, Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo also stepped onto the stage.

At that moment, Eun-Ah took a deep breath and stood up. "

Phew~

Oppa, I'll be going now."

"Yeah. Yoo Eun-Ah, you got this!"

Eun-Ah smirked mischievously as if to declare that she would dominate the scene, and confidently walked toward the set's practice stage.

***

Ballerina of Time

told the story of ballerina Lee Seul-Ah, overflowing with talent but lacking any connections, as she enters the elite Royal Ballet Company—a group reserved for the children of the wealthy, and the struggles that follow.

The upcoming Scene 44 depicted a conflict in the practice room after Yoo Myung-Hee, the ballet company's director, appoints Lee Seul-Ah as the lead in Swan Lake and disappears. The protagonist, Lee Seul-Ah, found herself on the verge of being ganged up on by ballerinas Woo Hye-Joo and Park Seon-Jung who envy her. However, her friend Han Ye-Rim arrived just in time to save her.

Lee Dong-Ju played the role of Woo Hye-Joo, while Ahn Hee-Soo took on the role of Park Seon-Jung. Eun-Ah, playing Han Ye-Rim, had to engage in a full-blown fight with them.

As the actresses gathered, Na Hyung-Joon began his acting guidance. "Listen up, all four of you. In this scene, Lee Seul-Ah, who has neither power nor connections, has ended up above the daughters of wealthy families. Dong-Ju and Hee-Soo—you're furious, frustrated, and absolutely livid. You get what I mean?"

"Yes, sir!"

"So, Dong-Ju, Hee-Soo. You two need to go at Yoon-Jung like you're ready to kill her. Don't hold back. If it's too weak, we'll keep reshooting until you get it right."

True to his Jekyll and Hyde nickname, Na Hyung-Joon pushed the two antagonists to deliver impactful performances.

"And Yoon-Jung, remember. In the story, Lee Seul-Ah is physically weak from a week of dieting. Let yourself be tossed around. But since she has a strong-willed personality, you need to make sure that determination shows. Got it?"

Jo Yoon-Jung nodded. "Yes, Mr. Na."

"Okay. Lastly, Eun-Ah."

"Yes, Mr. Na."

"You need to treat those two like human trash for bullying your friend. And when you slap them, close your eyes and swing with full force. If you hesitate, it'll just make things worse for everyone."

Eun-Ah smirked and nodded. "Got it."

"Good~ I love that expression. Today, you're an avenging lunatic taking down bullies. Let's roll."

"Yes, Mr. Na."

After giving his precise instructions, Na Hyung-Joon turned around. "We're starting in one minute. Everyone, get ready! Eun-Ah, wait off-camera until your cue."

Since the script called for Han Ye-Rim to jump in after seeing Jo Yoon-Jung struggle against Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo, Eun-Ah had to stay out of frame until her entrance.

Once everyone was in position, Na Hyung-Joon sat down in his chair and grabbed the megaphone. "Alright, Scene 44. If you're ready, let's go. Ready... action!"

At that moment,

Ballerina of Time

's Scene 44 began.

***

Jo Yoon-Jung clenched her fist as she was overcome with emotion.

『Me... as Odette...』

Standing on the stage in front of the mirror, Jo Yoon-Jung smiled in joy at being cast as the lead in Swan Lake.

Just then, Lee Dong-Ju approached her and draped an arm over her shoulder.

『Hey, you! What the hell did you do to land the lead role, huh?』

Lee Dong-Ju's sharp voice was filled with hostility.

『What do you mean? I didn't do anything.』

Lee Dong-Ju smirked and pressed her index finger against Jo Yoon-Jung's forehead.

Sway.

Jo Yoon-Jung's frail body stumbled backward and she fell onto the practice stage floor.

Thud.

『Nothing? And yet, someone like you gets to take the lead? You really have no shame, do you? Do you even know that my father is sponsoring this Swan Lake production?』

Still on the floor, Jo Yoon-Jung clenched her jaw and responded bitterly.

『I know!』

『Then? If you know, shouldn't you step down on your own?』

At that moment, Ahn Hee-Soo burst into laughter while looking down at Jo Yoon-Jung.

『Yeah, Hye-Joo's right. Someone like you belongs on the floor to look up at us. So don't even think about climbing higher. Go to the instructor and tell them you can't play Odette! Figure out the excuse yourself.』

Jo Yoon-Jung trembled and shouted.

『I can't! No, I won't!』

Ahn Hee-Soo approached with a cold smile.

『You won't? Well, then. I guess we have no choice. I was trying to be reasonable, but you're the one who refused. Remember that.』

Then, Lee Dong-Ju grabbed Jo Yoon-Jung's hair.

Whoosh!

Ahn Hee-Soo smirked as she raised her foot, preparing to kick Jo Yoon-Jung's ankle with the sharp and solid tip of her pointe shoe.

That's when Eun-Ah dashed in from the side and screamed.

『Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing!!!』

Eun-Ah's piercing voice echoed across the set. The fierce, commanding Eun-Ah standing there was nothing like the shy member of Cherry Blossom. She charged forward and shoved Ahn Hee-Soo with both hands.

Thud!

Ahn Hee-Soo toppled over and rolled across the practice stage floor. Without missing a beat, Eun-Ah followed the script and delivered a sharp slap across Lee Dong-Ju's face.

Smack!

The hit landed perfectly and sent Lee Dong-Ju staggering before she collapsed onto the floor.

Breathing heavily, Eun-Ah didn't stop and pointed at Lee Dong-Ju before shouting.

『Hey! Woo Hye-Joo! Do you have a death wish? I warned you, didn't I? Don't touch my friend!』

A red handprint burned across Lee Dong-Ju's cheek. Nonetheless, this was still a performance. Lee Dong-Ju suppressed the pain and shot up from the floor.

『You hit me? Han Ye-Rim, did you just hit me?!』

『Yeah, I did. What are you gonna do about it?』

『You crazy bitch! I don't care if you're Han Ye-Rim. I'm not letting this slide today!』

The enraged Lee Dong-Ju lunged and reached for Eun-Ah's hair. Yet before she could grab hold, Eun-Ah dodged and swung her left hand again.

Smack!

At 173 cm, Eun-Ah stood a full 10 cm taller than Lee Dong-Ju. With her longer reach, she landed another slap before Lee Dong-Ju could react.

Having taken hits from both sides, Lee Dong-Ju's cheeks turned bright red and swollen. Lee Dong-Ju screamed furiously.

『

Aaaahhh!

This crazy bitch slapped me again?!』

At that moment, Ahn Hee-Soo got back on her feet and pounced on Eun-Ah from behind.

Grab!

Catching Eun-Ah off guard, Ahn Hee-Soo locked her arms around her. Now unable to move as freely, Eun-Ah was caught in the grasp of both Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo as their hands tangled in her hair.

『

Aaaahhh!

』

『Let go! Let go of me!』

Refusing to back down, Eun-Ah grabbed their hair in return. She yanked their heads back and forth with all her strength. Thanks to this, both Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo shrieked as if their hair was being ripped out.

That's when the overpowered Eun-Ah bit Ahn Hee-Soo.

Ahn Hee-Soo let out a scream of pure agony.

『This crazy bitch just bit me!

Aaaah!

』

『What the hell?! Did she just—? Hey!

Aaaah!

』

Lee Dong-Ju screamed as Eun-Ah bit down on her arm.

Eun-Ah was completely immersed in her role as Han Ye-Rim, just as Na Hyung-Joon had instructed. In fact, she was performing even more intensely than I had hoped.

The staff and other talent agents were left speechless.

On the other hand, Na Hyung-Joon's face was filled with pure exhilaration.

***

Na Hyung-Joon's voice rang out, "Cut!"

His excitement was obvious. Eun-Ah's presence had been so powerful that even the female lead was overshadowed for a moment.

Only after hearing Na Hyung-Joon's voice did Eun-Ah release Ahn Hee-Soo's arm.

Ahn Hee-Soo clutched her right arm and winced in pain. "Hey! Are you insane?! You actually bit me!"

Lee Dong-Ju chimed in angrily. "My hair's all yanked out! Fuck!"

As soon as the scene ended, Eun-Ah bowed with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry, sunbae-nims! I got too immersed in the scene."

Just as Na Hyung-Joon had instructed, she showed remorse. Nevertheless, Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo weren't about to let it slide even with the staff watching.

"Sorry? You did that on purpose!"

"If I end up with a scar, you're paying for it! I'll sue you!"

Before they could escalate things further, Na Hyung-Joon completely ignored their complaints and started praising Eun-Ah. "Wow, Yoo Eun-Ah. I thought you were too timid for this kind of acting, but you really surprised me. Let's work together again, alright?"

At that, the hesitant staff members burst into cheers.

"Yoo Eun-Ah, that was amazing!"

"That was incredible acting, Yoo Eun-Ah!"

"She was totally Han Ye-Rim just now!"

With even the staff backing up Na Hyung-Joon's words, Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo had no choice but to shut up.

Eun-Ah turned away from them and bowed to the director and staff. "Thank you so much!"

Now that Eun-Ah was getting all the attention, Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo had nothing more to say. Frustrated, they simply turned on their heels and walked off.

Choi Han-Jong came over to complain to me, but I just shrugged. After all, Eun-Ah had simply given Na Hyung-Joon exactly the kind of intense performance he wanted.

A moment later, Eun-Ah smirked at me as she returned from the scene like she had fully embraced her role as the ultimate lunatic on set.

I joined the staff in cheering for her. "That was incredible, Eun-Ah."

Receiving praise up close, Eun-Ah quickly returned to her usual humble self. "Thank you. It's all thanks to you, oppa."

"Thanks to me? You're the one who nailed it."

"No, really. If you hadn't gone over it with me beforehand, I don't think I could've done it."

"Alright, alright. Then let's keep that energy up for the next scene, okay?"

"Okay!"

I handed Eun-Ah a cold bottle of water and got her ready for the next scene, celebrating the first step of a future Hwangryong Film Association Best Actress regular.

***

Now that Na Hyung-Joon had confidence in Eun-Ah's acting, he moved on to the next scene without hesitation.

Since Lee Dong-Ju and Ahn Hee-Soo's faces were red and their hair was a mess from the fight, he gave them a break. Instead, Eun-Ah filmed a scene alone with Jo Yoon-Jung. As Eun-Ah delivered a performance that rivaled Jo Yoon-Jung's, the staff's gaze softened with admiration.

'

And yet there are still malicious rumors about her?

'

The industry was full of gossip, but people usually knew when to hold their tongues in an environment this supportive. This meant someone on the staff must have been spreading those rumors because they were getting paid off by someone at Ace Entertainment.

Just then, Choi Eun-Seon called out from the entrance of the set, "Mr. Jung! The catering truck is here~"

The current time was 12:20 p.m.

Cherry Blossom's fan club, Hoengseong Girls High School's girls, had arrived with a catering truck. Soon after, Sung Ji-Yeon and Han Kkot-Nim entered the set first. Park Han-Byul and Yang Ji-Woo seemed to be waiting outside with the truck.

"Everyone, take a break and eat~"

Na Hyung-Joon, who had been reviewing the storyboard, grinned. "Alright, guys! Let's eat before we continue!"

"Yes, sir~~!"

The staff set down their equipment and headed to the truck past me, offering their thanks as they passed.

"Team Lead Jung, thanks for the meal."

"Man, you really take care of everything from production costs to catering."

"Great acting and a solid agency backing her up. Eun-Ah's the real gem of this film."

"Thank you."

I kept nodding and thanking the staff while also carefully observing their expressions. I thought back to my past-life memories, but none of the people passing by seemed like the type to spread malicious rumors.

'

So it's not anyone here...

'

Just then, I got a Kk Talk message from Baek Hee-Yung.

[Team Lead Baek Hee-Yung: Mr. Jung, please come to Makeup Room 2 right now! The people here seem to be trying to spread rumors about Eun-Ah.]

It looked like Baek Hee-Yung found the culprit. Without hesitation, I turned and sprinted toward the makeup room where Eun-Ah had been earlier.

'

Whoever it is, they're not getting away with this!

'