Chapter 700: Haze Audition (2)

In Haze, God Illyeong was always running from God Wolryeong. This was because she retained the memory of dying at age seven as a sacrifice to Wolryeong, who had once been a shaman a hundred years ago.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The scene we were acting out now was from episode 3, where God Illyeong appeared before God Wolryeong to save the stranded fishermen on the island. As soon as the acting began, Miso slipped into character in the blink of an eye as always.

Miso looked at me with a shocked expression and began to speak with a trembling voice.

『Grandpa Wolryeong...?』

At that moment, I followed the script and began to glare at Miso like I really was God Wolryeong, licking my lips. In the story, God Wolryeong tried to absorb the soul of God Illyeong. So I let out a sinister giggle and walked toward her with big steps.

Stretching out both hands as if I was about to grab Miso, I began delivering my line.

『Illyeong. After all that running, we finally met!

Hehehe

. You can't run anymore. You shall now become my child spirit!』

That's when Miso unexpectedly began to stammer and took a step back.

『W-what should I do... huh? What was next?』

Miso forgot her line and snapped out of character. And in that instant, I understood exactly what the problem was.

'

Could it really be that Miso got scared...?

'

This was actually a problem common to all child actors. When adult actors used aggressive tones, yelled, or threw things during intense scenes, most kids became frightened and broke out of character.

When someone significantly bigger and stronger threatened them, children instinctively shrank back. That was the reason child actors often ended up being replaced on action, thriller, or horror sets. Of course, experienced producers tried to avoid this by making sure the child actors form bonds with their scene partners beforehand.

However, I never imagined Miso would be frightened like this. She had been so consistently good that I forgot she was still just a child. After all, she was a child who had just started elementary school today.

"Huh? What's happening? This isn't right," Miso tilted her head, not understanding why she couldn't focus.

But now that I knew the problem, it was fine. It just needed solving.

To calm Miso down, I knelt down and met her at eye level. "Miso. I wasn't really mad at you~"

Miso nodded. "I know. But... I got a little scared."

"I'm sorry."

As I said that, I gently hugged her. Only then did Miso break into a bashful smile.

"

Hehe.

I'm okay now."

Seeing Miso's bright expression reassured me.

"But Miso, when you practiced with your mom, didn't she ever play God Wolryeong?"

"She did!"

"How was it then?"

"

Hmm

~ Mom said I was good. Oh, right. Ms. Choi Ji-Yung said so too."

Both of them were strong actors, so they probably played a terrifying God Wolryeong. Yet they also cared about Miso more than anyone. And with Miso's keen perception, there was no way she didn't sense that. That was why Miso didn't mess up when practicing with them.

I, too, cared for Miso deeply and loved her just as much as those two. But because my acting skills were lacking, I ended up frightening her. In times like this, a real actor with a strong bond to her needed to step in and perform with her.

'

What should I do

?'

Canceling the audition wasn't an option. In that case, I had to take action with her scene partner.

I turned to Team Lead Yeon So-Hee and asked, "Ms. Yeon, do you have the list of today's audition participants?"

"Oh, yes. I just received it a little while ago. One moment please."

Yeon So-Hee forwarded me the list of scene partners for the role of God Wolryeong, which she had received that morning via Kk Talk.

[God Wolryeong Audition List]

-Hwang Jin-Seo (65, 60 years experience, TK Entertainment. Former lead actor.)

-Park Han-Joong (68, 40 years experience, Ace Entertainment. Renowned supporting actor.)

-Choi Han-Soo (65, 33 years experience, Yehwa Entertainment. Veteran supporting actor.)

...

I was shocked when I saw the list. Hwang Jin-Seo, who had been acting for sixty years since childhood, was among the names.

'

He's coming?

'

Hwang Jin-Seo was once an S-class star who led numerous projects until his mid-forties. After aging, he transitioned into supporting roles. He had exceptional acting ability, a powerful voice, and the kind of charisma that dominated a set.

However, there was a problem—he had a questionable personal character and a complicated private life. On top of that, he was arrogant, having been a star since childhood. Worse yet, he strongly disliked acting with child actors. This was because he found them difficult to communicate with and annoying.

So if Hwang Jin-Seo ended up acting with Miso in the audition, it was bound to cause trouble.

But since he hadn't originally been on the list, I asked what happened. "Wasn't Mr. Hwang Jin-Seo not originally on the audition list?"

"He heard

Haze

got a slot on KBC and applied today. They say he'll be the first to audition."

'

Hwang Jin-Seo is going first?

'

Then just like Everyday had warned, there was a good chance Miso would blow the audition.

As I was thinking about what to do, Yeon So-Hee spoke up. "Mr. Jung, are you worried Miso might get scared of Mr. Hwang Jin-Seo and mess up?"

Yeon So-Hee had figured out the same thing I had—why Miso broke character.

I nodded. "Yes. That's what I'm concerned about."

"

Hmm

... Then should I just take the heat and say Miso had a stomachache and needed to go to the hospital?"

She was suggesting we remove Miso from the audition by claiming she was unwell, turning God Wolryeong's audition into a solo session. It was one way to get Miso out, but a better idea came to mind.

I suggested, "Instead, I think we should bring in another actor to audition before Hwang Jin-Seo. Even if Miso tries to avoid it now, they'll meet eventually."

"Then who should we bring?"

"Mr. Park Sang-Gyu."

'

The Man of a Thousand faces, Park Sang-Gyu.

'

Lately, his wife Lee Sa-Yeon had been recovering enough to move her arms and neck. Thanks to that, Yoo-Jin had been taking Miso to visit her from time to time, and she had grown quite close with Park Sang-Gyu. Plus, he was famous for his versatility, hence the nickname "The Man of a Thousand Faces," and he worked well with child actors.

"

Oh

~ If it's him, that sounds good."

Yeon So-Hee had seen the audition tape from

Doppelgänger

, so she agreed right away.

"Alright. I'll call him right now."

Thinking this could be an opportunity to secure the God Wolryeong role for Park Sang-Gyu, I picked up my phone.

***

Park Sang-Gyu was rehearsing lines for

Doppelgänger

while caring for his wife at the Guro Hope Hospital. After hearing my explanation, he said it would take him some time to get to Apgujeong, since it was lunchtime.

Afterward, I called Han Yoo-Sik, who was at the fifth-floor audition hall. When I asked if he could allow the new actor to audition first, Han Yoo-Sik gladly agreed but asked that we stick to the 1 p.m. audition time. I said I understood and hung up.

Just then, I got word that the reporters had arrived at the audition hall. To make the best impression on the reporters while waiting for Park Sang-Gyu to arrive, I headed to the fifth-floor audition room with Miso.

At the back of the audition space, reporters were setting up. Han Yoo-Sik and the panel of judges seemed to have stepped out for a brief discussion, as they weren't in sight.

Just then, the reporters noticed us and began waving.

"Oh? Chief Jung."

"Miso, come over here for a second. Let's do a quick interview before the audition, okay?"

"And Chief Jung, why don't you join us too while we're at it!"

Thanks to last week's appearance on

The Omniscient Viewpoint

which stirred up buzz, the reporters were also eager to interview me. I started the interview with Miso, doing my best to keep the reporters in good spirits.

But just as the interview began, the back door of the audition hall opened and Hwang Jin-Seo entered.

Creak.

Once a dominant figure in the Korean entertainment industry, the veteran actor walked in wearing an expensive golf outfit and sunglasses. Hwang Jin-Seo's skin was well-maintained for a sixty-five-year-old, and he looked like he was in his fifties.

"Wow~ There are even reporters at the audition? Oh? Reporter Choi! Reporter Park!"

Hwang Jin-Seo immediately interrupted our interview and cut in without hesitation. Regardless of experience, it was basic manners not to interrupt others during an interview. But after decades of being treated like a king in this industry, Hwang Jin-Seo acted like the world revolved around him.

Since this interview was mainly for public relations, I stopped and quietly moved aside with Miso. The last thing I needed was to make a scene with him in front of reporters.

Without even an apology for interrupting, Hwang Jin-Seo began greeting the reporters. "Everyone looks great today!"

"How is it that you look younger every time we see you, Mr. Hwang?"

"

Hahaha!

Why is everyone buttering me up so much today? Let's grab a meal after this!" Hwang Jin-Seo laughed heartily.

"Judging by your looks, résumé, and experience, it seems like today's God Wolryeong is obviously going to be you, Mr. Hwang."

"Oh, come on. You never know until the audition is over. Still, judging by the folks waiting outside, I don't think I'll be the one leaving empty-handed."

Hwang Jin-Seo spoke arrogantly while striking poses for photos, but because of his status, none of the reporters challenged him.

At that moment, Reporter Bae Tae-Joo from Entertainment All Times waved Miso over. "Miso, why don't you stand next to Mr. Hwang for a quick photo? Let's get a two-shot."

No matter how likely Hwang Jin-Seo was to land the role, taking a two-shot with Miso before the audition was disrespectful to the other actors and the production team. A two-shot like that strongly implied the casting decision had already been made.

'

Who gave you the right

?'

I stepped in front of Miso and replied. "Let's save the two-shot for after the audition. It's a bit inappropriate to take that kind of photo before we've even started."

"

Hahaha.

That's not what I meant, really..."

The reporters looked sheepish.

Just then, Hwang Jin-Seo let out a hearty laugh. "

Hahaha.

He's right. Chief Jung makes a good point. That's a bit much, even for me." Playing the generous veteran, Hwang Jin-Seo calmed the reporters down. "Alright, everyone. Let's chat later. I've got to prepare for the audition."

"Yes, sir."

With a smile, Hwang Jin-Seo parted ways with the reporters and slowly made his way toward me. Standing before me, he held out his hand like an old friend. "Chief Jung. I've heard a lot about you. Nice to meet you."

I shook his hand and greeted him in return.

But then, he leaned in and whispered just loud enough for me to hear. "You little shit. Think you're somebody just because those ass-kissing jerks spoil you? Who the hell do you think you are? You are nothing but a mere talent agent."

Sixty years in showbiz had made him a crafty snake. However, I wasn't the type to be shaken by empty threats.

With reporters still watching, I smiled and whispered back into his ear, "Mr. Hwang Jin-Seo. Are you still gambling these days?"

Hwang Jin-Seo was with Top Entertainment, before my regression, so I knew all his weaknesses.

"You bastard... Where did you hear that?"

"You might want to watch your mouth. There are people watching. Keep this up and I won't stay quiet."

Sixty years in the business made him cunning for sure, but it also meant he had plenty of dirt.

Hwang Jin-Seo glared at me and trembled with fury, but he didn't dare open his mouth again with reporters nearby. That was as far as my respect for a veteran actor would go. From this point forward, I wouldn't let it slide if he so much as laid a finger on Miso.

At that moment, the front door of the audition room opened, and Han Yoo-Sik and the staff who had briefly stepped out returned.

"

Oh!

Look who it is. Mr. Hwang!"

Hwang Jin-Seo let go of my hand with a glare that said 'just you wait,' but the moment he turned to look at Han Yoo-Sik, his face lit up as if he had flipped a mask.

"Wow~ Our dear President Han. Look at how good you look. We haven't seen each other since your days as an executive at KBC, right?

Hahaha,

good to see you!"

Now he began cozying up to Han Yoo-Sik and the audition judges before things even started. He was clearly trying to secure an early advantage.

Nevertheless, I wasn't worried. No matter what tricks he had up his sleeve, things wouldn't go the way he wanted.

***

The current time was 12:59 p.m., one minute before the audition began.

Hwang Jin-Seo, told his turn had been pushed back, stood inside the audition hall with his arms crossed. He insisted he should be allowed to stay in the room since he was going next. I knew he was trying to apply pressure on Park Sang-Gyu, but there wasn't anyone who could make him leave.

Han Yoo-Sik glanced at his watch, his expression uneasy. "Chief Jung, don't you think we've waited long enough?"

Sensing an opportunity, Hwang Jin-Seo spoke up. "President Han, should I just go first? What's the big deal about order? Just go with whoever's here first."

Han Yoo-Sik looked at me, clearly suggesting we bump Park Sang-Gyu to the second slot. I had just tried calling him to ask where he was, but I couldn't get through. I wanted to shout 'just five more minutes!' in typical Korean time fashion, but with Hwang Jin-Seo standing right there, I couldn't.

I was about to say Park Sang-Gyu is very close, when the door finally opened.

Creak.

The back door opened and Park Sang-Gyu entered, panting heavily.

"

Huff

,

huff, huff

... I'm not late, am I?"

Park Sang-Gyu had come alone without Team Lead Nam Pan-Gyu.

"Sang-Gyu hyung-nim!"

Park Sang-Gyu gave me a big grin. "Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a nightmare... I ran from the alley entrance."

He had gotten out of the car at the alley near the Apgujeong office and sprinted all the way in without even taking the elevator to the fifth floor. That was the reason he hadn't picked up my call.

I checked the time, and it was 12:59 p.m. Park Sang-Gyu was just in time.

"Did you look over the script?" I asked.

Park Sang-Gyu nodded. "Yeah, I went through it on the way here."

"I'm really sorry for the last-minute request."

Park Sang-Gyu gave me another big grin. "No worries. The role looks great. For an audition like this, I'd crawl here if I had to." After telling me not to worry again, he walked over to Hwang Jin-Seo. "Hello, sir. I'm Park Sang-Gyu."

Hwang Jin-Seo barely acknowledged him with a slight turn of the head. However, Park Sang-Gyu had been through it all—years in the trenches, dealing with hardship and nightmare personalities. Getting ignored like this didn't faze him. Park Sang-Gyu simply bowed and greeted him calmly.

The reporters started murmuring.

-Who is this guy, getting to audition before a big fish like Hwang Jin-Seo?

-Park Sang-Gyu, he said? Has anyone heard of him?

Doppelgänger,

where Park Sang-Gyu played the lead, hadn't held its press conference yet. So the reporters didn't recognize him.

Just then, Han Yoo-Sik raised his hand. "Alright, let's begin. Mr. Hwang Jin-Seo, you're up next, so please step back for now."

Hwang Jin-Seo moved to the back and Miso stepped forward.

Before the audition began, Park Sang-Gyu turned to me and asked, "You said Miso gets scared when adults yell, right?"

"Yes. The moment she hears a raised voice, she snaps out of character. I'm not even sure what exactly went wrong, whether I came on too strong or something else."

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Park Sang-Gyu grinned. "Don't worry. When it comes to working with child actors, I'm the best in the country."

Then I remembered something—that the man they call "The Man of a Thousand Faces" had another nickname too.