Chapter 857: Emergence of a Strong Enemy (3)

Even before the regression, Director Hong Ah-Yoon had been one of the board members at HK Entertainment. She had inherited her father's business acumen, but also his deeply arrogant attitude.

At first, the employees at HK Entertainment kept their mouths shut, content with their high salaries. But gradually, they started quitting one by one as they were unable to endure her tyranny and crude remarks.

No matter how desensitized office workers were to power abuse, they couldn't tolerate Hong Ah-Yoon slapping faces or hitting heads with document folders on a daily basis. Those who left began posting their stories on anonymous job boards. However, HK Inc. used its influence to immediately scrub those posts.

Then one day, a staff member at HK Entertainment attempted suicide and the internal issues exploded into the media. The government launched an immediate investigation, and what had previously been dismissed as gossip turned out to be true.

Not long after, another of Hong Ah-Yoon's secrets became public. It was revealed that she had been in a sponsorship-based relationship with a male actor under HK Entertainment. As a result, HK Entertainment, which had already been on the decline, was forced to shut down completely.

All of this would happen within just two years of the company's founding.

That was why I had warned Hong Ah-Yoon that the company would collapse because of her. I knew she would never change her nature.

At that moment, she approached me, her height nearly matching mine thanks to her high heels, and stared straight into my eyes. Her sharp eyes blazed as if ready to devour me and she spoke in a low, venomous voice.

"HK Entertainment's going down because of me? Don't make me laugh. Hoop Entertainment's the one that'll crash because of you. And I'll make sure of it, Jung Yoon-Ho."

I didn't back down from her vicious words and gave it right back. "Even after both your brothers went to prison, you still haven't learned anything?"

"

Hah

. So you know how to provoke now, huh? But here's the thing. I'm not like those idiots. So just wait. I'm going to crush you and your little starlet, slowly and thoroughly."

Hong Ah-Yoon's arrogance was so absurd I almost laughed again. I wanted to tell her to go ahead and try, that I would become a caltrop underfoot and pierce right through her heels.

But before I could speak, Yoo-Jin quietly stepped in beside me. "For someone from the so-called royal family, your words are awfully vulgar. Did you leave your manners at home? If you're going to talk, do it properly. Neither I nor oppa have to listen to that kind of garbage from you."

Hong Ah-Yoon turned her frosty glare from me to Yoo-Jin. Nevertheless, Yoo-Jin, clever as ever, maintained a bright smile, aware of the watching crowd. That only made Hong Ah-Yoon seethe even more.

Crackle.

It felt like sparks were flying between the youngest daughter of a trashy chaebol family and Korea's top rising actress as they locked eyes.

Eventually, Hong Ah-Yoon burst out in rage. "Whether it's you or that lackey of yours, you're both the same. You're just like I heard from my father. Fine. Let's see where you end up!"

Hong Ah-Yoon blinked as she glared at us. A single tear dropped from the corner of her eye. Then she spun around and stormed off.

At that moment, Kim Sung-Oh, the president of MBS Pohang, cautiously approached and asked, "Ms. Hong! What on earth did Chief Jung and Miss Yoo-Jin do to offend you?"

Hong Ah-Yoon scowled and snapped, "Don't bother. Let's just go see Gyu-Ri!"

"

Oh, uh

... yes, of course!"

Looking puzzled, Kim Sung-Oh quickly bowed and followed Hong Ah-Yoon.

Once the crowd had dispersed, Yoo-Jin blinked and clenched her fist. "We won."

"Huh? Won what?" I asked.

Yoo-Jin answered with a smug grin. "You saw it, right? That one teardrop. From the moment she started glaring at us, I didn't blink once. But just now, she avoided my eyes and dropped a tear. You didn't see that?"

'

Wait. Were they having a staring contest that whole time

?'

I couldn't believe it. As much as I was me, Yoo-Jin was truly something else.

I let out a soft laugh in disbelief. "Still, why'd you jump in? I could've taken all the heat myself."

Yoo-Jin gave me a dumbfounded look and said, "It was clear she came here aiming for both of us. If I held back just to save face, I'd only feel more frustrated. So I gave her a piece of my mind."

Maybe it was the experience she had gained in showbiz, but Yoo-Jin had grasped the situation instantly. Then again, she had never been the type to quietly endure power plays, even back when she was just the Burger Girl. She had always been bold, even before the regression.

"Still, don't take her on if I'm not around. And I'll make sure you don't get dragged into anything, so don't worry."

Yoo-Jin smiled softly, her eyes curving. "I'm not worried. As long as you're here, what is there to be afraid of?"

Her trust in me gave me unexpected strength.

"Alright then. Go review your script one more time and get ready to shoot."

"Yes, sir~"

Thanks to Hong Ah-Yoon's unexpected appearance, the cast's focus had momentarily broken. Now the actors and crew were getting back into position. Yoo-Jin took that moment to start reviewing her script on a tablet.

A few minutes later, PD Oh Bok-Hee shouted into the megaphone. "Okay, the action team rehearsal's done. Ms. Gyu-Ri and Miss Yoo-Jin, please come over now."

"Okay!"

Yoo-Jin set the tablet down on her standby chair and started getting into character. Just then, Min Gyu-Ri passed by in a sleek black assassin's costume. As she walked past us, she glanced our way and gave a faint smirk.

'

Huh? What's she up to

?'

The next scene involved swordplay. So even with rehearsals, there was always a risk of injury. The prop swords were painted replicas, but if they struck unprotected areas, they could still cut skin.

I suddenly worried she might try to hurt Yoo-Jin. Right then, my phone buzzed.

Buzz~

[Notification: A new schedule entry related to Jung Yoo-Jin'has been registered for April 9, 2021.]

I immediately checked Everyday.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: April 9, 2021]

-1:00 a.m.: [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin]

[Entertainment All Times] Lead actor J, starring in a popular historical drama, was reportedly so startled by newcomer actor M's realistic performance that she fell straight on her butt.

[Baro Star] Rising rookie M shows rapid growth—overwhelms acclaimed lead J, known as the best among her peers, with pure acting talent. Applause erupts on set.

(Emergency meeting note: Formal protest to Min Gyu-Ri's talent agent. PD Oh Bok-Hee promises strong disciplinary action for any future threatening behavior.)

I was right. Min Gyu-Ri was planning to swing the prop sword dangerously, trying to throw Yoo-Jin off. And she planned to spin the story as if Yoo-Jin froze in shock at Min Gyu-Ri's 'realistic performance.'

Of course, Yoo-Jin had already proven her acting chops time and again, so a stunt like this wouldn't damage her much. Yet for Min Gyu-Ri, who was still on the rise, this was a chance to gain massive recognition. It would plant the idea in the public's mind that she was so good she startled Yoo-Jin.

'

Min Gyu-Ri. You really thought you could rattle and use Yoo-Jin like that? What if she gets hurt

?'

As long as I was here, there was no way I would let that happen.

I immediately turned to Yoo-Jin and spoke. "Yoo-Jin. Judging by Min Gyu-Ri's look just now, she's definitely planning something. What do you think about using a stunt double from the start?"

"Huh? Why? Are you worried I might get hurt?"

"Yeah. Director Hong Ah-Yoon showed up too, so the chances of something going wrong are high. And Min Gyu-Ri caught a bad case of celebrity syndrome. She might just snap."

Yoo-Jin hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I'll just shoot it myself."

"Huh? Yoo-Jin?"

She glanced in the direction Min Gyu-Ri had gone. "If she wants to play it real, that's better for me. And as long as I know what's coming, I can handle it."

"You might get hurt."

"I won't. And I want to use this chance to knock some sense into Gyu-Ri and show Ms. Hong Ah-Yoon what kind of person I am."

"What are you planning to do?"

Yoo-Jin winked playfully. "You'll see. I'm heading over now, okay?"

"Yoo-Jin, hey—"

I tried to stop her, but Yoo-Jin had already lifted her skirt and taken off running.

Then, I noticed she was smiling as she ran. The corners of her lips curled up.

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

'

Yoo-Jin... what are you planning now

?'

***

A short while later, the actors began moving into the Yu-Hwa Palace set to shoot Scene 50 of Episode 36.

Even though Yoo-Jin insisted she was fine, I couldn't shake my concern. I moved behind Oh Bok-Hee to keep watch.

As shooting time approached, I quickly glanced at the script on my tablet.

[

Hwaranjeon

Script: Episode 36, Scene 50]

Having formed an alliance with Kim Beop-Min, Princess Yu-Hwa continues to win battles against Baekje, making her name known throughout Silla.

But upon hearing that King Eumgalmun has fallen ill, she rushes back to the capital.

Just as she's preparing to see the king, a mysterious group of assassins breaks into her quarters.

The goblin that protects Princess Yu-Hwa has temporarily lost his powers, having helped her during the war with Baekje.

Her only allies are six heavily armored soldiers who fought alongside her at the front.

But six against thirty is hopeless, and Princess Yu-Hwa is driven into a dire situation.

Then, a slim assassin calmly approaches.

Princess Yu-Hwa quickly realizes it's Princess Do-Hwa.

After a fierce battle, Princess Yu-Hwa narrowly avoids Princess Do-Hwa's blade and lands a counterattack.

But when another assassin intervenes, Princess Yu-Hwa is cornered once again.

Just as death looms, Kim Beop-Min and his private guards appear and save her.

...

The scene they were about to film involved Princess Do-Hwa and her mother, the Third Queen, poisoning King Eumgalmun, who was both their father and husband, in order to lure Princess Yu-Hwa back from the battlefield and attempt her assassination.

After reviewing the storyboard, Oh Bok-Hee turned to the Action Director Ahn Seok-Chil. "Mr. Ahn, are you ready?"

Ahn Seok-Chil, who had just been running a quick rehearsal with Yoo-Jin and Min Gyu-Ri, nodded. "Yes, all set."

"Alright, actors, please move to your positions."

Ahn Seok-Chil grabbed a sword and put on his helmet. He, too, would be performing as one of the six heavily armored guards protecting Princess Yu-Hwa.

Once everything was ready, Oh Bok-Hee shouted to the crew. "Launch the drone!"

Whoooom~

The drone operator sent the filming drone into the air with a remote controller.

Min Gyu-Ri in black assassin garb took her position at the west gate with other masked men, while Yoo-Jin entered the palace quarters. The six armored guards including Ahn Seok-Chil stood in two lines in front of the quarters, swords at their sides. Finally, Deok-Bae waited offscreen outside the east gate of Yu-Hwa Palace. Everyone was in position and ready to go.

Just in case, I began filming the scene with my phone.

Then Oh Bok-Hee grabbed the megaphone tightly and called out instructions.

"Episode 36, Scene 50. Take one. Even if there's a mistake in the middle, unless I yell 'cut,' just keep going. Small slip-ups will be overlooked. Alright—standby... ready... action!"

***

Creeeak.

The door to Princess Yu-Hwa's quarters opened.

Yoo-Jin stepped down the stone stairs in a pale yellow hanbok. Her expression, knowing her father lay on the brink of death, was as stiff and cold as stone.

Thud!

The six heavily armored guards waiting below the stairs clasped their hands and bowed their heads in salute. Their metal plates clanked as they moved.

『Spare the formalities. I will go see the King—clear the path.』

『Yes, my liege.』

These elite soldiers, who had crossed countless battlefields with her, now called Princess Yu-Hwa not "Princess," but "my liege."

Just as Yoo-Jin and the guards began walking toward the west gate, the gate burst open.

Bang.

Around thirty assassins in black uniforms and masks stormed in. At that moment, Ahn Seok-Chil, playing the leader of the armored guards, shouted out.

『It's ambush! Protect the liege!』

Ahn Seok-Chil took the lead, and the five other guards quickly closed ranks around Yoo-Jin in a protective formation. The thirty assassins moved swiftly, forming a double encirclement around the group.

Then, a tall and lean figure in black stepped forward. The leader of the assassin was Gukseon, played by Oh Tae-Hyuk—leader of the boy group Raven.

Oh Tae-Hyuk's voice carried a hint of shame. As the head of Hwarang, he couldn't understand why he had to stoop to assassination.

『Hand over Princess Yu-Hwa and you may leave with your lives. Think of your families.』

『Silence! What warrior flees while their liege still stands!』

The masked commander curled a finger forward.

『What fools who do not value life. Attack!』

In an instant, the masked men all drew their swords and lunged at the guards.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Blades clashed in a flurry of sparks and sound. The black-clad assassins struck and retreated with swift, darting moves, while the heavily armored guards began to tire from their weight.

Eventually, one of them fell.

Thud.

An assassin pounced without hesitation, driving a prop sword into the fallen guard's chest.

Thump.

『

Guh

...』

The wounded guard gasped and dropped his sword.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin grabbed the fallen blade and thrust it straight into the attacker's chest.

Thunk.

The masked assassin collapsed forward. Yoo-Jin shook the bloodless blade clean and shouted boldly.

『Do not panic! Soldiers from the palace will arrive soon! Leave the rear to me and focus only on surviving!』

『Yes, my liege!』

At Yoo-Jin's words, the guards shifted from a protective circle to a straight line formation beside her.

Just then, Oh Tae-Hyuk's voice rang out, laced with cold fury.

『There is no time. Throw your lives away. If you do, your families will be rewarded with gold. But if you cower and falter, I will see every last one of you and your families slaughtered.』

Driven by that threat, the hesitant assassins charged forward in a do-or-die assault.

Crash!

The wall of defense formed by the armored guards collapsed in an instant under the assassins' reckless, life-risking assault. Eventually, three of them broke through and were closing in on Yoo-Jin.

Yoo-Jin swung her sword and faced all three at once. Her swordplay dazzled, but her movements were hindered by the hanbok, making every moment dangerously close.

Moments later, Yoo-Jin stepped back and shouted at the top of her lungs.

『How dare you commit such treachery within the palace? Do you not fear the consequences?』

That's when it happened.

Until now, Min Gyu-Ri had simply stood at the back, silent and masked. But now, she slowly stepped forward and spoke, her voice sharp.

『If we feared consequences, we wouldn't be doing this.

Oh

, and by the way, while you were off prancing about outside, the palace became ours. So your help? It'll be quite late. Not that you'll be alive to see it.

Hahaha

.』

『That voice... it's you, Do-Hwa.』

『That's right. I told you, didn't I? The only one who'll kill you is me.』

She didn't even bother to call her "sister" anymore and her voice was laced with venom. Yoo-Jin clenched her teeth. The hatred in her eyes was so intense that it felt like it could tear skin apart.

Min Gyu-Ri flinched under Yoo-Jin's glare, but only briefly. She scoffed and drew her sword from her side.

Shhhk.

The special paint on the prop blade shimmered in the sunlight.

『

Taahp

!』

Masked, Min Gyu-Ri shouted as she launched a swift strike at Yoo-Jin. However, Min Gyu-Ri's blade was moving faster and aimed higher than what had been choreographed. It was headed straight for Yoo-Jin's neck.

Yoo-Jin, thanks to her sharp reflexes, swiftly dodged and widened the gap between them.

'

Nice one, Yoo-Jin

.'

Just then, Min Gyu-Ri broke further away from the action director's preset moves and aimed her blade toward Yoo-Jin's exposed underarm where there was no protective padding.

'

You little

—!'

Yoo-Jin was now forced to either get stabbed or roll on the ground to evade. This was the exact moment the Everyday app had warned about. It hadn't said she would be injured, but it had shown this turning point. On top of that, Yoo-Jin had asked me to trust her.

Nevertheless, seeing Yoo-Jin in danger made it almost impossible to sit still.

I was about to shout and stop the scene myself, when I noticed Oh Bok-Hee. Thankfully, Oh Bok-Hee shot up from her seat and grabbed the megaphone, ready to call it off.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin's eyes gleamed with a sudden spark though gasping for breath. It was as if she had been waiting for this moment. Then, Yoo-Jin began doing something absolutely outrageous in response to Min Gyu-Ri's attack.

'

Jung Yoo-Jin. Is that what you've been planning all along

?'