Chapter 147: Spring, The Season Of Harvest 8 (1/2)

Kim Hyunsup waved his baseball cap. Beside him were the director, staff, and other unknown actors who worked on the independent film with Nam Joyoon. Nam Joyoon bowed his head towards them.

The staff took something out from beneath their seats.

I flinched, worried it was some poster board, but fortunately, they brought out cameras. These cameras were even bigger than the reporters', but they were members of a film crew so it was to be expected. If they weren't at a theatre, they might have even brought along a film camera.

I should greet them separately after the cast introductions.

Thinking this, I looked at Nam Joyoon. The corners of his lips were slightly raised.

As soon as the actors gathered, the project producer held the mic.

“Wow, it must be because our actors are all amazing, but everyone seems heated in investigative spirit! After today's screening, I hope you will tell your family, friends, colleagues, and strangers about it. Now the director and cast will make their introductions!”

Ear-piercing cheers erupted.

***

“It feels weird seeing Mr. Joyoon over there, right?”

“He gets to introduce himself along with all those other top stars. Makes me feel like we've fallen behind.”

“Will he be living in a different world than us from now on?”

The independent film members whispered to each other.

“Do you think your life will change if you appear in a couple scenes of a commercial film?”

A blunt voice poured cold water over their moods. It was Lee Sunghyun.

“Mr. Sunghyun, did you not come to see the premiere with us before? It's not just a couple of scenes, he appears quite a lot.”

“That's right. His character is very impressionable too. With Alive's box-office results, I bet his popularity will soar.”

Lee Sunghyun shrugged at the director and a.s.sistant director's words.

“We'll have to see how great the box-office results are. A Hollywood film is going to be released in a few days.”

“Are you cursing other's movies because your own flopped?”

Kim Hyunsup cut in. Lee Sunghyun's expression distorted frighteningly.

The a.s.sistant director quickly changed the subject when he felt the mood become dangerous.

“Wow, Lee Songha, that girl has no need for lights or reflective panels. She glows on her own.”

“Her acting is even more incredible. Apparently, she filmed Alive and Royal Family at the same time, yet she got into both characters so well. They were completely different roles to boot. It like she debuted as a child actress than an idol.”

The staff gaped in admiration. The audience cheered like wolves as soon as Lee Songha held the mic. Expertly introducing herself, Lee Songha looked beside her. Nam Joyoon was next. The surging cheers quickly died down.

“Who is he?”

“Seeing as he's introducing himself as well, I guess he's an actor? He's good-looking compared to your average joe.”

“I wish he would take his time so we have more time to look at the other actors.”

As if she heard them, Lee Songha stopped before pa.s.sing over the mic.

Then she said,

“E-everyone, before the movie begins, please look at the person next to me.”

One by one, the audience looked towards Nam Joyoon.

“Although you may not know him now, after the movie-“

“I know him! I know him!”

A pregnant woman sitting on the very front row raised her hand high.

“I bought a ticket to this event after seeing the premiere! I even saw it early in the morning today!”

The excited woman stomped her feet. Receiving the mic, Nam Joyoon bowed.

“I am Nam Joyoon. Thank you.”

“Oh my goodness, you're so great at acting! My baby almost popped out while I was watching the movie!”

“… We can't have that.”

Various people in the audience laughed. A few people began taking pictures of him.

The woman smiled brightly and said,

“I became your fan, but I couldn't find a photo of you on the internet! That's why I decided to see Alive a few more times! Please appear in many movies in the future!”

No words escaped from Nam Joyoon's mouth for a while before he bowed again.

“… Yes, thank you.”

His lukewarm expression slowly warmed.

*

Two hours later, the audience left the theatre in a trance.

“The rumors weren't exaggerated.”

“I need to watch it again. I was so immersed in the plot that I didn't get to look at Lee Songha.”

“It was such a thrill for the whole two hours! My neck almost cramped from being tense for so long.”

The audience continued their positive feedback. A woman who saw the pregnant woman pa.s.s by smacked her lips in regret.

“Ah! I should have taken a picture of that actor too! That crazy villain, what was his name?”

“Nam… Nam Joyoon! Did I take a picture? It feels like he'll become popular, right?”

“Let's see! Oh my gosh, the photo came out so well! Send it to me so I can post it on my blog!”

Seeing people like this, the independent film director grabbed Kim Hyunsup's shoulder.

“They seem to like Mr. Joyoon?”

“I know, right? Joyoon that b.a.s.t.a.r.d, I really hope everything goes well for him this time.”

“He suffered a ton. People like him deserve to be successful.”

Nodding his head, the director looked around.

“Mr. Sunghyun, you should stop… Huh? Where did he go?”

Lee Sunghyun stood rigid, pale in the face.

An unknown actor sighed next to him.

“f.u.c.k, someone's life's all set now. I always consoled myself whenever I failed an audition by thinking, 'At least I'm better than this no-life who's been getting nowhere for the past ten years'. Was Nam Joyoon also destined to be successful?”

“It's all luck.”

Lee Sunghyun said as if convinced.

“He was lucky to be cast in a movie like this and was lucky to get an impactful role. If I also had this opportunity, I…”

“No s.h.i.+t. You would have done much better than him! I also-“

Just as the unknown actor put on airs, a man carrying a laptop and camera approached them and handed them his business card.

“Excuse me. Could I ask you a few questions?”

The unknown actor asked after checking his business card,

“Uhh… Are you a reporter?”

“I came here to cover this event, but I happened to overhear your conversation.”

“Our conversation?”

The reporter took another step towards them.