234 Luncheon at the Joo Family’s House (2/2)

”—D-Director... Bang Ji Han?” Repeating the name, Yeo Ri's hands trembled. Who didn't know Bang Ji Han? He was a famous director who had won many international awards. Each and every one of his works were box office hits. Such a person was interested in her acting? Yeo Ri couldn't believe her ears!

The other people seated around the dining table ceased their interactions and focused on the flustered girl, peering at her curiously. The name she had just spoken seemed to pique their interest.

”Yes—uh—actually, he's with me right now and—what? You want to talk to her?—wait, no, here—Yeo Ri-ah, he wants to talk to you,” Park Soo Yeon seemed to be conversing with another person beyond the call, and after hearing some rustling, a new voice greeted her.

”Hello?” The voice that was obviously male and different from Park Soo Yeon's voice greeted.

Yeo Ri almost jumped off from her seat. Standing up in alarm, she hurriedly replied, ”Yes—yes, h-hello, Director Bang!” The utensils clattered loudly as she stood up, and Yeo Ri's face flushed deeply. She bowed her head again in apology, moving away from the dining table as she mouthed 'work' to the confused group.

”Yes, hello. You must be Miss Lee Yeo Ri. I've heard a lot about you, and a lot of my friends seem to have nothing but praises for your talents.” The man said, his voice light and relaxed. ”President Park and her husband have been my longtime friends, and your acting coach—Madam Yang—is one of my closest friend. Actually, she was the one who recommended you to me. I've seen some of your practice videos, and I thought you did very well.”

Yeo Ri felt uncomfortable with having an unknown male's voice ringing so closely in her ears, but she reminded herself to bear with it as it was her obligation to be professional while working. ”Y-yes, nice to meet you, Director Bang! Thank you—thank you for reaching out to me; I feel very honoured to receive such high praises from such an accomplished personage such as you!” Yeo Ri stumbled on her words, but managed to speak out some of her true thoughts to the man.

Director Bang laughed, his mood soaring thanks to the girl's candid flattery. Though he was used to such words, it was pleasant to hear it being said by a cute girl.

”Miss Lee, I'll be in the country until tomorrow, and I was wondering if you have some free time to meet? For a small audition. I'm working on a new film and after seeing your picture, I thought, 'ah! She looks perfect for this one role.' How about it?”

”Audition?” Yeo Ri gasped quietly. She hadn't expected to receive such an offer from such a famous man. It still felt like a dream to her, and to even have a chance to audition for a role in a guaranteed blockbuster film, Yeo Ri was truly shocked and somewhat agitated. Adrenaline coursed through her veins as a familiar feeling of excitement, and greed, flashed in her eyes. She—

—Yeo Ri had found it—something she wanted to do.

Even though it was just an audition, and success was not guaranteed, she was still greedy for the chance.

At that moment, Yeo Ri thought, 'This is what I'm meant to do.' She could feel it—deep within her bones—that this was her calling.

”I—um—right now?” Yeo Ri asked shakily, snapping out of her thoughts. She glanced at the still group who were staring at her. Yeo Ri met her brother's worried eyes before turning back to hear the director's answer.

”If possible, yes. If not, we can schedule it for another day. I'll be back in South Korea in—” he paused, as if checking something, ”—a month? My new movie is about to release soon so I'll be busy doing a promotion tour in other countries with the crew and actors.”

”Then—” Yeo Ri bit her lips. Did she really want to wait for one whole month? What if his interest had dimmed down by then? Just as many people had advised her before, such a golden opportunity wouldn't come by twice. ”Um, can you wait a moment, Director? I'll need to ask for permission from my guardian.”

”Oh, yes, of course. Go ahead,” the man replied amicably.

Yeo Ri pressed her phone down on her chest, covering the speaker, and moved back to the dining table. She looked at the faces of the group uneasily before opening her mouth to speak. It was rude of her to leave so suddenly while they were in the middle of a meeting, however informal it may be, but she couldn't exactly refuse the opportunity either. Something inside her didn't want to let it go.

In Guk noticed her predicament first. With his usual grin, he said, ”Is it work? I heard you mention 'Director Bang Ji Han'. Are you going to meet him?” A tinge of excitement could be heard in his voice. Bang Ji Han was a household name, and even people who didn't pay much attention to the film industry knew who he was.

Everyone else also turned to look at the girl, waiting eagerly for her confirmation.

”Yes. He's going abroad tomorrow, and he asked if I wanted to audition for him before he leaves.”

”What?!”

Madam Joo's surprised voice caused everyone to turn their gazes toward her. She quickly cleared her throat, schooling her reaction as if she hadn't been shocked silly by Yeo Ri's statement.

”When did he ask to meet?” Gun remained calm and asked levelly. He could see the happiness shining in his sister's eyes, and that made him happy too. He reached for her free hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

She smiled at her brother, feeling her nerves calming down thanks to his action. ”Right now,” the girl answered simply. She realised how unprofessional she was being—and how unprofessional the director was, she inwardly thought. But it was also her who wished to go as soon as possible even though she could just set the time to be after the lunch with the Joos. But, again, who could resist a one-on-one audition with the legendary director himself? Even the man seemed to know and had confidence in the charm of his name.

”What?!” Once again, Madam Joo yelled.

This time, no one paid attention to the old woman. They were far more interested in Yeo Ri's situation.

”Then, what are you waiting for? Go. We can discuss this on another day,” Mr. Joo encouraged her. A large smile was on his face, as if he was proud of being acquainted with a future famous celeb.

”No—but—”

”It's okay, Yeo Ri. Go. I'll handle the talks. It's not like we're going choose an apartment immediately.” Gun smiled at her gently. Yeo Ri was still young and didn't know much about houses anyways, so he doubted she would be interested to sit down and talk about it, especially since he had always been in charge of their housing. It would be better if she goes to chase her dreams without having to worry about such paltry, tedious things.

”Really?” Yeo Ri looked at him with a slight wrinkle between her brows.

”Just leave it to me,” Gun assured. He actually had half a mind to follow Yeo Ri, but figured it would not look good on her part, especially since this impromptu audition seemed important. Thus, he decided to stay behind and settle the issue of their new accommodation right away since Yeo Ri would be busier and more popular in due time. Their current home was not safe enough for someone like Yeo Ri; even now, there were dubious-looking people skulking around the building, as if stalking her. Gun didn't want his precious baby sister to get hurt just because he wanted to save some money.

”Alright, then. Please excuse me,” Yeo Ri apologised once again, bowing her head. Turning away from the group, she raised her phone back to her ear, accepting the director's offer.

”—Yes, I will be very honoured to audition for you as soon as possible.”