237 Auditioning for a New Movie (1/2)

”'—But why?'” Yeo Ri said, reading her lines in a whiny, cutesy voice.

”'Because I said so!'” Her co-star responded. He adopted a serious expression that soon melted when Yeo Ri pouted, as her character usually did. ”'But why~? No one's ever gotten mad at me before. You're so petty, boo-hoo!'”

”'T-that's because! They're all not your boyfriend!'”

The people inside the room cracked up as Yeo Ri faux-sobbed.

Both the writer and the producer held big smiles on their faces as they watched the cast interact with each other, following the script. It was clear that all of them had done their research and went through the source material. The creator was particularly excited about Yeo Ri's character, finding that except for her hairstyle, she had become the exact image of Chacha she had in mind.

”That's great! Chacha has pigtails, so later, make sure to grab your hair every time Chacha feels upset.”

”Yes~”

The atmosphere during the table reading was far more relaxed and amicable than Yeo Ri had expected. Everyone did not put on airs and they were free to take breaks whenever needed. There were food and snacks prepared, and the light-hearted mood increased as they bantered and laughed.

After four hours, they finally finished reading through the whole script.

The writer seemed pleased, feeling like her work was getting the best adaptation she could ever hope for. The synergy between the cast was amazing, and she hoped she could see the finished work as soon as possible.

After the table reading ended, everyone dispersed with smiles on their faces, assured that the project was a good one.

Yeo Ri, however, was unable to relax as she still had other obligations to attend to.

After lunch, she would have to head over to a casting call for a movie, and only after that was she free.

While on her way to the next location, Yeo Ri received a call from Park Soo Yeon.

”Yeo Ri-ah! How was your first table reading?”

Hearing the cheerful, friendly voice of the older woman, Yeo Ri smiled as she replied, ”It was fun. A little tiring, though. I can't wait to start filming.” The character Yeo Ri was playing was such a bright and cheerful girl; she really liked 'Chacha' and thought about how nice it would be to become such a happy-go-lucky and simple person. Thus, she was quite excited. After all, it was impossible for 'Lee Yeo Ri' to be such a person in real life.

Hearing her response, Park Soo Yeon sighed. ”Aren't you working a little too hard lately, Yeo Ri-ah?” Park Soo Yeon grimaced as she remembered the young girl's schedule which she had personally arranged. Even though there was no need to rush, Yeo Ri already had her schedule filled up for the next three months or so, and things just kept piling up to the point where it had become easier to count her off-days rather than her work days.

”I suppose so,” Yeo Ri shrugged. She had been working so much lately as if she was being chased by some demon. Although the high she felt while acting or being in front of a camera was addicting, she was more interested in the money. Film projects were not cheap, and a popular actress could earn hundreds of thousands just from the initial salary alone. After having her first taste of opulence, she wanted more and more money—at least enough to live comfortably in a home she had bought herself.

”But we should take advantage of the opportunity since my popularity won't last forever,” Yeo Ri reasoned.

”I know, but still—” Park Soo Yeon sighed again. Yeo Ri was right. It would be much harder to push her way up if she left the spotlight for too long. After all, showbiz was a world where trends and popularity could change within a very short span of time. Even the viral clip of the commercial which made Yeo Ri popular was starting to lose its allure.

”Don't push yourself too hard,” the older lady advised. ”Be sure to take breaks in-between projects or you'll burn out quicker. Rest, even if it's just for a few days.”

”Yes,” Yeo Ri nodded. Whether she took Mrs. Choi's advice to heart or not was unknown.

”Alright. I know you're busy so I'll let you go. Goodbye, Yeo Ri-ah.”

”Bye, Auntie!”

After she ended the call with Park Soo Yeon, Secretary Kwon spoke up, ”Miss, I have something to tell you.”

”What is it.”

”...”

Secretary Kwon did not say anything and simply passed his phone to her.

Displayed on the screen was an article, titled: [Heo Woo Seung confirmed as candidate for upcoming mayoral elections].

Yeo Ri glanced through the article briefly before handing the smartphone back to its owner. ”No wonder he's been quiet lately,” she snorted. It turns out the old man was going to run for mayor—Seoul's mayor, considered to be one of the highest positions in the government.

”So? What do you want me to do about it?” She raised a brow as she tilted her head, staring at Secretary Kwon through the rearview mirror again.

'Don't cause trouble; keep a low profile,' was the message he was supposed to relate to her.

”...”

However, Secretary Kwon could not bring himself to say the words. It seemed useless to say them to her, as she had no intention of being involved in the her biological father's matters. On the contrary, if he were to say those words to her, the girl might even get offended and proceed to do the opposite.

Receiving no reply from the man, Yeo Ri rolled her eyes and stuffed her earphones into her ears.

.