Chapter 652 (2/2)

She needed a breakthrough point so that she could spend her time wisely. That was when she came across her teacher. Her teacher was the definition of a wise woman. She understood her situation instantly and consoled her saying that she was also a nobody in the past before immediately providing her with a method. That was how she met leader. Leader was fat, had a foul breath, and was a man who had a strange obsession with doggy style, but he was not foolish, knew how to earn money, and knew what cooperation was. Her teacher’s recommendation was perfect.

Her financial situation improved quickly. Leader was a man who easily spent his money. As a successful man, his wallet was thick and chump change didn’t exist inside his wallet. She stopped all of her part time jobs and focused on acting. She didn’t see immediate improvements, but she wasn’t afraid. After all, it was natural that the results would be late since she started late. She kept practicing and broadening her relationships following her teacher’s words. She also reminded herself of her teacher’s words that she would never become first rate with a backer alone.

“Life is about efficiency, kid.”

Minae looked at Maru, who was sitting afar. She only pitied the pathetic kid that could not use his connections.

* * *

“I was originally going to let you go after shooting the first scene, but I changed my mind after looking at the footage. The screen feels much more full now. It looks just the way I want it to.”

Maru accepted the coffee that director Lee Jincheol gave him with both hands. He saw the staff members putting away the shooting equipment. The background actors were getting on the bus, following leader. Freckles and glasses waved at him. Maru also waved back.

“You became close in that short time, huh?”

“They’re good people after all. I can get through to them.”

“It felt like everyone was scattered before you were here, but ever since you became their pivot, the shoot was smooth, and it looks so much better.”

“Don’t put me on a pedestal. I didn’t do anything. Everyone just cheered up since it became cooler after sunset.”

“Do you think my eyes are here for show? I can see it. Films are ultimately shooting people, but they’re shot by people as well. It’s obvious that things have changed ever since you joined.”

“It’s a coincidence.”

“No, there is no coincidence when it comes to people. Everything happens for a reason.”

The director patted his shoulder, thanking him. Maru sipped on the coffee. The only thing he did was join and chat with the background actors, so he felt rather embarrassed when he was complimented for it.

“There are actors who influence the shoot, and there are actors who have no influence at all. I can’t say which one is better. It depends on the situation after all. However, you were really helpful today. Both Sungjae and Bitna looked a lot softer after seeing you. Geunsoo, is well, he was perfect from the beginning, so let’s put him aside.”

“Don’t say all that. It makes me want to hide.”

When he had a look at the smiling director, his phone started vibrating. He excused himself before opening the phone. He got a text from Gaeul.

“So you need to go?”

“Yes. There’s someone I need to meet.”

“I was planning to take you to the next location if you said you didn’t have anything to do. What a pity.”

“I find it a pity too. I’ll come again if there’s an opportunity next time.”

“You’re not telling me to call you huh?”

“It’s the holidays, so I’m going to play around.”

“Yes, you should.”

“I’ll return the videotapes in a while. Can I visit your house?”

“You can take your time. There’s no one who’s going to watch it anyway. Thanks for everything. Watch out on your way home.”

“Yes, I’m leaving now.”

He shook hands with the director before turning around. He met eyes with sleeveless on his way, and she was exuding an aura that read ‘I don’t like you’. It would be great if this was their last meeting, but he would probably continue coming across her as long as he kept doing this job.

“Kid, life is about efficiency,” said sleeveless as he walked past.

Maru nodded.

“Yes, it is about efficiency indeed.”

Just as he was about to go, he saw her staring at him with displeasure, so he added,

“Contraception is really important when you sleep with a married man. Though, I’m sure you must know that already.”

Sleeveless’ eyes became wide. Her mouth did not budge. As she started looking around in unease, he heard leader call out to her.

“Why don’t you get going? To your daddy, that is.”

Sleeveless looked around several times before quickly running towards the bus. She looked very uneasy when she turned around to look back at him.

“Why don’t you ask Kim Suyeon for help? She’d probably tell you a really efficient way.”

Maru said that to himself as he saw her becoming distant. Leader, who was groping her butt, also seemed to have heard from her as he was glaring at him from afar. Maru just nodded. They were a fitting duo for sure.