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“You’re really pretty.”

My reflection in the mirror was so stunning that it made me exclaim such a thing.

I don’t know, maybe it was because of the expert touch of the makeup artist that my flaws vanished while my strengths were accentuated.

“Oh dear, are you complimenting yourself by looking in the mirror?”

“Ah, but… I really am pretty, right?”

When I said that, the actresses looked at me as if I were strange, but hey… isn’t it true?

I genuinely took another look.

Should I start dressing up a little more from now on?

Anyways.

“Thank you! I’ll go and start filming now.”

Now, time to head to the filming.

First off, just as I heard beforehand, I completed my makeup. I also received the hat and sunglasses that were already prepared.

Then I made my way to where the director, whom I’ve heard referred to as ‘Toad’, was waiting for the actual filming, feeling the gaze of people everywhere.

I thought I felt it before, but now it felt like it doubled.

It’s clear that looking good is indeed important.

Given that I was dressed more stylishly than usual.

It was so cold that I was worried if my face might turn red from the chill.

However, I didn’t feel burdened by the stares anymore.

Didn’t I just marvel at my reflection in the mirror? I can think that it’s understandable.

As I crossed through the people, approaching the area where Toad was said to be, I could already see the staff gathering.

“There.”

As I got closer and spoke, the focus of the concentrating staff and the director shifted to me.

“Wow… Kim Soo-hyun, you look totally unrecognizable.”

Especially the director widened his eyes in surprise as he looked at me.

Is it really that surprising? I haven’t changed so drastically.

“I was already pretty, you know?”

“Haha, I know, but right now… you look completely like Han Hye-jin.”

“Oh goodness, thank you for the compliment.”

What role did Han Hye-jin play?

A supernova known by the entire nation.

Being compared to someone like that is an extraordinarily flattering compliment.

“Well, it seems like we’re ready, so let’s get going…”

The place the director guided me to was the performance hall I’d seen earlier.

The center, where the staff was busy setting things up earlier, was precisely where I would be acting.

“Are you ready?”

“Of course.”

To be honest, I was having a hard time getting into the mood.

I had to act in an empty performance hall, unlike the original scene.

But who am I?

Miro, the acting genius acknowledged by Moon Chang-sik.

It might be a stretch for everything to come together in one go, but I’m confident I can succeed within three NGs.

“Then let’s start right away.”

Thus, the filming commenced.

In fact, despite the elaborate makeup, my role wasn’t going to be very significant.

All I needed to do was… look at the audience, then take off my sunglasses and frown a little as if I were unhappy.

Then, I’d just turn around and leave.

Wasn’t that really simple?

But simplifying the actions means the details become all the more crucial.

No matter how much of a genius I might be at acting, it wouldn’t be easy to immerse myself in it.

“Ah, that was good, but could you do it a bit more subtly?”

“Yes.”

However.

“Whoa, that was great! Just make the turn a bit more coy.”

“Understood.”

With just a few bits of feedback, I was able to get the okay sign before hitting three NGs.

It felt almost anticlimactic ending so easily considering I traveled all this way for makeup.

“You did really great, Kim Soo-hyun.”

After the filming wrapped up, Toad casually struck up a conversation.

“Um… But are you not considering becoming a full-time actor?”

“Oh, a full-time actor?”

“Yes, honestly, your looks and talent are such that I think you could really succeed… I don’t usually say these things, but it would be a waste if you didn’t.”

A full-time actor, huh…

“Thanks for the suggestion, but…”

It’s not that I don’t find the idea appealing… I mean, who wouldn’t want to be an actor? It’s probably what most ordinary people dream of.

But, if it means shooting for hours every day, it would surely interfere with my current broadcasting activities.

“I find that I enjoy what I’m doing now.”

“Oh… is that so? Well, if you ever change your mind, please contact me later.”

Having said that, the director didn’t push further.

After that, once my schedule completely wrapped up and I was heading home…

“Oh, Kim Soo-hyun.”

The very Moon Chang-sik, who had first guided me and then left me hanging, had quietly appeared.

“Did the filming go well?”

“Ah yes, it was all good.”

“Haha, thank you for helping me out earlier.”

I narrowed my eyes a little as I looked at Moon Chang-sik.

How dare he change his tune and call me out again?

Especially on such a cold day.

I thought I was freezing to death when I came out.

“…That makes me a bit uncomfortable.”

“Feel free to be uncomfortable.”

Though he said that, there’s no way he could be troubled by a glare from someone like me.

Someone of Moon Chang-sik’s status wouldn’t care if I glared at him, right?

“Hmm… how about I treat you to a meal?”

“Oh, I wasn’t glaring at you hoping for that.”

But a free meal, huh? I could live with that.

“What will you treat me with? Since you’re a big star, should we go for omakase?”

“Wow, you’re really looking to take advantage, aren’t you?”

“We’re eating together, you know?”

Just as I was thinking of treating my stomach after a long time…

“Um, excuse me.”

Kang Ha-na, who had saved me earlier, approached shyly.

“Oh, Ha-na, thank you for earlier.”

“Oh, it’s nothing… um, are you heading home now?”

“Yeah, I’m supposed to have dinner with Kim Soo-hyun now.”

It was Moon Chang-sik who answered Ha-na’s question.

But, what an awkward atmosphere coming from Ha-na?

“Uh, I see?”

For someone like Miro, a broadcast personality, who’s adept at picking up on social cues, I was immediately aware of it.

“Would you like to join us, Ha-na?”

“Um… is it okay?”

With just one glance, it was clear that she wanted to join. With someone like Moon Chang-sik, adding one more person wouldn’t hit his wallet that hard.

Or I could just pay myself.

I did earn some money recently.

“Chang-sik, is that alright with you?”

Just checking with Moon Chang-sik, since it was his idea after all. I didn’t want to be rude if he had something against it.

“…Of course, that’s fine.”

“It’s been permitted, then let’s go.”

Thus, it was decided that myself, Moon Chang-sik, Kang Ha-na, and even Moon Chang-sik’s manager would go together to the restaurant.

Unexpectedly, his manager, who completed her scheduling early, happily headed home while we took Moon Chang-sik’s car to the restaurant.

“By the way, have both of you finished filming?”

I wondered if it was fine for them since I was just a minor part. Seeing them both nod.

“Yes, we’re already done.”

“Actually, today was almost our last shoot.”

Aha… So that’s why they looked relieved.

“Well, congratulations. You must have worked hard.”

Considering how tough it must have been to film in cold weather, I said that, and Ha-na giggled.

“I feel so relieved! Now I just want to rest until the next project starts.”

Resting… sounds a bit foreign for someone in broadcasting who doesn’t have any days off.

“How do you rest?”

“Oh, I go on overseas trips.”

Oh… as expected.

The schedule is completely different.

“Then are you going overseas again this time?”

“Yes, I’m planning to go to Japan!”

Japan? Traveling to Japan is a familiar topic for me, as I’ve already done it.

“I was just in Japan recently.”

“Oh, really? How was it?”

“It was so nice that I’m going again.”

“Eh? When?”

“Probably around next week or the week after.”

I got a message from Tenshi just the day before, and detailed arrangements are being made, so I’ll probably be going around then.

Hearing that I might go to Japan soon, Ha-na looked surprised and then cautiously proposed.

“Wow… then would you like to go together?”

“Excuse me?”

Together?

Me, the actress Kang Ha-na, traveling together?

Even just imagining it tires me out.

“Ugh, no thanks.”

Is there a chance of getting photographed at the airport?

But maybe I was too blunt with my rejection? Ha-na’s eyebrows drooped.

“Um… I’ve been hurt.”

Oh no… did I say that too directly?

Just as I was starting to feel a bit awkward, Moon Chang-sik interjected smoothly.

“Please understand, junior.”

“Yes?”

“Kim Soo-hyun is just very honest by nature.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes, and take what she says lightly.”

“Isn’t that a bit too harsh?”

Just like that, we engaged in a conversation of little substance while arriving at a high-end Korean restaurant.

“…What happened to omakase?”

“Aren’t you going to Japan? You should have Korean food while you’re here.”

“That’s a very logical point.”

I accepted Moon Chang-sik’s reasoning and delighted by the exquisite Korean dishes… they were incredibly delicious.

Now I understand why people spend so much on food.

Is this what successful people eat every day? I felt a tad envious as I savored every bite when Ha-na looked at me in wonder.

“Don’t you think you’re eating a bit too well?”

“Well, you always eat well when it’s free.”

“No, that’s… not at all.”

“Haha, you too can eat comfortably.”

“Is that okay?”

So, with conversations of this kind, we wrapped up our meal.

***

I returned home.

Since it took quite some time for dinner, it was now time to go live.

With filming in the afternoon and broadcasting at night, am I really a workaholic?

Entering the soundproof booth where I usually go, I booted up the computer and started the broadcast.

[Day 3 of Unification]

– Hi hi hi

– What the hell

– Is it the Romance of the Three Kingdoms again?

– Stop it, I warned you

Seeing the flood of viewers’ criticisms as soon as the title appeared made me chuckle.

“Everyone pretends not to like it while absolutely loving it.”

– No

– Aah

– Gyaaaah

– Are they really trying to fight me?

“I learned my lesson after failing yesterday.”

– Lower the difficulty

– Do Cao Cao instead of Kong Songchan

– What did you realize?

– Why are you using Kong Songchan again?

“Why am I using Kong Songchan, you ask? Because he’s cool! The White Horse General from the North.”

Riding on a white horse, sweeping up the northern tribes, how cool is that?

– Not cool at all

– Cao Cao is cooler

– Zhuge Liang one-trick pony lol

“Don’t worry. It looks like the ‘Heaven’s Unification Order’ is coming into view.”

– But you always get wrecked by Yuan Shao

– You said that yesterday too

– Please, no more…

It seems like my efforts with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms were paying off, as the chat was stabilizing again.

A few days ago, names I didn’t know flocked in to stir things up, but now it seemed like things were getting back to normal.

Just a bit more, and I’d be fine?

After all, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the best, isn’t it?

 

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