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The drama is gradually reaching its climax.

With the next episode truly approaching when Sera’s end will finally be revealed, requests for appearances in variety shows and commercials have noticeably increased.

“Hmm….”

I checked the list I just received from Park Kang-seok.

The schedule is divided into two categories: places I must go and optional appearances.

The places I must go are usually to go out with other actors I’ve filmed with, while the variety shows or advertisements I go to alone are optional.

“What are you looking at so intently?”

As I lay on the sofa reading the list, Mrs. Jang, who was cleaning the living room, showed interest.

“Oh, the appearance list.”

“Appearances? What else is on there?”

“It’s not for a drama; it’s for variety shows or commercials.”

As I felt when filming the last cosmetics advertisement, they are really sweet opportunities.

In a way, it might be considered the harvest season for celebrities…

“I’m wondering where I should go.”

My nerves are already focused elsewhere, so I’m not very interested.

Well, the concert tickets are coming up soon, and there’s a lot of last-minute preparation to do.

Most importantly, I need to practice more.

While the guests have almost completed their recordings, I’ll be performing live soon.

That’s why I’ve been eliminating any variety shows or commercials that would take a long time, no matter how much I’d like to do them.

Just now, I removed a program involving traveling the world and performing music from the list of candidates.

They probably reached out to me because I sing well, and while it looks fun, it takes too long.

I can’t help but think that they might have contacted me just in case.

There aren’t just one or two things like that.

Look here, there’s also a program where you wear a mask and sing.

Right now, time for practicing concert songs is precious, so of course, I got rid of that too.

As I started removing more things like going into the jungle or traveling far away, I almost eliminated all optional appearances.

Then my eyes landed on a program that seemed a bit intriguing.

“Mm?”

This could be fun?

I don’t know who reached out, but they definitely know me well.

Among these programs, it doesn’t seem to have a high profile… but still, I want to do this one.

“Hello?”

[Oh, yes.]

I immediately contacted Park Kang-seok to express my intention to participate.

**

“Okay! Great work, everyone!”

“Thank you!”

The simple advertisement shoot has wrapped up.

“So where to next?”

After greeting the filming crew, Park Kang-seok got into the waiting car and started the engine right away.

“You’re going to the broadcasting station for a preliminary meeting.”

“Oh, right, that’s next.”

Since I filmed two ads earlier this morning, I completely forgot.

Today is the preliminary meeting day for the program I decided to attend before.

“I’m looking forward to this.”

Personally, since I chose this program purely out of interest, I felt a bit excited about going to the preliminary meeting.

“That’s unexpected.”

“Really? What do you mean?”

“I didn’t think you’d choose that program over the others.”

“Well, it’s something I like.”

“I heard it requires quite a bit of time sitting at the desk. Are you okay with that?”

Sitting at a desk, huh…

I’ve got confidence overflowing, you know?

Back when I was studying hard, I could sit for over 12 hours.

“I’m a bit of a bookworm, don’t worry about it.”

“If that’s the case…”

After I said this much, Park Kang-seok didn’t say anything further.

And so, we arrived in front of the broadcasting station.

“Ah, Kim Soo-hyun! Welcome!”

As we got out of the car, the main PD personally came out to greet me.

“Oh… You came out yourself, PD?”

“Yes, haha, I’m grateful.”

The PD looked a bit older than I expected, which was a bit surprising.

Normally, they wait inside.

“Don’t mention it. Thank you for inviting me.”

When I said that, the older PD chuckled lightly.

“Our program isn’t particularly popular. So, to have popular figures like you both here, we’re very thankful.”

Popular figures?

Who else is coming?

“Let’s head inside.”

I had a slight question but decided not to voice it and followed the PD to the meeting room.

“Here’s Kim Soo-hyun!”

“Welcome!”

As I entered the meeting room, more writers and staff were there.

“Please have a seat!”

I was naturally guided to one of the more coveted seats, feeling quite honored.

…Even though it’s a less popular program, does it warrant this kind of treatment?

Normally, the program would be the one in charge.

“The other guests will arrive soon!”

Other guests… I guess it must be that person who’s supposedly so popular.

I figured they’d probably sit next to me, and I was curious to know who it was.

“I really didn’t think they’d come.”

“Ahaha, really?”

“Yes, but the PD said they watched the last variety show I was on and thought it would be great to invite me…”

As we settled in and had some casual ice-breaking conversations with the staff.

“Oh, wait a minute. I’ll go greet them.”

“Oh, PD, we can go!”

“No, I’ll go.”

The PD looked at his phone, then stood up, saying he’d step outside for a moment.

Is someone finally arriving?

I’m honestly a bit excited about who it could be.

Could it be someone I know?

Or perhaps someone I’ve seen a few times on TV.

As I waited, imagining who it might be for a brief moment,

The meeting room door opened, and the PD returned.

“Alright! They’ve arrived.”

“Huh?”

Then I was surprised to see who followed the PD into the meeting room.

According to the PD, they really are popular, after all.

And… I knew them!

“What are you doing here?”

“…I have something to say.”

The other person looked equally surprised to see me.

“Um? Were you two in cahoots to come here together?”

Seeing us, the PD glanced at the popular figure—Moon Chang-sik.

“…No.”

Moon Chang-sik said that while turning his gaze toward me.

I also replied to the PD.

“…I didn’t know either.”

It seems Moon Chang-sik didn’t know I was involved in the variety show either.

We may be in the same agency, but we don’t share our schedules.

The PD observed the two of us looking confused for a moment, then broke into his characteristic laugh once more.

“Ahaha, what a coincidence!”

Coincidence… to be honest, if we’re being technical about it, it’s not exactly a coincidence.

Both Moon Chang-sik and I have shown ourselves in variety shows before, so I can see why they’d reach out.

“For now, please have a seat.”

“Yes.”

So, after a moment of looking a bit dazed, Moon Chang-sik sat next to me.

“Anyway, since everyone is here, let me give you a brief overview of the program.”

The official preliminary meeting now commenced.

“Please take this.”

As the meeting started, a folder was placed in front of me and Moon Chang-sik.

“Basically, the program will proceed as outlined here. There isn’t really a script; we’re just giving this to you to keep in mind.”

Listening to the PD while holding the folder, I read the title at the top.

[Simple Overview of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms]

This is the core theme of the program that managed to pique the interest of both me and Moon Chang-sik.

Seriously.

Maybe it’s different for Moon Chang-sik, but I absolutely can’t stand this topic.

How could I even manage this?

After all, I was an advertising model for a Romance of the Three Kingdoms game.

I heard the studio is planned to be set up like a classroom, with an eloquent professor coming to explain things.

Both Moon Chang-sik and I will be taking on student roles.

Hmm, it does sound amusing.

Looking at the schedule, it appears to be something that can be completed in one day, which I like.

Other variety shows often stretch over several days or weeks, requiring multiple shoot locations.

So after that simple preliminary meeting concluded,

“Thank you all for your hard work!”

“I’ll see you on the main shooting day!”

“Yes, take care.”

Naturally, I said my goodbyes to the staff and left the meeting room with Moon Chang-sik.

While I was dazed earlier, by the end of the meeting, both Moon Chang-sik and I had settled into the situation.

Thinking about it, there’s no downside to filming with someone I know.

“Do you have another schedule?”

“Me? I’m finished now.”

“You haven’t had a meal yet, have you?”

“Right.”

“Then let’s go eat together.”

“Sure.”

So, since we met, we decided to go for dinner together and headed toward the parking lot.

While we were taking the elevator down,

“This is surprising. I thought about whether or not you would do it, but I didn’t actually think you would,” Moon Chang-sik said as he pondered over what we might eat for dinner.

He seems to be saying he was shocked… but I’m even more surprised.

“Honestly, I was more shocked! I didn’t think you’d participate in a program like this.”

Moon Chang-sik may have suspected it.

But I couldn’t imagine it at all.

With his busy schedule.

Does he even have time to appear on a super popular variety show?

“I’m actually quite interested in it these days. Plus, learning history is really helpful.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I might end up filming a historical drama someday.”

“…Is there a day when we’ll shoot a period setting from 1800 years ago in China?”

Korean history might be another matter entirely.

What would I gain by studying the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, set in AD 200?

“Haha, but the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is really popular. You never know, you might get cast in China.”

“Oh… China.”

Well, given Moon Chang-sik’s status, they might start calling him from abroad?

I’ve heard that the popularity of Korean wave in China is tremendous.

If Moon Chang-sik goes to China to film the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he might really gather money and fame there.

“And it could be filmed here in Korea too.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I know a few directors who are interested.”

“Really?”

That part piqued my interest too.

A Korean Romance of the Three Kingdoms film.

…As long as they adhere to the verification issues, it should work out fine, right?

Given that Korea is a traditional historical drama powerhouse, I’m sure they would make it well.

“So who knows? You might end up playing the lead role someday.”

“Oh… If you do, what role would you be cast in?”

“Me? I wonder if there’s a suitable role for me.”

When I pondered what role would suit Moon Chang-sik…

I took a quick glance at him.

For Yu Bei or Cao Cao, he’s a bit too muscular… he wouldn’t suit Zhang Fei, and it’s also a no-go for Guan Yu, not to mention.

“Not quite suited for Romance of the Three Kingdoms, huh.”

“Haha, is that so? I guess I’ll have to work hard on my makeup.”

But really, if they do make it in Korea, could I be cast too?

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.

I briefly glanced at the elevator mirror.

…Well, if they did cast me, I can see exactly what role I might play.

Regrettably, I guess I wouldn’t be wielding a double-edged sword.

Anyway, after that, we had dinner with Moon Chang-sik’s manager and parted ways.

 

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