The bustling Baeknyeoncho cast dinner.
Having rented out the entire restaurant, the actors could relax and enjoy the gathering.
“Mr. Seongtae, you worked hard again today.”
“The director worked harder. I just did what you told me to do.”
Han Seongtae was seated at the same table as Hwang Gyeol.
To his right sat Kim Mucheol, to his left Park Yeeun, and in front, Cheon Yeji was sipping drinks with Hwang Gyeol.
Seeing her already down more than six glasses was a bit worrying.
‘If she gets drunk like that, it’ll be tough.’
Han Seongtae, watching Cheon Yeji with anxious eyes, exhaled softly and turned his head.
‘She’s with her manager, so she should be okay.’
He noticed Cheon Yeji’s manager, seated with other managers in a corner, watching their table closely.
The other managers were doing the same.
They hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, preparing for any potential mishap.
“Seongtae, you should have a drink.”
“Yes, hyung.”
Han Seongtae smiled and raised his glass at Kim Mucheol’s words.
Under normal circumstances, Han Seongtae would have refused his offer.
He’d seen actors ruin their lives because of alcohol.
But today, he thought it might be okay.
There was no filming tomorrow, and once a year, he needed a day to let loose.
“Oh, what’s up with you? I thought you’d refuse.”
“It wouldn’t be right to refuse every time.”
“Yeah, good call. It’s true, drinking too much isn’t good for you. But having a moderate amount helps you relax, sleep better, and it’s nice. It even lifts the mood.”
Kim Mucheol started talking more.
It must be because Han Seongtae, who always refused, readily raised his glass this time.
He was the type who enjoyed sharing drinks with people he liked.
“Come on, everyone, fill your glasses!”
Just as Kim Mucheol and he were laughing and emptying their glasses,
Hwang Gyeol, his face flushed bright red, suddenly jumped up from his seat and raised his voice.
The sight drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
“Everyone worked really hard today.”
Hwang Gyeol continued speaking, and people began filling their cups one by one.
Han Seongtae also raised his cup with them.
“When filming started, I was really worried if I could do well. Since everyone had high expectations and worked so hard, I had to create many good scenes.”
Hwang Gyeol’s words brought faint smiles to people’s lips.
“As you all know, a lot happened in the middle. Things got a bit rocky. And suddenly, a spot opened up.”
“But thanks to that, we got a great actor!”
“Exactly! And the director loved him the most!”
Hwang Gyeol’s gaze instantly shifted to Han Seongtae as the people spoke with laughter.
Following him, the others also looked at Han Seongtae.
Under their gaze, Han Seongtae smiled awkwardly.
“That’s right. We got a great actor. Thanks to that, a lot of worries were eased too.”
Hwang Gyeol, who had flashed a smile at Han Seongtae, scanned the entire group again.
“It was a great pleasure working with all of you. I know very well that many of you have complaints about me. But please just hold on and push through until filming wraps. I’ll take any cursing after we finish in stride.”
“You promised?”
“I’m seriously going to curse you out!”
“Director, you’ll regret saying that!”
Voices rang out from all sides, making people burst into laughter.
Hwang Gyeol also smiled and nodded.
“Alright, let’s toast. To the success of Baeknyeoncho!”
“Cheers!”
Following Hwang Gyeol, people raised their glasses high.
Han Seongtae also raised his glass high with them.
[‘The One With a Thousand Faces’ smiles, saying the atmosphere is excellent.]
[‘The One Who Lives and Dies by Speed’ says even if he dies soon, it’s a one-shot, urging you to down it in one go.]
This is 500cc, right?
[‘The Actor of Eternal Youth’ says you don’t hold back with something like this.]
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ smiles and gestures, saying if you’re a man, it’s a one-shot.]
Han Seongtae tilted his beer glass, eyes tightly shut.
The sensation of the liquor sliding down his throat made his face involuntarily contort.
“Wow. You can really drink!”
“You’re alive!”
People around him marveled at the sight.
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ frowns slightly, saying alcohol isn’t good for muscles.]
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ happily declares he’ll forgive you just for today.]
Just try to stop him.
Han Seongtae let out a hollow laugh and shook his head.
Maybe it was because he hadn’t drunk in so long, but he felt like he’d get drunk quickly.
‘I should go out for some fresh air later.’
He was taking a sip of water, letting out a faint sigh.
“The show’s about to air. How about a bet on the first episode’s ratings?”
“Oh, that’s great. Betting on who buys coffee would be fun.”
“I’ll bet on 4%!”
“Then I’ll go with 5%! Still, this one’s worth looking forward to!”
Voices of people betting on the first episode’s ratings could be heard.
People nearby joined in one by one.
“I’ll bet on 6%.”
“Isn’t Actor Kim being too aggressive?”
“Exactly. Even 5% for the first episode would be incredibly high.”
Kim Mucheol joined the bet too.
[‘The One Who Defined an Era’ says he thinks it will get 7%.]
[‘The Founder of Jeet Kune Do’ insists 7% is too high and is confident it will be 6.4%.]
Seeing even the gods joining the bets, Han Seongtae couldn’t help but laugh.
‘Ratings, huh…’
How much did Baeknyeoncho get in his past life?
After a moment’s thought, Han Seongtae opened his mouth.
“8%.”
“…?”
“What did you say, Mr. Seongtae?”
They tilted their heads at Han Seongtae’s words.
Seeing their reaction, as if they’d misheard, Han Seongtae smiled and spoke again.
“I’ll bet on 8%.”
Seeing Han Seongtae’s confident expression, they paused briefly and looked at each other.
“Our actor Han sure has a big bet!”
“Well… anyone who bet under 5% should keep their heads down.”
“It’d be amazing if it really hit 8%.”
They dismissed Han Seongtae’s words as the reckless boast of a child.
No one took his statement seriously.
It was a bet made in jest from the start.
Han Seongtae didn’t pay much attention to their reactions either.
Clunk.
“Where are you going?”
Kim Mucheol called out as Han Seongtae stood up.
“Just getting some air.”
“Oh, okay? Have a good walk.”
“Yes.”
Just as Han Seongtae nodded and left his seat—
“I’ll come with you.”
Park Yeeun, who had gotten up unnoticed, followed him out.
Han Seongtae glanced at her, nodded, and started walking with her.
“Good.”
Han Seongtae murmured softly, gazing up at the night sky.
The restaurant had felt stifling, filled with smoke from grilling meat and the bustling crowd.
[‘The One With a Thousand Faces’ strongly asserts that a 7% rating is entirely achievable.]
[‘The One Who Lives and Dies by Speed’ questions whether such ratings are realistic to expect from the first episode.]
Still chuckling at the gods’ messages discussing ratings, Han Seongtae turned his head to look beside him.
“I feel like I can breathe now. It was stifling in there.”
Park Yeeun sat with her hands neatly folded, fidgeting with her wrists.
Watching her, Han Seongtae gave a faint smile and nodded.
“Yeah. It feels refreshing and nice to be out.”
Muttering softly, Han Seongtae suddenly turned his head at a felt gaze.
“Is there something on my face?”
Park Yeeun was staring intently at his face.
She looked at Han Seongtae with a peculiar expression and slowly shook her head.
“No. Nothing’s on it.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because it’s fascinating.”
Han Seongtae tilted his head at her unexpected words.
‘Fascinating?’
Did she mean his face looked strange?
As Han Seongtae was puzzling over it, she spoke.
“Earlier, you said the ratings would probably hit 8%.”
“Yes, I did.”
“Do you really think it will hit 8%?”
“I believe it can. I believe it can reach 8%.”
“I find that amazing.”
Han Seongtae could understand her words.
What exactly was so amazing about it?
She met his gaze without flinching.
“How can you be so utterly certain? I think the show will do well, but I can’t feel that strong conviction like you do.”
Having that kind of confidence is remarkable.
Park Yeeun was staring intently at Han Seongtae as she spoke.
The strange intensity in her eyes made Han Seongtae pause.
“I don’t have confidence in the work itself.”
“…?”
“I only have confidence in the acting.”
“Your acting?”
Seeing her tilt her head in confusion, Han Seongtae smiled and nodded.
“Yes. I can’t say I put in as much effort as you or others, but I’m confident I gave it my absolute best.”
“…”
“That doesn’t mean I think I’m good. It’s more about trusting those around me than having confidence in myself.”
“Those around me…”
“I trust the people around me who point out my flaws and help me. Because their help and effort exist. That’s why I can have confidence.”
At Han Seongtae’s words, she nodded, saying “Ah.”
Seeing this, Han Seongtae smiled faintly and glanced sideways.
[‘The One With a Thousand Faces’ gives a subtle smile at your words.]
[‘The Actor of Eternal Youth’ nods, saying humility is a good thing.]
With the gods of acting standing by like this, how could one not feel confident?
“So, ‘those around me’ means people like the director, right?”
“It could be you, Yeeun.”
Park Yeeun’s eyes widened momentarily at his words.
Her startled expression faded quickly, replaced by a peculiar smile.
“Seongtae, you seem like such a good person.”
Han Seongtae smiled gently at her words.
“Shall we head inside?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
The night deepened alongside the dinner gathering.
“You look really tired.”
Han Seongtae nodded at the voice beside him and turned a page of the script.
The aftereffects of the all-night party were still tormenting him, even a day later.
“You say you’re tired, but why are you reading the script?”
“I have to practice.”
“……You crazy practice freak. Sometimes I wonder if you’re even human. You’re not human, are you?”
“I’m human. I’m just mentally unstable. Sit down.”
Kim Minseok nodded at Han Seongtae’s words and sat down.
No sooner had he sat in the chair than he pulled his laptop out of his bag and opened it.
Han Seongtae glanced at him, flipped a page of his script, and spoke up.
“How’s studying going? Is Director Yeon Jaehoon treating you well?”
“He’s great. There’s so much to learn. I’m relearning everything from directing up.”
“Yeah, study hard. So you can become an amazing director and cast me.”
“Wouldn’t it be faster if you succeeded first?”
“Wouldn’t it be nice if we succeeded together?”
Kim Minseok let out a hollow laugh at Han Seongtae’s words and shook his head.
“How’s your drama going? Is filming going well?”
“It’s going well. Everyone’s working hard. It’ll air next month.”
“Want to watch it together at my place then?”
“Depends on the situation. I don’t know what’ll happen either.”
Kim Minseok nodded and tapped away at his keyboard.
Seeing him focus so quickly, Han Seongtae was also able to concentrate on his script.
How much time had passed like that?
“Ah. Right. I think the Netflix meeting will be set soon.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I overheard the director talking. They were setting the date. They’ll probably contact you soon too?”
“Okay. I’m looking forward to it.”
A meeting with Netflix.
I’m already excited.
How great will it be to shoot with them?
Squeak.
While talking with Kim Minseok, the department room door opened.
“Hey, Senior Han Seongtae. Do you have a moment?”
Han Seongtae’s eyes widened at the familiar face.
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