Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 391: Hwaranjeon Script Reading (2)

After finishing her introductions, Min Gyu-Ri walked toward us.

Contrary to her polite demeanor, her true nature was the exact opposite.

Fans would later call her by cute nicknames, but those who knew her true colors had nicknames for her that couldn't be spoken aloud.

She was one of those celebrities whose cute appearance contrasted sharply with her real personality.

Min Gyu-Ri bowed politely in front of us. "Hello, sunbae-nims. It's an honor to meet you all."

Song Ji-Hwan nodded. "Nice to meet you. Let's do our best. I heard you did great at the audition, huh?"

"You're too kind, sunbae-nim."

"Not at all. Both PD Oh Bok-Hee and Miss Han said the same. They say a star rookie has arrived."

Min Gyu-Ri gave Song Ji-Hwan a charming smile. "Oh my, you are flattering me too much. Haha."

However, Song Ji-Hwan, who was completely devoted to his wife, saw Min Gyu-Ri only as an endearing kid rather than a woman.

"Why don't you both introduce yourselves? I have something to discuss with Ji-Yung," said Song Ji-Hwan before he left to greet Choi Ji-Yung who had just arrived. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Then, Min Gyu-Ri turned to Yoo-Jin with a bright smile and extended her hand. "Yoo-Jin sunbae-nim, I look forward to working with you."

Yoo-Jin returned the handshake with a smile. "Of course. Miss Han praised you, saying you brought your character to life beautifully. I'm looking forward to your performance as well."

At that, Min Gyu-Ri smiled with her eyes and her lips slightly curled up. "Really? I was just doing what I usually do but Miss Han is too kind."

When Min Gyu-Ri responded with an air of haughtiness, Yoo-Jin let out a small laugh, seemingly finding the rookie's boldness amusing.

However, Min Gyu-Ri's next words caught Yoo-Jin slightly off guard. "And sunbae-nim, watch out. If I really put my mind to it, I might just outshine you."

Min Gyu-Ri declared her ambition, intending to do what Yoo-Jin once did in supporting roles: steal the show.

Had it been Ju Yung-In instead of Yoo-Jin, she would've put Min Gyu-Ri in her place right away, saying, 'Who do you think you are to talk like that?'

However, Yoo-Jin simply brushed off Min Gyu-Ri's challenge with ease. "You're a confident hoobae. I'll be looking forward to it."

Perhaps thrown off by Yoo-Jin's unexpected response, Min Gyu-Ri hesitated slightly. "Oh... yes, yes... Well, I'll see you later, sunbae-nim."

Having failed to provoke Yoo-Jin, Min Gyu-Ri smiled awkwardly and returned to her seat.

Yoo-Jin smiled softly. "She looks cute, but her personality seems intense."

"That's why I always say don't judge people by their looks in the entertainment industry," I remarked.

Yoo-Jin shook her head in disbelief, finding the industry endlessly surprising.

'To think a rookie would approach a lead actor with that kind of remark as a first greeting.'

That conversation solidified my judgment of Min Gyu-Ri.

'People rarely change,' I realized.

The silver lining was that I already knew her thoroughly. More importantly, I was glad that I wasn't her talent agent.

***

Once all the actors were seated, Oh Bok-Hee, Ryu Han-Jun, and Han Woo-Ju entered.

Oh Bok-Hee took her seat at the director's table and greeted everyone with a warm smile. "Hello, good morning."

"Yes, Mrs. Oh."

"Good morning."

After exchanging greetings with the cast and crew, Oh Bok-Hee stood up. "I'm Oh Bok-Hee, the director. With filming set to start in a week, we pushed up the script reading a little bit. You probably haven't had much time to practice, so let's just focus on setting the atmosphere today."

Applause filled the room after Oh Bok-Hee ended her short speech.

Next, Ryu Han-Joon introduced himself, followed by a greeting from Han Woo-Ju.

"I'm currently working on the midsection of the script and I'll get it to you as soon as it's completed," said Han Woo-Ju.

After Han Woo-Ju's words, the cast introduced themselves one by one.

Then Oh Bok-Hee opened her script. "Alright, let's begin with Scene 3 from Episode 1."

The sound of script pages flipping echoed through the room.

"Shall we start with Miso?"

"Yes!" Miso answered quickly.

Then, she took a deep breath. In the blink of an eye, her face transformed from that of an innocent seven-year-old to that of the young second princess of Silla.

Immersing herself in the role, Miso delivered a performance even more astounding than what she had shown during her audition.

***

"Okay! That's it for the child actors' script reading. Miso, Yi-Ji, and Gong-Ju—wonderful work, all of you."

Miso and the other child actors finished their reading with great passion, leaving Oh Bok-Hee visibly pleased with the emotional depth they had displayed.

"Thank you, Mrs. Oh!"

Oh Bok-Hee looked around proudly. "Child actors' skills are no joke these days, right?"

Choi Ji-Yung, who played the First Queen, replied, "I might get scolded for not acting as well as Miso if I'm not careful."

The actors all burst into laughter.

"If the child actors are this good, what are we going to do for a living?"

"Miso, take it easy on us, alright?"

The energy in the room was heating up from the young actors' outstanding performances.

Then, Oh Bok-Hee pointed to Scene 15 of Episode 1. "Now, let's move on to Scene 15 in Episode 1. Mr. Song Ji-Hwan, please start when you're ready."

Scene 15 involved the king scolding the queens harshly after hearing about a mishap caused by the princesses outside the palace.

Wearing black-rimmed glasses and holding his script, Song Ji-Hwan let out a long sigh. Because it had been a while since he last performed in a historical drama, he seemed a bit tense.

After a few deep breaths, Song Ji-Hwan began reciting his lines in a deep and resonant voice.

『How do the queens raise the princesses that they bring such chaos to Seorabeol! I am deeply ashamed—not only as king of this nation but also as their father!』

Song Ji-Hwan's rich and thunderous voice reverberated through the room as powerful as a roaring tiger, surprising the other actors.

When Song Ji-Hwan finished his lines with a dignified and solemn expression, it was Lee Tae-Yeon's turn.

Lee Tae-Yeon looked around with a regal and slightly proud gaze as she embodied the queen.

After taking in each of the actresses playing the three princesses, Lee Tae-Yeon turned back to Song Ji-Hwan and delivered her lines.

『All of this is my fault. So from now on, I will personally take responsibility for the strict discipline of Princess Jeong-Hwa, Princess Yu-Hwa, and Princess Do-Hwa.』

Lee Tae-Yeon lowered her head as if bearing a heavy guilt. Just then, she raised the corners of her mouth ever so slightly with her expression subtly revealing a hidden intention.

It was the kind of nuanced performance that justified her status as an S-class actress.

At that moment, Yoon Joo-Yeon, playing the Third Queen, took over with an intense and defiant tone.

『Your Majesty! You cannot allow this! Remember Mu-Mu's prophecy: that out of the three, only one will survive to become the pillar of Silla! It would be better to entrust a fish to a cat than to leave Princess Do-Hwa with the First Queen, who seems eager to see our princesses dead!』

Yoon Joo-Yeon glared at Lee Tae-Yeon with her body trembling as if she were ready to strike.

The intense emotions expressed by Yoon Joo-Yeon raised the tension in the room even further.

In response, Lee Tae-Yeon met Yoon Joo-Yeon's gaze directly and shouted.

『Are you saying I intend to kill Princess Do-Hwa? What nonsense!』

『Hah! Does anyone in all of Seorabeol not know? Rumor has it that the First Queen intends to pluck each of the young blossoms! Have you truly never heard such talk?』

It was only a script reading, but the two actresses exchanged lines with such conviction that it seemed they were real enemies.

Everyone in the room was captivated by the high-caliber performances. Most actors hurriedly flipped through their pages with their expressions tense.

Only one person, Yoo-Jin, appeared calm as she followed the rhythm of her sunbaes with confidence as if ready to jump in at any moment.

***

Ten minutes flew by in the blink of an eye.

Even though only the supporting actors had performed, the staff members were on the edge of their seats and swallowing nervously. The atmosphere was thick with tension as if one tiny prick could pop the balloon.

The excited Oh Bok-Hee flipped to Episode 4. "Whew! You all have incredible skills. Now, let's move to the scene where the three princesses meet the Head of the Hwarang for the first time. Mr. Oh Tae-Hyuk, please take it from here."

The role of the Hwarang leader, Guk-Seon, was played by Oh Tae-Hyuk, the twenty-two-year-old leader of the popular idol group, Raven.

Based on my memories, Oh Tae-Hyuk initially appeared awkward when he started acting. Nonetheless, he quickly improved, eventually earning the label of a skilled "acting idol."

With his good looks, massive fanbase, decent acting ability, and great personality, Oh Tae-Hyuk continued to thrive even up to the day I died in my previous life.

After a few deep breaths, Oh Tae-Hyuk began his reading. However, perhaps due to the intense performances he had just witnessed, his voice trembled with nerves.

『Y-your Highness... I-I greet you.』

The other actors exchanged looks as if they had expected this. Most idols weren't cast for their acting skills but rather for their potential to attract attention to the drama.

Though Oh Bok-Hee had cast Oh Tae-Hyuk based on his audition, the stereotype persisted.

In the end, Oh Bok-Hee sighed and prepared to call for a break.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin smiled with her eyes and ad-libbed a response to support Oh Tae-Hyuk's line.

『Guk-Seon, why are you trembling so? Could it be that one of us has captured your heart?』

The room fell silent as everyone turned to Yoo-Jin in surprise, including Oh Bok-Hee who looked puzzled by her choice.

Yoo-Jin ignored the stares and kept her gaze on Oh Tae-Hyuk as she patiently waited for him.

Perhaps because he was given the extra time, Oh Tae-Hyuk managed to gather himself and continue.

『It's just that seeing the three princesses of Seorabeol in person has caused my heart to race without my realizing...』

In this industry, a single mistake could make or break a performance, and it could potentially even cause a new fear of being on camera.

As the lead, Yoo-Jin guided the less-experienced Oh Tae-Hyuk through the scene, while most of the cast, engrossed in their own performances amidst a group of accomplished actors, barely noticed.

Recognizing the situation, Oh Bok-Hee and the surrounding staff couldn't help but murmur in admiration.

Even though it was her first lead role, Yoo-Jin was showing awareness of her castmates and stepped in to support them.

Thanks to her help, Oh Tae-Hyuk got through the scene without an NG and the flow of the performance resumed naturally.

This in turn prompted Han Sang-Hee and Min Gyu-Ri to join in. The two were showing admirable acting skills as well, proving they didn't pass the audition for no reason.

Han Sang-Hee portrayed the sharp-tongued and sensitive Princess Jeong-Hwa, while Min Gyu-Ri brought a lively tone to her role as Princess Do-Hwa.

The four actors exchanged lines fluidly and heightened the tension as the scene unfolded.

Then it was Yoo-Jin's turn once again.

With a warm gaze, she turned to Oh Tae-Hyuk and asked.

『Then, Guk-Seon, who among the three of us do you find the most beautiful?』

Caught up in that intense moment, Oh Tae-Hyuk answered with a line different from the script.

『I... think Princess Yu-Hwa is the most beautiful...』

He should have answered "Princess Do-Hwa," but, entranced by Yoo-Jin, Oh Tae-Hyuk inadvertently gave the wrong response.

Oh Bok-Hee laughed and paused the script reading. "Pfft. Mr. Tae-Hyuk, how could you say Yu-Hwa? This is supposed to be the start of a connection with Princess Do-Hwa!"

Oh Tae-Hyuk stopped acting and looked confused. "D-did I say that?"

"What, you don't even know what you just said?"

The flustered Oh Tae-Hyuk began to fidget and his earlobes turned visibly red.

Oh Bok-Hee couldn't help but burst out laughing. "Miss Yoo-Jin has captured Guk-Seon's heart, hasn't she? What should we do? Miss Han, maybe you'll have to rewrite the script."

Han Woo-Ju also smiled broadly. "Mrs. Oh, should I rewrite it right now? It could be interesting if Guk-Seon falls for Yu-Hwa instead."

"Oh come on~ that would change the entire plot! There's no way we can handle that. Absolutely not."

Caught up in the exchange between Oh Bok-Hee and Han Woo-Ju, the actors began laughing along.

Meanwhile, the flustered Oh Tae-Hyuk nervously gulped down a 500ml bottle of water in one go.

Across the room, Han Sang-Hee and Min Gyu-Ri were visibly annoyed. Having been pulled into Yoo-Jin's pace, they felt as if they had fallen into a scenario she had set up.

Once the laughter subsided, Oh Bok-Hee grabbed her script and shouted, "We got to see some great acting thanks to Miss Yoo-Jin. Let's relax a bit and try it again. Mr. Tae-Hyuk, are you ready?"

"Yes, Mrs. Oh!"

"What about you, Miss Sang-Hee and Miss Gyu-Ri?"

"I'm good."

"Me too."

When both actresses nodded with determination, Oh Bok-Hee gave the cue to start again.

More composed now, Oh Tae-Hyuk continued his performance with much-improved delivery, prompting quiet admiration from the others.

His acting was quite promising for an idol, clearing the room of any lingering preconceptions. Looking more confident, Oh Tae-Hyuk seemed genuinely relieved compared to earlier.

On the other hand, Han Sang-Hee and Min Gyu-Ri were putting excessive effort into their scenes upon feeling the pressure not to lose to Yoo-Jin.

During her next line, Min Gyu-Ri suddenly yelled at Oh Tae-Hyuk with an exaggerated expression.

At that moment, Oh Bok-Hee immediately halted Min Gyu-Ri's performance. "Stop. Min Gyu-Ri, why are you overreacting there? That's not the character's tone."

Min Gyu-Ri realized her mistake and quickly bowed her head. "I'm sorry."

Oh Bok-Hee's tone grew slightly firm to rein in Min Gyu-Ri's impulsiveness. "Min Gyu-Ri. I appreciate your enthusiasm but don't overdo it. Match your sunbaes' performances! Okay?"

That's when Min Gyu-Ri lowered her head and muttered under her breath. "Ugh... I'm pretty sure I was doing it right..."

Having recently joined TNT Entertainment, Min Gyu-Ri had no idea how influential broadcast professionals could be. Her frustration slipped out without her realizing when she heard Oh Bok-Hee's nagging.

Unfortunately for her, Oh Bok-Hee heard her words and shouted with her eyes flaring,"'Ugh?' What did you just say?"

At Oh Bok-Hee's stern reprimand, Min Gyu-Ri's face flushed bright red and she began to tremble nervously.

'This is going to be a problem,' I thought.

Sure enough, Min Gyu-Ri suddenly stood up, rushed to the door, and bolted outside.

Click!

I shook my head. 'That's so typical of Min Gyu-Ri.'

In my past life, Min Gyu-Ri sometimes stormed off like this whenever things didn't go her way.

While I was familiar with her behavior, everyone else in the room stared in shock at Min Gyu-Ri's sudden exit.

"W-what was that about?" uttered the stunned Oh Bok-Hee.

Recovering from her shock, Oh Bok-Hee shouted toward the door, "Min Gyu-Ri's talent agent! Get in here right now before I replace her role!"

Oh Bok-Hee was visibly furious and her patience was clearly exhausted.