Superstar From Age 0

Chapter 40

Did you have a good day?

Yes!

He had just returned home after finishing all the filming.

His mother, Seo Eun-hye, was planning to take care of his grandmother, who had been discharged from the hospital, at her place. So there was only Lee Min-joon at home.

He had come back from work, but the house was empty. It was so lonely.

Lee Min-joon hugged Seo-jun tightly. Seo-jun also giggled and hugged his dad back.

Well, Im going now.

Kim Hee-sang waved his hand at the father and son who were having a heartfelt reunion. He was about to go home and enjoy his vacation, but Lee Min-joon grabbed his shoulder.

What? Why again?

Do you want to go to America with me?

Lee Min-joon smiled kindly, but Kim Hee-sang felt a chill.

America?!

Seo-jun tilted his head as he took out the autograph he got from Ji Seok-hyung and the gifts from his grandparents from his goblin bag. America? Why America?

Uncle Hee-sang. Go to America?

Yes.

No! I wont go! Why me?

Kim Hee-sang shouted, but Lee Min-joon dragged him into the living room. The three of them sat around the table.

Why America all of a sudden?

Director Shadowman wants to sign a movie contract with Seo-jun. He said he would come here if we dont go there, but thats too much pressure. And since were going anyway, why dont we let Seo-jun play with Jack at amusement parks and stuff?

Movie! Seo-juns eyes lit up as he ate the watermelon that Lee Min-joon had prepared in advance.

Then you can go, right?

I cant because of work.

Me do movie again?

If Seo-jun wants to, after reading the synopsis?

Woohoo!!

Seo-jun raised both his hands. He had just finished one movie, and another one came up.

Wait, hold on. Is it another extra role? Seo-jun wanted to do all the roles he could at this age. He decided to follow his dads advice and see what kind of movie it was first by reading the synopsis.

So, come to our company.

You mean your company, not ours.

Kim Hee-sang muttered. The company had grown enough to sign contracts with factories, but it was hard to find someone he could trust and work with. When his dream-like vacation was over, Kim Hee-sang would have a lot of things to deal with by himself.

Before that, he needed a really trustworthy employee. For example, someone who had been his friend since middle school, who was reliable and who would use the money wisely as an investors son.

Lee Min-joon!

Come on, Seo-jun invested his money from YouTube, too. Then its Seo-juns company, too, right? I dont have anyone I can trust and entrust. If you join, Ill make you a co-CEO.

Lee Min-joon pondered over Kim Hee-sangs words.

When I have to go with Seo-jun like this, I cant go because of work. And who knows when Ill have to go abroad for a business trip? And it might even double or triple the duration like last time. If you come to our company, Ill adjust your schedule diligently! Ill pay you a lot, too! And youll only have to work a little!

Kim Hee-sang tried hard to persuade Lee Min-joon. If this didnt work, he was ready to throw a tantrum on the floor.

Minjun Lee sighed, having discussed with Seo Eunhye as well. He realized that urgent matters could arise for Eunhye too, due to her grandmothers hospitalization. The couple needed more free time to care for Seojun, or they had to find someone trustworthy.

Understood.

Great! When do you want to start working?!

I need some time for the handover.

Take all the time you need!

For now, youll go to the US with Seojun.

Isnt that a contract? Can I really go?

They said a representative could go, so I offered to accompany you.

Nara Kim, then. Heesang Kim, who had become close with Nara during her stay at Seojuns house in the US, nodded.

Meet with the director, have fun with Jack, and Ill give you a present.

Seojun beamed with joy. It had only been a few months since they last met, but he missed them dearly.

Ill see Jack, Maria, Eric, and Aunt Nara!

He placed several monster dolls in front of Minjun.

Ill give you these too!

Alright. Lets pack those as well.

Two days later, laden with gifts for friends in the US, Seojun and Heesang Kim boarded a flight to LA.

****

Title: Always Stick to the Paths in the Mountains

Author: Junbeom Order

Always stick to the paths in the mountains. Dont get carried away and wander into the woods.

I fell into a pitfall meant for wild boars and my leg snapped backward. I couldnt imagine a human leg could bend that way.

The pain and fear were overwhelming, and I screamed for help, but no one came. I lost track of time and it was so cold and tough. I cried until I passed out.

But when I woke up, I was in a hospital. They said I was lucky; a little longer in the pit and I wouldve been in danger of hypothermia. Strangely, my body temperature was normal, which the doctor found curious.

A child actor filming in the village found and rescued me. My lifesaver. I plan to watch their movie ten times.

+) But I dont know how they found me. Only the villagers knew about the pits location.

Bored in the hospital, the boy browsed the internet and posted his story.

It didnt get much attention, and there were no comments. Feeling awkward, he was about to delete it when he asked his grandfather, who was peeling fruit beside him.

Whats the name of that movie, Grandpa?

What was it Demon? Spirit? Something like that?

Demon. Spirit.

The boy searched for demon and spirit. Foreign and Korean movies with similar titles appeared, but they were all already released.

When is it releasing?

Early August, they said. The whole village plans to go.

It was early July, the time for advertisements, but the movie being promoted on TV and the internet was:

[The Hero Returns, Redbone 2! Premiering mid-July!]

Oh! Redbone 2 premieres next week!

The boys eyes sparkled.

It was Marin Companys movie, Redbone 2.

The moviegoer turned on his YouTube live.

Hello, viewers. This is the third Q&A session to celebrate the release of Redbone 2. Im not doing this because I failed to get a ticket for the premiere of Redbone 2. I had planned this from the beginning.

-Yeah, right. Next loser.

-Lol. So who are we talking about today?

Today, were going to talk about Lee Seo-jun, the actor who heated up the theater in April. Ill answer all your questions based on the information I know. And I have a backup too.

Someone waved their hand next to the moviegoers screen. The moviegoer said with a gloomy expression.

Shes my sister. I thought she would know a lot about Lee Seo-jun, so I paid her a fortune to hire her. She wont appear on the screen, so dont mind her. Now, lets take the first question!

-There are rumors and articles on the internet that Hollywood studios are pouring scripts for him. When do you expect his next work?

The moviegoer nodded.

An actor cant help but think about their next work. Especially Lee Seo-jun, who only appeared as an extra in a marine movie. You might be waiting for his next work. Unlike other actors who return within 1-2 years, I think its a bit early for Lee Seo-jun, considering his age. Unless he grows enough to speak more lines, hell probably get another role with no lines and no importance.

-Honestly, I think people are making a fuss because an extra is Korean. Melissa Walton did much better.

The moviegoer read the comment and nodded.

Honestly, there arent many people who watch the movie to cry several times. I wouldnt have watched it 15 times if it wasnt for the review video. Unless youre like me, who wants to prove it on the internet, or YouTubers, you wont watch it that much. Most people feel curious or proud that a Korean appeared in the movie. The articles about Lee Seo-jun are just hype. But.

The moviegoer said emphatically.

As Lee Seo-jun grows, more people will realize his acting. Hell become a great actor.

-Is his next work Hollywood or Korea?

This is also a controversial topic. Regardless of whether Lee Seo-jun is in the US or Korea, I think its better for him to appear in Hollywood movies. Even if its an extra role!

-?? Why?

This might be a bit weird, but think about baseball. Theres a Korean unknown player. He somehow got to play in a major league game.

-How? Lol.

Its an example. An example! The major league game wasnt that important to decide the championship. But for some reason, it got a lot of attention. And in that game, a Korean player who no one knew hit a home run that decided the victory. Against a major league pitcher! And the team with the Korean player won. Whether its Korea or the US, its a big deal. Youd be curious about who the player is and how hell grow. But then the Korean player has to decide which team to play for.

-Our team!! Come to our team!1

-? He should play in the major! The salary is different!

-Major 1

And a few days later, he shows up in a Korean stadium with an article saying hes the next generation major league player.

-? Why? Why not the major?

-No skills lol. He wont make it there lol. No skills lol.

Thats right. What if he keeps playing in the major league games, even if its once in a while?

-Hell improve his skills as he grows? He has potential?

-Hes in the major, they must have tested him thoroughly.

Then lets compare the player to Lee Seo-jun. What do you think people will think if Lee Seo-jun stays in Hollywood? What if he appears in Korean movies?

-The analogy is a bit weird But Id think the same.

-One-hit wonders are not for nothing.

-So he shouldnt appear in Korean movies at all?

The moviegoer opened his mouth after a moment of thought.

I have to prove that I still have a connection with Hollywood. I have been recognized for my acting skills and abilities that can land me in any Hollywood movie. At least until the next project, I have to star in Hollywood movies, make them successful, and play memorable roles in them.

-But wouldnt it be better to earn more money and star in Korean movies instead of playing extra roles? You have a reputation.

?

The moviegoer tilted his head. Who is this idiot from nowhere?

-???

-??

-Why? I know that Lee Seo-jun did the Elephant ad and the 48 Hours show. The Elephant ad was banned because of some international regulations, right? And the 48 Hours appearance fee was not that much, was it?

You really dont know. Well, I forgot to mention it when I uploaded the Shadowman review. Sponsored by data, my sister.

The moviegoer opened an internet window on the screen and logged into YouTube. He then entered the channel [JUN].

Do you see the views, subscribers, and likes here?

-Here There are countless numbers.

-lol Ive never seen such views lol

As long as there are babies under 20 months old and their parents on the planet, Lee Seo-jun will never fail.

-What if YouTube goes down?

Ill make DVDs and sell them.

The moviegoer shrugged his shoulders.

-What role do you want Lee Seo-jun to play?

Thats a good question. I was so impressed by his acting as William, I hope he can play a similar role next time.

The moviegoers live continued.

***

The day of the Redbone 2 preview.

Choi Min-ji, a PR team member working at Movie Dream, the production company of Evil Spirit, grabbed her pounding heart and entered the preview hall.

She was thrilled to see Redbone 2 earlier than anyone else, even though it was only a few days. She remembered the faces of many people who came to see the preview, besides herself.

Is this it?

Choi Min-ji turned off her phone and sat down in her seat with a devout mind. She took a vacation to see Redbone 2.

Soon the preview hall darkened.

Marines signature appeared on the black screen and Redbone OST flowed from the speakers installed here and there. Her heart thumped.

Two hours flew by. The movie was over.

Clap clap clap!!

A loud applause sounded and Choi Min-ji clapped hard. Marines name and director Ryan Wills name came up on the black screen. Soon the names of the cast, staff, and collaborators would appear.

Choi Min-ji packed her belongings and got up, thinking of going back quickly. The other audience members also slowly got up and left the ending credits behind.

But the lights didnt come on in the preview hall.

Whats going on?

Choi Min-ji uttered a voice without knowing it, but it was drowned out by the noise of the other audience members. They all stood up in an awkward posture.

Boom!

Choi Min-ji and the peoples eyes turned to the screen.

***

Come on, turn on already! Hurry!

Choi Minji quickly turned on her phone as soon as she left the conference room. She couldnt afford to waste any time on booting up her phone.

Everyone who passed by Choi Minji felt a chill down their spine. Some people rubbed their arms as if they were cold, and some people made faces as if they couldnt stand the itchiness in their mouths.

She had been using this phone for five years already. Choi Minji vowed to herself that she would replace it as soon as she got her bonus after this job. Bonus! Yes! This was a bonus-worthy job!

Ding-

Her phone finally turned on. Choi Minji looked around and headed to a corner. She quickly called her senior colleague from the PR team, whom she was close with.

Choi Minji cursed at her senior who didnt answer the phone. She was in a hurry, every minute and second mattered. Why! Why! Didnt he answer the phone!

-Why?

Senior! Why did you answer so late!

The PR team employee who answered Choi Minjis call took the phone away from his ear and looked at the screen. The youngest, Choi Minji. Was it really her?

-Senior! Are you listening?!

He tilted his head, wondering if the junior who was screaming like that was really the same junior who was so nice.

Uh, yeah. Im listening.

He scratched his forehead. Choi Minjis voice was so loud that it leaked out of the phone. The PR team leaders hair stood up.

You sound so excited. If youre not busy, why dont you come and work?

Should I?

The PR team leader joked and the senior chuckled.

Are you done playing? Do you want to come to the office and work?

-Yes!

What?

-Im coming! Wait for me! Taxi!!!

The PR team was silent. Only Choi Minjis voice shouting Taxi! Taxi! echoed.

The PR team leader asked quietly.

Minji. Are you sure youre not sick?

Bang!

The PR office door opened.

There she was, with a flushed face and a confident smile, Choi Minji who had come to work on her precious vacation. The PR team employees expressions changed.

Choi Minji skipped the greetings and went straight to the point as soon as she entered.

Is there anyone here who hates spoiling movies to death?

Then you cant work for a movie production company.

The job was all about spoilers. They heard it from the staff who passed by, and from the director. Sometimes, a slip of the tongue ended up in the movie. They all shook their heads. The PR team leader asked.

So whats the matter?

From then on, the PR team employees expressions changed as they listened to Choi Minjis story. The PR team leader, who had been listening without much thought, opened his mouth wide at the unexpected story.

And not long after, an emergency meeting was held.