I Will Live as an Actor Episode 146
âNice to meet you, my name is Monica Rossellini.â
It was a typical Italian greeting, where you shake hands and then kiss both cheeks. While the UK accepted it calmly, CEO Kim Seong-hwan seemed somewhat surprised. As the representative of the agency, I saw many actresses in a friendly greeting, but it was rare to find a beauty as outstanding as Monica.
âYou donât know how much effort I put in to meet you, England. You are the first person who has made Desiderio this sad.â
An interpreter with a long mustache translates Monicaâs words into Korean. There is no problem in conveying the meaning, but the sloppy pronunciation that is unique to foreigners cannot be helped. He was curious as to why Desiderio was courting him so much.
âWhy did you want me so much?â
Desiderio is a brand that is coveted by leading overseas agencies. We could see that even top models submitted their resumes to be selected by Desiderio. For an actor who had just begun to make a name for himself in Korea to come to such a place was not only unusual but also nonsensical.
âI saw the movie you starred in at Cannes. I couldnât escape the image of Kim Moo-jin in Confessions of a Priest for months. And I felt, oh, this is him. Iâve finally found Desiderioâs muse.â
This is something I hear often these days. Persona Muse. He couldnât help but feel awkward that someone looked at him and found inspiration. Itâs something I couldnât even imagine in my past life. Becoming someoneâs muse for something else.
âIf itâs okay with you, Jang Young-guk, we would like to offer you to become Desiderioâs exclusive model. We will give you the best treatment in terms of down payment and all other aspects.â
When an Italian with a handsome mustache began to interpret, CEO Kim Seong-hwanâs eyes quickly grew to the size of a flower lantern. Thatâs because Desiderioâs exclusive model is not something that just anyone can do. Isnât it possible to be a world-renowned actor or a model with top-level recognition? Even more so, the best treatment that follows is something that leaves oneâs mouth agape.
Just then, the scheduled meal comes out. If the serving employee hadnât knocked on the sliding door, CEO Kim Seong-hwanâs saliva might have been dripping from his mouth. It was such a coveted condition. I already had experience filming luxury perfume advertisements, but this was completely different from that. Isnât Desiderio a brand called the luxury of luxury goods?
âDoes it suit your taste?â
When England asked in English, Monica nodded, her signature silver hair flowing. Although the chopsticks were sloppy, the way he used all his strength to pick up the japchae looked unique. If you only look at her appearance, she looks like a haughty and cold actress.
After finishing the meal, it was time to enjoy a short tea time. Monica takes out a cigarette and puts it in her mouth. He hesitated for a moment when he saw that no one was blooming except himself, but when CEO Kim Seong-hwan nodded as if it was okay, a smile appeared on his face. Monica elaborates as a cloud of cigarette smoke rises.
âIâm sorry, because Iâm a smoker. Iâll let you know the exact terms of the contract tomorrow through Jordana next to here. If there are any details you donât like or if you have anything to add, please feel free to let me know at any time. Now, let me ask you the last question. Mr. UK. Would you like to join us, Desiderio?â
England chuckled after hearing Monicaâs intentions through the interpreter. It seemed like Monica was already convinced just by looking at CEO Kim Seong-hwanâs reaction. Thatâs why itâs surprising that Desiderio offered to become an exclusive model. Didnât the head designer even visit Korea himself? A case like this was something that had never been heard of in the Korean entertainment industry. but.
âI think we need to think more about it.â
It was CEO Kim Seong-hwan who was surprised by the unexpected answer. But Monica actually smiles as if she was expecting that answer.
âAs expected, Iâm more attracted to it.â
* * *
There is excitement at the filming site. The scorching heat is said to be fading away, but it is actually getting hotter. The reason was none other than a Westerner who boasted silver hair. Isnât she a woman who steals the attention of not only the general public watching the filming site, but even the staff members turn their heads?
-Can I go see the movie filming location?
Although the contract was not concluded on the spot, Monica still wanted to visit the filming location. Originally, it was a filming site where outsiders were prohibited from entering, but director Baek Jang-hoon readily accepted. It was only a one-time visit, and director Baek Jang-hoon was also curious as to why Desiderioâs chief designer was courting England so passionately. An assistant director who happened to be passing by England asked quietly.
âEngland, are you sure youâre not your girlfriend?â
What is international dating for someone who has never been in a relationship before? As England shook his head, the assistant director licked his lips with regret. Even to a stranger, it was clear that Monicaâs persistent gaze was directed towards England.
âDo you really need me that much?â
The reason why Britain said it would consider a contract was simple. Even domestic advertising takes quite a bit of time. Whatâs more, isnât it an overseas advertisement? Considering Desiderioâs reputation, it wouldnât be surprising if he appeared on a billboard in Times Square. Whatâs more, it was because he still couldnât figure out exactly why Desiderio was showing him such favor and offering advertisements.
âItâs not a bad idea to have doubts.â
Isnât there a saying that you have to knock on a stone bridge before crossing it? How many times have you felt this in your past life? If you rush into social life just because it looks good, you will suffer unexpected losses.
by the way.
âThe picture is true.â
Anyone would think she was the daughter of a mafia godfather. He was in a corner of the filming set as if to avoid causing trouble to others, but since he was with two Italians with long mustaches, it almost felt like a scene from a mafia movie. It was then.
âActress Jang.â
Director Baek Jang-hoon. Although he was comfortable calling himself England in private situations, he was always called Actor Jang in public places such as filming sites. For a long time, the two people exchanged opinions about the shooting composition and the use of props. After talking for a while, Director Baek Jang-hoon quietly looks in Monicaâs direction and says.
âIt looks like he wonât leave Korea until Actor Jang gives his consent.â
âDirector, what do you mean by that?â
âYou can tell when you look at him. He looks smitten, like when a director meets an actor he likes. That must mean he wants to use him in a brand advertisement.â
At that time, Director Baek makes a mischievous expression and elaborates.
âHmm, or maybe itâs both construction?â
* * *
âScene No. 61, The Dignity of the Presidentâ!â
The filming of a commercial film lasts about 3 to 4 months. In most cases, the late editing period is usually longer than the main filming period. In that sense, the filming of Outlaw (ç¡æ³è ) had just reached its halfway point.
Just as the sun, which seemed like it would dominate the sky at any time, faded into a handful of red light over time, the same was true for Jeongil Group. Chairman Wang, who is lying in his hospital bed, is in an unusual condition. No one knew that he had already reached the end of his life, watching the sunset. Therefore, the suddenly convened executive meeting was enough to create tension in everyone.
âThere is talk of rebuilding the management team. Shouldnât we all protest together? If we keep going like this, I will end up losing my position to a young guy.â
âExecutive Director Park is right. If things continue like this, even if the Chairman gets well again, everything will be replaced. Letâs have a quick talk with President Kim Min-cheol. Iâm sure the Chairman will have something to say.â
âHmm.â
Kim Min-cheol of Jeongil Foods shows no reaction except wiping his dry lips. The people who were most enthusiastic at the executive meeting were none other than the elders. In a way, arenât they the ones who built the reputation of the Jeongil Group together from the beginning? Chairman Wangâs sudden absence was likely to be felt by them as a crisis. Moreover, Jeong Hae-seok was being publicly pointed out as Chairman Wangâs successor.
âSo are you now saying that you want to change the chairmanâs status?â
âWhat kind of maintenance is that? What kind of nonsense is this for a chairman who hasnât even passed away yet? Executive Director Kim, think about it when you speak!â
âNo, I didnât say anything wrong. The succession structure is clearly set anyway, and the difference is whether the time frame is faster or slower. I donât know why everyone is so scared.â
On the other hand, there were those who were eagerly waiting for Jeong Hae-seok to be promoted. A company is like a jungle. Isnât there a popular saying that you can only survive if you hold the rope well? Tension and conflict are rampant even among executives.
âWho says they are scared? Do you know the relationship between us and the Chairman? The Chairman is a person who puts the company before anyone else. Even if the inheritance of management rights has been completed, it is not right to change the management so recklessly. â¦!â
Executive Director Park, who had been speaking passionately just a moment ago, closes his mouth. This was because the door to the conference room opened and someone entered. This is Jeong Hae-seok, who walks confidently while receiving assistance from others. He naturally sits at the head of the table. His face is filled with an inexplicable smile as he leans into the seat where Chairman Wang would normally sit. Then, he traces his ear hole with his finger and speaks.
âDirector Park.â
When his name is called, Executive Director Parkâs expression turns pale.
âDo you prefer used or new?â
âyes?â
âNo, itâs the same when you buy something. Itâs very unpleasant to see something that someone has used for a long time and has their hands dirty. They say you should put new liquor in a new bag, right? Me too. Itâs like a wrinkle that has become wrinkled, it has less elasticity, and instead of being flexible, itâs like a mold that grows in place and eats away. I really hate it.â
Jeong Hae-seok sits with his legs crossed. And then he naturally takes out a cigarette from his pocket. No one has ever smoked in a conference room before. However, Jeong Hae-seok naturally puts a cigarette in his mouth.
âDirector Park.â
A wind blows like a whistle beneath the hazy smoke, and Jeong Hae-seokâs sharp eyes turn to Executive Director Park.
âAre you really not scared?â
Monica feels her heart pounding as she watches the scene from a corner of the filming set as he speaks with a fishy mockery. Since the dialogue is in Korean, I do not know the content of the script. But why does the sight of England sitting at the head of the table, smoking a cigarette and raising the corners of his mouth look so sexy?