Translator: Dreamscribe
Kang Rojun's heart had been pounding wildly even before he arrived at the preliminary meeting venue for 'Rental Lover'. It doubled in intensity when he got on the elevator.
'Ugh, why am I so nervous?'
Was it because acting was just a side job? Or was it because he was about to meet so many actors? Maybe it was because this was the first time he was revealing his identity after 'Produce That 100!' and 'Rental Lover' became linked. It wasn't just nervousness; there was a faint thrill mixed in.
What kind of faces will everyone make when they see me?
Following PD Jung Soo-ryeong's lead, he arrived at a conference room.
'Whoa-'
As he looked at the gathered actors, Kang Rojun widened his eyes slightly without making it obvious. There were a lot of key staff, and quite a few actors he had seen on TV or in movies, including Choi Rina. Just as his strange emotions were peaking.
"This is the writer of 'Rental Lover', Writer Kang Chul-soo."
At PD Jung Soo-ryeong's introduction, all eyes in the room focused on Kang Rojun. He took a small breath and removed the things covering his face.
"Hello. I'm Writer Kang Chul-soo."
Kang Rojun managed to maintain his composure and made his first greeting. Thankfully, once the moment actually came, his heart calmed a little. And the moment Rojun's face was revealed, the conference room with dozens of people fell into silence.
"..."
It was so quiet that the honking of cars outside the window could be heard clearly. The one who broke the silence was the top actress, Choi Rina.
"...No, No. 1?"
Yes, I am No. 1. The character currently assigned to Kang Rojun was 'No. 1', 'Writer Kang Chul-soo', and 'Lover No. 4'. Among those, Choi Rina had chosen 'No. 1'. She was so shocked that her already large eyes doubled in size.
"No. 1... right? Is it? Huh? But why... here."
Staring at Kang Rojun, Choi Rina seemed to have short-circuited. Her mind and body were overwhelmed by shock and confusion. Likewise, the male actor sitting to Choi Rina's right was also stunned.
'Huh?'
Surprised, he turned to look at Choi Rina.
'Didn't she say she didn't watch 'Produce That 100!'?'
She hadn't watched it, so how did she know that guy was No. 1? However, the other actors and key staff didn't have time to worry about such things. Some tilted their heads, some furrowed their brows, some dropped their jaws, some rubbed their eyes. Their reactions varied, but internally, they all screamed the same thing.
'Why is No. 1 here??!!!'
Just moments ago, they had been passionately discussing the topic of 'Produce That 100!' and the participant known as No. 1, and now that very No. 1 was standing in front of them, introducing himself as Writer Kang Chul-soo. Anyone would be flustered.
From that point on, some of the key staff started babbling.
"Wait a second. PD-nim? That person... is the writer?"
"...But he's No. 1? He's the same No. 1 we saw on 'Produce That 100!'."
"Wow- what is this? What is even happening?"
What on earth was going on? Including Choi Rina, everyone was watching yet found it hard to believe. More than anything, the actors were shocked not only by No. 1's sudden appearance but also.
'Writer? That No. 1 guy is a writer?? But wait... what's with his appearance? The TV didn't even capture half of it?!'
'Seriously, what kind of face... it's absurdly unreal. It's not just handsome, he's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.'
'Seeing him in person, that face... it's just overwhelming...'
They were dumbfounded by Rojun's unbelievable visuals. Meanwhile, Choi Rina...
'Ah!'
She recalled the past meeting with PD Jung Soo-ryeong. At that time, the writer Kang Chul-soo had also hidden his face.
'Then! That means! I've already seen No. 1 before??!'
Goosebumps spread over her without her realizing. Soon, PD Jung Soo-ryeong stepped up to settle the atmosphere.
"Everyone's surprised, right? Well, as you can see, it wasn't easy to reveal someone like him recklessly."
She gave a signal to Rojun, who understood and greeted again.
"Hello. I'm Writer Kang Chul-soo."
PD Jung Soo-ryeong followed up.
"Yes, our writer for 'Rental Lover', Kang Chul-soo. But now, as you've all figured out, he's also No. 1 from 'Produce That 100!'."
The first to ask a question was the top actress Choi Rina.
"How did this happen??"
"Ah- it's a long story."
With arms crossed, PD Jung Soo-ryeong roughly explained the story of No. 1 and Writer Kang Chul-soo. Not everything, just concealing what needed to be hidden and highlighting the key points. After hearing the story, the actors and key staff were even more shocked.
"Th-then. No. 1-nim. No, Writer-nim was shooting 'Produce That 100!' while also working on 'Rental Lover' at the same time??"
"Ah! PD-nim! So that mysterious smile you had when we watched 'Produce That 100!' together, this was the reason!!"
"This is the most shocking thing that's happened this year, seriously!"
Meanwhile, PD Jung Soo-ryeong led Rojun toward the head seat of the ㄷ-shaped table and cut into the boisterous atmosphere to speak.
"He's already a rising star as 'No. 1', but he's also got solid writing chops as a writer. Truly multi-talented. You've all seen the script, right?"
"Of course! We know it well! But wow, seeing it with my own eyes, I still can't believe it!"
"What? Writer-nim was dominating 'Produce That 100!' with that face and skill, and now he's debuting as a writer too because he's got the writing chops??!"
"Phew- if the media gets hold of this, it'll cause a storm, right??"
"It'll be crazy! Unimaginably so!!"
The actors and key staff were in a frenzy. PD Jung Soo-ryeong tried to calm them down.
"As many of you have probably guessed, anything related to our writer is top secret, one of the highest levels. Remember the confidentiality clause in the contract? We're coordinating the timing with the PD of 'Produce That 100!', so until then, be extremely cautious."
"Of course! It's not like we're doing a one or two-day project!"
Soon after, Kang Rojun formally introduced himself.
"I'm Writer Kang Chul-soo, who wrote 'Rental Lover'. I'm happy that so many amazing actors and staff have gathered around such an imperfect script. I look forward to working with you."
A burst of strong applause followed.
-Clap clap clap clap clap!!
Due to the noise, Kang Rojun didn't notice the vibration on his wrist. It was a notification from the 'AI Simulation' app.
What followed was a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd. Naturally, there was a lot they were curious about.
"Writer-nim! You must be crazy busy with 'Produce That 100!', was it really possible to write? Even if it was pre-written, there must've been tons of revisions, right?"
"It was manageable."
"M-manageable??"
"Ah! Wait a sec! Then the scene in Episode 5 of 'Produce That 100!' where you were writing!!"
"Yes, I was revising 'Rental Lover'."
"Amazing!"
One of the key staff members shouted to Jung Soo-ryeong.
"PD-nim! This feels like 'Rental Lover' is going to be a massive hit!! With our Choi star-nim! And the writer-nim! The hook is enormous!!"
For some reason, Choi Rina remained silent, simply gazing at Kang Rojun. It wasn't a blatant stare, more like a subtle one. Then, as their eyes happened to meet, she quickly looked away.
'D-don't panic. Ha, is my face turning red? Ugh- I never thought I'd be seeing No. 1 like this, so soon, right in front of me.'
Until now, Choi Rina had secretly been digging into 'Produce That 100!' and No. 1. Of course, PD Jung Soo-ryeong had no way of knowing this and pulled out the chair at the head seat.
"Alright, enough with the 'Produce That 100!' talk. Let's focus on our drama."
Some actors tilted their heads and raised a question.
"Hmm? PD-nim, the actor cast for 'Lover No. 4' hasn't arrived yet, right? Who's the actor?"
PD Jung Soo-ryeong's smile deepened as she answered simply.
"He's already here."
"...Sorry??"
She nodded toward Rojun, who then moved with a calm expression. He went and stood at the seat labeled for the role of 'Lover No. 4'. Simultaneously, PD Jung Soo-ryeong introduced him again.
"Our Writer Kang Chul-soo, who is also No. 1 from 'Produce That 100!', is playing the role of 'Lover No. 4' in 'Rental Lover'."
Once again, every gaze in the conference room focused on Kang Rojun. He greeted them again.
"I'll be playing 'Lover No. 4'. I look forward to working with you."
Dozens of attendees responded with.
"Huh??"
"What???"
"...??"
"What even-?"
Once again, everyone's minds froze. Especially top actress Choi Rina.
'T-the actor playing Lover No. 4 is the writer??! What even is this now!!'
About two hours later.
In the 'Rental Lover' pre-meeting conference room, which had become a madhouse with Kang Rojun's appearance, the meeting was nearing its end. Although the actors and key staff had been stunned at first, they now seemed relatively calm.
"No. 1! Ah no, I mean, actor-nim? Writer-nim! See you at the script reading!"
"I'm really enjoying 'Produce That 100!'! By the time 'Rental Lover' airs, maybe 'Produce That 100!' will be over too??"
"You're definitely going to win, Writer-nim!"
"Hahaha, by the next time we meet, you'll be an idol!"
"No no, maybe a drama writer or actor instead."
"True enough."
They casually greeted Kang Rojun who was seated. This 'Rental Lover' preliminary meeting practically felt like Rojun's fan meeting. Almost all the conversation revolved around him, and he was never out of the spotlight.
Thanks to that, Rojun thought,
'Phew- this is exhausting, I don't even know how two hours passed.'
He was utterly exhausted. He had to answer the barrage of questions without letting his guard down for a second.
'Well, in any case, it all wrapped up nicely, right??'
At first, he'd found the actors fascinating too, but now he'd gotten fairly used to it.
Just as everyone was about to get up from their seats, PD Jung Soo-ryeong spoke.
"The script reading is next week on the 25th, so please be prepared-"
She shifted her gaze from the whole group to Kang Rojun specifically.
"The first shooting day might shift by a day or two, but it's almost certainly going to be the 29th."
Rojun calculated in his head.
'If the script reading is on the 25th, that's exactly one week left? Then four days later, the first shoot is on the 29th. Wow.'
Now that his work as a writer was done, his duties as an actor were arriving. Of course, he had already studied the role of 'Lover No. 4', but since this would be his first time experiencing a drama shoot, Kang Rojun's tension began to rise. Behind him, the key staff and actors who had filled the conference room started to leave.
Choi Rina, who had been sneaking glances at Rojun repeatedly, also stood up.
Then.
"Uh, Choi star."
Top actress Choi Rina was called by PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Choi star-nim, please stay for a moment, I have something to discuss."
"Me?"
"Yes. Writer-nim too."
"Ah, okay."
Ten minutes later, almost everyone had left the conference room. Remaining were Kang Rojun, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, Choi Rina, the cinematographer, and about two other staff members. Rojun was curious but waited quietly.
Soon, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had been discussing something with the cinematographer, pulled out the 'Rental Lover' script.
"Before the script reading, I want to check a two-shot between the female lead and Lover No. 4. Also to check the acting and tone. Since 'Lover No. 4' is a newly created character, and due to circumstances, the writer-nim and female lead haven't been in a two-shot yet, right?"
She made a request to Kang Rojun and Choi Rina.
"I think this scene will help with directing during the script reading, just a short bit of acting, since it's a two-shot. This one's good. The 'Lover No. 4' gazes softly, brushes the hair back, and the female lead falls for him."
"..."
Without replying, top actress Choi Rina turned her gaze and locked eyes with Kang Rojun across from her.
'Th-this suddenly??!'
For some reason, her racing heartbeat wouldn't slow down.
Top actress Choi Rina had always had great ambition and passion for acting. Of course, as an actress, she also unhesitatingly took on other work like advertisements and photo shoots to maintain popularity. Having debuted ten years ago, there was nothing that fazed her.
When it came to acting, she never flinched no matter who her scene partner was.
She didn't bat an eye when paired with actors of similar career length, and even when facing veteran actors often referred to as 'greats', she remained composed though respectful. When the word 'Action' was called, the real-world Choi Rina immediately became someone else. Reality and acting were separate.
At least, that's what she thought.
But.
'No. 1. No, I mean with Writer-nim suddenly?? I haven't even processed all this yet!'
For Choi Rina, this was the greatest crisis yet. To claim that reality and acting were separate felt hollow in the face of Kang Rojun's overwhelming presence. She couldn't even find a solid emotional anchor to begin the scene.
Why? Why was this happening?
So what if a popular contestant from a show she'd casually watched showed up? Why was she this nervous? Choi Rina began self-hypnosis. This was a natural process, self-hypnosis and, at the same time, self-defense.
'Right, you're Choi Rina, Choi Rina. What's with this uncharacteristic fluster? Just do it the way you always do, be yourself.'
The result wasn't bad. Her frantically pounding heart calmed down considerably. Taking advantage of the moment, Choi Rina gave a composed smile and looked at PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Yes. I can start right away."
PD Jung Soo-ryeong gave her a thumbs-up.
"Oh- as expected of Choi star."
Next, Kang Rojun nodded simply.
"I'm ready too."
"Great, great. Then shall we try it over there in the back?"
-Swish.
The first to rise from his seat was Rojun. As he walked toward the back, he maintained a certain calm. Naturally, anyone would feel nervous about acting for the first time with top actress Choi Rina.
However.
'Maybe because I've seen her a few times? I'm not as nervous as I expected.'
Surprisingly, he felt up to it. Perhaps it was because he had already studied the role of 'Lover No. 4', but it could also be said that his nerves had hardened significantly through his experience in 'Produce That 100!' Arriving first at the widest area of the meeting room near the entrance, Kang Rojun stood waiting, and then Choi Rina came forward, brushing her long hair as she stood before him.
Choi Rina smiled with her eyes.
"Just relax and do it comfortably. No pressure."
She showed the poise of a seasoned sunbae. Rojun was quietly impressed.
'She really is beautiful. Not just pretty, there's something more, like a whole different aura.'
He answered with a small smile.
"Yes, I understand."
For some reason, Choi Rina flinched. PD Jung Soo-ryeong exchanged a few words with the cinematographer, who then brought out the camera he had prepared. They were planning to do a test shoot. The monitor attached to the camera showed a two-shot of Kang Rojun and Choi Rina.
PD Jung Soo-ryeong nodded slowly and said,
"The shot looks good. When I give the signal, just start."
Watching the monitor, she called out.
"Action."
The signal fired, and Kang Rojun immediately transformed into 'Lover No. 4'. This time, his partner wasn't PD Jung Soo-ryeong but the actual female lead of 'Rental Lover'. Rojun adjusted even the way he looked at her. He adored her. His eyes held boundless affection. A faint smile bloomed. It was a feeling so tender it looked like he might embrace her at any moment.
"..."
Without a word, Rojun took a step toward Choi Rina. It was a scene led more by 'Lover No. 4' than the female lead. So Choi Rina had to wait. As Rojun neared her, he slowly raised his right hand. The hand reached for the hair covering Choi Rina's left cheek.
-Swish.
Just as 'Lover No. 4' fingertips brushed Choi Rina's hair. Suddenly, she made a strange sound.
"Eek!"
She turned her head away abruptly.