The Cannes Film Festival, one of the world’s three major film festivals, was playing on the monitor. The festival had ended recently, and what was showing now was footage from that time. The conversation between the announcer and panelists covering the festival flowed from the speakers.

“When we talk about the Cannes Film Festival, no explanation is needed. Our country’s director Kim Jinwook’s work, ‘I Killed Myself,’ was invited to the short film section. Who is this director Kim Jinwook?”

“His background is unique. He originally majored in photography at Parsons School of Design. After becoming passionate about film and changing direction, he made independent and short films that were invited to various film festivals and won awards. This time, ‘I Killed Myself’ has also received positive critical response. His award history is impressive. He has won grand prizes at 79 film festivals so far. Despite being a short film, its box office performance has been remarkably successful. Domestically, it drew an unprecedented 300,000 viewers, which is a first for a short film. Not only that, but it’s enjoying worldwide box office success. He’s considered likely to win the grand prize in the short film section at this Cannes Film Festival. It’s worth watching.”

“It’s truly the emergence of a genius, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. He’s a genius. It’s remarkable that such a director has emerged from our country.”

“Although Korean films have received attention and awards on the world stage several times, I believe this is the first time a short film has been nominated for the grand prize.”

“Yes. That’s why there’s so much anticipation for when Director Kim Jinwook makes commercial films in the future.”

“As we’re speaking, Director Kim Jinwook and the actors have stepped onto the red carpet. Wow. He’s handsome. Not inferior to the actors. He might be the most handsome film director ever.”

“He is handsome. I’ve met him once, and he’s also a very pleasant person.”

On the monitor, Jinwook was smiling brightly and waving in a tailcoat, standing out even more than the actors. The tailcoat suited his tall stature and solid build perfectly.

“I sincerely hope he wins the grand prize this time.”

“I’m feeling nervous myself. The film industry is becoming increasingly competitive, so I hope more directors like him emerge.”

Soyu’s gaze fixed on the monitor, landing on Jinwook. Her eyes remained calm as she watched him waving brightly.

“You’ve succeeded, Kim Jinwook.”

After turning off the broadcast and removing her earphones, the four large connected monitors displayed rows of incomprehensible characters. After briefly typing on the keyboard, she began packing her bag while leaving the computer on when her phone vibrated. She checked the caller and answered on speakerphone.

“Yes, Mom.”

“Are you going to be late again today?”

“No. I’m about to leave work now. Is Yeoul back from kindergarten?”

“I picked him up. We can have dinner together then?”

“Yes. I’m leaving now.”

“Yeoul wants to talk to you.”

Soyu turned off the speakerphone, put the phone to her ear, and spoke to Jinyoung, who remained working alone.

“Jinyoung, let’s go home today.”

“Okay. I’ll go after finishing this.”

“No overtime today.”

Jinyoung, wearing glasses, smiled brightly at Soyu’s words.

“I will. Have a good weekend, CEO.”

“Yes. See you Monday.”

Soyu left the company. Outside the door was a sign that read [Yeoul]. Her company specializes in computer security. Initially, she opened the office alone, but then Jinyoung joined, and thanks to their joint efforts, they recently hired more staff. Work orders kept coming in, and things seemed to be stabilizing now. Heading toward the elevator, Soyu continued her call.

“Mom. When are you coming?”

“I just left the office. Did you shower?”

“Yes. I showered with Duckie. Duckie was in a good mood today.”

“Was he?”

A gentle smile formed on Soyu’s lips. She got into the elevator, pressed the button for the basement, and continued the conversation.

“How was kindergarten today?”

“Mom. Dami got bitten by an ant at the playground. The ant was huge!”

“Really? What about you?”

“I didn’t get bitten. The ants and I are friends. Dami kept killing ants, so they got angry and bit her.”

“You’re friends with ants?”

“Yes! Ants like me. They don’t bite me at all.”

Though she couldn’t understand how ants and humans could become friends, a smile of happiness remained on her face as she talked with her son.

“Mom. I want to eat that thing.”

“What?”

“Peach cake.”

“You want to eat that?”

“Yes. Grandma wants some too.”

“Okay. But if I go to buy it, I’ll be late.”

“I’ll wait. Please bring it.”

“Alright. See you later.”

“Okay. Mom, I love you.”

Soyu’s smile deepened.

“I love you too.”

After hanging up, she got into her car and started the engine. The peach cake her son wanted was sold at a bakery in Cheongdam-dong. It was burdensome to go all the way from Gwacheon to Cheongdam just for one cake, but she was happy to go since her beloved son wanted it. After checking the time, she called a saved number.

“Hello. This is Yoon Bakery.”

“Do you happen to have any peach cakes left?”

“Yes. We have one left.”

“I’d like to buy it. Can I make a deposit?”

“Yes. What’s your name?”

“Jang Soyu. I’ll make the deposit now under this name.”

“I understand. How long will it take you to get here?”

“About an hour.”

“Alright.”

After ending the call, she made the deposit and drove off.

⁕⁕⁕

Rollin, a wine bar located in Cheongdam-dong. It operated on a membership basis, carefully selecting its members. It wasn’t a place you could enter just because you had money; uniquely, they considered appearance. The so-called “quality control” actually made it more popular. The customers who frequented this place were all children from well-known families, and among them, there were three famous “stars.”

Hyungkyu, a bartender who started working there today, polished glasses over and over. His gaze kept drifting toward three men sitting at the bar table. They were all uncommonly handsome, and one of them was none other than film director Kim Jinwook, who had recently won the grand prize in the short film section at the Cannes Film Festival.

As a film student, Hyungkyu wanted to at least greet Jinwook and was slowly making his way toward their table when he was stopped by Hyangmi, a senior bartender.

“Where are you going?”

“Isn’t that Director Kim Jinwook? I just wanted to say hello……”

“Are you crazy? Who are you to greet him?”

Hyangmi, with her bob haircut, wore an intimidating expression. Hyungkyu awkwardly avoided her gaze.

“Can’t I just say hello? I wanted to congratulate him on the grand prize……”

“Do you know why they come here?”

“To drink?”

“You can buy drinks anywhere. The reason they come here is because no one bothers them.”

Hyungkyu pouted, and Hyangmi took him to the end of the bar and whispered:

“Have you heard about the 3 stars?”

Hyungkyu’s eyes widened.

“Those gentlemen are the 3 stars?”

“Yes.”

Hyangmi continued:

“Director Kim Jinwook, whom you wanted to greet, is the nephew of the chairman of Mirae Group.”

Hyungkyu’s eyes grew larger.

“Mirae Group?”

“Yes. He’s not in the direct line, but he’s still a third-generation chaebol. And the person with him is Song Taeseop. Have you heard of AM Engineering?”

“I think I’ve heard of it…… Ah! I know. It’s currently the number one company people want to work for, beating all the major corporations.”

When Hyungkyu’s voice rose slightly, Hyangmi immediately scolded him:

“Can’t you speak quietly? That gentleman is Song Taeseop, the heir and division director of AM Engineering.”

Hyungkyu’s eyes grew even wider.

“And who’s the remaining person?”

“The last star. Do Hyunwook, heir to the ‘Do’ law firm. We call these three men the 3 stars. Stars that shine with superior genetic material and the perfect family background.”

“Wow. I didn’t know Director Kim came from such a family.”

“He seems to prefer not to publicize it.”

“Do they have any flaws?”

Startled, Hyangmi turned around.

“Get back to work.”

Hyungkyu stuck close behind her and asked:

“Do they?”

Hyangmi sighed.

“Yes, they have flaws. The director has strong self-love, Director Song is excessively Confucian, and Lawyer Do is too chic. Oh! There’s another flaw.”

“What is it?”

“Being too handsome. Especially Director Kim—he looks even better than actors, doesn’t he? Countless women are smitten with him.”

As Hyangmi’s expression became dreamy, Hyungkyu called out:

“Senior?”

Only then did Hyangmi return to her senses, her face reddening.

“Have you finished polishing the glasses?”

At that moment, the three men clinked their glasses. Taeseop spoke:

“Let’s toast to our Jinwook’s grand prize win.”

Hyunwook also said:

“Congratulations. But is it okay for you to come in like this? Don’t you have any schedules?”

Jinwook waved his hand and said:

“I’ve done all the festival circuits. They say I need to do more promotion, but it’s annoying.”

“What? You’re just throwing away such an opportunity?”

“I’ve already done more than enough promotion. After spending a full six months abroad, I was dying for Korean food.”

“What are you saying? Weren’t you living abroad constantly?”

“That was unavoidable. I think I’m getting old now.”

Taeseop laughed.

“Hey. We’re only thirty-two.”

Hyunwook said:

“Already thirty-two. Soon we’ll be in our mid-thirties.”

Jinwook casually opened his mouth:

“By the way, still no news?”

“About what?”

“Jang Soyu.”