Jinwook’s dating scandal was buried without much backlash. Comments turned favorable, saying there was nothing wrong with a single mother marrying an unmarried man—it wasn’t an affair, after all. Thanks to this, Jinwook could finish the auditions with a lighter heart.

The three-day audition came to an end. Jinwook expressed his gratitude to the two masters who had graciously served as judges and also thanked the male and female leads who had maintained their positions without showing any signs of fatigue. After the auditions, Jinwook began selecting actors for the roles in earnest with the production and directing teams.

Choosing roles from such outstanding actors was difficult, but everyone approached the task with passion. Time slipped into late night, but no one grew bored. Some roles required additional auditions. After determining the important roles, Jinwook pointed to In Hojin and said:

“I’d like to cast this actor.”

Team Leader Ahn said:

“His gaze and acting were good, but wouldn’t his recognition be a bit lacking?”

“Recognition can be built through the film. Who knows? He might become a breakout star in our movie. Then it would be good publicity that this was the first film In Hojin chose.”

Han Gisu, the assistant director, said:

“I don’t think In Hojin is a bad choice. He just hasn’t had the opportunity to shine, but he’s someone who could make it big if given attention.”

“Which role are you thinking of?”

Jinwook said:

“Oh Dalhan.”

“That role isn’t completely insignificant.”

“Exactly. I like this guy. If possible, I’d like to cast him again in the next film.”

“If that’s what the director wants, we agree.”

“Great. Let’s decide on a third round of auditions for some actors next week and wrap up for now. Is the location scouting team all prepared for tomorrow?”

“Yes. Considering Saturday traffic, we’re departing at 6 AM.”

“Just send me the address. I’ll go directly.”

“Won’t you be tired?”

“Is ‘tired’ the name of a new ice cream? I’ve never heard of it.”

Jinwook’s joke lightened the serious atmosphere a bit. He stretched his arms.

“Ahh! Let’s rest now. Everyone head home quickly.”

“Now that the auditions are over, aren’t we having a company dinner?”

“Let’s do it after the location scouting. I know an amazing Korean beef place. Everyone wear comfortable clothes then. I’ll feed you until you’re stuffed.”

“Nice one, Director!”

After the employees left the office, Jinwook checked the time and picked up his phone. After the dial tone ended, Soyu’s voice came through.

[Oh. Where are you?]

“Were you sleeping?”

[No. I was about to go to bed.]

“Ah…. Then I won’t be able to see your face.”

[Is the meeting over?]

“Yeah. I was thinking of coming over if you’re okay with it.”

[Come. I’ll wait.]

Jinwook moved quickly at Soyu’s agreeable response. He grabbed his bag, turned off the lights, and left the conference room.

“I’m leaving the office now.”

[Drive carefully. What time are you leaving tomorrow?]

“I decided to go separately.”

[Where are you going?]

“Hapcheon. I need to leave home around 6.”

In the elevator, Jinwook held the phone to his ear and spoke sweetly, almost like whispering sweet nothings.

“How was your day?”

[Just the same as usual. Oh! I got another contract today.]

“Ooh! You’re really doing well now? Don’t try to do everything alone—hire more staff if it gets tough. A boss is someone who approves things, not someone who does all the work.”

[What are you talking about? It’s not at that level yet.]

“What if your employees get overwhelmed and quit? Managing people is the foundation of all business.”

Soyu’s laughter came through the phone.

[Kim Jinwook knows how to say such things?]

“What are you talking about? If you could see inside my head, you’d probably be surprised. Just live like me. How solid am I? Plus, I’ve got wit. There’s nothing about me worth throwing away.”

Jinwook connected the call to Bluetooth after getting in his car and drove out of the parking lot.

[There aren’t many people as good at self-praise as you.]

“That’s my charm. What was for dinner?”

[Jajang rice. I bought the jajang sauce from the side dish store.]

“Did you put a fried egg on top? Jajang must have eggs.”

[Yeoul had two.]

Jinwook giggled.

“That kid’s appetite is just like mine.”

[Is that the only similarity? Yeoul is your carbon copy.]

“Hahaha. That’s a huge privilege, right? If he’s just like me, he’ll become super famous later too.”

[Seriously…. You’re really unique.]

Laughing again, his expression while driving down the road looked like the epitome of happiness. The car clock was past midnight, but Jinwook didn’t look tired. His car sped down the quiet road. His heart was already beside the person he loved.

After receiving Jinwook’s text that he had arrived, Soyu put on her outer clothes and tiptoed out of the room. Passing through the living room, she glanced toward the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took out a tumbler. Soyu carefully left the entrance on her tiptoes. When she opened the front gate, Jinwook was standing there with a smile.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

Soyu greeted him back. It had been two days since she last saw him. It was only two days, but it felt like a week. Feeling awkward, Soyu handed him the tumbler she was holding.

“What’s this?”

“Chilled baesuk.”

“What’s baesuk?”

“It’s steamed pears with honey. You can’t catch a cold.”

Jinwook’s eyes widened. His face was filled with emotion as he accepted the tumbler. When he looked at her with sparkling eyes, Soyu said awkwardly:

“I just made a little extra while making Yeoul’s. Don’t read too much into it.”

“Jang Soyu….”

But his voice was already choked with emotion. Alarmed, Soyu asked:

“Are you crying?”

He hugged her and sniffled.

“When you do things like this, it makes me insanely happy…. Thank you….”

Soyu, who had been about to push him away in disgust, took a breath and patted his back.

“You worked hard.”

After breaking the embrace, he cupped her face and gazed down at her with deep eyes.

“I love you, Yu-ya.”

Her flushing face was visible in the streetlight. When Jinwook lowered his head, she closed her eyes. At thirty-two, having lived as a mother for five years, kissing like awkward teenagers in a place like this… Yet it was thrilling. Her heart pounded.

Their lips met. His lips were sweet and smelled like peaches. Soyu, with her eyes tightly closed, responded to his kiss. She embraced him, caressed him, and took the initiative. His kiss deepened. This time it was deeper, concentrated with desire. When both their breathing became rough, Jinwook pulled away and whispered in a deep voice:

“I don’t want to go location scouting.”

Soyu smiled brightly at him and patted his back, saying:

“Go and come back.”

“I want to hold you right now.”

His eyes were burning hot. Soyu, fully feeling his desire, moistened her lips. She felt the same. She wanted to spend the night with Jinwook. But not now.

“Go and come back. When you return, then….”

Jinwook’s eyes widened. He smiled so broadly his eyes disappeared.

“That’s a promise.”

She laughed and said:

“Why don’t you try recording it again?”

With round eyes, he started to laugh loudly but lowered his voice.

“Aren’t I witty?”

Soyu shook her head.

“Fine. Let’s say you’re witty.”

“Are you sleepy now?”

“No.”

“Then should we go for a drive?”

“Aren’t you going to sleep? You need at least a few hours.”

“I’m bursting with energy right now. Not sleepy at all.”

After thinking for a moment, Soyu nodded.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

Jinwook’s lips stretched to his ears. He really should buy that reporter a meal. Since the dating scandal broke, his Soyu had changed. He helped her into the passenger seat like escorting a princess and got into the driver’s seat with a grin. As soon as the car door closed, Jinwook pulled Soyu in for a kiss. Just then, the streetlight flickered and went out. The two whispered sweet nothings to each other for a long time in the dark alley.

Jinwook’s car drove slowly down the empty road. Beside him, a blushing Soyu held his hand, and a ballad played inside the car. After parking in a quiet lot, Jinwook took out the tumbler, drank the baesuk, and opened his eyes wide.

“It’s delicious!”

“Is it okay?”

“Yeah. Completely delicious.”

“It should be good for your throat too. I put in lots of jujubes and bellflower root.”

He grinned and asked:

“Tell me honestly. You made this for me, right?”

Soyu didn’t say anything, but from her smile, the answer was as good as given.

“Ah! This is great!”

Feeling awkward, she changed the subject.

“How were the auditions?”

“Good. So many talented people came that it’s actually troublesome.”

“What’s troublesome about it?”

“We have to hold a third round. Everyone’s so skilled that it’s not easy to choose among them.”

After thinking for a moment, Soyu said:

“If they’re all proven talents, shouldn’t you just select the person who best matches the character you’ve envisioned?”

“Huh?”

“You must have an image of the character in your mind, apart from their background or skill. It seems like you should choose the person closest to that image.”

Jinwook blinked. Seeing his expression, Soyu said awkwardly:

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken about something I know nothing about.”

“No!”

Jinwook grabbed her hand and his eyes welled up with emotion.

“Do you know this is the first time you’ve given an opinion about my work?”

“Huh?”

“I’m moved. You’ve completely fallen for me now!”

Soyu flinched for a moment. He’s going off on a tangent again. Jinwook hugged her tightly.

“Thank you! You’ve finally come to truly love me!”

Soyu’s narrowing eyes looked ominous. He’d be such a nice guy if he didn’t go off on these tangents. Held in his arms, Soyu sighed.