She was a popular actor thirty years ago who started her own theater company and handled everything from writing to directing to acting. She’s retired from the front lines now. And… she’s also someone who didn’t even send me a rejection letter before.

Mariejean Dalteng seemed to have completely forgotten that fact. She apparently got my address through Leopora. During our meeting, she said it would be a good opportunity for both of us and to think about it carefully, then left after just twenty minutes.

2) March 16.

Theater Company Soribon offered me a position. They also rejected me in the past and didn’t remember that fact either.

Well, that doesn’t matter. If I refused contracts from everyone who rejected me before, I’d have nowhere to go, right? I need to be practical.

Anyway, they were much more respectful than Dalteng. They gently suggested I join as a new member and create good productions together.

For now, I’ve told both places I’ll think carefully about it and have postponed my answer. Six months ago, I would have been anxious they’d withdraw their offers, but I’ve changed a lot, haven’t I? I’m no longer an unknown actor nobody wants! And I have my reliable Perrys.

Anyway, back to the main point.

What would you do if you were me?

Dalteng may have an off-putting attitude, but it’s quite a prestigious theater company. Though I wouldn’t be a regular member, I would learn a lot working with them on their next production.

Soribon seems to have observed my acting very carefully. They mentioned my characteristics and strengths, saying if I enhanced these aspects, we could move forward in a better direction together. But… well, I’m not sure if they’re better than Dalteng.

Hmm, my head feels like it’s going to explode. I know I should establish my own criteria and make a calm judgment, but I keep hearing an inner voice asking, “Are you really in a position to be this picky?” Ugh, what should I do?

Your opinion is always welcome, friend.

March 24,

Sending a friendly wink, Perry.]

[Dear Perry

My reply is somewhat late. I needed to look into some things.

This is merely my judgment, but if you must choose between the two, how about Soribon?

While Dalteng is a long-established theater company, their recent performance has been poor. Their new productions have consistently failed, and they’re maintaining the company by restaging previously popular plays. This is clear from their published financial statements.

Also noteworthy is that seven new members have left in the past five years. Though private companies and theater companies differ in structure, this can’t be interpreted as a good sign by any stretch.

As for Soribon, though small in scale, they’re growing and have developed their own fan base. Their financial statements are stable, and there’s no discord among members.

Of course, I don’t think you need to decide so hastily… but I offer my opinion based on the above. The most important condition is your own will.

I hope this helps.

March 31,

Yuan.

P.S. I received the jam you sent. I spread it on bread for lunch and stir it into tea for dinner.]

[Dear Yuan

My letter is quite late, isn’t it? I wanted to reply after making a definite decision. I’m writing a few quick lines so you don’t worry—when replies are delayed, you tend to suspect you’ve made a mistake or used an impolite expression, don’t you? Am I wrong?

Thank you for the information! Financial statement analysis… I never would have imagined. Where did you find all that? Surely not all actors analyze theater companies’ cash flow when choosing their next work?

Anyway, I’m reporting my decision, Mr. Yuan Bellium.

Between Dalteng and Soribon, my choice is…

Drum roll please.

Neither!

Haha, are you rubbing your eyes and re-reading? No need, the sentence you read is correct. But I didn’t reject all offers while vaguely optimistic about the future. I’ve received a truly amazing opportunity.

Curious?

Take a deep breath, five times, using your belly, not your chest.

Did you do it?

You really did, right?

Now I’ll reveal the answer! But before that, I should explain the background. Am I being too self-centered? Please understand, I’m extremely excited right now.

Right after reading your March 31 letter, I received a call. Guess who it was? I’d like to hold another short quiz show, but your head might explode, so I’ll tell you right away.

It was Bria Sol!

That famous celebrity, the most acclaimed among young actors! I was surprised when the call first came. Although we shared the same stage for just over two months, I wasn’t particularly close to Bria Sol.

Sol was very busy and always left first after scheduled rehearsals, and… well, I’m not particularly sociable either. I did receive ballet lessons thanks to her help, but that was a one-sided favor.

We didn’t exchange any special greetings after the final performance—though she seemed to look at me for quite a while, but that was probably my imagination—so I never expected a direct call.

Anyway, we met at a café near Leopora Theater—she had reserved an elegant private room on the second floor—and she got straight to the point without any pleasantries.

She asked if I would join her agency.

Can you imagine? Bria Sol directly proposing this. An actor who never commented on my acting during our performance suddenly did!

She knew my situation thoroughly. She knew about the offers from Dalteng and Soribon, and that I was agonizing over them.

Then she said, almost singing, “Both are mediocre.” She explained in detail why. Some of what she said matched what you told me, some didn’t.

To briefly explain, Dalteng keeps postponing performances due to the director’s personal issues, and Soribon is struggling with a recent investment. They pulled funds to make a large investment in stocks that became worthless… They’re trying to save it somehow, but cutting actors’ fees is just a matter of time.

Sol added in a very kind tone, “You don’t have an obligation to fix a sinking ship together, do you?” That’s true. I want to be on stage, not help pay off a theater company’s debts!

At that point, I learned for the first time the difference between an agency and a theater company. Did you know? Agencies have been in the kingdom for less than five years, so many people don’t know about them. I’d only heard about them but didn’t know exactly.

Simply put, an agency brings work to actors. Would it be easier to say they connect theater production companies with actors?

If you belong to a specific theater company, you can only participate in productions by that company. Occasionally, several companies gather for a pre-planned production, but… except for such special situations.

On the other hand, if you belong to an agency, you can participate in various productions. Of course, skill and luck must follow.

While the agency promotes me, they can’t completely guarantee participation in productions. This means I might taste the bitter cup of rejection that I’ve drunk countless times before.

But with the agency’s power, I can hear industry news faster and access private auditions. So, the probability of participating in productions increases.

Bria Sol asserted, “There are only four or five agencies in the country. Mine is the best among them.”

She listed various advantages like fees, scale, and growth potential, and showed me the contract. She was even kind enough to read it to me when I couldn’t read the small print. Everything was good. The contract was clean and everything was good, but I… couldn’t understand one thing.

Why me, for such a good place?

Moreover, Bria Sol, who must be the busiest actor right now, came personally. Of course, she might have used this strategy because she was somewhat acquainted with me, but… why use a “strategy” to make such a good offer to me?

My suspicion was quickly resolved. The person in front of me answered directly. As if ordering another cup of coffee.

“Because I recommended you,” she said.

I still didn’t understand and just blinked, and Bria Sol coldly added. Well, it’s been a few days so this isn’t the exact sentence, but something like, “Don’t misunderstand. There’s a simple test before the contract. I don’t mean I’ll recruit you right away”—and so on.

So what did I do?

As you might have guessed, I said I’d take the test. Bria Sol took me straight to the agency from there. As it turned out, the agency building was right next to that café! We arrived in less than three minutes.

I was a bit flustered. “I mean, I said I’d take it, but right now?”

The person who brought me there retorted, asking if there was any need to postpone when my mind was made up. As it turned out, my test date had been set for that day from the beginning! Bria Sol hadn’t even imagined I would refuse.

That’s true, but…