Chapter 25 – Was I Persuaded?  

Eom So-yeon, who declared she would step down, and Tae Seo-jun, who insisted on adhering to the contract.

Director Yoon Ji-wan, who wanted to push forward as planned, and Writer Kwon Eun-young, who still couldn’t abandon her biased values despite the tide turning.

It was Go Won-hoo who ultimately resolved the tense confrontation between these four individuals.

“The narrative of Director Yoon’s work is incredibly solid, so it won’t fail because of one supporting actor. Writer Kwon’s script is also excellent, and I couldn’t stop admiring it. Moreover, with Tae Seo-jun and other veteran actors pulling their weight, I don’t understand why you’re prematurely predicting failure. And since this project is practically Eom So-yeon’s debut, she won’t be criticized for deceiving the public by revealing it now. Even if it becomes known, it will only be a small issue, and the gossip can be adequately handled by me and CN’s PR team. If there are any other issues, feel free to speak up.”

No one objected to CEO Go’s concluding remarks. They all exchanged agreeing glances.

There was still time before the drama aired, and everyone acknowledged that CEO Go Won-hoo was one of the few capable of quelling any public outrage with excellent media play and flexible public opinion manipulation.

Perhaps moved by the praise of her script, Writer Kwon, who had been on edge until now, was busy suppressing her rising smile. However, her lips did not voice any opposition.

But it was all for mutual success.

It wasn’t long before Director Yoon Ji-wan, who had persuaded Writer Kwon Eun-young, announced the conclusion.

“Alright. Our drama production team absolutely cannot lose Tae Seo-jun, and there will be no replacement for the role Eom So-yeon plays. Also, let’s keep the conversation we had here today to ourselves for the time being.”

Director Yoon, who decided to embrace both the top actor and the ticking time bomb of a rookie actor, showed a very businesslike attitude without any particular emotion.

However, at some point, a faint smile lingered on his lips.

It suddenly reminded him of the first time he saw Eom So-yeon.

***

Everyone had left the room, leaving only Seo-jun and So-yeon.

With a glance that rose and fell, So-yeon carefully took in the unchanged room layout, wetting her dry lips with the warm tea Seo-jun had just offered her.

Seo-jun also held his teacup, focusing on So-yeon’s face. Her complexion was pale after the ordeal.

“So, Eom So-yeon, are you saying you won’t proceed until the end?”

Even though the conversation had ended well, So-yeon maintained a gloomy expression. Her face clearly showed her intention to step down, which was impossible to miss. Although there was another reason Seo-jun had left only Eom So-yeon in the room, it served as a plausible excuse.

“More than that, I appreciate you standing up for me earlier. But that was excessive interference. It was my issue. I should have been the one to address it. I hope you won’t do that again, though I doubt such a situation will arise in the future.”

So-yeon worried that Seo-jun might get caught up in bad rumors or have his good image tarnished because of her. In that sense, she firmly stated that she didn’t want Seo-jun to interfere in her matters again.

She wasn’t a woman of many words. Perhaps it was amusing to see her, who usually spoke so little, chat away and offer sharp advice in front of him. Seo-jun’s eyes narrowed as he listened intently to So-yeon’s voice.

“It’s natural for a woman giving birth to be blessed, but if an unmarried woman has a child, she should be criticized? She’s an easy woman? No, that’s not it. It’s because she’s a woman that she can do such a great thing. I was just correcting Writer Kwon’s strange logic, not taking anyone’s side. Eom So-yeon, you must have misunderstood.”

Childbirth, marriage, woman, child.

How could such phrases and statements about her situation come from Tae Seo-jun’s mouth? Even with a little thought, it was clear that his words were all meant for her, yet this man was acting as if he had nothing to do with it.

“……”

Ah, I want to cry…

So-yeon, holding back her tears, filled her wavering eyes with Seo-jun’s flawless face.

She had endured worse situations, standing firm even in the face of a storm, but it didn’t work well with Tae Seo-jun. In the midst of it, So-yeon’s voice, brought out by her stubbornness, flowed out agitatedly.

“Putting me in Director Yoon’s work was the same. Did you think I’d bow my head in deep gratitude to the Director who helped me? No way! The easier something is to obtain, the greater the price you must pay. I’ve learned that not just simply but very painfully. Yet, without realizing I was being bundled and sold, I… It’s just a moment to become a fool.”

No matter how kind, it must be cheap sympathy, nothing more. Thinking that way, So-yeon reproached Seo-jun sharply.

“Is that what bothers you?”

“Even if I’m thirsty, I can’t just drink any water. Someone who lost that water will surely suffer from thirst because of me.”

“……”

Seo-jun, with his lips neatly closed, chuckled.

Was it ignorance of the world’s arithmetic, or was it because she knew it too well? In any case, he hadn’t said anything on purpose, expecting this reaction, and his prediction was spot on.

But what had she gone through to become so tough? Or was she always like this?

Regardless, if she left her child with her parents, she likely didn’t part on good terms with the child’s father. 

What kind of trashy bastard would abandon his child and woman…

Still, for someone who had gone through such a rough time, she maintained an innocent and youthful face.

You were my woman first, and I was your first man. When I held you for the first and only time, my heart felt like it would burst with joy—it was a feeling I’d never experienced before.

Faced with that undeniable truth, attaching any other reason seemed meaningless.

To be honest now…

It’s not wrong to say I fell in love at first sight for the first time in my life.

From the moment I first encountered you at the hotel bar, my instincts wanted only you.

Perhaps that desire deceived both you and me. Your eyes, shining cautiously that day, were so clear and beautiful…

Maybe that’s why.

I was the one who lured you into my territory, pretending not to be interested. I was the one who stopped you from leaving, spouting ridiculous compensation. I was the one who pulled you into bed, even though just watching you was enough.

That snowy night, it was my sudden desire that seduced you. All while wearing the mask of a heartbroken man.

But did you become a thorn in my heart? Just thinking of you makes my chest itch and sting, and now it aches unbearably.

Seo-jun, who had been lost in thought for a moment, allowed a faint smile to form on his lips.

“Shall I tell you why I did it? Because anonymity that lasts too long is useless. Especially for someone as beautiful as you, Ms. Eom So-yeon—it’s a shame to let your talent go to waste.”

“……!”

My ears must be crazy!

Why does his voice sound so sweet? 

So-yeon bit her lower lip as if to steady her weakening heart.

“May I ask you one thing? Why are you trying to throw away this golden opportunity? Because of conscience? Because the start wasn’t clean?”

As if to answer Seo-jun’s question, So-yeon slowly released her lips, which had been pressed together, and began speaking.

“Just a moment ago, everyone pushed ahead with their intentions without asking for my opinion. And yet, I stayed silent. Even though I said I’d quit, I couldn’t let go of my greed. But knowing that the privilege you gave me isn’t fair, I can’t continue to deceive my conscience.”

It was too honest. So-yeon’s once pale face gradually turned red.

Though it seemed like a reasonable declaration of conscience, Seo-jun’s thoughts were very different from So-yeon’s.

“Unfair? Then you’re saying I’m abnormal. Fine, I’ll accept that.”

With his head and heart filled with thoughts of her, how could he be normal? Tae Seo-jun looked at Eom So-yeon with deepened eyes and spoke.

“But how many actors among the countless competitors can actually achieve success? Also, how many times do you think the path to the top will open in a lifetime?”

“Both are harder than threading a needle with an ox.”

“Well, at least you understand. What I want to tell you, Ms. Eom So-yeon, is that having someone hand you an opportunity is also a skill. But expecting a lucky break or a decent helper in this harsh entertainment industry is one of the most foolish things you can do. Isn’t that something you know well?”

“……”

Of course, she knew. How could she not?

Though she didn’t respond to each one, last year alone, there were countless strange brokers making discreet proposals. They all claimed that someone would provide every convenience, urging her to pursue her dreams freely, using sweet talk as a weapon.

Knowing well that trading a plausible temptation for a dream was like building castles in the sand and that the end wouldn’t be happy, So-yeon never regretted it, even when confirming her slow growth as an actress.

“Do you think that the only thing left is to throw everything away, So-yeon? I’m talking about the way to protect your pride.”

“I’ve never thrown anything away, nor do I have anything to throw away. This situation is just about not coveting what isn’t mine.”

“If you give up, it won’t belong to anyone. Isn’t that a waste?”

“The person who threw something tempting my way will take care of it.”

“I guess you’re talking about me, but isn’t it a bit better because it’s me?”

Suddenly, So-yeon recalled something from long ago. The deal where Tae Seo-jun said he’d do anything for her. But feeling strongly that bringing up that incident would only put her at a disadvantage, she feigned ignorance, tilting her head and giving him a puzzled look.

‘Is she a fox or a bear? It was confusing, but what did it matter? Seo-jun spoke in a relaxed voice, devoid of tension.’

“Instead of dismissing a free opportunity, you should make it entirely yours when it comes. That accumulated skill will protect not only your pride but also you and your people. If you don’t grab the fortune rolling your way, it’ll quickly disappear. In that sense, have you ever tried to possess it, Eom So-yeon?”

“Do you think I haven’t tried?”

Even at this moment, I’m terrified of losing or failing to protect my one and only treasure.

Fearing that even her innermost thoughts might be exposed, So-yeon sharpened her gaze, prompting Seo-jun to chuckle as he leaned back against the sofa with a languid expression. It was a sign of relief.

“If you’ve made that kind of effort, then you’ll do even better this time. Ms. Eom So-yeon, you’re a mother, aren’t you? Then, for the sake of your child, you should throw yourself into whatever you do—so long as it’s not something bad. Do you think audiences who want to see professionals would enjoy watching an actor who half-heartedly performs? On the other hand, they’ll always applaud an actor who pours their soul into even the smallest role.”

To So-yeon, who refused to seize an opportunity given by others, Tae Seo-jun wanted to say. Even if the starting opportunity was given by him, everything afterward was solely So-yeon’s responsibility.

“No matter how many opportunities are given, if you don’t do well yourself, it’s useless. Now that I’ve said this much, you should have the courage to do well. Don’t you think?”

Will you discard heavenly luck, or will you grab it tightly and climb up?

Just a moment ago, she had chosen the former of those two options. But captivated by Seo-jun’s resonant voice and eloquent speech, her heart had already swayed entirely in his direction.

Unknowingly, So-yeon nodded her head.

“……”

This man was too good with words.

Listening to him, it seems there’s no other answer but to succeed.

Was I persuaded?