MHD - 47

Chapter 47: Each in Their Own Routine

“The production company is being difficult, but I’m standing firm—I absolutely won’t give up the lead role.”  

At Jae-min’s words, Hee-soo recalled her recent encounter with Jin Yuna at a movie audition. Thinking of how Yuna had been desperate to humiliate her, Hee-soo anticipated that filming would be anything but smooth.  

“I ran into Jin Yuna recently, and honestly, it didn’t seem like she held any goodwill toward me.”  

Hee-soo spoke frankly. She had no other options available. If she wanted to make a comeback, she had to appear in this movie, no matter what. Even if the production company didn’t want her as the lead, she was willing to take on a supporting role.  

Carefully, Hee-soo voiced her thoughts.  

“Director, I’m fine with taking a supporting role. Honestly, at this point, Jin Yuna would probably help the movie’s box office more than I would…”  

“No. The lead role must absolutely go to you, Hee-soo.”  

Jae-min cut her off decisively, leaving no room for argument.  

“Because this movie can’t exist without Seo Hee-soo.”  

Looking at Jae-min’s resolute expression, Hee-soo felt both pleased and puzzled. After all, given her current reputation as someone past her prime, wouldn’t Jin Yuna be more beneficial to the film’s success?  

“...Why?”  

When she cautiously asked, Jae-min set down his teacup and replied.  

“Did I ever tell you? When you walked into the audition for Paradise Lost, I immediately thought, ‘It has to be her.’”  

“Yes, I remember. You mentioned it when we first did the script reading.”  

The audition had been fiercely competitive, with thousands vying for a single spot. Though Hee-soo had successfully debuted, things hadn’t gone smoothly afterward, and she still found herself stuck in the position of an unestablished actress.  

At that audition, which she had attended without much hope, Jae-min had instantly called out “Okay!” the moment he saw her. It was because she perfectly embodied the image of the female protagonist he had envisioned.  

“This project is the same. I’ve always had Seo Hee-soo in mind while creating it. Remember how you mentioned during filming back then that you used to do ballet as a child? That was the starting point for this idea. I wanted to cast an actor who had real ballet experience.”  

“But Director, it’s been so long since I stopped ballet… I don’t think I’m qualified anymore.”  

“It doesn’t matter. You resemble the person who inspired this work quite a bit. When I heard you had ballet experience, I thought it was fate. It made me realize I could finally bring this long-planned project to life.”  

“Who… do I resemble?”  

“My younger sister.”  

“Your younger sister?”  

Surprised, Hee-soo repeated the words. Jae-min responded with a bitter smile.  

“She passed away.”  

A fleeting shadow of sorrow crossed Jae-min’s face, but he quickly composed himself and gave a faint smile.  

“It was a long time ago, so don’t dwell on it.”  

Brushing it off as if it were nothing, Jae-min waved his hand dismissively and stood up.  

“That’s why I can’t give this role to just anyone. Especially not the female lead.”  

As Hee-soo listened, her hand trembled slightly around the teacup. Jae-min noticed the spark in her eyes and smirked.  

“This time, I’m planning to approach things a little differently. I’ll shoot based on a script I’ve painstakingly completed. I’m also adding some commercial appeal to it.”  

The more Hee-soo listened, the more intrigued she became by the project. Kang Jae-min’s films always drew attention, and this one, described as his magnum opus, would undoubtedly receive even more care and dedication.  

Realizing this, she felt a glimmer of hope shining through. Her heart raced with excitement, making her chest feel tight.  

“And there’s something you don’t know. Jin Yuna’s situation isn’t as rosy as it seems lately.”  

Jae-min harshly criticized Yuna, comparing her acting to a perfectly manufactured mannequin—devoid of personality. He explained that fewer offers were coming her way, her ratings were stagnant, and her endorsements were dwindling. He even mentioned that she had been considered for Bang’s movie but ultimately didn’t make the final cut.  

“If you and Yuna appear in the same movie, the hype alone will be enormous. That’s why Yuna, cornered as she is, won’t let this opportunity slip away. Many people still want to see the two of you on screen together—including me.”  

After sharing these insights about Yuna, Jae-min added provocatively,  

“You’re not lacking confidence, are you? The great Seo Hee-soo?”  

His words solidified Hee-soo’s resolve.  

“Not at all. I’d say I’m more than happy to take on the challenge.”  

Hee-soo met Jae-min’s gaze firmly, signaling her strong intent. Satisfied, Jae-min stood up.  

“I’ll send over the contract soon, so get ready for filming. And Hee-soo, try to get back in shape like when you used to dance ballet.”  

“Yes, understood.”  

After bidding farewell to Jae-min and leaving the workspace, Hee-soo’s mind raced. Now that the movie shoot was confirmed, there was something urgent she needed to address.  

Rewriting the flawed contract she had signed five years ago when renewing with Cha Joo-won.

---

Jae-hyuk lightly smiled at Vice President Cho, who was seated across from him.  

What had started as a casual drink had turned into a lengthy meeting.  

“Director Lee, it’s been quite some time since you returned to Korea. I’m glad we’re finally meeting in a more informal setting.”  

Cho’s undyed gray hair gave him a kindly appearance, which he emphasized with a warm smile as he lifted the ceramic liquor bottle beside him.  

“I should have paid my respects sooner. My apologies for the delay.”  

Jae-hyuk raised his glass to receive the pour, took a light sip, and set it back down.  

Vice President Cho had been the right-hand man of Jae-hyuk’s father, Lee Jung-chul, and now stood as one of Kangrim Group’s key power players under Yoon Ji-seon’s faction. He was also infamous for his cunning political maneuvering within the company, creating chaos behind the scenes.  

Jae-hyuk was well aware that Cho was secretly orchestrating political schemes to block the young upstart—himself—from taking over a critical division of the group. Yet, Jae-hyuk feigned ignorance, maintaining a relaxed smile as he accepted another round of drinks.  

The moment signs emerged that influential political figure Kwon Sam-soo was backing Jae-hyuk, Cho had swiftly arranged this meeting. It was the same day the scandal involving Kwon Chae-won had broken out.  

This gathering was essentially a probing session organized by Kangrim’s old foxes, who had noticed Jae-hyuk’s growing influence within the company.  

“…Our home appliances logistics division is struggling due to recent overseas special transport regulations. These days, nothing comes easy, eh?”  

After a few rounds of drinks, Cho casually broached the topic.  

In short, he was asking if Jae-hyuk had heard anything from Kwon Sam-soo. Rumors swirled about the contents of the bill Kwon was preparing, but no one knew the specifics.  

For Cho, who oversaw Kangrim Electronics’ home appliances division, this was a pressing question. Until now, he had manipulated board meetings regardless of performance metrics, but since Jae-hyuk’s arrival, even that had become impossible.  

Yoon Ji-seon had publicly announced that evaluations would be strictly based on performance each year.  

It was no wonder Cho was starting to feel the pressure.  

Under Jae-hyuk’s leadership, the DS (Device Solutions) and DP (Display Panels) divisions were soaring to new heights daily. Meanwhile, Cho’s home appliances division was mired in poor performance, surrounded on all sides by crises.  

While Cho was working tirelessly to solidify his power base by bringing in Jae-hyuk’s uncle, Lee Jeong-hoon, he was simultaneously trying to coax information out of Jae-hyuk through subtle manipulation.  

What a tangled web we weave.  

Pretending not to notice Cho’s intentions, Jae-hyuk picked up the glass in front of him.  

“This must be tough for you. Do you have any alternatives in mind?”  

After gulping down the liquor in one swift motion, Jae-hyuk smirked and added,  

“Ah, so you’re asking me because you don’t have any alternatives yourself?”  

The relaxed, drunken smile on Cho’s face vanished instantly.  

“W-what do you mean, no alternatives? What nonsense is this…?”  

Cho’s face flushed red, and his aides on either side glared at Jae-hyuk. Unfazed, Jae-hyuk calmly set his glass down and continued.  

“You’ve been so busy scheming to preserve your position that I doubt you’ve had time to think of alternatives. Honestly, stepping down early might actually benefit the company.”  

“What… what did you just say?”  

Furious, Cho trembled as if ready to lunge at Jae-hyuk, rising slightly from his seat. Jae-hyuk, still wearing a confident smile, stood up.  

“Thank you for the invitation. I’d been curious about the ‘ten eunuchs’ guarding your side, and now I’ve confirmed who they are. Have a good evening.”  

After bowing politely, Jae-hyuk turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, Cho’s voice boomed behind him.  

“Executive Director Lee Jae-hyuk!”  

Jae-hyuk paused and glanced back, adding one last remark.  

“Drink in moderation. You have work tomorrow, remember? Chairman Yoon is keeping a close eye on executives who use dinner outings as an excuse for tardiness.”  

“…”  

Because Yoon Ji-seon didn’t overtly shield her son, and Jae-hyuk himself refrained from wielding his status as part of the owner family, the executives often forgot that Jae-hyuk had direct access to the chairman whenever he pleased.  

At the mere mention of “Chairman,” the room fell silent.  

“Goodbye then.”  

Jae-hyuk turned and walked out, his footsteps steady and deliberate.  

“Phew.”  

As he stepped outside and exhaled deeply, Oh Chief approached him.  

“The acquisition committee has finalized their decision, and I’ve sent you the email. Additionally, the merger discussions with Company D continued late into the evening but ultimately fell through.”  

“I see. Everyone’s working hard late into the night. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”  

“Tomorrow, there’s a joint video conference with the U.S. branch foundry plant and Taiwan’s Origin Company at 3:15 AM. At 5:30 AM, there’s a 30-minute CMM interview scheduled. Your first meeting at the office will be with the PR department at 9:00 AM.”  

Hearing the packed schedule tightened Jae-hyuk’s chest. After exhaling deeply, he mentally reviewed his tasks.  

Joint video conference—purpose: lowering next quarter’s supply costs. CMM interview—anticipated questions and key points… something about the outlook for 3-nanometer memory chips?  

As Jae-hyuk turned, Oh Chief quickly moved to open the car door for him.  

“Anything else?”

Before getting into the car, Jae-hyuk asked one final confirmatory question. In response, Chief Oh lowered his voice significantly.  

“Director Lee Jeong-hoon still doesn’t seem to have any intention of returning to Korea. As for Kwon Chae-won, this is all we have.”  

Chief Oh handed over a thin envelope containing the documents.