Leaving Jung-hwa lost in her own world after the confidence boost from the deal offered to her, Do Hwan turned his attention to Joon-won. Unlike Jung-hwa, Joon-won maintained the same emotionless expression. Most students would be filled with anticipation and hope for a similar opportunity, but he showed none of that.
Hea-Jung looked a little dispirited when she saw his unchanged demeanor and complained, "Little brother, how can you stay so stoic even after your friend got such a deal? I thought this surprise would get some emotion out of you. Now I'm starting to think I made a cyborg my brother." She sulked on the couch.
Joon-won glanced at her, shaking his head at her childish behavior. He had anticipated something like this upon seeing the people in the room. He believed that if this opportunity didn't arise, Jung-hwa would still find a way to showcase her talent. Hardworking and talented individuals like her couldn't be contained in a university setting, especially after her impressive performance in the drama.
Do Hwan ignored Hea-Jung's comment and said, "You know, I was initially very apprehensive about attending this exam today. You guys are first-year students in the regular batch, so I wondered how talented someone must be for Hea-Jung to pester me all day to come."
"This was the first time I've seen her pester anyone for someone else in her entire 21 years. I had planned to enjoy a rare day off, but because of this monster, I came. If there hadn't been any good actors as she promised, I would've tied her up and delivered her to her mother."
"WAIT, WHAT? How could you do this to me, Uncle? You were scheming so many cruel things in your mind!" Hea-Jung shouted, interrupting him.
Of course, her rant was ignored as Do Hwan continued, "But color me surprised. My niece was right this time. You have great talent. That small role with only two parts really showcased your potential."
Joon-won looked Do Hwan in the eye, nodded, and replied, "Thanks for the compliment."
"After watching you on stage, it felt like you were a veteran. Have you acted before?"
'Yes, my acting experience is more than your entire life,' he thought but couldn't say. Instead, he shook his head. "No. This is the first time I acted on stage. I started acting only after coming to the university. Prior to that, I had no experience or knowledge."
"Wow, little brother, you didn't act before joining the university? That means all your skills are from just one year of learning? Wow, now I can tell everyone I have a super talented brother," Hea-Jung gasped, her face proud as if she were his mother. Joon-won felt his neck might break from shaking his head at her antics.
"Yes, it is surprising to see such talent. Now, what do you think about the offer I made to your friend earlier? Of course, there are some changes in terms. I want you to practice in drama houses this summer, and I will recommend you to the more renowned ones in the city. By the end of this month, you will get a chance to join my agency."
This was a very enticing offer. He was asking Joon-won to gain more experience, then enter an agency. No first-year university student would get such an opportunity without a strong background. For someone like him with no background, it was like striking gold.
But Joon-won had other plans. He didn't want to join a drama house. He had abundant experience in drama. What he wanted now was a chance to act in a movie as soon as possible. This showed the confidence he had in his decades of experience and skills.
He shook his head. "Although your offer is enticing, especially for someone with no background like me, what I want now is a chance to act in a movie. I plan to audition this summer and try my luck. Drama houses are great, but it's not a step I need right now."
His response shocked everyone in the room. He had rejected a great offer, and just as Hea-Jung was about to persuade him, Do Hwan cut in.
"Boy, you have a lot of confidence. The entertainment industry is a jungle. If you can't back up that confidence, you will drown and never get back up. But I like your confidence. Your skills are good, but that small role isn't enough to land you a movie role. How about this: I'm producing a new film this summer. The casting is almost complete, but there is still one role left that we're considering. Do you want to try?"
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Special thanks to lesewurm for the gift, really appreciate it.