Joon-won and Jung-hwa followed Hea-Jung as the employee led them to the elevator. The building was enormous for a restaurant, spanning over five floors. The lobby was grand, filled with wealthy patrons. Overwhelmed, Jung-hwa stuck close to Joon-won, who remained unfazed, having seen grander sights before.
Inside the elevator, they discovered the building had eight floors, and they were headed to the seventh. Joon-won turned to Hea-Jung and asked, "Is Mr. Hwan your mother's brother?"
Hea-Jung seemed surprised by the question. "No, he isn't. He worked under my mother when she was in the industry. She taught him a lot, and she treats him like a younger brother. That's why I call him uncle. His company's initial funding came from my mother because he didn't have enough at the time." Joon-won nodded, taking in the information.
The elevator stopped, and they walked into a hallway with private dining rooms on both sides. They walked to the end, where the employee stopped in front of a door.
"Ma'am, Mr. Hwan is waiting for you inside," the employee said, opening the door. Hea-Jung dismissed her, and the three entered. The room was simple but offered an open view of the city. Mr. Hwan was already seated and gestured for them to join him.
Everyone took their seats. Do Hwan sat at the head of the small dining table meant for six. Joon-won and Jung-hwa sat on the same side, while Hea-Jung sat opposite Joon-won.
"I ordered some food while I was waiting. If you want to order something else, feel free," Do Hwan said, and a butler handed each of them a menu. Joon-won and Jung-hwa didn't bother touching theirs, unfamiliar with the dishes. Hea-Jung, on the other hand, ordered her favorites without hesitation.
Joon-won was excited to try new food, one of his favorite hobbies. Eating new dishes always brought him joy. Jung-hwa, however, kept her head down, her timid nature taking over.
"As we wait for the food, tell me more about yourselves. Where do you come from?" Do Hwan broke the silence, looking at the two young talents.
"There isn't much to know. We both come from the same town to study acting, like many people. I'm more interested in how your agency works. Do you produce every movie for the actors under your company?" Joon-won answered briefly before asking his own question. He wanted to understand the agency system better.
"No, of course not. It's impossible to produce every film for all the actors in the company. My production company is called Glorious Productions, and the agency is Star Agency," Do Hwan explained.
"The agency is simple. We have scouts who look for new actors and offer them training and potential roles in movies. New actors audition through the company's network and get roles if they're good enough. I would have asked you to become a trainee, but both of you are at one of the best drama schools, and your acting is good. That's why my suggestion was different for you."
"Many producers look to agencies to find actors for their films. It's easier that way, which is why many newcomers try to get into an agency. They can get roles more easily," Do Hwan concluded as the food arrived.
"Finally, the food is here! Stop talking about acting and start eating," Hea-Jung exclaimed as the servers brought in trays of food. The aroma made Joon-won's stomach rumble.
They all started eating, and Joon-won savored the various dishes, loving the world's cuisine even more. He made a goal to get richer so he could enjoy such food often.
After finishing their meal, with their plates cleared away, Do Hwan took out a card from his pocket and handed it to Joon-won.
"Here, this is my production company card. It has my phone number. I spoke with the director, and he agreed to an audition on Thursday at 3 PM. You can go to the company tomorrow and ask for my secretary at the reception desk. He will give you a sample script to practice."
Joon-won nodded, placing the card in his pocket. Do Hwan then turned to Jung-hwa. "I called a drama house as promised and gave them your information. They agreed to give you a chance this summer. Here's their name and address. You can start in ten days. Don't waste the opportunity." He handed her a piece of paper, which she accepted gratefully.
She bowed deeply and thanked him for the opportunity.
"Alright, that concludes our lunch. I still have some work to do. Do you have any plans for after this?" Do Hwan asked Hea-Jung.
She shook her head. "No, I'll drop these two back at the university before heading home."