As soon as he said that, it felt like the atmosphere froze. Everyone, including Joon-won, was shocked at how casually Do Hwan mentioned giving him a chance to audition for a new movie. Even Joon-won was taken aback by the sudden opportunity.
"Wa-wait, what? Uncle, what do you mean? I just asked you to look at his talent and give him a small opportunity to start. What do you mean by giving him an audition for that upcoming movie which has been casting for over two months? Aren't the staff being very picky about the actors? Don't push yourself for this," Hea-Jung exclaimed, her voice filled with surprise.
She had only asked him to help Joon-won a little, but this was a big deal. She knew the movie he was talking about—it was a new 20-million-dollar production he was a producer for. As a producer, he had some power, and now he was using that power to give Joon-won an audition. She had heard there were multiple A-list actors in the movie, and the company was going all out with it.
Joon-won was also shocked. He hadn't expected the man in front of him to go so far and offer such an opportunity. He wanted to act in movies and, with his decades of stage experience, he was confident. Hearing Hea-Jung's exclamation, he realized this wasn't a small movie.
Even though he had only been in this world for a week, he knew the significance of a 20-million-dollar film in the movie industry. It was a big project, and getting to act in it would be a tremendous opportunity. He turned to look at Do Hwan, who was still smiling at him.
"What? Shocked? I'm one of the main producers of that movie, so I can suggest an actor or two. If I had met you two months ago, I could have gotten you a role, but now all the roles are taken, except one. Don't think you'll get it easily because your competition is an A-list actor. We are holding the role because he is too demanding. So, do you want to try?"
Joon-won, excited by the sudden chance, took a deep breath and nodded. Do Hwan laughed. "Don't be too nervous. I don't expect you to beat the A-list actor, just giving you a chance to see for yourself that you're not yet completely ready for the big screen. This discussion took a lot of unexpected turns. Let's go for some lunch. I don't think you guys have eaten yet, right?" He stood up, straightened his clothes, and looked around.
"Vice-Dean, would you like to join us for lunch?" he asked.
"No, but thank you for asking, Mr. Hwan. I still have to grade the students' performances as we promised to reveal the scores in a few hours. You four can go ahead." The Vice-Dean stood up and shook Do Hwan's hand.
Joon-won wanted to refuse but before he could speak, Hea-Jung grabbed his arm and whispered, "Don't be hasty to reject, little brother. This is your chance to learn more about the industry from my uncle. So be quiet." Joon-won looked at Jung-hwa, making sure she was okay with this, and nodded.
"Well, shall we get going?" Do Hwan asked, and they all made their way out of the room.
Just as Joon-won stepped out, he heard a sound in his head that stopped him in his tracks.
Ding
[System, finally activated.]
"What?" Joon-won spoke out loud, looking around. Jung-hwa and Hea-Jung, who were ahead, turned back, confused.
[I suggest the host not look around like a fool. No one else can hear me, and we can converse more when you're free. For now, enjoy the lunch.]
Joon-won, completely confused, followed the suggestion and continued walking, albeit with a puzzled expression.
"What happened, little brother? Are you feeling sick?" Hea-Jung asked as they walked through the auditorium towards the exit.
He shook his head. "No, I'm alright. Nothing to worry about. Let's go and have this lunch; I have some important stuff to do after."
'Hey, who are you? Why can only I hear you? Is this some black magic? I thought there was no black magic! Hey, can you hear me? Respond. Damn it,' he thought, hoping the so-called 'Guidance System' could hear him. But there was no response, and he just continued with the three people out of the auditorium.
"Well then, both of you can come in Hea-Jung's car while I'll come on my own. Hea-Jung, let's go to the Royal Blue. I'm sure your father has a few seats open for us," Do Hwan said, walking towards another exit.
"Wait, did he just say Royal Blue? Isn't that an exclusive-only restaurant with a reservation line months long for regular people? How does your father get seats there?" Jung-hwa's curiosity overcame her usual reticence, and she asked Hea-Jung.
"Wow, you really are opening up now. That's nice. But yeah, it's mostly an exclusive-only restaurant, except for the owner's daughter. My dad owns it," Hea-Jung replied, feeling proud.
"But I thought your family only owned a supermarket chain?" Joon-won intervened.