"Oh, it's a small movie, and I managed to snatch one of the major roles. The leads are both B-listed actors. My schedule starts in about two weeks, and I might be busy for the next 3-4 months," Hea-Jung said proudly, her tone full of excitement.
Joon-won's eyes widened. He had only known her for a few days, and from what he saw, she wasn't the type to lie. She really was acting in a movie.
"How did you get the role?"
"Oh, that. I participated in an open audition. I didn't tell anyone I was doing it—I just did it because I was bored. The director liked what he saw and hired me immediately. I even signed the contract last week. This will be my debut in the industry. Be sure to watch the movie."
Joon-won nodded, going silent. It seemed like this girl really had talent despite her aloof and stubborn personality.
"So, until my shooting starts in two weeks, I'm mostly free. That's why I'm hanging out with you. I'm not just some busybody, you know." She huffed, explaining herself. She was genuinely bored in the morning and had no plans that excited her, so she decided to tag along with him.
"Don't you have other friends in your circle? I'm sure they're all doing something interesting, especially now that it's mostly holidays. And don't you need to practice for the role you got? You shouldn't waste time on your debut film," he lectured, his old age showing in his tone.
Hearing him, Hea-Jung closed her ears and hummed. After a few seconds, she looked at him and said, "Why are you nagging me like my dad? Sometimes you really act like an old man. And what friends? Let me tell you, every single second-generation child is an idiot. They only care about how they look in front of others. Too fake for my taste."
He shook his head and ignored her, continuing his work. Time flew by, and it was almost the end of his shift. Hea-Jung really stayed there the whole time. Gim Da was shocked and almost passed out when he saw her sitting behind the counter upon his arrival.
After his shift, Joon-won quickly changed back into his regular clothes and walked out with Hea-Jung. He noticed her red car outside, and she waved him over to hop in. He agreed, not knowing where the company was. Without her, he would have had to ask around, which would have been a hassle.
"Do you want to eat first or after we get the script?" she asked, turning on the car.
"Let's get the script first, and we'll talk about food later." He wanted to get the script in his hands as soon as possible.
"Alright then, hold on tight." She grinned, donned her sunglasses, and stepped on the accelerator.
The red car zoomed through the city, not stopping until it reached its destination. Joon-won looked at her with a mixture of awe and confusion; they hadn't hit a single red light. Both got out of the car at the company's entrance, and a valet quickly approached upon noticing the car.
Hea-Jung handed over the keys for parking and walked inside with Joon-won. They headed straight to the reception desk. Joon-won noticed the large 'Glorious Production' sign behind the desk. The lobby looked very fancy, with many people sitting on the side—some anxious, others exuding confidence.
"I'm here to meet Uncle Hwan. My name is Seo Hea-Jung. Is he in?" she asked the receptionist, leaning over the desk.
The receptionist dialed a number and asked about Hea-Jung. Her expression changed slightly during the call before she ended it and looked at Hea-Jung nervously.
"Miss Seo, the president isn't available today. But his secretary is available and is coming down to receive you right now."
Hea-Jung nodded and leaned back, waiting for the secretary. Joon-won asked in a low voice, "Have you never been here before?" after seeing how she introduced herself and the receptionist's reaction.
Hea-Jung shook her head. "Not really. I didn't have any business with Uncle Hwan's production company. I go to the agency more to hang out with a few actresses I know there," she shrugged. She hadn't had any business here because she wasn't yet an actor. If she were, she'd probably come to talk business.
They only waited a few minutes before seeing a figure rush out of the elevator toward them. The man was thin, looked young, but his receding hairline and a few gray hairs indicated stress and exhaustion. Despite that, he wore a smile as he approached Hea-Jung.
"Miss Seo, you should have called. I would have informed the president. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Yes, I forgot to call Uncle Hwan before coming. But it's alright if he's not here. This is Joon-won. Yesterday, my uncle told him to come and get a script for an audition. Do you have it by any chance?"