Seeing the money in Yoo-Jin's hand, Cha Soo-Yeon's expression turned to shock. "1 million won? Miss Yoo-Jin, you don't have to give this much!"
Yoo-Jin's appearance fee for one episode was currently 1 million won. She donated her entire episode fee, causing a stir at the site.
"What, what's this?"
"1 million won for the ritual? Is Miss Yoo-Jin that rich?"
"Our drama is going to be a hit!"
The money pinned to the pig's head was to be used for a staff meal later in the afternoon. This made the staff's faces brighten and they cheered.
"There were a lot of issues regarding the drama because of me recently, causing the crank-in to be delayed... I'm really sorry for everything. That's why I wanted to make today's meal special."
As Yoo-Jin bowed, the staff erupted in cheers.
"Wow. Jung Yoo-Jin is amazing! So generous!"
"Thanks to Miss Yoo-Jin, we're going to have a lavish meal today. Let's have ribs! Ribs!"
Since the contribution was meaningful, no one could accuse her of being reckless even though it was a large amount of money.
The actors also smiled brightly as they admired Yoo-Jin's action.
I couldn't stop my lips from curving upwards upon seeing the flashes of the reporters' cameras going off continuously as they observed the scene.
The headlines for today's articles popped up in my mind.
[Jung Yoo-Jin. Donates 1 Million Won to the Blue Sky Ritual!]
[Jung Yoo-Jin: "I really hope Blue Sky succeeds."]
Every move Yoo-Jin made seemed to instinctively position her as the center of attention. It was undeniably a trait of a star.
But among the actors, I noticed something odd. Ju Seong-Jin, the number one risk factor of this drama, was avoiding Yoo-Jin with an unpleasant expression. On the other hand, Choi Jong-Hyuk, known for being attracted to older women, looked at Yoo-Jin with a wolf-like gaze.
***
"Alright. Look this way, please. Yes, that's good."
"Mr. Kang, could you say a few words about the actors in this drama?"
"What's your target viewership rating?"
The production team and actors of Blue Sky continued with group photos and interviews with reporters on one side of the filming location. This was because there wasn't enough time to hold a proper production presentation due to the tight drama schedule.
With the drama set in the years 1980 and 1999, the actors were dressed in styles that were popular back then. Looking at the actors' costumes, I felt as if I had time-traveled—although I had already gone back in time.
Meanwhile, the interviews concluded.
Kang Soo-Hoon bowed to the reporters. "Blue Sky will properly depict the lives, love, and success of ordinary people from that time. Please give us a lot of love and attention."
The reporters applauded Kang Soo-Hoon's declaration and cheered for the drama's success.
"That's all for today. We'll arrange another meeting with the reporters next time."
Cha Soo-Yeon announced the end of the interviews.
But then, Star Special's Jang Moon-Ki urgently raised his hand.
"Ms. Cha! You promised to spare some time for Miss Jung Yoo-Jin!"
Jang Moon-Ki from Star Special, without caring about the displeased expressions of the surrounding actors, mentioned Jung Yoo-Jin's name.
To be honest, Actress Jung Yoo-Jin was more of a topic than Blue Sky itself at this point.
Several leading actors openly showed their displeasure. I thought Ju Yung-In must be feeling especially terrible since her ego would be hurt to have the focus taken away by a supporting actress when she was the protagonist of the drama.
"Of course. Miss Yoo-Jin, could you come this way, please?"
Cha Soo-Yeon readily accepted Jang Moon-Ki's request. After all, even a small topic turning into an article was beneficial for the production company.
As Yoo-Jin followed Cha Soo-Yeon to a corner of the shooting location, over 80% of the reporters followed her.
I also stood by Yoo-Jin's side to assist her with the interview.
"Miss Jung Yoo-Jin, how did you decide to adopt your niece at such a young age?"
"Did the agency know from the beginning that Miso was your daughter?"
"Do you have a message for reporter Ju Kang-Yong?"
Flash! Flash!
The spotlight and camera flashes continuously focused on Yoo-Jin. It was as if she had become the main character before the drama even started, receiving a full camera spotlight.
"Okay, that's it for the interview! Thank you all for your hard work."
As Cha Soo-Yeon was about to lead the reporters away, my eyes met with Jang Moon-Ki who was staring at me.
"Mr. Jung. You know me, don't you? Haven't we met in Cheonho-dong before?"
It was true I had gained the nickname 'Star Jung' and faced some awkward situations because of Jang Moon-Ki, but his help was significant during the Choi Jun-Woo incident.
While I was pondering what to do, the surrounding reporters started murmuring.
"Reporter Jang, are you trying to get an exclusive story?"
"Hey, don't be selfish. Let's share it."
Jang Moon-Ki ignored the questions from other reporters and kept winking at me, clearly wanting an exclusive story.
I had no choice. I owed him a favor, and I would need his help again in the future. I nodded slightly. Giving Jang Moon-Ki a scoop at this time meant he would write 'positive' articles about Yoo-Jin. He would ensure that Yoo-Jin received the spotlight with his 'specialty.'
I left a message to meet Jang Moon-Ki separately and headed toward the filming location.
***
Ju Seong-Jin, the male lead, sneaked a cigarette behind the temporary trailer used as a makeup studio.
His mood was off due to the crank-in being delayed a week which messed up his schedule.
Puff~
As he exhaled a long puff of smoke, he heard a rustling sound from behind.
The startled Ju Seong-Jin quickly tried to stub out the cigarette but relaxed when he saw who it was. It was Choi Jong-Hyuk, his co-star playing a brother in the drama.
"What are you doing here? I thought you said you don't smoke, hyung. Were you lying?"
"Damn, you scared me. I thought you were a reporter."
"The reporters are all busy taking photos of Jung Yoo-Jin. How does a supporting actress attract more cameras than the lead?"
"Damn those reportrash. Always sticking like barnacles whenever there's an issue..."
Jealousy among celebrities knew no gender bounds.
"Give me one too."
Ju Seong-Jin handed Choi Jong-Hyuk a cigarette.
"I need a lighter as well."
"Do I look like your talent agent?"
But despite his gruff words, Ju Seong-Jin lit the cigarette for him.
Puff.
For a moment, the two just smoked in silence before Ju Seong-Jin spoke again. "Hey. You now know Yoo-Jin has a daughter. Are you still going to approach her?"
"What about you?"
"I'm cutting ties. The moment I heard she has a daughter, my interest plummeted. It's too much of a burden even if it's an adoption."
Choi Jong-Hyuk smirked and took another drag of his cigarette. A cunning smile played on his lips.
"Wait. Are you…? Are you really..."
"Really what?"
"Really going to make a move?"
Choi Jong-Hyuk shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah. I'm really going to make a move."
"But I thought you only chased after older women?"
"Having a daughter gives a different vibe. A woman with strong maternal instincts—that's attractive. For the first time in a while, I'm serious."
Ju Seong-Jin shook his head with a dumbfounded look. "You're crazier than I am."
Finishing his cigarette, Ju Seong-Jin disappeared toward the set.
Choi Jong-Hyuk watched Ju Seong-Jin leave and smirked. Previously, he was doing it solely because Ma Dong-Pal had asked him to. However, things were different now.
"Being known as Jung Yoo-Jin's man. That's a decent title, isn't it?"
Just the thought of gaining popularity through his association with Jung Yoo-Jin made him smile. And thinking about Yoo-Jin's stunning figure only added to his grin.
"Well, I should head over too."
Choi Jong-Hyuk stubbed out his cigarette and walked toward the filming location with a smile.