Chapter 49 - Lunch
Joon-won and Jung-hwa followed her as the employee showed them the way towards the elevator. The building was enormous for a restaurant. From what he noticed, it was over 5 floors. The lobby was grand and Jung-hwa stuck close to him after seeing all the rich people there. The scene overwhelmed her. But he wasn't. He saw grander things, so this was a baby ride for him.
As they got into the elevator, he finally knew the building was 8 floors and it seemed like they were going to the 7th floor. Joon-won looked at Hea-Jung and asked, "Is Mr. Hwan your mother's brother?"
Hea-Jung seemed surprised as she answered, "No, he isn't. He worked under my mother back when she was still working in the industry. So he learned a lot from her and she treats him like a younger brother. That is why I call him uncle. His company's initial finance also came from my mother because he didn't have enough at that time." Joon-won nodded hearing her and remained silent.
The elevator stopped, and they walked into a hallway. It seemed like they were private rooms on both sides for people to eat. They walked till the end and the employee stopped in front of their room.
"Maam, Mr.Hwan is waiting for you inside." opening the door for them. Hea-Jung dismissed her and the three went inside. It was a simple room with an open view of the outside. Mr. Hwan was already in his seat and asked them to the same.
Everyone took a seat. Do Hwan was sitting 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.
"Well, I ordered the food for you guys while I was waiting. If you guys want to order something just go ahead." And a butler from behind handed one menu book for each. Joon-won and Jung-hwa didn't bother touching it, as they didn't know what was good and what was not. On the other hand, Hea-Jung didn't hold back as she ordered her favorite dishes.
Joon-won was excited to try new food. It was one of his hobbies, after all. Eating new food was always pleasurable for him. Jung-hwa kept looking down the whole time. Her inner timid personality was out.
"Well, as we wait for the food to come, tell me a bit more about yourselves. Like where do you guys come from and such." Do Hwan was the first to break the silence as he looked at the two young talents on the side.
"There isn't much to know. We both come from the same town to study, acting like many people. I am 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 know more about how the agency system works.
"No, of course not. I won't be able to produce every film of all the actors in the company. That's absurd. Both the companies are different. My Production company is called Glorious Productions and the agency company is called Star Agency."
"The Agency is rather simple. We have scouts who keep an eye out for any new actors and give them an offer to train and potentially get a role in a movie through the agency. The new actors who get a chance to train give auditions through the company's network and get roles if they are good enough. Now I would have asked you to become a trainee too, but both of you are going to one of the best drama schools and your acting is good. That is why my suggestion was different for both of you."
"Many producers look for agencies to contact the actors and fill roles in movies. It's easier that way. So the agency is a good pathway for producers to meet actors. This is also why many newcomers try to get into an agency. They can get roles easier this way." Do Hwan finished explaining as the food finally arrived.
"Finally, the food is here. Both of you stop talking about acting and start eating." Hea-Jung exclaimed as people came in with trays of food in their hands. Joon-won could smell the fragrance from each plate and felt his stomach rumble a bit.
All three of them started eating and Joon-won loved the various dishes. He started to love the world's cuisine more after having a good meal. He made his goal to get richer and eat that kind of food often.
As they finished eating the food and people took away the plates, he was completely satisfied and the same could be said to Jung-hwa, who had an infatuated expression. Do Hwan took out a card from his pocket and gave it to Joon-won.
"Here, this is my production company card, and it also has my phone number on it. I already discussed with the Director and he agreed to take one audition for me on Thursday evening at 3. So you can go to the company tomorrow and ask for my secretary at the reception desk. He will give you a sample script for you to practice."
Joon-won nodded and took the card from him before placing it in his pocket. Do Hwan turned towards Jung-hwa and continued, "I called up a drama house as I promised you and gave your information. They accepted to give you a chance this summer to train with them. This is their name and address. You can go there after 10 days to start working on your skills. Don't waste the opportunity." He took out another piece of paper and slid it towards Jung-hwa, who caught it and held it tightly.
She hurriedly bowed and thanked him once again for the opportunity.
"Alright, that's the end of lunch. I still have some work to do. Are you guys planning something to do after this?" he turned towards Hea-Jung.
She shook her head and replied, "No, I'll drop these both back at the university before going back home."