Rebirth: King to Superstar

Joon-won sighed at how tough Hea-Jung was. The girl was already planning to make trouble for some poor guy way in the future after she became famous and she was the type to hold her grudges. He quickly changed the subject and asked when her shooting will be finished. 

[I don't know yet. But the current speed of things and the length of the script, I can tell that it would be at least 3 months long, so by the end of July or it might even go to August if the director remains dumb like his. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me what you are up to.] 

Before Joon-won could reply to the text, he noticed the time and quickly finished the remaining noodles and walked out after paying the bill. He took a cab and replied on his way there about things were going. He first told her he found out what the problem was and also about his audition tomorrow for a role.

[Oh, you found out about the problem already? That's great. I knew it wouldn't take you too long to figure it out. You need to solve those problems before the end of summer. Let me give you some insider information. There are a lot of movies that are going to give out auditions for roles. You might snatch one if you get things right.]

He didn't even know where she found this information from but sent a simple ok before receiving another message.

[Also do your best in the audition in those dramas there. Don't act as you did in the exam. San Min will chew you out if she finds out you are holding back at her drama house. She is a beast. Just call me if you have any problems. I know how to tackle that beast.]

Joon-won couldn't help but shake his head at how disrespectful Hea-Jung could be sometimes. What did she mean by a beast? He felt Hea-Jung herself was like a wild animal, out of control sometimes. He simply texted he was ok and she should focus on her own movie instead. 

[Right, I'll be off then. It seems like the director wants me there. Let's hope it's for a shoot and not a dumb reason. Right then, just do your best and make sure to fix those problems before anything. A stroke of good luck from your big sister.] along with a few goodbye stickers.

He sent a simple goodbye to the women and finally kept the phone down. He hadn't been on his one for this long and it was tiring, especially when the person on the other side was someone like Hea-Jung or Jung-Hwa who could simply take out a lot from a person by just talking.

After a few seconds, he reached the drama house and noticed there were only 15 minutes left until 3. He remembered how San Min closed doors the day before and didn't allow people who were only a few seconds late inside and started running inside. 

Luckily, as soon as entered the hallway with all the rooms, he noticed her assistant standing near the door. She pointed at the same room as he went before and asked him to get in. He quickly got in and saw most of the people were already ready. He even noticed the arrogant man from the day before, Dokgo Ki staring at him. But this time he was completely silent. 

Joon-won cared little about the guy and found Kar Jung before walking towards him. He took a seat next to him and heard Kar Jung immediately. "So, how was the script?"

Joon-won nodded and said, "Yes, it was great. There are a lot of things hidden in the script that can't be found with one or two reads. The story itself is a lot more complex than how it looks. But is such a story enjoyable to the audience?"

Kar Jung shrugged and said, "I don't know. It is always a double-edged sword when it comes to her scripts. Most of the time the audience does not understand but there will be experienced journalists and media personnel who will get it and write an article or two about it. That way people understand what it is about and sees the drama again in the drama house app. This way we get income from both sides. A genius plan isn't it." he grinned. 

Joon-won shook his head and thought it was indeed a genius plan. People who do not understand could simply read the articles which come out on the same day and if they want to see the drama once again, they can by paying a subscription to the app. But this was more of a series of coincidences than a genius plan. 

"What did you think about the script? Are you still going for the butler?" 

Kar Jung nodded and replied, "Of course I am. The butler character is pretty good and is closely related to the story. After all, he is the one who does most of the dirt work assigned by the villain. It will be interesting to play that role. And I presume you are still going for the CEO role."

Joon-won nodded and replied, "Yes, I am going to aim for the CEO role. His role is so deep and complex than it seems. That character seems like it was tailor made specifically for me. Get ready to be my butler."

Kar Jung shook his head and said, "Don't be too cocky. I already told you yesterday, do your best and remember the main reason you are here. It's not to act in dramas like the rest of the people here. It is to improve your skill so that you can get out of here. And who knows, there might be someone who can snatch that role away from you, while you are ignorant about it."

Joon-won shook his head and remained silent. When time changed to 3, the assistant who was at the door came in and closed it. She looked at everyone before nodding and said, "Alright now that everyone is here, you guys can start giving your names for which roles you want to audition for. Now let's do it like we always do. I will call out the role and raise your hands if you want tuition. Understood?" making everyone nod. 

"Alright then, let's go from the top, the hero role. Everyone who wants to try out the hero role, raise your hand." Joon-won looked around and saw most of the people raised their hands. Even the arrogant idiot Dokgo Ki raised his hand. That guy was actually looking at Joon-won with a provocative gaze as if he was challenging him. 

Joon-won didn't want to raise his hand but felt Kar Jung nudging him a little and raised it reluctantly. He didn't want that role, but Kar Jung told him to use it as a backup. As soon as he raised his hand Dokgo Ki noticed, and a trace of ridicule went across his face. It was obvious he was looking down on him. 

The assistant nodded and wrote everyone's names on a piece of paper before setting it aside. She took another paper and asked all the people auditioning for the villain role to raise their hands. This time the number of hands wasn't as many as before. Joon-won quickly raised his hands and saw Dokgo Ki who didn't raise his hand raise it immediately after seeing him with an idiotic smirk on his face. 

The meeting continued as the assistant read out different roles, and people raised their hands. The least number of hands was for the butler role because there was an age or rather a look requirement for it and only a few people who were old like Kar Jung could pull it off. Kar Jung also raised for the heroine's father role, the man who got kicked out during the revenge plan. 

The day ended and the assistant once again told them they could use the space in the theatre for practice and also told them they had to be at the theatre by 2 as the boss will start taking the auditions from then. If anyone misses the timing, then they could only drown in their own tears. 

Joon-won wanted to go back quickly and start his own practice. Kar Jung looked at him as both of them exited the room and asked, "Do you want to practice together? I can help you with your problems and stuff." 

Joon-won shook his head and said, "No, let's practice together on Thursday after we both get our roles tomorrow. Today I need to understand the role better and get his mentality right to secure the role tomorrow."

Kar Jung nodded and replied, "That sounds perfect. You should understand the role better so that you can prepare better and get it. I'll help you out on Thursday then. Do your best." And walked away towards his car. Joon-won just took the bus back home.