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Chapter 05
Vrooooom—
With her foot pressed hard on the accelerator of the sports car, Yoo-jung’s face was full of fierce determination. It had already been a solid three hours since she drove from Seoul all the way to Gajin Beach in Goseong, Gangwon-do. Yet she didn’t show even a hint of fatigue.
She’s already struggling because she’s hiding her pregnancy while filming. I can’t let her deal with awkward looks from the staff on top of everything else just because of this coffee truck issue.
The cherry blossom scenery outside the window felt unfamiliar, yet somehow refreshing. Once she stepped out of the car, the first to greet her was Min Seol-ah’s manager, Hyung-hoon.
“Hello, ma’am! Director!”
Hyung-hoon, whose huge physique made him look like he could easily pass for a mobster, bowed deeply as though greeting a boss. Naturally, all the nearby staff who had been resting turned their eyes toward Yoo-jung.
“You don’t have to greet me that loudly. There are so many people watching.”
She didn’t mind at the office, but here on set—with staff and the director present—she wished he wouldn’t greet her like that.
“Ms. Seol-ah is in the van right now.”
“Really? I’ll greet the director first, then head to the van.”
“Huh? You’re not going to see our Seol-ah first?”
Hyung-hoon asked, clearly disappointed, and Yoo-jung patted his shoulder. She came all the way to Goseong because she was worried about Seol-ah, yes—but the director was on set. Seeing him first was also for Seol-ah’s sake.
“Thanks for looking after Seol-ah so well. Tell her to keep resting for now. I’ll be there soon.”
As Yoo-jung walked toward the main director, Director Choi spotted her first. He shook hands with the camera director he’d been chatting with and waved her over happily.
“Well, well, if it isn’t our CEO Chae. What brings you all the way out here?”
“Oh, you know. I came because I missed you, Director.”
“Pfft. Funny how someone who misses me only calls when they need something, huh?”
“You’re always busy once filming begins. I didn’t want to bother you. So I came here because I missed you too much. I’m not disturbing anything, right?”
As she chatted lightheartedly, the camera director glanced sideways at Choi. Director Choi was known as a man of stubborn integrity—he was the kind who refused all the lavish entertainment that was rampant in the industry decades ago. So seeing him act familiar with an entertainment CEO and even sounding almost regretful? It was no surprise it looked strange.
“We’re actually filming a scene with Min Seol-ah right now. Wanna see?”
Smiling, Yoo-jung bent forward to watch the monitor. Seol-ah, dressed in a white one-piece dress, radiated a pure and serene aura. She was acting so well that Yoo-jung felt almost embarrassed for having worried so much.
— I’m not afraid of death. The person I love went ahead first… and is waiting for me.
A woman who becomes a killer for the sake of her beloved…
When she first read the script, she wasn’t sure about it. But the moment she saw Director Choi’s distinctive directing style on screen, she had a strong feeling this movie would be a hit.
“How is it? Has some weight to it, right?”
Yoo-jung nodded.
“Yes. It’s much better than I expected.”
“Good. Because I’m thinking of revising the script a little.”
At the sudden suggestion, she tilted her head. Director Choi glanced at the camera director, who scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
“We were watching this scene just now, and… the weather’s great, the ocean looks beautiful—you know those moments when you suddenly feel inspired?”
She sensed something ominous. Like she was about to hear something she definitely shouldn’t.
“Yes. I know exactly what you mean. Inspiration…”
“Good. I’m glad you understand. So… I was thinking it’d be nice if Min Seol-ah could take a nice, refreshing dive into the ocean today.”
Trying to read her reaction, the director laughed as if it were nothing serious.
“It shouldn’t be dangerous. I mean, look at how many people are on set.”
Director Choi’s voice flowed naturally and smoothly like a seasoned serpent, keeping the mood light. Yoo-jung kept a pleasant smile as well. Though they were talking on thin ice, neither of them showed even the slightest tension.
“Of course. You always film safely. I’m always grateful for that.”
“I appreciate that. Haha.”
“But suddenly adding a scene where she jumps into the ocean today might be difficult for several reasons. The staff weren’t informed in advance. They might not be prepared. Isn’t that right?”
The moment she mentioned the staff, Director Choi’s expression stiffened slightly.
“I’ll take care of the equipment. No need to worry.”
“I’m sure you will. You always do. But since this concerns Ms. Seol-ah directly… I think we should consider her opinion too.”
“Well then, I guess I’ll have to discuss it with the actress myself.”
If it came to that, Seol-ah would definitely agree—she never refused.
Yoo-jung tapped her thigh lightly in thought. Right now, Seol-ah was pregnant. The only people who knew were Yoo-jung, Seol-ah, and Seol-ah’s boyfriend. And Seol-ah was unmarried.
I need to keep anyone from finding out she’s pregnant. No matter what.
“If Ms. Min Seol-ah agrees, then we can film the ocean scene today, right?”
At that, the camera director couldn’t hide his annoyance.
“Why ask for permission for something like this? If she’s going to be picky about everything, she shouldn’t have signed the contract in the first place.”
Yoo-jung paused briefly, then swallowed her pride and bowed slightly.
“Permission? If it came across that way, I apologize. Ms. Min isn’t feeling well today, so I became a bit overly worried. If I offended you, I sincerely apologize again.”
Once the CEO bowed, the directors couldn’t continue pushing her roughly.
“No, no need to apologize that much. She looked fine yesterday.”
“Right. She always looks fine. But the Seol-ah I know never shows it even when she’s hurting.”
“…Still, we do need a scene of her entering the ocean. Tomorrow works too. CEO Chae, why don’t you discuss it with her?”
When Director Choi stepped back a little, the camera director shook his head.
“Director, tomorrow’s supposed to be cloudy. If we’re going to shoot it, today is best.”
Since it was the camera director speaking—someone who lived and breathed visuals—Director Choi stared silently at Yoo-jung.
“You heard him.”
Though he was still giving her the choice, it was also a warning: push any further and negotiations would not remain friendly.
Yoo-jung stopped tapping her thigh and smiled softly.
“Then… how about using a stunt double?”
At her compromise, the camera director sighed.
“We’ll mostly film the background, so it’d be fine, but… can you really find someone this quickly?”
“I came all the way here. I’ll take full responsibility and find someone.”
“Well, that’d be appreciated. We’ll film after lunch. If you can’t find anyone by then, the actress goes in.”
This was Director Choi being unusually flexible. He was notorious for never compromising in his films.
The catering truck and coffee truck arrived right on time. Secretary Yoon had already confirmed twice from Seoul, so she wasn’t worried—still, seeing them with her own eyes finally let her relax.
“Ms. Seol-ah, the food truck the company sent was amazing.”
“And the coffee was no joke! Thanks to you, we ate well.”
Once the trucks arrived as scheduled, every staff member who passed by Seol-ah raised a thumbs-up at her. Smiling shyly, Seol-ah glanced at Yoo-jung and hooked her arm through hers.
“Unni, thank you. For coming all the way out here and taking care of everything yourself.”
Yoo-jung shook her head and squeezed her hand.
“The coffee was supposed to arrive in the morning, but it showed up at lunchtime instead. I should be apologizing.”
“Come on, people make mistakes. Things get delayed. It happens. But… I haven’t seen Hyung-hoon oppa anywhere. Where’d he go?”
At Seol-ah’s perceptive question, Yoo-jung smiled awkwardly.
“Oh… well, since this happens to be Hyung-hoon’s hometown, I sent him on a quick errand. He’ll be back soon.”
If they were in Seoul, finding a stunt double wouldn’t be hard. But finding one who could show up within an hour in Goseong, Gangwon-do? Nearly impossible. So she told Hyung-hoon to find someone among his local acquaintances.
“Oh—there’s Hyung-hoon oppa.”
Following the direction of Seol-ah’s pointing finger, Yoo-jung saw Hyung-hoon walking toward them with a petite woman beside him.
“Oppa, who’s that woman?”
“Oh, um… this is…”
Hyung-hoon looked flustered and glanced nervously at Yoo-jung. Not wanting to make Seol-ah worry, Yoo-jung gently patted her shoulder.
“It’s chilly today, even though it’s spring. Why don’t you go inside for a bit? We’ll come in right behind you.”
“…Ah. Okay.”
