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Chapter 13
“Li… live…”
After hesitating for a long time, an unexpected answer slipped from his granddaughter’s lips.
“I want… to live.”
I want to live.
With desperate eyes, the child kept repeating that she had chosen acting because she wanted to live.
Like mother, like daughter.
Suddenly, memories from decades ago surfaced—of Jeongwol desperately pleading with him.
“If it’s about an heir, Sudeok and Jeonghee are there too, Father! Please… can’t you let me do what I want?”
“You’re Dongwoo’s eldest daughter. You must inherit the family business. There’s no changing it. Leave now.”
“…If I keep living like this, I’ll suffocate to death.”
“People don’t die that easily.”
His daughter had said she wanted to become an actress, that she would suffocate if she didn’t walk that path.
And now, the child she had left behind was saying the same thing.
After wetting his throat with saliva, Joo Taebaek slowly parted his lips.
“All the women in the Joo family are exactly the same…”
Joo Taebaek didn’t trust people.
Even family members could turn their backs for money and power.
Many who groveled before him would bare their teeth like piranhas the moment they saw an opening.
That was the business world.
Even his close friend, Chairman Ryu, had mercilessly purged his own relatives.
So when Joo Sae-yi showed up again, he had thought:
Maybe that child had ulterior motives too.
But…
‘…She’s just like Jeongwol.’
Perhaps she had her own agenda when she returned after keeping her distance for so long.
Maybe her passion for acting and her resemblance to her mother were all lies.
And yet, at this moment…
“Well. You have to live first, don’t you?”
“…!”
“Go ahead and act as much as you want. As much as you like.”
He wanted to willingly be deceived by Sae-yi’s bright smile.
Some time later, in a rented hall near the KDS headquarters.
Sae-yi’s gaze landed on an A4 sheet taped to the door.
[Drama <Your Blue Name>]
[Script Reading Site]
Today was the first script reading for “Your Blue Name,” nicknamed “Neopureum.”
It was where the actors gathered, greeted one another, and read through the script together.
‘They said it was good to come early…’
Sae-yi wandered around the still-empty room, her eyes moving faster than her feet as she memorized the nameplates on each seat.
She had even searched online beforehand for actors she’d likely see often on set.
‘So adult Doyeon is played by Park Yeonhee.’
Since it was written by a star writer, many famous actors were involved.
After putting down her things, she was about to sit when—
“Looks like the only one who came early is you, Sae-yi?”
Seong Hyesim’s voice came from behind.
“It feels different seeing you here, right?”
“Yes, it’s amazing.”
“Oh my, so fresh and youthful~”
With a light smile, Hyesim raised her hand to her mouth as if sharing a secret and whispered,
“Did you analyze the script well? I haven’t been able to guide you much lately.”
“Ah, yes! I prepared on my own.”
“Good girl.”
Humming softly, Hyesim sat down.
Once all the seats were filled, the director and writer took their places in the center.
“Cameras are still being set up, so let’s start with introductions.”
When writer Choi Gijeong spoke into the mic, someone who met her eyes let out a frightened sound.
‘They say her reputation is terrifying.’
Sae-yi had heard it from Hyesim.
Choi Gijeong’s nickname was “The Demon of Retakes.”
While most writers were lenient during script readings, she would endlessly say, “Let’s do it again.”
But her works were always huge hits, so no actor dared challenge her.
Maybe that was why the room froze instantly.
“Ahh, I’m so nervous! Writer Choi, please go easy on us today, okay?”
An actor in a supporting role tried to lighten the mood.
Only then did people begin greeting one another.
Sae-yi glanced sideways at the boy playing young “Hajin” beside her.
‘It’s Do Jaehyun!’
Do Jaehyun was a year younger than her and had been famous since elementary school.
From historical dramas with 50% ratings to blockbuster films, he was the child actor.
A model student, regular volunteer, and later a donor to children’s centers—his reputation was spotless.
He was practically born to play young Hajin.
‘I should say hello…’
Gathering her courage, Sae-yi bowed slightly.
“Um, I’m the one who’ll be acting with you as the main character’s younger version—”
“Joo Sae-yi.”
“Huh?”
“I know your name. If you’ve got time to chat, shouldn’t you read the script more? Unless you want to be compared today.”
That was the end of it.
Sae-yi stared blankly.
‘Why is he talking casually like that? Even if he’s my senior…’
And telling her to study more so she wouldn’t be compared?
That was clearly looking down on her.
‘Was he always like this?’
It didn’t matter why he said it.
She’d prove herself with skill.
‘…I’ll show you.’
Her competitive spirit ignited.
Do Jaehyun was extremely dissatisfied with the casting of Your Blue Summer.
(This was another title for the drama.)
This was his third time acting in one of Choi Gijeong’s works.
The main couple needed convincing childhood backstories—this was her philosophy.
Even her regular child actors went through several screenings.
‘I auditioned four times this time.’
Because the child storyline was crucial, she had tested him repeatedly.
Yet he’d heard a rumor.
‘They say Seong Hyesim pushed for the female lead’s child role. Only one audition.’
A rookie had taken that hard-to-get spot.
Her name: Joo Sae-yi. No acting experience.
So new there was barely any info.
‘Joo Sae-yi…’
While waiting to see her face, Jaehyun read the script thousands of times.
And now—
“Um, I’m the one who’ll be acting with you…”
She was right beside him.
A parachute hire trying to talk to him first—ridiculous.
When he coldly cut her off, she went quiet, clearly deflated.
“…Ahem.”
He felt slightly bothered, but forced himself to focus on the script.
Soon, introductions began.
After the main actors and himself finished, it was Sae-yi’s turn.
‘She’ll probably mumble again. Obviously.’
Parachute hires were always timid.
Smirking faintly, he turned toward her.
Then—
“Hello! I’m Joo! Sae! Yi! playing young Doyeon! This is my first official acting role, but I’ll work hard and learn a lot!”
Her voice was bolder than he expected.
After finishing, she smiled lightly at him.
“……!”
His shoulders stiffened.
That smile…
‘…Yeon Doyeon?’
Like cool air after summer rain.
Eyes folding like rippling streams.
Laughter as gentle as leaves swaying in the breeze.
Everything about her smile reminded him of Yeon Doyeon, Hajin’s first love.
His heart seemed to stop.
Jaehyun bit his lip.
