A Warning

"I see," the cameraman continued. "There were rumors that you only managed to get the role through connections. Is that correct?"

Luckily, Jaehyun was there, and he jumped into the frame with a refreshing smile on his face. "Ey, that is impossible. The scriptwriter, producing director, and me, as the male lead of the drama was there for the casting, and I can assure you that the original female lead we cast for the role suddenly opted out, and the second choice was Miss Mina." He added, "No one is cast through connections.

"Jaehyun sunbae is right," Mina quickly joined the conversation and acted like it was nothing. "There was just a slight confusion about the female lead role, and I am going to do my best not let down those people who chose me in the end."

"How do we expect the chemistry between the leads?" The cameraman finally dropped the topic of roles and finally asked questions related to them.

"This is my first lead role, so I am a bit sweaty and nervous," Mina explained as she clasped her palms together and laughed adorably like a young girl and glanced over to her side making eye contact with her partner. "But Jaehyun sunbae-nim has great energy and did a great example by breaking the ice between us. I think our chemistry would be very great!"

"I can say the same with Miss Mina," Jaehyun did his signature smile, made eye contact with Mina, then to the camera. "She has this great energy and positivity that instantly turns the whole situation a good one. Viewers can tune in and watch out for our undeniable chemistry!"

Mina realized that they were making the final comment, so she added, "Please give us love and support for our drama, and we will do our best!"

Mina and Jaehyun then waved their hands goodbye to the camera as if they were talking to the viewers, "Bye! See you at our drama!"

And with that, the cameraman finally finished filming for the behind-the-scenes of the drama. Mina sighed in relief as she made eye contact with Jaehyun; both of them cracked a smile.

"You did well, Miss Mina," Jaehyun complimented her and even tapped her shoulders like they were close. He urged her to come back to their seats as it seemed like the script reading would be starting in a few minutes.

"Thank you, sunbae-nim,"

Mina kept being polite and respectful towards Jaehyun and even to some of the veteran and rookie actors and actresses that she made eye contact with, She continuously bowed her head to them as if she was a robot.

Until both Jaehyun and Mina arrived at their seats, he smiled at her and leaned in for a whisper. "Do not even hint to others that you were cast here out of connections. The rumors will stay as rumors if you don't say anything to it, okay?"

"Okay, I understand,"

"One more thing," The hoarseness of Jaehyun's voice became even more evident. "I do not really care if you got into this drama through connections, through talent, or even through illegal means. Whatever that is, I will not care at all."

Mina could feel the shivers in her spine when the tone of his voice became even low. He continued, "I really hate incompetent people. If you don't prove your worth when you are acting with me, then you might as well stop dreaming."

There was a trace of contempt in his voice, "Not all people can make it through the brutal world of the entertainment industry. Keep that in mind."

After Mina listened to all of that ridiculousness, she can't help but ball her hand into a fist. She felt insulted when this man, who started as a model-actor who landed jobs through his tall stature and pretty face, had the guts to be telling her about the entertainment industry.

She knew it too well, and she did not need any coaching from him at all.

Jaehyun tapped Mina's shoulder with his hand and went on to take a seat. Mina followed her behind and took a seat next to him.

Every person has at least two masks, but you need to have at least five for people in the entertainment industry. She could not believe how it was as if he sounded her out, threatening her to do the job properly or else he might talk to the scriptwriter or director about it.

Seo Jaehyun was notorious for being a perfectionist. Those who have tried working with him said that he constantly monitored himself after his portrayal of every scene. Mina did not realize that as his experience as an actor grew, and after being recognized, Jaehyun improved himself, thus, earning him a cute title from the citizens.

After a while, they finally started their sript reading.