chapter 35

Chapter 35. Master Plan

Min-soo nodded, jotting down the working title of the script Yeon-woo had mentioned in his notebook. He contacted the head office and then headed to Chungmuro, the heart of the Korean film industry, to negotiate.

Believing it was best to strike while the iron was hot, Min-soo pushed for a meeting as soon as possible, before the casting was finalized. He successfully secured a meeting for the very next day.

The following day, Yeon-woo, Team Leader Jung, and Min-soo were on their way to Chungmuro in Min-soo's car.

Team Leader Jung Hyuk was a master of networking in the industry. He was accompanying them as the lead negotiator for Yeon-woo's casting, acting as their strong backup from LN Entertainment.

"So, Ryu Yeon-woo's top priority is the role of 'Pierre Choi'?"

"Yes, Team Leader Jung. I'll be grateful for any role, but 'Pierre Choi' would be ideal."

Team Leader Jung nodded, then stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'll try, but Director Park Chan-hong is a renowned director with strong opinions. And this is a big project."

Yeon-woo nodded. "I'll have to make a strong impression. Just get me the opportunity, and I'll do my best."

Yeon-woo's youthful enthusiasm brought a smile to Team Leader Jung's face.

"Okay, let's go for it."

They arrived at the film production company in Chungmuro.

While Min-soo parked the car, Yeon-woo and Team Leader Jung entered the building.

"It's been a while, Director Park, CEO Han."

"Haha, welcome, Team Leader Jung." Team Leader Jung shook hands warmly with both men. His reputation as a well-connected insider was well-deserved.

Ryu Yeon-woo also greeted them. "Hello, I'm rookie actor Ryu Yeon-woo."

The production company CEO, Han Yoon-soo, was intrigued by Yeon-woo's striking appearance and energetic greeting. "Welcome. Please have a seat."

He gestured for Team Leader Jung and Yeon-woo to sit down.

As soon as they were seated, Director Park Chan-hong spoke, "I'm not familiar with your work, but our casting director suggested we meet." His indifferent tone immediately cooled the atmosphere.

Undeterred, Ryu Yeon-woo stood up slightly and bowed. "Thank you, Director. I'm a fan of your work, and I was so excited when I read your script that I begged my agency for this meeting."

Director Park, slightly intrigued by the young actor's confidence, despite his own cold reception, observed him.

"Haha, such passion! Reminds me of Chungmuro twenty, thirty years ago. Our younger days," Team Leader Jung chimed in, expertly assisting Yeon-woo. His words evoked a brief moment of nostalgia among the older men.

"It's been a while since we were that young and passionate, haha," CEO Han said, easing the tension with a gentle smile.

"So, you were excited by my script?" Director Park asked, his voice low, his fingers interlocked.

"Yes, Director. I'm confident I can portray 'Pierre Choi' better than anyone."

"Oh?" Director Park's interest was piqued by Ryu Yeon-woo's directness. While the casting director had described Yeon-woo as a rising star, Director Park hadn't intended to cast a rookie actor, who had only appeared in one drama, in a leading role in his film. However, he had agreed to the meeting, impressed by the young man's enthusiasm. If he liked Yeon-woo's acting, he could offer him a different role. If Yeon-woo refused a supporting role, then that would be the end of it. It was a low-risk proposition.

"Alright, then show me. If you're so confident, you must have prepared something."

Director Park's words surprised Team Leader Jung. He hadn't expected an impromptu audition during the initial meeting. While the agency had received the script a week ago, Yeon-woo had only received it yesterday. He couldn't possibly have prepared anything.

"Director, the actor only received the script yesterday, so if you could give him more time…"

Yeon-woo gently placed his hand on Team Leader Jung's arm. "I've prepared diligently. I'd like to show you my interpretation, if you'll allow me."

Director Park nodded.

Ignoring Team Leader Jung's worried gaze, Yeon-woo stood up and moved to an empty space next to the sofa.

A staff member distributed copies of the script, and Yeon-woo waited, holding his own copy, which was covered in notes.

"Let's see scene 17."

Rustle

Everyone turned to scene 17.

'The introduction scene.'

It was Pierre Choi's first appearance, where he smoothly excused himself from a meeting with the Italian mafia after successfully swindling them.

Yeon-woo grabbed a stool and sat down.

"Scene 17, beginning." He placed his script on the floor and began his performance.

He looked at the imaginary mafia members with a suave, slightly arrogant smile, then stood up.

"Devo andare in bagno, scusate." Fluent Italian flowed from his lips.

Everyone except Director Park looked down at their scripts. The stage direction read, "(In Italian) Excuse me for a moment. I have an urgent matter."

He stood up, walked around confidently, took out his smartphone from his pocket, and put it to his ear. His suave smile gradually transformed into a mischievous grin.

"Hey, Mr. Kim, what's the problem? Playing these clowns? It's a piece of cake. Or a piece of pasta, I guess? Both sound unappetizing."

Then, his expression changed dramatically. The mischievous grin turned into a sinister smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting menacingly.

"So, make sure you have what we agreed on. Or you'll face the consequences." His voice, now chillingly cold, sent shivers down their spines.

"I take everything. And I only accept interesting requests. I hope Mr. Kim isn't my next 'request.'"

The people in the room felt an almost palpable aura of menace emanating from Yeon-woo as he delivered his lines.

He finished his performance, his demeanor instantly shifting back to that of a cheerful young man, picked up his script, and bowed. "Thank you for your time."

CEO Han applauded softly and looked at Team Leader Jung. "…You've brought us quite a talent."

"Haha…" Team Leader Jung, who was also seeing Yeon-woo's performance for the first time, chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

CEO Han turned to Yeon-woo. "Did you prepare the Italian lines in advance?"

"I speak Italian, so I improvised."

"Ooh…" A murmur of surprise went through the room.

Director Park Chan-hong, who had been observing Yeon-woo with an impassive expression, finally spoke, "I'm impressed by your performance. What was your approach to interpreting the character?"

Yeon-woo paused, gathering his thoughts. "When I read your script, Director, I felt a strong resemblance to 'The Sting,' a classic caper film. So I envisioned 'Pierre Choi' as a character walking the line between con man and mastermind."

Caper films were a subgenre of crime films, often portraying criminals in a romanticized light.

Director Park nodded, as if confirming his own assessment. "Con man and mastermind… you mean like Gondorff and Lonnegan?" He immediately referenced the characters from "The Sting," indicating that he and Yeon-woo were on the same page.

"Yes, exactly."

After a few seconds of contemplation, Director Park spoke decisively, "I didn't expect to see Gondorff and Lonnegan in the eyes of a young actor. This role seems destined for you."

"Thank you. I'll do my best," Ryu Yeon-woo replied enthusiastically, bowing deeply.

Director Park's words surprised both Team Leader Jung and CEO Han.

Team Leader Jung, regaining his composure, quickly followed up, "This film is going to be a huge success, with such high praise from Director Park himself."

"Indeed. He's not usually one for expressing his feelings," CEO Han, who had worked with Director Park for a long time, was also surprised, both by Yeon-woo's performance and Director Park's reaction.

Team Leader Jung told Yeon-woo to leave the negotiations to him and excused him. He anticipated a long night of discussions and possibly even drinks.

Having captivated the notoriously stubborn Director Park, the balance of power in the contract negotiations had shifted in Team Leader Jung's favor. As an industry veteran with full authority from his agency, he was confident in his ability to secure a favorable deal.

Yeon-woo whispered his thanks to Team Leader Jung, exchanged pleasantries with Director Park and the other staff, and left the production company, maintaining the positive atmosphere with warm handshakes.

Min-soo, who had been waiting outside, opened the car door for him. "How did it go, Actor Ryu?"

Yeon-woo grinned. "I told you I was confident in my audition skills. I got the part. Pierre Choi." He mimicked the gesture he had made earlier in his officetel, holding out both hands.

"Wow, as expected of our actor!" Min-soo cheered, as excited as Yeon-woo. They got into the car.

Team Leader Jung had skillfully negotiated a favorable contract. The filming start date was still undecided, as the casting wasn't finalized yet.

With no other scheduled commitments except for a magazine interview he had done during the week, Yeon-woo focused on attending school, traveling between Daejeon and Seoul to maximize his attendance, until winter break began.

He often visited Jin-wook's home on days when Jin-wook wasn't filming, spending his time analyzing the script for Director Park Chan-hong's movie and practicing his lines.

One day, he received a call from Director Kim Han-soo.

"Hello, Director."

–"Yeon-woo, congratulations on your excellent CSAT results. I saw it in the news."

Yeon-woo smiled at the warm congratulations. "Thank you, Director. Thanks to your positive energy, I achieved a good result."

–"Haha, you're such a charmer, Yeon-woo. Such a smooth talker for a young man." He cleared his throat and continued, –"Anyway, I'm calling about 'Spring's Lover,' the movie you helped me with as a cameo. Post-production is almost finished, and we're holding a press conference soon."