The One We’re Looking For

The three judges remained speechless for several long seconds, staring only at Minjae as if he had done some unexplainable magic. Just then, all of them, in unison, broke into applause. 

The once-tensed and quiet room was now filled with hopeful energy as the panels exchanged excited looks. Yejun were clapping loudly, while Suwoon and Sean were nodding in stunned approval.

Finally! After 5 long hours, they were able to find one. Not just anyone, but a perfect actor for the role!

Even Jin, who was sitting at the side, couldn't help but be speechless. He couldn't believe the change Minjae had brought into the audition room. The judges wouldn't even dare look at them earlier, but now their eyes were filled with astonishment.

'Is he some kind of veteran actor? But that would be impossible, I haven't seen his face on big screens yet.' Jin wondered, feeling a slight curiosity.

'Oh well, that must be the reason he wasn't even nervous earlier. He knew he got it. Hah… When he said the first line, I already knew I had no chance." 

Despite the inevitable disappointment, Jin couldn't help but feel genuinely happy for Minjae.

Minjae completely deserved it. He killed the role with such an outstanding performance that even he was speechless. 

Right now, Jin could only wish that he'd be able to reach that level of talent too.

'No worries, I'll just work hard. I'll also be like that someday.' he muttered to himself on a positive note. 

On the other hand, Minjae remained standing. He didn't know if he was supposed to so say something since the rest of the applicants earlier immediately received feedback after their performance. 

It was only during his time when Producer Sean and the rest decided to discuss among themselves first. 

After what felt like an eternity, Producer Sean stood up, clapping his hands once more. His earlier frustration had completely disappeared, replaced with enthusiasm. 

"That was incredible, Minjae. That was exactly the performance we've been hoping for all day."

"I agree. We don't need to look any further. This is our man!" Yejun turned to Sean and Suwoon. 

"Announce immediately that we wouldn't be looking for any more applicants. This is the guy who we want!" Sean commanded his assistant out loud, shocking Minjae and the rest of the applicants in the room. 

The other judges happily seconded, with Yejun even laughing in relief. Without missing a chance, Producer Sean excused the next applicant respectfully. 

"Applicant 110 we still are grateful that you decided to join this audition," Sean uttered looking at Jin apologetically. 

Jin's eyes widened when he heard his number being mentioned.

Out of panic, "It's fine, Sir!" he quickly replied. It was a pity, but he couldn't do anything. Despite knowing that this was the end of his chance, Jin still smiled and gave a big thumbs up to Minjae. 

Minjae felt slight pity for the man, but he fought his chance, fair and square. 

Sean's assistant quickly led the rest of the applicants out. When they left, Sean looked at Minjae as if he was a precious gem. 

"Please, Minjae, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss," he uttered in a friendly tone, gesturing to the chair that his assistant had just placed. 

"Thank you, Sir." Minjae took the seat, a small and proud smile slowly showing on his face. 

Even though that wasn't his best performance, he still felt satisfied knowing that he'd truly done justice to the role.

"So, Minjae," Yejun began with an intrigued smile, "I have to ask you. Where did you come from? With a performance like that, I would've assumed you were already known in the industry. It's just unfortunate that it wasn't the case"

"Yes, Yes. It's rare to find someone who can bring this kind of depth. Did you know that you have a one-of-a-kind talent?" Suwoon chimed in, nodding vigorously.

He may be known as strict, but he knows a gem when he sees one. 

Truly, what they had witnessed earlier was a masterpiece. Minjae's acting could be on par with other veteran actors that had been in the industry for years and he was not even professionally trained yet! 

Imagine just what he would become if he continued this path.

He would be a monster for sure! 

"Well… I haven't done anything like this before. If I'm honest. I've been doing just some extra work, but nothing like this." Minjae chuckled humbly, rubbing the back of his neck as if he wasn't used to it. 

The roles that the Original Minjae played consists mostly of him walking on the street as a passerby, a customer in a cafe, or someone just to fill in a set to make it more realistic. He must be happy right now in heaven that he was able to do this after years. 

Producer Sean exchanged impressed glances with the panel. "Well, Minjae, I think I speak for all of us when I say that whatever reason brought you here, it was worth it. You have something special, and we're beyond excited to work with you."

"Thank you, Sir," Minjae nodded, his smile even widening. 

Producer Sean, who was still visibly thrilled, motioned to one of his assistants. 

"Bring me the contract," he said, barely able to keep the excitement from his voice. This was the fastest time they gave out a contract to someone. Usually, they would need to discuss it first with the writer before choosing among all the applicants. 

But this one was a special case.

Minjae was the only one who truly gave justice to the role. 

Moments later, the assistant arrived with a newly printed contract. Not wasting any time, Producer Sean handed it to Minjae.

"Here it is," Sean said, smiling warmly. "Take your time, read through it. I know you'll find everything in order. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask us."

Minjae took the contract. The gaze in his eyes turned from friendly, to one filled with seriousness. How many contracts have he read in his last life?

He couldn't count them anymore. 

'It seems like this guy here knew a lot about contracts. He looked serious while looking through it. Well, that's good,' Yejun commented, somehow amused.

Usually, newbie actors would just sign the contract immediately out of excitement. 

'Payment… schedule… things I need to remember…" Minjae remained serious as he flipped through the pages. Despite his excitement, he knew it was essential to go over every detail. 

His experience in previous projects had taught him the importance of looking out for clauses that could impact his work and rights as an actor. After a few careful minutes, he nodded in satisfaction.

"This all looks good to me, Sir" he said, reaching for the pen and signing on the dotted line.

"Nice!" Sean grinned, offering his hands to Minjae, which he formally accepted. 

"Welcome aboard, Minjae! I can already tell you're going to bring something truly remarkable to this movie. Just do what you did earlier and everything will go well." 

"That's right. We're all expecting great things, so good luck!" Yejun smiled before tapping Minjae on his shoulder. 

"I'll see you in two weeks then. My assistant will email you for the details of the drama." Suwoon muttered in seriousness as he offered his hands to Minjae. 

"Thank you, Sir." Minjae felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

[Ding!]

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[Achievement Unlocked: First Extra Role Signed Successfully.] 

[You have gained 10,000 EXP in !] 

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[Reward: Basic Makeover Package]

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