By Zephyria “CEO Myeong, you must make it clear that the decision-making power regarding the production belongs to the Director, down to the smallest detail.”
“Yes, you are absolutely right. I was presumptuous.”
CEO Myeong bowed his head and retreated at the actress’s reprimand.
“This is a good opportunity to introduce Hong-seo to our esteemed guests and attract investment, isn’t it? It’s true that this event wouldn’t have been possible without CEO Myeong’s help. So, Director, please let go of your anger now. It would be awkward for Jeong Ji-in otherwise.”
“It’s not the actor’s fault. I’m sorry…”
Despite his stubbornness about his work, Director Kang was not a cruel person. Still wearing a sulky expression, he glanced at Jeong Ji-in apologetically and idly rubbed the armrest of the sofa.
The actress patted Director Kang’s back, whispered a few words in his ear, and then stood up with her clutch bag.
“Well then, I’ll take care of things with Jeong Ji-in. Ji-in, shall we talk for a moment?”
Neither CEO Myeong nor Jeong Ji-in could defy her command.
Choi Hong-seo watched Jeong Ji-in’s retreating back as he followed her out of the drawing room, staring blankly for a moment.
“Hong-seo, what was that song, ‘Fly’? Didn’t your group have a song like that? The one where you move your hips so incredibly. Let’s see that dance.”
At CEO Jo’s voice, Choi Hong-seo’s head reflexively turned forward again.
“Yes, I’ll show you briefly if you’d like.”
As if being asked to do such a thing was not humiliating at all, but rather welcome. Choi Hong-seo answered without hesitation.
“It’s an honor that CEO Jo knows all our group’s songs.”
CEO Myeong, too, grinned as if he had completely forgotten the awkwardness from moments before. He then fiddled with his phone and connected it to the Bluetooth speaker in the drawing room. Choi Hong-seo unbuttoned his tuxedo to dance, and the intro to ‘Layered’s’ latest hit song began to play.
Dancing alone, without stage lights, in a place that wasn’t a stage. Moreover, it wasn’t a performance, not even an audition. It was merely ‘entertainment’ to liven up a drinking party hosted by the wealthy.
Or rather, should it be called a ‘product introduction,’ asking them to purchase this talented and charming me?
“Look, Director! Look at that… look at how his hips move. Even like that, is he still cute?”
CEO Jo shouted excitedly during the choreography where he smoothly swayed his hips and shoulders from side to side. Alcohol spilled from the glass in his hand.
“He’s cute in my eyes. At my age, boys like Hong-seo are all just cute. Seeing Hong-seo in person, I do find him appealing… but my baby is very jealous right now.”
The woman sitting next to CEO Jo watched Choi Hong-seo with a contented expression, leaning loosely against the back of the sofa.
“Director, you’ve spoiled him. You indulge him just because he’s jealous?”
CEO Jo looked incredulous, as if to say, ‘You allow jealousy?’
“I find that sort of thing cute.”
“Ah… If Director is being difficult, shall I play with Hong-seo a bit? When he was younger, he seemed too sour to be appealing, but now… he looks like he’s dripping with sweetness.”
CEO Jo’s bloodshot eyes scanned Choi Hong-seo, who was dancing. The woman let out an amused snort.
“Isn’t Hong-seo over twenty-five? Wasn’t it that the younger, the prettier to you, CEO Jo?”
“There are always exceptions.”
Without taking his eyes off Choi Hong-seo, CEO Jo downed the drink in his glass in one gulp.
“CEO Myeong, is it okay to let him dance like this? This is more provocative than just shaking it out in the open. Or… is it more provocative because Hong-seo is dancing it?”
And then, resting his chin on his hand at an angle, he looked at Choi Hong-seo and continued in a voice slurred by alcohol.
“Hong-seo, that dance… want to dance it for me?”
Was the VIP to be entertained today ultimately CEO Jo, not the man at the head of the table? As Choi Hong-seo’s mind raced with this thought, he glanced at CEO Myeong.
“Let’s stop the music.”
A voice from the VVIP, sounding bored, pathetic, and disgusted, emerged.
The slow, low tone, laced with annoyance and a sigh, was clearly muffled by the loud music. Yet, everyone in the drawing room reacted to that voice, as if he had shouted.
As the atmosphere froze, Choi Hong-seo’s dance moves gradually slowed and stopped. CEO Myeong, who had been glancing at the other guests, also stopped the music.
The man at the head of the table, who had barely moved his posture, unclasped his hands from his knees. Then, as if feeling a headache, he pressed his brow.
“I made time because I was told this was an investment briefing. Did I misunderstand?”
Although his tone had a negative nuance, it was gentle.
Judging that he wasn’t as angry as expected, CEO Jo laughed wryly and took it as a joke.
“Vice President, you are currently evaluating the capabilities of the lead actor.”
“Is the role he will play that of an entertainment district hostess?”
“……”
At the man’s quiet yet sharp retort, CEO Jo’s laughter, which had been chuckling until then, completely vanished.
“You’re being too harsh. We’re just trying to lighten the mood a bit. Who said anything about treating him like a hostess?”
While clearly maintaining a certain line to avoid greatly offending the man, CEO Jo couldn’t entirely hide his displeasure.
“Wasn’t the atmosphere just now what was excessive?”
“Hong-seo, were you uncomfortable?”
CEO Jo’s gaze suddenly turned to Choi Hong-seo.
Choi Hong-seo, who had been standing like a culprit again, could only offer an awkward smile and shake his head.
“No. I’m fine.”
In the first place, this was the only answer Choi Hong-seo could give in this situation. The question was meaningless. Yet, CEO Jo said to the man at the head of the table, as if to show him, as if to say there was no problem.
“The person concerned says he’s fine, Vice President.”
“Are you saying that my discomfort is insufficient grounds?”
“……”
The man’s logic was direct and clear. With a quiet, distinct gaze, he pressured CEO Jo, as if to say, ‘Can’t you understand what I mean even after I’ve said this much?’
CEO Jo, his lips hardening, dropped his gaze from the man and backed down.
“……No. Of course not.”
Just as Choi Hong-seo had no choice but to answer ‘no’ to CEO Jo’s question about whether he was uncomfortable, CEO Jo also had no choice but to answer ‘no’ to the man’s question. That was the difference in hierarchy.
Choi Hong-seo felt a sense of satisfaction at CEO Jo being put in his place. But more than that, he felt tense because of the man at the head of the table. Based on his past experiences, it was unlikely that this man had stepped in to help him. He had never seen or heard of such a powerful figure. That’s why he couldn’t understand the man any better.
He thought he had seen and experienced enough in the so-called high-class entertainment world where celebrities and powerful figures intertwined, but this type of person was new to him.
Sensing that the atmosphere had somewhat settled, the man changed his expression to one of slight ease. Then he spoke to Director Kang.
“I received information about the film beforehand. Is it confirmed that Choi Hong-seo is the lead actor?”
“It’s not confirmed yet… but you can consider it about 90% certain.”
“As you know, Director, most of the projects I’ve invested in so far have been low-budget films by new directors.”
The man chose a cautious tone, without being overly stiff. He spoke softly, as if accustomed to people listening intently to his words.
Director Kang nodded.
“I know very well. Everyone in this industry who needs to know is aware that you’ve supported good films without concern for recouping investment. It’s just not widely publicized.”
“Thank you for saying so. Of course, I also respect Director Kang’s artistic world and would be honored to lend my support. However… given the scale of investment compared to the projects I’ve participated in so far, I must be cautious. If the Director and the actor are amenable, could I see some of your acting?”
After speaking, the man’s gaze calmly turned to Choi Hong-seo. Just as he didn’t raise his voice, the man didn’t quickly move his face or his gaze. His minimal movements and calm demeanor were elegant, like the slow flow of deep water.
Surprised by the request to see his acting, Choi Hong-seo’s eyes darted between the man, Director Kang, and CEO Myeong.
“Because I haven’t seen this actor perform before.”
The man added with a hint of apology, and Director Kang stepped in to chime in.
“Of course, Vice President. It’s difficult to decide on an investment without knowing who the lead actor is. Hong-seo, can you perform now?”
“What… scene should I do.”
He had thought it would be like the usual ‘entertainment’ gatherings, where he just had to sell smiles, pour drinks, and liven up the mood. The request to perform left Choi Hong-seo’s mind completely blank.
The man, who had been watching from the honored seat opposite, shifted his crossed legs and spoke slowly.