By Zephyria When viewed from an excessively high vantage point, the city became flat. From the 81st floor, all the buildings were impossibly distant, making it impossible to appreciate a three-dimensional skyline. Instead, one could monopolize the city lights, which looked like scattered stars.
Yoon Joo-ho had rented out an entire hotel bar in Jamsil for his birthday party.
The bar, located on the 81st floor, had a duplex structure with high ceilings, giving it an immense sense of openness upon entering. It felt like walking into the middle of the night sky.
However, Song Hyun-soo had no time to appreciate the bar’s opulent interior or the city’s night view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Yoon Joo-ho! Happy birthday.”
As Yoon Joo-ho was conversing with a few guests, someone else approached him with greetings. Song Hyun-soo had never seen this person before. Before the newcomer got any closer, Yoon Joo-ho quickly whispered to Song Hyun-soo, ‘He’s the director of the drama department at TNS Broadcasting Station.’
“Director, you’ve arrived? Thank you for attending again this year.”
Yoon Joo-ho and the director shook hands.
“I should be thanking you for the invitation. When I told them I was going to Yoon Joo-ho’s birthday party, even the youngest ones in the office were envious. They never pay me any mind usually.”
“Is that why you asked to take a picture together last time?”
“Showing them a picture with you makes them look up to me a little.”
Even though he was a broadcasting station director, their conversation suggested they were quite familiar with each other.
“PD Park was envious because he didn’t get invited this year. Thanks to that, I puffed out my chest a bit. Thank you.”
In response to the director’s words, Yoon Joo-ho shrugged his broad shoulders and winked.
“It’s just a birthday party.”
Despite the gesture, which could have seemed arrogant, the people around them burst into cheerful laughter.
“I heard you’re appearing in Director Jung Joon-hee’s project. So, Yoon Joo-ho is finally conquering the film industry too?”
“Thank you for saying so. Well… I think so too.”
Yoon Joo-ho smiled broadly and raised his champagne glass.
“Yoon Joo-ho, you haven’t changed, huh? You haven’t changed!”
After clinking glasses with Yoon Joo-ho, the director laughed heartily and patted his shoulder. Yoon Joo-ho, who had been sporting a confident and charming smile, pulled Song Hyun-soo, who stood a half-step behind him, forward.
“Director, this is actor Song Hyun-soo. We’re working together on
“Yoon Joo-ho as the lead in Director Jung Joon-hee’s film. He’s an incredibly lucky fellow.”
To the director, who showed interest, Song Hyun-soo bowed and greeted him clearly.
“Hello, Director. I am Song Hyun-soo. It’s an honor to meet you.”
“I’m Kim No-myung. I’m someone who worked with you when you were a moody teenager, trying to calm you down.”
He extended his hand to Song Hyun-soo for a handshake.
Kim No-myung PD. Song Hyun-soo didn’t know his face, but he knew the name well. As he shook the director’s hand with both of his, Song Hyun-soo looked up at the director’s face with surprised eyes, still bent over.
“Are you PD Kim No-myung, who directed
“
“I’ve watched it more than ten times, from the first HLC to the last. PD-nim, no, no, Director, I truly admire your delicate direction.”
“It’s hard to meet young actors these days who have seen my work. This is a pleasant surprise. Are you affiliated with Joo-ho’s company?”
“No. He’s an actor from a theater troupe.”
Yoon Joo-ho replied instead, placing a hand on Song Hyun-soo’s shoulder.
“Oh, really?”
The director showed even more interest upon hearing he was from a theater troupe. Yoon Joo-ho gently massaged Song Hyun-soo’s shoulder and said with subtle pressure,
“Once
“Yoon Joo-ho’s judgment is never wrong.”
After that, Yoon Joo-ho continued to keep Song Hyun-soo by his side.
Everyone present was someone any actor working in the entertainment industry would want to at least greet. Song Hyun-soo wasn’t so foolish as to not realize what a valuable opportunity Yoon Joo-ho was providing.
Therefore, Song Hyun-soo remained sharp, determined not to make any mistakes. He clearly stated his name in a precise, articulate voice and bowed politely. He believed that being polite and enthusiastic was the best way for a rookie to make a good impression. If he didn’t, he would be embarrassing Yoon Joo-ho, who had introduced him.
Honestly, he hadn’t expected Yoon Joo-ho to pay him this much attention even at a party. But ever since they arrived early for rehearsal, he had been almost constantly by his side. It felt as if Yoon Joo-ho were his manager, or he were Yoon Joo-ho’s manager.
After finishing his greeting with Director Kim No-myung, Yoon Joo-ho leaned his face towards Song Hyun-soo.
“I’ll have to retract what I said about you being bad at socializing.”
“Am I really doing well?”
“Honestly, I’m quite surprised.”
“I’m meeting so many famous people at once, my head is spinning.”
“You’re still cheeky in front of the most famous person here?”
“Well…”
“It’s because, strangely, Senior, you make me feel comfortable. I don’t have to pretend, I can just be myself.”
As Song Hyun-soo trailed off, his steps suddenly slowed. He frowned and limped slightly. His little toe on his right foot, which had been rubbing against his shoe, was stinging.
“What’s wrong.”
“It’s nothing.”
But he couldn’t complain about his toe hurting in front of Yoon Joo-ho, who was meticulously introducing him to important people. In fact, Song Hyun-soo was so excited that the pain was only momentary.
“I thought a party would be like gathering with friends my age, drinking and dancing…”
Yoon Joo-ho chuckled lightly.
“There’s no reason to spend a fortune just to hang out with useless people for a night.”
Finishing the last of his champagne, Yoon Joo-ho handed his empty glass to a nearby waiter and took a new one.
Even Song Hyun-soo, though not particularly knowledgeable, understood that “a fortune” here didn’t mean ten million won.
“A party is also business. It’s about showing that I’m still strong and solidifying the bonds of our allies.”
“…”
“So, you should aim to get your money’s worth here too.”
Whether he was learned or ignorant. Classy or vulgar. Elegant or decadent.
Opposite qualities coexisted within Yoon Joo-ho. Yet, the presence he exuded was undeniable.
Watching Yoon Joo-ho, who shone exceptionally even among people dressed elaborately and who had achieved great success in their respective fields, Song Hyun-soo thought: Even without his famous PD father or his manager mother, he would undoubtedly have become an actor someday. And he would have been able to obtain everything he now possessed.
Next, Yoon Joo-ho led Song Hyun-soo to a sofa seating area.
It was a group comprising the editor-in-chief of a long-standing fashion magazine, a designer of a popular brand, and a top stylist who frequently appeared on TV. They were influential figures in the Korean entertainment industry.
As if he had known them for a long time, Yoon Joo-ho seemed more relaxed and comfortable sitting on the sofa.
“Yoon Joo-ho, you need to start working again. Brands are clamoring for you to do photoshoots.”
“As I told you, I’ll focus solely on the film until it’s cranked up.”
Despite the editor-in-chief’s suggestion, Yoon Joo-ho shook his head. He rested his arm on the low sofa back, crossed his legs, and sipped his champagne.
“Others shoot multiple projects at once, so what’s wrong with doing some side work?”
“I don’t want to be told I shot them carelessly.”
“If you were careless, how could you have survived in this industry for 30 years? I’ve told you countless times not to worry about what a few ignorant people say…”
“Please take good care of me when the promotion starts after filming wraps up, Editor-in-Chief.”
Unable to persuade him further, the editor-in-chief gave Yoon Joo-ho a playful glare, who refused with an artificial smile.
“Editor-in-Chief, if you do a photoshoot, please let my clothes be worn by Joo-ho too. Even if he’s an ambassador, why does Louis Vuitton try to have him wear only their clothes in every photoshoot?”
This time, the designer next to Yoon Joo-ho began to complain.
“I personally wear your clothes diligently, Teacher. I visited your boutique just a few days ago.”
“Our Yoon Joo-ho, I really can’t help but love him.”
The designer, who had led Korean fashion and was still loved as a hot designer, pinched and patted Yoon Joo-ho’s cheeks. Yoon Joo-ho stretched his long neck and meekly offered his face to her.
Seeing Yoon Joo-ho acting like a beloved nephew among his aunts at this table, Song Hyun-soo had to hide his smile by pretending to drink champagne.
“Speaking of which, isn’t our rookie actor wearing new Louis Vuitton too?”
When the stylist director mentioned him, Song Hyun-soo immediately straightened his back and tensed up. Yoon Joo-ho nodded towards Song Hyun-soo and asked the director,
“What do you think, Director?”
“Louis Vuitton has become very youthful lately. He matches the image well.”
“Thank you, Director.”
Song Hyun-soo politely bowed his head at her compliment. Her sharp gaze continued to scrutinize Song Hyun-soo from head to toe.
“Just by looking, he seems to have a good physique.”
Yoon Joo-ho lowered his head and chuckled.
“Is that so?”
“His shoulders are nicely broad, his chest is firm, and his waist is slender. My eyes don’t lie.”
“Of course. Director’s eyes don’t lie.”
As he said this, Yoon Joo-ho nodded a couple of times while keeping his neck bent. When he lifted his head, he seemed to have spotted someone and waved towards the entrance.
“I’ll go say hello for a moment.”
Finishing the rest of his champagne, he stood up and placed both hands on Song Hyun-soo’s shoulders from behind.
“Please take good care of them here.”
Then, he lightly pressed down on Song Hyun-soo’s shoulders.
“Later, actor Song Hyun-soo will also make cocktails, so look forward to it.”
“Hmm, I saw it on the schedule. There’s an event where they make cocktails that match the image. Was that actor Song making them?”
At the designer’s words, the editor-in-chief also showed interest.
“Our rookie actor must be quite talented.”
“No, sir. I studied it a bit on my own, and Senior gave me a great opportunity…”
Song Hyun-soo’s gaze followed Yoon Joo-ho, who was leaving the table, then returned to the table. I wish he had taken me with him… Facing these influential figures alone without Yoon Joo-ho, he felt sweat beading on his back.
“Mr. Hyun-soo, you must be affiliated with Look Planning then?”
“I am not affiliated yet. I’m working without a company.”
Everyone at the table looked surprised. The stylist director frowned and tilted her head as if it were impossible.
“Not affiliated with Look Planning? And Joo-ho is personally bringing him around and introducing him?”
“That’s unusual.”
The editor-in-chief shrugged, and the designer agreed.
“It is unusual. No, even for an actor affiliated with Look Planning, has this ever happened?”
“Joo-ho must really like Mr. Hyun-soo. So, you met Joo-ho for the first time on