Big Life

Chapter 238: It’s A Declaration (7)

“Even a global star is asking me out for lunch. I’m happy, but I’m also afraid of what’s about to come.” It came out as a joke, but Lee Eun-Ha was also half-serious about it.

Beside Lee Eun-Ha was Park Do-Joon, who was looking away from the conveyor belt transporting plates of sushi, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

“Mr. Do-Joon, are you not going to eat? I’m already on my third plate.”

“Ah, yes, I'll start eating now.” Park Do-Joon didn't even look at the conveyor belt and picked up a plate at random. He didn’t look upset in any way, which t made Lee Eun-Ha’s suspicions grow.

‘Just what’s going on?’ Lee Eun-Ha recalled the phone conversation she had with Park Do-Joon the day before. Park Do-Joon was the one who called to ask to meet in person, saying that there was something he wanted to discuss with her.

Why would he have something to discuss with her? It would be more likely if he approached Yoon Tae-Sung instead, as they had worked together for Ha Jae-Gun’s work before. Lee Eun-Ha was truly confused.

“You’ve been quite busy lately, haven’t you?” Park Do-Joon asked as he added wasabi to his sauce dish filled with soy sauce. “I heard that you’re directing another one-act play for Market Place, too, right?”

“I'm not as busy as you are. Shouldn’t the main lead of Storm and Gale be much busier than I am nowadays? How come you have time to have a meal with me?”

“I’m not that busy. Director Lee, there’s something I actually want to tell you, which is why I called for us to meet.”

“Sure, go ahead.” Lee Eun-Ha put down her chopsticks and sat up straight. She had just been wondering when Park Do-Joon would get to the main topic. “There must be a reason a busy man like yourself would ask me out for a meal out of the blue.”

"Hearing that from you, I feel apologetic now.”

“You don’t have to feel that way. I already feel healed seeing your handsome face today.. Feel free to speak your mind.”

“I heard that you’re working on an indie movie.”

Lee Eun-Ha’s eyes widened in surprise. She was surprised that Park Do-Joon had invited her out for a meal just to ask about the indie movie she had been working on these days. Lee Eun-Ha pondered over it but couldn’t guess why Park Do-Joon was interested in that.

“I’m talking about Dried Tofu, Director Yoon Tae-Sung showed me the scenario, and I liked it a lot. It's very interesting.”

“Really?” Lee Eun-Ha asked in disbelief.

Park Do-Joon nodded but gave a doubtful look that seemed to question her surprise.

Dried Tofu was the title of the scenario that Lee Eun-Ha had just finished writing.

The story was set in Daelim-dong's Chinatown located in Seoul.

The main character was a Chinese male selling dried tofu in a market where the majority of the local population was of Chinese nationality. He was spending a boring day at his closed lot when a Korean lady came to purchase some tofu. The main story started with that fateful encounter.

“Their quiet but realistic love where they had to overcome each other’s wall touched my heart.” Park Do-Joon shared his brief view of the scenario, and then he took a sip of the bean paste soup[1].

Lee Eun-Ha smiled, happy to hear a positive response from a global top star. “I used to live near Chinatown, and I felt the invisible wall between the two countries both directly and indirectly. I wanted to express that through both the male and female leads. Was it good?”

“It's great. So that’s why I’d like to ask… Can I be cast for the male lead?”

“...” The smile on Lee Eun-Ha’s face froze. “Don’t joke around like that, Mr. Do-Joon.”

“I’m not joking. I’m serious.”

“But how can you…”

“I don't mind not having a guarantee for my casting fee, so don’t worry about it. I know that it’s hard for you to get production funds; I’m even willing to pay some of the production costs myself,” Park Do-Joon said, sounding decisive.

Lee Eun-Ha rubbed her eyes in confusion. “Wait. Wait a minute, Mr. Do-Joon.”

“That’s all I have to say to you.” Park Do-Joon put a piece of sushi into his mouth and chewed.

Lee Eun-Ha stared at him in a daze with her jaws dropped open. “Why? Of course, I’m not making a fuss, but why would Mr. Do-Joon want to act as the male lead in my indie movie and without a guarantee at that?”

Lee Eun-Ha laughed at the absurdity of it. “Of course, I don't mind bowing to you a hundred times just to show you how grateful I am, but that’s what makes me even more curious. Will becoming the male lead of Dried Tofu really benefit you? You're in a crucial period, too, considering how much attention you’re getting these days."

“It's because I like your movie, and I think that I can show a different side of myself that I haven't been able to do in the commercial movies.”

“Is that all?”

“Adding on to that, I want to act as a Chinese.”

It was only then that Lee Eun-Ha realized that she had forgotten about the most important point. She had forgotten it, as she was so surprised by Park Do-Joon’s offer. The fact that the male lead of Dried Tofu was Chinese.

“I studied a bit of Chinese while I was working in China. I’ll do my best and make sure that my lines are perfect. Please trust me, Director Lee.” Park Do-Joon looked Lee Eun-Ha straight in the eyes.

Lee Eun-Ha’s face scrunched. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at Park Do-Joon, who didn’t seem like he was joking at all.

“Ahh… My head hurts. I can’t understand you, Mr. Do-Joon! Why would a global top star make such a decision!” Lee Eun-Ha buried her face in her hands, stomping her feet.

A smile crept onto Park Do-Joon’s face as he grabbed his bag, which contained a copy of the scenario.

***

“Hey, are you crazy?!” Woo Tae-Bong yelled and jumped out of his seat as soon as he heard the news. “Why would you want to act in an indie movie at this crucial period and without guarantee at that? And what? Chinatown? A Chinese? Did you eat something spoiled?!”

“I just want to be acknowledged for my acting skills. How many times must I repeat myself?”

“I'm your manager, so you should have discussed this with me first! How could you make a deal with Director Lee by yourself?”

“Would you have agreed to it if I had discussed it with you first? I’m sorry, but just let me do things my way this time~” Park Do-Joon rubbed his palms together, acting cute to Woo Tae-Bong.

Woo Tae-Bong was literally going crazy. Storm and Gale had enjoyed an explosive success, so how come Park Do-Joon seemed like he still hadn't realized that he was at a critical juncture?

“Hey, you should earn while you can.”

“You’re talking about money again.”

“Sure, let’s talk one thing at a time. Why would you want to be recognized for your acting skills? And why do you have to choose a Chinatown indie movie by Director Lee to gain recognition? And you want to study Mandarin again? But the world is already praising you for your good acting skills now!”

“I’ll shine even brighter if I take on a good movie.”

“Ah, seriously, Do-Joon.” Woo Tae-Bong fell onto the sofa, scratching his head in frustration.

Park Do-Joon pulled out the scenario of Dried Tofu.

Woo Tae-Bong snatched it out of Park Do-Joon's hands with clenched jaws.

“Ah, why. Give it back, hyung.”

“I should tear it up.”

“I’ll cry right here.”

“Director Eun-Ha is too much. You have four blockbusters, six dramas, and countless commercials lined up, and on top of that, you still have work lined up in China! Even ten of you isn’t enough to cover everything, yet she gave you another scenario?!”

“Director Lee felt burdened and wanted to reject me at first, but I pleaded with her earnestly,” Park Do-Joon replied, sounding annoyed before snatching the scenario back from Woo Tae-Bong.

Woo Tae-Bong stood there rooted and proceeded to take a few deep breaths.

Then, Woo Tae-Bong pointed out. “It’s because of the Records series, right?”

“...?!”

“Look at you! I can see it in your eyes! I’m right, right?”

“No…” Park Do-Joon denied it, but Woo Tae-Bong snorted. They had lived together for a long time, so there was no way Woo Tae-Bong couldn’t tell what Park Do-Joon was thinking.

“You’re anxious, right?”

“No way.”

“Why would you deny it in front of me, then? Anyway, why don’t you just ask Writer Ha—”

“Don’t bring that up!” Park Do-Joon interrupted with a yell, looking up at Woo Tae-Bong.

Woo Tae-Bong almost fell onto the ground butt first at Park Do-Joon's sudden outburst. “Goodness, you scared me! Why are you shouting?”

“I’m asking you, please don’t talk nonsense to Jae-Gun. I told you because I trust you. If you tell him, I’m going to dip forever.”

Woo Tae-Bong was at a loss for words. Eventually, he sighed and turned around. “Ah, fine. Do whatever you want. When have you ever listened to me?”

“Hyung, are you upset?”

“The milk in the fridge has definitely expired. Am I a manager or a housekeeper? Sigh.” Woo Tae-Bong grumbled as he began organizing the kitchen.

Left all alone in the living room, Park Do-Joon stared at the floor. In fact, Woo Tae-Bong had hit the nail on the head. Park Do-Joon was indeed feeling anxious and nervous.

‘Why did Teencent not bring up anything about me?’

The recent Korea-China cultural exchange was what came to his mind. Nothing about him as an actor was brought up throughout the day, even during the meal they had with Teencent. Park Do-Joon was utterly disappointed. He wanted to be the male lead in the Records series more than any other actor in the world.

However, his pride did not allow him to explicitly ask for the role, so he could only suffer from anxiety all alone.

He heard about Lee Eun-Ha’s indie movie by then, and he decided to make a name for himself using that movie. Park Do-Joon thought of it as his way of preparing himself for the Records series.

‘I must work harder…!’ Park Do-Joon exclaimed to himself. Ha Jae-Gun was also doing his best in China. Aside from being his beloved friend, Ha Jae-Gun was also a writer.

Park Do-Joon had to be a prepared actor if he didn't want to become an inconvenience. The two of them should become each other's stars so that they would shine even brighter once they met. This was Park Do-Joon’s resolution.

Beep, beep, beep!

A chime echoed from the door—someone was typing in the password to the door, but Park Do-Joon didn't even look up. The door was soon flung open, and Lee Chae-Rin walked in.

“Oppa, why aren’t you answering the phone? Hello, Tae-Bong oppa!”

However, none of the men responded to her greeting. Lee Chae-Rin instantly noticed the unusual mood in the air and walked up slowly to Park Do-Joon.

“What’s with the tension in the air? Did you fight with Tae-Bong oppa?”

“It’s not like that.” Park Do-Joon let out a sigh and looked at Lee Chae-Rin. His gaze landed on the book she had in her hand. “What’s that?”

“Jae-Gun oppa’s Records of the Murim Master has been republished as a hardcover copy. So I went to buy one to add to my collection.”

Park Do-Joon took the book and opened the first chapter. Before he could even begin reading, however, his phone, which he had left on the table, vibrated all of a sudden. It was a call from Ha Jae-Gun.

“Did you install CCTV in my house before going to China?”

— Why mention CCTV all of a sudden?

“Lee Chae-Rin bought the Records of the Murim Master, and I just opened the book.”

— Ah…

“It looks good with a hardcover, but it’s kinda heavy, so it feels uncomfortable to read. Why didn’t you tell me that the hardcover copy was coming out?”

— I didn’t agree to that.

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

Ha Jae-Gun then proceeded to give Park Do-Joon a brief summary of what happened. Park Do-Joon’s eyes grew red with anger as he listened. “Goodness… I’ve never seen such a ridiculous publishing company. So there’s nothing you can do about it?”

— Yeah, there’s nothing I can do.

Park Do-Joon kept quiet while pushing his tongue against the walls of his cheek. It was a habit Park Do-Joon would do whenever he felt uncomfortable about something, and Lee Chae-Rin was aware of that habit, too.

In fact, Park Do-Joon was feeling angry as if it had happened to him rather than to Ha Jae-Gun.

“Nothing else happened?” Park Do-Joon asked as he tossed the book aside.

Lee Chae-Rin glared briefly at Park Do-Joon before going to pick the book up. Park Do-Joon snatched it back from her and sat on it this time.

— What else could happen? Just take a look at your email when you have time.

“My email?”

— I sent you a rewrite of the first half of Records of the Modern Master. You’ve read quite a bit, so give me some feedback, too.

“Alright, I’ll look over it when I’m free.”

A light chuckle came from Ha Jae-Gun.

— I’ll call you again then. I’ve got something else to discuss with CEO Kwon. Send my regards to Chae-Rin, too.

“Yeah, take care of yourself.”

As soon as Park Do-Joon hung up, Lee Chae-Rin slapped him on his shoulder and nagged. “Why are you doing this to the book? You’re really weird today, do you know that?”

“You don’t know anything.”

“What? What do I not know?”

“Wait. I have to read something that Jae-Gun sent over.”

Park Do-Joon accessed his inbox and clicked on the email from Ha Jae-Gun. It was the draft of the rewritten Records of the Modern Master. As Park Do-Joon began reading it, Lee Chae-Rin plopped down and clung to him, peeking at the screen.

“Huh? The main character is Korean?”

“Yeah, I thought he would change the male lead's nationality to Chinese since it’s going to be released to the Chinese market.”

They read for a while longer until Lee Chae-Rin looked up, her gaze falling on Park Do-Joon affectionately.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I can totally picture you as the male lead.”

“What?”

Lee Chae-Rin pointed to a part in the draft. “The male lead of Records of the Modern Master looks totally like you when you’re angry. You’d always shut your mouth and roll your tongue against the walls of your cheek.”

“That’s nothing special.” Park Do-Joon was dumbfounded, but Lee Chae-Rin continued more animatedly. “Ha Jae-Gun oppa wrote it with your speech style and such in mind. Doesn’t it look similar to the character Cho Gang-Jae in There Was A Sea? I could tell right away after reading 30 pages.”

“No way.”

“And when did Ha Jae-Gun oppa—huh—ever send you an incomplete manuscript before sending it to his editor-in-chief first? How are you this tactless?”

The smile on Park Do-Joon’s face slowly disappeared as the words on the screen flashed in his eyes.

‘No way… did Jae-Gun…?!’ Did Ha Jae-Gun really write the character with me in mind? Had Ha Jae-Gun decided to cast me as the male lead when the decision for the movie was made?

“Oppa? Do-Joon oppa?”

“…” Park Do-Joon waved his hand and gasped for air as his heart pounded heavily against his chest. It was a refreshing feeling but suffocating feeling; however, he wasn’t exactly unfamiliar with it.

He had felt it back when he first brought Ha Jae-Gun to his house. It was the same feeling when he first learned that Ha Jae-Gun had written Cho Gang-Jae, the male lead for There Was A Sea, with him as the motif.

“It’s been a while,” Park Do-Joon muttered out of the blue. Lee Chae-Rin stared at Park Do-Joon as if he were strange, but Park Do-Joon ignored Lee Chae-Rin's gaze and continued, “I left behind the owner of Donghwangru and the final secrets of Yonghwangkwon just to be with you. I’ve traveled a long way, so please have some drinks first. Those who are feeling thirsty, please gather around. Have a glass from me, and please put all the drinks on the tab for Dongwangru.”

Those were part of the male lead’s lines in Records of the Modern Master, and they were also the most memorable lines. Unlike the pleasant dialogues, these lines were spoken when he went to seek revenge for his friend's murder. In this scene, the male lead was shedding bloody tears with a smile.

“Everyone’s head is held high, so kneel. It is now my era.”

“Oppa…?”

Park Do-Joon picked up the book from under his butt and stood up.

Was there nothing he could do about it? Park Do-Joon thought otherwise; he could probably do something about it in his own capacity.

1. Similar to the Japanese miso soup. It is sometimes mild, sometimes strong, and accompanied with rice most of the time. ☜