I Want to Be a VTuber

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The filming set of [Gyeongseong Young Lady].

In a rather chaotic atmosphere, the actors who came to the set showed expressions of surprise at the unusually large number of staff present.

Even their outfits were somewhat unfamiliar.

From snippets of conversation, it was clear that the language spoken wasn’t Korean.

Japanese?

Hearing the sound, everyone exchanged glances.

“Oh, come to think of it.”

I heard that Japanese officials were coming too.

Apparently, they were shooting some promotional footage for [Gyeongseong Young Lady].

“Amazing. Director Baek Min’s films have always been highly regarded overseas, but…”

“Isn’t this his first time in Japan? I’ve heard that rarely does a film show interest from Japan from the start.”

“Well, certainly, the Japanese have a definite style of their own.”

The Japanese film industry is quite a large market.

At least, it appears that way in terms of numbers.

However, the actual audience watching films isn’t that large.

Many films are released, but most don’t earn significant profits and end up being buried.

Perhaps that’s why importing foreign films tends to be sluggish in the Japanese film industry.

Is it any wonder that animated films often perform better at the box office than live-action movies?

Indeed, if you look at Japan’s historical film box office rankings, there are six animated films in the top ten.

In contrast, there’s only one live-action film.

“Why would they be interested in Korean films in a place like that…?”

Staff and actors alike felt puzzled.

It’s peculiarly strange to think that it could be because of one particular actor.

“Maybe it’s because of the future superstar; the expectations from Japan seem high.”

“…….”

“It’s as if anyone would think the protagonist is Yuina.”

That was quite a cynical thing to say.

At those words, Jo Seo-hee, who was nearby, trembled slightly.

Seo-yeon averted her gaze quietly.

“She’s sulking.”

Seo-yeon scooted over, uneasy in response to Lee Ji-yeon’s sharp tone.

Though it sounded quite sarcastic, Seo-yeon now knew that it was just a simple complaint.

To put it simply, if you were to listen to her, you’d think she might slap someone.

Naturally, such fierce feelings weren’t included.

More than anything, Lee Ji-yeon being sulky now had nothing to do with the interest shown from Japan!

Jo Seo-hee, who had been subtly observing, pulled something out from her designer bag and offered it.

“I brought some squishy jelly! Want some?”

“Did you get that while playing yesterday?”

“Hmph, no! I bought it this morning at the convenience store.”

Lee Ji-yeon looked at the squishy jelly in Jo Seo-hee’s hand.

It looked far too cheap to have come from a designer bag.

“……I’ll eat it.”

Saying that, Lee Ji-yeon aggressively chewed on the jelly.

The sound of “hunghunghunghungh” felt like an auditory hallucination ringing in everyone’s ears.

Seeing that, Jo Seo-hee slyly leaned closer to Seo-yeon and asked,

“I’ve never seen her sulk like that. She doesn’t often behave like this, does she?”

“……She can be like this sometimes.”

“That’s a bit ambiguous.”

Yeah, it is ambiguous.

In fact, Lee Ji-yeon is quite magnanimous and usually laughs off most things.

But somehow, it seems she’s sulking about having spent time just with Jo Seo-hee yesterday.

“She went out just the two of them.”

“Right?”

“Of course, I forgot about the call that came in the middle; that was my mistake.”

It had been moments before entering the movie theater when the call came in, so she completely forgot.

But is it something that can’t be helped?

That movie was just that stimulating.

Later, it turned out that she was just bored and wanted to hang out, but since Seo-yeon forgot, her response was sent late at night.

“……Could it be because of that?”

“I contacted her later though.”

“R-really?”

Seo-hee’s face was full of things she wanted to say, but she remained silent.

Of course, Seo-yeon wasn’t avoiding eye contact for no reason.

She was simply aware of her own mistake.

“But what can you do now that she’s already sulking?”

It seems incomprehensible to Seo-yeon, who holds a really generous heart, that someone would sulk over something so trivial.

People can’t always reply to every message, after all.

‘……Hmph.’

I should probably treat her to something delicious later.

Concluding that while waiting,

“Everyone came early today, huh?”

Director Baek Min, who had generally finished his preparations, looked around at the other actors and said.

Of course, he didn’t forget to give a glance at the two protagonists, Jo Seo-hee and Lee Ji-yeon.

By the way, I do have a scene to film, but in my case, it’s a scene that had been shown during a previous script reading.

“Seo-yeon, you just need to act as you did in the previous script reading. Same goes for you, Ji-yeon.”

“Yes.”

“You have to show the performance you did last time. Including the ad-libs.”

At those words, I almost let out an “Oof!”

‘No, that’s a bit….’

That ad-lib was definitely referring to the part where Seo-yeon bit her finger.

While the scene itself seemed to have gone great, from Seo-yeon’s standpoint, it was genuinely shocking.

Not that it hurt, but that peculiar sensation—

‘Of all things….’

There was even something similar in the scene I had watched with Jo Seo-hee yesterday.

Biting her finger, followed by quite an explicit scene.

Seo-yeon has a good memory, so she could recall this clearly.

‘Definitely a movie I’ve never seen in my past life.’

For videos I’ve watched in my past life, I can vividly recall them almost like projecting the video in my mind.

However, for what I saw in this life, it is just ordinary memory; I tend to forget things entirely.

But the movie I watched yesterday was so memorable that, almost reflexively, I thought it was a film from my past life.

“Hmph, I’ll bite down hard this time.”

Even Lee Ji-yeon was gnashing her teeth fiercely.

But no matter how hard she bites, it wouldn’t injure Seo-yeon’s skin.

TS skin is invincible, so it doesn’t allow any wounds.

The skin can be said to be entirely for beauty purposes.

However, she certainly feels sensations, rather being sensitive.

Maybe this is tied to her physical abilities or something…

‘Something feels off.’

Seo-yeon nodded her head.

After all, Seo-yeon is an actress.

Filming isn’t a doll game.

Even Seo-yeon thinks that the performance Director Baek Min requested is the most suitable for that scene.

‘I must not make a mistake.’

Taking a deep breath, Seo-yeon slowly gathered her emotions.

Although there were still areas she needed to improve on in romance acting, today’s performance didn’t have those elements.

*

“The atmosphere in the Korean filming set is quite heated.”

“There’s a lot of people. I wish Japan’s was a bit like this.”

Staff members from YHJ Broadcasting Station, who had come from Japan, checked their cameras as they chatted.

First of all, they had received permission to film, and afterward, it was necessary to have the Korean staff inspect it.

It was to check for any potentially problematic scenes.

“Today, Seo-yeon’s acting scene is quite short.”

“I’ve heard she has the fewest appearances among the three of them.”

“Oh, but is this Taisho? Ah, this is a rather sensitive era. Could it be that?”

“While the period is sensitive, thankfully there aren’t any controversial matters.”

Given that the backdrop of the story is during the Japanese imperialist era, the Japanese side was understandably sensitive in this regard.

Though many watch without much thought, if any sensitive issues were to be brought forth sharply, it could become awkward.

“Anyway, the looks of the three main leads. Wow.”

“He he he, wow, they all have stunning looks. Aren’t they pretty? But its particularly Seo-yeon who stands out.”

“Not just pretty, but how should I put it? There’s an aura? Something like that.”

“The other actress beside her is impressive too. Jo Seo-hee? I’ve heard she’s the most popular actress in Korea. I feel like I’ve seen her in a film that premiered in Japan too.”

“Let’s see… Right, it did premiere in Japan. But the results were a bit disappointing.”

“After all, with foreign films, especially Korean films, the fact that they even did this well is commendable.”

As they conversed and stared intently at Jo Seo-hee, the staff looked around before saying,

“She looks like Tomie~.”

“Ha ha, I was just about to say that. It’s that exact image, almost like it’s taken from a comic.”

“I now see why everyone calls her beautiful after seeing Tomie in a comic.”

As they shared such discussions, the staff watched the lead three of [Gyeongseong Young Lady] and moved their cameras.

Now that filming was about to start in earnest, it was a signal to pay attention to the shoot.

“Oh, is the content of the movie only partially allowed? Like that?”

“To be precise, nearly all NG scenes are okay.”

“Oh, this is serious. I heard on the way here that Seo-yeon doesn’t give an NG even once during shoots sometimes.”

“What? Really? A genius actress.”

Thinking they might not get enough footage as anticipated, the Japanese staff started moving their cameras.

And then.

“Alright, that will do. Next… So, let’s hold off on the scene with Seo-hee and Ji-yeon for a bit, and start with the scene of Seo-yeon and Ji-yeon first. It seems shorter and will finish sooner.”

By the way, today’s filming location is the mansion of ‘Kasugayama Yuina,’ primarily featured in the story.

Amanabi Michiko, on the other hand, will visit Yuina’s mansion for another reason.

Of course, at that time, Yeon Seon-ye tries to hide herself from Michiko to avoid being discovered that she is connected with Yuina.

But before filming that scene…

“This is scene number S# 17 we previously read. Please hold a plate.”

Earlier it was ordinary everyday clothes.

But now, Seo-yeon was entirely different.

As for the young lady, Yuina is rather more traditionally Japanese compared to Michiko.

While Michiko typically wears Western-style clothing, Yuina mostly dons kimonos.

Here, she enjoyed wearing a kimono painted with red butterflies.

Holding a fan in her hand, wearing a kimono with a black background and red butterfly patterns, Seo-yeon looked like a painting.

Sure enough, it drew a small gasp from the Japanese side.

The atmosphere felt as if they were urging the camera to hurry up and shoot.

“Are we also filming this?”

“Yeah? Ah, we haven’t filmed this yet, but we will.”

Since the Japanese side was shooting, there was an unspoken pressure to record this side too.

In any case, the attention has risen, and the pressure on the actors escalated as well.

‘How tense must the leads feel.’

As everyone looked with such eyes, Lee Ji-yeon, who was currently at the designated location, took a deep breath.

‘No….’

I must be the only one feeling tense.

At a slight distance, Seo-yeon sat calmly in a place where a noble lady would sit, not moving a muscle.

‘She’s beautifully stunning.’

Her white face.

Moreover, as I know, the original ‘Yuina’ is a lady who enjoys luxury, and she usually wears a vivid kimono.

However, the kimono Yuina is currently wearing gives off a more subdued vibe.

With a black background and red butterfly patterns.

Instead, it matched very well with Seo-yeon’s white skin.

Her jet-black hair.

Lastly, the deep red eyes harmonized remarkably.

Presumably, even if some character settings were sacrificed, they must have decided to dress the actor in the most fitting manner.

On the other hand, the character Yeon Seon-ye, whom I am portraying, looks quite plain relative to that setting.

Any impression that could be seen as sharp had been covered as much as possible with makeup.

Her expression was relaxed to the point of looking a bit foolish.

She must not let her impression or face overshadow her acting.

‘She probably isn’t nervous at all.’

As the plate moved, and the other staff bustled about with whispering sounds.

The director’s head was seen nodding.

Lee Ji-yeon had never seen Seo-yeon look nervous during filming.

She’d heard rumors about her giving an NG, but at least Lee Ji-yeon had never witnessed it.

So much so that Seo-yeon was almost always near perfection in acting.

‘She has to be more intense than before.’

The presence of Yuina felt heavier than during the reading.

The fierce presence that could not be displayed through the school uniform she wore then could be sensed from Yuina now.

In the story, the surface-level villain.

Unlike Koto Isamu, who appears to be on Yeon Seon-ye’s side at first, Yuina is undeniably the villain.

‘This is something anyone would fall for.’

Lee Ji-yeon was not the only one who thought like this.

Other staff members seemed to think the same way.

“Alright, we will start filming.”

With Director Baek Min’s calm words, the cue sign was given.

She took a breath, composed herself.

Facing straight ahead.

Meeting the crimson gaze approaching her.

「So, you’re the dog that Isamu brought along.」

It was a voice that felt almost melodic.

Hearing it sent chills running down her spine.

Without realizing, Lee Ji-yeon swallowed dryly, but it appeared natural enough to be mistaken for acting.

‘Get a grip.’

Lee Ji-yeon steadied her heart and continued with her lines.

「Yes, young lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Yeon Seon-ye.」

「What do you intend if I don’t understand Joseon language? Why do you speak so?」

「B-but we were just… at first…」

「To judge me with just that, hmph. I wonder if you can actually do it.」

With a tap, tap, tap, she gestures with the pipe in her hand.

Her bearing was so elegant that it allowed a sense of degradation toward Yeon Seon-ye.

Looking down upon her.

Jo Seo-hee, who had quietly observed the entire scene, realized.

That she was using the references from the party among the upper class she attended when they filmed [Sky Garden].

“Therefore, you shall earn a large fortune to live off forever.”

The scene continued, revealing a moment shown during the script reading.

“Why are you silent, so? If you’re a mutt on the street, you should obediently wag your tail to your master’s words.”

A much thicker, stickier tone.

With the hand not holding the pipe, she stroked her chin as before, and with her lips—

‘Now is the time.’

Deeply immersed in her acting, Lee Ji-yeon instinctively bit Seo-yeon’s finger again.

“……Ugh.”

At that time, it was a squeal, but now it was a quieter murmur.

Hmm, something feels different.

Looking at Seo-yeon, her eyes were slightly tilted, and her brow was gently furrowed.

Her lower lip was discreetly bitten.

Her cheeks were flushed, and she was absentmindedly running her thumb over the finger just bitten.

As if she had experienced a great humiliation.

This, well, how should I put it.

Somehow, it fits so well that it feels odd…

Wasn’t this different from the initial acting guidance received?

“Cough, let’s go again.”

As expected, an NG sign was given.

Lee Ji-yeon was flustered.

No, is it possible?

That it’s none other than Seo-yeon who gave an NG.

But she couldn’t help it.

After all.

“Seo-yeon, why did you act so lewdly?”

“……”

At those words, Seo-yeon shot a glare at Lee Ji-yeon with side-eye.

Of course, Lee Ji-yeon was dumbfounded.

‘Why are you glaring at me? You’re the one who made the mistake.’

In contrast, as Lee Ji-yeon snickered in amusement, Seo-yeon felt a bit wronged.

Of course, it couldn’t be helped given how she was guided to act.

Knowing what scene was coming up next…

‘It’s not my fault I got overly focused on your finger.’

Seo-yeon felt more wronged and sneakily glared back at Jo Seo-hee.

This was all because of her showing that kind of movie yesterday.

She could only force herself to think that way.

Certainly, this was the most embarrassing NG in her acting life.