LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 64
“Is it done now?”
“Yes, thank you.”
In the end, I managed to get all eight signatures. Since there wasn’t a proper place to sign, I got them on a notebook, but this should be more than enough to satisfy me.
“Is it okay if we don’t take a photo?”
“If it’s fine to take one, then let’s do it.”
“It doesn’t really matter to me.”
“Then I won’t hesitate. Would you like to join in the photo, Composer?”
Since we were taking a picture anyway, I wanted all three of us to be in it, but the composer shook his head as he munched on a sandwich.
“I’m good.”
“It would be nice if we took it together.”
“If someone like me takes a photo with you guys, it’s torture.”
Hmm… Is he right? I mean, I might be ordinary, but next to me, the actor Moon Chang-sik is currently an up-and-coming rising star.
There’s nothing unappealing about the composer’s looks. In fact, you could say he’s above average, but it just doesn’t compare to Moon Chang-sik and me.
Age is also a factor.
“You’re not even denying it out of courtesy.”
“Should I?”
“No thanks. Just hand over your phone. I’ll take the photo, so please stand next to each other.”
“Wow, what an honor.”
So we rose from the table and stood next to each other, keeping a bit of distance from the white wall.
Is this how we should take it? It seems a little dull.
“Wait a moment.”
Since we’re taking a photo, we might as well make it a good one.
“Just a bit closer; act like we’re friendly.”
First, I nudged Moon Chang-sik a little closer and then rested my elbow on his shoulder.
“What are you doing?”
“We did have a meal together, so let’s make it feel a bit more like that.”
I gave my hair a quick tousle and put on my best natural smile.
This should be good, right? The members and Hyejeong will go crazy over this.
“Okay, great. Just take it like this.”
“Alright….”
“Yeah, I’ll take it. One, two, three.”
The photo we ended up with was astonishing.
“Wow, what’s that?”
Even though I was smiling and had my arm up, Moon Chang-sik’s initial awkward expression transformed into that of a complete star.
“Professionals are on another level.”
“Right? Every single photo with fans requires your best effort.”
So this is professionalism…? Being a star isn’t something just anyone can do. Truthfully, I had kind of hoped that his awkward expression would add some fun to it, but now I kind of regret missing that.
“Well, thanks for the photo. I’ll make sure to use it well when bragging.”
“Oh dear, please don’t post it anywhere.”
“I’m not planning to, but is it really not allowed?”
I often see photos of celebrities shared all over the internet. Was it actually not okay to post all of those?
“No, it’s usually no problem… Do I really have to say it out loud?”
“What do you mean?”
I asked out of genuine curiosity. Is there some unspoken rule in the entertainment industry that I need to be aware of?
As I pressed for an answer with my expression, Moon Chang-sik sighed and reluctantly explained.
“Well, if dating rumors come out, it’s good for me as noise marketing, but that’s not the case for you, right?”
“Ah, I see.”
Only after hearing that did I understand. So….
“Ah, it’s because I’m too pretty, right? Seriously….”
“You’re really driving me crazy. Do you want to step into the ring? Want to throw some punches?”
“Haha, just kidding.”
Seeing Moon Chang-sik’s fist clench, I quickly backed down. Even though that’s never likely to happen, even during my manly days, I would have no doubt I’d be smashed within three seconds if I fought him.
“Now that we’re done with the photos, should we get to recording?”
At that moment, the composer, who had just finished his sandwich, rose from the table.
Right, it’s time to record.
Thinking about singing again in the soundproof booth made me sigh, but it was a necessary task.
How proud I will feel once the results come out!
We went back into the recording studio, and I was finally set free after just a few hours.
“Okay, let’s call it a day.”
“Really?”
The composer’s sign to end lifted my spirits effortlessly. Is it really over now?
“Yes, even if your throat is strong, too much can cause issues.”
Even now, it feels like it might be too much… but I held my tongue.
What’s the point in saying anything?
As I stepped out of the soundproof booth, utterly exhausted, I spotted Moon Chang-sik, who had been watching the entire process with his arms crossed for the last few hours.
What passion! I thought actors just performed according to scripts, but they really put in their all for their research too.
“Are you not getting bored watching this whole thing?”
As I initiated conversation, Moon Chang-sik finally uncrossed his arms and replied.
“No, I’m not bored. I’m thinking about how to act it out in my head.”
“Oh….”
“Thanks to this, I’m getting lots of good ideas. I really appreciate it.”
He seemed genuinely thankful for the ideas, bowing his head deeply in gratitude.
“I’m just singing here, though.”
“Your singing was really good. I can’t say that the reason it wasn’t boring wasn’t because of your singing.”
“That’s really kind of you. I’ll be sure to catch your movie when it comes out.”
“Well, would you like a VIP ticket to the premiere?”
“I would love that.”
A premiere means seeing the movie before it airs, right? The lead actor is this serious about his role, so naturally, I’m curious about the movie plot as well.
“Then I’ll make sure to get it to you when it comes out.”
“Thank you.”
After agreeing to receive the premiere ticket, I gathered my coat and bag.
“Are you leaving right away?”
“Yes, I have things to do at home.”
Afterward, I said farewell to the composer and exited the workshop.
It was already the afternoon. Once I get home, wash up, and have a meal, everything will time out perfectly.
With that, I returned home, feeling the refreshing weather.
“Oh, you’re back?”
As I stepped back inside, Mrs. Jang was busy preparing dinner.
Is Mr. Kim working late again today?
“How’s Dad?”
“He has a company dinner; he’ll be eating outside.”
Ah, a company dinner.
“Sounds nice?”
“Doesn’t it?”
Ordinary employees usually dislike company dinners, but for someone at Mr. Kim’s level and position, it’s probably quite enjoyable.
Since he’s the one being treated instead of treating others.
“We can also have something delicious at home.”
Oh, there’s quite a bit of confidence there. Are we having meat today?
I caught a whiff and realized it smelled like mackerel.
“Mackerel?”
“Yep, and beef seaweed soup.”
“That menu sounds pretty average given the overflowing confidence.”
“Do you want to leave the house?”
“…I’ll wash up first.”
I was about to be cheeky and get met with a straight shot, but then I remembered something.
“Oh, right. Mom, do you know Moon Chang-sik?”
“The actor? Of course, I know him; he’s been on a lot lately.”
Oh… so she knows him.
“Are you a fan?”
“Not to that extent, but why do you ask?”
It’s a shame she’s not a fan. It would’ve made the gift feel even more special.
I went to my room and fetched the signed paper that I had carelessly tossed aside from my bag, then headed back to the living room.
“What’s this?”
“Moon Chang-sik’s autograph.”
“What? Where’s this coming from?”
I discreetly showed her the paper with Mrs. Jang’s name and Moon Chang-sik’s signature, eliciting a surprised yet delighted reaction.
“What? Did you go to a filming location today?”
“No, I went to a friend’s workshop and got it there.”
“Oh….”
“What’s with that look?”
“I’m just surprised that he’s a real celebrity.”
Realistically, he’s not that far-fetched of a thought… why make a big deal out of it?
“You’re really not to get carried away just because he’s a celebrity, so don’t go mentioning it elsewhere.”
I immediately warned her, fearing she might say something weird to the neighborhood association or relatives, but her face clearly showed disappointment.
“Not even a little?”
“Right.”
“Ugh, I wanted to brag about my daughter.”
“Absolutely not.”
“If I can’t brag, what good are you?”
“I’m bringing you the autograph, aren’t I?”
After properly searching online during my journey back, I confirmed that Moon Chang-sik is indeed a tier-one actor. I should be thankful just for bringing back his signature.
“Yeah, that’s something to be thankful for.”
Mrs. Jang acknowledged that point and made sure to properly save the autograph for the living room.
“But what about your dad’s?”
“I’ve got it too; I’ll give it to him personally.”
“He’ll really appreciate it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, he often watches your movies.”
Oh, now that you mention it, when the weekend hits, he does sit on the sofa for hours watching movies or dramas.
Thinking back, if I had watched with him back then, would I have recognized Moon Chang-sik right away?
Anyway, I’ve made a significant return home this time.
Thanks, Moon Chang-sik…!
My fondness for him naturally grew from that.
Speaking of which, I have a photo taken as well, right?
Not long ago, while I was completely absorbed in recording, I received a text from my manager.
Today’s broadcast has been requested to officially announce the release of the Celestial Realm’s second album.
Not just me, but all the members had agreed to announce it simultaneously.
All the times when I had to endure viewer complaints asking when the new song would come out would be resolved today.
Somehow, that might be why the group chat has been buzzing all day nonstop with excitement.
So, shall I toss in another log for the fire?
With a big grin, I posted the picture taken with actor Moon Chang-sik in the group chat.
(Me): (photo)
(Me): Did it turn out well?
(Mahohyun): What the hell, what’s this?!
I shut the chat right after reading Mahohyun’s response.
Now, it’s time to wash up, eat, and get ready for the broadcast.
So, after filling my stomach and washing away the fatigue left over from the lengthy recording session, I stepped back into the soundproof booth.
I swiftly set up the broadcast without delay and clicked it live.
[Important Announcement (Live)]
-Hey hey hey
-What’s the big announcement?
-Why now?
-What did you do yesterday??
-Are we playing Civilization today??
Since there was no broadcast yesterday, it’s been two days.
This is also the second broadcast since the Miro 24-hour stream.
“Hello, everyone.”
-Hey hey hey
-Why didn’t you come yesterday?
-What’s the important announcement? The other members started theirs.
“Yesterday? I streamed until the morning, so I didn’t come back in the evening.”
-That makes sense now.
-So it was a trick.
-If that’s the case, don’t even play Civilization!!
“We will be playing Civilization today, you know?”
With that, I booted up the game. Did they think I wouldn’t?
-Ah, Anna! Loa!
-Crap…
-Let’s go, haha!
-If you’re feeling excited, smash that like button, haha!
-Today, we’re heading for a Japanese conquest, haha!
[User, thank you for the 5,000 won donation!]
Is it okay to play Civilization? Is there no absurdity this time? Haha!
“Oh.”
That reminds me of the last broadcast…
-LOL
-Miro’s mom isn’t coming today??
-Is something going on??
-Haha!
[User Janginmiro, thank you for the 10,000 won donation!]
Teacher, why don’t you share stories from after that? Haha!
“What’s there to share? I pretty much just came out on the stream.”
-You really are a legend.
-How did you hide it? Haha!
“If you were going to hide it, don’t come back to your family home!”
-Oh, are we embarrassed?
Are we embarrassed? To be honest, it isn’t something I can proudly tell my parents.
“Yeah, I’m sorry! I was a bit embarrassed!”
-?????
-This is a real controversy, haha!
-I’m getting seriously confused.
“To introduce them to my parents at this point feels a bit too soon….”
-Wow, you’re really pulling a move here.
-That’s insane.
“Anyway, shouldn’t we get back to what we were doing?”
With that, the small talk reached its limit, and it was time to head back into the realm of iron and blood.
I pressed the file save that I had been playing since the morning and the familiar game screen came back into view.
-Ah!
-Please…
-You said you’d announce something significant…
-Did you trick us, Miro!
“The big announcement is… it’s not time yet, let’s go ahead and take down Japan.”
I really should finish what I had started.
And so, I spent a good amount of time playing Civilization.
As I heard the viewer’s cries and fought diligently against Japan, time went by quickly.
Looking at the clock, I saw it had passed the announcement time.
“It’s time now.”
-Crap, finally over.
-So, what’s this big announcement?
-Just about missed it.
…Do you really dislike Civilization that much?
Still, it seems plenty of people are enjoying themselves.
“Alright, everyone, please stand up! It’s time!”
I clapped my hands to wake anyone who might have dozed off, and I completely shut down Civilization.
[User, thank you for the 1,000 won donation!]
So, what’s the big announcement?
“The important announcement? Before I tell you….”
Saying this, I opened a file that I had received earlier from my manager.
Let’s see, timing seems… yeah, it’s right on the dot as promised.
As the file opened, a video appeared.
“Alright, take a good look.”
As I clicked the video, it started playing in full screen.
The video’s background began with a night sky.
Fireworks go off in the endless night sky, signaling the start of the video.
In quick succession, the background changed.
Beaches, mountains, schools, and random roads, convenience stores, you name it.
Just like that, swiftly.
The scenery transitioned as seen through someone’s point of view, moving through the background of a 2D animation piece.
After a good thirty seconds of exploring the scenery, the video finally returned to the night sky.
The camera rapidly descended from above.
It ends by shining down on fields glittering in the moonlight, revealing the shadows of six figures as the video concludes.
“What do you think?”
To be honest, I was a bit surprised myself.
The intro video’s quality is this high?
Now I understood why it took so long.
Not only was I surprised that it was a sneak peek, but what would the viewers think?
-????
-Wow, haha!
-Daebak, Miro!
-The Six! The Six! The Six! The Six!
-Wait, what’s with this quality?