Chapter – 33
Chairman Ryu, who had been watching the filming without leaving his seat, immediately applauded as soon as the “cut” was called.
At the sound of the high-ranking official’s clapping, the rest of the crew also joined in. Of course, the target of their applause was Joo Sae-i.
As the crew started to pack up the equipment, Sae-i, now dressed in casual clothes, approached Chairman Ryu.
“I know how rare an opportunity this is. Thank you for calling me for the commercial. Please be careful on your way back, Chairman.”
“You did well. Now I see why my grandson wanted to see you.”
At Ryu’s words, Sae-i lifted her head high with a bright expression. Despite having watched for a long time, Chairman Ryu showed no signs of fatigue—his eyes were clear and focused.
I didn’t expect her to do this well…
Ryu had devoted his later years to the Lunatic series. Since this product was something he had carefully overseen for launch, he had no intention of giving any special treatment just because she was a friend’s granddaughter.
A student only a year younger than his grandson—could such a girl truly act in a way that would move consumers? Ryu had been skeptical until she started her performance.
He had planned to replace her with a professional actor if she didn’t measure up.
“But seeing it with my own eyes…”
Unlike Chairman Joo Tae-baek, Ryu could understand the flow of money but had no real ability to gauge an actor’s talent.
Yet the moment Joo Sae-i began acting, Ryu had a premonition.
This commercial, with her as the centerpiece, would bring huge success to Lunatic.
“…Of course. The thorough-minded man isn’t pushing you for nothing.”
Acknowledging the discerning eye of his rival, Chairman Joo Tae-baek, was the highest praise Ryu could give.
“When you spoke, it felt like even the air was holding its breath. Your voice projection was remarkable. That’s talent—real talent.”
“…”
“I must tell Joo Tae-baek. Your granddaughter did very well.”
After sprinkling several compliments disguised as remarks, Sae-i’s lips curved slightly into a shy smile.
“Yes, you did well. I’ll send you the finished version later through Do-kyung.”
Although he wanted to hold onto Sae-i a bit longer and praise her potential, it was time to check on his grandson, who was still sneaking glances from behind, unable to join the competition.
That boy… he’s obviously smitten, yet he keeps denying it.
Though his gaze kept drifting toward Sae-i, Do-kyung seemed unaware of why he felt drawn to her. Watching his grandson, who couldn’t even say he’d seen a good performance despite coming all the way to the studio, Ryu felt as if he were seeing his younger self.
After sending Sae-i off, Ryu walked over to his grandson, reflecting on her performance.
Sae-i wasn’t just a child trying to act famous for fun—she was an actress with the potential to move anyone who watched her.
Joo Chairman, his face is going to fall day by day. The treasure has come rolling right into his lap.
Ryu laughed heartily at the thought that he was envying his friend—not in business, but in the way his friend’s granddaughter would benefit from her talent.
Finally, it was time to leave!
Aside from bowing once when his eyes met Ryu Do-kyung’s during filming, there had been no mistakes. They said large-company commercials rarely passed in one take, but with Chairman Ryu’s praise, everything should be fine. Feeling relieved, I opened the car door.
As I recounted the day’s events to my father, who was driving, we soon arrived at Jaedamjae.
As we slowed down to pass through the gate, my father’s phone lit up with a message notification. I glanced at it quickly.
—From Joo Jeong-hee (sister-in-law)
[Is your brother-in-law Sae-i still busy filming?]
[The Chairman says since Uncle Su-deok has returned from abroad, we should all have a meal together.]
News that my uncle, who had been away on a short business trip, had returned.
“Ah…”
I couldn’t help a small sigh at the mention of his name.
I hated going into Jaedamjae so much at that moment.
When we entered and reached the parking lot, there was a car I hadn’t seen before—undoubtedly my uncle’s personal vehicle.
I sent my father, who was carrying all my luggage, ahead to the annex and lingered nearby, hoping to delay any chance of running into my uncle.
But it didn’t last long. From a distance, I could hear my uncle’s irritable voice.
I turned my gaze toward the sound. My uncle was quarreling with the gardener and Secretary Park Chul-won near the area where the trumpet creeper had bloomed.
“Ugh, I told you this was an eyesore—why didn’t you clear it?”
“S-Sorry…”
“It’s been so long since my sister died, and it’s still a mess…”
My uncle was pointing at the trumpet creeper. Judging by the scene, he seemed to be scolding the gardener for ignoring his request.
The gardener kept bowing repeatedly in apology, but my uncle brushed past without paying attention. The flower bushes in his path were in disarray.
That must have been Grandpa’s order.
The trumpet creeper in the garden was intended as a memorial from my grandfather for my mother. No matter how much my uncle complained, the gardener couldn’t go against my grandfather’s wishes.
Poor gardener… what a tough job.
But why was Secretary Park still standing there and not following him?
Curious, I quietly hid and observed Secretary Park’s expression.
He tried to maintain a calm, expressionless face, but his lips were trembling. He attempted a small smile to cover it, but the emotion beneath was clear.
He looked like someone struggling to survive while managing an impossible boss—a perfect example of enduring corporate life.
The family meal with the Joo clan, which I couldn’t avoid, was a disaster from the start.
As soon as my father sat at the table, my uncle cleared his throat. He seemed to be giving subtle hints that an outsider not carrying the Joo name shouldn’t sit there.
He did this even in my past life.
My uncle had always openly disregarded my father back then. At the time, we were powerless and had to cling to him just to survive.
This time, I won’t let it slide so easily.
Determined, I was about to step forward to protect my father.
“Leave Sae-i’s father alone, Su-deok. Mealtime is for eating, not arguing.”
It was my grandfather who made my father sit down again. With that single sentence, my uncle immediately lowered his head. Though he still seemed displeased, he dared not challenge my grandfather’s authority.
Once the food was served, the atmosphere remained somewhat formal, with dry conversation filling the air.
“While I was away, Sae-i’s family returned, Father.”
“I called them.”
“Ah… I see. Sae-i, what filming are you doing these days?”
My uncle, who disguised himself with a friendly face, asked me. He seemed to have forgotten that he had once insulted my desire to act at a dinner party, calling it “foolish entertainer nonsense.”
I, too, responded without showing any hostility. Pretending to be careful not to provoke him like before, my uncle quickly lost interest in me.
“Father, about Su-yeon and Do-kyung… perhaps it’s time to consider an engagement…”
Having lost attention from both my father and me, my uncle’s eyes lit up as he brought up an engagement between Ryu Do-kyung and Joo Su-yeon. In my past life, rumors circulated, but the engagement never happened.
So this is when they start talking about engagement.
Did he even know that before any engagement, his daughter had been bullying classmates at school? Probably not, or if he did, he wouldn’t have cared.
Suddenly losing my appetite, I set my spoon down.
“I’m not feeling well… I’ll step out first, Chairman.”
Ignoring my grandfather and father, who looked at me worriedly, I rose and stepped outside.
I headed straight for the trumpet creeper in the garden. The disarray earlier had been bothering me, and I intended to tidy it up.
Why is he still here…?
Secretary Park, sweating profusely, was carefully straightening the damaged trumpet creeper under my uncle’s scrutiny.
