Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 264: Into the Storm (2)

"Thank you, Mr. Jung!" Pyo Eun-Mi exclaimed.

When I asked what she meant, I received a surprising answer.

"Thanks to you, the promotional budget increased instead of being cut."

Apparently, President Shin Jong-Ki of LT Entertainment had been suggesting that we save on the promotional budget since no competing films were releasing at the same time as Beyond the Boundary.

He figured everyone would watch Beyond the Boundary even without any promotions since there were no other releases.

However, when he saw that I, a mere talent agent, was actively promoting the film, he decided to increase the promotional budget to save face.

'What? Is he out of his mind? How could he consider cutting the promotional budget without knowing what might happen in the future?' I thought.

Most Korean films that had completed production had postponed their release dates, but the situation was different for foreign films that had were already been imported. Any complacency or gaps could cause them to change their release dates.

My efforts of promoting Lee had somehow removed this looming threat without my knowledge.

Pyo Eun-Mi smiled and said, "Come on, let's go. The shooting must have started."

"Yes, ma'am."

Relieved, Pyo Eun-Mi and I hurried to the parking lot to see Lee Tae-Poong's final shoot.

***

Today's shoot location was by the willow-covered Imjin River near the set of Choi Sung-Moon Film.

Everyone was so focused on filming that we headed straight to the monitoring tent without greeting anyone.

Choi Sung-Moon didn't notice us either and began giving instructions through a megaphone. "Scene 138. Get into the emotion, Mr. Tae-Poong! Ready~ action!"

Scene 138 depicted North Korean Reconnaissance General Bureau Colonel Kang Ill-Rok chasing the family of a defected nuclear physicist to South Korea and taking them hostage to lure out the main character.

Lee Tae-Poong, the main character, was facing Choi Yang-Seop, who played a dispatched agent, by the willow-lined river.

Next to Choi Yang-Seop were two supporting actors with short crew cuts holding Lee Eun-Ji's character hostage.

Lee Eun-Ji, a 31-year-old actress with five years of experience, played the role of Dan Sa-Rang—the daughter of the rescued nuclear physicist.

Choi Yang-Seop grinned sinisterly and instructed the extras.

『Hey! Hold her tightly or she might escape. Make sure she doesn't run away!』

『Yes, Colonel!』

The two supporting actors twisted Lee Eun-Ji's arms.

Lee Eun-Ji's face contorted, and she let out a painful scream.

『Agh!』

At that moment, a murderous intent flared in Lee Tae-Poong's eyes as if he wanted to tear the opponent apart.

Lee Tae-Poong, who had been portraying a soulless killing machine, showed an intense look of agitation.

At that moment, Choi Yang-Seop burst into mocking laughter.

『Ha ha ha, does it hurt to hear her scream? So you are a man after all. I thought you were impotent~.』

As Choi Yang-Seop sneered, the wind blew and rustled the willow leaves, making them sway and collide to create a dizzying scene.

In that instant, Lee Tae-Poong reflexively took a step forward but Choi Yang-Seop quickly moved behind Lee Eun-Ji as if he had anticipated the move.

Lee Tae-Poong halted his steps and dispersed the murderous intent from his face with the wind while slowly raising his hands.

That's when tears began to well up in Lee Tae-Poong's large eyes. It was a delicate performance like never before.

『Let Sa-Rang go. I'm your target, not her. I will give you anything you want...so please...』

It was the result of countless rehearsals and many days of reflection. The subtle tempo in delivering the lines and the delicate tremor in his voice was filled with emotion.

Lee Tae-Poong, who had once struggled with dyslexia, now delivered his lines with a perfect voice that no one would believe he has dyslexia.

Choi Yang-Seop began to laugh while looking at the pleading Lee Tae-Poong.

『Do you know how much I suffered because of you? Kneel quickly! If not, you will see this woman's head rolling on the ground.』

Lee Tae-Poong nodded and slowly knelt down with his hands placed on his head. As his knees hit the ground with a thud, Choi Yang-Seop shouted.

『And put that shiny head of yours on the ground!』

The ground was muddy after the rain, but Lee Tae-Poong didn’t care and pressed his face into the mud without hesitation.

With his face buried in the mud, Lee Tae-Poong turned his head to the right and looked at Lee Eun-Ji.

At that moment, Lee Eun-Ji couldn’t hold back and shouted.

『Mr. Sung-Ha! Don’t do this! We’ll both die! Run away and avenge me!』

When Choi Yang-Seop gave a signal with a sneer, one of the supporting actors hit Lee Eun-Ji in the stomach.

Thud!

Lee Eun-Ji grabbed her stomach and collapsed to the ground.

Seeing this, Lee Tae-Poong clenched his teeth in anger. He bit so hard that blood began to trickle from his mouth.

I shook my head. 'Here he goes again...'

Lee Tae-Poong began to immerse himself deeply into the role once more.

Seeing the unexpected blood on the monitor, Choi Sung-Moon hesitated whether or not to call NG.

However, Choi Sung-Moon was just as passionate about the project as Lee Tae-Poong and decided not to stop the shoot.

At that moment, Choi Yang-Seop ran out and started kicking Lee Tae-Poong.

『You fucking bastard! I swore I would make you regret it when you let me go! Did you really not see this coming?』

The sounds of Choi Yang-Seop kicking Lee Tae-Poong were clear and loud.

Lee Tae-Poong grimaced in pain despite wearing protective gear and Choi Yang-Seop controlling his strength.

Choi Sung-Moon watched the scene with sweaty hands and finally called cut after 20 seconds.

"Okay! Let’s take a break!"

As soon as the cut was called, Choi Yang-Seop stopped kicking. The staff rushed in and Choi Yang-Seop checked on Tae-Poong. "Are you okay?"

Choi Yang-Seop had always wanted to step on Lee Tae-Poong in the past. But now, he didn’t show that attitude perhaps because he seemed to acknowledge Lee Tae-Poong as the lead actor.

"Yes. I’m fine, sunbae-nim," Lee Tae-Poong replied.

As Lee Tae-Poong held Choi Yang-Seop’s hand and got up, the staff applauded.

"Wow, that looked real, really real."

"Mr. Tae-Poong, you’re not hurt, are you?"

Lee Tae-Poong and Choi Yang-Seop appeared satisfied with the praises from the staff.

"Let’s take a break. I'm feeling a bit tired too now that we've reached the last stage of filming."

"Okay."

After greeting everyone, Lee Tae-Poong spotted me and walked over with a grin. Then, I noticed there was no visible protective gear under his shirt.

"Hyung, when did you get there?" Lee Tae-Poong asked.

Without an answer, I lifted Lee Tae-Poong’s shirt. The area where Choi Yang-Seop had hit him earlier was red and swollen.

"Where is your protective gear?" I questioned him.

"Oh, that...I thought it wouldn’t look realistic during filming so I took it off."

I gently pressed the bruised area hearing his nonchalant reply.

"Ugh..."

When I pressed down on his bruise unexpectedly, the startled Lee Tae-Poong hurriedly backed away. Seeing that he could move, I was relieved that his bones weren't injured.

Sometimes there were actors like this who dedicated everything for a good scene.

I had warned both Lee Tae-Poong and his talent agent, Lee Dae-Ho, numerous times that immersing too deeply in a role could lead to serious injury.

Lee Dae-Ho, his cousin and talent agent, knew about Lee Tae-Poong's stubborn personality since childhood and had paid close attention to my advice.

Unfortunately, Lee Tae-Poong, who was obsessed with acting, had removed his safety gear behind Lee Dae-Ho's back.

Fortunately, the experienced Choi Yang-Seop knew how to hit him in a way that could avoid serious injuries. If Choi Yang-Seop had acted maliciously as he used to, Lee Tae-Poong could have broken a bone.

"Drug addiction, depression, suicidal impulses, fractures, car accidents..." I continued.

Lee Tae-Poong flinched every time I mentioned one of these. These were common experiences for actors deeply immersed in their roles.

I said in a serious tone, "I know you think your acting has always been lacking because of your dyslexia, so I never said anything until now. But now, I’m scared you might get seriously hurt, Tae-Poong."

As his talent agent and as someone who cared about him, I didn’t want to see him get hurt.

Seeing my serious expression, Lee Tae-Poong looked apologetic. "I'm sorry. I was just anxious, hyung."

"What are you anxious about? You’re acting well now."

"I couldn’t feel at ease because of my past..."

My heart ached seeing him scratch his head and smile awkwardly. If he had met me a little earlier, I could have helped him overcome his trauma of dyslexia sooner.

I quickly composed myself.

Regardless of the challenges, we were already tremendously blessed to be where we were now. The other issues could be solved as we continue to move forward.

"Tae-Poong, I promise to tell you immediately if I think your acting is lacking in any way. So please, take care of yourself while acting. I’m begging you," I pleaded with him.

When I clasped my hands and pleaded, Lee Tae-Poong grabbed them and asked me to stop.

"A-alright, hyung. Please stop."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Good."

I let out a sigh and asked Lee Dae-Ho to bring the first aid kit and protective gear.

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

Lee Dae-Ho glared at Tae-Poong for a moment before hurrying to the van.

At that moment, Baek Yoon-Sung approached us, saying, "I came to give a stern lecture, but it looks like the conversation is already over."

Lee Tae-Poong held his side and bowed his head. "Ah, yes. How are you doing, sir?"

"I'm good. Tae-Poong, you'll live a long life if you listen to your talent agent."

Baek Yoon-Sung was pointing out the risk from Lee Tae-Poong's intense immersion in the role earlier.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Baek," Lee Tae-Poong apologized.

"There's no need to apologize. Everyone has their own acting style, so it’s not my place to criticize you. However, it isn't acceptable for an actor to get hurt and cause pain to those around them. You don’t live your life alone, you know?"

Tae-Poong nodded and answered. "I’ll keep that in mind, sir."

"Good."

In the meantime, Lee Dae-Ho returned with the protective gear and first aid kit. "Here you go, Mr. Jung."

I took the protective gear and shouted to Lee Tae-Poong, "Raise your hands~!"

Lee Tae-Poong raised his hands with an apologetic smile.

As I wrapped the protective gear around his torso, Lee Tae-Poong grinned.

"Don’t smile. You'll make me soft-hearted," I chided him lightly.

Although I scolded him, Tae-Poong kept smiling, seemingly pleased.

An old sunbae talent agent once said that watching an actor you manage grow feels like raising a child. I didn’t understand it then, but now I could clearly feel it.

Currently, the young fledgling named Lee Tae-Poong was ready to leave the nest and look toward the sky.

Once Beyond the Boundary hit the screen, Lee Tae-Poong will spread his wings and soar toward the path of glory of being a ten-million-view actor.

And until then, I needed to care for and protect Lee Tae-Poong’s wings from harm. After all, I was Lee Tae-Poong's talent agent.

After securing the protective gear around Lee Tae-Poong’s torso, I made him rinse his mouth and bite on some cotton.

"Bite down on the cotton until the bleeding stops."

"Okay~ Umph."

His words were muffled with the cotton in his mouth. Fortunately, the bleeding stopped quickly as he hadn't bitten down too deeply.

A little later, a staff member came and took Lee Tae-Poong away.

Lee Tae-Poong initially felt awkward with the protective gear, but soon adapted and continued his excellent performance.

With Choi Sung-Moon’s constant recognition, Lee Tae-Poong finally relaxed and began to smile. Only then did Lee Tae-Poong shed his fears and began to perform even more passionately.

And just like that, Lee Tae-Poong was once again making strides as an actor.

***

Lee Tae-Poong’s scenes were finished, but there were still three days of filming left on set.

Because of this, I promised to treat everyone on the last day of the shoot. After giving the staff lunch boxes and coffee, I took Lee Tae-Poong to the Life Clinic.

"Ouch! Doctor! This hurts a lot! Did something go wrong?" Lee Tae-Poong yelled.

Lee Tae-Poong’s screams could be heard from the physical therapy room.

"You should have been more careful. You’re not a child," Kim Soo-Myung reprimanded him.

"No, it’s not that... these kinds of things happen when you’re working and... wait a minute! Ouch!"

Kim Soo-Myung gave Lee Tae-Poong some pain along with a scolding for not taking care of his body.

Meanwhile, I called Lee Dae-Ho to the guardian waiting room.

"Yes, Mr. Jung?"

"Has Daechon Inc. contacted you by any chance?" I asked.

"They haven't, but I’ve been getting frequent calls from unknown numbers lately as you mentioned."

Lee Dae-Ho explained that people who didn’t reveal their names called, offering generous rewards if Lee Tae-Poong would have a meal with the person they represented.

I knew all sponsorship relationships started in this manner.

"You haven’t mentioned this to Tae-Poong, right?"

"No, Mr. Jung. I just told him they were advertising inquiries. But as you suggested, I saved their numbers. What should we do with them?" Lee Dae-Ho asked.

"Send me the list of numbers you’ve received so far via KkTalk."

Lee Dae-Ho fiddled with his phone and handed me the compiled list of numbers.

But one of them looked quite familiar.

[010-99XX-12XX]

It was the phone number of Director Go Ill-Joon, who handled all the dirty work for Kim Ae-Ja, the Vice President of Daechon Inc.