NoveLight ™
While Seoyeon's primal gaze flustered Jo Seohui, Jiyeon remained tense.
Unlike the two, Jiyeon had yet to receive any definitive feedback.
Of course, she didn’t expect to get an answer today, but at the very least, she wanted to hear how she did.
"First, you need to understand what kind of character Yeon Sun-ye is."
When they practiced together, Seoyeon had told Jiyeon this.
"Compared to the two noblewomen, Yeon Sun-ye gives off a more commoner-like vibe. She’s a commoner who ends up taking on a job as a maid by chance."
Yeon Sun-ye was the head of her household, raising her younger sibling alone. However, she happened to apply for a maid position and was successfully hired.
A man approached the joyful Yeon Sun-ye. He promised her a large sum of money if she killed Michiko and brought him a specific necklace.
Yeon Sun-ye later realized that it was the man's plan all along for her to be hired as a maid. Despite the huge sum of money, Yeon Sun-ye hesitated—she couldn't bring herself to kill someone.
"You have a younger sibling, don’t you?"
When the man mentioned her sibling, she had no choice but to give in.
"Although Yeon Sun-ye has an extraordinary side, her overall atmosphere is quite plain."
In fact, she had a rather weak presence. Jiyeon's strong emotional acting didn’t really suit her.
Yeon Sun-ye wasn’t the type to express emotions so clearly.
"And the most important thing…"
The key to the performance was how Jiyeon portrayed Yeon Sun-ye. Should she interpret the character in her own way, or follow the script to the letter?
In an audition, you need to understand the judge’s preferences. From what Seoyeon knew, Jo Seohui was a model student.
She didn’t like taking risks. If Jiyeon chose to interpret Yeon Sun-ye independently, Seohui wouldn’t appreciate it.
Of course, Jo Seohui was more of a participant actor than a full judge, so her opinion might not carry much weight, but it was likely to influence her judgment during the performance.
"As for Director Baek Min…"
Seoyeon had only seen him through news or articles. He had a friendly image and was well-liked by actors.
But after watching his work, Seoyeon could tell—he wasn’t the type to enjoy actors straying too far from his vision.
He had a clear picture in mind, and he preferred actors who fit that mold exactly. That’s why he favored Jo Seohui.
"He gets along well with strict actors like Jung Eun-sun and Director Baek Min."
Model students, honor students. With her talent and discipline, it was no wonder Jo Seohui was so well-regarded.
For someone like Seoyeon, who often took creative liberties, they probably saw her as a troublemaker.
"In that sense, I think this works in your favor."
Seoyeon glanced at Jiyeon as she spoke.
"In my favor?"
"Yeah. Yeon Sun-ye is a character you’re probably quite familiar with."
Seoyeon didn’t elaborate, though. After all, it was obvious what she was getting at.
Lamiel and Yeon Sun-ye were two separate characters. Seoyeon constantly knocked her head, reminding herself of that.
But in any case, it wasn’t something Jiyeon could ignore, as there was a strong reference point she could use.
"Yeon Sun-ye is a strong-willed girl who bears deep compassion for Michiko."
The emotions that stemmed from that were complex. Yeon Sun-ye didn’t particularly like Japanese people.
She started working as a maid for her sibling’s sake, and she targeted Michiko to earn the money to save her sibling’s life.
However, as she lived in Michiko’s mansion, she began to sense the hollowness of Michiko’s seemingly glamorous life. Unlike Yeon Sun-ye, Michiko had no real family.
She was surrounded only by enemies. Michiko frequently changed her maids and servants, likely because of the hostile environment she lived in.
"…"
Jiyeon fell silent at Seoyeon’s words. She was probably contemplating how to reconcile Lamiel and Yeon Sun-ye in her mind.
Of course, there were many differences between Yeon Sun-ye and Lamiel. But at their core, their motivations were similar.
At least, in terms of their character development.
"I’m not saying to directly copy Lamiel. But you can certainly use her as a reference."
Just as Seoyeon had referenced her past life while playing Cha Seo-ah.
"You’ll be fine."
A Yeon Sun-ye inspired by Lamiel would fit perfectly into the vision Director Baek Min had in mind.
"Though I’d personally rather it didn’t."
Lamiel should stay as Lamiel!!
If Lamiel became the inspiration for Gyeongseong Lady, Seoyeon would have to watch as Lamiel’s essence was intertwined with Michiko’s! What a nightmare!
But for the sake of her friend's performance, Seoyeon reluctantly gave her advice. It wasn’t pure Lamiel, but it was close enough.
"She's talking about Lamiel, isn’t she?"
Jiyeon could vaguely sense what Seoyeon was implying.
Of course, role-playing and acting were a bit different. If Seoyeon heard this, she’d probably cough up blood, but Jiyeon thought so nonetheless. In the realm of VTubers, Seoyeon was more of an amateur, while Jiyeon was the professional.
Still, when it came to creating a character, the similarities were there.
In a more everyday sense, the way Lamiel acted was rooted in a principle that also aligned with Yeon Sun-ye in some ways.
"Motherly affection."
Setting aside her viewers constantly calling her "Mommy," Jiyeon had indeed intended to project that kind of aura.
That must have been what Seoyeon was picking up on.
Once Jiyeon made up her mind, the rest was simple. She brought what she could from Lamiel into her portrayal of Yeon Sun-ye.
And as for how well it worked? Honestly, she couldn’t tell.
"Hmm."
In the audition hall, Director Baek Min simply looked at Jiyeon with a calm smile.
"That was a good performance."
That was all he said.
There were no other compliments or detailed critiques.
Unlike the previous contestants, who at least got some feedback, Jiyeon received nothing.
Had she done something wrong?
Feeling a bit deflated, Jiyeon bowed her head and stepped back. She had time to reflect, as the results wouldn’t come out right away.
As Jiyeon walked off…
"Director?"
"Yes?"
The other judges glanced at Director Baek Min, who hadn’t said much.
"Were you not impressed?"
Director Baek Min simply smiled.
After Jiyeon’s audition ended, Seoyeon decided to lay low for a while. And who could blame her? Director Baek Min had given no clear feedback on Jiyeon’s performance.
When Seoyeon discreetly asked Jo Seohui what was said behind the scenes…
"I can’t tell you that."
Such a cold response. Jo Seohui, you cruel woman.
She truly lived up to her reputation as a model student. Thorough and professional. Still, Jo Seohui couldn’t help but find Seoyeon’s reaction puzzling.
"Jiyeon’s performance was great, though?"
Could it be that Seoyeon was angry because she wasn’t satisfied with Jiyeon’s acting? Jo Seohui’s confusion only deepened.
"The results will officially be announced in a week... probably."
"Probably?"
"Well, there's a bit of an issue right now, so I'm not sure. But it won’t be delayed for long."
An issue? That probably meant there was some problem with Director Baek Min’s current film.
"I’ll let you know later. You’re involved in this film too, after all."
In other words, she couldn’t say anything because of what Director Baek Min had told her. Seoyeon quietly nodded in understanding.
And so, Seoyeon finished her conversation with Jo Seohui.
"I’ll just have to lay low for now."
That was her conclusion. After all, no one knew when the audition results would come out.
Though Seoyeon might seem like someone who lacked tact, in reality, she was quite perceptive.
Until the audition results were released, Jiyeon would likely be in a sour mood.
So, Seoyeon avoided clinging to her or whining too much. Even during Lamiel’s streams, she only sent modest super chats and wrote simple, polite comments.
"Still, she’s quite diligent, streaming on time every day."
In that regard, Jo Seohui and Jiyeon were similar. Seoyeon, on the other hand, was more relaxed in comparison.
"Ah, do you have a broadcast scheduled for today?"
Seoyeon, meanwhile, focused on catching up on her work. First, she had a meeting about the Aidis chair commercial she had recently signed on for.
"Shooting will begin next week. I hear Sky Garden will start airing in a month?"
"Yes, that’s right."
With six episodes of the drama already filmed, the show was scheduled to start airing soon.
A Wednesday-Thursday drama. Meanwhile, Director Baek's drama was slated for Monday-Tuesday.
They had assembled a strong cast and a star writer.
While Sky Garden had received a significant investment from KMB, it still couldn’t compare to Director Baek’s drama. Sky Garden was heavily influenced by the head of the drama department, Taeo Ha.
As such, the drama was seen as a mock battle between the two drama divisions within the network. Losing wouldn’t cause immediate damage, but it would provide some indication of which way things were leaning.
"There’s a lot of buzz around Sky Garden, especially since it’s getting good internal reviews. We’ve heard great things from you, too… you know?"
"Yes."
In fact, Aidis had already placed product placements in Sky Garden, so the chairs featured in the show were mostly theirs.
"So, for the ad concept, you mentioned wanting an intellectual image. Nothing else?"
At this question from Gwak Hyun-woo, the advertising team leader at Aidis, Seoyeon nodded.
"Yes, that sounds fine to me."
It was nice that they were considering her input. Well, she had requested it in exchange for a reduced fee.
"By the way, will our chairs appear in the variety show you’re in?"
"…"
Seoyeon hesitated for a moment before nodding. They would appear.
"Oh, really? I suppose since you’re a student, it’ll be shown when you're studying?"
Yes, it would be shown then.
And also when things get a bit more intense.
But Seoyeon didn’t feel the need to mention that.
"Maybe the director will edit that part out."
She had acted out in frustration, unable to resist teasing her dad, Young-bin. She hadn’t mentioned it because she figured he’d back down if he realized they were being filmed, but maybe it would’ve been better to warn him.
"Hopefully, a bit of a healthy image will be okay."
Even if it wasn’t edited out, that much should be fine. Seoyeon tried to reassure herself.
"I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have to keep an eye on the show."
Seoyeon gave a faint smile and nodded at Gwak Hyun-woo, though she was certain the Aidis chairs would make an appearance in ways he wasn’t expecting.
Seoyeon’s fan cafe was already buzzing with excitement. Fans were eagerly anticipating what new sides of Seoyeon she would show on the program.
In the midst of this, discussions about Hyper Action Star continued, with some wondering if Seoyeon was putting more effort into variety shows than acting.
Despite being only a 15-second preview, the teaser clip for Golden Ducklings was already circulating online.
It featured a scene of Seoyeon studying diligently, along with some brief shots of her family. Though short, fans quickly shared screenshots on her fan cafe.
The first debate sparked by the teaser focused on the woman who brought fruit to Seoyeon while she studied. Some lamented that her appearance was too brief.
Then came the man’s appearance. At first, fans assumed he was Seoyeon’s father, and the conversation was fairly calm.
But when a screenshot of him spread to online communities, things quickly heated up.
The man was none other than Joo Young-bin, the former project lead for Unchained, a major title at Raywill Games. This revelation set the community ablaze.
Good