“One, two, three, four, five, six zeros... Hmm….”

Ha-eun’s expression grew complex as she counted the views on the music video she had starred in. The numbers on the computer screen were anything but modest. Considering Double Lee’s prominence, it wasn’t shocking, but still…

*It’s not even a month yet.*

In just two short weeks, over a million people had watched her, leaving her with a faint, ticklish feeling in her chest. This time, unlike the CF, the view count was right there for her to see, making it all the more tangible.

When sales of Handong Pharmaceutical’s children’s vitamins had soared months ago, she’d felt a similar sense of reality—especially when she’d received a box of vitamin packs as a gift from them.

Even her kindergarten teachers’ slightly different glances reminded her of the growing recognition she was experiencing. Her classmates, on the other hand, were too young to care about hip-hop artists like Double Lee, so not much changed with them.

*“Ha-eun, I saw you on TV yesterday!”*

Occasionally, some kids would ask her questions about her appearance in the *Matchstick* music video after seeing her on TV. Their innocent curiosity came simply from the novelty of seeing a classmate on the screen.

Ultimately, Ha-eun’s casting had exceeded Lee Jun and Gun-yeol’s expectations. The two made arrangements for Ha-eun to join their agency, Luna Entertainment, providing her a layer of protection from the sudden attention.

Additionally, the promised singing lessons were increased from once a month to twice a week. This change was largely thanks to Gun-yeol’s insistence that a monthly class wouldn’t allow for meaningful improvement.

Regardless of the lesson frequency, learning from some of the top names in the music industry was invaluable. These mentors knew better than anyone how to use their voices to captivate an audience. With their guidance, Ha-eun’s singing skills would develop rapidly, giving her a powerful tool for her future as a VTuber.

Not all VTubers were great singers, but the top performers—the so-called “major players”—usually possessed excellent vocal skills.

*“Just curious… Is it your dream to become a singer, Ha-eun? Not an actress?”*

On her first day of singing lessons, Lee Jun had asked her about her aspirations. Ha-eun vaguely replied that she was considering multiple paths, which seemed to satisfy him, as it wasn’t uncommon for kids her age to change their minds frequently.

Ha-eun, too, had occasionally considered changing her goals. Every expression, gesture, and tone she’d crafted had never once failed to deliver.

*“Based on recent tests, there’s a high chance it’s ■■■■. Please be prepared for…”*

But the memory of everything she’d once believed to be hers vanishing in an instant was still vivid. She had already experienced what it was like for the concept of a “normal life” to become something elusive and out of reach.

So, even now, she didn’t take the attention and praise as a given. After all, these changes had only happened in the span of a year.

What the future held was uncertain, and that was why Ha-eun continued to stick to the safest, most reliable path she could think of. Though her commitment to becoming a VTuber wasn’t entirely practical, it was something she wanted.

For now, acting in commercials or filming didn’t bother her. Each experience was new and valuable.

Even her parents wanted her to gain various experiences, which could be considered her way of fulfilling her duty to them. Watching Seong-yoon’s eyes widen in amazement after seeing the *Matchstick* music video was a rewarding sight.

There were still over ten years before the concept of a VTuber would be known to the world.

Until then, Ha-eun was determined to prepare and live her life as normally as possible. She aimed to fill her time with typical experiences she had missed, like going to school and making friends.

But…

“Ha-eun, could I have a quick word before class starts?”

“…?”

It seemed normalcy had already slipped out of her grasp. The script she was handed by Lee Jun bore the bold title *The Man Next Door*.

“It’s an odd name, right?” Lee Jun explained, hastily summarizing the plot so she wouldn’t misunderstand. “But it’s not a strange film, really. It’s about a really tough guy protecting a girl about your age.”

Despite his efforts, his words didn’t make much of an impression on Ha-eun. She already knew both the film’s story and how successful it would become.

*The Man Next Door* wasn’t a million-view blockbuster, but it was a highly acclaimed action film. Although it became famous for the lead actor’s intense performance, the young actress’s role was also memorable.

As such, it wasn’t the kind of film Ha-eun, who had never received formal acting lessons, thought she should attempt.

While *Matchstick* had showcased her strong immersion, a full-length movie was far more demanding. She was quick to give herself an honest assessment: she wasn’t ready.

“Don’t feel pressured, Ha-eun. Just think of it as an experience,” Lee Jun encouraged her. “Besides, all the other kids failed the audition….”

“…Alright.”

In the end, she agreed to audition, partially because of how sincerely Lee Jun had asked her.

There was also a small spark of determination. Lee Jun seemed to assume she would fail the audition, just like the other child actors from Luna Entertainment. This slight provocation stirred something in her.

With her decision made, she spent her days pouring over the thick script, a far cry from the music video storyboard she’d memorized for *Matchstick*.

Finally, the day of the audition arrived.

“Oh, it’s our star actress, Ms. Lee!”

*Why is the CEO here…?*

To her surprise, the CEO of Luna Entertainment himself appeared to personally escort Ha-eun to the audition.

This level of urgency was unnecessary for Ha-eun, who didn’t feel all that serious about the audition.

---

“Hoo…”

The director of *The Man Next Door*, Kwon Jong-hyuk, let out a long sigh as he replayed the audition video from a few days ago.

He hadn’t expected much. It felt like another dead end.

When he had received an unexpected call and rushed to meet rising star Kang Sun-woo, it had felt like a miracle for his film, which had yet to secure any major investors.

However, the role of *Kim Ji-ah*, the young girl who would act alongside Kang Sun-woo, was still uncast. Word had spread within the industry about Kang Sun-woo’s involvement, leading to a flood of applicants for the part.

*If only they’d focus on honing their skills instead of getting their names out there…*

Most of the child actors who had auditioned were fairly average. Although a few stood out, none had made a strong enough impression to immediately cast them as Kim Ji-ah.

A child actor from Luna Entertainment was scheduled to audition soon. Though her profile listed decent looks, nothing else stood out.

Neither the vitamin CF nor the *Matchstick* music video provided the kind of acting Kwon was looking for.

In other words, he was prepared for this to be yet another waste of time. His only curiosity was to confirm whether the girl’s emotional performance in *Matchstick* had been CG-enhanced or not.

Just then…

-Creak.

“Here I am, Director Kwon.”

Quickly, Kwon Jong-hyuk pocketed his lighter as the imposing figure of Luna Entertainment’s CEO stepped into the room.

“Oh, Mr. Jung! What brings you here?”

“I heard someone in the industry thought Luna had no talent, so I came to see that fool myself.”

Unfortunately for Kwon, the person who had made this remark, albeit in a casual drinking conversation, now stood before him.

But since it had been nothing more than harmless banter—similar comments had been made about other agencies—Kwon felt a twinge of resentment.

“Well, let’s get through this audition with ‘Miss Lee’ first. We can address our grievances afterward.”

*Is he trying to intimidate me or what?*

In any case, Kwon’s appointment was with the child actor, Ha-eun, not CEO Jung Do-chul. Finally, he saw Ha-eun, previously hidden behind the CEO’s large frame.

“H-Hello, I’m Lee Ha-eun.”

Her voice carried a shy awkwardness that immediately dampened Kwon’s interest. She seemed no different from the countless other child actors he had seen.

But with the CEO watching, Kwon couldn’t just breeze through the audition. After finishing the setup for recording, he addressed Ha-eun.

“Start whenever you’re ready.”

“Ah, yes…”

She took a soft breath, casting a fleetingly uncertain glance forward.

And then, from her slightly parted lips, a dry chuckle escaped.

Kwon felt taken aback as the laughter slipped from her, tainted with self-mockery.

Glancing up, he locked eyes with her, momentarily tense.

“I… just find it funny,” she said, her voice low. “I knew someone like me wouldn’t get noticed… but I guess I still hoped, like a fool.”

Her previous hesitance was gone, replaced by a bitter smile and tear-filled eyes that held Kwon’s gaze. Just behind her, he saw CEO Jung grinning.

*That sly old fox…*

Whether he liked it or not, Kwon had to admit he’d been outplayed.

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

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