016 Wrapped Up Filming

Entering May, the weather was pleasantly mild, and within just a few weeks, the filming of *Not Out* was completed.

Yin Yunhui had tanned considerably, his skin roughened, reminiscent of his days in service.

He didn’t see it as a problem; people’s constitutions varied. A few days spent resting at home would restore him, though his assistant, Ms. Jin, looked on with concern.

Playing baseball inevitably led to some scrapes and bruises on his arms and legs, easily concealed under long sleeves and pants.

“Congratulations! Yunhui, you’ve worked hard these past days!”

At the final scene, director Lee Jung-kwon personally handed Yin Yunhui a bouquet, which he accepted graciously.

He admitted to having judged the director a bit unfairly at first. Lee Jung-kwon, with his shoulder-length hair, had no questionable inclinations; this artist simply appreciated beauty in its purest form.

Like he did with Yin Yunhui.

“Director, you’ve worked hard too, and thanks to everyone on the crew!”

Yin Yunhui warmly greeted each member of the crew.

He was quite practiced at this. When running for student council president at Yonsei University, he stood in crowded areas holding placards and flags with slogans, campaigning to classmates he knew and didn’t know alike.

It was almost the same.

There were Lu You’ai’s fans, Princess Park Simu’s supporters, Wen’s devoted followers, JM’s loyal “puppy daughters”—fan clubs with elaborate names, resembling and even outdoing typical idol fan circles. Everyone seemed to have a bright future.

The internet was truly a whole new world!

Yin Yunhui just hoped his own fanbase wouldn’t become too abstract in the future.

“Let’s grab a drink tonight.”

After the group photo, director Lee Jung-kwon announced he had reserved a barbecue restaurant. Yin Yunhui naturally agreed.

The atmosphere on set was excellent. To have such good treatment on his first film, he was eager to shoot again.

“Shuai Xian, this one’s for you.”

Yin Yunhui plucked a bright flower from the bouquet and handed it to Shen Shuai Xian, who was pleasantly surprised.

“Thank you~”

Having joined the crew midway with few scenes but shooting for several days, Shen Shuai Xian simply waited until the end.

Yin Yunhui only learned after meeting her that before becoming an actress, Shen Shuai Xian had participated in *MIXNINE* and *PRODUCE 48*. Though eliminated early, she could sing and dance quite well.

Especially notable was that after her early elimination, she spent two years studying at the neighboring Dong University—a pure academic stint without earning a diploma.

She had some talent, but not much.

“What’s your next role, Shuai Xian?”

Yin Yunhui asked as his assistant, Ms. Jin, took photos of him. Artist Entertainment only required him to mention his social media accounts; there was no strict control, but promotional posts were necessary.

“Me? I don’t know yet.”

Shen Shuai Xian held the flower and posed for a two-person photo.

“The company got me a beauty brand commercial. As for acting, probably another KBS drama. Oh, and there’s an MV too.”

“MV?”

“Yes, the music video for a singer’s lead track.”

“Wow, is that a good opportunity? An extra or a lead?”

“Of course an extra. Lead roles in MVs are rare. Last year, I was in senior Hyomin’s MV. At least it was work, and I got paid.”

It sounded bittersweet. Shen Shuai Xian truly didn’t know when she’d land her next drama, but she was aware her company had booked her for an MV.

Yin Yunhui only sighed in sympathy before asking,

“Senior Hyomin? Is she with your company, Sublime Entertainment?”

“Not anymore, I think?”

Shen Shuai Xian wasn’t sure. As a newcomer, she rarely got to meet senior artists in the company.

Song Kang-ho, widely acclaimed for leading the renaissance of Korean cinema, was currently signed with Sublime Entertainment.

This agency, under the JA Daily Group, was remarkably diverse, representing both actors and singers indiscriminately.

“Our company only started recruiting new actors last year. I was just lucky to get in. I think I’m the worst one there.”

Shen Shuai Xian avoided discussing Park Hyomin and instead vaguely lamented her own struggles.

Yin Yunhui didn’t press further.

A couple of years ago, Park Hyomin signed with Sublime Entertainment, part of the JA Daily Group.

Then, a marketing outlet leaked that Park Hyomin was dating the head of a subsidiary of a famous media conglomerate, with marriage talks underway. The rumor was quickly suppressed.

At that time, Hong Jung-do of the Hong family at JA Daily had just taken full control of JTBC, a subsidiary of the group, fitting the rumor’s context perfectly.

Park Hyomin stayed with Sublime only a year, released an album, and then left swiftly.

Afterward, Sublime Entertainment received capital injections from its parent company, allowing it to operate as a proper talent agency and recruit many new actors at once.

It seemed Shen Shuai Xian joined Sublime during this recruitment wave.

Yin Yunhui had heard of these events but respected their privacy and had no interest in the truth.

“Shuai Xian, don’t leave yet. Let’s go drink later. You can’t miss the wrap party.”

“Of course! Honestly, I’m out of money for meals, so I was waiting for our director to treat us.”

Shen Shuai Xian casually slid her jacket off her shoulders, seemingly warm, revealing a halter top underneath.

It was small and quite cute.

“I’ll go change first.”

“Hurry up~”

Yin Yunhui cast a lingering glance at Shen Shuai Xian. First priority now was removing his stage makeup, taking a shower, and changing clothes for dinner.

Assistant Ms. Jin handed him the room card. On the last day, the crew was willing to spend a little extra.

“Hyung, do you want me to go buy that thing for you?”

“What thing, Ms. Jin?”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me. I just joined the company and already went on set with the two bosses. I’ve seen it all.”

Ms. Jin said it was nothing special. Everyone on set noticed that he was focused solely on filming while the actresses had long finished and stayed on for a few extra days.

“Ah? I guess it’s Brother Yu-sung?”

“Uh, uh, I can’t say that, don’t joke with me, Hyung…”

Ms. Jin immediately clammed up. Yin Yunhui chuckled.

“Let me ask differently. So, preparing that kind of thing—is that also part of your job, Ms. Jin?”

“Yes, Hyung, you didn’t know?”

“Wow, that’s really tough on you, Ms. Jin.”

This was the most heartfelt “Ms. Jin” Yin Yunhui had ever uttered.

“Not me who works hard. You keep going, Hyung.”

Ms. Jin looked world-weary. Being a manager was almost like being castrated (in a figurative sense):

“By the way, Hyung, if you need anything, just tell me. I wonder why you’re so bad at bossing people around.”

“I don’t even have a maid at home.”

Yin Yunhui was speechless. He was used to living alone.

His life motto was freedom above all. Overall, though still in university, he was relatively progressive, not yet tainted by society’s grime.

“We’ll see how things go. I’m not flashy or repressive and don’t lack anything.”

Yin Yunhui waved off the topic, took the room card, and went to shower. Ms. Jin finally seized the chance for gossip:

“So, Hyung, do you have a girlfriend?”

“Honestly? No.”

“Honestly, you could have one, but you’d better give me a heads-up first. You’re an artist now.”

“What about being an artist? That just means I’m a normal person. I can follow those so-called unwritten rules in the circle, but only if they don’t restrict me. You remember that, Ms. Jin.”

“I got it, Hyung.”