CH23

Inside the torn grayish-white skin, the red muscles were fully exposed. 

Zombies dressed in blood-stained clothes moved, predicting the amount of bleeding before death. 

"Ah, the food is good today." 

"Hey buddy, step back a bit. You're ruining the taste of the food." 

Because the special makeup team put in so much effort, even the zombies eating food kept their distance in the dining area. 

Ian, who calmly ate in a place where even adults would struggle to fit in, was still a curious being. 

"Do you find the food easy to swallow?" 

"Why? The food is good today. It seems like the production company put in some effort because we have a tough scene." 

"No, that's not what I mean. Especially since today's makeup is scary." 

Miles, who was in zombie makeup, chuckled. 

Today's filming scene is about the conflict between the gang-led group and the protagonist group reaching its climax. 

Despite sending adults, the boss who failed to capture the children including Noah was furious. 

"Open the manhole and kill them all." 

The gang's children, following orders, opened the manhole the protagonists used and lured zombies into it. 

The protagonists risk their lives to lure zombies into the sewer was today's filming scene. 

To maximize the horror provided by the zombie genre, even more terrifying zombies were created, and the child actors didn't even come close. 

Except for Ian. 

"What's there to be scared of? Isn't it ridiculous? Eating and even talking among zombies, but we're not allowed to watch the drama?" 

"Just watch it secretly." 

Ian glanced at Miles. 

Did this guy hurt his head when he fell into the safety net last time? 

"When would a primary school student have time to watch a drama alone?" 

"Is that so?" 

Miles, whose words weren't sincere to begin with, looked at a piece of paper next to Ian. 

"Joining the union?" 

"They said I could join." 

"Already possible? It takes years for new actors." 

Miles looked with envy and amazement. 

The union, demanding strict entry criteria, offered financial products for retirement and health insurance to its members, making it a lengthy process for many. 

"Thinking of joining?" 

"I'm not sure. I'm contemplating it." 

"Why? Everyone doesn't just pay expensive fees to join the union for no reason." 

In Hollywood, joining a union was not a choice but a necessity. 

Starting as staff, working 14-18 hours including travel time was common, but joining a union ensured guaranteed rest times and strictly limited working hours. 

It meant a completely different quality of life. 

'That's why members can't even be penalized for complaining.' 

Most veterans were union members, which essentially meant they were ready to quit filming. 

Rather, many TV shows and big movies were made as Union shows, with all participating personnel belonging to their respective labor unions. 

"It's not necessarily a good thing. It can hinder your career as an actor. Hiring union members costs the production more money." 

Delaying union membership for casting competition was common among actors with less experience. 

'I did that.' 

With a ruined face, all he had to offer was cost-effective acting. 

"Well, I'd prefer you to join if possible."

"Why?" 

"The union is a place that can protect you if you face discrimination. I'm sorry to say this, but I'm also worried about your skin color." 

Racial discrimination? 

Honestly, he was so used to hearing such remarks that they no longer bothered me. 

"I'm fine, though." 

"Even if you're fine, the people around you aren't. Think about those who would be sad." 

"…Ah." 

He had many passing relationships, but none as deep as a family's. 

Unlike the past, when he didn't need to care about others, now he had a family and many who worried about him. 

The idea that even joining a union required considering others was unfamiliar but brought a strange joy. 

"Then I'll think a little more before deciding." 

"If you're unsure, don't try to figure it out all by yourself. Ask someone close to you. You have actor friends, right?" 

"Ben?" 

I hadn't thought of it, but Ben, with his long career, was in a good position to offer advice. 

The actor's union of the future I knew might be quite different from now. 

-Vvvrrring! 

Seeing his suddenly ringing phone, Ian laughed lightly. 

"Did someone bug my body?" 

Mr. Corndog. 

It was a call from Ben Roberts, and when he answered, the background was a bit noisy. 

-Hey! Ian! Is now a good time to talk? 

"It's fine, but why is it so noisy? Are you at a party?" 

-Yeah, it's a party. Too loud, huh? One moment. 

The noise significantly decreased as if he had moved to a quieter place. 

They often contacted each other, but it was unusual for him to call from a party. 

'I didn't even call during the dubbing auditions.' 

It was an event worth bragging about, yet he hadn't contacted him. 

What was so urgent that he called from a party? 

"What's going on?" 

-Someone here was pestering me about you. Told them they might as well talk to you directly. 

-Who's pestering? 

A distant, distinctly elderly voice was faintly audible. 

After a brief scolding from Ben, the person cleared their throat lightly and greeted me. 

-Hem hem, I didn't expect to be introducing myself like this. 

I'm director Gavin Davis. 

"Director Davis?!" 

He was surprised. 

He was one of the iconic directors associated with blockbuster movies. 

Being a Hollywood insider, everyone would want to build a connection with such a master. 

He hadn't expected to be on a call with him. 

"Do you know me?" 

-Of course. I've been enjoying your acting lately and asked Ben a few things, so here we are. 

"You've seen my acting?" 

-Yes, in Invisible Children, you're in it. 

Ian was puzzled. 

"You've seen Invisible Children?" 

-Yes, isn't it quite popular these days? I was introduced to it and took a look. 

It was strange. 

Whether he was in a parallel world or the past, people didn't change. 

Ben, known for his womanizing, was like a boy in love in front of Ayla, and Adelia's reputation as a casting director from a young age was well known. 

'But Director Davis watched something scary?' 

In the future, he was widely known as a director who was afraid of horror. 

It was hard to believe he watched a TV-MA-rated horror drama.

-I hope that you will continue to show good acting in the future.

As Gavin was wrapping up the call, he thought, 'It's a pity to end it like this.' 

Regardless of the process, it was good to receive attention from a master, but that doesn't mean it leads to casting. 

If this opportunity was missed, who knew when a proper friendship could be built? 

Ian, after quickly pondering, threw a bait with an innocent voice, "I'm glad you enjoyed it. The scene in episode 4 where I was being chased by zombies and jumped down the stairs was tough."

-Such scenes are difficult. It seemed like it was taken with a lot of effort.

Jumping down the stairs? 

There's no such scene in episode 4. 

Since the accident, the production team of Invisible Children shudders at the thought of jumps or falls. 

'He didn't watch the drama after all.' 

It would have been easier to say he hadn't watched episode 4 because he was busy, but why pretend to know? 

It was clear that people hadn't changed and he still detested scary things.

Confident, Ian reeled in the fishing rod, "But did you find the zombie drama okay? I thought you couldn't watch scary things."

-…Haha, I don't know what you're talking about. 

"Sorry. I must have been mistaken, right?"

Although it was an apology, the tone was significantly meaningful. 

The person who needs to keep a secret couldn't easily ignore such a difference, and Gavin tried to contain his laughter, 

-You're an interesting kid. Hmm, can you spare some time? I've been curious about your acting.

"Wow! Really? You'll meet me?! That would be an honor. When can I see you?" 

Ian hooked the master.

***

Ian neatly arranged the scripts on the table. 

These were dubbing scripts in various languages. 

Dubbing should be thought of as auditioning for each language. 

While having one person handle the dubbing in multiple languages could be beneficial for promotion, it could also easily become a target of criticism if not done well. 

Melody also said to exclude languages that were poorly prepared, so Ian's interest was currently focused on this dubbing. 

"So this is the animation script Ben mentioned." 

"Yes." 

An elderly man who walked into the cafe styled as a room extended his hand to Ian. 

"It might be an occupational hazard, but my eyes went to the script before greeting. I'm Gavin Davis."

"I'm Ian Pryce."

Gavin asked Chloe, who accompanied him as a guardian, to allow them a moment to talk. 

Trusting his confirmed identity, Chloe stepped aside, and he took a sip of his ordered drink. 

"Are you satisfied with living as a child actor? The sudden popularity must be overwhelming."

"I like it. It feels rewarding when people call me Noah and greet me happily."

"Knowing how to enjoy popularity is also a good virtue for an actor.'"

The light conversation continued, as if playing tug-of-war to see who would bring up a sensitive topic first. 

Gavin was the first to declare defeat in this unnecessary standoff. 

"But you said something strange during our last call. Did someone tell you I can't watch scary things?"

People say it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, but thoughtlessly charging ahead can lead to trouble. 

Gavin, who was pressing for who spilled the secret, was already prepared with an excuse. 

"No one told me. Actually, I'm a fan of yours, Director. I'm so interested that I even follow your schedule."

"And then?"

"You don't watch horror movies at festivals or attend their premieres, so I thought you were scared of them. Aren't you?" 

Gavin doubted this excuse but smiled resignedly. 

"Ha… I thought Isaac was the damned person who told you." 

"Isaac? Director Isaac Greenberg?" 

Grandfather of Nathan, who had appeared as a child actor in 'Sucker Punch'. 

He was surprised to hear that name since they met in New York. 

"He called me to the New York Film Festival, saying there was a promising child actor. You really didn't know?" 

He was taken aback by his words. 

Although he said he would watch the drama with friends, he didn't take it to heart. 

'It's strange how things turned out.' 

By not being greedy and helping a child actor in 'Sucker Punch', he ended up connecting with a master. 

The world is indeed full of surprises. Gavin, who didn't expect the secret to be revealed so trivially, drank water in gulps as if feeling burnt. 

Ian extended his pinky to Gavin, who looked somewhat gloomy. 

"Don't worry. I'll definitely keep the secret. Promise." 

Looking at the pinky wrapped around his, Ian smiled brightly. 

He became secret friends with the master. 

*** 

Rachel's pale face turned red with nervousness. 

Her heart pounded as if she were standing alone in front of a crowd-filled stage. 

"…Is it okay this time?" 

"Just a moment." 

No one was more tender to their only daughter than her mother, Ayla, who firmly stopped Rachel and hummed the lyrics she had received. 

The charisma of a top-tier singer focusing on her work heavily weighed on Rachel. 

The pressure that initially brought tears from fear had become familiar, leaving only a desperate hope for success this time. 

Thump! 

Ayla put down the lyrics she had corrected countless times. 

"Rachel, what do you think this time?" 

"Should I do it again…?" 

Rachel asked gloomily, and Ayla's gentle hand rested on her head. 

"You did well. It's too precious to give away, considering it's my daughter's first song." 

Rachel's eyes widened as she understood the meaning. 

"Really? Is it okay?" 

"Yes, you worked hard. I'm envious enough to want it for myself. Actually, can I have it?" 

Rachel smiled bashfully at the gentle persuasion. 

"No, it's a song for Ian." 

The girl's closely guarded talent had blossomed.

TL/n -

You can read

[

Chaebol up to Chapter 54+

An Investor Who Sees Future up to Chapter 52+ 

Hollywood Actor up to Chapter 52+

Perfect Hero up to Chapter 55+

Devil's Idol up to Chapter 16+

Soar to Stardom up to Chapter 25+

]

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