Chapter 343: Looks Like You’re Popular in China as Well

Cheon Ji-young was definitely brighter than before. The smile on her face wasn’t the kind that seemed sad even while laughing; it felt genuine.

Is it just doing what she wants that’s given her this mental stability?

But… when is she going to grow up?

I sighed and pulled my arm away from Cheon Ji-young.

“You’re a grown woman now… Come on, even if he is your cousin, people might misunderstand us!”

“So what? They can think what they want. Let them misunderstand!”

I found myself shaking my head in disbelief.

“I hadn’t seen you in a while and wanted to say hi, but then I heard you were busy filming, so I thought I’d drop by to bring you some food.”

“I knew it! No one else would come but my brother!”

Cheon Ji-young gave a thumbs up.

“How’s filming going? Do you think the movie will be a success?”

“I won’t know while we’re shooting. I chose this based on the script, though, and I liked it.”

In both this life and my previous one, I had never taken much interest in the entertainment industry. I had no idea whether Ji-young’s work would succeed or fail.

“Honestly… I don’t have high expectations for it to be a big hit.”

Cheon Ji-young whispered this quietly.

Well, if it were a major hit, it would probably stick in my memory, even if I wasn’t focused on it.

“At least it’s interesting?”

“Yeah, it’s fun.”

“Then that’s all that matters. As long as you’re enjoying it, that’s what counts.”

Though it was spring, the evenings were still chilly.

I draped the coat that Manager Ma was holding over Ji-young’s shoulders.

“Let’s grab something to eat together. Shall we go out?”

Cheon Ji-young shook her head.

“I’m pressed for time. Let’s eat here.”

As we entered the open restaurant, we saw a lot of people lined up, filling their plates.

The cast and crew erupted into cheers as Cheon Ji-young stepped in.

“Ji-young! Enjoy your meal!”

“Cheon Ji-young! Cheon Ji-young!”

With a radiant smile, Cheon Ji-young bowed her head in gratitude to everyone.

I sometimes wondered when she would grow up, but seeing her handle social situations effortlessly gave me some relief.

While the restaurant tables were packed, there were still two vacant tables reserved for the lead actors.

Ji-young’s manager led us to one of the empty circular tables.

“Ji-young, I’ll get the food, just wait here.”

At her manager’s words, Cheon Ji-young waved her hand.

“No, I’ll bring it myself. It’s better not to attract unnecessary attention.”

“Is that so?”

“You should eat with the other staff members too. They’re all seated over there.”

“Alright, I guess that works.”

“Don’t worry about me. You should eat too, Manager. I’ll just chat with my brother over here.”

Ji-young’s manager nodded at me before moving to join the company staff.

“Brother! Let’s go get food. By the way, when did the Myeong-dong Hotel start sending staff here? They usually don’t, do they?”

“They haven’t before, but… since I’m the owner, it’s a different story.”

If the owner asks, how could they possibly refuse?

“Wow, that’s kind of impressive!”

With a chuckle, Cheon Ji-young playfully nudged me with her elbow.

“I’m hungry. Let’s go!”

Cheon Ji-young took off her coat and handed it back to Manager Ma, leading the way.

In the meantime, I leaned in and whispered to Manager Ma.

“Please check if the production budget and conditions are sufficient. If there’s a lack of investment, find a way to handle it without Ji-young knowing.”

“Understood, Boss.”

Cheon Ji-young stood at the back of the long line, waiting for me.

Although the staff tried to give up their spots for her, Ji-young respectfully declined.

“It’s fine…”

“No way! If you let people serve you first, it’ll make me look like a really terrible person!”

Laughter erupted from the staff.

She was a genuinely kind and optimistic person. Just being around her brought joy.

Maybe, regardless of her satisfaction, being an entertainer turned out to be a pretty good choice for Ji-young.

Ji-young and I quickly filled our plates and returned to our table.

“Is that enough for you?”

I couldn’t help but ask when I saw what Ji-young had taken.

The portions were small, and there was nothing but veggies. What was she, a rabbit?

“I’m filming right now; I have to manage my diet.”

“But you look slim enough already!”

To me, she looked like she was beyond slim and actually too thin.

“I can’t help it. If I gain even a little weight, it shows up heavily on screen. Plus, the role suits a lean physique. I chose this path, so I’ll have to stick to it. After filming, treat me to something delicious then.”

Her tone was quite firm. One might call this professionalism.

Eventually, I nodded and began to eat.

Ji-young’s gaze was fixed on the food I had gotten.

“Want some?”

“No way, absolutely not.”

Cheon Ji-young shook her head defiantly.

“More importantly, I got a proposal to pursue opportunities in China. What do you think?”

“Suddenly? China?”

“Yeah, the company received an offer.”

“Seems like you’ve got some popularity in China as well.”

“Of course! I’m Cheon Ji-young!”

With her chin raised in pride, I wondered what made her enjoy this kind of attention.

“Setting that aside, what do you think?”

“Honestly, it’s a good opportunity. But I probably wouldn’t be able to work as freely as I do in Korea. That’s why I’m conflicted. I wanted to ask for your opinion.”

“What’s the company’s stance?”

Cheon Ji-young shrugged.

“They’re insisting I take it. They say opportunities like this don’t come twice. It’s hard to gain a foothold in China, but if it clicks, it’s incomparable to Korea.”

“You’re not doing it just for the money, right?”

“Nah. As for money… I’d be set for life with what my grandfather left me. Even if I do nothing, the interest keeps piling up.”

I eyed Cheon Ji-young’s face with a strange look.

“So then, wouldn’t your goal depend on what you really want?”

“Goal?”

“Yeah. Why are you doing this work?”

Cheon Ji-young stirred the vegetables on her plate with her chopsticks.

“Um… I just find it fun. I love when people cheer for me, and on stage, it feels like I’m alive and distinctly existing in this world. Acting is similar; it’s a rare chance to live as someone else.”

“Then just go for it. Even if you fail, it wouldn’t be bad to challenge yourself. If it’s fun for you, then why not?”

“Right?”

Cheon Ji-young beamed and nodded in agreement.

Though she seemed to have made up her mind already, I didn’t understand why she asked for my input.

“Just don’t set your expectations too high. China isn’t an easy place. You should be ready for the possibility of failure. And if you go, you’ll definitely need enhanced security.”

“Ugh… I already have so many security personnel.”

Cheon Ji-young groaned, looking a bit distressed, but I was resolute.

“It’s just that I’m worried about you; it’s not about me wanting to spy on you. It’s not like Korea where safety is predictable—anything could happen there.”

“Yeah, I understand that. I’ll talk to the company about it.”

As we chatted, the food on our plates quickly disappeared.

Noticing our empty plates, Manager Ma walked over.

“Would you like some more?”

I shook my head.

“Want some coffee?”

“Huh? I’ll take it.”

“An Americano?”

While Manager Ma went to get the americano, Cheon Ji-young spoke up.

“Grandma mentioned she misses you. You should visit her more often. Her voice sounded a bit weaker than before when we talked.”

“Our Grandma?”

“Yeah. When I called, she talked a lot about you these days.”

“I call her often, but… she doesn’t say much to me.”

“She might be worried about burdening you. Just don’t make excuses, visit her, and spend a few days together. You’re all she has left.”

Since meeting her at my grandfather’s funeral, Ji-young had started looking after our grandmother like her own.

“Got it.”

“Don’t just say it! Please go visit her often!”

Just then, Manager Ma returned with two cups of coffee.

“Stop chatting and drink your coffee.”

We spent our time sipping coffee.

However, the peace didn’t last long.

“Ji-young, thanks to you, I ate heartily.”

Cheon Ji-young set down her coffee, looking slightly tense as she abruptly stood up.

Turning around, she saw a woman dressed like an actress standing behind her.

“I’m glad to see that it suited your tastes.”

“Look at you. This is a buffet at the Myeong-dong Hotel! You wouldn’t know what it tastes like even if you tried, would you?”

“I’m sorry; that’s not what I meant…”

“Ha, why so serious? I was just joking, Ji-young.”

Judging by the atmosphere, her greeting didn’t sound satisfying.

It was clear that she hadn’t just come to chat; the woman scanned me from head to toe before smirking.

“Who are you? Her boyfriend?”

Before a flustered Cheon Ji-young could deny it, the woman continued.

“Or maybe a sponsor?”

It was amusing how she spoke in a hushed tone without even attempting to lower her voice.

‘What exactly is her deal?’

If she had eyes and a brain, she wouldn’t be treating Ji-young this way.

“This is my cousin. He came to cheer me on while I’m filming.”

“Oh, a relative?”

The woman forced a smile while extending her hand toward me.

“Nice to meet you. Do you know who I am?”

I stood up and shook her hand.

“Yes, nice to meet you, but I’m not sure who you are.”

“Oh come on, you’re kidding, right?”

Actually, I really had no idea.

Her laughter faded as she realized I genuinely didn’t know her.

“Lee Song-hee. You really don’t know me?”

“No, this is my first time meeting you.”

Manager Ma leaned over and whispered to me.

“She’s a famous actress who’s been active since the 80s. After her prime years, she’s settled into support roles, but she’s still prominent in the advertising world.”

Nodding, I smiled and spoke politely.

“Ah, sorry, I have no interest in the entertainment industry, so I didn’t realize. I hope you take good care of Ji-young while you’re filming together.”

“If you’re not into it, I can see how you wouldn’t know. But don’t you think you should at least know which other actors are in the project? It’s hard to tell if you’re here to support her or hinder her!”

Ah, she’s a funny one.

Feeling the tension rising, Ji-young quickly interjected.

“Senior, my brother really doesn’t know much about the entertainment industry. Please understand! I’m really sorry about this.”

“Oh dear, I’m coming off as the bad guy again. I didn’t mean to make Ji-young apologize. Right?”

“……”

Ji-young was fidgeting, glancing at me for cues.

I decided to calmly address the situation.

“I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Haha, yes. If you come again, I’d appreciate it!”

Manager Ma seemed angered, wanting to step up, but I held him back.

If either I or Manager Ma escalated things, it wouldn’t do either Ji-young or me any good.

While it would resolve the matter quickly, it was clear there would be a ripple of disdain toward Ji-young among the staff.

This would be like throwing cold water on a film set that just started. It would make me appear to ruin a shoot rather than support it, just as she insinuated.

Everyone in the restaurant was looking our way.

Lee Song-hee’s manager hurried over.

“Miss, is everything alright?”

Her manager appraised me with a wary eye.

“Nothing serious. It’s just been a long time since I ran into someone who didn’t recognize me and it threw me off guard.”

“What? You?”

I had to hold back laughter.

She looked very skilled at getting attention.

I would have liked to shift away from the scene, but it was already too late.

“Ji-young, are you okay?”

While Manager Hong checked on Cheon Ji-young, Lee Song-hee’s manager suddenly pointed a finger at Manager Hong.

“Manager Hong, how are you training your actors? There are actresses here with years of experience, and yet Ji-young doesn’t seem to understand the atmosphere. Isn’t that right?”

……

“Speak up. I’m not incorrect, am I?”

“Huh… I apologize. Could you please wrap this up and leave?”

Manager Hong looked like he was holding in a deep breath.

However, Lee Song-hee’s manager refused to budge, closely resembling her mentor.

Either fearless or believing in something, she wouldn’t leave Manager Hong be as she leaned in and whispered.

“I’ve heard things about your company. Do you even run a legit organization? Other than Ji-young, none of the entertainers are decent! I heard you got her through special means. As if she is the only actor worth all your effort.”

She was either whispering or shouting; I could hear every word.

Manager Hong’s expression went pale like he was losing his composure.

“Please continue if you wish to die.”