Chapter 15
I couldn’t help but think of the first time I came to this house.
Back then, Eunyeong’s mother had also fussed over me and fed me a mountain of chicken stew.
More than ten years had passed, yet nothing had changed.
That’s why Sara always felt a deep sense of relief, like coming home, whenever she came here.
“Want a beer?”
“Sure.”
After a noisy but cozy meal, Sara and Eunyeong sat side by side on the wooden platform under the stars.
“Sara.”
“Yeah?”
“I think this film is going to fall through too.”
“…”
Sara hesitated, unsure of what to say.
The truth was, there had been countless times when Eunyeong’s films had been canceled midway.
Even so, comforting her was never easy.
“The investors have no vision. It’s okay, unni. The next project will definitely—”
“Actually… I’m thinking of quitting film altogether.”
“What? Why?”
“I’ve finally come to my senses. Somin’s already five. I can’t keep clinging to this forever, saying I’m making movies.”
Eunyeong let out a bitter laugh, popped open a can of beer, and took a sip.
Today, her shoulders seemed more slumped than ever.
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t keep my promise to make a film together.”
“What are you sorry for? You’re only thirty-nine. That’s too young to give up. Besides, you won a bunch of awards for Shower and even got invited to a festival. Don’t you think it’s a waste to give up now?”
“…”
“You’re such a great writer—your scripts are amazing. And your direction is so sensitive, your color palette is beautiful, and you’ve got so much talent as a director—”
“Thanks. Feels nice hearing that from a top actress.”
Sara tried her best to coax Eunyeong with every kind of praise and sweet talk, but Eunyeong looked like she had made up her mind.
After a moment’s hesitation, Sara spoke.
“If the problem is investment… what if I fund the film?”
“What?”
“It’s a commercial film, so we’ll need at least ten billion won, right?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve saved up some money. If I sell off some real estate, I think I can cover a good chunk of the production costs. And we can settle my appearance fee after the film is released. If we’re still short, we can go back to the investors and meet again.”
Sara seriously started calculating how much money she had in her bank accounts and properties.
She had a few more endorsement deals lined up. It would be tight, but if she liquidated everything, they might just be able to shoot the movie.
But Eunyeong’s face still looked troubled.
“Sara…”
“I’m not saying this just because you’re my unni. I really believe this film will succeed. I want to do this.”
“What if it doesn’t? What if it fails again?”
“Why are you assuming it’ll fail before we even try?”
“Sure, it’d be great if it succeeds. But there’s always the chance it won’t. If the movie flops and all the investment goes down the drain… how could I face you? I know better than anyone how hard you worked to earn that money.”
Eunyeong’s voice rose unintentionally.
Sara shot back immediately.
“So what? I’ll just earn it again. I’m Seo Sara. Money? I can make that back in no time. Even if you blew through all of it, I’d be fine.”
“But I wouldn’t be fine. I debuted at twenty-eight, and I’ve already made three films. It’s not like I never tried. I’ve done enough.”
“…But still—”
“Honestly, Somin’s dad is struggling with his job too. We’re thinking of using his severance pay to open a fried chicken shop, or maybe a small restaurant. If we work hard together, we won’t starve. Who knows—maybe it’ll be a hit. Leave your autograph on the wall before you go.”
“…”
“Why that face? I’m telling you I’m fine.”
“…”
“Seriously. People can’t live doing only what they want. Geez, Seo Sara. Are you crying? You big baby. Crybaby.”
“But… unni… you said you wanted to make films. I only became an actress because I wanted to be in your films… So why are you giving up…”
“You’re right. It’s my fault. I couldn’t even make a movie with my Sara.”
Sara tried wiping her eyes with her sleeve, but she couldn’t stop the tears.
Eunyeong hugged her tightly and gently patted her back.
Choi Eunyeong wasn’t just a close older sister to Seo Sara.
She had been a parent, a sister, and a teacher who had guided her into acting.
Sara had decided to become an actress because of Eunyeong.
She had loved her films. She had dreamed of working with her someday.
Sara went home with red, puffy eyes.
She couldn’t get Eunyeong’s face out of her head and ended up staying up all night.
The next day, Mirae showed up, took one look at Sara’s face, and shouted in surprise.
“Sara! What’s wrong with your eyes? Were you crying? Did something happen at Director Choi’s house?”
“Unni. Eunyeong unni says she’s quitting film.”
“Oh. Hmm.”
“What’s that reaction? You knew?”
“…This industry is small, you know. Rumors were going around. That her film was likely to fall through.”
Mirae sighed and sat across from Sara.
Now Sara understood why Mirae had hesitated when she mentioned visiting Eunyeong the day before.
“What did Director Choi say?”
“She said she’s quitting movies and opening a restaurant with her husband.”
“Ah… That’s a shame, but it happens. That’s how it is in this business. If you’re not a hit, no one looks at you—whether you’re a director or an actor.”
“But it’s not even her fault that the last movie didn’t work. And the one before that won awards and got great reviews.”
“Yeah, the reviews were good. But let’s be honest—if only cinephiles and critics recognize your work, what’s the point? The film didn’t make money. Investors want returns.”
Mirae said bluntly.
Sara wanted to scream that she was wrong, but she also knew, deep down, that Mirae was right.
With another sigh, Mirae pulled out a thick script from her bag.
“It’s Director Kang’s script. He’s called me three times already. Says he really wants to work with you.”
“…”
“Just take a look. If you don’t like it, there are a few drama scripts too.”
“…I don’t want to. I’m just going to take the year off.”
“Oh? Alright then. Take a break.”
Mirae casually tucked the script back into her bag.
“I’ll tell the CEO you’re off this year. Give all the incoming scripts to Kim Saeyeon…”
“Hey! Unni!”
“What? You said you’re taking the year off.”
Mirae widened her eyes and glared at Sara.
Sara turned her head to avoid her gaze and mumbled.
“So what if I don’t shoot a film with Director Choi? It’s not like the world’s ending. It’s not the end of my acting career…”
“Because making a movie with her was your dream, right? That’s why you became an actress in the first place… You told me.”
“So you cried your eyes out over it? Your eyes look like a goldfish. Geez.”
“Unni. What if… what if Eunyeong unni really quits for good?”
Sara’s voice grew thick with emotion.
Usually composed no matter what happened, she was now sniffling with swollen eyes—enough to soften even Mirae.
“Do you really want to make a film with Director Choi that badly?”
“Yeah.”
“Ugh… Alright. Hold on a second.”
“Huh?”
“Hi, Director Park? Are you free to talk for a second? Yes, I’m doing well. Oh, nothing urgent, but—”
Mirae pulled out her phone and quickly made a few calls, scheduling meetings.
When she finished, Sara leaned in close, her eyes shining.
“Who was that? Who’d you call?”
“Director Park from RK Pictures. You know, the bald guy who always makes lame jokes.”
“Oh, right! I remember.”
“Out of the big investment companies, they’re probably the most reasonable. I’ve scheduled a meeting with Director Park. Go with Director Choi.”
“Unni…”
“If you say you’re starring in it, they’ll at least consider it. By the way, is the script any good?”
“It’s amazing. Honestly, way better than Night of Wishes. Thank you so much, unni!”
Sara grinned and hugged Mirae tightly around the waist.
Though she grumbled, Mirae didn’t push her away.
“Hello?”
[“Ah, our actress Seo! You must be busy—finally picking up your phone.”]
“Who… Oh, Director Kwak.”
The unfamiliar number that had been persistently calling belonged to Kwak Dongcheol, the director of Rockstar.
Sounding more cheerful than usual, he said:
[“So, got a minute to talk?”]
