A Night Soaked With You - Chapter 14
“Did I ask him to help me with my life as a nobody, or boost the ratings…….”
Yeong-won sniffled, venting her frustration. She shouldn’t have let the careless words of some immature kids get to her, but why did it hurt so much.
It wasn’t like it was her first time being treated as a nobody. It wasn’t even worth crying over.
Even though she told herself that, she couldn’t move easily. It had been eight years. Eight years of hanging on, believing that if she persevered long enough, she would eventually shine.
There was a time, albeit brief, when she was adored by the public as a teen actress. Everywhere she went, people recognized her, showering her with praise.
Was this the price she had to pay for getting so full of herself during that fleeting moment.
At that time, Yeong-won thought her future would be nothing but smooth sailing. She believed that when she grew up, she would become an even more incredible actress.
However, reality turned out to be the exact opposite. While her acting received praise, every movie she starred in was a complete flop.
Her management company lacked both the resources and the capability to properly support her.
Her divorced parents returned when she briefly became the talk of the town, only to leave again once they realized she wasn’t going anywhere.
Yeong-won forced her stiff legs to move and sat down on a bench. Feeling melancholic, she sat there quietly, watching people pass by, when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
Seeing the caller ID, she realized it was her grandmother. Hastily, she cleared her throat and answered the call.
“Grandma!”
– Is my sweetie done with work?
Hearing her grandmother’s voice on the other end brought a lump to Yeong-won’s throat again.
But she couldn’t let her bedridden grandmother worry. So, she made sure to sound extra cheerful.
“Yup, yup. I’m on my way home now.”
– Did you eat? You didn’t end up eating any of that weird stuff left over, did you?
“Of course I did. With you not around, that’s all I ever eat.”
– Hurry home and at least make some soybean paste stew! No, this won’t do. I’ll come home right now,
“Grandma, there you go again. I was just joking. I’ve been eating really well lately, so don’t worry.”
– Even when you’re young, losing your health happens in an instant. Make sure to eat properly.
Yeong-won let out a hearty laugh at her grandmother’s concern.
“Okay, okay. Oh, and you’re being discharged tomorrow, hmm? I’ll come by in the morning.”
– I was about to die of boredom. Come early in the morning.
“Yup. I’ll call Auntie separately.”
Yeong-won chatted with her grandmother a little longer before ending the call. Then she stared blankly at the darkened screen.
Her grandmother, who always seemed invincible, had been diagnosed with colon cancer three months ago.
The hospital had told them it was too late for surgery.
Because of her advanced age, they didn’t even want to offer chemotherapy.
Upon hearing this, her grandmother had surprisingly been relieved.
As if it really was no big deal. It was clear her grandmother was worried, not wanting Yeong-won to be anxious or burdened by the hospital bills.
Hearing her grandmother’s voice helped Yeong-won regain her composure.
She quickly wiped her face.
Tears were a luxury she couldn’t afford right now. Her grandmother had poured all her love into her, many times more than her parents who had abandoned her. Now, it was her turn to take care of her grandmother.
She didn’t have time to cry over trivial matters.
◇ ◆ ◇
After all the staff had gotten off, Yeong-won was the last to step off the bus, stretching as she did.
Her body felt stiff from being crammed into the tight space, but she was thankful to even have this.
Currently, Yeong-won was commuting to the filming location on the outskirts of Seoul using the bus provided for the staff.
A few months ago, after parting ways with her agency, she no longer had her own vehicle.
As Yeong-won was stretching and breathing in the fresh air, she noticed the director in the distance, charging toward her like an enraged bull.
“Yeong! Won! Shi!”
Before she could even react, the director grabbed her in a sudden, excited hug.
“Big news! Big news!”
“W-What is it?”
Still dazed from being shaken around by the director, Yeong-won asked, “Is it true?”
The director burst into laughter, his joy uncontainable.
“The investment company has decided to fund our film! And guess what? Two! Hundred! Billion! Won! And if we need more, they’ll review and invest even more! Are they a charity or something? Hahaha!”
Unable to contain his excitement, the director started jumping up and down. Yeong-won’s face lit up with joy as well.
“Wow, congratulations, Director!”
“Right? Right? This is definitely something to celebrate!”
Yeong-won, swept up in the director’s excitement, twirled around with him in circles. But then the director suddenly stopped, his face turning as if he had just realized something important.
The director hesitated for a long moment, unsure of how to begin, before carefully speaking.
“Um…… but, Yeong-won, I have something I need to apologize for.”
