?- Who the hell is asking that question?
- What the heck? They should have stopped him before he could even finish the question.
- I'm curious about June's answer, though.
- Yeah, there was a rumor that someone else was supposed to star in this with Arin.
The hall turned silent as soon as the reporter asked that question. Moments like this weren't new to the film industry. Critiques present their views left and right, some of them asking the most ridiculous questions.
Then, the people murmured among each other. Some of them were curious about June's answer, while others were appalled by the audacity of the reporter to ask a question in a supposed celebration.
Director Nana pursed her lips as she looked at the silent June.
Then, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She took the mic from the table and spoke.
"Next question, ple—"
However, before she could finish her question, June snapped out of his trance.
"No, it's alright. I'll answer it," he calmly said, surprising the onlookers with his composure.
The reporter subtly frowned as he gazed at June's calm eyes. He was prepared to stump the idol and create a great headline, but June's initial reaction wasn't what he expected.
June placed the microphone before his lips, a small smile playing on them.
"Honestly, I also have the same question," June answered, turning to Director Nana.
"Why did you pick me to become Jin when I had no experience in acting?"
The audience was surprised by how June took the reporter's question.
Instead of acting displeased, June even managed to crack a joke. The tension in the room started subsiding, causing the reporter to frown in disappointment.
Director Nana smiled, impressed by June's professionalism.
"It was my call as a director," Nana explained. "I didn't let June audition anymore after I saw his performance in the acting challenge on King of Kings. If some of you haven't seen it yet, then I suggest you do."
"June captured my attention from the very first line. I knew I was engaging in a gamble because he technically didn't have any acting experience and he was also very busy with an ongoing show. However, in the end, I thought it was still worth it to cast him."
"Are you sure you're not saying that because Azure paid you to cast June?" the reporter bluntly asked.
June shook his head at the ridiculous question.
Azure didn't even care much about June or their other artists. All they cared about was the profit their artists generated for them. There was no way in hell that Azure paid for June to join the production.
"It's the opposite, actually," Director Nana smiled. "I wanted June to be Jin so bad that I was willing to give everything I had."
"I just knew that June had to be a part of this production," Director Nana said with conviction.
- Dang, she's giving him such high praises. I wonder just how good he is at acting.
- Her past dramas had bland leads. I'm not expecting much this time around.
- Director Nana is a goat! She knows what she's talking about.
"Let me also add my input," June said after Director Nana finished talking.
He faced the reporter and looked into his eyes. The reporter quickly looked away, feeling slightly intimidated.
"The original actor had some…unfortunate circumstances. I didn't pray for it to happen to him or to anyone else for that matter."
Maybe to Lin Zhi…but that was beside the point.
"However, I was given the chance to become a part of a production that valued skill and cooperation. It would be a shame for me to miss out on such an opportunity."
"Then, would you say that you are worthy to be a part of this production?" the reporter continued to ask, seemingly not wanting to back down.
June paused for a moment, and that was when the reporter thought he had finally stumped June.
However, a smirk appeared on June's lips, and he relaxed back in his seat.
"Well, why don't you tune into the first episode to find out?" he cheekily asked, earning admiring smiles from his fellow actors as well as the non-fans in the audience.
- Alright, I have to admit. That was really smooth.
- I wanted to put him in my pocket a while ago, but now, I want him to put something into my pocket.
- I want him so much that it hurts.
- I wonder what your mothers will feel if she sees your comments.
Thankfully, the security guard forced the bitter reporter to sit, not giving him any more chances to ask other questions.
Meanwhile, the actors and the producers continued answering questions, even entertaining some of the audience's queries.
"Will there be a kissing scene?" one of the audience members asked.
Arin's cheeks heated up while June merely smiled. It seemed like the woman was a fan of June's, so he took the initiative to answer.
"Would you like for it to have one?" he asked in a naturally flirty tone.
June was honestly not trying to flirt, but it came naturally to him. His charisma was truly on another level.
The fan's cheeks reddened, even more apparent than Arin's, and she quickly shook her head.
"You also have to tune in to find out," June vaguely answered, looking into the fan's eyes.
"However, no matter what happens, I hope you still support me," he cutely said, causing the fans in the audience to squeal.
Arin watched their interaction with pursed lips. How was he kinder to a stranger than he was to her? It was almost unbelievable!
Meanwhile, in the field of reporters was a woman wearing an all-black fit. She had bags of unknown materials by her side, and her face and eyes were covered by a bucket hat. Her camera, relatively smaller than the rest, was focused on June, snapping photos like there was no tomorrow.
A small, breathy chuckle escaped from her dry, cracked lips.
Then, she placed down her camera for a second, scrutinizing June with her bare eyes.
"What a player," she whispered.
