Lin Zhi sighed in frustration as he arrived at Laohu's large apartment.
Then, he screamed like a little child throwing a tantrum, holding himself back from throwing his boss' expensive items to the wall.
"You should really learn how to control your temper," Laohu said, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Lin Zhi closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. "Did you see the news?" he asked after a while.
"Of course I did," Laohu said. "June's back on his feet, isn't he?"
"And Director Bong is being investigated for money laundering and tax evasion," Lin Zhi added.
Laohu pursed his lips and nodded.
"It's strange," Laohu muttered, tapping his fingernails on the marble countertop.
"June is strange," he continued.
Lin Zhi's eyes narrowed. "I believe there's more to him than what meets the eye. No matter how hard we try, it seems like we can never bring him down."
"He was a nobody in Rising Stars—one who didn't even have a company backing him up," Lin Zhi said.
"He has been powerful since then," Laohu said, making Lin Zhi's eyebrows furrow.
"Why else did you think he got to first place?" he asked.
Lin Zhi's eyebrows raised in surprise.
"Are you saying that he was the one who rigged himself into the upper rankings?" he asked in a hopeful tone.
"No," Laohu answered. "His ranking was genuine."
Lin Zhi clicked his tongue, feeling bitter that June was able to gain those votes without unfair plays.
"What do you mean by that, then?" Lin Zhi asked.
"June didn't rig his votes; however, there are factors as to how he was able to make it to the top."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})"Don't you find it strange how he had a connection with Choi Pablo right away? Or how did he know the owner of the third-party voting team responsible during Rising Stars?"
"And now, he was able to expose Director Bong for his past wrongdoings," he chuckled.
"There must be something going on," Laohu muttered.
"June knows more than what an average idol does...almost like he has somebody helping him," he added.
"So, what are we going to do now?" Lin Zhi asked.
Laohu sighed before standing straight.
"I'll look into it," he said.
"For now, find some dirt on June—the kind he can never rise from again."
***
Following the exposure of Director Bong's wrongdoings, his million-dollar house was seized, and he fled to a foreign country to escape his charges.
After that, Director Jam came out with a statement that 'Untouched Souls' would be directed solely by him, receiving warm praises from the public.
Not long after, the cast and general plot of the movie were revealed, and people were instantly hooked.
- Hana Lim in another historical drama? And this one has magic, too? It's going to be a hit!
- This is a star-studded cast. I can't wait for it to come out at the end of the year.
- The plot is so good already.
- This is the writer's first work, but Director Jam is already working with her. Dare I say—this must have a really good storyline.
- June?
- JUNE IS HERE?
- I've been seeing that blonde guy everywhere. He's also here, too?
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})- I wonder how his character is.
- He's been reunited with Lin Zhi for this project. I can't wait!
- Girl, those two definitely hate each other.
- But they're so cute together! - Stop your delusional ass. Lin Zhi is a dozen—cause he dozen't know how to do anything. He's mediocre at best. - Dang, all I'm hearing is facts.
- Fck y'all. It's not like June is an exceptional actor, either. - He nailed it in his mini-drama.
- That was such an easy portrayal. - Just wait and see. June will prove you wrong! Risa read the comments and shook her head in amusement. There were a lot of arguments in the comment section of the article, but she was still happy that the announcement garnered a lot of attention.
A lot of people were praising her for the plot, too! However, the most notable person being talked about was June—with more than half of the comments either doubting his acting prowess or showering him with praises.
"This production is definitely getting a lot of attention because of him," Risa muttered before glancing at the script in her hands.
"I feel like they'll be disappointed once they see that he doesn't have a lot of scenes and lines."
Risa pursed her lips as she let the thought sink into her mind.
Truly, June's role as Jian only accounted for less than fifteen minutes in the film. She wanted the main focus to be Yian, but she also believed that June deserved more scenes in the movie.
The only problem was that the script she had sent to Director Jam was already considered final.
Nonetheless, Risa wanted to negotiate with Director Jam. She really wanted to see her precious, handsome baby in more scenes! (Yes, she became June's fan at this point. There's no escaping his charm!)
Early in the morning, Risa set up a meeting with Director Jam in the conference room.
"Risa," Director Jam greeted as he entered the room. "You called for a meeting?"
"Yes, Director," Risa smiled, hoping it would put him in a good mood.
"Well, what is it? The shoot is going to start soon. We will be filming Yian's backstory today."
Risa let out a deep breath and smiled before talking.
"I know that you said the script is already final," she started off.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})"But the script isn't final until the movie has premiered, right?"
Director Jam sighed, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
"Risa, I can only accept minor changes in the script. The script is there for a reason—it makes the filming process more systematic."
Risa scratched the back of her head.
"Well, it is a minor change for a minor character," Risa said.
"Is it for June?" he asked.
Risa nodded excitedly. "The reaction from the public is very good, and I'm afraid they would be disappointed if June does not have enough screen time."
Director Jam pursed his lips, looking RIsa in the eyes.
"We can't just change Jian's character because his actor is popular. If that was the case, then other actors should have more lines, too."
Risa cast her head to the ground. But June was the most popular cast member of the movie at the moment!
"I'm sure your husband has already told you before," Director Jam continued. "I rarely add any scenes unless I feel that it is crucial for the storyline. I don't do it for the actor at all."
"Besides, Jian is a minor character. I believe his screentime is enough."
"But—" Risa tried to argue, but Director Jam continued speaking.
"I don't even do these things for big actors like Taehyun and Hana, so I'm not going to do it just for June."
Risa pursed her lips and sighed in disappointment.
"So, you aren't willing to add any scenes for the sake of the actors?"
"No—," Director Jam started off. However, he realized that he had a soft spot for one particular actor—one he didn't even know the name of.
If he were to meet him again, then he would definitely be the first actor who could change his mind.
"A bandit," he muttered.
"I can do it for a bandit."
