Chapter 25: Rise Amid Challenges

“Im Hoon?”

“Yup, Hoonie said you two are close.”

Close? We only filmed together, that’s it.

“Really? He even mentioned it’s a historical drama.”

If he knows the genre, he probably knows something.

No articles are out yet—how did he find out?

“Oh, and Hoonie had a message for you.”

“What?”

Song Heo-jun pulled out his phone, cleared his throat, and read, “Ahem. Im Bada, listen up. I’ll show you a completely different me.”

“…What?”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Anyway, that’s what he said.”

“No way, he’s not…”

Oh no… this is bad.

The reason for my suspicion was simple. Im Hoon had never done a historical drama before.

Historical dramas are a different beast from regular dramas. No matter how great your expressions or emotional acting, if your diction or vocalization feels off, it creates a disconnect. Viewers of historical dramas value this highly.

Even actors with no acting controversies often got criticized for weak performances in historical dramas.

‘No way. Why assume the worst? Im Hoon’s acting could’ve improved.’

When we filmed Youth 2015 together, his acting had definitely grown compared to my past life. A clear step up.

I’d advised him to practice pronunciation with a dictionary, and since he chose this script, he must’ve worked on his tone. Let’s think positively.

Yoon Hee-ae, glancing up from her script, looked at me. “Bada-ya, about the project you’re joining. Seems good?”

“It’s got strong potential.”

“Then why the glum face?”

Did I look glum?

“Drama success depends on luck. Even with great acting, ratings might flop.”

“For now, focus on our drama. Don’t overthink.”

As she finished, Yoon Hee-ae pinched my cheek. She’s right—don’t react to things that haven’t happened. Focus on the script.

The present matters.

Ko Eun-hyuk, now changed, sat beside me and asked, “Bada-ya, you’re doing a historical drama?”

“Yup, my next project.”

Biting his lip as if deep in thought, his gaze stayed on me.

“What? Got something to say?”

“…I’m jealous.”

“Of who? Me?”

“No, no!”

“Then?”

Who’s he jealous of?

This guy always gives vague answers that drive me nuts. After a few minutes, he finally explained.

“The other actors doing the historical drama with you.”

“Why? Wanna do one with me?”

“Acting with you gets better results. And fans want us to do a historical drama together…”

Song Heo-jun, listening nearby, nodded vigorously and clapped Ko Eun-hyuk’s shoulder. “Eun-hyuk-ah, I waited five years. Finally, I got to work with our Hee-ae noona. Keep waiting, you’ll get there.”

“So inspiring.”

“Finding a compatible partner is tough. I totally get you.”

“…Heo-jun hyung-nim.”

Ko Eun-hyuk’s touched expression looked a bit like a cult follower. He’d probably believe a kiwi is a kiwi bird’s egg.

“Filming begins!”

At the assistant director’s call, we stood, placing our scripts on the chairs.

Director Kang Jo-jo stood, bowing deeply. “First, I want to thank the staff who followed me.”

“Save Me. I never expected it to exceed 20%… but achieving such results is an honor, and I owe it all to the staff.”

“Hold on.”

Choking up, unable to control his emotions, Director Kang Jo-jo wiped tears discreetly.

Save Me was climbing toward drama of the year. Popular across Asia, including Japan and China, leads Yoon Hee-ae and Song Heo-jun were doing overseas interviews.

Song Heo-jun shouted playfully, “Your speech is too long, Director~!”

Laughter echoed across the set. But Director Kang Jo-jo didn’t mind, smiling brightly instead.

“Oh, one last thing. Someone’s been mentioned as a candidate for the acting awards.”

Yoon Hee-ae was rumored to be a top contender, thanks to the drama’s high ratings and her nuanced acting.

“So, let’s all give our best. It’s the final shoot—no slacking. Shall we start?”

Cheers from the staff and applause from the actors followed.

“Bada-ya.”

“Yes!”

At Yoon Hee-ae’s call, I rushed to Min Seo-eun, grabbing a hidden bouquet.

For the final shoot, we planned a surprise. Based on earnings, Yoon Hee-ae got the staff padded jackets, Song Heo-jun arranged a food truck, and Ko Eun-hyuk and I handled bouquets for the director and writer.

“Director! Here!”

“…A bouquet.”

“Thank you, Director. I think I could act so hard because of you.”

“No, I’m the grateful one. You understood my direction so well.”

As I bowed, he teared up again, then flashed a playful smile. “Making me cry again, Bada-ssi… Let’s delay filming a bit.”

Then he left me standing alone. I looked at my co-actors, pleading for an explanation.

Why are they acting like I’m the only one who made him cry? We all agreed to share our thoughts!

“No way!”

These traitors!

Then came the quest window’s chime.

Ding—

[Sub ‘Hidden’ Quest Completed.]

[Reward Obtained: 0.1 Points]

‘0.1? They said 0.5!’

Ugh, everyone’s busy teasing me!

★★★

After Save Me’s special episode aired, it drew massive attention.

[Save Me Final Special Episode Hits 28% Ratings!]

[Secrets Behind the Mega-Hit Drama? Main and Supporting Actors’ Chemistry and Growth.]

[Yoon Hee-ae: “The set was so harmonious, tons of couples formed, and the actors grew closer.”]

[Song Heo-jun: “Meeting passionate juniors warmed my heart.”]

[Im Bada: “I’m not a sociopath.”]

[Ko Eun-hyuk: “This drama helped me grow as an actor.”]

We could’ve gotten a reward vacation, but everyone opted to rest at home.

With Save Me’s popularity, fans felt empty.

[(Save Me) It’s over, what do I live for now?]

Feels like I lost my purpose

– Same

– I lived for watching it after work

[(Save Me) Final Episode and Special Making-Of Released!]

– Min Do-hyuk’s actor says it was his first kiss

– So thrilling

– Still can’t let go of the Hwa-Do couple

– They’re so cute

– HAHA Ewha-won’s actor didn’t believe it was his first

– Why? Why not? Haven’t seen the making-of yet

– His face doesn’t scream “first time” LOL

– LOLOL Crazy

[(Im Bada) Became a Fan After This Interview]

– I could never say that

Q: Some say Im Bada isn’t lead material. Thoughts?

Im Bada: (laughs) I also think I’m not lead material yet. So I’m ready for any role—supporting, extra, minor. But I feel sorry for my small, precious fans for not showing a lead role soon.

– I gasped here ;; Why ask that?

– Bada’s too popular, so they’re trying to drag her down

– Every community says Im Bada’s not lead material—what’s wrong with her?

– She spoke so well, our Bada

– I like it, proof she’s rising

[(Im Bada) Joins Cable Drama YoungYoung!]

H Entertainment confirmed, “Im Bada will star in the cable drama YoungYoung.”

Joseon time-slip mystery YoungYoung.

Im Bada plays Yeon-woo, a supporting character with an unrequited love for the male lead. Not a villain harassing the heroine, but a warm ally who supports her, promising tears and fun.

– Unrequited love? Historical drama? Crazy? I’m gone

– Works that set otaku hearts ablaze

– Hope her next project shines like Youth 2015 or The Life of a Prosecutor

– Please shine…

– Im Bada’s all about blood, sweat, and tears

– If it doesn’t shine, I’ll roll into H Entertainment

– Proof?

★★★

As Save Me ended perfectly, the status window popped up like clockwork.

[Eraser in My Head: Due to regression penalties, memorizing lines takes time.]

[Per Sentence: 43 minutes]

Just 2 minutes less. I barely had lines after episode 6. As the window vanished, Seo-eun unnie, driving, spoke up.

“Fans on communities want you in intense roles.”

“…Aren’t they cute?”

“You’re something else.”

‘True… intense roles do look good on screen.’

I occasionally checked communities to gauge reactions. My precious fans’ adorable comments made me happy. In my past life, I couldn’t meet their expectations, but now I was slowly giving back.

Smiling at the thought of comments, Seo-eun unnie parked in the company lot and grabbed her stuff. “Get ready to get out, Bada-ya.”

“I’ll go first, unnie!”

Today, I was fitting a dress for the year-end awards.

‘First awards show! First dress! So exciting.’

As I stepped out, humming happily toward the company, fans in school uniforms appeared.

“Wow! It’s really Bada unnie!”

“Unnie! Unnie! We’re fans!”

It wasn’t an official schedule, so they must’ve waited blindly. Their cheeks were red—how long had they been out?

“You’ve been here long? You’ll catch a cold! It’s chilly… hold on.”

I pulled hot packs from my bag, handing them out.

“OMG, so kind. Love you, unnie.”

“Unnie, please take my letter!”

“Mine too!”

My arms were soon full of gifts and letters.

A warmth I hadn’t felt in a while, carried in those letters.

I chatted and took photos with fans until Seo-eun unnie approached.

“Our manager’s coming. See you next time.”

“Unnie! Can’t wait for your next project!”

“Yup, it’s cold. Go inside.”

Seo-eun unnie’s eyes widened at my armful of gifts. “You met fans while I was gone?”

“Yup. Aren’t my fans cute?”

“They are. Don’t wander alone, though. They’re smaller and more precious than you.”

“Oh, unnie.”

“You called your fans small and precious in that interview.”

I did, since we don’t have a fandom name. But teasing me for it?

Entering the company, something felt chaotic.

‘Weird.’

Heading toward the CEO’s office, I realized why. Handing my gifts and letters to Seo-eun unnie, I went inside.

“CEO-nim, I’m here.”

Director Kim Jin turned, smiling broadly. “Oh, Bada-ssi’s here?”