Chapter Seventy-One: Amusing Incidents Before the Audition

Four days of acting training passed in a flash. During these four days of practice, the relationship between Chen Zhe and Lee Ji-eun improved significantly, and in front of others, they often referred to each other as sister and brother.

Their schedules were almost identical throughout these days: arriving at the company at seven, having breakfast together in the cafeteria, heading to the acting classroom, eating lunch together, resuming classes, dining together in the evening, and continuing lessons until eleven or twelve at night. Afterwards, Chen Zhe would catch a ride with Lee Ji-eun back to their apartment complex, and the next morning, ride with her to the company again.

On the fifth morning, a little after seven, Chen Zhe was brought by Lim Soo-ho to the TVN broadcasting building. According to Lim Soo-ho, as a newcomer who had not yet debuted, Chen Zhe had to leave a good impression on his seniors and the director and writer. Being late was absolutely unacceptable.

Left alone in the TV station building, Chen Zhe was somewhat at a loss. Lim Soo-ho, his unreliable manager, had neglected to tell him which floor the audition would take place on. Now he was like a headless fly, wandering aimlessly, unsure of where to go. Watching the time tick away on his phone, his anxiety only grew.

“Excuse me, do you need any help?” Just as Chen Zhe was about to lose hope, worried that he would miss the audition because he couldn't find his way, a magnetic male voice sounded behind him. He was tugging irritably at his hair when the voice caught his attention.

Startled by the man's words, Chen Zhe realized someone had approached him unnoticed. He quickly spun around and saw a handsome man with striking eyes and a gentle smile standing behind him.

“You’re... Senior Eun Ji-won!” The man's appearance seemed familiar, and Chen Zhe studied him carefully. Suddenly, he struck his palm with his fist—he remembered who the man was. His voice was tinged with excitement. He was a big fan of “New Journey to the West” and “Kang's Kitchen,” so seeing Eun Ji-won in person was a surprise.

“Oh, and you are?” Eun Ji-won raised his brows, amused by Chen Zhe’s excitement. He felt the young man looked familiar but couldn’t recall where he’d seen him before. Unable to place him, Eun Ji-won replied with a hint of curiosity.

This striking man was once the leader of Sechs Kies, Eun Ji-won, who had gained immense popularity in Korea thanks to the phenomenal variety show “2 Days & 1 Night.” Chen Zhe had been deeply impressed by him while catching up on Korean variety shows in his previous life.

On “2 Days & 1 Night,” Eun Ji-won was playful and mischievous, always coming up with harebrained schemes and teasing Ho-dong, like a lovable elementary school kid. He even earned the nickname “Eun Choding.” But Chen Zhe hadn’t expected to encounter him so soon.

“Hello, Senior Eun Ji-won. I’m Chen Zhe from LOEN, here to audition for ‘Reply 1997’ at TVN today!” Chen Zhe greeted him politely, as his etiquette teacher had instructed.

“What a coincidence, I’m here to audition for ‘Reply 1997’ as well—for the role of Do Hee-chan.” Eun Ji-won was pleased by Chen Zhe’s respectful manner, and his impression of the young man improved.

“Yes, senior, I’m auditioning for the role of Yoon Yoon-jae!” Chen Zhe was momentarily surprised, then quickly responded with a smile.

“No need to call me senior. I’m just a bit older, so you can call me brother. Who knows, we might be working together for several months!” Eun Ji-won laughed heartily, clapping Chen Zhe’s shoulder.

Seeing how approachable Eun Ji-won was, Chen Zhe relaxed and followed him to the audition venue.

On the fifth floor of TVN, outside a large room, a group of actors sat waiting to audition. The handsome Eun Ji-won drew wary glances—he was a formidable competitor, with high popularity, plenty of drama experience, and even movie roles. He was easily the biggest rival for this audition.

“Eun Ji-won, you’re here. The audition for the second male lead has begun. Please come with me.” Spotting Eun Ji-won, a staff member approached him politely.

“Good luck! Do your best!” Eun Ji-won patted Chen Zhe’s shoulder encouragingly.

“Ji-won, don’t worry! I’ll be relying on you for guidance these next few months!” Chen Zhe replied confidently with a smile.

Eun Ji-won was briefly surprised before he understood Chen Zhe’s meaning—they both believed they would pass the audition and land their respective roles.

“Let’s hope it turns out as you say!” Eun Ji-won laughed, patted Chen Zhe’s shoulder again, and followed the staff member into the audition room.

Just a few minutes after Eun Ji-won left, Chen Zhe’s name was called from another audition room. Hearing his name, Chen Zhe rose and strode toward the door.

Inside, Director Shin Won-ho and Writer Lee Yoo-jung watched as Chen Zhe introduced himself, their expressions mostly unchanged.

“Try this scene,” Director Shin Won-ho said, suddenly inspired. Instead of using the prepared script, he pulled out another script for Chen Zhe to try.

Chen Zhe glanced at the script. The scene depicted Yoon Yoon-jae proposing to Sung Shi-won, who remained unresponsive. He tried various romantic ways to propose, only to be rejected, and finally spoke simply to her.

After contemplating for a moment, Chen Zhe immersed himself in the role of Yoon Yoon-jae—a dull, unromantic man from Busan, feeling defeated after the woman he liked rejected his many proposal ideas.

“So you’re agreeing to marry me, right? I’ll give you three seconds. If you don’t answer, I’ll kiss you.” Chen Zhe’s expression grew calm, his tone natural and earnest.

“...One, two.” Counting, Chen Zhe leaned forward as if moving closer.

“Look at me and answer!” He drew back, his tone serious, his gaze intense.

Then, as if hearing good news, he lifted the corners of his mouth in a smile, his eyes shining with joy.

Watching Chen Zhe’s performance, Director Shin Won-ho nodded almost imperceptibly, seemingly satisfied. Beside him, Writer Lee Yoo-jung also smiled, as if seeing her character come to life.

After finishing, Chen Zhe bowed politely to Director Shin Won-ho and Writer Lee Yoo-jung.

“Very well, Chen Zhe. Your performance was impressive. Please wait for our notification,” Director Shin Won-ho said, his tone subdued.

Chen Zhe knew the director and writer would be screening him and the other candidates, so he bowed again and left the audition room.

“Compared to Seo In-guk, how do you feel about this Chen Zhe?” After Chen Zhe left, Director Shin Won-ho asked Writer Lee Yoo-jung.

“I personally prefer Chen Zhe. I think this LOEN rookie has extraordinary acting skills. Both his appearance and demeanor fit my idea of Yoon Yoon-jae.” Writer Lee Yoo-jung spoke decisively, her tone unwavering.

Hearing her words, Director Shin Won-ho pondered a moment longer. At last, as if making up his mind, he nodded to Writer Lee Yoo-jung.