Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 484: Unexpected Event (2)

[Everyday V12]

[Date: December 10, 2020]

-6:00 p.m [NEW. Jung Yoo-Jin] Arrival at Gyeongju S Hospital Emergency Room. (Company Report: Fracture. Six-week recovery.)

'A six-week injury?'

At that moment, the scene of the sword dance for the upcoming shoot flashed through my mind, where the two queens pretended to make a mistake and injure Princess Yu-Hwa's neck.

[Hwaranjeon Episode 8, Scene 5] ...While performing the sword dance, the First Queen and Third Queen "accidentally" cut Princess Yu-Hwa's neck.

During the actual filming, the swords are supposed to swing at a safe distance from Yoo-Jin's neck. Stunt doubles would then step in to create the illusion of near-misses using precise movements. The swords wouldn't come anywhere near the neck, and the effect of being cut would be achieved with special effects and makeup.

However, Everyday had never been wrong before.

'I'll need to check the safety equipment just in case.'

The blades for filming were dulled, but they were still metal. A mistake could easily result in a serious injury.

The current time was 4 p.m. With two hours left until the incident, I needed to be vigilant about everything that might happen.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin approached me with Yeon Hwa-Seon, both of them drenched in sweat and their breath visible in the cold air.

"Oppa!"

The effort they had put into the dance was evident as steam rose from their bodies.

I hid my concern and handed them towels. "Great work, Yoo-Jin. And thank you so much for your guidance, Ms. Yeon."

Yeon Hwa-Seon had come to meet Oh Bok-Hee to discuss her surgery schedule and future choreography consulting. However, once she arrived, she couldn't resist demonstrating the choreography herself.

"Ms. Yeon, aren't you overexerting yourself?"

Yeon Hwa-Seon chuckled. "It's fine. From now on, Yoo-Jin will learn from the videos and demonstrate the dances to the actors."

"Yoo-Jin will?"

"Yes. If it weren't for my daughter Hee-Joo, I'd have considered Yoo-Jin as my successor."

Yoo-Jin blushed and lowered her head. "Oh, Ms. Yeon. You flatter me too much."

"It's not flattery. I actually mean it."

I was grateful for how fond Yeon Hwa-Seon was of Yoo-Jin. As a token of gratitude, I handed her an insulated container I had brought from Tongyeong. "Ms. Yeon, please enjoy this."

"What's this?"

"It's oyster soup and it's amazing. Heat it up, add rice, and have it as oyster rice soup. One bowl and you'll feel like a brand new person."

When I handed over the frozen oyster soup, Yeon Hwa-Seon's face lit up with emotion. "Oh, Team Lead Jung. I don't know how to repay you for what you've done for Hee-Joo and myself."

"It's nothing. I'm grateful just to have your trust."

Yeon Hwa-Seon looked at me for a moment, then shook her head. "No, I need to get you a gift soon."

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I tried to decline, but Yeon Hwa-Seon turned and disappeared before I could say anything.

Yoo-Jin let out a small laugh. "Come on, oppa. Don't refuse too much. It's not like she's going to offer you another building like last time."

"R-right?"

"But anyway..."

Yoo-Jin looked directly at me and extended her hand. "On a cold day like today, a bowl of oyster soup would be perfect. You still have some left, right?"

Her question sent a chill down my spine. The oyster soup I had just given to Yeon Hwa-Seon was actually meant for Yoo-Jin.

I stammered, "W-well, the thing is... that was actually yours. But since Ms. Yeon is unwell, I thought..."

As my excuse trailed off into a long-winded explanation, Yoo-Jin gazed at me with a sorrowful expression. "Really? There's no more? Not even a little?"

Yoo-Jin's eyes welled with tears and her face the picture of heartbreak as if she had just lost the last precious thing in the world.

That was when I realized she was acting. After all, Yoo-Jin wasn't the type to begrudge giving something to Yeon Hwa-Seon.

Relieved, I let out a breath and smiled at Yoo-Jin. "Yoo-Jin, don't waste your acting talent on this. It feels way too real."

Only then did she wipe her eyes with her sleeve and laugh. "Huh? How did you know?"

"How could I not know you by now?"

Yoo-Jin giggled. "Oppa, you really don't miss a thing."

To be honest, the acting was so convincing that I might have been completely fooled by Yoo-Jin if I didn't know her so well.

Still, Yoo-Jin seemed a little disappointed as she showed me her Kk Talk messages with Miso. "Look at this. Yesterday, Miso sent me a message bragging about how delicious the oyster soup was. I was really looking forward to it."

The photo showed Miso making a peace sign with her belly slightly puffed out. The message said Yoo-Jin should enjoy them as well since I'm bringing her portion to the set.

"After Miso's shoot wraps up tomorrow, I'll make sure Sang-Bong brings more to Gyeongju. Just hang in there for one day."

Yoo-Jin smiled brightly. "Oppa, I'm really glad you're my talent agent."

"Only at times like this?"

She gave an ambiguous answer and laughed. "At times like this, too!"

"Anyway, stop wasting your acting talent. You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Got it! I'll go get changed now."

"Wait."

As Yoo-Jin was about to step into the waiting tent, she tilted her head curiously. "What is it?"

"About the sword dance scene later... are you okay with the protective gear?"

"Yes, it feels light and comfortable."

"Still, I want to double-check it just in case. I'll come in shortly."

"Alright, come in when I'm done."

Covered in sweat, Yoo-Jin entered the waiting tent to change.

***

After changing, Yoo-Jin sat in her inner shirt and waited to put on the protective gear.

I inspected the equipment I had received from the props team, tapping on each piece to check for damage.

Thump thump.

I carefully examined the body protector, elbow guards, and the neck guard made of reinforced plastic. I paid particular attention to the neck guard, which would shield Yoo-Jin during the most dangerous part of the scene.

I even turned on my phone's flashlight to check for cracks or flaws. Fortunately, I found nothing wrong.

Seeing how thorough I was, Yoo-Jin asked cautiously, "Is there a problem?"

"No, I'm just being careful. If the gear fails, you could get hurt."

"Don't worry so much."

After hesitating for a moment, I made a suggestion. "Yoo-Jin, let's just use a stunt double."

Yoo-Jin shook her head firmly. "The sword dance has already been synchronized perfectly. Changing now would mean redoing everything. And during practice earlier, the swords passed by at least 30 cm away. Everyone was very precise."

The sword dance with the queens was choreographed around Yoo-Jin's movements, so using a stunt double would mean reworking the entire sequence.

I wasn't sure what to do, but Yoo-Jin made a suggestion. "Oppa. If I feel it's truly dangerous, I'll purposely make an NG. If I can avoid it, I will. But I really want to do this."

I stared at the planner, but the schedule entry didn't disappear. It was 4:10 p.m., and the emergency room arrival time was listed as 6:00 p.m. Considering it takes about twenty minutes to get from the set to the hospital, it seemed possible that Yoo-Jin wouldn't get injured during this specific scene.

In the end, I conditionally accepted Yoo-Jin's proposal. "Alright, but promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"If I think it's dangerous, I'll shout immediately. At that moment, you stop acting and avoid it no matter what."

After all, filming would stop automatically if a loud noise disrupts the shoot.

After some thought, Yoo-Jin nodded. "Okay. But Oppa, I want you to trust me as much as possible. That way, I can act without hesitation."

Yoo-Jin's determination was clear. She fully understood her role as the lead in this drama now. Although I was worried, a sense of pride also welled up upon seeing how much she had grown.

"Alright. But be careful. Extra careful."

Yoo-Jin clenched her fist in resolve. "Got it!"

From then on, I personally helped Yoo-Jin put on protective gear. I checked every strap to ensure there was no wear and confirmed that all joints were secured tightly. I even wrapped white bandages over the gear to make sure it stayed firmly in place.

"Ugh. O-oppa. Gently please!"

"Don't whine. There can't be any gaps between your skin and the gear. That way, you won't chafe and the protection works better."

By the time everything was ready, it was 4:30 p.m.

That's when Geum Eun-Dong's voice called out outside the waiting tent. "We're starting soon, Miss Yoo-Jin. Please come out when you're ready~"

It was time for the dangerous sword dance scene in Hwaranjeon.

***

In the drama, the Silla royal family hosted a hunting competition with the princesses to boost the morale of the warriors before their war with Baekje. Episode 8, Scene 5 of Hwaranjeon depicted the queens performing a dance to encourage the warriors before the competition began.

The Second Queen, weakened by the goblin's curse, did not participate in the dance. Instead, Princess Yu-Hwa filled her place among the queens.

Geum Eun-Dong held a megaphone and directed the actors onto the stage. "Alright, actors. Take your positions."

In front of the grand stage set at Wolseong Palace, large flags bearing symbols of Silla and crescent moon designs were planted everywhere, creating a dazzling sight.

Following the Geum Eun-Dong's instructions, Han Sang-Hee, playing Princess Jeong-Hwa, stood to the left of the stage in a form-fitting blue hunting outfit and held a blue flag. Behind her lined up actors playing warriors in matching blue attire.

Next, Min Gyu-Ri, playing the youngest Princess Do-Hwa, took her place on the right side of the stage in red clothing and held a red flag. Red-clad warriors lined up behind her.

Since Princess Yu-Hwa was part of the dance on stage, an actor playing one of the warriors dressed in yellow stood in the center and held a yellow flag. Behind him, the other yellow-clad warriors lined up.

Following Geum Eun-Dong's directions, the lead actors moved onto the stage. "Alright. Miss Yoo-Jin, Ms. Tae-Yeon, and Ms. Joo-Yeon. Please step onto the stage."

Yoo-Jin holding a sword in one hand ascended the stage with her multi-layered yellow silk gown flowing dramatically. Her outfit was designed to cling tightly to her body, but when she spun, the layers puffed out like blooming flowers.

With a crescent moon design adorning her forehead band and her long ponytail swaying, Yoo-Jin looked majestic as she stepped onto the stage.

Next, Lee Tae-Yeon in blue and Yoon Joo-Yeon in red joined her. The two queens had set aside their elaborate wigs for the scene and were sporting long ponytails like Yoo-Jin's.

Once all three were in place, Oh Bok-Hee picked up the megaphone. "Everyone. Remember, these swords are specially made, but they are still metal. Stick to the choreography and keep at least 30 cm of space from the other actors at all times."

"Yes, Ms. Oh."

"Alright, let's begin filming."

Oh Bok-Hee wore a tense expression and looked around before calling out.

"Camera directors, let's do this carefully."

"Yes, ma'am!"

After taking a deep breath, Oh Bok-Hee shouted energetically. "Ready~~ Action!"

Just like that, the filming of the sword dance scene began with the swords glinting dangerously under the light.

***

Doom, doom, doom.

A low drumbeat echoed rhythmically through the Moon Palace. Standing on the platform, Great General Alcheon unfolded a white scroll and proclaimed.

『We swear to the heavenly gods who watch over the Great Silla! That we will eradicate every last remnant of the Baekje royal bloodline! And we vow to claim the blood price for our fallen brothers, kin, and family!』

The commanding voice of the actor playing Alcheon filled the grand set. In response, the supporting cast playing the warriors let out cheers. The combination of the cheers and drumbeats created a magnificent resonance that filled the air.

Moments later, as the solemn sound of a large drum reverberated, the musicians began playing the daegeum and other traditional instruments.

As the warriors fell silent, the kneeling figures of Lee Tae-Yeon, Yoon Joo-Yeon, and Yoo-Jin rose in unison, drawing their swords from their scabbards. The blades, each about 80 cm long, were slowly unsheathed. The sunlight reflected off their polished surfaces creating dazzling flashes of light.

Doom, doom, doom.

The three slowly began the sword dance to the steady beat of the drum. Their movements were smooth and synchronized, each motion a testament to the art of the sword dance. The blades sliced through the air while alternating between fast and slow to form elegant lines of motion.

As the dance grew more intense, the three added vibrant energy with their swords weaving an intricate choreography. The drumbeat quickened and the atmosphere heightened. With each accelerated strike of the drum, the movements of the actresses became more vigorous with their footwork more powerful.

Even in the frenzy of the dance, the three maintained the elegance and spectacle of the sword dance.

As the dance reached its climax, the pounding of the drums mimicked the thunderous gallop of horses.

Doom, doom, doom, doom!

The three actresses spun rapidly while extending their swords outward. The centrifugal force caused the outer layers of their costumes to flare out like blooming flowers, adding grandeur to the spectacle.

'Now the real show begins.'

At that moment, Lee Tae-Yeon and Yoon Joo-Yeon's swords moved with alarming speed.Their strikes were sharp and forceful as though aimed at decapitating a mortal enemy. Their expressions were just as fierce. Their faces contorted with what looked like genuine intent to harm as they swung their blades dangerously close to Princess Yu-Hwa.

Although it had been emphasized during rehearsal that the blades must remain at least 30 cm away from each other, their strikes began closing that gap as they moved toward Yoo-Jin.

'Are they seriously trying to break Yoo-Jin's confidence like this?'

Any ordinary actress might have frozen in terror and collapsed at the sight of the two queens wielding swords so aggressively, but Yoo-Jin didn't flinch. She continued moving and swung her sword with perfect precision and focus.

Finally, the moment I had been dreading arrived—the most dangerous part of the sword dance.

Lee Tae-Yeon and Yoon Joo-Yeon's swords moved toward Yoo-Jin's neck for the final motion. The gap between their blades and Yoo-Jin's neck narrowed to about 10 cm on either side. Seemingly lost in the intensity of the performance, both actresses swung their swords at a distance more suited to stunt doubles than live actors.

The staff on set froze, horrified by the scene unfolding before them. I hesitated as I was torn between yelling to stop the scene or trusting Yoo-Jin as I had promised.

However, Yoo-Jin's words echoed in my mind.

-Trust me until the end, oppa.

The time was now 4:40 p.m. According to Everyday, the accident wasn't supposed to happen until 6 p.m. There was plenty of time before the predicted event.

'So this isn't when it happens.'

I grinded my teeth as I watched the two blades approaching Yoo-Jin's neck. If my hunch was correct, not only would Yoo-Jin be left unharmed but the outcome would completely thwart Lee Tae-Yeon and Yoon Joo-Yeon's intentions.

'Do you really think everything will go your way? Not a chance!'