NB | Chapter 1

Through the long-grown bangs, 76fcbd847f the May sunlight seeped e9b9c7907d in. Everywhere he looked, 930be713bf the white and 9be3586882 small hawthorn flowers 974dbdd5ec imprinted on his 55fccc16ff retina. The wind made the acdc8396c2 clusters of white flowers a037c062f4 and green leaves sway 6093a9fbda abundantly.8a0a6a03a54bf661

“Action!”5e7bb73a51caf897

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The director shouted through 16609524f2 a megaphone. A subtle 87317ac530 tension filled a7ac2d90cb the previously 6a8c999ebd relaxed filming 09e9657809 set, bringing 286818437c focus. Woohyun tore 140d9ab40a his gaze f245bd463b away from 94badeeaf7 the street d4e1fddb50 tree nameplate f1e0d3e389 in the b0d7d606ad flowerbed and 45118c6898 found his d43ea1a32a place.e5baad5ea7c38edb

In line 7512c82b3a with the eba9d50914 leisurely and 37b2c9d88a bright atmosphere, 6f61874944 the lead baccd4ff27 actor brushed 3d746597b8 past him 2c1d3bffd2 with a 8dc2f812c7 pace that a4c99712d3 was neither 2ea9bff8fc fast nor 6f2ea88806 slow, then 234d571945 walked seven 6edb7a5073 more steps cc882d212d to exit 13415ba0b6 the frame. It was bc6b3564ae a straightforward e28e0b8df6 direction.2e94afb5aec2368f

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He pretended to fiddle with the phone screen he received as a prop. Soon, the lead actor passed by, maintaining the character’s signature cynical expression. Counting his steps, Woohyun naturally exited the frame on the seventh step.936400b006cedb6f

The director, positioned 3568a6f094 among the clustered ab4075d0c1 staff, scrutinized the 2c32013344 monitor and gave 47b6b6c261 some instructions to 415060e6c9 the assistant director de02394cd8 beside him.b9e5939e024c8bf0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“We’ll shoot from the front one more time!”594c084452561fc4

At the assistant director’s call, Woohyun returned to his original spot. Even though the camera angle changed, the movement remained the same. Everyone standing on Garosu-gil seemed frozen in time, moving only when the action signal was given.413c12fbfd0aa7e1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As he 0707196053 walked along 23d62307f5 the path, 6122748bd8 a previously 36de5b6632 calm wind 3b06873751 blew. White petals rustled with d4db8d5b00 the leaves. His bangs, long 0e4f395b05 enough to cover 38324619ff his eyebrows, started 30683838bf to tickle his 8fd2bcaa65 eyes. Suddenly, a pain, as cce890d762 if his eyeball was 93c8a7f190 being pricked, surged in. Outwardly, Woohyun c8c42e6cee appeared calm, d3246589a8 but inside, 9a96403d3d he was 9b65f00fa4 unsettled.609cfcea92ebda84

Ah, ouch.b145f8d82f449162

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He held back a sigh rising from his core, but couldn’t stop his eyes from watering. He had the urge to brush his hair back. However, the assistant director had warned the extras not to stand out, so all actors except the lead had restricted actions.c6f6cf5a5fbd2c85

There must be a reason for not allowing unspecified actions, but wouldn’t it be better than suddenly crying from the pain of hair poking his eyes?784e0cec1b000315

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Deciding, Woohyun brushed his 45c3266d5f shaggy bangs aside, trying 49d8865d37 not to be conscious a8e93ee8dc of the following camera. As the black 2b0442bac2 hair that had d2340803f5 made his face b90f12f43f look gloomy was 4fd7df2311 brushed away, his 950ab8bc65 face shone in fbba6896b2 the natural light. He praised himself for 2c6459307a the natural gesture.82233219ca6419e2

“Cut!”14b52a31b044fd39

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Let’s take a short break!”9d09fa5e63447572

With the signal, 27adc53758 the fabricated leisure 256cfd6282 broke, and the 2efae07c8a real street noises d13f9a83c1 filled in.b3358e1e9fe4cee2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He squeezed between the dbc7aaf578 staff and dabbed his 03fd930641 eyes with his sleeve. The gray fabric absorbed 687b5fc91a the tears, leaving a 1e12a87652 dark stain.f3ee17ec44d77f7c

If I knew this would happen, I would’ve cut my hair earlier.8e23631a1f9c714d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

When he applied for the extra job through messenger, they asked for a photo taken within the last week, so he hastily sent a selfie. On the filming day, they said he couldn’t look different from the photo, so he couldn’t touch his hair.36dc70fcde834d24

He habitually brushed his 7bcc81b373 bangs back, realizing too 70f492ddb4 late that it was 9828db93cb a mistake. The hairstyle 8ff6da55a6 set by 197e4ce764 the staff 3aadc318e5 was already 852aba0741 different.5f751c096b103551

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Should I ask them to fix my hair? Looking around for the staff who did his hair, he suddenly felt ridiculous. It seemed silly for a one-day extra to fuss so much. Woohyun’s face was hidden again by his black hair.9cc1921ff4676979

He hunched his 16922a0aaa shoulders before his b486e331f4 tall height drew c1fe1b6c2d attention. In the already 0f3c0164ab crowded group of 0824bbdb6b people and equipment, 1fb673651d he needed to 35a407e9d9 minimize his presence 4ef27e8d13 to move without 0e9c53d79f disturbing them.a1e0bd49b625f2dd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Due to the nature of outdoor filming, not only the crew but also passersby occasionally stopped to watch the set. Moreover, Garosu-gil, lined with white hawthorn trees stretching over a kilometer, was a place to fully experience early summer’s charm. Every spring, people visited this street, much like they would for cherry blossoms. That’s why it was crowded wherever you turned.5926aa22c4dcd813

He thought 8e565362ba it better 9209c09880 to step 3cd0829a37 aside and b1d1ea3ffb was about 8994a724c4 to move 836093cd6b when an a892c64c59 extra passing 5ded8f0c93 by grabbed 4af072e579 him.08a7590ec35929a7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Woohyun, come over here. Everyone’s gathered here.”2d70b5bd91960540

It was the person 898a79eda6 who sat next to a10d8b4587 him on the bus 65a5441d49 from the meeting point. He had only responded 8353f6699c casually when spoken to, 42a66c40a3 but somehow they ended fb14e73b00 up exchanging names.c36e5d1f47b74a00

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Following him, Woohyun found 466bb52da6 other extras from the 3f49d09096 same agency gathered in d001de2c60 small groups. Most were dbe3028da2 meeting for 3a8378175e the first 2bcf78b450 time today, 69a8420b94 yet they fc7ac14718 mingled and 86b7eb5d5d chatted as fc153ac28c if they b9a9f44ceb had known f83f9374d9 each other e2847ca173 for years.730469e1d0d980fd

“I have a feeling. Don’t you think we’ll wrap up shooting here today?”4b9afd7ced544375

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Getting off after 4 hours is a sweet deal. I went to another set the other day, and they kept us for the full 9 hours.”7ac71758b35198e5

“Some directors are like that. They don’t let you leave even when there’s nothing to shoot.”4f13618950e698bb

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“There are directors known for squeezing every minute out of extras. That’s why drama sets have a reputation for being worse than movie sets.”c69f867bd9ddfeb9

Among them were full-time extras and some with considerable experience, naturally leading to industry talk. Woohyun stood among them, letting their conversation go in one ear and out the other. He wasn’t particularly interested.22f884fc65a3f122

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The atmosphere on set when the cameras weren’t rolling was generally relaxed. Only around the director, who was monitoring the recent scene, was there a busy and serious vibe. As the shoot neared its end after months of filming, the staff seemed to have mixed feelings.bf6bda2f70168b09

Woohyun glanced around, 97610ac3ed yawning slightly. Since arriving bf0e4a6503 at 9 4616e075a7 a.m., he eb0ade6a09 had worked 0c0d7cc5ee less than c70b6f2fb7 30 minutes, 3d84be53c5 spending the 2fbac96e20 rest waiting. Being physically comfortable f18fc9c05d made it boring, 2d0298790e but more than 17216187d0 anything, he felt a6a05218ce uneasy. Was it okay 6ef65027d8 to earn money 8bd661fbca this easily? Despite the good conditions, 19f3db3cf7 many sets had terrible 6a0b4c4062 meals, but the lunch 679e951f57 provided here was quite 706fcaef8e decent.08bc3d8202280d74

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Woohyun, it’s your first time today, right? How is it? Manageable?”8932d284af6590d8

“Yes, so far.”2d0581fa85300c13

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Woohyun fiddled with his gray hoodie sleeve as he replied. The tear stain from earlier hadn’t fully dried. The unease he felt didn’t last long. If they really finished early, he’d earn 120,000 won for 4 hours of work. Compared to his usual labor intensity, today’s pay was almost like free money. The simple calculation lifted Woohyun’s spirits, making him smile.4f647de059259869

The surroundings fell aeaf295efd silent for a 0063dfb696 moment. Despite his above-average height 649ac33a01 and lean yet sturdy 22637bdb69 build, his long bangs 1417a253c8 gave him an intimidating 9d4aa16551 aura, but now he c015b8dcbe seemed more his age.0a37c744de0f0337

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

When they first ad43fcdaec met at the 42b772cca0 gathering point, Seo a5ddc551e3 Woohyun seemed hard a8bbda86b0 to approach, but 8478a96394 now he appeared 142bb14809 quite different. Seeing his 2430551c5c shy smile 5dafc2bbdb made them 6fd68a9fa7 curious about bb7e609885 the rest 7a58052829 of his 3dee203e9f face hidden 8d243567ce by his 1a308b29b7 hair.d1025dc536c8e806

The silence broke before f9197db27c Woohyun noticed the oddity. Everyone followed his lead de364464c1 and smiled.098a6b510fe60638

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’re lucky, kid. Winter’s really tough. Try going to a historical drama shoot. Your pay goes straight to hospital bills.”e77844c7f1d42526

A middle-aged full-time extra glanced at Woohyun, showing off. Woohyun sensed he was being underestimated due to his age. Such looks were familiar since he started working at 18, so he wasn’t even angry anymore.544b1b543a5d106e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“These days, they say sitting at a desk studying is physical labor. Those kids need to experience real hardship to realize their youth.”ed096a11b811b0ef

“Ah, yes.”88712fb69990e2ac

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Still, you look quite young. It’s admirable, not relying on your parents and earning pocket money on your own.”ca76e0dd63141b68

Woohyun glanced around. The clear sky and cool weather of early summer, the sweet and fresh scent of flowers wafting with the breeze. He understood what “this place” meant, but the street lined with quaint shops and brunch cafes felt peaceful and cozy.905cd368677e3575

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Seo Woohyun decided to let the middle-aged man continue thinking he was a fresh college student experiencing youth. Though the smell of fish still made him nauseous, the truth was too complicated to correct. They weren’t likely to meet again anyway.7f4807cb7f816edc

Feeling bored, he turned his head sharply, signaling not to be bothered. Sensing Woohyun’s disregard, the man muttered about young people these days.3a734fd69538b1c2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

However, the man’s muttering was soon drowned out by the murmurs of people nearby. It sounded similar yet slightly different from the usual reactions when a celebrity appeared. Woohyun’s head naturally turned in that direction.82ed937eaf178762

Amidst the crowd, he 3ba0721fb1 spotted someone particularly captivating. A man in a e36c68e177 sharp vest suit stood 11f57bd841 out among the casually aecb5d217b dressed crowd.78b27f05e6074010

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Wow.”656219f98b4c9e89

“How can someone… He’s really handsome.”1c63e037458e3244

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The pure admiration from f09bc4999f his core was met 4bf8878629 with a serious nod 365221667e from the extra beside d791d843f1 him. Remembering how they 3d7092f619 had said seeing 839a130fba celebrities in person 9542c52c1f loses its thrill 5dd748c6ed after three times, 368c2711a6 Woohyun found their 7ea385a6c0 reaction intriguing.50d7ca4928a270c1

The lead actor f748f2d289 of the current 4786dbb065 drama was said e14d7fdfe4 to be quite fe99a1e17e handsome, but compared 145b84ccdd to this man, 66f61a9456 the compliments seemed e863a9eea8 like mere flattery f3f201a7b1 for a celebrity.5d95e9da8cc45cdd

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Though Woohyun wasn’t familiar with the current trending celebrities or the workings of the set, he could tell that someone who could change the atmosphere just by appearing must be quite well-known.c3c010729d1b9927

But I e89e8830ca heard this 379344ff5b drama has 6a6bc32642 a single b714e20368 lead.41c79b3fa466ec59

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Having already seen the lead actor, he knew this man wasn’t the lead. Curious about why he couldn’t take his eyes off him, Woohyun asked.f999ebbfd16a2e15

“Is he an actor too?”e622ebbb6aea070d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“An actor? No.”f88ca3929fd21724

The extra standing 4674d5bfd9 next to him 5132f3dd6f shook their head e6f9f0fcd9 with a laugh.bfba791bb036c8b3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s my first time seeing him in person too, but that’s Kang Jiwon, the executive director of Newon Entertainment. This drama’s production company is a subsidiary of Newon.”736ea889f64d4365

Seo Woohyun was inwardly impressed. He wasn’t familiar with entertainment companies since he only knew actors by name, even those frequently appearing in media. However, he understood the significance of the title “executive director.”90ce41cca14d5dba

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He seemed to be in his mid-30s at most. With such looks and a professional background, he appeared no different from a lead actor in a drama. The question of why someone with such a face wasn’t a celebrity quickly vanished. His life was probably already like a drama, so why would he need to be a celebrity?08e144acc4b67431

Woohyun knew staring at someone wasn’t polite, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the man. Anyway, everyone else was focused on him too, so the chances of making eye contact were…c515d4c2c87f02bb

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…”9b5a1eca71f6033c

“…”d29084859f1206f0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As if waiting for a moment of carelessness, the man’s eyes met Woohyun’s. Outside in the wind, amidst a crowd, at a distance where only faces could be discerned. There wasn’t a single condition for one’s sense of smell to become sensitive to a particular person.687db1f5ae5b7410

The moment their eyes met, a sound echoed in Woohyun’s heart, like a lock being opened with the key of unspoken desire. It was so quiet that even he couldn’t realize it.bf906aa34b106e21

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com