NB | Chapter 9

Jiwon elaborated further.

“It means your ability depends on how specifically and clearly the person directing you explains things. In other words, you’re a blank check.”

“Oh…”

“Your steady gaze was impressive. Not being intimidated by the camera, even though you were just an ordinary person until yesterday, is a talent.”

Woohyun’s lips twitched involuntarily. He bit down on them to suppress a smile. Meanwhile, Jiwon set his glass down with a clink and crossed his arms over his chest. His expression had turned somewhat stern.

“One of the chronic issues with actors is that once they develop bad acting habits, they tend to stick. But since you’re someone who moves according to the manual, you won’t fall into routine. This isn’t a compliment. It means you become an empty shell if the directing is lacking.”

“…”

“I’m saying your own effort is crucial. You need to make the character your own first, so you can see your partner and naturally sync with them.”

He had received similar feedback from the director, but it was more about how he could improve, not calling him an empty shell. What if he hadn’t asked? He didn’t expect Jiwon to want to evaluate him so thoroughly.

He should consider it advice that would be vital for his acting career, but Woohyun’s mouth moved on its own.

“Have you ever acted, Director? You speak so well.”

“Not at all. People who are well-versed in theory often struggle in practice.”

“Oh, like dating?”

Even after letting the sarcasm slide once, he pushed again. Jiwon’s eyebrows twitched slightly but soon regained his smile.

“Have you dated?”

“No, I haven’t. The name Deokbae is too old-fashioned.”

It seemed the focus was on Woohyun, but he deflected naturally. Jiwon didn’t seem intent on prying further and took a sip of wine. This time, Woohyun spoke first.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“I haven’t experienced what people call dating either.”

“No, not that. I’m not really interested in your dating history.”

“That’s a shame.”

The person who had been giving serious feedback was gone, replaced by someone inexplicably sulking. But Woohyun didn’t mind and got to the point.

“How much does acting training cost? The director suggested taking some classes before script reading.”

It must have sounded like a silly question to him. Kang Jiwon wore a rather perplexed expression before letting out a chuckle.

“Why are you worried about money, Woohyun? You’re already an actor guaranteed a role by the production company. Do you know what that means? There’s no reason the agency wouldn’t invest in you.”

“So even if I join an agency other than Newon, I’d get the same treatment?”

“If you want your debut to be your retirement, I won’t stop you.”

He sure has a sharp way of suggesting an exclusive contract.

It was a moment that made him realize anew that Kang Jiwon was above the production company. Unsure if it was a joke or serious, the smile on his face seemed more chilling. He knew there was nothing to gain from getting on this man’s bad side.

“By the way, I heard my fee comes from your pocket.”

“Yes. Spend it freely.”

“Freely… You must know how much a rookie’s first project pays.”

Recalling the amount he heard from the director, Woohyun muttered without realizing it.

Then, as Woohyun blinked, his black eyes glistened under the pin light, and Kang Jiwon stood up. The distance he thought was reasonable closed in just two steps.

“Does that mean you want personal attention?”

Close enough for his shoe to intrude between Woohyun’s sneakers.

Even from afar, the man’s solid build clearly marked him as an alpha. The imposing presence couldn’t be hidden by clothes. Though Woohyun had never been called short, Kang Jiwon’s eye level was noticeably higher.

As Woohyun naturally tilted his head back to look up at him, he held his breath for a moment. Without the hair to blur his vision, he met Jiwon’s eyes clearly. The greed in his gaze was evident, sending a shiver down his neck.

Woohyun resisted the urge to cover his delicate skin with his hand and shook his head. He was indeed in need of money, but it was just a minor complaint, not a serious request for sponsorship.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I have that in mind.”

“Sorry?”

For a moment, he wondered if he misheard, but Jiwon withdrew as quickly as he had approached. Even as he retreated, he gave Woohyun’s neck a lingering look and smiled.

When they were close enough for their chests to almost touch, Woohyun was certain Jiwon had lowered his face to his neck and inhaled.

Though his pheromones were naturally faint and his manifestation was late, Seo Woohyun was an alpha. Because of this, unless his cycle was near, others rarely sensed his pheromones. He wasn’t as large or robust as some, so when he masked his pheromones and acted like a beta, even those of the same trait often didn’t notice.

As usual, Woohyun hadn’t let his pheromones show in front of this man. Even now, the dominant scent in the air was the mature man’s cologne, with his pheromones barely noticeable to himself.

However, when diluted to this extent, there was a chance that those of the same trait might find it pleasant rather than unpleasant. According to a masochist he once heard, pheromones of the same trait felt like the pleasure of pain during play.

Still, anyone’s true nature is only revealed when you dig deeper, but Kang Jiwon didn’t seem like someone with such interests. His clean-cut appearance, typical of an alpha, was enough to suggest he preferred small, cute omegas. This led to a plausible speculation.

Could he have mistaken me for an omega?

“Could you speak more appropriately? Talking like that here makes it feel like a sponsor meeting.”

As Woohyun took a big step back, the distance between them widened again. Jiwon watched the empty space before slowly turning to meet his eyes.

The sponsor Woohyun referred to was likely the kind that demanded sexual favors. But Jiwon had never engaged in such business, never considered it, and had no need for it, so he felt wronged to be equated with them.

However, it wasn’t strange for the much younger Woohyun to think that way. Realizing he had been teasing out of curiosity, Jiwon nodded agreeably.

Though he disliked the mundane, he could comply if asked. Woohyun was young, and the main topic wasn’t over yet.

“I want you to sign an exclusive contract with our company.”

Jiwon straightened his shoulders and body, lifting the corners of his mouth gently. It was a social smile, but it also conveyed trust.

“Whether you see me as a ladder, a rope, or even a foundation, it doesn’t matter. I’m curious to see how high you can climb.”

Jiwon paused, noticing Woohyun’s round eyes, focused and unblinking.

They say the eyes are the windows to one’s desires. As the saying goes, it was clear what Woohyun wanted from him.

“I’ll show you how amazing you can be.”

It was salvation.