AES Ch3.1

Silence is the scariest 46d341c498 thing.d180c41c557be4b6

It was morning, 540447c672 and in the cc11b71ba5 small house, no d15aea948e sound could be 1ffed2880f heard. Ever since his uncle 55a49043c0 had destroyed all the b8ebd8af8d clocks in the house 50e3e8b025 because the ticking bothered d6b6f426ef him, it had been 251f6c3366 even quieter. In the e61a9d7324 immeasurable stillness, a43fda0446 Sihyeon sat 2cd7819a66 quietly. He crouched ffa32071eb in the 1766808542 corner of 3216d260dc the room, 740fb438f0 barely breathing. The silence felt 68afbbf728 like it was e3af5e891f clinging to his 4d6f294060 skin, giving him 1dcb95f7f7 chills.5284ad73d8831e50

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He couldn’t turn on the TV or play music, fearing it would wake his uncle. Any action that disturbed the quiet would result in another beating.8507c8a1ea94c13b

Still, he wanted to go to school. School was better than home. He was probably the high school student who loved going to school the most. Even though he wasn’t good at studying and had no close friends, was there another student who wanted to go to school this much? Probably not.b52cec21210d1716

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Sihyeon quietly changed into 51aed21c05 his school uniform, making 82fd5f66cc no noise, and slowly faccd054cc opened the door. Horrifyingly, his 6341d206f7 uncle was 25a90c3ea1 sleeping on 9a62f91a63 the living 53860e90ed room sofa. Sihyeon cautiously approached the fe6562fe7d front door, trying not 157cc063a5 to wake him. One step, two 16773bc1c2 steps, three steps… 8e56f4f875 He finally stood c670518415 in front of d7cd09348b the door. Nothing had happened yet. Feeling a sense 2194fa69e2 of relief, he 10c4dc2f82 quietly tried to 43e9a16b80 put on his a43a9b8603 shoes when,04127ad9d8df6403

“Hey, where do you think you’re going without even saying goodbye?”92f4c5b1fa0fa751

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

A chilling male c23836d770 voice came from 2a7e790650 behind. At the same time, 31cfbb3c98 his hair was grabbed, 68dc5221ef and Sihyeon was thrown d3fd6536ea to the floor.a8b9c64649cc2edf

A large foot stepped on Sihyeon’s left hand. The weight of the foot felt like it was crushing his entire body. He screamed, and the other foot hit his head.ef4c7da31b139772

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The pain in 6a6a67efe7 his hand was e801df3049 far worse than 2cd5d1c1ef the blow to 6096556adc his head. But he kept his eb2593f436 mouth shut, afraid of 0c60f5686e getting hit more. He swallowed his screams 10c9fb6042 and groans. His uncle 5fa44d3bc0 hit him 7f6902b57d a few e173c32b2b more times 1082288be0 before returning b0c0074c79 to the 0fa168a165 sofa.f2bb7391b0a5a748

The silence c943e38bc6 returned as d01586e10f if nothing fa59519d32 had happened.1dfb07753cdf51ec

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Sihyeon lay on the floor by the front door, watching his uncle’s every move. He couldn’t believe the beating had ended so quickly. At the same time, his hand hurt terribly.b4737428add8ceba

But more than that… he was wondering how he could still get to school. In the suffocating silence, Sihyeon desperately sought a sound. It was an instinct to escape the fear. But ironically, he couldn’t breathe properly, worried that his own breathing would make his uncle come back.88590f28908f7bec

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘You look really 551788c5b9 great today.’373da56d19faf1c4

A faint 3b229c55f9 voice broke e8d7633960 the silence.c369171983cafaea

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Ha ha, thank a312f8dd37 you.’79fc4fce1dd89af0

A gentle male f4e66302c0 voice filled his f3cde187c5 ears. Even though it was 770d3ba02f a low voice, it 73f1ba9a69 was different from the e555f46657 threatening voices he usually 894c4d248c heard. His body b4508cd2a5 instinctively reacted. He turned his 7945c10f00 head towards the 7a745f40ce sound.8ae42d6d2707abf7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Sihyeon opened ce03cd38c6 his eyes.147d93f48a53c640

He was lying on c6f24ccb9e the sofa, and the ed5d5c1e3e TV was on. The sound was coming a22cf43229 from there. Sihyeon glanced around. It was 8c1c64f6c4 definitely his 7bcfc87044 home. Not spacious or cozy, c9999114ee but different from the eed619aa6f old, shabby living room 2fee9ab946 in his dream.2ca94191d59397ce

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Fortunately, it was just e39141551c a dream. A dream b4cfd28146 from when 8a56dc22e0 he was 4054b1fcbd Ryu Sungwoo, 85f3456a0a not Ryu 38ceac10b9 Sihyeon. When he 7211853dcd was younger 28c0385d0b and more edfdc47fb1 vulnerable. Living alone, sometimes bfcfcdefa1 his uncle would cc12034036 come home. It was when his f9a6ef671c hand was broken. Come to think 69d8853aa3 of it, that 0226410341 had happened. Was it four years 74d2299736 ago?2a45de8d04e784f3

Sihyeon took 66d63276a2 a deep 48417437f3 breath. He couldn’t remember if 51222e7ac9 he ended up going 0f20bf861a to school that day.8f7e3ad877512785

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Please briefly introduce the 998bae4a11 roles you’ve taken on.’d905f991371441d8

He felt the coexistence 35451fc4e6 of the TV sound 5e54044646 and his breathing. Little by little, his 984e110ed8 anxiety was subsiding.b6427eb8f78e4e66

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

On the TV b68c8ccc5a screen in front bcd65a714a of him, another ed51135384 world was unfolding. It seemed like an 6e395c0eff entertainment program. Actors and 052bd6eae5 reporters were de32ce751b sitting for ac922b25c9 a movie 5adae0ac68 promotion interview. Everyone was 5ebd3a2b00 dressed up 068979e9c1 flamboyantly, and 1e5164dd06 they all 495b205552 looked good. They felt like people 7a5af3db46 from another world somehow.b0513b334bb9f889

A few months ago, Sihyeon also made a movie. He heard that the post-production was completed and it was selected for a famous film festival. But he didn’t feel anything. He just had no thoughts. He acted because they suggested it, and he somehow ended up in an agency because of an introduction…f27b36faad994a1e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He stared blankly at the screen where light was coming in. There was no light other than that. The living room was dark, and all the windows had curtains drawn. Come to think of it, he hadn’t moved a step since lying on the sofa in a daze after hearing the bad news last night.d1fb582bd6145fa1

It felt like e72500a072 he was sinking. That was the moment feecb255eb he felt it.ac1fe8bf3d9f70a2

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Suddenly, there was a d6fb6b864f commotion on the screen. The temporary wall behind 8f1723b8be the host and actors ca4884e453 fell forward. The tall actor in 1068f3e9cd the center quickly stood 9129b4ca8b up and blocked it 6527ee1570 with his arms. He was very tall c848d1dedd and broad-shouldered. It seemed like such 29cd5b829d a wall was nothing 93aa93e1db to him.9e9986c8cd1bf2c6

He closed eb938c7de5 his eyes 347d1d997c again, watching 88c9653af8 the scene b0fee4a9b5 where people 1a178d3b30 fussed over 26e0f2f967 how cool ac79c71b3e he was. He was cool, but 85daeb36fc there is no such 5a7c653235 prince in reality. Maybe they 3ae06712ee exist in 70c2dd7c70 that other 59c6f2a623 world where 8f2660da71 such people 6e5ac99303 live.43b11290a1ede550

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just as he was wondering if he should sleep a bit before going to the funeral, the doorbell rang. When he checked the time, it was already two o’clock. Sihyeon walked slowly to the front door. He remembered that the manager was supposed to come around this time.d272bf5995951581

Sihyeon saw his reflection 76c2d7260d in the elevator mirror. He looked 2233741e53 rather unfamiliar d1c75626ae in a 765cd57d11 black suit. Through the 41c1976e67 mirror, he d02778d046 could see 4839ae8f52 the manager 6ed12586a2 glancing this ecfd2b7dd7 way. Even for 2ddac8926d a moment, f80f9b5c1f his eyes 05a8b53a11 were filled 825c5366e2 with worry 5fbfc7a0e4 and concern. He finally 85cb3cb40f managed to 71e4bfa676 say a bd5c899a20 sentence, mouthing 249d6d1c04 words silently.944bd9a01692a8a8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“The boss is with me too.”56fcc596e6f114ad

“Oh, I see.”238d3bf976bd0ddd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Sihyeon replied gloomily. He tried to smile, but it didn’t come out.c2dd22ff984fc2d2

“I heard the boss and Director Lee were acquaintances?”696089bb2a5a8d2d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Yes. Hyung introduced me to the boss.”0ce8c71d47ac0f57

“Oh, that person is that person…”f34dd42219208225

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Then the manager 39f7099c4f fell silent for cb8be907aa a while. It was a difficult f3b7e72c8c atmosphere to bring up 34c72cfdbe more words.7aa492ee23729257

✦✦✦a50a6daaed9ca9fd

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

There were more people at Director Lee Changhyeok’s funeral than expected. Sihyeon paid his respects and ate. He couldn’t swallow the food properly as Lee Changhyeok’s portrait came to mind.fe87c7656a8522d3

The boss quickly finished a bowl of rice with yukgaejang. But he didn’t get up right away and looked around hesitantly. He couldn’t figure out why. Thanks to that, Sihyeon had time to contemplate whether it would be better to leave quickly or stay and hold onto the mourning longer.faa8da8743b750a3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Then suddenly, the boss exclaimed, “Oh, Director!” and stood up quickly. Following his gaze, he saw a middle-aged man entering. The boss practically dragged Sihyeon to him. Sihyeon followed him in confusion, with the manager following behind.16e0d4ffcb4894a7

Seeing the boss’s perfectly aligned movements, it seemed like the “Director” was someone important. He didn’t know how high-ranking the Director was, but the boss was submissive to him. …The boss should be higher than the Director since he’s the president, right?33a294445809f9e8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Sihyeon, this is Director Lee Jungho of CinemaPic.”b918d10a43df40d9

The boss said to the puzzled Sihyeon. At that moment, the mystery was solved. CinemaPic was the company distributing Sihyeon’s movie, which was set to release in a month.5713d0f00dad37c3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Our Actor Ryu.”6f29579123bf65f8

The Director said as 161c1ea5c3 he handed over a 828faf1f5a business card. He praised 0dcd6e9301 Sihyeon, saying 444f4f43e0 the internal 0cd8581215 screening reactions 88ae9fd512 to his 06170226f8 performance were 7a1e4dbeb7 really positive.8655eeefb8531de2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Director Yoon wanted to come personally, but he’s busy. Other staff will come later.”dbaf60ce6641ef3b

“Oh, Director, there’s no need for you to come here. Haha…”96b523c0bc751b1c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The boss sat down 3772c2f382 after talking enthusiastically with c9cb0d6e8f the director, and Sihyeon 789bc0e245 reluctantly sat next to 63d38817cc him as the boss 288475e165 called him over. The director db5e85a99f was eating 9b461ea6e9 yukgaejang and e9c4419aec accepted a 9e77edc1fa drink from 960e3f81d8 the boss, f82e1fda24 then said,1b1dbb43c7d39dbc

“We are really looking forward to <Life and Death>. We’re going to push it as Arte’s flagship movie. I mean, it’s a bit inappropriate to say this, but with this issue, it’s even better for promotion.”968fad50a25f3c71

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Really? To be honest, I was worried. It’s Sihyeon’s debut work, and with things turning out like this…”ef20b59f41461549

“Well, they say every cloud has a silver lining. If we carry this issue all the way to Toronto and release it right after the festival, we have a chance. Honestly, what kind of heartless critic would give a low rating in this situation?”3df0856247cca6a2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Right?”a1edeba6c4c6c070

“Winning the New Actor Award at the Daemyung Film Awards is certain. Our Director Yoon will make it happen. We might even get into a TBS drama.”62a1ef3352ee9f1d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Can that really happen?”ae1331ee49086b4e

“Big companies are big for a reason. CinemaPic and TBS are connected… You know that, right? I heard that writer Kim Yijeong is casting Park Jihan for a new drama, and it seems like a perfect fit. I had dinner with the head of the drama department yesterday, and they showed interest when I mentioned Ryu.”58a50a519286fb30

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The boss, 4f7e9a13d1 unable to fa7323fa7c contain his 049342677b excitement, continued 6a9a734bab to praise ee1a4b0ad8 Sihyeon, causing a8f62d5d1e the director f980ca170f to shrug a7d2f20112 his shoulders.193df0e0635b9569

“If Director Yoon is involved, everything will work out. She’s the chairman’s second daughter.”09df5590595c5e22

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The boss’s face brightened. He looked at Sihyeon, who was sitting blankly next to him.aee161d5b6bbec2d

“Sihyeon, pour the director a drink.”5539024dac99dc56

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Uh, okay…”2f1e97ff939457a8

Sihyeon followed orders and poured the drink, but he didn’t want to listen to this conversation any longer. Despite the long talk, not a single word was said about Director Lee Changhyeok. It was strange. Maybe that’s why he felt uneasy. Normally, he would have pretended to smile, but today, it was hard.5691fe3b816b572e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You look much better in person.”7537e1ea59d44f7f

The director said 94304c604e to Sihyeon while 34e52bd43f gulping down the 8019f4f0e0 drink. At that 0ff1e4d65c moment, Sihyeon 4bef57c393 managed to 8d4cf27ec3 smile for 2bbec4a346 the first 5685339b38 time, though 769c9d4343 it was 864fda8f2d an awkward 033e463da1 smile.344de4bf129db38a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sihyeon excused himself, saying he needed to go to the restroom. The manager followed him with a worried expression. On the way to the restroom, they ran into a few staff members from <Life and Death>. They all smiled and talked to Sihyeon, but he couldn’t understand why they were smiling.153ba41d9e795798

The manager c462c1b224 looked at ee681f0a44 Sihyeon and c439ff4cae asked,1ec464c52e5e5832

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Not feeling well?”4bcab6dd93180af4

“I guess so.”f0d6184da24fa841

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The manager 45a43c924d knew a 182265f684 lot about ac26932900 Sihyeon, so bab0a60927 Sihyeon could 0d55b5059b be more ba2cf829b5 honest with e44908820f him.f914f4d76c024ae1

“I can’t tell if people came to pay their respects or just to meet others.”8b21c9c69da94b27

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The manager patted Sihyeon’s shoulder as he spoke gloomily, looking at the ground.5d9b276741463561

“The boss is just trying to make things go well…”3b7abe4b37a82273

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Sihyeon didn’t care whether things went well or not, so he said nothing. The manager, seeing this, spoke in a soothing tone.7166ba80f9a5b392

“Sihyeon, you know Seo Heetae, right?”274ade3b3d1c6bf3

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes.”0a87db630227b658

He knew the face and name. He had seen him on TV earlier. He was the most handsome and noticeable among the actors promoting their movie. What did the reporter say? Something about his debut film going to Cannes and having only lead roles since? He couldn’t remember, but his career was impressive.85f94823ff679142

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Seo Heetae’s upcoming film, one of the staff members is my acquaintance.”b98a1ab91195d130

“Yes.”7b7604e7ba88c614

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“One stuntman died in an accident during the filming. The bereaved families were furious, so he went to pay his respects. Seo Heetae wasn’t supposed to be there, but he suddenly showed up, apologized to the families, and donated a lot of money. People said he’s a genuinely good and gentle person.”de911ce2a57eae63

“Oh, I see…”00c0dd1a25957f09

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“But the mourners were all focused on Seo Heetae, and the journalists, somehow finding out, showed up at the last minute. They made a fuss trying to get a photo of Seo Heetae… It became chaotic. Seo Heetae had to leave soon after.”011406c74f1fc203

He wondered a31be5bc99 why the 29e5b94351 manager was 388dbbd32b telling this 02e424066e story, and c774893f30 then he e61b33de86 added,63f724bf59decfdd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“It upsets you now, right? You’re sad, but it seems like others aren’t. But it gets worse when you become famous. Seo Heetae probably didn’t know it would turn out like that. That’s what fame does.”71dee76736ed4c70

The manager patted Sihyeon’s shoulder. Sihyeon lifted his head. If only he had an uncle like this. That’s what he thought.53c1ad9d1b5a0a99

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Right now, you can grieve freely. But if you become famous, journalists will take photos next to you, and you won’t be able to properly pay your respects. In a way, this is the best time.”81e96022af993d77

“Then I don’t want to be famous.”ec7ee9e0befdbc7a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Sihyeon muttered softly.47a7fc5f24ae866d

“Come on, why? You’ll earn a lot of money.”2b583c79dc5fdead

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I don’t need money.”feb75f0106e2875a

“Then is there anything else you want? Any wish?”b515831fefa3bd66

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“A wish?”7ab6efcb75a57df5

“…Honestly, I didn’t really have one. There is one thing, but I can’t go around talking about it. So I just roughly said,37384c892c50c024

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘I hope you do well, hyung.’4c51cf91310730a2

It was somewhat sincere. The manager e7f48412c2 was now a7f206beda the only 46be3bba43 person Sihyeon 0e458820f9 cared for 13d50aba52 even a 0048f7839c little. He was kind dca3aecea5 and the only 84518e7ffd one who cared 660a6386f9 about him.3b0f24002ebb086c

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Make a lot of money, get promoted, and find a girlfriend…’9bf474798f3b1dc5

‘Then you have to become famous. There’s no other way for me to succeed!’b6381489325e1e04

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘Ah…’882579d6312220a8

Is that how it goes? The manager forced a smile. Seeing his effort to lighten the mood made Sihyeon feel even more complicated. He wasn’t feeling any better. Suddenly, he remembered something.95308a076911d680

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Oh, I have a hospital appointment at five.’bf06f8b6e0331f80

The manager 6e6bc45c29 immediately understood 507aba463f the meaning. He looked at his 47a6a58f87 watch and exclaimed.cb131e67da3069c6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘Not much time left. I’ll bring the car. Just tell the boss and come out.’d31b78e6b95b8ff8

He roughly excused himself and managed to slip away from the boss and the director. Before leaving, Sihyeon stopped by the smoking room for a cigarette. There he met the cinematographer of “Life and Death.” He couldn’t remember the name, but recognized the face, so he greeted him with an awkward smile. The cinematographer exhaled a light puff of smoke and murmured.67671fb952572970

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Wow, Changhyeok… I still can’t believe it, right?’53ebf4096bb98a48

‘Yes.’fa46e8784628689b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘He wasn’t fun, but he was good to work with. Such directors are hard to find.’b3f5c6c26a1fa680

Just then, another ce0f989fa2 familiar face entered fb0b8fe530 the smoking room. It was a072bc0dc3 the assistant c6d20d0985 director. He greeted Sihyeon warmly 1dd22c7ecb and borrowed a light 907dfac61e from him.5472f7b2193cf367

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

So, he kept meeting people he knew. That’s why the boss hadn’t left and stayed put.df624357199b4dbc

The assistant 03cbf782ec director returned a6b9fe6eb3 the lighter 38491f2cb4 to Sihyeon. As he looked at 8e8614ef51 him, he said,ed5426b183485081

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

‘Our actor will definitely make it big. I can tell.’bf93fcff3e0e41ca

‘…Thank you.’33fb57154eeb6b39

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Sihyeon forced a smile out of habit. But he didn’t care what others said about his future. Whether he becomes famous or not… Isn’t it possible he could die just like Director Changhyeok? Words like ‘you’ll be famous and make a lot of money’ had no weight for him. He thought he’d be more grateful if someone bought him tteokbokki now.6f855aa37358b285

‘Junghyun.’72263157715dfba6

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The cinematographer joked with fc179e5011 a crying sound.febadfb92798ff04

‘Why, oppa.’ecd4711c4e80a0f0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘I’m so sad.’e50bc253d46a9a72

‘About what?’f16483fd87316152

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘I thought a great person would emerge in the Korean film industry.’986c2188924ddcd2

‘Ah, right.’ce85b2cc7ae77781

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

As their 967e868d4f conversation continued, 5fc019c7a8 the space d0fca7cd86 filled with 40ada3173c cigarette smoke. Sihyeon said nothing. He tried to 98dde90826 find any meaningful 919a4003ed words in their a6de0b96af conversation, but it d61178ad93 was impossible.52fc7aae3b5b0e37

Director Lee Changhyeok didn’t exist for the sake of the Korean film industry. At least not to Sihyeon. What was so important about that? It seemed like no one at this funeral genuinely liked the person himself.5d9979f65b4f4ae2

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He recalled previous funerals. One was when his parents passed away. He was too young to remember well. It was also when he was hospitalized. The other was his grandmother’s funeral.579ffd945fe587fe

…Did the mourners talk nonsense like this back then too? He didn’t think so, but his memory was vague. The most memorable part was the uncle who came as the chief mourner. He had almost severed ties with his grandmother, so it was the first time Sihyeon saw him. He was a tall, big man.0ee1265a23debfa1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

What did he say when he saw Sihyeon? ‘Damn, are you the nephew?’ or was it just ‘Damn, screw you, kid’…e46d7ebe841f3b50

Lost in thought, 1ac92c1b40 he was staring 5761482bb0 blankly at the ebdcf539ff cigarette smoke when b660f40a6f the assistant director 004f8956c2 suddenly asked,39992d34d8087e0c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

‘When is Eunseo coming?’5da97b581c76b931

‘What?’7d545e429379e30e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘Eunseo.’5c72d46b45692208

‘Oh, I don’t know. I haven’t been in touch lately.’af555083384bdb81

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Really? She was practically your manager. You don’t contact her anymore?’316fb35023583c83

‘Yes…’86eab5da534eb1f2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

His heart skipped a beat at the mention of Eunseo possibly coming. He felt he didn’t have the courage to see her. Deciding to leave before she arrived, he said goodbye and quickly left the room. The existence of Cha Eunseo was a complex area he couldn’t easily judge.574726d6e33c3fa8

He met Eunseo one autumn. It was when he was in his first year of high school, after his grandmother passed away and he ended up living alone with his uncle, back when he was not Ryu Sihyeon, but Ryu Seongwoo. It hadn’t been long since he transferred, but he often skipped school. When his uncle was home, instead of going to school, he had to endure beatings and look after him.d1eef834dc371f17

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

One day, luckily, he 80c461a297 went to school. A girl in a2349b1a60 his class brought c078e7eeb0 a Sunbae. That Sunbae was a 2829dfe03d confident, pretty person. Such a 73842075c1 presence suddenly 34ce59861c appearing made 1f5ce3a8dc him feel 9dfec62cbb intimidated.9c2e4a29a78c0619

‘Hello.’b49a68591c05a430

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

That was 8c7544b83b the first 474692c893 word.f2baf2a3d687f017

‘Hello.’3de903064741b7ed

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

‘I heard you’re a trainee somewhere. Is that right?’e2e6942a8633223c

‘Trainee?’ec765f0847d9d347

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He didn’t know what training she was talking about, but he wasn’t, so he answered no. The Sunbae looked at the girl next to her. The girl smiled awkwardly and explained, ‘I thought you were a trainee because you rarely came to school.’a1caafff0961e8ea

That was the first time he knew Cha Eunseo’s name and face. He didn’t know then, but she was a famous Sunbae known for being a former child actor, wealthy, and pretty.c1072dda83191cad

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Do you want to join the drama club? You have to choose a club anyway.’b84cd674bfe4e269

“I’ve never acted before.”29347f4c13f9102c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Eunseo gave a slight fd87909b67 smile. It was ad023c9ec9 a strange 9661ff5718 smile.94cdf9ed7d893a79

“First years can’t act even if they want to.”b5151356fbb43834

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Then why me?”9e0c7d3ff4a1efe3

“We need a face for the club. Also, a first-year transferred out, so there’s an empty spot.”ae58a1aa14c65f72

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Oh…”eaa9e43df45a0ad3

The reason didn’t make sense, but it wasn’t because he couldn’t agree. He didn’t come to school often anyway, and he had to work part-time, so it was obvious he would miss many sessions. So, there was no need to do it in the first place.2df5951f984e6439

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“What do you do after class?”684eb0f6bb7f53cd

As he was thinking about how to refuse, Eunseo asked. The timing was like saying, “I know what you’re thinking.”acc835c2f750837e

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I go to work.”fee7a84803e66e2f

“And on weekends?”5d0fb1aabee005ed

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“I go to the library sometimes.”de07a37a48d1858e

“Do you like reading?”4de737fd5fc4af90

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s just a way to pass time without spending money.”938ee7271bdb57e2

“Hmm… you don’t want to go home?”d35b71beacb45927

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Yes.”12b83e18e17a0fd0

“You’re honest.”157316b94e97f0ec

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Eunseo said with a 54cc968baf confident smile.f04274239e9e363d

“Just come out once. I need someone like you.”b76b1d8aa6961cde

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Eunseo said this and smiled prettily. Her tone, saying “I need you,” was very kind and gentle. He couldn’t refuse. It had been a long time since someone needed him. In fact, he couldn’t remember if there had ever been a time like that.70be584eb7a2b8f0

“Ah, yes. If you want…”b5df7d0b9bb1361e

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He was always f9ea6ef65d like that, but 967d77a672 he especially craved 2aafb900eb kindness at that 569d887b39 time.13a28cfcaff4efa8

✦✦✦4fb095a082f63d8a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

In the car heading to the hospital. Sihyeon was silently looking out the window. From one earphone, Ravel’s piano piece flowed quietly. The swaying melody didn’t match the sunny day. The day felt unrealistically clear.49820f4075297496

“I thought you were doing better these days. Did you have a bad dream?”51fbb340bdc7def9

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The manager asked, looking b0f0a1718f at the navigation guiding 69d1f789c1 to the hospital.b83083b609da32c9

“Yes.”f7ae0d78901c3f6e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

After hearing the news of Changhyeok’s death yesterday, his insomnia returned. Waking up every hour, having only bad dreams, left him in a daze.56edc12472bf06b8

“A young person in a car accident, it’s sad.”be25034ca5754583

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The manager 452c5234cb murmured softly.ec55f7fffd4f9192

The doctor he met 44b2a6f768 for counseling said the c121879707 same thing. And then added,b26b5f579014880f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Don’t blame yourself, thinking something especially unfortunate is happening to you, Sihyeon.”5876391a70369f9c

“I’m not. But I can’t sleep. I’m anxious.”9d2baa142e296d9d

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Was he a close friend?”eae651080613676f

“Yes, in a way. We hadn’t been close for long, but he was a good person.”27e0d6da21ed24df

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

After the filming of “Life and Death” ended, when he was alone and didn’t know what to do, Changhyeok helped a lot. He leaned on him quite a bit. No, not “a bit,” but “a lot,” maybe?97bbf39633fee6b2

“Changhyeok hyung was the only person who genuinely cared about me.”ac8314db713dd9b5

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Really?”6ddc9baa3d7494e3

“Yes. He introduced me to my current company. He also told me to go to the hospital…”4e96aee937e552b6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“He introduced you to me?”1ad348c19021c294

The doctor asked 9b470b65c2 with a light 6ff30290b6 smile.d7be32cee82dd6ed

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Yes. He was a good person.”bd330969151016a7

He really was a good person. But being a “good” person doesn’t necessarily mean others “like” you. Everyone pretended to like him… Today, it became clear. No one truly liked him. They all liked his talent and used it.33a6b5f63fc8ce72

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The cinematographer he saw earlier, the assistant director, the distribution company’s director, the company’s boss, all of them.f5236d871451dab5

As for Eunseo… he didn’t see her today, but if she came to the funeral, it wouldn’t be purely to pay her respects. Some people deal with others with pure goodwill, but Eunseo wasn’t one of them.f31c8eb4235324d4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

At first, he couldn’t tell. He was just touched that such a superior person treated him kindly rather than oppressing him.84e3eddf2d69d58c

Fall of d009ca2081 his first 5bde723100 year in c6f8ba2bda high school. Luckily, his uncle 004f893b2c was often away ea3ae83759 from home. So, he 61b2ee3489 could go c2fabdc76a to school c23ba3a29d more than ebbc299578 he thought fe84d01725 and did d79f9b1801 some activities cb71a64059 in the 9e318b4ebf drama club.519a383b04435b99

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Eunseo was the queen of the drama club. Except for the third-year students who barely came because of their studies, Eunseo, as a second-year, was in charge of everything. She decided the plays to be staged and even hired acting teachers. It felt great that such an amazing person cared about him. It was the only proof that Ryu Seongwoo’s life wasn’t miserable and trivial.549ac2dce8f1b794

“Eunseo, Seongwoo really has talent.”b7fac08437ef8ae3

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

One day, 6635ad3c17 the acting 67ff9be69a teacher said 8685c3aa2c this.6932640dc79b4ab7

“His voice and mask are perfect for acting.”6b13da914f8d188b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Didn’t I tell you? I have an eye for talent. Seongwoo is good at imitating and observing. Did you see him last time? He perfectly copied oppa’s lines.”b091f9b9448344c7

Confused about whether it 105376ede2 was a compliment, Seongwoo 98e17d4b4d blinked. Eunseo smiled and said,c0425f725ecb47da

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You’re good.”48ccb1242b301f4d

The acting teacher nodded.059b6c0e53dd0f95

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Should we have him audition somewhere? What do you think, Seongwoo?”5e1d68a6eb6a1abb

The teacher looked d27b4c4927 at him and 4f6c78da13 asked, but Eunseo e191d96884 answered.4cc1df5e93194bd3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com