In the entertainment industry, once casting directors from different companies learn about the existence of probable talent, they transform into the human versions of piranhas.
“Zeno Han? He recently got discharged from the military. Unremarkable past. No bullying incident. Just a completely ordinary man with an exceptional talent for acting. He would be a great addition to our roster of actors,” said a scout from Infinite Entertainment.
“I suggest we take him in. He does not have any previous works, so the signing fee would be less than anticipated,” another scout from EverGreen Entertainment, otherwise known as EG, said to his team.
“Maybe, we can turn him into an idol,” Jay of Phoenix Entertainment said as he rewatched Zeno’s scene over and over again.
Meanwhile, Moonrise Media, the second most famous acting entertainment company in Korea, housing some of the most legendary actors such as Ian Seo, Hyunbin Lee, Junjun Park, and Eunwoo Nam, held a meeting with its scouts.
“Is it worth it?” Joohyuk, the casting director, asked.
“Well, he currently has a fan club of around 8,000 people on Sigmoid—and that’s only from a single extra role on ‘Broken Chains of Justice,'” another scout answered.
“But it’s ‘Broken Chains of Justice.’ It’s a good drama to start with.”
“That is true,” Joohyuk said. “But none of the extras had the same amount of impact as him.”
“What do you think, sir?” an intern asked. “You’re the one who can truly gauge his star quality.”
Joohyuk thought for a while, placing his finger under his chin. “I say we take him in.”
Of course, smaller companies were more excited. An unknown actor with decent acting skills and existing popularity? That was an avenue for exploitation!
“We don’t have his contact number, sir. He also doesn’t have any social media presence,” a scout said to the CEO of Continuous Dominance Entertainment.
“Find it at all costs! We need to sign him before anybody else does!”
Dreamy Entertainment, a near-bankrupt company with the most ambitious CEO, called his confidant and manager of all artists, Moby, for the opportunity to scout Zeno Han.
“He probably won’t sign with us,” Moby sighed. “Jace’s last project failed, so we don’t have a signing fee to offer.”
Bobby, the CEO, stood from his seat with a stern gaze. “Let’s break into the trust fund.”
“That’s for your child, sir!”
Meanwhile, the man they were talking about was gearing up for his new work.
“What?” Doha exclaimed. Minji had gone to work while Eli had gone to school, so only the two of them were left in Zeno’s unit. “You’re going to become a farmer?”
“I have a farming job, yes,” Zeno said, placing a straw hat on. For some reason, Doha had one lying around.
“Since when?” Doha asked.
“Since yesterday. They were surprised that a young man applied and hired me right away.”
“How can you take on a farming job when you’re the talk of the town? Have you seen the people on Sigmoid? They’re looking for you!”
Zeno pursed his lips. Of course, he knew. He couldn’t go back to Avalis because of their support.
Then, he glanced at the wall clock. “I need to go,” he said, ignoring Doha’s question. “Take care of the demon while I’m gone.”
Maxie growled in response.
Doha, on the other hand, looked at Zeno’s silhouette with sparkling eyes. “A man who wants to do hard labor. So cool!”
Zeno had finally arrived at the herb farm. On his way there, conversations about ‘Broken Chains of Justice’ greeted him.
“Have you found that Jinro guys’ social media yet?”
“No! He seems invisible.”
Zeno pulled his hat down until he arrived at the gathering of old farmers.
“There he is!” an old man exclaimed as he saw Zeno. “He’s the guy that will be helping us for this season.”
“O-ho, he looks pretty young,” an old woman chimed. “How old are you?”
“24,” Zeno answered.
“This is a first!” another exclaimed. “We’ll be able to harvest more herbs with him around.”
“How efficient are you, young man?”
“Very efficient,” Zeno answered without hesitation. Jobs like this were a piece of cake for him.
Just then, an old woman went closer to him. She was shorter than him by a foot, so she settled right beneath Zeno and looked up, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized his face.
“You… look familiar,” she said. “Like the guy my granddaughter is currently obsessed with.”
Zeno stepped back. “I think you might be mistaken, madam. I am just a young man aspiring to be a farmer.”
“Hmm, but you really look like him. You’re pretty handsome, too.”
The last thing Zeno wanted was to be recognized in his new work. He was determined to regress here!
“Grandma Sook has escaped again! I think she forgot to take her meds,” the middle-aged man who hired him said, causing Zeno to sigh in relief.
“Now, young man. Let us talk about your pay.”
Zeno held up a hand. “I will not be taking any pay.”
“What do you mean? This is a job.”
Zeno shook his head. “It’s better you keep the money to improve the farm. I will help you for free.”
[-1 Job and Income. Free labor.]
[Notable meter: 12%]
Zeno smiled—a genuine one that made the old people look at him with admiration. The middle-aged man held onto his hand.
“You are a kind young man. We will never forget your generosity!”
“Everyone, give a hand to this young man for his kind heart.”
[+1 Public Perception. Applauded for having a kind heart.]
[Notable meter: 13%]
Zeno bit his lips in frustration. “You cannot be serious,” he muttered.