There were three disappointed actors in the room.
Selina, because she wasn’t cast as a doctor, but instead the spoiled daughter of the Governor.
Minseok, because he realized he was the sleazy boyfriend with only one line.
And Zeno, because he had the most lines out of all of them.
Jisoo was the only one happy with the situation—the most excited, too.
“When are we going to film this?” she asked.
“On Friday,” Chaewon PD responded.
Selina’s eyes widened. “This Friday?” she exclaimed.
Chaewon PD raised an eyebrow. “Why?” she asked. “You barely have any lines. Ian Seo also didn’t have plenty of time when we first started filming.”
That shut Selina up really quickly.
Zeno scanned through his script. It was the same scene he had portrayed during his audition.
There, he saw the character cues, making him internally curse. He had captured the essence of the character in the short scene. No wonder he was chosen.
He knew he wouldn’t have any problem memorizing the lines. In fact, just reading right now, he had already memorized half of it.
Meanwhile, Minseok still couldn’t believe it. “I think there might be a mistake,” he started off.
Insu frowned. “Where?” he asked. “That script had been proofread multiple times.”
“Not on the script itself, but with the casting,” Minseok chuckled. “Is it true that I’m the sleazy boyfriend and not Dr. Song?”
Chaewon PD sighed. “There are no mistakes made. End of discussion.”
She didn’t allow anyone to speak further as she had already begun explaining the process of the filming.
“Let me give you a brief overview,” she started off.
“Code Black is set in a dystopian world where the government has divided society. Those with money live inside the barrier with endless resources, while the poor are left to go outside. Most doctors were inside the barrier, but not Dr. Black,” she began.
“Dr. Black is a former elite surgeon who refused to serve the corrupt system and instead built a secret group of doctors dedicated to healing those abandoned by society. He recruits every doctor he encounters, and the two of you would be recruited the latest,” she said to Zeno and Jisoo.
Jisoo excitedly smiled as she glanced at Zeno, who was still focused on the script.
“When the Governor’s wife falls ill, he realizes only Dr. Black could save her. Therefore, he offers Dr. Black luxury in exchange for operating on his wife. Dr. Black refuses, though, and demands the barrier to be opened and the resources be shared.”
“As the Governor loves his wife very much, he follows through,” she said.
“We have filmed up until this part.”
Zeno nodded to himself. So, the climax was yet to come.
“However, the response isn’t as simple as the two of them had liked. Chaos ensues, of course, as people inside the barrier do not want to share their resources while those outside want to show their rage.”
“As a result, a massive riot breaks out and places their largest mansion on fire. This is where you come in,” she said, pointing at Selina. “You are with your sleazy boyfriend when this happens, and your life’s in jeopardy.”
Minseok pursed his lips. “I only have one line?” he asked.
Chaewon PD glared at him. “I told you, there are no mistakes with the script.”
“Now, we have opted for the scene to be filmed without any special effects,” she continued.
Zeno finally raised his head. “Which means the fire and explosions would be real?”
Chaewon PD nodded, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Zeno frowned. Why would they do that when the Earth has finally developed great technologies surrounding artificial intelligence? Ah, truly. These humans always wanted to place their lives in danger.
“Do not fret,” Jiho continued. “We have rented a private island where no civillian could be harmed. A team of doctors and firefighters are coming with us, too.”
Jisoo sighed in relief. “That’s alright, then.”
Selina, on the other hand, froze. She was a popular idol, but frankly, there were way too many popular idols in this era. However, those recognized for their acting skill were only a chosen few.
She didn’t want to be clustered in the majority, so she took this opportunity.
However, what was this? She was going to be stuck inside a fire?
“Jiho will send you the address of the island,” Chaewon PD continued. “We are also responsible for your airfare and accommodation.”
They nodded in agreement.
“Now, let us discuss your contracts,” she said, gesturing to Jiho to distribute another set of papers.
Minseok took it greedily, his eyes going straight to his pay. He was feeling bad because of his role, but seeing the money that came with it lifted his mood a bit.
As he glanced at Zeno, though, he couldn’t help but scowl. What was it that made Man-shik PD and Chaewon PD choose him? He was pretty ordinary, and his acting skills were still hard to decipher.
“It’s going to be a one-time-payment,” Chaewon PD explained, “so we also need your bank details. It shall be transferred on the day of the filming itself.”
“If you don’t have any other questions, go ahead and sign the contract.”
Jiho and Insu gave them pens to sign with.
Selina nodded and signed the contract without asking any questions. She already had a feeling this movie was going to hit it big, especially with Ian Seo, so even if her character wasn’t the most pleasant, she would do it.
“Thank you, PD,” Jisoo smiled, even bowing her head as she signed the contract.
Minseok even stood and bowed at a 90-degree angle. After that, he sat back down and signed the paper.
Chaewon turned to Zeno, who still appeared deep in thought. Then, he lifted his head, and the two of them met gazes.
Chaewon suddenly felt a strange sensation going up her spine. She usually wasn’t intimidated by anyone, especially new actors. However, the way Zeno looked at her made her feel unquestionable things.
“Before I sign the contract,” he started off, still looking into her eyes.
For some reason, although she felt intimidated, she couldn’t look away.
“The pay…”
“… can you give it to me now?”