Zeno knew this.
He was definitely getting picked on. He wasn’t a stranger to work culture since he had undergone so many professions.
It was when those with seniority imposed their authority over the younger ones. It wasn’t because they were genuinely interested but because they wanted to make fun of them.
With that, Zeno held out a hand.
“I refuse,” he said.
Both the extras and main actors turned to him with wide eyes.
Did he just refuse THE Hyunbin Lee?
Hyunbin’s cheeks slightly reddened, but he didn’t want to appear flustered, so he chuckled.
“Oh, young actors are not as passionate these days, it seems. Back then, when our seniors asked us to act in front of them, we would do so in a heartbeat.”
“Ah,” Zeno muttered. He finally realized what this was all about.
A person who suffered from a harsh working environment wanted to continue the cycle of harshness. He wasn’t one who learned from his senior’s mistakes but instead inculcated them for the new generation to experience.
“You see, sir, the times have changed,” Zeno said as politely as he could. “I cannot bust out a scene at this moment when we’re not even on set.”
Hyunbin couldn’t hide his annoyance now. His face twisted to that of mild anger, and Ian noticed it instantly.
He patted Zeno’s shoulder. “Mr. Hyunbin is just looking to have fun,” he chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
Even at that moment, Zeno found the A-list actor dazzling.
“He also asked the other actors and me to do it,” Ian added, trying to lighten the atmosphere. “Why don’t you do it for fun, huh?”
Zeno pursed his lips. “You are different from me,” he said.
With those few words alone, the other actors began finding Zeno inflexible.
“Why can’t he just do it?”
“Ah, he is annoying. I liked him in that drama, too.”
“He’s going against two A-list actors? What a snob.”
“If you excuse me then,” Zeno said, walking past them. “I’m going to check the filming site.”
With that, he started walking away, with the other actors burning holes in his back.
He whistled softly as he walked out of the hotel. He could feel their stares, of course, but that was his honest opinion! If they all heeded to such a request, who was going to break the cycle?
Zeno sighed. “I’m helping way too many humans for this particular mission,” he muttered.
Meanwhile, Hyunbin Lee began storming away, feeling humiliated after Zeno had rejected him.
In truth, he wanted to see what the fuss about this new actor was all about that even Man-shik PD had called him perfect.
And, of course, he had worked hard to gain his reputation in the industry. When he was younger, he had to suck up to so many of his seniors just so he could get the slightest of opportunities.
Just then, he felt a hand on his shoulder, massaging him firmly. “Maybe he just wasn’t in the mood, senior,” Ian said with a soft smile.
Hyunbin clicked his tongue and slightly turned back.
“Those kinds of actors,” he muttered, “are the ones who will never succeed.”
***
Meanwhile, Zeno strolled around their filming site. It was quite a beautiful place, with white sand sprawling through the entire area. In the middle was what seemed to be a newly built mansion. Looking at it closely, it seemed to be built by substandard products.
Then, as he continued his journey, he saw the island’s signage.
“Disaster island,” he muttered. So, it seemed they were on an island designated for scenes like this.
Just then, while he continued with his ocular survey, Zeno came across a familiar person.
Jiho, the assistant director, was speaking nervously on the phone, pacing back and forth like someone had lit a fire in his ass.
“You can’t come on time?” he exclaimed. “But you’re already delayed as it is!”
He continued pacing back and forth. “Chaewon PD is already in a bad mood because the firefighters who arrived are only half of what we expected. I don’t want to add to it.”
Jiho then let out a deep breath. “Your presence is important to the set because there might be accidents—”
“I know, I know! We made sure to safeguard everything, but we’re not entirely sure. Anyway, can you come by before sunset? We already have some first-aiders here, but your presence would be appreciated.”
The person on the other line said something that made Jiho sigh in relief.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll get the boat ready for when you arrive. For now, we will continue with filming. We only have until Sunday to film all of the scenes.”
With that, he turned off the call, running his fingers through his hair.
“Are the doctors unable to come?”
“Ahh!” Jiho screamed and fell to the sand, his eyes so wide they nearly popped out of their sockets. “What are you doing here? How long have you been standing there?”
“I was walking around. For a while now,” Zeno honestly responded.
Jiho sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose. “Well, get going. The other actors are already getting ready.”
“Answer my question first,” he said. “Are the doctors unable to come?”
Jiho raised one eyebrow. “Do not worry about it. Just do your part. Actors shouldn’t concern themselves with this stuff.”
Zeno pursed his lips. “The movie being produced is centered around medical disasters. This particular one involves the use of real fire, and with one wrong move, something bad might happen. I believe it is your responsibility to ensure that everything goes safe for all of the actors and staff.”
Jiho’s brows furrowed. “O-ho,” he scoffed. “You think you know much better than me now? I have checked this place over and over again. I have also experienced filming here for another movie. Is this your first time?”
“Yes,” Zeno truthfully answered.
Jiho chuckled in disbelief. “And yet, you have the audacity to suggest such things. The doctors are only coming here for formality purposes. Nothing bad is going to happen. Besides, the first-aiders are here.”
“It’s in their name,” Zeno deadpanned. “They provide first-aid. They cannot handle complicated situations. And how certain are you that nothing bad is going to happen?”
Jiho was taken aback. He sighed in frustration. “Ah, seriously. This is why I hate working with newbies. You talk like you know everything, but kid, I have lived a longer life than you.”
‘I highly doubt that,’ Zeno thought.
“Anyway, go away,” Jiho grumbled. “You know nothing.”