Top Star by Luck

Chapter 70

Screech!

An unpleasant hissing sound echoed through the open air of the studio.

It was because Bang Eun Young, an actress who was in the middle of filming, had suddenly stood up roughly from her chair.

With a sharp voice that felt like nails on a chalkboard, she complained.

“I told you to bring me water. Why don’t you listen? Do you think I’m a joke?”

As if they had been scolded for neglecting their duty, the staff looked around nervously at each other with pale faces.

It wasn’t because they were scared.

It was more like, how should one describe it?

‘Oh no, why is she throwing another tantrum?’

It was more like they were sharing their annoyance.

Perhaps not liking those gazes, Bang Eun Young raised her voice even higher, almost a half-octave louder, shouting.

“Can’t you hear me right now?!”

At that moment, someone walked out with a gentle smile.

“Miss Bang, is there a problem? Did one of our staff make a mistake?”

It was Director Kwon Ye Rin.

Not just any director, but the person in charge of the entire production, she had stepped forward.

“Would you mind telling me what happened?”

As the person in charge appeared, Bang Eun Young glanced her up and down as if she were evaluating her.

Then, with a voice full of anger, she said.

“I told the staff earlier. During filming, my throat gets dry often, so I told them to always have a bottle of water ready.”

“Ah, I see. It seems our staff forgot.”

“Yes, I’ve mentioned it several times, but I don’t know why they keep ignoring me.”

Strictly speaking, her complaint was somewhat unreasonable.

If she needed water, she could easily get it herself.

After all, she wasn’t their boss.

At most, she could ask them politely, but she had no right to order them around.

It was clearly an overstep.

However…

“Oh, I see. There have been a lot of things happening on set today, and it seems we made a mistake in the confusion. Miss Bang, I apologize on behalf of our staff.”

Director Kwon Ye Rin remained calm, maintaining a submissive tone.

She treated Bang Eun Young almost like a prestigious customer at a luxury department store.

Why, though?

These two weren’t in a superior-subordinate relationship, so why did she feel the need to bow her head?

The reason was quite simple.

‘Hold on. The one standing before me isn’t a person, it’s an orangutan. When an orangutan screams in its cage, no one screams back.’

It was easier to just yield and move on.

‘Bang Eun Young really acts like she owns the place. Just as the rumors say.’

She had a notorious reputation.

It was common knowledge that she often caused trouble on set.

She was one of those celebrities with a serious case of what people call “celebrity syndrome.”

Even so, they were bowing their heads willingly because she was clearly the key figure in this advertisement.

Bang Eun Young was barely known to the public.

But without her, the project would have to start all over again from the planning stage.

If such a situation occurred, how would the advertisers react?

‘Oh my! What a difficult situation for you,’ would they sympathize?

‘No, of course, they would only look at the results.’

In other words, the studio would be labeled as incompetent for failing to handle a model’s whims, causing delays.

So, it wasn’t because they feared her.

It was because dealing with her was just dirty work they wanted to avoid.

‘Endure it, Ye Rin. You’ve managed well so far, haven’t you? You’ve dealt with worse power trips before.’

If catering to this one person’s whims meant the project could finish smoothly, it would be worth it.

Director Kwon Ye Rin comforted herself with that thought, swallowing her frustration.

‘Ugh, this is annoying.’

But it was still frustrating.

This was why she disliked working with rookies.

There were so many of them suffering from “celebrity syndrome,” acting worse than top-tier actors.

How could anyone enjoy working with rookies when they had to put up with this kind of arrogance almost weekly?

It was almost amazing that Writer Na still enjoyed working with celebrities.

‘Still, just endure.’

With Director Kwon Ye Rin keeping her polite smile, perhaps the situation became too awkward for Bang Eun Young to push further.

“Hmph.”

Bang Eun Young frowned slightly and muttered.

“Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“Thank you. Young-hoo, did you hear that? Please bring a new bottle of water from the break room for Miss Bang.”

“Y-yes!”

The tense atmosphere, which had been on the verge of exploding, instantly calmed down thanks to the director’s intervention.

But it was only the beginning.

Bang Eun Young’s tantrum, once ignited, didn’t seem to show any signs of stopping.

“The lights are too bright. Didn’t I tell you this earlier?”

“They’re positioned like that because it’s necessary…”

“I don’t care. I can’t open my eyes!”

She then started complaining about the lighting.

“I almost got hurt just now.”

She criticized the placement of props.

“Can’t you see I’m sweating? What’s the point of having an air conditioner?”

“We’ll lower the temperature right away.”

She even went as far as to complain about the temperature on set.

Bang Eun Young’s power trip was meticulous and relentless, covering every minor detail.

Even Lee Min Ki, who was watching the scene from a distance, couldn’t help but be impressed.

‘Wow, she’s something else. No wonder she’s famous for this.’

It was astonishing.

Who was Bang Eun Young, after all?

Even Lee Min Ki had heard of her name.

In the near future, if anyone in the entertainment industry were to mention someone with “celebrity syndrome,” she would be at the top of the list.

[Bang Eun Young apologizes for power trip during CF shoot, exposes scandals]

[Announces plans to reflect and take time off]

She was infamous.

There were plenty of celebrities with terrible personalities.

A manager assault or noise complaints wouldn’t even make the headlines.

Considering that, even ordinary power trips wouldn’t make much of a stir, but Bang Eun Young had managed to stand out.

[Bang Eun Young (Actress) / Incidents & Controversies / 8.1. Power Trip]

Among all the similar Roland gorillas, she had claimed the title of the silverback.

So, Lee Min Ki had been curious about whether he would ever witness her legendary power trip in person, and now, he was seeing it unfold right in front of him.

It was fascinating.

‘Wow, she’s still a rookie only playing supporting roles in dramas, yet she’s already like this?’

To become the symbol of power trips, you had to be at least this level.

No wonder even in this field, experts stood out.

He recalled hearing that she had a relative who was a producer at a small broadcasting station.

That’s why she had grown up spoiled.

‘Wait, is she already this famous?’

Just to be sure, Lee Min Ki sent a message to Manager Park Han-mo.

[Manager, do you know an actress named Bang Eun Young?]

As soon as the message was sent, the number “1” indicating an unread message disappeared.

Kak! Thump!

‘That was quick!’

Not even 10 seconds had passed when the response arrived.

[Manager: Are you with her right now?]

[Me: Yes, I’m at the studio visit. She’s filming right now.]

[Manager: Avoid her.]

[Manager: Don’t talk to her.]

[Manager: Don’t even make eye contact.]

“…”

What was this?

Just as Lee Min Ki was about to ask why, another message popped up.

[Kang Ah-sung: LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL]

It was from Kim Ah-sung, his trainer.

Not even from Manager Park Han-mo, but from Trainer Kim Ah-sung.

It was unexpected, but apparently, the two of them were together.

As Lee Min Ki re-read the messages, he let out a small sigh.

‘How is she even perceived among people in the industry?’

She’s just a second-year rookie.

Even during this period of relative obscurity, she was already like this. How far would her notoriety spread once she became famous with a few more projects?

Would it extend to the stratosphere, breaking through into space?

‘Considering her career so far, she’s probably just barely making a living as an actress. Where does she get that confidence?’

If she made a scene on set and rumors spread, wouldn’t her work dry up unless she became really famous?

Luckily, she would become famous later on.

But how could she be so bold when she was still relatively unknown?

‘It’s impressive.’

I should make sure not to act like that.

If I ever become famous in the industry, I want to be known as a kind person.

As Lee Min Ki observed her with the expression of someone watching a gorilla in a zoo, something happened.

“Hey, you.”

Bang Eun Young finally aimed her next attack at him.

“Who is that person over there, sneaking glances at me? With such lewd eyes.”

“Excuse me?”

“And he was fiddling with his phone earlier. Is he secretly filming me?”

The sudden accusation made Director Kwon Ye Rin’s head spin.

‘Ah, this is going to be a mess.’

* * *

With the situation spiraling out of control, Lee Min Ki said his first words.

“Me? Are you talking about me?”

He was trying to confirm.

You

never know.

It could be a case of mistaken identity.

Maybe someone else had actually done something suspicious.

But that hope was meaningless. Bang Eun Young responded with a voice full of contempt.

“Who else would I be talking about? The one wearing a mask and a hat. You were secretly filming me, weren’t you?”

“Me?”

“Don’t play dumb. You’re dressed suspiciously too.”

“…”

Lee Min Ki’s eye twitched slightly.

‘Wow, is this really happening?’

It seemed that Bang Eun Young hadn’t recognized his identity yet.

It wasn’t her fault.

He was sitting in a shadowy corner of the studio, wearing a hoodie, a baseball cap pulled low over his head, and even a mask covering his face.

All of it was meant to avoid drawing attention.

If someone recognized him, it would be uncomfortable for both parties.

‘This situation is getting complicated.’

It looked like she thought he was some sort of paparazzi sneaking around the set.

‘What a ridiculous day.’

Lee Min Ki sighed inwardly.

If anything, he was the one who usually got photographed, not the one doing the photographing.

‘What did she see to suspect me? Is she upset because I took out my phone earlier?’

He hadn’t been taking pictures of Bang Eun Young.

He had only taken a picture of the peculiar lighting setup so that he could ask Director Kwon Ye Rin about it later.

In fact, Bang Eun Young’s face or even her shadow hadn’t appeared in the photo.

‘I guess I’m not always lucky.’

Luck was a strange thing.

It could feel like you had it, but when you didn’t, you really didn’t.

Like when he missed the bus this morning.

Although, that bus had ended up breaking down and the passengers had to get off while it was taken to the repair shop.

Unaware of that, Lee Min Ki sighed deeply, which only made Bang Eun Young frown more.

She turned to Director Kwon Ye Rin and asked.

“Is that person part of the staff?”

“He’s an actor who’s here for a studio visit. Miss Bang, this is not the place to—”

“A studio visit? An actor? Well, aren’t I lucky.”

At that moment, Bang Eun Young stormed out of the makeshift set.

She stomped toward Lee Min Ki with determined steps, the sound of her footsteps echoing sharply.

‘Is she coming to pick a fight with me?’

Just as she reached right in front of him…

“Who are you?”

“Well…”

Lee Min Ki pulled down his mask.

“…”

It took only 0.3 seconds for the thin piece of fabric to drop from his face.

Bang Eun Young’s face instantly went pale.

“…”

“Um, did I perhaps do something wrong?”

Lee Min Ki asked again.

But still, no answer.

“Miss Bang, could you please respond?”

“…”

There was still no reply.

Bang Eun Young stood frozen in place, her eyes trembling uncontrollably as she stared at him.

‘Lee Min Ki?’

Who was Lee Min Ki?

Among the recent newcomers, he was arguably at the top in terms of rising fame.

From his very first role, he had garnered attention as a supporting actor.

Then, he had proven his abilities in a thriller film, and even a seemingly insignificant supplement commercial had gained attention thanks to him.

Recently, with Café del Dia, he had solidified his place as a rising star.

He was a rocket.

The speed at which he was rising was like a rocket.

In just one year, he had filmed three projects and soared to fame like a three-stage rocket.

Among fellow rookies, many considered him a role model, aspiring to become like him.

But even so, he was just a rookie.

A successful rookie, yes.

But for someone like Bang Eun Young, who suffered from “celebrity syndrome,” it was as if she were facing a monster who had outpaced her in every way possible.

And then…

There was one more critical reason.

‘Isn’t he the nephew of his agency’s CEO?’

A persistent rumor had been circulating.

Because of Lee Min Ki’s mysterious pre-debut background and his rapid rise after his debut in Campus Story, a rumor had started among the talkative rookies in the industry.

[He’s the CEO’s nephew.]

[He’s the third generation of a chaebol family.]

[He’s the hidden son of a famous actor.]

[He’s the son of a high-ranking official at the broadcasting station.]

[He’s friends with a pharmaceutical company’s heir.]

All of it was lies or exaggerations.

However, there was one key piece of evidence that fueled these rumors.

[You know that actor who got into an argument with Lee Min Ki on Campus Story, right? Not Park Tae-kyun… but Park Tae-gyeon? He hasn’t appeared in a single project since.]

The rumor claimed that Park Tae-gyeon had been blacklisted by Lee Min Ki, preventing him from getting any work.

Of course, that was also just a rumor.

Park Tae-gyeon was simply too busy wasting his life away to focus on his career.

He had nothing to do with Lee Min Ki.

But regardless, the rumors had grown like a snowball, and Lee Min Ki was now regarded as an almost mythical figure in the industry.

The moment Bang Eun Young realized that she had insulted such a person…

‘What did I just say?’

The color drained from her face as dizziness swept over her.

Suddenly, she snapped back to reality.

The studio, where she had reigned like a queen just moments ago, now felt as cold as a dark alley at night.

“Miss Bang.”

With an awkward smile, Lee Min Ki spoke again.

“Could you please tell me if I’ve done something wrong?”

He genuinely didn’t know and was asking earnestly.

However, to Bang Eun Young, his voice sounded like the grim reaper calling her.

“Th-the camera…”

“Ah, I see. You misunderstood because of the camera. I was just checking the lighting. Would you like to see my gallery?”

Lee Min Ki smiled even more warmly, trying to reassure her.

There’s an old saying: you can’t spit on a smiling face.

Having grown up with constant criticism, Lee Min Ki had learned to defuse situations by smiling whenever misunderstandings arose.

Thanks to his naturally gentle face, it usually worked well.

But this time, it was the wrong choice.

To Bang Eun Young, that smile looked like the sneer of a cruel superior.

[The world’s a nice place, isn’t it?]

She felt as if she could hear words that he hadn’t even spoken.

His expression said it all.

Shivering, Bang Eun Young stammered.

“I-it’s fine…”

“I don’t want to be misunderstood as a criminal. If you’re really uncomfortable, it’s best to clear this up, don’t you think? Here, take a look. Please, feel free.”

Lee Min Ki handed her his phone.

‘Huh?’

Bang Eun Young took it with both hands, trembling like a child holding a bomb, unable to move.

She nervously glanced around the studio.

But everyone was looking at her with the same expression.

‘Why did she freeze up?’

‘Is this that thing? Strong against the weak, weak against the strong.’

‘Serves her right.’

‘Does Lee Min Ki have some kind of power here?’

They all wondered why the person who had been so power-hungry earlier was now cowering in front of him.

Strictly speaking, Bang Eun Young wasn’t in a position to power trip anyone.

She was more like a dog with a dirty reputation.

And Lee Min Ki, as it turned out, was the perfect antidote.

That was all there was to it.

‘Wow, this is interesting.’

It had been 40 minutes since the shoot with Bang Eun Young started.

For the first time, Director Kwon Ye Rin let out a genuine smile.

‘Min Ki, you’re full of surprises. You’ve been so polite, but you’re really sharp when you need to be.’

That wasn’t true.

Lee Min Ki wasn’t thinking that deeply about it.

But to the others on set, it sure seemed that way.

Meanwhile, there was another person grinning widely at the scene.

‘This is it.’

One person.

Someone who had coincidentally visited the studio suddenly had an epiphany.

And then…

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? For what?”

“For suspecting you…”

“You’re suspicious?”

“I won’t do that again.”

“Do what?”

“Um… I mean… I won’t doubt people like that…”

“Why not? People can be suspicious.”

On the other hand, Bang Eun Young was trying to handle Lee Min Ki’s kindness but was on the verge of tears.