The murmurs around the set grew more contained but no less reverent as two figures stepped past the entrance gates—one calm and distinguished, the other bouncing with energy.
Sangwon Lee, Desperate #41, was instantly recognizable. Aged gracefully into his fifties, he was one of the actors in the Imperial Class known to bridge three generations of stars.
He had started acting in his teens and built a career with his acting skills. Although marred by a cheating scandal in 2016 that led to his divorce and a public hiatus, he returned, earning worldwide recognition for his lead role in The Ninth Circle.
His portrayal of a tormented anti-hero had made headlines globally—and somehow, the scandal that once threatened to bury him only deepened the public’s fascination with his charisma.
Walking beside him was a different type of legend—Victor PD, the show’s main director. They said he wasn’t born into prestige. The story went that he grew up in a cramped one-room apartment with a broken fan and six siblings.
He clawed his way through student loans and bad pitches and even fell into debt once. But he believed in storytelling. And he believed in this show, fighting for its plot when no one else did.
That was one of the best decisions he had made in his life because it propelled him to his current success.
Zeno watched as they headed straight toward them, bypassing the extras, not even bothering to give them as much as a glance.
“Good morning, everyone,” Victor greeted, his smile bright and teeth perfect.
‘He has veneers,’ Zeno thought. As much as he was all for humans doing what they wanted to their bodies, his veneers looked like piano keys and didn’t really match his face.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you all in person,” Victor continued.
“I wasn’t as present in the recruitment process because I was busy,” he trailed off.
“However, I’ve been watching your reels, your projects, even your audition tapes, and I believe you will be the key to another successful season.”
He offered a firm handshake to Shin, then Sora, and a warm clasp on Billy’s shoulder.
“Oh, Misha,” he exclaimed. “I’m a big fan of your previous show.”
Then, he reached Zeno, his eyes lighting up with more enthusiasm.
“I watched your shows,” Victor said with a smile. “Lucy’s Game. The Forsaken Prince. You were very good.”
Zeno nodded politely, but Victor’s next words made him glance up for a moment longer.
“I’m glad Devon managed to cast you,” he added, turning briefly to the assistant director, who was fiddling with a clipboard at the side. “Smart of him.”
Zeno took Victor’s hand and gave it a brief but firm shake. His fingers tightened around the director’s palm just slightly.
[Mission Success: Reconnect with someone from your past]
[Item Attained: Fluidity. Makes movement easier for one hour. Best used for action scenes.]
A faint sound echoed in Zeno’s head.
He didn’t show it, only shaking Victor’s hand professionally.
So, he was right. He had to meet someone from his past as 25. Not from Zeno’s.
He began wondering if there was an alternate reason for his system.
Perhaps something bigger than what he was originally trying to fight.
However, before he could dwell deeper on it, a flashback entered his mind.
FOURTEEN YEARS AGO
Twelve-year-old Sanjae rolled his new wheelchair toward the door. His mother had been in the kitchen, unpacking some groceries and humming to herself, when the knock echoed through the hallway.
“Open it for me, honey!” she called.
“Okay!” Sanjae turned his chair. The new model had smoother handles and rubberized wheels that made movement silent.
He reached the door and opened it, only to freeze.
Standing there, shoulders slouched, was a man in a wrinkled coat and old sneakers.
“Uncle Boomin?”
Boomin looked like he hadn’t slept, hair mussed and eyes tired—but when he saw Sanjae, a smile spread across his face.
“Look at you,” he said, ruffling Sanjae’s hair. “You’ve gotten even taller… well, sort of.” His eyes flicked down at the wheelchair, but he didn’t mention it.
“Where’s your mom?”
Sanjae pointed. “Kitchen.”
A few moments later, his mother appeared, and her face fell slightly at the sight of her brother-in-law.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, wiping her hands on a towel. “Didn’t you say your movie’s going well after selling the apartment?”
Boomin scratched the back of his head. “It didn’t work out. Other investors backed out at the last second, so we couldn’t continue.”
A deep sigh escaped his lips. “So, just for a few nights, let me stay here. I’ll find something soon.”
She sighed, torn between frustration and sympathy. “I’ll call your brother.”
Sanjae watched the scene in silence, absorbing it like he always did. Then Boomin knelt beside him.
“Nice wheels,” he said, tapping the wheelchair.
Sanjae nodded. “It’s new.”
“I’ll be staying here for a bit, okay?”
“Okay.”
BACK IN THE PRESENT
The man who had once slept on his family’s sofa now stood in front of a million-dollar cast and crew. But despite the new clothes and professional polish, his smile was the same.
Victor turned back to Zeno once more. “You’re even more handsome in real life,” he said.
Zeno bowed stiffly, lips pressed into a neutral line.
Victor didn’t seem to mind the coldness. At least, that was what it looked like.
“I’m really looking forward to working with all of you. I hope we can build a strong team. No drama, just good work. I believe in keeping things professional.”
“Anyway, we have a snacks corner at the east wing. You can grab anything there. We also have a lounge for all of you with unlimited coffee and water.”
“These are all free,” he smirked. “We ought to take care of our cast much better this time.”
“Finally,” Sangwon smiled. “This is already much better than the last season.”
Zeno watched quietly as the others joined the casual conversation. However, his gaze was fixed on Victor for a second longer than necessary before turning away.
[New Mission Unlocked: Compounding Mission]
[This person from your past… You must find closure with them.]
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