Chapter 53: Acting Coy.

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Mingyan felt that Ji-won was deliberately seeking revenge. However, the elder sister didn’t give him a chance to confront her and simply turned around to rest. Mingyan didn’t want to be too blunt and confrontational; that would only put him at a disadvantage. Damn it, who would have thought that acting would require analyzing an ex-girlfriend’s psychological state? Usually, he only worked with his current girlfriend, so this was his first time co-starring with an ex.

“Mingyan, you were amazing just now,” Guo Dong-yeon gave him a thumbs-up. Although he had debuted earlier, he realized there was still so much to learn. “I hope we get to work together again,” Mingyan said politely. The Korean entertainment circle was small; who knew when they might collaborate again? Making a good impression was crucial. They exchanged contact information—this was how networks were slowly built.

“Sss…” Mingyan grinned as he returned to his resting area and plopped down. Ji-won’s elbow had been quite forceful, and it probably carried some personal grudges. Jung Won-ryong came over, concerned. “Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

“Mingyan, you saw that, right?”

“No, I saw nothing.”

Jung Won-ryong could tell from Mingyan’s strong voice that he was fine. Whether Ji-won’s actions were intentional revenge was beyond his concern. The couple had their own issues; who knew when they might reconcile. Outsiders meddling would only cause trouble. Mingyan shook his head while loosening his shoulders. Truly, morals were declining, and people’s hearts weren’t like before.

...

Ji-won was in a good mood. She tried to avoid private contact with that guy, partly because of Jung Soo-jung’s advice and partly because she didn’t know what to say. Filming a drama took months; she had time to think. Yet, whenever she recalled Mingyan’s hesitant expression during their scenes, a slight smile involuntarily curved her lips, as if reminded of his foolish attempts to woo her before.

Mingyan was the kind of person who, no matter how many relationships he had, would always be sincere and passionate in the next one. The biggest question was how long that sincerity and passion would last—maybe three or five days, maybe a year or two.

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While contemplating the script at home, Ji-won secretly practiced a special move, waiting to surprise someone. She was sure he would take the bait. Jung Soo-jung was right—since Mingyan had ended things, it meant there was a problem between them. Now, she needed to use little tricks to rekindle his interest bit by bit.

“I still have many things you don’t know, little brother~”

...

The next morning, Mingyan got up early to prepare for filming. Today’s scene involved Choi Ae-ra, after breaking up, pretending to be calm as she changed clothes to attend a wedding, coincidentally bumping into the male lead as he left.

“Ara, your blue suit looks great on you.”

Before shooting, Mingyan held the script and rehearsed lines with Ji-won. She didn’t refuse professional requests but started giving him the cold shoulder in private. Mingyan planned to try discussing the script at night next time; he was quite skilled at making scripts come alive after dark. He wondered if Ji-won would agree.

“These are filming clothes, Mingyan-ssi. I think you should focus more on the script,” Ji-won said with an expression as calm as still water, revealing nothing of her thoughts.

Mingyan looked innocent. “I’m genuinely complimenting you.”

“So what clothes don’t look good on me?”

“Your bear pajamas and toe socks,” Mingyan recalled seriously. “That yellow floral dress was actually nice. You haven’t thrown it away yet, right?”

Having spent nearly a year with Ji-won, Mingyan knew her casual style well. To be honest, among the girls he knew, Ji-won’s fashion sense was somewhat outdated, comparable to Kim Ji-soo’s—both had quirky tastes.

“Ah, stop it,” Ji-won quickly interrupted.

She had bought sexy pajamas and lingerie, but he had broken up with her—who was she wearing them for? Heartless bastard. Her bear pajamas were obviously cute!

Suddenly, Mingyan raised his hand and blocked Ji-won’s forehead, startling her back a step. “What are you doing?”

When they were still dating, he loved to touch her head.

Kim Min-seong: Seems like the uncle has this habit.

“Ara, I’m just fixing your bangs; they’re messy,” Mingyan said naturally as he gently smoothed her hair near her forehead.

“Oh, okay.”

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Ji-won felt her cheeks flush. The defense she had been proud of—avoiding long private contact with Mingyan—didn’t seem as impenetrable as she had boasted. As the biggest shipper of the lead couple, Kim Na-jing nodded quietly when she saw the interaction between Mingyan and Ji-won. Good, exactly the vibe we want.

...

“Dear, could you please throw away this trash?”

Ji-won—or rather, Choi Ae-ra—said this to Mingyan.

“If you call me ‘dear’ one more time, I’ll…” Mingyan made a punching gesture, but secretly he was enjoying it. Their roles in the drama had reversed.

Ji-won maintained a smile. “Got it, dear, hurry up.”

Damn it, if only the lines were reversed.

Next came the most crucial part, the essence of the entire drama.

Mingyan and Ji-won walked side by side along a narrow path. If not for the many cameras around them, it really looked like two lovers enjoying a quiet stroll. They used to love walking in secluded places, savoring the rare tranquility.

“How did you manage to transform yourself so completely in just an hour?”

“Do you really think I’m pretty?” Ji-won struck an exaggerated pose and ran her fingers through her hair twice. “I’m not pretending to be pretty; I’m naturally beautiful~ Everyone sees this as pretty, and Ae-ra feels so bad about it. Hmph, hmph~”

She had practiced this coquettish manner alone many times, each time needing to stare at the ceiling for a while to regain energy. It was too embarrassing.

According to the script, Mingyan’s character, Go Dong-wan, should have given Choi Ae-ra a swift chokehold by now, but he just stared at Ji-won without moving.

“It’s time for your lines,” Ji-won reminded him, trying not to move her lips.

“Sorry, director, I forgot my lines just now.”