The Script-Eating Actor – Chapter 81

Ch 81

The reason why traveling is enjoyable.

Isn’t it because you discover something new and unexpected?

The end of my journey.

I discovered two new ‘somethings’.

One is Ellani O’connor.

The other is news from Korea, from a faraway land.

Total production cost of 150 million Korean Won.

Break-even point is roughly 120,000 viewers.

If an independent film that isn’t even properly promoted is released in theaters, it often doesn’t even exceed 20% of the break-even point.

Because independent films aren’t a genre that attracts the attention of the general public.

No matter how famous the actor appearing in that film is.

No matter how many big awards they win at overseas film festivals and return home.

‘It looks boring, though?’

‘It’s an art film.’

‘There was a movie like that?’

The movie is taken down from theaters, with most people not even knowing it was released.

Of course, there are cases where it gains popularity through word-of-mouth belatedly and makes a comeback on VOD and DVD, or gets re-released in theaters, but these are very rare.

But , though small, created another miracle.

━ surpasses the break-even point! Currently at 132,000 viewers! Congratulations, Jae-hee!

A pleasant text message I received from Jae-ik Hyung just before arriving in Rome.

As I smiled while looking at my phone, Ellani asked.

“Is there something good happening?”

“Well, yes.”

“What is it?”

Hmm.

“What if pop star Ellani O’connor’s very first, somewhat clumsy song became an unexpected mega-hit?”

Ellani looked puzzled at my question.

“My biggest hit song is the first song I ever made, though?”

“….”

Ah, that’s right.

Geniuses are different indeed.

But Ellani chuckled and nodded as if she understood.

“I understand what you mean. You’re talking about that movie. Sundance.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It seems to be doing well?”

132,000 viewers.

It might be a small number for a commercial film, but it’s an unprecedented score that’s almost like ‘ten million’ in the independent film industry.

The reason I’m happier than ever is not simply because a movie I contracted with a running guarantee has surpassed the break-even point.

is like a ‘home’ to me.

I filmed it when I was a little less mature, but it’s the movie that’s burning the brightest until the very end.

A movie that makes me feel certain that my choice was right.

This movie is quickly gaining ‘word-of-mouth’ and making the public go to theaters to watch it.

The score is still ongoing.

“Congratulations, Jae-hee.”

They say joy is doubled when shared.

“Thank you, Ellani.”

My sudden travel mate.

Whether Ellani’s choice to run away from her schedule is right or wrong, I don’t need to comment on it.

Because she is responsible for the consequences of her choice.

Let’s just think of it lightly.

I have a good travel friend who knows Rome well.

“Hehe, it probably won’t happen, but if a paparazzi follows us in Rome, trust me and smash their camera.”

“… Huh?”

“Or, punch the paparazzi in the jaw before the shutter goes off.”

“….”

Wait, paparazzi?

Then she’s not a good travel friend anymore.

Ellani said with a wide grin.

“But there won’t be any. They usually hide around the airport. And I’m an expert in this area.”

“….”

Ah, is that so.

Before I knew it, the high-speed train had traveled through western Italy in three hours and arrived at Rome Termini Station.

Rome.

The final destination of my journey.

The end of the past 20 days of travel.

As soon as I got off the train, the cold wind blowing from the Balkan Peninsula ruffled through my padding.

I zipped up my padded jacket all the way.

Meanwhile, Ellani grabbed the handle of the other side of my carrier, saying that she would help me with my luggage.

“It’s okay.”

“No, I’ll help you.”

“….”

It wouldn’t even make a difference.

Ellani asked me.

“By the way, do you have a place to stay?”

I shrugged and replied.

“Of course. I’ve booked a place to stay for tonight.”

“I don’t have one.”

“….”

I know. You ran away.

“I have my wallet. Don’t worry.”

Ellani said, shaking her wallet, which she took out of her pure white padded jacket pocket.

Then, she grinned and stretched both arms up.

“Exciting!”

“….”

Is she the type who becomes endlessly comfortable once she gets comfortable? Or is she just naturally optimistic?

“If you do that, everyone will stare.”

I want to stop her from doing both, whichever it is.

*

I moved from Termini Station to Piazza Navona by taxi.

Fortunately, I was barely able to book a single room for Ellani as well.

The streetlights that illuminate the dimly lit square in a dazzling manner.

I stood in front of the hotel, crossing the quiet Piazza Navona, which was dyed in an orange world.

C-Rough Hotel.

A 5-star hotel created by renovating only the interior of a historic building.

“Should we eat?”

“We should.”

“Let’s just unpack and come out right away. I know a very nice restaurant.”

The hotel is overall white & beige.

It captured a vintage yet sophisticated sense that resembled Rome. The wood-finished ceiling and soft wooden floors doubled the warm feeling.

I simply unpacked my luggage, changed my top, put on a coat instead of a padded jacket, and came out to the first-floor lobby.

I sat on a plush velvet sofa, flipping through a travel book placed on the table.

Then.

“You came out early.”

A hat pulled down low, a mask. Even the gloves and scarf I lent her.

Ellani O’connor, who had completely covered her face, stood with her arms open.

“Are you okay?”

Although she is short at 161cm, I can see why luxury brands are clamoring to use her as a model.

Even without any embellishment, she radiates her own light.

“Well.”

I got up from my seat, avoiding answering directly.

Then, Ellani grabbed my coat collar and pulled me.

“Let’s go.”

The chilly wind blowing through the streets of Vatican City at night.

Under the streetlights of Piazza Navona, I could see musicians sitting on the stone walls with guitars.

Strangely, they were singing Ellani’s . Even if they didn’t know Ellani O’connor’s face.

It’s no exaggeration to say that everyone in the world knows her music.

Ellani paused for a moment and looked at the people singing her song.

A single audience member.

If these musicians knew that this woman with her face completely covered was Ellani O’connor, what would their reaction be?

But, they’ll never know.

“Wow!”

Ellani clapped her hands like a seal when the song ended, placed a bill in the guitar case, and said.

“Let’s go now.”

November is the month when it rains the most often in Rome.

Pitter-patter.

Due to the sudden downpour, I couldn’t even feel the atmosphere of the street, and I was quickly led by Ellani, quickening my pace.

De Francesco.

We entered the restaurant that Ellani had chosen to block the November raindrops, shook off the water on our heads, and sat down.

A corner seat where our faces wouldn’t be seen even if we took off our hats and masks.

Ellani sat with her back to the room.

Two glasses of house red wine, octopus carpaccio, truffle pasta, and even wood-fired pizza.

As if washing away the fatigue accumulated from the train journey all day, we stuffed ourselves with food.

Wow, the food here is the real deal.

“How is it?”

Ellani asked, stuffing her cheeks full of food, and when I nodded and smiled faintly, she burst into a smile.

“See, I told you it was delicious.”

As I got full, I felt the current situation was strange again.

Traveling with Ellani O’connor.

Just like her busking, her trip is also impromptu.

“Jae-hee, where are you planning to go tomorrow?”

“Well, I heard there are many places to see in the Vatican.”

“It’s more beautiful here at night. So, let’s go right after we finish eating.”

Today?

I was going to sleep right away because I was tired, but at Ellani’s expression, who was speaking with sparkling eyes, I nodded.

“Okay.”

“In the afternoon tomorrow, we should go to the Spanish Steps, right? You must go.”

The Spanish Steps.

It’s a full-fledged .

“Of course, I should go.”

Just like Joe and Ann accidentally meet in the movie .

A trip with Ellani, created by the string of coincidence.

I asked.

“But, are you really okay?”

“About what?”

“You turned off your phone, too. Everyone must be very worried.”

“It’s okay. I just need to go back for my next schedule.”

“What’s your next schedule?”

“It’s an OST concept meeting in LA… I’m in charge of the music director.”

A genius singer-songwriter making movie music…

That’s cool.

“This is a secret.”

A breath escaped my lips.

“Puh! Of course.”

Ellani said, snapping her fingers.

“Strictly speaking, I’m still working now. Um… I’m getting musical inspiration.”

“While eating truffle pasta with red wine?”

“Exactly.”

“Puhup.”

That’s a good excuse.

After finishing our meal, we bundled up again and went outside. The rain had stopped in the meantime, but the crowd in the square had been halved by the downpour.

“Even better.”

Ellani, who had relatively more ‘freedom’ in her movements, took the lead, and I followed behind her.

Splish-splash.

The rainwater pooled on the ground felt good.

We passed the Bridge of Angels, where the night view is more beautiful, and looked at the Castel Sant’Angelo, which is supported by the Tiber River.

As if we were in a fairy tale.

No, as if we were in ━ the beautiful night view of Rome stimulates my senses.

We walked without saying a word all the way to St. Peter’s Square.

But every time our eyes met, we would burst into laughter, without either of us starting first.

“Puhup.”

“Shall we go back now?”

“Okay.”

The first day of my Rome trip, which had so many things happen.

“It was fun.”

“Sleep well. You must be tired.”

Just as I was about to turn back to the hotel with the night view of the Vatican in my eyes, Ellani called me.

“Jae-hee.”

“Yes?”

“Do you like music?”

I nodded without much thought.

“Of course.”

Although I don’t have talent for singing.

I realized through this London trip that it’s not about technique, but ‘sincerity’ that resonates.

Then, Ellani slowly raised the corners of her mouth and said.

“… Is that so?”

And she said goodbye to me.

“See you again.”

“….”

See you again?

Usually, don’t you say see you tomorrow?

Right.

I might have already predicted the end of this ‘coincidence’ from this moment.

Ah, she must be going back to Milan.

But I didn’t show it.

“Good night.”

I just smiled nonchalantly.

And the next morning, my gloves, scarf, hat, and a note left at the front desk.

They were all things Ellani had left for me.

Since I had somewhat expected it, I opened the note calmly.

In the note.

━ See you again. I wanted to hear you sing the song you sang in Trafalgar in person.

It contained the message that she was going back to Milan because of her schedule.

She said it so boldly, but it seems it was a ‘short escape’ for a day.

But, the end of this coincidence ━ is hinting at a new ‘connection’.

The content of the note.

‘I wanted to hear you sing the song in person.’

She wants to hear me sing?

In what way?

At that moment, the conversation we had at De Francesco last night flashed through my mind.

“….”

No way, that can’t be it.

I quietly muttered, shoving the note into my pocket.

“A musical film…”