novellhall 53, a surprising reward
53, a surprising reward
They enjoyed a pleasant Chinese meal, and after eating and drinking their fill, the two drove on to MBC TV station.
To avoid suspicion, the car did not enter through the main entrance of the TV station, but instead drove directly into the underground parking lot and quietly entered the station through an internal passage.
Today marks the premiere of the first episode of "The Moon Embracing the Sun," and its AGB national viewership rating immediately soared to 28.0%. On online forums and in the comments section, the majority of netizens tuned in specifically to see Lee Kyung-sung.
Right now, people are only speculating in private that he will play the role of Lee Hwon, but the rumors alone have already generated so much buzz. Minister Park can't even imagine how terrifying the ratings and buzz will be when he officially announces the cast and makes his official appearance.
MBC's Minister Park had already received Na Yong-ho's message and was waiting in the internal passageway early on.
Luo Yonghao, with his keen eye, immediately spotted Minister Park's smiling face and quickened his pace to greet him, while secretly giving Li Jingcheng a wink.
Lee Kyung-sung chuckled helplessly and obediently followed. To be honest, having been constantly bombarded with the Korean senior-junior hierarchy, he was quite pleased with Minister Park's straightforward and enthusiastic attitude.
It turns out that what he disliked wasn't the senior-junior system, but rather that he wasn't the most senior person in the family.
"Haha, Kyung-sung, it's been a while, and I think you've gotten even more handsome!" Minister Park walked straight up to him, his eyes fixed on Lee Kyung-sung with undisguised admiration. Lee Kyung-sung was a little overwhelmed by his direct gaze.
He quickly replied modestly, "It's not that I've become more handsome; it's just that Minister Park's status is rising and his horizons are broadening, so he naturally finds people more pleasing to the eye."
These words made Minister Park laugh heartily. He had indeed been showing off a lot at the station recently, and his mood was getting better and better. He took the opportunity to extend an invitation, "If MBC has any other suitable good scripts in the future, Kyung Sung, you must give priority to MBC."
Lee Kyung-sung looked serious. Since it was just a verbal promise anyway, he readily agreed that CJ would release the talent. "Of course, if there's a suitable script, I'll definitely think of MBC first."
After exchanging pleasantries, Minister Park led the two to his office.
Luo Yonghao sat down to the side, focusing on reviewing and checking the details of the drama's contract, while Li Jingcheng chatted with Minister Park. The other party enthusiastically talked to him about matters related to the drama, but it was all just a general outline, far less detailed and comprehensive than what Luo Yonghao and Lim Yoon-a had told him before.
That makes sense. He holds a high position at MBC and only controls the big picture, so he wouldn't care about those trivial set rules and small matters.
As he spoke, Minister Park patted his chest and made a bold promise, saying in an exceptionally generous tone, "If you encounter any difficulties or inconveniences while filming, just contact me directly. I can still say a few words here at MBC."
Lee Kyung-sung didn't really take the promises made on stage too seriously. Of course, he would communicate with his backer CJ first if there were any problems. But on the surface, he put on a grateful look and said, "I really have to thank Minister Park for his care. After all, this is my first time joining a production, and it's a big-budget period drama. I don't have much experience, so I'm inevitably a little nervous. I'm afraid that I'll be unfamiliar with the filming and make mistakes if I don't get the hang of it."
Minister Park's face immediately softened upon hearing this. He waved his hand and spoke in an even more friendly tone, "Kyung Sung, you're being too polite. Your appearance, temperament, and camera presence are all outstanding. I've had my eye on you for a long time. It's perfectly normal for a newcomer to be a little nervous, but it's not a problem for you at all."
Luo Yonghao remained quietly seated to the side, having already checked the contract terms and found no problems. He watched as Lee Kyung-sung and Minister Park, who disliked small talk, chatted and laughed, and nodded slightly in satisfaction.
While agents can shield artists from most social engagements and provide financial support, artists themselves ultimately cannot avoid these social situations. Sooner or later, they will have to face them personally and learn to navigate them. Li Jingcheng's ability to temper his temper and understand interpersonal relationships is crucial for his future success as a top star.
Minister Park felt that the conversation had reached a good point, and looking back at Luo Yonghao who had already put down the contract, he said with a hint of urging, "Kyung Sung, you can sign the contract now."
"Okay." Li Jingcheng looked at Luo Yonghao and nodded slightly, showing his trust in him. He signed his name and pressed his fingerprint without hesitation.
The moment the handprint was stamped, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in my mind:
[Ding! Detected that the host has successfully intercepted the male lead role in "The Moon Embracing the Sun." The exclusive reward for interception has been fully distributed.]
[Reward 1: [Emotional Resonance - Immersion]]
Skill Description: When the host is acting with other actors, activating Emotional Resonance and Immersion will subtly release a controllable mental aura, accurately guiding the partner's emotions, quickly maximizing empathy, and greatly reducing the difficulty of getting into character.
Reward Two: [Yin Yang Harmony Guide]
Triggering conditions: It will only operate automatically when the host has sex with someone of the opposite sex (specifically referring to physical sexual relations) and both parties are in a state of mutual affection and love; if there is only lust without true feelings, or if one party acts reluctantly, the technique will become dormant.
Effects: Strengthening the foundation and nourishing the vital energy: By integrating Yin and Yang energies, it directly warms and nourishes the meridians and internal organs, removes hidden injuries and fatigue, and cleanses the marrow and invigorates the meridians.
Effects: Rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin. By promoting the flow of Qi and blood, it activates the body's natural essence, nourishes the skin and bones, removes impurities, and keeps the complexion as smooth and radiant as a piece of jade, untouched by the ravages of time.
Source: The orthodox secret transmission of Chinese Taoism, "The Righteous Method of Yin-Yang Harmony," emphasizes the righteous path of mutual assistance and is by no means an evil or heretical practice.
Li Jingcheng had a good memory; although no system window popped up, he remembered the reward just by listening to the notification sound.
The first acting boost isn't too bad, since everyone's filming was good. Even if it doesn't significantly help ratings or box office, at least it makes getting off work faster.
But when it came to the concept of Yin-Yang Harmony, his heart instantly felt a surge of heat.
Li Jingcheng suppressed the initial frenzy of activation, his mind replaying the introduction to the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique. Even with his strong mental fortitude, a surge of turmoil welled up in his eyes.
All the acting skills and emotional resonance become meaningless at this moment. Nourishing the meridians, cleansing the marrow, healing hidden injuries… that's one thing, but to claim it can also preserve youthful skin and prevent the ravages of time?!
From now on, he, along with Bae Joo-hyun, Im Yoon-ah, Kim Ji-soo, and Lee Hyeri, will truly become ageless goddesses.
Lee Kyung-sung's heart pounded wildly. Almost instinctively, he grabbed his phone, wanting to immediately dial the number for Bae Joo-hyun.
I want to verify the credentials! No, I want to verify if this technique is genuine!
Almost instinctively, he got up, took out his phone from his pocket, and prepared to call Bae Joo-hyun. However, the text message that popped up on the screen made Lee Kyung-sung pause.
Her words were filled with a soft, warm smile: Oppa, I'm going to the practice room to rehearse now. Do your best today!
Looking at this gentle and obedient text message, he couldn't help but recall the image of Bae Joo-hyun with blushing cheeks and shy eyes from their time together last night, and his heart stirred slightly.
Li Jingcheng licked his slightly dry lips. Although he was eagerly anticipating the effects of the Yin-Yang Harmony Technique and couldn't wait to grab the person and spar with them, the last trace of impatience in his heart was suppressed when he saw the text message.
One should not prioritize emotions over the benefits of the cultivation technique simply because one is greedy for its advantages.
Let things take their course; there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.
Li Jingcheng composed himself and directly sent over his innermost feelings.
Joo Hyeon-na, I miss you.
Minister Park, unaware of the system reward, only noticed Lee Kyung-sung repeatedly checking his phone and his fluctuating expression. He immediately chuckled and joked, "It seems Kyung-sung is taking this debut leading role so seriously. I'm increasingly looking forward to Kyung-sung's appearances in the later episodes."
Luo Yonghao was also somewhat confused, and began to wonder, "It's just about finalizing a male lead role, right? Given Li Jingcheng's mentality, he shouldn't be suddenly so excited and abnormal."
But the next second, seeing Lee Kyung-sung looking down and fiddling with his phone, he instantly understood. It was probably his girlfriend, Bae Joo-hyun, the SM trainee, who had stirred up the kid's emotions.
After glancing at Minister Park, who showed no sign of surprise, Na Yong-ho's opinion of Bae Joo-hyun rose even higher. It was a pity SM Entertainment hadn't released any information about her; he was genuinely curious about what Bae Joo-hyun looked like, whether she was even more beautiful than Son Ye-jin, and whether she had this guy so infatuated.
Li Jingcheng quickly cleared his mind of all distracting thoughts, anticipation for the cultivation method, and the fluttering in his heart. He put away his phone, looked up, and revealed a slightly embarrassed yet refreshing smile.
"You flatter me." He smiled lightly, but there was nothing embarrassing about it. His tone was like this: "It's my first time playing such a heavyweight male lead in a period drama since my debut, and I'm working with MBC. I'm really excited to share this with my friends."
Minister Park didn't care; all he could think about was today's ratings and the ratings after Lee Kyung-sung appeared.
Luo Yonghao leaned forward; the contract was already signed, and he began finalizing a host of details, including the subsequent promotion of the series, official scheduling announcements, and media relations.
It's all dry, bureaucratic jargon.
Li Jingcheng had only listened for a short while, and he had already read the explanation and effects of Yin-Yang Harmony Technique many times on the system's virtual display screen in front of him; he could recite it from memory.
Feeling that he had nothing more to do, he suggested that he take a stroll around the TV station to relax. "Minister, may I walk around the TV station? I'm quite curious about this place."
Minister Park didn't care at all and readily nodded in agreement.
Luo Yonghao had noticed Li Jingcheng's discomfort early on, so he carefully gave him a few more instructions: "Remember to wear your baseball cap and mask, don't barge into the closed recording studio, don't chat with unfamiliar staff, keep a low profile throughout, and don't do anything in any special circumstances. Call me and I'll handle it."
What he was most worried about was that Lee Kyung-sung might get involved in a scandal with some female idol.
"It's just a stroll, what's the big deal?" Before Lee Kyung-sung could reply, Minister Park felt it was making a mountain out of a molehill, took a name tag from the drawer and handed it to him, "Take this and feel free to look around. It'll be good for Kyung-sung to familiarize himself with his future workplace."
"Thank you, Minister," Lee Kyung-sung nodded as he accepted the gift, smiled at Na Yong-ho, and walked straight out the door to wander around.
Luo Yonghao watched him leave the room, feeling uncertain. He decided to stop thinking about it and continue communicating with Minister Park about the plan.
The atmosphere was exceptionally rich. The walls on both sides were covered with nostalgic posters of hit Korean dramas and classic variety shows from over the years. Directors, producers, stylists, and support staff hurried to and fro, walkie-talkies buzzed, and background music drifted faintly into the air.
Everywhere you look, you can feel the raw, unadulterated energy of a K-pop workplace. Today isn't a live music show performance day, but with stage recordings scheduled for the weekend, members of idol girl groups of all sizes have flocked here, rehearsing their positions and working on stage details with great urgency. The entire artist-only corridor is bustling and busy.
Lee Kyung-sung strolled leisurely down the MBC artist corridor with his hands in his pockets. All around him were the sounds of staff members walking by, the static from walkie-talkies, and the faint rhythm of dance music drifting from the practice room in the distance, creating a lively and atmospheric atmosphere.
Even though he doesn't listen to many Korean songs, his body swayed gently to these unfamiliar rhythms, and his walking became rhythmic.
The door to the first practice room ahead was half-open, and the rhythmic accompaniment of dance music could be clearly heard, with a crisp and catchy beat.
He paused slightly, subconsciously glancing inside. A group of slender girls, dressed in simple everyday clothes—not their stage outfits—were dancing in formation in front of a full-length mirror, repeatedly rehearsing their positions and timings. He couldn't tell if it was a teacher or coach, who was constantly correcting their movements. The rehearsal atmosphere was extremely tense.
Perhaps his official playing time is coming soon.
As the positions changed, a girl stood in the center of the crowd. She had a slender and well-proportioned figure, neat and clean shoulder and neck lines, a high ponytail tied neatly, and delicate and sharp profile lines. Her fair skin was particularly translucent and bright under the warm indoor light.
She exuded confidence throughout, each movement precise and crisp, every gesture—raising her hand, turning, and pausing—was clean and efficient, her gaze sharp and intense, firmly fixed on the mirror.
Li Jingcheng's gaze sharpened, and he instantly recognized her. Wasn't this Park Jiyeon, who had recently divorced? She was much prettier in person than in those overly photoshopped pictures and videos on short video platforms. Although she still had a touch of naivety in her brows, her cool yet lively spirit was particularly captivating.
Especially striking is the natural ease with which she dances, her shoulders flowing smoothly, her core firmly engaged; even wrapped in a loose sweatshirt, her exceptional body control is undeniable. This graceful yet explosive dance style is a live charm that can never be truly appreciated through a screen.
Park Jiyeon seemed to notice the gaze, and turned around during dance practice, making a point of glancing at the camera for a second.
The moment their eyes met, Park Jiyeon was clearly taken aback. However, Lee Kyung-sung was wearing a baseball cap and a mask, so she couldn't tell who he was. She simply nodded politely, her eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny, before continuing her dance rehearsals with her teammates without stopping, her mind preoccupied with his identity.
His demeanor and height don't seem like those of a staff member.