Chapter 48

47. December

The filming of "Melody" had been proceeding smoothly without any issues. Fortunately, most of the scenes were set on a soundstage. While the summer had been scorching hot, it seemed the winter would be just as cold. Even though there was still plenty of time until the end of the year, the wind was already biting and harsh.

Tae-ju was quite immersed in sentimentality as the filming was nearing its end. He was already feeling a sense of loss and regret, even before the final scene was shot, a feeling that always came with the end of a film or drama.

After Director Lee Jae-young collapsed, Tae-ju and Kim Yun-seon poured their hearts and souls into the filming. They performed each scene flawlessly, like artisans meticulously crafting pottery. After each shoot, they were so exhausted that it seemed as if they had just run a marathon. People around them even tried to stop them, worried about their well-being.

"Like a car with faulty brakes, the two of them threw themselves into it, and Director Lee Jae-young had to intervene to stop them."

Now, the overall filming schedule for "Melody" was almost complete. Tae-ju had already shot the emotionally intense scenes, such as convincing the fallen maestro and performing outside the hospital room for the maestro. They had also filmed the challenging orchestra collaboration scenes, which he hadn't realized would be so difficult until now, as most of the scenes in his previous life's film were solo performances.

Without the help of a violin teacher who had regularly collaborated with famous overseas orchestras for several years, they might not have been able to complete the scenes. Tae-ju was truly grateful for the teacher's assistance.

The remaining scenes were mostly for Kim Yun-seon. Tae-ju had only one more scene left to shoot.

"I'm worried about how much weight Senior Kim Yun-seon has lost."

Kim Yun-seon, who played a character with a disease, continued to lose weight throughout the filming. Since they were filming in chronological order, she had to keep losing weight throughout the process. Although she consulted with a trainer to avoid overexertion, Tae-ju could sometimes see her struggling with fatigue. After noticing this a few times, Tae-ju secretly gave her a juice mixed with a recovery potion.

Director Lee Jae-young was in a similar state. Despite Tae-ju playing guitar pieces infused with the Fragment of the Sun, making herbal tea, and other efforts, his stamina visibly declined as the filming progressed. So, Tae-ju also gave him a juice mixed with a recovery potion.

Throughout the filming, both of them frequently drank the beverages Tae-ju provided. He secretly added recovery potions to their drinks, whether they were juice or tea. Sensing the effects, they sometimes even sought out Tae-ju's beverages on their own.

Moreover, Tae-ju played the guitar at regular intervals, leveraging its continuous effects. As a result, the sound of the guitar filled the set every day, even though the film was about a violin. Everyone enjoyed it so much that they would gather around Tae-ju as lunchtime approached.

"I should make sure to prepare some herbal tea before the filming ends."

The herbs in the garden were much more effective than those in the real world. The herbal tea Tae-ju blended himself could alleviate mild headaches, insomnia, and fatigue without the need for medication.

Because of this, many people sought out Tae-ju's herbal tea, especially the female staff. Occasionally, someone would even ask to buy the herbal tea he brought.

Of course, he didn't sell the herbal tea. Instead, he would occasionally bring large glass bottles from the garden and share small amounts with those who needed it. If high-quality herbs were cultivated, he would gift them to people like Director Lee Jae-young or Team Leader Wu, who he was grateful to.

*

"Meow."

As soon as he entered the house, Taesan let out a sharp cry. He seemed upset because Tae-woo had said he would be home all afternoon, but Tae-ju had left him behind.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm sorry for leaving you. Big brother will take you for a walk later."

Hearing the word "walk," Taesan's sharp cry subsided. He quickly forgot his anger and started circling around Tae-ju. Tae-ju found Taesan's behavior adorable. Although the cat could be troublesome at times, he had become an indispensable part of the family.

Most of "Melody" was filmed in the outskirts of Seoul. On weekends with filming or when Yeon-woo had a day off, Tae-ju would leave Taesan at home. However, days like today, when he had to leave Taesan at home, were quite bittersweet for Tae-ju.

Taesan's affection and physical contact during the wait for filming were a great source of strength. Just seeing him could ease the tension in Tae-ju's nerves. Gyeon-woo and Mina also missed Taesan, often showing disappointed expressions when Tae-ju mentioned leaving him at home.

Occasionally, other actors' staff, like Gyeon-woo, would send messages saying they missed Taesan. Tae-ju would then send them pictures of Taesan.

"Such a cute guy. But aren't you getting a bit chubby? Huh?"

"Meow."

"No, you've really gotten heavier lately."

Tae-woo and Yeon-woo were extremely indulgent with Taesan. Even though they were soft-hearted themselves, they treated Taesan like a king. Tae-ju had never seen them refuse Taesan when he asked for something.

They made all sorts of snacks for Taesan every day. Recently, they were even building a large cat tower, connecting shelves and stairs above the living room sofa to tunnels on the floor.

Taesan, with his strong front paws, often broke the cat towers. Despite not being a cat, he loved them so much that he would cry all day until they were fixed. Seeing this, Tae-woo ordered wood and decided to build a sturdy, heavy tower that wouldn't break easily under Taesan's paws.

"Taesan has so many snacks, no wonder he's gaining weight. What kind of snacks do you have so many of?"

While trying to get a bottle of water from the fridge, Tae-ju grumbled upon seeing an entire shelf filled with Taesan's snacks. Another shelf was filled with raw meat, all prepared for Taesan.

Shaking his head, Tae-ju thought about how Taesan was treated like royalty every day and briefly considered switching his diet to dry food. However, he knew Taesan's temper would be unbearable if he did, so he only imagined it.

After attaching a leash to Taesan and getting ready to go out, Tae-woo, who had been quietly studying in his room, came running down the stairs.

"Brother, it's snowing!"

"Snow?"

"Yeah, the first snow."

Looking out the window, Tae-ju saw large snowflakes falling from the dark sky. The sky was overcast, and the heavy snow suggested it would continue for a while.

"Looks like we can't go for a walk."

"Meow."

"Ha. Taesan is pouting. He really understands everything we say."

Taesan lay down in front of the door, protesting his desire to go out. He seemed upset that he couldn't go for a walk despite having his leash on. Seeing this, Tae-woo fetched Taesan's raincoat.

Wearing the raincoat, Taesan, Tae-ju with an umbrella, and Tae-woo went out for a walk and to pick up Yeon-woo. They planned to buy snacks and magazines while waiting for her to return.

*

The entrance to the subway station was bustling with people waiting for buses. The entrance was attached to a bus stop, making it crowded and chaotic. Tae-ju, worried about Taesan being stepped on, carried him to a convenience store near the station.

Without a weather forecast, few people had umbrellas. Inside the convenience store, a line had formed for those buying umbrellas. Tae-ju pushed through the crowd, selecting snacks, drinks, and magazines.

"Should we get a cake from the bakery?"

"Cake?"

"Yeah, to celebrate the first snow."

They also visited the bakery next to the convenience store to buy a cake and stopped by a pet shop to look at the dogs while waiting for Yeon-woo. During the wait, they chatted about various topics, such as the upcoming final exams and plans to travel somewhere for the New Year.

"Yeon-woo!"

"Huh?"

Tae-woo called out to Yeon-woo, who was emerging from the crowd. She had been about to walk past them, but she stopped when she heard her name.

"Brother and Taesan are here."

"Here, take this."

Tae-woo handed the umbrella he had been holding to Yeon-woo. The snow was still falling heavily, despite being the first snow of the season.

"Use it quickly. You're all wet."

Worried that Yeon-woo was holding the umbrella without opening it, Tae-woo used his own umbrella to shield her. However, Yeon-woo still held the umbrella without opening it.

"What's wrong?"

"Sniff. No, thank you."

There was a hint of tears in Yeon-woo's voice. Tae-ju and Tae-woo didn't know the reason, but they comforted her and returned home together.

The short walk was cut short by Taesan's whining, but the wet ground made it difficult to continue.

"Let's have a first snow party."

"Let's take a few pictures before we eat."

Chicken, cake, and fruit salad. A small party was held at Tae-ju's house. Yeon-woo was smiling happily, as if she had never cried. Tae-woo also enjoyed the party, forgetting about his final exam studies.

Although it wasn't Christmas or New Year's, the three of them and a white tiger had a lively party.

*

Tae-ju visited the office for the first time in a while. Unlike usual, he drove himself today, using an SUV he had obtained through Gyeon-woo.

The car, purchased by actor Han Jeong-min for leisure, was almost new as it had never been used. The spacious interior was perfect for Tae-ju, who often carried a lot of luggage.

"It's chaotic because it's the end of the year."

"Yes, there are many invitations for award ceremonies and other events."

"Many invitations have also come for actor Lee Tae-ju. Although we've declined them as they're not necessary at this stage, if you want to attend Christmas or New Year's parties, let us know."

"No, that's fine."

The end of the year was a busy season for entertainment agencies. Even though they joked about working 24/7, the end of the year was even busier.

Seeing everyone frantically working on the phone, Tae-ju decided to leave the gifts he had brought and return.

"The street performance and independent film festival reviews are good. They've also invited you to attend the awards ceremony. You should go."

"Yes, it's next week, right?"

"Yes."

The street performance, directed by Jeong Han-seon, had been invited to several independent film festivals, including Busan and a small, unknown festival in a rural area.

Among them, it had made it to the main competition at an independent film festival in Seoul.

Team Leader Wu and the manager expected at least an excellence award or a jury-selected award. They also believed Tae-ju would win the star award. Tae-ju felt embarrassed hearing this, but they were confident he would win.

"If you win, we'll release a press release. There will likely be interviews, but since it's the end of the year, there will be more written interviews."

"Yes, do I have any other schedules?"

"No, I'll let you know if there are any new updates."

Team Leader Wu seemed very busy. Even with Taesan looking up at him, he continued working. Normally, he would give Taesan a toy and play with him for a while.

"Meow."

"Ah."

After watching Team Leader Wu flinch, Tae-ju took Taesan and left. He felt bad for disturbing him further. He noticed Gyeon-woo's shoulders shaking, as if he knew Team Leader Wu was holding back.

"There are no other schedules until mid-January. I didn't expect the filming of 'Melody' to wrap up almost a month early."

"But Senior Kim Yun-seon still has scenes to shoot."

"Still, the overall schedule is wrapping up quickly."

The two lead actors had essentially gone into overdrive, with almost no NGs in scenes featuring both of them. There were few requests for reshoots from the director. The shortened filming period, almost a month earlier than planned, was largely due to their efforts.

"Then, let's practice for the 'Guardian' role."

"Ha ha ha."

The filming for the 'Guardian' role, scheduled for mid-January, was slightly postponed. It was pushed back by about ten days to late January. As a result, Tae-ju had over a month free.

With only the independent film festival awards ceremony and a healing interview on the schedule, he planned to take a break, practice for his next role, and enjoy his time.

He had initially thought the submission of the street performance to the independent film festival was a stretch. Despite the filming wrapping up faster than expected, he had thought it wouldn't meet the September deadline.

However, contrary to his expectations, it was submitted on time and made it to the main competition. The reviews were good, and there was a chance of winning.

"The street performance's unexpected success is making me feel good. Ha ha."

"It's a natural result."

"Ah, Manager, you're always so positive."

"Ha ha. Have you thought about how you'll spend your vacation?"

"I plan to travel, rest, and practice."

This year had been busy. He had done unexpected interviews, variety shows, and OSTs, making it a year very different from his previous life. It was a busy but enjoyable year.

He planned to use the vacation for recharging. He would travel with Tae-woo, who would be a senior in high school next year, and enjoy movies and plays at a leisurely pace.

Of course, he would also focus on garden maintenance. Adding a few decorations would upgrade the garden to level 3, unlocking more features. He could open a café, expand the cabin, and even register Zephir as an official pet.

Most importantly, level 3 would allow him to modify part of the garden's terrain. Although it would require a lot of DP, he could turn part of the garden into a river or a mountain.

'A river flowing through one side of the garden.'

Looking at photos of famous gardens abroad, he had often seen gardens with walking paths along rivers. He had always envied them, but now, at level 3, he could make such changes.

Although Tae-ju's garden wasn't as large as those in the photos, it was bigger than most farms. Creating a river on one side would still leave plenty of space.

'As long as I don't open the box, I can make these changes. I need to stay strong.'

Tae-ju hadn't opened the tab with the red box for months. However, lately, he had been tempted to open it again. He was holding back, thinking about the garden's level 3 upgrade.

It was hard to tell if the box was lucky or unlucky. While one in ten boxes contained something very good, the rest were duds.

"If there was a way to improve my luck, opening the box would be worth it."

Tae-ju couldn't forget the thrill of opening the box.