Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 13

The first thing that stood out was his tall and cool frame.

Fourteen years old and already 170 cm tall.

It was hard to believe, but seeing him in person made it undeniable.

“His shoulders are broad too... Does he work out regularly?”

His posture showed no signs of the modern-day issues like a forward neck or rounded shoulders.

Just from the way he stood, he looked like someone who practiced dance or martial arts.

His long, well-proportioned limbs stretched out smoothly, and his overall build was perfect.

And his face—

“Is this kid really fourteen? How does he... have such a slight foreign vibe?”

“Foreign vibe? He looks totally sweet and innocent to me.”

“What? How are you going to make it as a casting director with that eye? Look at him. He’s got that foreign charm for sure.”

Everyone had slightly different opinions on his looks.

But ultimately, it all boiled down to one thing—

He was handsome.

Regardless of the different opinions on what made him attractive, the fact that he was handsome was undeniable.

But his charm didn’t end there.

“I’m a loner, I’m a loner...”

Usually, you can tell how good someone is at singing just from the first line.

Casting team leader Shin Young-sook didn’t need to watch any more of the video and immediately sent the acceptance notice.

“We absolutely have to see him in person at the live audition.”

The live audition was scheduled for next month.

Honestly, Shin Young-sook wanted to show this kid to the High Dream writer right away.

“But that would go against the fairness of the process.”

The moment this kid showed up at the live audition, the competition would be over.

Shin Young-sook was certain of it.

+++++

-[Congratulations! You’ve passed. Details will follow...]

The morning after I submitted my audition application, I opened my phone to see a long acceptance text.

It explained where the audition would be held, what script to prepare, and everything else in such detail that nothing was unclear.

“So this really worked.”

I knew it would work, but the difference between imagining something and it happening in reality was worlds apart.

Slowly.

I got up lazily from bed and approached my dad, who was in the middle of his morning routine.

“Dad, I passed the audition, so I probably won’t be able to go to school next week.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s for this drama called High Dream. It’s airing next year... I applied because they were looking for new faces.”

“Okay.”

My dad’s responses were as stoic as ever.

It felt awkward to end the conversation there, so I added a few more sentences.

“Mom’s almost fully recovered, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“America really is the best for treatment.”

In 2010, the U.S. was at the forefront of cancer treatment, and after much discussion, we decided to admit my mom to a hospital there.

It cost an astronomical amount, but the building we owned in Bundang helped us bear the cost.

And the results were almost immediate.

Once it was confirmed that her cancer was treatable, we noticed how much her complexion improved every time we video-called her.

“It’s such a relief.”

There was a sigh of relief in my dad’s voice as he said this.

“But she’ll be back in Korea by the time your drama airs, right?”

“It’s just an audition for now, so I’m not sure if I’ll be in it.”

My dad chuckled softly at that.

“Who would reject you?”

There was no doubt in his eyes as he said that.

+++++

Time flew, and the day of the live audition arrived.

Despite the pre-screening process, the number of applicants remained high due to the scale of the drama.

“Three thousand applicants... isn’t that too many?”

“That’s why the live audition process takes at least two weeks. Even then, that’s the minimum estimate.”

“But still...”

“What difference does it make if we complain? Just shut up and get moving.”

“Yes, sir.”

The KBC audition site was bustling.

There wasn’t much to prepare for the audition itself, but with so many applicants and so much media attention, there were plenty of logistics to manage.

“It’s an open audition, but since KBC, ST Entertainment, and FullReady are co-hosting, the press is going wild.”

“I’m worried some shady rumors might start. People might say it’s rigged...”

“If we’re feeling this way, imagine how stressed the judges must be.”

“Exactly.”

The staff managing the audition were spot-on with their predictions.

The expressions on the judges’ faces weren’t exactly cheerful either.

However, the reasons for their grim expressions weren’t what the staff thought.

The truth was quite different.

“The writer looks really unwell today.”

“Director, can you say something to her?”

“Why don’t you do it? What power do I have?”

“How about Young-sook?”

“I got death stares earlier for only managing to cut down the applicants to three thousand. I eliminated 90%, and still!”

There were four judges tasked with screening the three thousand applicants: the High Dream PD, the director, casting team leader Shin Young-sook, and writer Lee Min-ha.

As it was a KBC open audition, representatives from ST Entertainment and FullReady were not participating as judges, but they did send applicants, which greatly annoyed writer Lee Min-ha.

“Asking me to rewrite the script to fit their idols’ image? Fine. Wanting to stick to their concept? Sure, I get it.”

“But if I do all that, shouldn’t they compromise a little? Why am I even here if they want to dictate everything? Why did they sign a contract with me in the first place?”

Sensing that her ranting was about to spiral out of control, High Dream PD Kim Young-mo, who had also directed Dr. Giggles!, quickly interrupted her flow.

“Exactly! For this open audition, we want to cast fresh new faces who have little to no experience on screen.”

“That’s what I’m saying! Even if they can’t act perfectly, they should at least have a fresh appeal!”

“Right?”

“People who’ve trained professionally don’t have that raw, vibrant energy I’m looking for.”

Unlike most dramas, High Dream was set in an arts high school.

“Still, who’s to say it won’t happen?”

“Thank you, we’ll be in touch.”

“Just one more time...”

“I’m really sorry, but there are two hundred more people waiting behind you.”

“We just don’t have time to consider all that.”

“It’s hard to believe there’s not a single standout yet.”

“I need someone who can take that script and make it their own.”

Not someone who was cast for a part, but someone who was the part.

“Ugh!”

“All the talented ones must be in the later groups.”