Top Star by Luck

Chapter 100

CEO Yoo Gyu Eon disappeared to discuss something, and then, a few tens of minutes later.

“Really?!”

“Yes, we really hope you could be the face of Terminus.”

“……!”

Lee Min Ki had officially secured the right to participate in Seoul Fashion Week.

On the condition that he participates in CEO Yoo Gyu Eon’s new brand, the Terminus Collection.

Perhaps because he had hesitated just a few tens of minutes earlier, Director Jung Ga Yeon asked back as if surprised by his sudden change of heart.

“Seems like you’ve changed your mind.”

“Yes, I thought there were some differences between Actor Lee Min Ki and our Terminus brand’s direction, but I realized that very difference is its charm.”

It was a vague statement.

A statement that could be twisted to mean anything depending on how it was taken.

However, Director Jung Ga Yeon decided not to press for any concrete reasons.

‘Listening to a designer’s philosophy is just tiring for your ears.’

Designers typically had such a unique mindset that they were hard to understand, and they were all particularly fickle.

And most importantly.

“You know what? I think the two of you suit each other perfectly.”

Once a card is played, there’s no going back.

Rather than risk failing the negotiation by asking for reasons, it was better to just go along with it.

Although the agreement between the two was somewhat vague, Director Jung Ga Yeon could barely hold back her laughter.

‘It’s Lee Min Ki. I’m not sure how he’ll perform as a fashion model on the runway, but the promotional impact will definitely be there.’

Honestly, at first, she was unsure.

The first hurdle was whether Lee Min Ki himself wanted to participate in Fashion Week. The second hurdle was CEO Yoo Gyu Eon.

It wasn’t uncommon for designers to be picky when choosing models.

If a model didn’t match the brand’s image, they wouldn’t even glance at them.

CEO Yoo Gyu Eon was even more particular in this regard.

‘In the end, it worked out for the better.’

Lee Min Ki had a brighter aura than most actors.

He may fall short as a professional fashion model, but because of that, there were areas where he could shine even more.

Their chemistry would be seen firsthand at the fashion show.

“Actor.”

CEO Yoo Gyu Eon called out to Lee Min Ki.

“I look forward to working with you.”

It was something he habitually said.

However, this time, there was a subtle nuance of sincerity embedded in his words.

It wasn’t just a commercial business partnership from the perspective of a shopping mall CEO, but a statement made as a designer, finding a partner to share a philosophy with.

Instinctively sensing this gap, Lee Min Ki responded vigorously.

“That’s my line.”

* * *

Lee Min Ki’s participation in the Terminus Collection was decided.

JC E&M seemed very pleased.

Fashion advertising usually helped an actor’s image, and considering Director Seo Jung Woo’s stance, it was all the more welcome.

Even on Director Hwang Ui Seong’s filming set.

“So, you’re participating in a fashion show. Is that right?”

To Director Hwang Ui Seong’s rather indifferent reaction, Lee Min Ki nodded energetically.

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to try walking on a real runway while filming the project, and I think this is a good opportunity to really gain some input.”

The timing was perfect.

In *Fashion and Fashion*, the main character, *Lee Jong Ho*, has several scenes where he walks the runway.

He thought he could apply the experience of acting in those scenes to the real fashion show.

Of course, there was a difference between a studio where you could retake a scene as much as you wanted and a real runway where mistakes weren’t allowed.

“I’m that serious about fashion. You know I’m always grateful to you, right? Thanks to you, it led to an opportunity like this.”

Lee Min Ki jokingly said with a bright smile.

“I’m not quite sure what you’re thanking me for.”

Director Hwang Ui Seong’s blunt response, almost making the situation awkward.

Right.

It wasn’t that he was being curt—it just seemed that way.

‘The director feels proud?’

The assistant director noticed it.

No, he could hear it.

A moment ago, what Director Hwang Ui Seong said, when filtered through the assistant director’s lens, went like this.

“I’m not quite sure what you’re thanking me for.”

->

“You don’t need to thank me. (It’s an achievement you earned through your own effort and skill, so I haven’t done much.)”

Just by adding a few words, the true meaning became clear.

Although his way with words was lacking, Director Hwang Ui Seong was genuinely pleased with Lee Min Ki.

It wasn’t just a misunderstanding.

It was true.

‘He’s got an eye for detail too. It’s not bad to see him take initiative.’

Director Hwang Ui Seong had a growing respect for Lee Min Ki.

Many people found even short acting guidance in the studio bothersome.

But here was someone using their spare time to leave a mark on the real fashion world.

It was bound to help his acting.

‘I’m looking forward to his future.’

He had already half-acknowledged Lee Min Ki.

The problem was, all of these thoughts were kept to himself.

“I’ll see you on set.”

With a short statement, Director Hwang Ui Seong stood up.

Now, when we interpret that phrase.

“I’ll see you (bring the fruits of your effort and) on set (to perfectly incorporate them into the film).”

It translated to something like that.

However, to those unfamiliar with Director Hwang Ui Seong’s speech pattern, it sounded more like:

“Let’s see if you can live up to your bragging.”

To Lee Min Ki himself, it sounded like:

“(Since we’ll resume filming soon,) I’ll see you (with all your details on point).”

He hadn’t thought too deeply, so he was able to interpret it positively.

“All right! Let’s stop resting and get to work!”

With that, the filming resumed with renewed energy.

The scene being shot today was a significant one.

It was the first time the main character, *Lee Jong Ho*, walks on the runway in *Fashion and Fashion*.

‘It’s the moment when he realizes his talent as a model.’

*Lee Jong Ho* was someone who had been living a difficult life.

His life had been so tough that he didn’t care about much other than making money.

He had no dreams, no hobbies.

However, after he showcases his talent on the runway, he succeeds as a model, only to start down a path of corruption.

So, in this scene, the only detail required of Lee Min Ki was one thing.

‘Do it well.’

He had to do it perfectly.

In the story, *Lee Jong Ho* was a genius, and the runway had to clearly show that he was exceptional.

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.

Even though his height was slightly lacking for a model.

And there were competitors too.

Right now, the actor preparing before Lee Min Ki had that height.

‘Wow, that guy is tall.’

A 185 cm tall actor was adjusting his outfit in the corner of the studio.

With his small head by female standards and long limbs.

If he were just standing in the middle of the street, he would stand out on his own.

Anyone would say that he exuded model vibes.

No, he actually was a model.

A professional model brought in specifically for today’s runway scene.

Heo Soo Oh.

A pro model who was active in various projects.

Heo Soo Oh wasn’t a stage name but his real name.

‘I’m going to have to do really well if I don’t want to be overshadowed by him.’

Lee Min Ki felt a slight tension.

Even though he’d have the help of the camera and editing, the set was still the set.

While Lee Min Ki was fueling his determination, Heo Soo Oh was also looking at him, thinking.

‘Should I go easy on him?’

He didn’t even have expectations.

In his eyes, Lee Min Ki had too many shortcomings as a model.

Or rather, it wasn’t just shortcomings.

There were too many disqualifications.

‘Hmm, with those physical conditions, he wouldn’t make it in our industry. No matter what runway he goes on, he wouldn’t even make a good clothes hanger.’

It was an objective evaluation.

One he could make because he was a pro.

Even though *Fashion and Fashion* was a movie, it was still a mystery to him why Lee Min Ki was cast as a model.

No, to be honest, he felt a slight resentment toward Lee Min Ki.

‘I heard earlier that he’s participating in Seoul Fashion Week. Where does he get that kind of confidence from?’

That’s right.

Heo Soo Oh hated when actors, riding on their fame, would dabble in the modeling industry.

‘People like him taint the model world. They don’t even feel ashamed of themselves.’

Just like how idols dabbled in the musical world.

Of course, idols, through their ticketing power, breathed new life into the dying musical market by bringing in fresh fans.

Their skills had also steadily improved over time.

But despite this, there remained a slight animosity among core fans and original musical actors toward idol performers.

The way Heo Soo Oh looked at Lee Min Ki wasn’t much different.

Of course, even Heo Soo Oh, in a way, was no different.

Thanks to his modeling career, wasn’t he also easily dabbling in the acting world?

But that’s just how people were—contradictory beings.

While he saw Lee Min Ki’s entry into the modeling world as purely a result of his fame,

his own small role in *Fashion and Fashion* was entirely thanks to his talent and effort.

‘I’ll show you what a real model’s runway

looks like.’

With such determination, and even a slight sense of rivalry, Heo Soo Oh prepared to walk.

“Okay, Heo Soo Oh, you’re up first.”

Following the assistant director’s instructions, Heo Soo Oh stepped onto the runway set.

“Phew.”

At that moment, Heo Soo Oh became a mannequin.

A mannequin that existed solely to display clothes to the world.

His expression became as still as a statue, and his posture straightened, focused entirely on showing off the outfit.

It was the typical posing of a high-fashion model.

Step, step.

As he slowly walked to the end of the set, what could one say?

‘He’s a god.’

It was like watching a god descend from Greek and Roman mythology.

‘A model is a model after all.’

‘Man, I wish I could live with those proportions, just for one day.’

‘I get why people pay to go see fashion shows now. It’s worth it.’

Being a fashion model wasn’t just about looks.

More than that, a professional spirit emanated from Heo Soo Oh’s every movement.

While everyone in the studio couldn’t help but be impressed, there were also those who couldn’t help but worry.

‘What about Actor Lee Min Ki?’

They were worried about Lee Min Ki.

His height was significantly shorter than Heo Soo Oh’s.

Even with insoles and a lower camera angle, how would it compare?

Could he avoid being overshadowed?

“Cut!”

While these thoughts swirled, Heo Soo Oh’s runway performance came to an end.

“That was perfect.”

The assistant director smiled without realizing it.

There wouldn’t be much need to adjust anything.

That’s what’s great about professional models.

They know exactly how they’ll look on camera.

“Next up… Actor Lee Min Ki. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

With that command, Lee Min Ki moved backstage.

Soon.

[Lee Jong Ho] would step onto the set.

The character [Lee Jong Ho], as blunt as a mannequin.

How would he pull this off?

How would he showcase the brilliance of a genius fashion model to the public?

Also, how would he surpass Heo Soo Oh’s runway performance?

‘No, surpassing is too much to ask.’

Just don’t look awkward.

That much would be enough.

Just as everyone in the studio was lowering their expectations as much as possible.

“Huh?”

On Lee Min Ki’s runway.

“……”

“……”

There was a power that left everyone in the studio speechless.

‘Why does it look so radiant?’

Flowers seemed to bloom on the runway set.