From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 236: It’s not about Comfort

Park took a breath before speaking.

"My name is Park Young," he said calmly. "I’ve been active in the industry for a little over four years."

He paused briefly, then continued.

"I started late compared to most people. I’m twenty-eight. Most of my work so far has been supporting roles and short projects."

He bowed slightly.

"I’ll do my best today."

The room remained quiet.

No comments. No interruptions.

Dayo watched him closely.

There was nothing flashy about Park’s introduction. No attempt to impress. No exaggerated humility. Just a simple statement of who he was and where he stood.

Dayo gestured lightly with his hand.

"You’ve read the script," he said. "Act the scene where Janice Tan confronts her brother after discovering the truth."

Park nodded.

He stepped forward.

The shift was immediate.

His posture changed—not dramatically, but subtly. His shoulders relaxed, his gaze hardened just a little, and when he opened his mouth again, it was no longer Park Young speaking.

It was Janice Tan.

Dayo’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He activated the skill.

Actor Profile Detected

Name: Park Young

Talent Grade: S-

Potential: SS+

Emotional Range: High

Role Compatibility (Seung-gyu): 100%

Dayo froze for a split second.

...What?

He checked again.

The numbers didn’t change.

100%.

That wasn’t just rare.

That was unheard of. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

The highest compatibility he had ever seen before was 91%, belonging to the young actress who played Jin-hee. But this—

A perfect score?

What did 100% even mean?

It meant perfection.

Why choose someone at 88% when a 100% existed?

Park spoke, his voice controlled but trembling at the edges—not weak, but restrained, like someone holding himself together through sheer will.

"You knew," Park said, eyes fixed forward, voice steady. "You knew all this time, and you still let me believe—"

His hand slowly clenched into a fist.

"Do you know what that makes you?"

He let out a quiet laugh, but there was no humor in it.

The room felt heavier.

Even the assistant stopped writing.

Park took a step forward, then stopped himself, swallowing hard.

"I trusted you," he continued. "I trusted you because you were all I had left."

Silence followed.

Not awkward silence.

Absorbed silence.

Park didn’t rush the moment. He didn’t overplay it. He let it sit, then exhaled slowly, his shoulders dropping just a fraction—like something inside him had finally given way.

"I don’t hate you," he said quietly. "That’s the worst part."

He stepped back.

And bowed.

The performance ended.

Dayo leaned forward in his chair without realizing it.

For the first time since the auditions began.

The movement didn’t escape Jang-Wook’s eyes.

Jang-Wook stiffened and leaned forward.

Throughout the entire audition process—dozens of actors, dozens of performances—Dayo had remained composed. Upright. Neutral.

But now?

Interest.

Clear, unmistakable interest.

Jang-Wook knew Dayo was the type to choose talent over status. He had seen it before—when a high-profile actor was recommended for a role and Dayo rejected him outright, stating plainly that he wasn’t suitable.

Jang-Wook’s jaw tightened.

Damn it.

Park’s performance hadn’t just been good.

It had been dangerous.

Too natural.

Too complete.

Even Jang-Wook couldn’t find a single flaw. If the decision were his alone—background and connections aside—he would choose Park over Tae-Oh without hesitation.

Dayo straightened slightly and looked at Park.

"Very good," he said. "I like you."

Park’s breath hitched for just a second before he nodded.

"Thank you, sir."

Dayo glanced at the assistant.

"That concludes the audition."

Park bowed again and turned toward the door.

As he left, Jang-Wook’s eyes followed him, irritation simmering beneath the surface.

Dayo rarely complimented anyone openly. When he did, it meant something.

It felt like an announcement.

Jang-Wook muttered under his breath, "It’s finished."

Once the door closed, the room seemed to exhale.

Dayo leaned back and looked around the table.

"Opinions," he said. "Let’s hear them."

Jang-Wook spoke first.

"Tae-Oh," he said without hesitation. "Tae-Oh fits the role best overall."

The casting coordinator nodded. "I agree. Tae-Oh’s delivery was strong and consistent."

The assistant director hesitated, then nodded as well. "Tae-Oh is safer."

The room went quiet.

All eyes turned to Dayo.

He didn’t react immediately.

He folded his hands together.

"For me," he said calmly, "I choose Park."

The silence this time was different.

Sharp.

Heavy.

Jang-Wook’s head snapped up.

"What?"

"I choose Park," Dayo repeated.

The casting coordinator frowned. "But everyone else—"

"I know," Dayo cut in gently.

Jang-Wook leaned forward. "Dayo, this isn’t a small decision."

"I’m aware."

Jang-Wook’s voice hardened. "Tae has backing. Stability. Market appeal. Park has issues with top figures in the industry."

Dayo shrugged slightly.

"This isn’t about comfort or backing this is abou5 who can deliver the role best and that perosn we know."

The room remained tense.

Jang-Wook stared at him, frustrated—but said nothing more.

Dayo had spoken.

And when Dayo spoke like that, the discussion was over.

They swallowed it.

One by one.

The decision was made.

***

Park walked out of the building slowly.

His legs felt light.

His heart refused to calm down.

He replayed the moment over and over again—especially that one instant.

When Dayo leaned forward.

He noticed me.

Park didn’t know who Dayo was. Had never seen him before.

But something about the man’s presence told him everything he needed to know.

Please... don’t let them change his mind.

By the time he reached the bus stop, the tension eased slightly.

He checked the time.

He was late.

He hurried.

The elementary school gates were already open when he arrived.

His daughter spotted him first.

"Dad!"

She ran toward him, backpack bouncing.

Park knelt and caught her easily, lifting her into a hug.

"I’m sorry I’m late," he said softly.

She shook her head. "It’s okay."

He smiled.

"How about ice cream?"

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really."

They walked hand in hand toward the small shop down the street.

As she talked about her day, Park listened—nodding, smiling—feeling something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Relief.

Hope.

For the first time in months, he allowed himself to believe—

Maybe things were finally about to change.