The Crazy Woman Acts Too Well - Chapter 11

“At least give me a leading role.”

A calm yet chilling tone.

However, there was no sign of hesitation, as if doubting whether it was an unreasonable request. The tone was one that expected only what was rightfully deserved.

Lee Sua.

She maintained her manners without any sign of submission. Everyone in the room, except for the person in question, felt the same.

‘A rookie can’t make such demands, can they?’

Seo Yeonju retraced her memories.

In the past, when she had to fight for everything, she could only watch for the slightest approval from her superiors, who felt as distant as the sky.

But Sua was different. She was a rookie with a huge gap, lacking experience but full of boldness. Very unique.

Of course, Sua herself didn’t think much about it.

‘Did I say something wrong? Why is the atmosphere so cold? Should I have asked for a different role instead of Kim Hyojin…?’

As their thoughts diverged, a considerable amount of time passed. Finally, the silence was broken by Choi Heewon PD, who crossed his arms, revealing his forearms.

“What role are you thinking of for the lead, Sua?”

“Well…”

Sua looked back at the script once again.

[Special Task Force 808]
Implementation elements complete
· Experience completed / Grade 1
Kim Yoo Han (Lead) – 001
Lee Kang Chul (Lead) – 002
Ha Yun Jin (Lead) – 003
Shim Da So (Extra) – 004 …

There were a few extras besides the leads, but there was no role named ‘Kim Hyojin.’ Sua thought she would find out why later.

“It doesn’t matter. As long as it’s a lead role, that’s fine.”

“Your saying it doesn’t matter sounds a bit different when you say it. Does that mean you can handle any lead role?”

“Hmm… probably.”

Sua thought about it. At least all three of the leads were possible for her to experience.

“…How about understanding the character or memorizing lines? Finished already?”

“It’s not a problem.”

Sua said it so casually, but the meaning it carried to the others was on a different level. It immediately caused a huge ripple.

The group across from her began to whisper amongst themselves.

“How long has it been since the script was handed over?”

“It hasn’t been long at all.”

“Does this mean you’ve already grasped the character, key lines, and emotions of each lead? This doesn’t make sense…”

It was then that Kim Sunil spoke.

“Lee Sua.”

As soon as Sua met Kim Sunil’s gaze, she discreetly swallowed a dry gulp. Why is he so fierce? He looks like he could kill someone with just his stare.

She hesitated before answering.

“Hm, thinking about it, I’ve already spilled the water…”

Come to think of it, Kim Sunil had spoken casually from the start, and now, Sua had gathered the courage to act crazy.

Would it be better to respond in informal speech rather than formal?

‘Yeah, if I’m going to act crazy, I should do it consistently, so there’s no gap.’

In fact, hasn’t she already crossed the line into crazy since demanding the lead role? Sua pressed the accelerator even further.

• It was scary, but she gathered her courage.

“Why?”

Kim Sunil slightly narrowed his brows. The others also showed surprised expressions, but luckily, no one criticized Sua’s attitude.

“If you’ve seen the script, you’d know. There are three leads in this production.”

“Huh?”

Sua nodded her head.

【Special Task Force 8081
A crime drama. The 8th unit of the special task force handles very specific cases, where they only respond to criminals that must be apprehended within 12 hours.
The two characters, Lee Kang Chul and Kim Yoo Han, with opposite personalities, are paired up. And the third lead is Ha Yun Jin, who commands them.】

“I’ve taken Lee Kang Chul, and Ha Yun Jin is taken by Seo Yeonju. The only remaining lead role is Kim Yoo Han.”

“Well, Kim Yoo Han is fine.”

Sua said it casually. After all, Kim Yoo Han was clearly on the experience list, even at the top, number 001.

“Kim Yoo Han is…”

Kim Sunil couldn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he exchanged glances with Lee Geum Sook, the scriptwriter.

“…It’s an incomplete character.”

“Incomplete?”

“That’s right. Let me explain, as the writer.”

Lee Geum Sook calmly intervened.

“When it was just written down, it seemed like a decent character, but when we tried to fit it onto actors, there was always a gap. In the end, I revised the script several times…”

She shook her head with a somber expression.

“…It ended up completely detached. An incomplete character.”

“Oh.”

“Because of that, Kim Yoo Han’s role is incomplete in terms of volume, personality, relationships, and lines. We’re even considering removing it entirely, so suggesting it to you, Sua, feels awkward.”

Sua easily understood.

So, this was a character that even the writer couldn’t clearly define.

“Anyway, we didn’t suggest a supporting role because we’re underestimating you, Sua. We just wanted to try giving you as many roles as possible to see which one suits you. Is that okay?”

“Oh, yes.”

After nodding, Sua quickly added one more thing.

“Except for the Kim Hyojin role.”

“Got it. And even though Sunil’s tone can be a bit harsh, he’s very precise with these tests. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

Immediately after, Kim Sunil skimmed through the script and spoke.

“Lee Sua, your sharp eyes have been proven. Now, you just need to show your acting skills. If you have good eyes but lack acting skills, there’s no worse curse for a human.”

“That’s probably true.”

It was a story that Sua could relate to.

To have a first-class script right in front of her and not be able to participate—just the thought of it felt unfortunate. It was a kind of torment of hope.

Of course, Kim Sunil wasn’t trying to offer Sua advice with affection. Instead, he narrowed his eyes a little more sharply.

“Body acting is fine. Let’s just try with the reading.”

“Okay.”

“Really, you don’t need more time?”

“Right.”

Kim Sunil gave her a slightly intense look, as if not believing it, but Sua couldn’t read the subtle movement in his eyes.

“Page 3, Scene 4. Sim Da So.”

Finally, Kim Sunil pointed to a part of the script.

Sua’s memory of the experience was still vivid.

Sim Da So. The arrogant actress who falls into despair.

“…This is a scene with deep emotion right from the start?”

“Sunil, let’s take it easy.”

“Yeah, I’ll tell you to hold back your personal emotions.”

The people around them whispered without holding back, and even Kim Sunil and Sua could clearly hear it.

Kim Sunil tilted his head slightly and asked.

“How about you, the person involved? Do you think it’s hard?”

There was no answer from Sua.

“If it’s a hard role, just tell me. If you’re scared, you can quit altogether. We’ll find a role that suits you, but there might not be one. That happens often in this industry.”

“No.”

Sua’s voice was firm.

Did that mean she wasn’t scared?

Did it mean it wasn’t difficult?

…Kim Sunil thought. Maybe it’s both?

“Page 3, Scene 4. Sim Da So.”

The scene was repeated again, almost like an urge.

Finally, Sua opened her lips.

“I don’t like cheap things… But is my death a luxury?”

Even in the moment her breath was stopping, she maintained an arrogant attitude. But it fit her like the perfect outfit. Sua easily absorbed the regret of the actress who was finally thrown into despair.

There was no need to judge. She had already found the right role.

Kim Sunil’s lips tightened. The atmosphere around them was the same.

“Well.”

The space had become much quieter than before. Kim Sunil spoke.

“The appearance alone made it a role that suited you. The real beginning starts now. Should I give you some time to get out of the emotions?”

“I’m fine. I don’t need it.”

There was no sign of panic in her.

But it wasn’t arrogance. In fact, she seemed to be looking forward to which role she could pull off, which only confused Kim Sunil further.

He shook his head and sneered.

If they kept throwing different roles at her, there would definitely be a moment when things would go wrong. She would soon realize her limits.

But…

“Why do you have to die? Do you forget who brought you this far, who gave you these clothes, who fed you…?”

“Pl…please…save me…”

Still, Sua was unfazed.

The two roles she had just acted out were that of the murderer and the victim.

Kim Sunil absentmindedly brushed his neatly styled hair again. His mind had become damp.

“…This is strange, really strange.”

The vividness of her acting was one thing, but what truly baffled Kim Sunil was Sua’s speed.

To act out opposing emotions consecutively, it was inevitable that there would be some gap.

How could someone who was immersed in the emotions of a murderer immediately switch to playing the victim?

But Sua could do it.

She did it lightly, fluidly, with no hesitation.

As if she had forgotten the previous performance in an instant.

It was just then that Kim Sunil was about to point to Scene 40 on page 63.

“Hold on.”

Sua shouted to stop. Immediately, Kim Sunil’s expression brightened. Yeah, you’re reaching your limit here too.

“Why, is it too much?”

“I’m frustrated. Please give me some male roles too.”

…What?

Kim Sunil’s eyes widened.

Her words were delivered coolly and neatly. But the content was anything but light. It was a very bold challenge.

Acting out a role of the opposite gender was never easy.

Page 192, parking lot scene in front of the police station.

Page 173, office corridor scene.

“I made the decision without consulting anyone. It was my own choice. Will you oppose it? You know, the one we must catch.”

As Sua calmly reenacted each role, those on the other side were left with their mouths agape. They couldn’t even think of correcting their stunned expressions.

Kim Sunil was the same.

The thoughts of underestimating Sua, of trying to embarrass her… those thoughts had already vanished.

“My thoughts were wrong. This girl’s acting…”

Sua’s clear lines and strong appearance made her seem like a different person with every role she played.

Was it emotion? Or was it her soul? It was hard to say, but perhaps it was in the way her lines carried such depth.

Kim Sunil recalled the moments he had acted.

He never aimed for the nickname “elegant trash” when he performed. He had dreams once too—dreams of being an actor with a thousand faces, playing different characters in every piece.

But it was hard to break free of himself.

His appearance was set, and the image from previous roles was strong. It wasn’t until later that he realized he didn’t have the innate talent for the grand roles.

A wall.

At that moment, he felt an insurmountable wall.

So what was in front of him now?

…What is this girl? She’s free. She’s not blocked by anything.

The other party is a newcomer, and the period of time they’ve been acting is short. Just looking at the empty resume, isn’t it obvious?

“There are people who have already gone down an irreversible path. We rescue them. That’s what the Special Task Force does.”

But it’s impressive. Just watching the reading, it’s clear.

Sua, once she stands in front of the camera, something amazing will be captured.

Before he knew it, Kim Sunil’s hand moved on its own.

*Shrrrk—!*

He tore a page from the script and placed it visibly on the desk. Immediately, surprised reactions burst out from those around.

“Kim Yuhan…!”

“Are you going to give her the role of Kim Yuhan?”

“It’s a male role, and an unfinished character…?”

Kim Sunil didn’t care about the increasingly loud reactions around him. His eyes were fixed solely on Sua.

Kim Yuhan. An incomplete role.

He knew he was asking for something unreasonable.

But he had become greedy.

If the talent in front of him was truly a comet-like talent, he wanted to see its brilliance. Even if it blinded him.

Before being an actor, Kim Sunil yearned to complete this script more than anything. He was eagerly awaiting the appearance of Kim Yuhan.

Sua, who had understood other roles nearly perfectly, he was extremely curious to see how she would interpret Kim Yuhan.

But then.

“Excuse me.”

“Hm?”

Sua slowly shook her head.

“That won’t work.”

“…Won’t work? Are you saying it’s impossible?”

Kim Sunil momentarily stumbled over his words.

His expression immediately became dumbfounded and then frustrated.

After showing this much, you say there’s no more?

It can’t be.

A talent as brilliant as yours, I want to see how you interpret Kim Yuhan. Show me how you’ll pull it off.

The faces around him were no different from his own. They too were filled with regret, as if asking, “Is this how it ends?” Their eyes all turned toward Sua.

“Kim Yuhan… should I beg you to act it just once?”

For a moment, Kim Sunil thought that, but quickly shook his head.

There was dignity, and there was conscience.

*She would never do it.* And it was an unreasonable request. She probably knew better than anyone how he had treated her.

Kim Sunil had never treated Sua with kindness, and she would know that best.

He couldn’t deny it. Regardless of the situation, he knew his attitude hadn’t been good.

It was a little unfair. How great would it have been if she had shown this kind of skill sooner, if she had appeared earlier?

At the moment Kim Sunil and the others had given up…

“*Hmm.*”

Sua hummed something that sounded like a light tune.

The heavy atmosphere from before was nowhere to be found, replaced by a light movement. She almost seemed like a carefree person.

She walked towards Kim Sunil. Just when everyone thought she would leave, she instead subtly looked down at him.

Kim Sunil’s eyes widened.

“…!”

At the same time, everyone else’s eyes were filled with interest.

Because of the role she was about to take on.

“This… is something I can’t do alone.”

*“I can’t handle this alone.”*

Sua’s words, and the overlapping line from the script. It was a line from a role she had desperately wanted to play, and it was surely something like this.

“I need a partner.”

*”I need someone who can drive and handcuff him.”*

Immediately, an image formed in his mind.

The lightness, the unpredictable genius detective.

“…This is insane!”

Kim Sunil muttered to himself. She wasn’t trying to stop the test. She had just started acting out the role she had interpreted.

“How about we try it together?”

*”Shall we take on this case together?”*

At that moment, Sua was no longer there.

The answer they had been desperately searching for.

The lead role, the genius detective Kim Yuhan.

He was calling for Lee Kangcheol.