I Want to Be a VTuber

"Huh, Asher Baldwin?"

Jo Seohui crossed her arms, a pensive expression crossing her face upon hearing the name.

"Now that you mention it, I've heard about him. Recently, there were rumors about Asher Baldwin heading to Japan."

"Is he working on a project there?"

"Probably. But who knows? Hm, maybe the Japanese gave him a substantial paycheck."

Seoyeon fell into thought at Seohui's words.

The Japanese film industry was known for its directors earning relatively modest fees.

Even Seoyeon, who wasn't particularly knowledgeable about the industry, was aware of this fact.

"More importantly, there was never a Japanese film directed by Asher Baldwin in my past life, was there?"

If he had made a movie, it would have been impossible for Seoyeon not to know.

Although she lacked familiarity with international releases, any movie by Asher Baldwin would have undoubtedly made its way to Korea.

If she didn’t know about it, chances were high it had never been released.

As she mulled over this, Lee Jiyeon, who had been silent, spoke up.

"So, Ju Seoyeon. Does that legendary director want you to star in his movie?"

"I'm not sure yet."

From what she'd heard, it was a Japanese film.

For a Korean to star as the lead in a Japanese film was almost... no, absolutely unheard of.

"Especially in a project funded by Japan."

The Japanese film industry was likely trying to revive its frozen market with bold moves.

Bringing in a renowned foreign director might be one such gamble.

"If that’s the case, perhaps something didn’t align, and the film never saw the light of day in my previous life."

It was entirely plausible.

Asher Baldwin's recent works had faltered slightly, tarnishing his reputation.

But that didn’t erase his achievements as a two-time Academy Award-winning director.

He remained one of the most revered filmmakers in the United States, his name towering over any Japanese director.

Not just in Japan, but even compared to Korea.

Asher Baldwin was a rare director who balanced artistic expression and commercial appeal.

"They say trying to chase two rabbits often results in catching neither, but he managed to capture both."

"I’ll need to hear more details first."

"Right. Even if it’s not the lead role, participating as an extra is worth it. An Asher Baldwin film holds that kind of value."

Seohui’s words were calm yet left her pondering something.

"Still, since it’s a Japanese film, I’m a bit concerned about the production environment. Well, if Asher Baldwin demands it, people from the U.S. might join the project. Especially..."

"Especially?"

"Asher Baldwin has an adopted daughter. I think she came to Japan with him."

Asher Baldwin’s adopted daughter.

Seoyeon rummaged through her memory.

She recalled someone with a similar name.

"Stella Baldwin."

"Oh, you know her? Not many people know she's his adopted daughter."

"The last name is the same."

"The Baldwin name is pretty common... Anyway, if Asher Baldwin makes a movie, she’ll likely be in it."

Seoyeon was largely ignorant about foreign actors—more so than about directors.

While she knew directors due to a film’s fame, she had rarely watched foreign movies or dramas.

"Because they weren’t particularly useful for mirroring emotions."

Seoyeon never watched movies or dramas purely for entertainment.

She only watched them to study and replicate the emotions portrayed.

As a result, every film or drama she watched was Korean.

Cultural differences in emotional expression and arcs could negatively influence her approach if she consumed too much foreign content.

"As for Stella, I know her for reasons unrelated to her works."

Mostly, not for good reasons.

"So, if they cast a foreign actress as the female lead, it’ll probably be her, right?"

"Maybe."

"I wouldn’t know. You said they haven’t even told you what the role is?"

"They seem a bit uncertain too. They just brought it up since my schedule is packed."

"That makes sense."

In any case, the details would have to wait until she went to Japan.

Coincidentally, Kyungsung Lady had scenes to be filmed in Japan, so they’d likely meet then.

"By the way, Ju Seoyeon."

"Yeah?"

"Did you see this?"

Seoyeon blinked at Jiyeon’s sudden question.

"See what?"

"This."

Jiyeon held out her smartphone, and Seoyeon glanced at the screen without much thought.

On it was:

"I’m scared, Ramiel... A ghost is coming for me..."

"......"

Seoyeon's expression cracked.

Who was the person in the video?

Was that... her?

She didn’t speak like that, let alone cling to others.

Not that Jiyeon counted as "others."

What was this nonsense?!

"Th-this is edited, right?"

"As if. Yesterday, you clung to me all day, and I almost died."

Not all day—only while sleeping!

Seoyeon couldn’t deny it, though.

The footage was clearly of her, after she’d blacked out.

Alcohol was to blame.

Watching herself babble drunkenly gave Seoyeon a throbbing headache.

"Am I... weak to alcohol?"

She’d had confidence in her seemingly invincible TS-transformed body.

Not only was she immune to food poisoning, but she had never been sick.

Why was alcohol an exception?

"Who recorded this?"

"Huh?"

"You were stuck with me, so it must’ve been someone else."

Seoyeon’s eyes darted around.

Among those present, there was only one suspect.

Jo Seohui, who was subtly averting her gaze.

"My cat must’ve filmed it."

"You don’t even own a pet."

"......"

She regretted not getting a cat now.

Sweating under Seoyeon’s intense gaze, Seohui seemed unrepentant.

Still, Seohui didn’t feel too guilty.

If given another chance, she’d record it again.

"Anyway."

Deleting the video from Seohui’s phone, Seoyeon turned her thoughts back to Asher Baldwin and Stella.

These two were what truly mattered.

Not just for casting decisions but for other lingering concerns as well.

In a luxurious hotel in Japan, Asher entered the lobby, sighing at the murmurs around him.

Should he reprimand his daughter for casually appearing in front of people?

"Didn’t you say you couldn’t find any actors in Japan you liked?"

"That makes it sound like I’m disparaging Japanese actors."

"Isn’t it the same thing? Papa, you dislike Japanese acting styles."

Asher glanced around at her words.

It wasn’t far from the truth, but it wasn’t something to say aloud in Japan.

Fortunately, aside from his interpreter and a few guards, no one seemed to understand her English.

"They’re not Japanese. They’re Korean."

"Same difference."

"That’s casual racism."

"Huh? I didn’t mean it that way."

Her playful smile was almost fairy-like. At eighteen, she still looked youthful compared to the average Western actor who matured quickly.

"Well, I’m half-Asian too, remember?"

Chinese, Japanese, or Korean—it was hard to say.

Asher sighed again.

Stella didn’t particularly like Asians, which explained her outburst when he mentioned coming to Japan.

"Originally, I wanted Stella to star in my next film."

But a Japanese production made that impossible.

Besides, with his recent slump, Asher needed time to regain his footing.

This Japanese project was a challenge for him as well.

"A film infused with the colors of a culture different from my own."

"If it’s her, winning the youngest Academy Award for Best Actress might be possible."

From the moment he’d met Stella on the street, Asher’s conviction about her talent hadn’t wavered.

"But."

That Korean actress might just inspire her.

"Her appearance, her aura, her immersion."

It had left him as shaken as when he first met Stella.

"Found a good actor?"

"Yeah."

Of course, Stella’s expression darkened at his response.

+++++

"Director Baldwin, you say?"

Director Baek Min's face showed a hint of surprise at Seoyeon's words.

Today, Seoyeon had to share the recent developments before the next shoot.

"A truly extraordinary master. Well, with acting like yours, Seoyeon, it's only natural he'd take an interest."

Director Baek Min nodded thoughtfully before continuing.

"Director Baldwin is someone who has seamlessly combined the acting style I strive for with commercial appeal. There's much to learn from him."

Jo Seohui, standing nearby, seemed eager to speak.

Her expression practically screamed, "I prefer your movies, Director Baek."

However, it wasn’t something one could easily say when discussing someone of Asher Baldwin's stature.

Baek Min would likely dismiss it as flattery rather than genuine praise.

"But it's a bit unfortunate that it’s a Japanese film. If it were shot in Hollywood, even appearing as an extra would be far more valuable."

"That part isn’t confirmed yet."

"Is that so? Then, if I were to speculate..."

Given that it was a Japanese film, it would be difficult for Seoyeon to land the lead role.

An extra, then?

Director Baek Min initially assumed it might be an extra role as well.

However, from what he’d heard, it didn’t seem to fit that impression.

If Baldwin had witnessed Seoyeon’s acting by chance, Baek Min wondered which role he would cast her in.

"Honestly, it’s obvious."

"Excuse me?"

"A villain, isn’t it?"

"Heh."

Jo Seohui couldn’t help but laugh at Baek Min’s suggestion.

She bit her lip hard, but it seemed impossible to suppress her amusement.

"Says someone who’s no different."

Seoyeon shot a sharp glare at Seohui.

More importantly, had the video been properly deleted?

She hadn’t double-checked, and it gnawed at her.

She should have confiscated the phone and confirmed its deletion thoroughly back then.

Seoyeon felt a pang of regret.

"Villain roles are easier, after all."

It was true.

Thanks to her past life, she felt more comfortable with certain roles.

Having faced discriminatory gazes and feelings of alienation, she could easily empathize with the emotions of villains.

Villainous roles often stemmed from those negative emotions.

That didn’t mean she only wanted to play villains, though.

"I’d rather be the Butterfly Lady."

Kasugayama Yuina.

Initially, the role had felt burdensome, but the more she played it, the more it grew on her.

After understanding the emotional nuances, she even felt a tinge of sorrow for the character.

Had she performed like this from the start, she might have delivered better scenes more consistently.

"For now, we’ll need to prioritize shooting Seoyeon’s scenes before the Japanese shoot begins."

"Ah, did the schedule change because of me...?"

"No, not at all. But since you might get busier, there’s no harm in filming quickly."

Both the schedule and Seoyeon’s performance warranted rapid shooting.

Baek Min had concluded that after witnessing her acting.

Given that her strength lay in emotional performances, filming in a concentrated burst before the emotions faded produced better results.

"What about you, Seohui? Is that okay?"

"Oh, yes. I’m fine with it."

Baek Min nodded.

The scenes involving Kasugayama Yuina were demanding, and the lead actors bore the brunt of the workload.

Yuina’s appearances were invariably tied to Michiko or Yeon Seonye, and of course, Gotō Isamu followed closely behind.

"A Hollywood director taking an interest..."

Meanwhile, Lee Sangsoo looked worried after hearing Seoyeon’s story.

Having experienced a major failure in Hollywood himself, he seemed concerned for Seoyeon.

Of course, even if Seoyeon ended up filming, it would be in the Japanese film industry, not Hollywood.

"For now, let’s take it one step at a time. Seoyeon, Seohui, are you both ready?"

"Yes," Seoyeon replied, nodding nervously.

Baek Min looked slightly puzzled at her demeanor.

"I didn’t think Seoyeon got nervous when acting."

"Well... yes. I’m human too, you know."

Seoyeon chuckled awkwardly.

The truth was, her nervousness wasn’t about the acting itself.

"It’s the scene where I have to wrestle and fight with Michiko."

Jo Seohui, who had no clue about Seoyeon’s physical prowess, simply tilted her head in confusion.

But Seoyeon, who had sent two co-stars to the hospital during the The Chaser shoot, couldn’t help but feel tense.

When she got deeply immersed in her role, accidents sometimes happened.