Chapter 100: Young Boy and Girl Encouraging Each Other

"Yes, I understand, Nuna! Then let’s strive for the goal of no retakes and no scolding! Let’s see who can achieve it first!"

Lowering his head in silence for a long moment, Chen Zhe realized that his emotional control and self-regulation abilities seemed to have deteriorated significantly. He suspected it might be the influence of his physical state and his past self, which had led to this decline. However, he felt fortunate that he had realized it now, while it was still early enough; he would simply need to be more mindful in the future.

After reflecting on his recent overly emotional behavior, Chen Zhe lifted his head, flashed a sunny smile at Jung Eun-ji as he always did, and pumped his fist with determination.

"That’s right, that’s the spirit! That’s the Chen Zhe I know! But I definitely won’t lose to you—I’ll be the one to do it first!"

Watching Chen Zhe with his fist raised and a smile on his face, Jung Eun-ji nodded with satisfaction, pleased with his current state. As for his challenge, she was momentarily taken aback before immediately reacting; crossing her arms, she accepted his challenge with great spirit.

"It seems Eun-ji has helped you get back on track, so I don’t have to worry anymore! Do you have the confidence to perform well this time, A-Zhe?"

After Jung Eun-ji spiritedly accepted the challenge, Eun Ji-won, who had just finished consoling the director alongside the screenwriter, walked over slowly. After observing their state, he nodded lightly. He walked up to Chen Zhe, patted him on the shoulder with a faint smile, and quietly shifted his form of address to "A-Zhe."

"Yes, don't worry, Sunbae-nim, I will definitely get it right this time. My previous mistakes were just because the pressure was too high, which caused me to have frequent retakes!"

Chen Zhe patted his chest firmly, his tone filled with self-confidence. But upon seeing the knowing, amused expressions on Jung Eun-ji and Eun Ji-won’s faces, his face flushed slightly, and he quickly added a few more words to explain why he had been making so many mistakes earlier.

"Well, as long as you’re confident, A-Zhe. Actually, the director was just in the heat of the moment and couldn't help but go a bit overboard; don't take it to heart!"

Seeing Chen Zhe explain the situation with a hint of awkwardness, Eun Ji-won smiled and nodded after he finished, though he couldn't help but offer a few more words of advice. He didn't want Chen Zhe to harbor any resentment, which might create a rift between him and the director in the future.

"Yes, I know the director was just angry. I won't take it to heart, don't worry, Sunbae-nim!"

Understanding the meaning behind Eun Ji-won’s words and knowing he was looking out for him, Chen Zhe nodded with a smile, signaling that he understood.

"Good, as long as you know. Let’s head back quickly and finish this scene that’s been driving you crazy!"

Seeming to catch the meaning in Chen Zhe's words, Eun Ji-won nodded with a smile, put an arm around Chen Zhe's shoulder, and led him back toward the filming set.

"Director-nim, I’ve adjusted my state. Please give me one more chance; I won't make any more mistakes!"

Upon returning to the set, Chen Zhe walked straight to Shin Won-ho. After meeting his gaze with a firm expression, he bowed deeply, offering his guarantee and asking for another opportunity.

"Hmm, alright!" Shin Won-ho looked deeply at the noticeably changed Chen Zhe, then glanced at Lee Woo-jung and the others who were looking at them with smiles. After a moment of silence, the expression on his face softened slightly. Though he remained stern-faced, he nodded briefly and gave his consent.

"I am truly very sorry for troubling everyone again. I promise I won't make any mistakes this time!"

After walking back to his position, Chen Zhe bowed deeply to the crew members, expressing his regret for dragging down the production and wasting everyone's time. Watching him bow, Shin Won-ho, Lee Woo-jung, and Eun Ji-won all nodded to themselves, their estimation of Chen Zhe rising significantly.

"Action!" Seeing that Chen Zhe was fully in the zone, Shin Won-ho nodded and gave the command, and the scene began once more.

As time passed, it seemed his mindset had truly been adjusted. Chen Zhe’s performance this time was exceptionally smooth, without a single error; his temperament, movements, and expressions were all perfectly captured. Looking at the Chen Zhe before him, Shin Won-ho felt as if he were seeing the Yoon Yoon-jae from the script standing right there, and he couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.

"Your performance just now was excellent, Chen Zhe. Remember this state and keep it up!"

After the scene was successfully filmed, Shin Won-ho walked over to Chen Zhe, who was resting, and tapped his shoulder gently, his tone laced with a hint of warmth. He no longer looked like the man who had been shouting at Chen Zhe moments ago; he seemed more like a gentle elder.

"Yes, I understand, Director!" Chen Zhe, who had been lost in thought while trying to memorize the feeling of his performance, was startled by the touch on his shoulder and jumped up, looking behind him instinctively. Upon realizing it was Director Shin Won-ho, he let out a sigh of relief. After hearing his words, he nodded with a wry smile.

"Very good. Keep it up, keep working hard, and strive to become an excellent actor. I believe you have the potential!"

Also startled by Chen Zhe's sudden jump, Shin Won-ho waited a moment before tapping his shoulder again and offering encouragement with a smile. After all, he had seen Chen Zhe’s performance today; he was indeed a good talent, and he knew how to conduct himself well. In his eyes, such a person had a bright future ahead.

"Yes, thank you, Director. I will keep working hard!"

Upon hearing Shin Won-ho’s words, Chen Zhe’s eyes widened slightly, feeling somewhat incredulous. He truly hadn't expected Shin Won-ho to encourage him. After a few more casual remarks, Shin Won-ho bid him farewell and turned to leave, as he was preparing to head home.

Today’s filming tasks were mostly complete, and the majority of the crew were packing up to leave.

"A-Zhe, my manager oppa is here to pick me up. I’m heading out, see you tomorrow!"

Just as Chen Zhe was lost in thought again, Jung Eun-ji walked over and gave him a hearty pat on the back. In front of Chen Zhe, she no longer hid her tough, Busan-girl side.

"Yes, see you tomorrow, Eun-ji Nuna!" After being patted on the back, Chen Zhe came back to his senses, nodded with a smile, and responded to her farewell.