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Seoul, Korea. Year 2015
"CUT! Joy, you are now acting as Queen Inhyeon, you have to look more demure!" The director shouted.

Today was Joy's third day of filming and nothing seems to be going her way. Though she had read the biography of her character so many times before, she can't seem to get herself into her character. Maybe today is just not her day. 

"Why don't we take a break?" Assistant director, Joon, wisely suggested.

"Fine, fifteen minutes of break." Director turned to look at Joy. "When we get back, I want you to get into your character."

"Yes, director." Joy replied and apologised sincerely.
The director, still with a grim expression, nodded and left. Joon gave Joy a little nod and mouthed: Don't worry too much.

Joy smiled slightly. She is thankful to Joon, who had just saved her from yet another lecture from the director. This is her fourth time working with Joon ever since she entered the showbiz. And as always, she can rely on him.

Manager Hwang walked up to Joy, passed her a coat and a cup of coffee. They walked towards her seat and sat down.

"Why can't I get into this character?" she sighed. "Can't I just drop everything off and run away?"

"Sorry to say, but it's a no," replied Manager Hwang. "Remember what you promised me when you convinced me to let you take on this drama?"

"Yes, yes. I still remember so don't you use my words on me again," Joy said as she took a sip of her coffee. "To think that 'that guy' is staring as King Sukjong is enough to stop me from concentrating." She raised her hand to air quotes. Not sure if it's considered a relief, but it's a good thing that he is not on set today.

"You mean Sungjae?" Manager Hwang asked as she raised her eyebrows.
Manager Hwang is another person that she can always rely on. Her personality is great but she loves to rub salt on others' wound, specifically Joy's. However, Joy still loves just the way she is. Also, if it wasn't for Manager Hwang, she wouldn't have made it this far. Manager Hwang is like her mum, her nanny and her best friend.

"Don't you mentioned that name. Mentioning him is a taboo." Joy replied with a glare.

"Why do you hate him so much? Didn't you say he actually helped you survived in this showbiz? If it's wasn't for him, you wouldn't have become an A-list actress at such a young age."

Yeah right, he saved me by calling me to leave if I cannot take it. Joy rolled her eyes. "Is there any scene whereby Queen Inhyeon kill King Sukjong? Because if there is, I am sure I can do it with just one take."

Manager Hwang narrowed her eyes before reaching out for her bag. She took out a brown folder and passed it to Joy.

"What's this?" Joy asked. She opened the folder and took a look at the content before pulling it out from the folder. "Is this somebody's essay?" She asked and pointed to the stack of papers that were filled with words to the brim. "This person must be a scholar or something. Maybe I should consider hiring this person to write my university's essays."

"Biography of Queen Inhyeon. Read all of it. It will help in your preparation," Manager Hwang replied as she packed her bag. She paused a moment and looked up at Joy. "And stop thinking about Queen Inhyeon killing King Sukjong because that is never going to happen."

Joy flipped through the pages.

"Not again? I have read these so many times that I am starting to get bored of it. They pretty much say the same thing."

"These are much more detailed than those you read." Manager Hwang said. "You really need all these materials to do well in this blockbuster drama. It's not easy to get casted and so, you have to do extra well." She specifically emphasised the last few words.