From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 276: Jeffrey time

The following week arrived quietly.

No dramatic shift. No sudden resolution. Just time moving forward, the way it always did.

On set, life returned to its routine rhythm.

The set still buzzed with familiar sounds crew members adjusting equipment, assistants checking schedules, actors going over lines in low voices. It felt normal again. Or at least, as normal as things could be after everything that had happened.

Dayo stood near the monitors, tablet in hand, scanning through the day’s schedule. His expression was calm, focused, unchanged. Anyone watching closely would never guess that his name was still floating through comment sections and online debates.

Around him, people gathered not around the cameras, not around the director’s chair but near the entrance.

They were waiting for someone.

"He should be here any minute," an assistant said.

"Traffic was crazy this morning," another replied.

Dayo glanced up. He already knew who they were talking about.

The set door opened.

For half a second, nothing happened.

Then the clapping started.

It wasn’t loud at first—just a few hands. Then more. Then the entire set joined in.

Dae-Seok entered.

The man who stepped in froze.

He looked genuinely shocked, eyes widening as he took in the scene—dozens of people smiling, clapping, nodding at him.

"Welcome back!"

"Good to see you!"

"You made it!"

He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah—what is this?" he said, clearly flustered. "Did I miss something?"

The applause continued for a few more seconds before Dayo raised a hand.

"That’s enough," he said, tone easy. "You’re back. That’s what matters and everyone is herr to welcome you back to set."

The clapping faded.

Dae-Seok who had been absent for weeks bowed his head slightly. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "I didn’t expect this."

He hadn’t.

Just thinking about how it was due to his injury that Dayo was getting backlash made him respect Dayo more than ever.

Most people didn’t know the full story.

Only a handful were aware that he’d offended the wrong person in the industry months ago. A careless remark. A bruised ego. And just like that, doors had quietly closed on him. Jobs dried up. Calls stopped coming.

Just like Park Hyun-Seo but unlike park where his situation was known he was the opposite he just started acting so not many knew his acting.

It was only recently after hearing about an opening, after swallowing his pride that he’d tried again.

Because he heard the director didnt care about your past.

And somehow, against expectations, he’d been allowed back he got the role and was paid very huge soke.

What struck him most wasn’t the opportunity itself.

It was Dayo.

Given everything happening online—every accusation, every twisted headline—no one would have blamed him for keeping his distance. For letting things stay "professional."

Instead, Dayo had approved the timing. Approved the return. Approved this moment and welcomed him open handed.

With no grudges. Or any single hesitation.

That stayed with him.

Dayo clapped his hands once. "Alright," he said. "Welcome back officially. Now let’s get to work."

Laughter broke out.

People dispersed quickly, returning to their positions. The moment passed, but the meaning behind it didn’t.

As preparations resumed, Dayo turned to check a message on his phone.

It rang.

Not vibrated.

Rang.

He paused.

Only one group of people could override his silent settings.

"Give me a second," he said to the assistant beside him, stepping aside.

He answered. "Coach Richard."

"Thought you’d ignore me," Coach Richard said immediately.

Dayo smiled faintly. "You know that’s impossible."

"I do," Richard replied. "Your silence settings tell me everything."

"You’re obsessed with looking for my trouble" Dayo said dryly.

"And you like it," the coach shot back.

Dayo leaned against a pillar, eyes drifting back toward the set. "How is he?"

There was a brief pause.

Then Richard exhaled. "Rough around the edges. Very rough."

Dayo nodded, unsurprised.

"But," Richard continued, "the talent is real. Close to yours. Very close."

That made Dayo straighten slightly and gave a sigh of relief.

"I figured," he said calmly.

"He listens," Richard added. "Which is already better than you were at his age."

Dayo scoffed. "That’s a low bar."

Richard laughed. "Please. You were a nightmare."

"And yet," Dayo replied calmly, "you kept me."

"Because you were worth the trouble," Richard said.

Dayo’s voice turned, more seriously, " Coach please make sure he stays focused. Don’t let him waste this."

"I won’t," Coach Richard said without hesitation.

There was silence for a moment.

Then Richard spoke again, softer this time. "I’m taking care of him. Don’t worry."

"Thank you," Dayo said. "Really."

"You don’t have to thank me," Richard replied. "I’m investing in someone who actually wants to be an athlete."

A beat.

"Unlike you," he added.

Dayo laughed quietly. "Here we go agin whining."

"You chased purpose," Richard continued. "He’s chasing the sport. That difference matters."

"Careful," Dayo said. "You’re getting sentimental."

"Don’t push it," Richard replied. "Go do your movie."

"I will," Dayo said. "Call me if anything changes."

"I will."

The line went dead.

Dayo slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked toward the center of the set.

The cameras were ready. Lights adjusted. Actors in position.

He took in the scene for a brief second.

Everything was moving.

Exactly as planned.

"Alright," Dayo said clearly. "Everyone settle in."

Conversations died down.

"This scene is a single take," he continued. "No rushing. No shortcuts."

He looked around, meeting eyes.

"Let’s do it right."

A nod from the cinematographer.

A signal from the assistant director.

"Positions!"

The room shifted into focus.

Dayo raised his hand.

"And—"

He dropped it.

"Action."

As the cameras rolled, no one noticed the quiet certainty in Dayo’s expression.

A smile he was happy no more like excited for his junior brother Jeffery he coulds still remember when his brother told him about been bullied and he had to teach his martial art to clear his trouble.

Memories of his junior brother floored his head he sighed and said. "Hm finally you have grown."