* * *

“There were constant issues. Camera, lighting, even the script. It was chaos.”

Oh, Mom too?

“Sometimes things just don’t go smoothly, and it seems like now is that time.”

I agreed wholeheartedly.

“But seeing you makes me so happy. My angel. How was today?”

I smiled brightly and said,

“The Kongja enjoyed everything!”

Well, except yesterday’s tough filming.

“Don’t lie. You said yesterday was hard.”

Ah, she caught me.

“It’s okay! The Kongja loves running!”

Mom blinked and hugged me tightly.

“My angel. It must have been hard.”

No, it was just running.

At that moment, Deok-soo spoke from behind.

“The Kongja was so tired he slept soundly last night.”

“Of course, he did?”

“Yes. I haven’t accompanied many shoots, but this one seems particularly tough.”

Mom whispered softly.

“Shooting can be tough, but making my child suffer… I can’t forgive that.”

I smiled awkwardly.

“I need to rethink sending the Kongja to these kinds of events.”

Oh no, Mom. I shook my head immediately.

“Mom! The Kongja loves it!”

“Really, what part?”

“Everything!”

I looked around and hugged Mom tightly.

“I want to do more shoots!”

Yes, Mom.

I want to appear in more projects. Honestly, I even enjoy these commercials.

“Shooting commercials for national promotion isn’t something just anyone can do.”

In my previous life, I couldn’t even dream of serving my country.

“I’m not sure if this counts as patriotism, but…”

Let’s say it’s something similar.

Mom’s body shook as she laughed.

“Such an angel. How can you be so good?”

Oh, Mom.

“Mom! Kongja isn’t an angel. But if I were,”

I smiled sweetly and said,

“It’s because of you, Mom!”

Of course.

“I knew where to lay down and stretch my legs.”

If I wasn’t well-off, how could I even think of giving back?

“It’s hard enough just to make ends meet.”

Mom blinked. I saw myself in her eyes, a very cute child smiling brightly.

Mom hugged me tightly.

“Really. You’re an angel.”

Mom patted my back and murmured.

“Kongja, it feels like I’m learning from you.”

No, what would you learn from me? I haven’t done anything.

“How can I be this happy every time? Kongja, I feel like my life changed when I met you.”

That’s obvious.

“Raising a child changes your life.”

Even the bank account balance. Raising a child costs so much.

“Really, how did such an angel come to me?”

Mom took a deep breath. I knew. She was holding back her tears.

“Mom, don’t cry.”

“Okay. I won’t cry. I need to fix my makeup.”

I smiled widely.

“Mom, I love you!”

I will continue to be a good son. Though I’m not sure if I can ever repay the debt.

For a moment, I was startled. Tears finally welled up in Mom’s eyes.

“Make-makeup!”

Black tears rolled down.

‘Oh, no.’

I messed up.

“Oh my!”

Mom wiped away the tears with her hand. This only made her beautiful eye makeup even messier.

“Mom! No!”

“Did it, did it smudge?”

“Yes!”

Mom hurriedly handed me over to Deok-soo and called the staff. I let out a small sigh.

‘Hmm, this commercial seems cursed.’

The curse of the panda, that is.

‘This is bad. Can it be fixed?’

Mom quickly closed her eyes to get her makeup retouched. I clasped my hands and prayed.

‘Please, lift this curse. God, Buddha, Allah, Heavenly Spirits.’

Whether my prayer was heard or not, Mom’s makeup was quickly fixed.

Then, finally, the awaited signal was heard.

“Action!”

The staff handed me a lantern. I took it and stood in position. It was a group scene.

‘Hmm, the shot where the president hugs and pats me must be separate.’

In this scene, I was just holding the lantern.

‘But wow, there are so many people here.’

From sports stars to celebrities, they were all famous figures.

‘Since everyone’s busy, speed is key.’

I turned my back on them, facing the camera.

Being the smallest, I had to stand at the front.

Then, suddenly, someone lifted me up.

‘Huh?’

I looked up to see the President.

‘What? Why?’

Supporting me expertly, the President said,

“Let’s move quickly.”

The director hurriedly shouted,

“Yes! Yes! Standby!”

Wow.

‘Honestly, any normal kid would have been flustered.’

But not me, Mr. President. I can handle this. I held the lantern and smiled brightly.

Thankfully, the group shot finished quickly.

“Cut! Perfect!”

I prepared to get down from the President’s arms. But then,

‘Why are you still holding me?’

The President didn’t put me down. Instead, he stroked my cheek.

“You’re really cute.”

Yes, I am quite cute.

‘So please put me down.’

I didn’t need to look to know. Behind me, Mom would be standing with her arms crossed.

“You’re bold. You’re going to be someone important.”

Oh dear. Has he figured it out? I am kind of special.

‘Well, it’s just a compliment.’

I smiled broadly.

“Thank you!”

“See you again, little Kongja.”

Oh dear.

‘Is this why I’m always invited on Children’s Day?’

But what does he mean by ‘again’?

‘Are we shooting more, Mr. President?’

But I shouldn’t ask that.

Smooth social interactions start with wise responses.

I answered succinctly.

“Yes!”

As soon as the President let me go, I ran to Mom.

She hugged me tightly and turned away.

“Why is he holding our little master? It’s annoying.”

No, Mom.

“What did he say, little master?”

“He said we’ll see each other again!”

“Oh my.”

Mom muttered quietly.

“Should we emigrate? This is the nth time.”

Oh dear.

I smiled awkwardly.

“Our little Kongja is so popular, it’s worrisome for Mom.”

Is that so?

‘I don’t think it’s something to worry about.’

Wouldn’t it be more of a problem if I weren’t popular? My dream is to be an actor, after all.

‘Maybe parents think differently.’

Mom hugged me tightly and sighed.

“Really. So many people are eyeing you.”

No, Mom.

‘It’s not like they said much.’

After standing like that for a while, a staff member told us to get ready. \

I came out of Mom’s arms and ran back to where the President was.

‘Oh, dear.’

I glanced back to see Mom standing with her arms crossed, staring intently in this direction.

‘She must really be anxious.’

Uh, Mom. Please don’t glare like that. He’s the highest-ranking person in our country for the next four years.

‘It can’t be helped.’

I smiled brightly at the President.

‘We just have to finish quickly.’

Thus, the shoot resumed. Thankfully, this time it ended in one take.

* * *