Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 658

“Damn it! Why the hell did this bastard suddenly go AWOL!” Assistant Director Jo was beside himself with worry. ‘This is driving me crazy.’ Zhang Xiang’s anger was reaching a boiling point. His flushed face and the veins popping out on his hand gripping the script made Assistant Director Jo’s heart pound. This was an unprecedented situation. Filming always comes with variables. To create the perfect scene, you have to control all the variables, but as is the way of the world, if you could control them, they wouldn’t be variables. If you prepare for a sunny day, it pours rain, and it’s common for actors to get stomachaches and ruin the shoot. That’s just how it is on a film set. But Zhang Xiang, who had weathered many storms on set, was now unable to control his rage. ‘And with good reason.’ How could he not be furious when the lead actor had been unreachable for over 24 hours? Even though the project they were filming was a historical drama, and the lead actor’s scenes were fewer compared to a regular drama, there was no way they could continue filming for days without the lead actor. Yesterday, they managed by filming Choi Yeon-ha’s scenes, but today, they needed Ryu Wei. But they couldn’t reach Ryu Wei. “Did you try calling him?” “He’s not answering.” “What about his manager?” “…He’s lost it.” “These crazy bastards.” Finally, Zhang Xiang threw the script he was holding onto the floor. “Are we going to film or not!” “W-we’re doing our best to find him.” “Find him?” Zhang Xiang’s face was contorted with rage. “Hey, you bastard! We can’t film because the actor is missing, what do you mean ‘finding him’?” “I’m sorry.” Assistant Director Jo bowed his head. ‘What am I supposed to do?’ What could he do when the actor had gone AWOL? Even the manager and the agency, who were supposed to manage the actor, couldn’t find him. What could an assistant director do? It was an unreasonable scolding, but he didn’t have the courage to argue. Talking back to Zhang Xiang in his current state was like throwing yourself into a fire with a can of oil. “I’m pushing the agency.” “You better! Damn it, if we can’t film because of this, I’ll make sure those bastards can never work in this industry again. Tell them that clearly. I’ll make sure they can’t set foot in this industry again, no matter what it takes. So, tell them to bring that bastard back right now. Got it?” “Yes!” As Assistant Director Jo was about to rush out, Zhang Xiang yelled. “Do it over the phone, you idiot! If even you are running around like a headless chicken, who’s going to keep things together! Who’s going to report to me!” “I’m sorry.” “There’s no one I like.” Zhang Xiang slumped into a chair, lit a cigarette, and took a drag. The smoke filling his lungs calmed him down a little. ‘Did this bastard screw me over?’ The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Who was he? Even without his fame and status, he was the director who ruled the set. And yet, a mere actor had gone AWOL and screwed him over. How could this be happening? This was why he didn’t want to use that kind of guy. It was a disaster that was bound to happen from the moment they brought in a guy who couldn’t even act properly, just because he was popular. ‘Maybe I should just…’ Zhang Xiang blew out a harsh puff of smoke. ‘No, no. That’s impossible.’ Replacing the actor now was impossible. They had already finished two-thirds of the filming. Considering the post-production, they were only halfway through the work period, but the filming would be done within two months. And to replace the lead actor here and reshoot? That was out of the question. Putting aside the time, the production costs would skyrocket. Thanks to his unwavering commitment to creating a great video, he had invested heavily in production costs, and there wasn’t enough money left. Besides, it wasn’t just about reshooting the lead actor’s scenes. The other scenes were also created to match the actor’s vibe. If the actor changed, it was obvious that those scenes wouldn’t fit. And those damn investors would come running with foam in their mouths. Those guys who would jump out of bed for money wouldn’t tolerate any risk. “Damn it.” Zhang Xiang puffed on his cigarette. He should have stopped them from casting Ryu Wei as the lead from the start. But regretting it now wouldn’t solve anything. ‘I need to finish filming quickly and get out of here.’ If it weren’t for the orders from the Party, he wouldn’t have even filmed this kind of drama. No matter how bold he was, he wasn’t about to defy the Party’s orders. He could just film it roughly and be done with it, but the problem was that his personality wouldn’t allow it. Even if it was a propaganda drama for the Party, it would still be part of his career, and he didn’t want to tarnish his career by filming it carelessly. “Um… Director.” Zhang Xiang grimaced and turned his head. From the anxious tone of Assistant Director Jo’s voice, he could already guess what he was going to say. “The agency is doing their best to find him. But they still haven’t been able to reach him…” “These bastards, seriously.” Zhang Xiang bit down on the cigarette he was holding. He wouldn’t be this angry if he had heard that the actor would be able to join the filming in a week. Was he supposed to just wait indefinitely for a lead actor who might not even show up? “Director.” “What?” “Then what do we do about today’s filming?” “Damn it…” Zhang Xiang sighed deeply. Being angry was one thing, but filming was another. If he gave up because of a problem, he wouldn’t be qualified as a director. A director’s job was to deal with any problem flexibly and keep the schedule on track. The problem was… “Should we call Choi Yeon-ha?” “Hey, you idiot!” Finally, Zhang Xiang exploded. “I told her to rest for two days with my own mouth yesterday, and you’re telling me to reverse that in less than a day? Why don’t you just shove my face in a toilet? Huh? How much do you want to humiliate your director to be satisfied?” “B-but there’s no other way, is there?” “Ugh.” Zhang Xiang rubbed his face roughly with both hands. After a few dry washes, Zhang Xiang sighed as if the ground was sinking beneath him. ‘Damn it.’ One thing was certain. To resume filming, they needed either Choi Yeon-ha or Ryu Wei. They could postpone scenes where they both appeared, but there were no scenes where neither of them appeared. What would happen if they gave up on filming today? ‘It’ll be a complete disaster.’ Considering the appearance fees for all these extras, the facility fees, and the equipment rental fees, a huge amount of money would be wasted if the filming was delayed by even a day. He couldn’t let that happen. Even if losing that money wouldn’t stop the filming, the quality of the movie would decrease as this kind of thing repeated. Because the money that could be invested elsewhere would disappear. Zhang Xiang could never accept that. “Connect me to Choi Yeon-ha.” “Yes?” “Don’t make me say it twice, you idiot. Connect me to Choi Yeon-ha! Can’t you hear me?” “Y-yes, I’ll connect you right away.” Assistant Director Jo, sweating profusely, picked up the phone. After the call connected, Assistant Director Jo carefully handed the phone to Zhang Xiang. “Is this Choi Yeon-ha?” “This is Choi Yeon-ha’s manager.” “This…” Zhang Xiang glared, and Assistant Director Jo quickly took back the phone and explained something. After a while, Assistant Director Jo handed the phone back to Zhang Xiang. “I’ve connected you to Choi Yeon-ha.” “Give it to me.” Zhang Xiang took the phone and took a deep breath. It was always embarrassing for a person to go back on their word. Especially for someone as proud as Zhang Xiang. “Choi Yeon-ha?” [Yes, Director. What’s going on?] “Are you resting well?” [Yes. Thanks to your consideration.] “Ah, that’s good to hear…” Zhang Xiang trailed off. He couldn’t help but sigh. He felt like a petty person who couldn’t even keep his own word. But the filming schedule was much more important than his pride. ‘Damn it, in just one day.’ If he hadn’t tormented Choi Yeon-ha yesterday, it would have been ten times easier to make this call. But to have done that yesterday and then be in a position to ask for a favor today, was this even possible? ‘Ryu Wei, that damn bastard.’ His anger towards Ryu Wei surged again. “Actually, there’s a bit of a problem.” [A problem? What kind of problem?] “Well…” Zhang Xiang licked his lips several times. His lips felt parched. The moment he asked Choi Yeon-ha to come to the set, he could imagine the criticism and ridicule that would pour out from the other side of the phone. But he couldn’t avoid the rain. “Ryu Wei suddenly became unreachable, so the filming is up in the air. So, I’m sorry for going back on my word, but could you come film today? I’m really sorry. I’ll make sure you get the day off I gave you this time later.” The words were out. But there was still no answer. Assistant Director Jo also kept his mouth shut and listened intently. ‘This is nerve-wracking. Damn it.’ If Choi Yeon-ha refused, there was no way to force her. Actresses need time to prepare. If they were suddenly notified of a shoot like this, most actresses would refuse. Especially Choi Yeon-ha, who was known to be picky. Zhang Xiang was calling with a desperate hope, but he didn’t think there was much chance that Choi Yeon-ha would agree. At best, she would say it was difficult today and that she would come from tomorrow. While apologizing. But a completely unexpected answer came. [It’ll take an hour.] “Huh?” [If I leave right now, it’ll take an hour. I’ll try to get my makeup done on the way to the set, so please get ready. We need to film before sunset, right?] “That’s right. We can film the indoor scenes at night, but there are some things we need to do outdoors.” [Then I’ll leave right now.] “Are you sure you’re okay with that?” [What else can I do in this situation? It’s not your fault, Director.] A low groan escaped Zhang Xiang’s lips. Of course, it wasn’t his fault. But how many people would understand that? “Still, this is… It feels like I’m going back on my word.” [Director, I’m an actress. This project isn’t just yours. I have a stake in it too. Just like you want the project to succeed, I want it to succeed too. So, we have to work together. That’s what professionals do.] “…That’s right.” [I’ll leave right now, so please get ready. An hour… no, I’ll get my makeup done on the way. I have a best driver here. We’ll be there in 30 minutes.] “Ah, okay.” The call ended abruptly. Zhang Xiang stared blankly at the disconnected phone before raising his head. “Hey, Assistant Director Jo.” “Yes?” “…But is it possible to get here from Choi Yeon-ha’s place in 30 minutes?” “It’s impossible unless she’s coming by helicopter.” “Then what’s with that confidence?” Zhang Xiang tilted his head slightly.