An Actor Who Has Lived For 10,000 Years [EN]: Chapter 199

199. #35 – Turning Crisis into Opportunity (2)

Hair neatly tied in a bun.

Park Sun-hee, sporting large, round glasses, sat glued to her computer in her closed-off room, as usual.

“I wonder what our Hee-sung *oppa* [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend] is up to?”

Jin Hee-sung’s daily life had become a source of immense joy for her.

“Did he maybe post something on social media?”

With a flutter in her heart, Park Sun-hee clicked on Jin Hee-sung’s SNS.

Soon, a long sigh escaped her lips.

“Haa… nothing new again today. The last post is still ‘Hollywood.’”

Park Sun-hee frowned, disappointed that Hee-sung’s updates were still missing.

She meticulously examined each comment on the post, sighing softly.

“Those awful commenters. Is it because of these haters that our *oppa* can’t upload pictures of him enjoying Hollywood?”

Seething with anger, Park Sun-hee captured the frequently appearing hater IDs and scrolled through the screen.

“I’ll collect all of this and report them later. These people need to face a lawsuit to learn their lesson!”

She spent a considerable amount of time capturing hateful comments and searching for any news about Hee-sung.

She had started her computer around sunset.

After dedicating so much time to searching for Hee-sung,

Darkness had completely enveloped the world outside the window.

“Haaam….”

Park Sun-hee yawned widely and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

“I should update *oppa’s* photos on the fan cafe and then go to sleep.”

She shook her head to banish the sleepiness and began scouring the internet for new photos of Jin Hee-sung.

“This is a photo I already uploaded… this one is from *oppa’s* last project….”

There were no new photos of Jin Hee-sung that Park Sun-hee, the dedicated fan cafe admin, hadn’t already seen.

Park Sun-hee had probably seen more photos of Jin Hee-sung than Jin Hee-sung himself.

“Hmm… are there any new photos of our *oppa*?”

As Park Sun-hee searched for new photos while constantly typing in Jin Hee-sung’s name,

“Huh? What’s this?”

She covered her mouth in surprise, spotting articles she hadn’t seen just tens of minutes ago when she last searched for Jin Hee-sung.

[Korean Actor ‘Jin Hee-sung’ Joins Forces with American Director ‘Jeffrey’ to Conquer Hollywood…]

[Jin Hee-sung Confirmed to Star in Director Jeffrey’s New Film… Taking His First Steps in Hollywood…]

[Actor Jin Hee-sung Confirmed for Hollywood Debut! Who is ‘Jeffrey,’ the Director Behind His First Hollywood Project… ?]

[‘Jin Hee-sung’ Seals Deal with Hollywood Director Jeffrey, How Far Will His Acting Career Go?]

Articles were pouring out from just a few minutes ago.

Park Sun-hee stared at the clock with a dazed expression.

“It’s dawn here… so it’s morning in LA!”

She read the articles with tears welling up in her eyes, as if she herself were the one entering Hollywood.

“Hoo… our *oppa* turned down Director James’s project last time, but he ended up joining hands with Director Jeffrey.”

Park Sun-hee quickly started researching Director Jeffrey.

After reviewing his past films and awards, she nodded in satisfaction.

“Director Jeffrey is way better than Director James. This was all part of our Hee-sung *oppa’s* master plan!”

Park Sun-hee’s lips trembled, unable to contain her joy.

As if she hadn’t been yawning from fatigue just moments ago, she started transferring numerous articles to the fan cafe with sparkling eyes.

“Oh my, I’m so proud of our *oppa*, I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

Park Sun-hee grinned, devouring every newly uploaded article without missing a single word.

She scrutinized each comment on those articles.

-Oh? Jin Hee-sung really went to Hollywood?

-I thought he’d run away, but it was all Jin Hee-sung’s grand strategy, lol.

-Jeffrey and James are rivals, so did he get offers from both directors?

└Looks like it? And Jin Hee-sung chose Jeffrey.

└It’s not easy to get scouted by both directors for your first Hollywood debut… he’s amazing.

└Yeah, they’re definitely rivals of the century.

-Jeffrey vs. James. Since Jeffrey has Jin Hee-sung, isn’t Jeffrey the winner? Lol.

-Wow, Jin Hee-sung is amazing. He steadily rose to the top in Korea and is now entering Hollywood in a textbook fashion.

-I’m bursting with national pride~ A Korean actor received offers from the top two directors in Hollywood!

The comments were overwhelmingly positive, praising Jin Hee-sung.

Furthermore, the fact that Director Jeffrey and Director James were fierce rivals was common knowledge.

Because Jin Hee-sung was the actor being courted by both,

It seemed that Jin Hee-sung’s value was being highly regarded by the public.

Park Sun-hee’s lips twitched into a smile as she read those heartwarming, positive comments.

“Our *oppa*, I’m so happy that there are only good comments now.”

She smiled as she examined the comments.

However, there were still occasional hateful comments that made her frown.

-But isn’t it true that Jin Hee-sung was rejected by James and ran to Jeffrey?

-Isn’t he playing both rival directors against each other? What’s up with Jin Hee-sung’s personality?

└Playing them means he’s a big shot, doesn’t it? Why are you so bitter, can you even enjoy your life? Lol.

└It’s not a good look for an actor who just went to Hollywood to run away from an audition, lol.

└That’s an article released by James’s side. Shouldn’t we hear Jin Hee-sung’s side of the story too?

└Yeah, sure, next Jin Hee-sung stan~.

“Who is this person to insult our *oppa*?”

She frowned, watching the hater and the opposing comments fiercely battling each other, and pouted.

“Still, I’m so happy that our *oppa’s* Hollywood debut is confirmed.”

Park Sun-hee smiled brightly, gazing at Jin Hee-sung’s photo with a proud face.

“I’m so proud to be a fan of our *oppa*!”

***

After the contract meeting concluded.

We went to a high-end restaurant in LA to celebrate.

After celebrating with Manager Kim and enjoying a hearty meal after a light lunch,

“Wow, we signed a contract in Hollywood like this and are even eating this kind of meal.”

He patted his full stomach as he left the restaurant.

“Haha, right. I’m so happy, *hyung* [term of endearment for an older brother or male friend].”

“Me too. Hee-sung, I’m really proud of you.”

I looked at Manager Kim and wiggled my eyebrows, replying.

“Well… it’s just the beginning, right?”

We burst into laughter at my confident words.

“Yeah, it’s really just the beginning. Let’s establish ourselves in Hollywood and become world stars!”

We looked at each other and stretched our lips into wide smiles.

Manager Kim and I wandered around for a while in high spirits before arriving back at the hotel.

I had been quite nervous about the contract with Director Jeffrey, so as soon as I entered the hotel room, my body slumped with relief.

“Wow, *hyung*. I’m suddenly exhausted now that I’m inside.”

“Of course. You must have been tense during the meeting. Get some rest.”

“Okay. I’ll rest for a bit then.”

I told him and went into my room, leaning my body against the plush bed.

The stamp I had made a few hours ago to officially enter Hollywood.

Recalling that moment again, it felt surreal.

“Wow… I can’t believe the day would come when I’d really be acting in Hollywood.”

Because it was something I had always hoped for and envisioned.

I couldn’t suppress this overwhelming feeling.

I bit my lip and let out a silent scream of joy inside.

Then.

Bang-.

Manager Kim hurriedly rushed to me, bursting into the room without knocking.

“Hee-sung!”

Startled by his sudden call, my eyes widened and I asked him.

“What’s wrong all of a sudden?”

Manager Kim, with a serious expression, nodded at my question.

“Yeah.”

“What is it?”

Then he mysteriously moved his lips.

“Ta-da! Look at this.”

He held out his cell phone to me.

As I took his cell phone, he shouted as if he had been waiting for this moment.

“The Return of the King!”

“What is this….”

The screen Manager Kim handed me was filled with countless articles uploaded in Korea.

Articles about my entry into Hollywood.

Articles about joining forces with Jeffrey were pouring out endlessly.

“The media is back on it. Everyone is going crazy saying you’re the pride of Korea.”

Manager Kim shouted repeatedly with a very excited face.

I bit my lip and nodded.

“The movie has to be a hit for it to be a real success.”

“That’s right. But I’m sure we can do it.”

Manager Kim gave me an encouraging look.

I stared intently at the countless articles and murmured softly.

“I’ll definitely prove it….”

Manager Kim began to outline his plans, gazing into the air.

“First, when we return to Korea this week… Hee-sung will start practicing acting again, and more English conversation….”

Manager Kim, who was even more dedicated to my plans than I was, continued talking with a serious face for a long time.

***

Only a day has passed since arriving back in Korea.

There was a significant time difference of 16 hours with LA.

There was no time to slowly and leisurely adjust to the jet lag.

After arriving and getting some much-needed sleep.

As soon as the next morning dawned, I quickly adjusted to Korean time and headed to work at the company.

If I want to succeed in Hollywood.

If I want to prove my acting abilities, the best way to do that is through practice.

“*Hyung*!”

Manager Kim greeted me with noticeably swollen eyes.

“Hee-sung, you’re here?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong? Why do you look so rough?”

At my question, he yawned as if he was exhausted and opened his mouth.

“I came to work early because there’s a mountain of work at the company.”

“You just came back to Korea yesterday, but you already have a lot of work to do?”

“Yeah, I’ve been getting so many calls from everywhere that my cell phone is practically melting.”

I tilted my head, puzzled by his words.

“Let’s grab some coffee first. I’m too tired.”

“Okay.”

Manager Kim led me to the cafe inside the company building.

Because it was a cafe exclusively for company employees,

It was always quiet and cozy.

It wasn’t crowded, so it was perfect for having a conversation.

We quickly drank the warm coffee that was served.

Only then did Manager Kim open his eyes wide and begin to speak.

“I feel alive now.”

“*Hyung*, you look too tired, get some sleep. Is it because of the jet lag?”

I told him worriedly.

He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care at all.

“No, there’s no time to sleep.”

“What do you mean?”

At my words, he raised the corners of his mouth and replied.

“I’m incredibly busy because of you right now.”

His voice was filled with happiness as he said he was busy.

He seemed to be genuinely satisfied with the fact that he was busy because of me.

“Is the company buzzing about me going to Hollywood?”

At my question, he shook his head and said.

“That’s a given. My phone has been ringing off the hook since last night and early this morning.”

Manager Kim swallowed dryly and straightened his posture.

“There are endless requests for interviews and advertisements.”

“Really?”

Then.

Vibration… Vibration.

Manager Kim’s phone on the table vibrated.

He raised the corners of his mouth and said to me.

“I bet it’s another advertisement call?”

Then Manager Kim answered the phone with an excited face.

A few minutes later.

Manager Kim hung up the phone with a satisfied expression and looked at me.

“See, it’s another advertisement request call. Our Hee-sung is a hit!”

He rolled his eyes and continued.

“I’m organizing the list… but I don’t think it’s a good idea to shoot any of them.”

I nodded because I shared the same sentiment as Manager Kim.

“I think so too….”

Before I could finish my sentence, Manager Kim spoke.

“Should we shoot one or two anyway?”

At his words, I wrinkled my nose and shook my head.

“No, I don’t think it’s a good idea to shoot anything yet. No advertisements or interviews.”

I made a *ssup* [sound of inhaling] sound and continued to him.

“The project hasn’t even been released in Hollywood yet, and filming hasn’t even started. Rather than getting excited for nothing, I want to truly succeed and stand proudly in front of everyone.”

He nodded his head as if respecting my opinion.

“Yeah, it would be nice to get money right away, but if you shoot an advertisement after the project is successful, the price per advertisement will be on a completely different level.”

Manager Kim looked at me and raised one corner of his mouth.

I replied with a serious face, not a smile.

“Rather than because of the money, I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch [drink kimchi soup] because it seems like I’m doing this and that right now. I want to avoid that.”

Manager Kim didn’t try to push his opinion or persuade me after hearing my words.

“Okay. I fully respect your opinion, Hee-sung.”

At his words, I smiled brightly and said to him.

“Let’s practice hard and succeed in Hollywood, and then proceed slowly.”