I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 113

“Huh? No, that’s not it. You didn’t say anything about grouping us up in the first place, did you?” Kang Woo-jin noticed the misunderstanding in Choi Sung-gun’s question. It was clear that if he left it alone, things would roll on their own, so Woo-jin quickly spoke up.

“No, it’s not like that.”

“It’s okay. I don’t like being grouped either.”

Choi Sung-gun cut off Woo-jin’s words, as if to reassure him, and jumped in.

“If the meeting goes ahead, I’ll push for you to go solo. Actually, there’s no benefit for you if you all go together. If things go wrong, you’ll end up taking the blame, right? The responsibility will be too much. Grouping you doesn’t benefit your rising value either.”

Choi Sung-gun was saying things that were hard to understand. Woo-jin felt a slight sense of unease and tried to speak again. But.

“Woo-jin! Standby!!”

His waiting time was over.

After that.

The day was long, but for some reason, time seemed to disappear quickly in a series of bizarre events. This was the case for Kang Woo-jin. A packed schedule. Filming, filming, filming. It was a routine that would make others shake their heads, but Woo-jin stubbornly endured it.

No, to be precise, that’s how it looked from other people’s perspectives.

“Look at Woo-jin, why is he so okay?”

“Oh! I was feeling that too! Isn’t Woo-jin super busy lately? And the filming is so tight, but I haven’t seen his expression change once.”

“And his acting skills aren’t faltering at all.”

“What? Usually, wouldn’t he be living on energy drinks by now??”

Then, when his energy and stamina reached their limit, Kang Woo-jin quickly threw himself into the subspace [a personal pocket dimension]. Arriving in the endless darkness of the subspace, Woo-jin went through his own recovery process, but even then.

“Is it already night? It feels like time is going so slowly, but when I look, a day has disappeared. Crazy.”

He was amazed at how quickly time melted away. Especially for Kang Woo-jin, his day had to be longer than others. For him, it included both his current life and the time in the subspace. Nevertheless, his day flew by.

Is this the life of a hot influencer?

While focusing on the ‘Male Best Friend’ filming amidst his chaotic schedule, Woo-jin also had to handle small tasks from time to time, thanks to the capable Choi Sung-gun. Projects to film, additional casting offers, advertisements, and other schedules, etc.

It was enough to make one’s head spin, but Choi Sung-gun was perfectly managing Kang Woo-jin’s affairs while also handling his duties as CEO.

Of course, all of this was possible because Kang Woo-jin was holding up well.

Even in the midst of all that, Choi Sung-gun was.

“Oh my, Director Shin. I heard rumors that you’ve already signed a contract for your next movie? And with a huge film company too?”

“Hahaha, as expected of CEO Choi. Your sources are faster than light.”

“If you need information about that film company, please contact me. I’ll let you know what I know.”

He didn’t neglect networking, including with Director Shin Dong-chun. Anyway, as the filming of ‘Male Best Friend’ reached its midpoint, Netflix put even more effort into promotion. They weren’t just releasing articles, but also posting promotional interview videos on YouTube.

Of course, the videos included greetings from Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin, and the public joined in.

-They’re filming ‘Male Best Friend’ at our school right nowㅠㅠㅠㅠ I saw Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin!! They both look insane in real lifeㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

Stories about ‘Male Best Friend’ and sightings started to circulate. In addition, unlike the beginning, ‘Netflix Japan’ also joined in.

『Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin’s ‘Male Best Friend’ will be launched not only on Netflix Korea but also in Japan!』

They began to announce that ‘Male Best Friend’ would be launched on Netflix Japan as well as in Korea.

For reference.

『The momentum is terrifying, ‘Profiler Han Ryang’ has been holding the top spot on Netflix Japan for 2 weeks already/Photo』

‘Profiler Han Ryang,’ which had been launched on Netflix Japan for two weeks, was still firmly holding the top spot in the overall content rankings. Its popularity was increasing.

Around this time, Kang Woo-jin met a team that would manage his YouTube channel.

“This is the PD [Production Director]. PD, you know Kang Woo-jin well, right?”

“Of course. Hahaha, hello.”

“Yes, hello.”

A meeting led by Choi Sung-gun. Staff such as PDs and editors participated in this meeting. It started with about five people. They were having a deep conversation about the YouTube channel. At this moment, Kang Woo-jin was just amazed.

‘I’m just opening a YouTube channel, but a team is being formed?’

A team was being created just to open his channel. Then, Woo-jin glanced at the design staff on the team. He was reminded of his past self.

Choi Sung-gun, who had no idea, smiled and gave his closing remarks.

“Okay—the team is formed, and the studio rental for filming is complete, so we’re all set.”

Kang Woo-jin’s YouTube channel, which had only been talked about, was now practically ready.

“Ah, and additionally, Woo-jin. I got a call that the arrangement and lyrics revisions are almost done, so you’ll be able to listen to the guide soon.”

Recording, editing, and uploading.

And that night.

“······Ooh. This is my first car.”

After finishing his late-night schedule, Kang Woo-jin was greeted by his first car. A B brand foreign car, white in color. The interior was mixed with brown. Since the manager team, including Choi Sung-gun, had already left, Kang Woo-jin, who was alone in the underground parking lot, openly expressed his excitement.

“Awesome. Killer. Look at that shine, that shine. Wow-”

Screw the concept. Woo-jin rubbed himself inside the car, which was full of new car smell and plastic. There was an overwhelming sense of excitement.

“Crazy, I thought I’d be a pedestrian for the rest of my life.”

Now he was also a so-called ‘foreign car owner.’ He hadn’t even had a chance to test drive it yet because he was so busy, but who cares?

“Should I just sleep here tonight?”

Amidst his crazy busy schedule, this much joy was okay, right? Moreover, his bank balance was also getting fatter.

If things continued like this, owning a house wouldn’t be a dream.

Then, a few days later, on the morning of the 30th, in Tokyo.

A man stood out in the lobby of a luxury hotel. He had a strangely Korean vibe among the Japanese. He wore rimless glasses and had fatigue written all over his face.

It was Yoon Byung-sun PD, a star PD in the entertainment industry.

“Let’s see—where should I eat breakfast?”

Yoon Byung-sun PD, scratching his hungry stomach, headed to the restaurant. He had been incredibly busy lately. Running the ‘Sports Day’ channel was one thing, but he had hardly any days off due to the production of a new variety show.

The reason he was currently in Japan was also because of the new variety show.

After finishing his work in Japan, he had to leave for Europe with his team next week. He had already completed the casting of the participants, so now he had to decide on the locations that would highlight those participants.

After having a hearty breakfast, Yoon Byung-sun PD left the hotel.

-Thump!

He and the writers and other staff got into a van waiting in front of the hotel. Soon, the van started smoothly, and while the car was driving on the road, Yoon Byung-sun PD, who was looking at his phone, asked the writers.

“Should we move our accommodation soon?”

“Yes, yes. You said Osaka wasn’t good, right?”

“Yeah. It’s too obvious there.”

“Then I think we can move to Kyoto tomorrow.”

“What about the food trucks?”

“Two teams are looking into it.”

Yoon Byung-sun PD nodded slowly, wearing a serious expression. He had a lot of thoughts and worries. Then.

-Swish.

His eyes, which had casually turned to the window, caught sight of a billboard. It was a billboard placed on top of a building.

“Oh-”

Yoon Byung-sun PD was quite surprised to see the advertisement being displayed.

“There’s an ad for ‘Profiler Han Ryang’?”

Then, the other writers also looked out the window. The main writer immediately replied as if he knew about it.

“Han Ryang is hot in Japan right now, so it’s not surprising to see ads like that.”

“Then Woo-jin and Hye-yeon’s recognition in Japan must have increased too?”

“I guess so. I’d have to check, but Hye-yeon was already a top star, so that’s understandable. But Woo-jin’s popularity is noticeable. If you look at the ‘Sports Day’ videos or Woo-jin’s SNS, there are a lot of Japanese comments.”

It was difficult to grasp all the situations in Japan. However, Yoon Byung-sun PD clearly knew the trends in Korea. Especially the news about the actors who would appear in the new variety show.

Soon, Yoon Byung-sun PD, who was smiling faintly, said.

“Right now, Woo-jin, Hwa-rin, and Hye-yeon are the most talked about, right?”

“Yes. Because of ‘Male Best Friend’ and ‘Island of the Missing.’ The noisiest one is.”

“Woo-jin.”

He took out his phone and opened a calendar full of schedules.

“Let’s open up all of our stuff soon too.”

Then he simply muttered.

“Everything from the title to the planning intentions and the cast.”

Late that night, at Kang Woo-jin’s officetel [a studio apartment].

Kang Woo-jin, who had been filming all day, got out of the van with a backpack containing scripts and other belongings. His expression was as solid as if he hadn’t been affected at all, but inside he was.

‘Bed, bed, bed!’

He was chanting for a comfortable bed. Then, Woo-jin gave a low closing remark to the team in the car.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

It was when he turned around.

-Click.

The passenger door opened.

“Woo-jin.”

Choi Sung-gun got out. It was strange. It was rare for him to get out of the car and greet Woo-jin. Moreover.

“Uh—Soo-hwan, Ye-jung. Go in first.”

“What about you, CEO?!”

“I have some business around here. I can take a taxi.”

“Ah! Okay.”

Choi Sung-gun sent the van away first. He was holding a transparent file in one hand. Woo-jin was puzzled inside. What’s going on? The atmosphere is different from usual. So, Woo-jin asked Choi Sung-gun, who was approaching, in a low voice.

“Is something the matter?”

Choi Sung-gun smiled faintly as if nothing was wrong.

“What matter? More importantly, I heard you got your car? Let’s take a look.”

“…This way.”

“Okay, okay.”

It was strange, but Woo-jin led Choi Sung-gun to where his beloved car was parked, and Choi Sung-gun, after checking the shiny white foreign car, gave a thumbs up.

“Wow—amazing. Have you even driven it yet?”

“Not yet. I haven’t had time to take it out anywhere.”

“That’s true. But you should drive it like crazy when you get a break soon. You have to break in a car early so it runs well later?”

At this point, Choi Sung-gun suddenly pointed to the passenger side.

“Open it, let’s take a ride.”

“······”

As Kang Woo-jin approached his beloved car, the car door opened and the rearview mirror moved automatically. It seemed that the car key was in Woo-jin’s backpack. Soon, Choi Sung-gun was in the passenger seat and Woo-jin was in the driver’s seat. Choi Sung-gun was the first to speak.

“You haven’t even taken off the plastic yet?”

“There’s no need to take it off.”

“That’s true, haha. Nice car! But if you work hard for another year, you’ll be able to drive a car that’s several times more expensive than this.”

Choi Sung-gun’s eyes, which had been touching various parts of the car, met with Kang Woo-jin in the driver’s seat. There was no expression on Woo-jin’s face. Choi Sung-gun took this as a sign to get to the point.

Choi Sung-gun’s expression became ambiguous as he scratched his head.

“Hmm—Woo-jin, first, take a look at these.”

He handed the transparent file he had brought to Woo-jin. What is it? Woo-jin wondered, but he calmly checked the contents. Inside the transparent file were papers printed with various comments and posts, and Kang Woo-jin slowly read them.

Soon, Woo-jin could tell.

‘Ah, this.’

They were all posts from people around him in the past that he didn’t even remember well. There weren’t just one or two. There were four pages of paper, and dozens of them in total. Among them were comments that Kang Woo-jin had seen before.

‘······Is it coming?’

It meant that the time had come when the outline of the concept he had been maintaining was starting to fade.

Of course, Woo-jin had often checked these posts. At the time, he was a little nervous, but nothing happened. Later, Woo-jin had also prepared himself. As his recognition increased, more and more people who knew his ‘real self’ would keep appearing.

The small-town core hidden behind the concept.

Clearly, Kang Woo-jin’s real self and the current self with the concept were very different. It was to the point that his parents would say he wasn’t their son. So, these posts kept appearing.

If you think about it simply, he could just ignore them.

There was also a way to pretend he didn’t know anything and act innocent. Putting on a brazen face was Kang Woo-jin’s specialty now.

Around this time.

“Some of them have already been deleted, and some haven’t. We’ve just collected them for now. As you can see, they range from middle and high school to company employee community posts, and the source seems to be the design company you recently worked at?”

“······”

“The posts are quite diverse, from people who knew you a long time ago to people who know you recently. Hmm—this is definitely not to dig into your past. There aren’t many posts with this kind of nuance, but since they’re continuing, and I need to check with you first, I’m just telling you. The agency needs to be prepared for anything, right?”

Choi Sung-gun, with a faint smile, continued.

“Actually, these kinds of things aren’t frequent, but they do happen sometimes. Your case is a bit unique, though. Saying you’ve become a different person and so on, it’s ridiculous.”

He let out a ridiculous laugh.

“Anyway, you know how this industry is, right? If you make an issue out of it, it’ll definitely cause trouble, so if reporters start to pick at this, it might get a little annoying. They’ll make up anything, that’s a given.”

The methods of the entertainment media were nothing new.

“It’s not like it’ll cause a huge uproar, but your timing is sensitive right now, and if unnecessary fuel is added, there might be some noise. If that happens, I just need to decide whether to take a hard stance, ignore it, or find another way.”

He asked Kang Woo-jin a question as he explained.

“Is there a reason why these posts are being uploaded? Do you think they’ll keep coming up? You can talk comfortably.”

Kang Woo-jin thought. Wouldn’t it be better to be honest with the CEO? That he had been struggling alone so far. That there was a core inside many shells. Currently, Choi Sung-gun was 100% on Woo-jin’s side.

And what about his abilities? They were beyond imagination.

Maybe it would be better to tell this person, even if he didn’t tell anyone else. Honestly, since the situation was so obvious, it was awkward to just gloss over it. Of course, there was no need to explain all the details about the misunderstanding. It was already too late to fix that.

I don’t know, man.

Let’s just tell the truth about the ‘concept.’ Just how he got into this situation.

Then, Kang Woo-jin let out a small breath. His heart was beating slightly as he was about to speak. But he somehow opened his mouth.

“CEO, actually, I’ve been acting… no, I’ve been performing all this time.”

Choi Sung-gun’s eyes widened slightly as soon as he heard the story.

“······Are you saying you’ve been living while pretending to be ordinary?”

“Yes.”

Huh? Wait a minute. Only after answering did Kang Woo-jin realize that something was strange. ‘Pretending to be ordinary’? Then, Choi Sung-gun suddenly covered his face with one hand and lamented.

“Ha—you idiot, that means you’ve been using your life as acting practice.”

A question mark appeared on Kang Woo-jin’s indifferent face.

‘Huh?’

The truth he had spoken was greatly distorted.