I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 14

“A phoenix?” Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice on the phone grew agitated. “It’s true I’ve never heard of such insane acting, but… is he really worthy of being called that by you, hyungnim [an honorific term for older brother or a respected male figure]?” Song Man-woo PD, slightly lowering his voice at Director Shin Dong-chun’s excitement, asked back, “How much of his acting have you seen?” “Ah—about 3 minutes based on the scenario.” “Watch more. If you see it for longer than that, you’ll understand my reaction. No, conversely, it’s the same as saying you were captivated within those short 3 minutes.” “Ah…” “Besides, I’m not just judging him based on his absurd acting. There’s something about his, how should I put it, his aura or presence. The scent of the man himself is unique. He has star quality, but it’s a bit different.” There was something mysterious about the texture Kang Woo-jin possessed. It was clearly different from the top stars often seen in the entertainment industry, but to Song Man-woo PD, it seemed fresh and a different kind of potential. At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun changed the subject over the phone. “…Writer Park also said she was smitten with that Kang Woo-jin guy, right?” “Yeah. Judging by her current state, it’s not just being smitten, it’s almost like she sees him as a prospective son-in-law.” “Huh—that picky Writer Park?” “However, Kang Woo-jin is a bit like sandpaper because he’s so sure of himself.” “Ah, I saw him briefly, and he did have a solid vibe. But when he acts, it’s like… it changes 180 degrees?” “That’s right. He’s destined to become a big-time actor, that one.” Song Man-woo PD, chuckling as he recalled Kang Woo-jin’s solemn face, checked his wristwatch again. “Anyway, listen carefully. In conclusion, we also begged and got him into our project, and Kang Woo-jin is the type of guy who shows acting that would devour any top actor as if it’s just a pastime. The fact that such a guy personally came to you and showed you his acting means…” “Means?” “I don’t know how he got your scenario, but doesn’t it mean he has affection for your work? Otherwise, there’s no way he’d suddenly go and show you his acting, right? He’s a guy whose value is only going to go up now.” “…Affection? For my ‘Private Investigator’?” “That’s my judgment. Of course, I’ve only seen Kang Woo-jin briefly, but he doesn’t seem like the type to travel far and wide looking for projects.” Soon, Director Shin Dong-chun fell silent on the phone, and Song Man-woo PD added, “In other words, Kang Woo-jin liked your ‘Private Investigator.’ If he didn’t have affection, there’s no way he’d go to such trouble, right?” “My work… he has affection for it?” There were many errors in their conversation. Especially in the word ‘affection.’ However, Song Man-woo PD, who had no way of knowing this, proceeded with the matter swiftly. “So. Did you get his number??” “Huh? Ah, no. He left so suddenly that I couldn’t even get it.” “Heh heh, he goes his way without looking back, doesn’t he?” “Yes, he does.” “I’ll give you his number. He went to the trouble of going there himself, so it’s okay to give you his number. Contact him and meet him properly. You’ll understand my feelings.” “Understood, hyungnim.” After hanging up the phone, Song Man-woo PD. “He went there himself—I’m a little jealous.” He chuckled and muttered to himself. “Jealous? At this age, what a thing.” A little later, inside the VIP room. Song Man-woo PD, along with Writer Park Eun-mi and other key production staff and lead actors of ‘Profiler Han-ryang,’ continued the meeting with polite smiles. Of course, they were having a meal at the same time. At first glance, it seemed like a place where silly jokes were exchanged, but they made sure to address the important points. Most of the conversation was initiated by Song Man-woo PD, but this time, it was Writer Park Eun-mi, who was tying up her long permed hair, who spoke. “Let’s see—Ryu Jung-min-ssi, you need to adjust your diet a bit before the script reading, right?” Soon, Ryu Jung-min, the male lead and top actor sitting across from her, pointed at himself with his index finger and smiled. Ryu Jung-min was a tall man, over 185 cm. “Ah. Writer-nim, do I need to lose weight? Even more than now?” “Yes. It seems you rested very well during your break? You look a bit puffy now?” “Haha, rest? I just went fishing a bit, but maybe I ate too much sashimi? Understood. It’s Writer Park’s order, so of course, I’ll follow it.” “Keep your hair long until the clear style concept comes out.” “Of course, Writer-nim.” Behind Park Eun-mi, Song Man-woo PD also made a request to Hong Hye-yeon. “Hong Star, the clothes you sent me as a draft last time are too flashy. Tell the stylists to focus on making the clothes as shabby as possible. I’ll also talk about it at the production meeting.” Hong Hye-yeon, brushing back her long straight hair, smiled with her eyes. “Oh, you can tell just by looking at the first part of the script. Our kids are just a bit greedy. I’ll make sure to tell them.” “Okay, that’s good.” “But PD-nim, when you were on the phone earlier, you mentioned Kang Woo…” “Huh?” Hong Hye-yeon was about to say something but closed her mouth. In fact, she was bothered by the name Kang Woo-jin that Song Man-woo PD had mentioned during the call earlier. However, since there were many people watching, she held back her words. “No, I’ll tell you later separately.” “Oh? Ah—okay, then.” At that moment. “But PD-nim.” Ryu Jung-min, the male lead, who was holding a glass of water, suddenly asked Song Man-woo PD, who was looking at Hong Hye-yeon. “Who is the actor playing the role of ‘Manager Park’? No one seems to know properly, even though there are so many rumors?” “Um, that’s…” “The scene-stealing actor that the writer mentioned in the interview, is that the same person?” “That’s right.” “Who is it? Ah—I’m dying of curiosity.” As if agreeing with his words, the other actors also turned their gaze to Song Man-woo PD. Their eyes were full of curiosity. However, only Hong Hye-yeon looked away. At the same time, Ryu Jung-min leaned forward and continued. “It seems like I’ll be interacting the most with the role of Manager Park in the first part of the script, so please give me a little hint to imagine the image while analyzing the script.” “Um—” “Is it really Kim Hoo-yeon? Or what was it? There were also rumors that he’s from overseas. Could it be—did you really bring him from Hollywood?” “Who knows.” “Wow, is there a reason to be so secretive?” Ryu Jung-min got a little agitated at the frustration, but Song Man-woo PD just smiled faintly. “Surprise?” “Huh??” “To shock them, you have to deceive your own people first. Think of it as a firework to set off for the viewers. Just wait a little. You’ll all see him on the reading day anyway.” “Haha, I understand for now. But I’m really curious. Even the staff doesn’t seem to know.” Meanwhile, Writer Park Eun-mi nudged Song Man-woo PD, who was sitting next to her. “PD-nim, you were going to ask the actors about that today, right?” Song Man-woo PD, who was saying ‘ah ah,’ made eye contact with the production manager and then said, “Everyone, listen up. This is still unconfirmed, but about the script reading. I was thinking of going somewhere for a group MT [Membership Training, a common term for a group retreat] to promote camaraderie. What do you all think? Wouldn’t it be fun?” He conveyed it to the actors sitting in front of him. Several hours later, late at night. Kang Woo-jin’s studio apartment. It was past 10 o’clock. Kang Woo-jin appeared, shaking his wet hair, as if he had just taken a shower. Soon, he opened the refrigerator and gulped down bottled water. Meanwhile, Woo-jin’s gaze moved downwards. -Swish. Two stacks of papers were placed where his eyes moved. One was the first part of the ‘Profiler Han-ryang’ script he received from Song Man-woo PD, and the other was, of course, the scenario for the short film ‘Private Investigator.’ Of course, the black square was still attached. Looking at the ‘Private Investigator’ scenario, Kang Woo-jin scratched his chin. He was recalling the events at Pure Vision Film earlier that afternoon. “Well—I guess ‘Private Investigator’ is a bust? Looking at it earlier, it seemed like the lead and supporting roles were already confirmed.” Woo-jin had gone to the film company without any plan. He could have been turned away at the door, but fortunately, he was able to show his acting due to the director’s misunderstanding. “That square-jawed guy said he was the director, right? He seemed a bit surprised, though.” Since his ability in the subspace was outstanding, it was natural for him to be surprised, but that was it. No matter how good his acting was, the power of the contract was stronger in reality. Then, Kang Woo-jin recalled the plump man named Park and the handsome and beautiful people who came with him. ‘They must be taking the lead or supporting roles. They were incredibly handsome and pretty. Are there so many unknown people like that in the entertainment industry? It’s tough.’ Kang Woo-jin thought that he was lucky to have joined ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ Anyway, ‘Private Investigator’ was out of the question. “‘Private Investigator,’ it’s a bit of a shame, but it’s not a big deal.” He had read the scenario quite enjoyably, and the world of ‘Private Investigator’ that he had experienced through the actual subspace was also full of thrills. “When that wife character smelled my scent, I almost peed my pants.” However, there was nothing to dwell on. At least, that’s what Kang Woo-jin thought. He was still at the starting point as an actor, and ‘Private Investigator’ wasn’t the only scenario. That was the extent of his feelings. Therefore. -Thud. Kang Woo-jin roughly tossed the ‘Private Investigator’ scenario into a corner of the room. Lightly. Soon, the interest in ‘Private Investigator’ faded from Woo-jin’s mind. Kang Woo-jin lay down on the bed. As he habitually picked up his phone and connected to the internet, it was then. -Vroom, vroom. The phone vibrated long. It was a call. However, the number displayed on the screen was not saved. Kang Woo-jin, slightly frowning, muttered to himself. “What is it? Isn’t my phone too busy these days?” He had been receiving frequent calls from unknown numbers recently. Nevertheless, Woo-jin put the phone to his ear. “Hello.” A strange man’s voice was heard over the phone. “Kang Woo-jin-ssi??” “Yes. Who is this?” “Ah, this is Shin Dong-chun, whom you met at Pure Vision Film earlier. Do you… remember? You showed me your acting.” Instantly, Kang Woo-jin recalled the square-jawed man he had met at the film company that afternoon. That director? But why a call at this late hour? More importantly, how did he get my number? Ah, first, his voice. Woo-jin made his voice even heavier with the heaviness in his throat from the late hour. Then, Woo-jin’s voice suddenly became cold. “Are you the director of ‘Private Investigator’?” “That’s right.” “How did you get my number? I never gave it to you.” It was pure curiosity. No matter how much he thought about it, Woo-jin had never given his number. On the other hand, Director Shin Dong-chun’s reply over the phone was filled with deep apologies. “Ah! I’m sorry. I got your number from hyungnim… I mean, Song Man-woo PD.” “Song Man-woo PD?” “Yes, yes.” Song Man-woo PD? Why is that man coming up here? Kang Woo-jin slightly frowned and tilted his head when Director Shin Dong-chun spoke cautiously. “Kang Woo-jin-ssi. Could you meet me again?” “…I’d like to hear the reason first.” “Ah—it’s something I need to tell you as an actor. If you tell me where you live, I’ll go there right now.” Ah, this is a bit burdensome. “Right now?” “Yes, I’ll go right away.” No, Kang Woo-jin felt very burdened. “No. Let’s meet tomorrow morning.” The next morning, a cafe near Kang Woo-jin’s studio apartment. Director Shin Dong-chun was sitting alone in a cafe near Yongin Suji. It was because the mysterious actor named Kang Woo-jin lived around here. Anyway, Director Shin Dong-chun’s appearance was quite haggard. His beard was stubbly, and he had dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept. Just as he sighed and closed his lightweight padding, it was then. -Squeak. The cafe door opened, and a man wearing a long padding entered. It was Kang Woo-jin, with an indifferent face. Soon, as soon as he spotted Woo-jin, the square-jawed Director Shin Dong-chun. ‘Indeed… after listening to hyungnim, he has a different texture than ordinary actors.’ He raised his hand so that Kang Woo-jin could see him. “Over here!” The expressionless Woo-jin greeted him briefly and sat across from Director Shin Dong-chun. Director Shin Dong-chun was quick to start the conversation. “So—hello, Woo-jin-ssi.” “Yes. Hello.” Kang Woo-jin’s reaction was very static. He was like that yesterday, but today he was even more cynical. At least, that’s how it seemed to Director Shin Dong-chun. Nevertheless, Director Shin Dong-chun cleared his throat and continued. “I’m sorry for calling you so suddenly last night. I did it after some thought, but it was a bit rude.” “It’s okay. So, what did you want to say?” At this point, Director Shin Dong-chun, who was staring intently at Kang Woo-jin across from him, swallowed hard. It was after this that his mouth opened. “It’s sudden, but Woo-jin-ssi, you’ve read my scenario, ‘Private Investigator,’ right? What do you think of it?” Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice trembled slightly. It was like the feeling of someone confessing their feelings. On the other hand. “……” Kang Woo-jin simply stared at Director Shin Dong-chun without any change in expression. An unfathomable face. It was like that for about 10 seconds. Then, Woo-jin suddenly muttered calmly. “It was a work that I felt attached to.” Director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes widened immediately. “At…tached?” At the same time, he was overwhelmed. It was as if the countless rejections and pains he had experienced for over two years, almost three years, were being washed away. Attached. He was the first actor to feel attached to his work. Director Shin Dong-chun was quite moved. By that one word from the stoic Kang Woo-jin. “Attached… you mean?” “Yes. Attached.” Then, Director Shin Dong-chun, whose heart was pounding, stared at the expressionless Woo-jin and muttered to himself. ‘It was always a scenario that was ignored. My ‘Private Investigator.’ But… attached. An actor who doesn’t even know me.’ Director Shin Dong-chun’s emotion quickly turned into elation. He had received a great resonance from Woo-jin’s word ‘attached.’ Honestly, from what Song Man-woo PD had said during the call yesterday. ‘I don’t know how he got your scenario, but doesn’t it mean he has a lot of affection for your work?’ Director Shin Dong-chun hadn’t been able to fully empathize. However, he was convinced by the word ‘attached’ that Kang Woo-jin had uttered so calmly just now. That stoic actor liked and cherished his scenario. Moreover, Kang Woo-jin was an actor who had been captivated by big names like Song Man-woo PD and Park Eun-mi, and had joined a mega-project like ‘Profiler Han-ryang.’ And what about his acting skills that were so outstanding? A scenario from an unknown director, and an actor who loves and cherishes it? The countless hardships and wounds that had accumulated in Director Shin Dong-chun’s heart began to be purified. Everything that had been trampled on and ignored. That’s how much Director Shin Dong-chun’s current life was like hell. Soon, Director Shin Dong-chun’s eyes welled up with emotion. “Thank you. Thank… you, Woo-jin-ssi. Really.” Kang Woo-jin, with his poker face, kept his mouth shut and stared intently at Director Shin Dong-chun across from him. “……” He tilted his head slightly, without showing it. ──────────────────────────────────── ────────────────────────────────────