I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 168

Tap, tap, tap. The sound of Iyota Kiyoshi, no, Kang Woo-jin, walking down the stairs. Calm and quiet. No presence, no expression. There was nothing about his appearance as he descended that stood out.

If one had to point something out, it was that he didn’t look Japanese.

A subtle face. A chill ran down Woo-jin’s arm as he walked down the stairs. Reality. Yes, he was now in Kiyoshi’s life, experiencing it as the real thing.

Just now, he had lost the only thing and erased one of the common things.

In other words, a person died, and he killed.

One by his own will, the other by another’s. Woo-jin had witnessed it all with his own eyes, vividly.

“······”

He hadn’t changed. His emotions were still faint, and his expression was still blank.

However.

“What, what is it!!!”

“Kyaaaaak!!”

“Police!! Call the police!!”

“Uwaaaaak!!”

The school was in an uproar. Screams from the lower floor, shouts from the nearby hallway, the lower stairs in a frenzy, students bumping into Woo-jin’s shoulder as they ran, and teachers quickly following behind them.

It was understandable.

Two students had suddenly died. But it wasn’t an unheard-of event. Recently in Japan, students taking their own lives had become quite common. Still, seeing a news event firsthand was a different experience.

-Sigh.

Kang Woo-jin entered the second-floor hallway where the classrooms were, not the chaotic first floor. Then he stopped. He looked down at his hands. They were the same as usual. The same heartbeat, similar tremors, and no different breathing.

“It’s okay.”

The murmur wasn’t to comfort himself. It was the certainty that he wouldn’t be accused as the culprit. So he walked again. But the place Woo-jin arrived at wasn’t his classroom but ‘Misaki Toka’s’ classroom. There were no students. They must have all gone out to see what was happening. Only the unique air of the classroom welcomed Kang Woo-jin.

-Clatter.

He sat down in a chair. It was Toka’s seat. Various scribbles were visible on the desk. ‘Die,’ ‘dirty,’ ‘smelly,’ ‘cripple’s seat,’ and so on. Woo-jin stared at the scribbles with a withered expression. For about five seconds.

-Swish.

He took out a notebook and pencil case from the desk drawer. Both had ‘Misaki Toka’ written on them. Kang Woo-jin began to write something on a blank page of the notebook.

-Tsugumune Shinnosuke

It was a name. However, he put an X mark after the name he had just written. Because his head was already smashed. Below it, a total of nine names were written. Men and women were mixed. Woo-jin, who had finished writing the names, tore the paper. He folded it in half and then in half again.

The folded paper went into his pocket.

“Not now.”

He was talking about the timing. When he could erase all nine of them without any problems or regrets. Then Woo-jin slowly left the classroom and walked down the hallway. As he did, he muttered.

“One person is okay, but nine is too much. I lack strength. And brains. And experience.”

Everything was lacking. Lack leads to failure. More than anything, adding to his actions now could lead to him being identified due to resentment.

“I have to be forgotten.”

He had to become a ‘stranger’ in the world. To the point where no one would remember him. He had to be even quieter, wearing a faintness that was nothing special.

Kang Woo-jin, as Kiyoshi, had to choose a long-term strategy.

Whether it was one year or five years. And it would begin when he had faded from everyone’s minds, when he was sufficient without lacking anything. A disaster without warning. There would be many victims, and it would be a very ‘bizarre sacrifice’.

Soon, Kang Woo-jin, who was walking down the hallway, stopped. And then.

“······”

He looked out the window. A crowd of people was visible. Hundreds of students, police who had arrived, and excited teachers. And the nine of them, huddled together, whispering. Kang Woo-jin’s hazy eyes stared at them.

It wasn’t hatred or murderous intent.

It was just.

“Homework.”

It was just something he had to do.

·

·

·

·

How much time had passed?

[“The reading (experience) of ‘A: Iyota Kiyoshi’ is terminated.”]

Kang Woo-jin, who had been living Kiyoshi’s life, had returned. Of course, he was in the van, and although he had lived for at least several years, only a few tens of seconds had passed. Perhaps that was why Woo-jin felt unfamiliar with the van.

“Hoo-”

It was always like this. Whenever he finished reading (experiencing) a role, the place where his real self was felt uncomfortable. At the same time, the vividness of the role became more intense. Of course, the same was true for ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’ just now. It was already imprinted, but the outline became several times clearer.

Kang Woo-jin calmly recalled the concept. This was like a process of thickening his ego, and he closed the door of ‘Iyota Kiyoshi’ among the many roles that had been imprinted so far. Kang Woo-jin, whose control had become quite familiar.

“Okay.”

It was also instantaneous to remove the color and smell. The appearance of the ‘owner’ himself. Then, Kang Woo-jin suddenly picked up the ‘Leech’ scenario. One might think he was studying another work right away, but that wasn’t the case.

“Next is—yeah, let’s rest.”

This was the real appearance of the ordinary citizen Kang Woo-jin.

After that.

With the buff of the subspace, Kang Woo-jin, who had finished reviewing ‘Naki Saeng’ and had a fairly long rest in just a few tens of seconds in reality, resumed filming for ‘Island of the Missing’.

“Standby—cue.”

Woo-jin, who had been ‘Kiyoshi’ until just now, nonchalantly pulled out ‘Private Jin Seon-cheol’ and focused. Since he had a schedule in Japan in a few days, Woo-jin had many scenes to shoot.

Meanwhile, the staff of ‘Island of the Missing’ whispered quietly.

“Woo-jin, it’s noisy in the media, but you’re so calm. And your acting quality is great.”

“He’s the type who doesn’t get shaken easily.”

“But is he going to change agencies? He must be in contact with entertainment companies everywhere.”

“I don’t know. I think he’ll stay with CEO Choi.”

Most of the staff couldn’t say it openly, but they shared similar murmurs.

“Man, if you get Woo-jin, it’s a jackpot. Doesn’t he have almost 6 million YouTube subscribers?? And his SNS too.”

“But aren’t both of those Woo-jin’s?”

“Even so, his recognition, influence, and promotional power are incomparable to other actors. He’s also close with big names in dramas, movies, and variety shows.”

“Come to think of it, all the works Woo-jin has participated in have been successful??”

On the other hand, the actors, including director Kwon Ki-taek, only thought about it and didn’t take any action to ask Kang Woo-jin anything.

In the meantime.

-Buzz.

-Buzz.

Kang Woo-jin’s phone, which was placed on the seat, kept receiving messages. There were acquaintances, but the calls from entertainment companies were exploding.

Even without seeing it, the veteran Choi Seong-geon couldn’t have been unaware.

“······”

He was organizing his thoughts while watching Kang Woo-jin in the filming zone with his arms crossed. To be precise, he was calculating the current value of Kang Woo-jin.

‘The other entertainment companies don’t know much.’

The world, the entertainment companies that were drooling and rushing at Kang Woo-jin, were ignorant. That’s why Woo-jin’s current price was wrong. Of course, the amount they were currently offering was unimaginable for a rookie, but in Choi Seong-geon’s view, it wouldn’t be strange if it were even higher.

First of all, they hadn’t yet noticed the existence of director Ahn Ga-bok.

Even though it wasn’t confirmed yet, just the fact that Kang Woo-jin was a strong candidate for his 100th work, a huge figure, increased his prestige. And that’s not all.

‘That Kang Woo-jin is aiming for an Academy Award.’

Even if everything else was put aside, that monster Kang Woo-jin’s sights were set on the Academy Awards. Anyone who knew him inside and out wouldn’t dare say it was ‘impossible’.

The future value was enormous.

Here, Woo-jin’s ability that Choi Seong-geon coveted more than anything else appeared.

‘An absurd sense.’

It was Woo-jin’s crazy sense that could adjust the uncertain future to some extent. It was beyond the point of shaking one’s head, to the point of being worshiped. This was also something that domestic entertainment companies didn’t know. Kang Woo-jin had already advanced overseas to Japan with his sense, and he had even caught the eye of director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in Korean cinema.

Next was Cannes, and then the Academy Awards.

Since Choi Seong-geon was the only one who knew everything at the moment, he had an advantage in the weighing process.

“I have to make a deal.”

He decided. He would pour in more than his sincerity.

Meanwhile, on the internet, a rather unfounded rumor about Kang Woo-jin began to circulate.

『[Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin, who is expected to enter the FA [Free Agent] market, has already contacted many large entertainment companies』

『GGO Entertainment side “It is true that we are very interested in Kang Woo-jin”』

They were all desperate attempts to get clicks, but it was a common sight.

Even the Japanese side appeared.

『[Issue Check] Even Japanese agencies are sending love calls to Kang Woo-jin? Expected contract fee of at least hundreds of millions of won』

They said he had contacted somewhere, had in-depth conversations with someone, an unprecedented contract fee compared to a rookie would be created, he would create a one-person agency, and so on. There were articles that the media was spreading arbitrarily, and there were also articles that entertainment companies were intentionally exposing.

Either way, it helped Kang Woo-jin’s recognition.

It was somewhat similar to noise marketing. And among the many big names who checked the articles, director Ahn Ga-bok, who had passed the scenario to Kang Woo-jin about a week ago, was.

“Hmm—is Woo-jin still not responding?”

He was just waiting for the rookie’s answer at home. It was the first time in his entire film career, and the same was true for the film company representative who was by his side.

“Yes, director. Not yet… time is running out, and I’m getting anxious.”

“It seems he’s reading the scenario carefully. Moreover, he must have a lot of schedules. Let’s wait a little longer.”

“Just in case—I hope it doesn’t happen, but what if Woo-jin says it’s too difficult?”

Rejection? A normal rookie would accept it readily, but for some reason, Ahn Ga-bok smiled slightly, thinking that Kang Woo-jin might very well do that.

“Well. Shall I try praying once?”

Late at night.

The time was past 11 o’clock. The place was a familiar filming studio. To be precise, it was a kitchen-style studio where filming was possible. It was the place where the ‘Our Table’ team used to practice for their one-day restaurant.

In that studio, Kang Woo-jin, wearing a hat pulled down low, was visible.

Even though he had come straight over after the filming of ‘Island of the Missing’ ended, there was no sign of fatigue on Woo-jin’s poker face. Although it was a face that contained a concept, he was quite energetic inside.

Of course, it wasn’t just him, but also Woo-jin’s team, including Choi Seong-geon.

“Okay!! Camera setup is complete!”

The main PD and filming team of the YouTube channel ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ had gathered. The number of people was about a dozen. Appropriate lighting and cameras were also set up in between.

The reason why Woo-jin and everyone had gathered this night was simple.

“First, I’ll get an interview with Woo-jin about the ‘cooking’ content!”

It was to do a test shoot for the new content ‘cooking’ that would soon be added to the ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ channel. In addition, they needed sources for the teaser video under Kang Woo-jin’s interview. They had to start before going to Japan so they could release it when they returned.

The views of the recently uploaded video had also skyrocketed and become a hit.

-【(6)Miley Cara/’Absolute’】Cover [Korean. Ver]｜Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character

-10.05 million views

It was also because they had posted a preview of the new content on the channel’s community. The cover videos of ‘Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character’ were already getting good views every day, both old and new.

So they had to open it quickly when the attention was drawn.

Anyway.

“Yes! Okay! I think this is enough for the interview!”

After Kang Woo-jin’s interview cuts were finished, he started cooking. The menu was what Woo-jin wanted. Content that would teach subscribers a simple and clear recipe. Secondly, he would grab any of the staff and make the food they wanted.

Of course, he was unstoppable.

Soon, a bulgogi [Korean marinated beef] with a smoky flavor was placed in front of a male staff member sitting at the table. If the guest’s talk was mixed in here, the content would be complete.

Next, the last one.

“Anyone want to try ‘Avatar Cooking’?”

“Me!”

“Ah! I’ll try it!!”

The test of the ‘Avatar Cooking’ content, where Woo-jin only gave instructions and the avatar cooked, began. The choice was Han Ye-jeong, a blue-haired woman among the many staff members. The PD’s judgment was that her coldness and Kang Woo-jin’s cynicism would be interesting as a teaser.

“Okay, okay, start comfortably—”

Soon, the staff in the kitchen studio left, and a scene was created where Kang Woo-jin was outside the kitchen and Han Ye-jeong was inside. Han Ye-jeong, who was standing blankly in the kitchen, asked Woo-jin.

“Oppa [an honorific term used by a younger female to address an older male], what do I do first?”

Woo-jin, with an indifferent face, didn’t show much agitation even at this time.

‘It might be fun?’

He was rather interested.

“First, wash your hands and put on an apron.”

“Yes.”

“What do you want to eat?”

“I want to try making the spicy pork that you made for me last time. Is it difficult?”

“Easy.”

“Good. I’ll do that. I’m tired of delivery food, so I’ll make it at home.”

“Okay.”

Kang Woo-jin pointed to the refrigerator from outside the kitchen.

“Let’s prepare the ingredients first.”

“What do I take out?”

Kang Woo-jin, who was slowly feeling a bit of inconvenience, calmly recited the ingredients. Han Ye-jeong also carried out the instructions without any fuss. But it wasn’t perfect.

Kang Woo-jin pointed that out.

“No, that’s not garlic, it’s ginger.”

“Really? I got confused.”

No, hey? How can you confuse that? The horror of this content slowly began to engulf Woo-jin.

“Why did you take out the bell pepper?”

“Is it not needed?”

“······Put it back.”

“Yes, oppa. But are you angry?”

“No. First, stir-fry the ingredients.”

“How? Like frying an egg?”

She was a newborn baby in the cooking world. So, hell was unfolding for Kang Woo-jin.

“It’s burning, Ye-jeong. Turn down the heat.”

“Ah. But won’t it get a smoky flavor if I do this?”

“…It’ll taste burnt. Why would it taste smoky?”

“I saw on YouTube that they intentionally burn it.”

You’re at the level of playing with fire right now? She was thinking of using the food as firewood. Kang Woo-jin secretly clenched his fist tightly. Then he felt it deeply.

“Turn down the heat unless you’re going to make charcoal.”

“Yes.”

“No, don’t turn it off, turn it down.”

“Huh? Why did it turn off?”

Wow—damn, this is really pissing me off. Han Ye-jeong burned the ingredients, and Kang Woo-jin was furious. It was like a crisis had come to his concept in an unexpected place. He was frustrated like crazy, and his anger was welling up. He was trying to maintain his composure, but it wasn’t easy.

‘Let’s calm down, Woo-jin. This is also a learning experience.’

Woo-jin comforted himself with the lie of ‘growth’.

And.

“Good. CEO, this might be a huge hit? It’s fun.”

The PD and the staff other than Choi Seong-geon were grinning. Because Kang Woo-jin’s suffering was the core of this ‘Avatar Cooking’ content.

Whatever it was.

“Finished.”

Han Ye-jeong’s spicy pork. No, something black disguised as spicy pork was placed on a plate. The end of the filming was for Woo-jin, who had given the instructions, to taste it.

“······”

He picked up the chopsticks with a profound expression.

‘This isn’t meat—is it seaweed chips? No. If I eat this, I’ll die.’

He passed on the black meat and picked up a few relatively intact onion strips and put them in his mouth. Immediately, Han Ye-jeong’s cold question flew at him.

“Oppa, how is it?”

Kang Woo-jin answered honestly.

“Order delivery from now on.”

“Is it that bad?”

“It’s a taste that deteriorates your health.”

“Ah.”

Everyone burst out laughing. Except for Kang Woo-jin. He needed to stabilize his mind and body right now. But the teaser video was amazingly well-made. Afterward, Woo-jin sat on a secluded chair while the studio was being cleaned up.

‘The day is long.’

The time was midnight. He had a busy day today, but the sense of accomplishment was strong.

At this time.

“You worked hard.”

Choi Seong-geon, with his ponytail, approached Woo-jin, handing him a bottle of water.

“I also tried Ye-jeong’s, and that’s not spicy pork, it’s slaughter.”

“It’s seaweed chips.”

“Hehe, that’s right. Perfect.”

“Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.”

Choi Seong-geon laughed. Woo-jin, who was gulping down the water, suddenly threw out a low-toned remark.

“I’ll do ‘Leech’.”

Choi Seong-geon’s smile immediately disappeared.

“Really? Did you read it all?”

“About half. But it’s interesting.”

“······Did that sense activate? Or is it just because it’s director Ahn Ga-bok?”

“Even if it’s director Ahn Ga-bok, I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t good.”

“Well, it’s you.”

“The feeling is good. Please contact them that I’ll do it.”

Choi Seong-geon’s eyes widened slightly.

“O-okay. It’s late now, so I’ll deliver it first thing tomorrow morning.”

Woo-jin, who was slowly nodding, got up from his chair.

“According to director Ahn Ga-bok, the Cannes Film Festival will be held in September next year.”

For reference, Kang Woo-jin’s contract was until March.

“Yeah, I heard. They said it’s very tight.”

“Yes.”

Is it timing? While Choi Seong-geon was organizing the lines he had prepared, Kang Woo-jin bowed his head slightly and said indifferently.

“Please take care of next year’s ‘Cannes’ as well.”