I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 182

When Kang Woo-jin returned to the van, back to reality, the world was the same as before. It was still the morning of the 2nd, and Choi Sung-gun and Woo-jin’s other staff were doing their jobs. The van he was in was stuck in heavy traffic. The destination was a shop in Cheongdam-dong. Nothing was different from before entering the subspace. It was as if he had just blinked.

However.

“······”

For Woo-jin, who was clenching and unclenching his fist, a lot of time had passed and tremendous things had happened. In ‘Jang Yeon-woo’s’ world, that is. Woo-jin, with a blank expression, checked his inner state. It had changed. It was hard to put into words, but something had definitely been imprinted.

Agile, bold, and upright.

It was a sensation that Kang Woo-jin had never experienced before. His whole body was sensitive yet flexible. It was different from vocals, cooking, or languages. If those were soft, this was sharp and rough. It had a strong sense of wild violence. It was closer to the shadows. The unfamiliar word ‘hunting’ felt familiar.

Dangerous.

In an instant, Woo-jin, who had put on a serious poker face, recalled his concept and strengthened his ego. This skill he had just acquired, he had to be able to handle it properly. If he had it carelessly, problems would arise.

But it was okay.

‘It’s not hard to control.’

Kang Woo-jin was the master of everything he possessed, and he was adept at urging them on. ‘Don’t mess around, you guys just need to make me shine.’ Kang Woo-jin repeated his mind control. It was something he always did.

Then.

-Swish.

He calmed his mind. Then, he reviewed what he had experienced as ‘Jang Yeon-woo’. Repeated readings (experiences) made the character and his world clearer, and everything derived from it, such as skills, became proficient for Kang Woo-jin. He could handle it easily.

“Hoo-”

‘Martial arts’ was the same.

Around late lunch on the same day.

The location was a building with a filming studio in Gangnam. To be precise, it was the underground parking lot of a large building. Kang Woo-jin’s van stopped there. Soon, Kang Woo-jin got out of the back door of the car.

-Swish.

Unlike in the morning, he had full makeup, and his clothes and hair were perfect. His hair was slightly swept back, and he wore a green knit and black slacks. It was obvious that he had a shoot, and in fact, Kang Woo-jin had a shoot scheduled in a few tens of minutes.

It was a shoot for the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel.

He had to accumulate as many videos as possible before taking the flight to the United States, and above all, today was the official first shoot of the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ cooking content. Because of that, they had rented a filming studio, and future cooking content shoots would be held at this rented studio.

Anyway.

“Woo-jin.”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, got out of the passenger seat and approached Woo-jin.

“The PD is in the studio, so let’s go up first.”

“Yes, CEO.”

At that moment.

-Screech.

A familiar white van entered the underground parking lot, and the van, which was about to turn left, soon approached Woo-jin’s direction, perhaps because it had spotted him.

Soon.

-Thump!

A woman with a mole under her eye got out of the white van. It was Hwa-rin.

“Hello- Hello, Woo-jin.”

She was also in full makeup. Her long hair was rolled up, and she wore a thick khaki flight jacket as her outfit. Around this time, a gray compact car entered the parking lot entrance further back, and Woo-jin, who had glanced at it, gave Hwa-rin a nonchalant greeting.

“Yes. Hello, you came early.”

Hwa-rin received the greeting in the same calm manner.

“Ah- the road wasn’t congested.”

But her heart was pounding non-stop.

‘Woo-jin is going to cook for me, I can’t be late! Ugh- what do I do, I’m nervous.’

The chubby manager next to her sighed softly and spoke the truth. Of course, in her mind.

‘She was nagging me like crazy not to be late, but she’s acting like she wasn’t.’

Then, after Woo-jin’s team, including Choi Sung-gun, and Hwa-rin’s team exchanged greetings, everyone moved towards the building’s elevator for the shoot. A picture of about a dozen people surrounding Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin, who were standing side by side.

Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin soon disappeared.

The problem was.

“······Again. Again, that bastard Kang Woo-jin.”

There was an eye secretly watching Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin in the underground parking lot. It was an unidentified man in the gray compact car that had entered the parking lot late. But his condition was strange.

“Hwa-rin is mine. She’s mine.”

He seemed half-crazy.

The man in the compact car, which was reeking of cigarette smoke, was wearing a black padded jacket and had his face covered with a hood. His skin was rough. His beard was also stubbly. His pupils were slightly dilated. It was difficult to guess his age, but he looked to be in his 30s.

The man held a camera in one hand.

“Damn it. You bastard. You son of a bitch. You dirty bastard. How dare you, how dare you touch my Hwa-rin.”

The camera screen showed a two-shot of Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin from just before. Soon, the man manipulated the camera. The picture displayed on the screen changed. Hwa-rin leaving her house, getting into a car, going into or out of a shop, and so on. There were numerous pictures of Hwa-rin.

“I even tolerated the ‘male friend’······Hwa-rin, you too. You’re so easy. Why do you keep making me angry? Huh?”

He started biting his fingernails like crazy. Judging by the state of his fingers, they were already tattered. It seemed he often bit his nails. Whatever it was, he trembled slightly for a few minutes while biting his nails.

“······I can’t take it anymore. It’s not okay now. I have to punish her.”

He threw the camera in his hand onto the passenger seat and reached into a black bag placed on the passenger seat. There was a clanging sound. Soon, he took something out of the bag and put it in the inner pocket of his padded jacket.

It was silver and long.

“Hwa-rin, you betrayed me. Corporal punishment. Yes, this is corporal punishment. You have to be punished. It’s because you’re too pretty.”

It was an awl.

Meanwhile.

Around the time Kang Woo-jin started filming with Hwa-rin, the film industry media was spreading the issue that had broken out the day before.

『[Movie Talk] ‘Director Ahn Ga-bok’ and ‘Top Actor Shim Han-ho’ Movie, Will Two Giant Monsters of the Acting World Write a Legend?』

『Possibility of Shim Han-ho Starring in Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th Movie ↑』

It was quite noisy. Because the two figures had such great power.

『Was Shim Han-ho really Director Ahn Ga-bok’s choice? Film industry insider “Actually, no one but Shim Han-ho can handle Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th work” due to the pressure』

Above all, the media focused on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th movie, as well as who Shim Han-ho and other actors scheduled to join would be.

『[Issue Check] What is the theme of the legendary Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th movie that is finally starting?』

『Director Ahn Ga-bok, lead role Shim Han-ho······Which other top actors will be added to this grand picture?』

This was the same for not only the film industry media but also industry insiders.

“CEO! Did you see that Director Ahn Ga-bok and Senior Shim Han-ho are trending?”

“Yeah, I saw it. Well, it’s a monumental work for Director Ahn Ga-bok, and if you look at it that way, he needs someone like Shim Han-ho. They’re both legends.”

“Oh- but it’s a bit tough. Even if it’s not confirmed yet, if Senior Shim Han-ho joins······who will be the other actor?? It seems like it would be a huge burden.”

“Who else would it be? It depends on the script, but they’ll at least bring in top actors. Don’t you know Director Ahn Ga-bok? He’s the type who would go all the way to Africa to check an actor’s form.”

In fact, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s current work was a matter of great interest to film industry insiders and actors.

『[Movie is] Domestic Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood] is buzzing with news of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s movie production···Some top actors are expressing confidence on social media』

Several hours later.

『[Official] Film company that joined hands with Director Ahn Ga-bok “The director’s 100th work is aiming for Cannes”』

Taking advantage of the noisy issue, the ‘Leech’ film company threw out a bait. But they didn’t leak much information. They hid things like casting and only revealed the fact that they were going to the Cannes Film Festival. Nevertheless, the destructive power doubled. Because it meant that they were going overseas, not just a domestic release.

In other words, the influence of the work would be enormous.

Thus.

『[Movie IS] Cannes Film Festival is where Director Ahn Ga-bok will reach the pinnacle of legend, the stakes are high···Who will be the actor to join besides Shim Han-ho?』

The film industry media’s ‘fuss’ began to intensify.

At the same time.

At the studio in Gangnam where the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ shoot was in full swing. Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin were facing each other in a studio that generally resembled a kitchen. To be clear, Hwa-rin was sitting at a counter table attached to the kitchen, and Kang Woo-jin, who was looking at her, was standing inside the kitchen wearing an apron.

It was a scene that roughly resembled a Japanese restaurant.

A setup where the customer could see both the kitchen and the chef’s cooking. Of course, the only customer was Hwa-rin. Several cameras from the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel were filming the two of them, and staff members other than Choi Sung-gun and the PD gathered around them.

“Wow- the picture is great.”

“Aren’t they a perfect match?”

“Is it because of the ‘male friend’ effect? Am I the only one who thinks they’re sweet?”

“But the two of them haven’t dropped the formalities yet? Usually, when you do a project together, you get close enough to drop the formalities, right?”

“I don’t know?”

While the staff were whispering, Kang Woo-jin and Hwa-rin’s filming continued. The method was to continue without cutting even if there was an NG. So, the filming was quite long. The concept of the current shoot was talk + cooking. They would have a casual conversation with the guest, and then Woo-jin would cook the dish they wanted.

It was none other than Kang Woo-jin who was leading the talk.

“Hwa-rin, what was your first impression of me when you saw me on ‘Male Friend’?”

“I was surprised. At that time, we didn’t even think we would be cast together. Then, I was surprised by your personality, Woo-jin.”

“Personality?”

“Yes. How should I say it- I didn’t know you would be so taciturn. But your voice was good.”

“Hmm-”

“Oh my. What’s with that reaction?”

“Am I taciturn?”

“Then aren’t you?”

Of course, there was a pre-determined questionnaire, but the rest of the conversation was improvised by the two of them. To this, the cynical Kang Woo-jin said.

“Am I still taciturn now?”

He had put on a poker face and his concept, but he was quite enjoying it. Because he was talking with Hwa-rin, no less.

‘It’s like we’re having a conversation at a cafe? If I tell the kids, they’ll be so jealous.’

Hwa-rin was struggling in her own way. She had to suppress her fan spirit.

“Yes. No, you’re similar even when you’re filming variety shows.”

Wasn’t this an opportunity to talk alone with her ultimate bias? She felt like she was on a date with the person she was a fan of.

‘Woo-jin-nim- I can see his expressions when I look at him like this. Ha······Is it almost over?? It’s a shame.’

That’s how the two of them smoothly continued the shoot.

“I’m quite high-tensioned.”

“No, the word tension shouldn’t be used for Woo-jin. But it’s also a compliment. People call you a cold beauty, a tsundere. Honestly, you feel good, right?”

“It’s not bad.”

Soon, the PD outside the studio circled his index finger. It meant that it was time to wrap up. Because of that, Kang Woo-jin tightened his apron again and changed the question.

“Tell me what dish you want to eat.”

“Ummm- I was actually really worried, but is it possible to have······Jjampong [spicy seafood noodle soup]?”

“It’s possible.”

“Wow, it is?? That’s amazing. Then I’ll have Jjampong.”

“But why did you choose Jjampong?”

“My mom used to make it for me often when I was young.”

“It won’t taste the same as that.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Woo-jin, who nodded calmly, picked up the wok nearby and recited.

“Yes, I’ll do my best.”

Soon, the sound of Kang Woo-jin cooking and the appetizing smell spread throughout the studio.

About an hour later.

It was late afternoon, and the filming for the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ cooking content was all over. Kang Woo-jin and the guest, Hwa-rin, greeted each other briefly and then greeted the dozens of staff members.

“You’ve worked hard-”

“Thank you for your hard work-”

But neither Kang Woo-jin nor Hwa-rin had any time to spare. Both of them had another schedule right after. Because of that, Hwa-rin checked the footage of today’s shoot and left the studio, and Kang Woo-jin also organized the future schedule related to the ‘Kang Woo-jin Sub-Character’ channel with the PD and then moved outside.

-Swish.

Hwa-rin and her team were standing in front of the elevator on the hallway side. It seemed like they were waiting for the elevator. Because Hwa-rin’s chubby manager moved out of the way, Woo-jin naturally stood next to her. It was Hwa-rin who started the conversation with a small laugh.

“The Jjampong was delicious.”

“I’m glad.”

“Yes. Didn’t you see the bowl? I ate it all without leaving anything. My manager has been nagging me like crazy until just now.”

“Ah. Is it a diet?”

“I have a photoshoot next week, I think I’ve really gone crazy. I ate without thinking.”

At this time.

-Ding!

The arrived elevator opened its doors. First, some people like the chubby manager and Choi Sung-gun got on, and then Woo-jin and Hwa-rin got on. But there were still many people who couldn’t get on, besides the stylist.

Those people said.

“We’ll take the next one-”

Thus, the elevator with about a dozen people, including Woo-jin and Hwa-rin, went down smoothly. A moment of silence spread. Hwa-rin, who was touching her rolled-up hair, was sniffing subtly.

‘What is Woo-jin’s perfume? It’s so good.’

Then.

-Ding!

The elevator soon arrived on the first basement floor. As soon as the door opened, Woo-jin gestured. It meant that she should get off first. Hwa-rin bowed her head slightly and got off the elevator, followed by Kang Woo-jin. Behind them, some people like Choi Sung-gun, the chubby manager, and the guards followed.

“Woo-jin.”

Hwa-rin, who had passed through the glass door leading to the parking lot, turned her head and asked Woo-jin casually.

“Woo-jin, what kind of perfume are you wearing today? I want to try it too.”

It was at this moment.

“Hwa-rin!!!”

“Hwa-rin!!!”

The chubby manager and the guards behind them shouted. In an instant, Hwa-rin was startled.

“What, what is it?? You scared me.”

“No!! In front! In front!!!”

Her eyes widened, and when she turned her head forward.

“Ah.”

Hwa-rin saw a man in a black padded jacket with a hood running towards her from between the cars a few steps ahead. What was it? Hwa-rin instinctively knew that she had to avoid him, but her body froze.

The stranger running towards Hwa-rin was smiling.

That stranger raised his right hand and shouted at Hwa-rin.

“Hehe, get away! Get away!!!”

Three steps. That was the distance between the crazed man running like crazy and Hwa-rin. And.

“You bad bitch!!”

He was holding an awl in his hand. The destination of that awl was obviously Hwa-rin’s face. It was a touch-and-go situation. Everyone moved quickly, but the man running was too close to Hwa-rin.

Hwa-rin’s scream, filled with fear.

“Kyaaak!!!!”

Everyone’s desperate cries.

“Hwa-rin!!!!”

“No, no!!!”

What to do? The stranger, who was not in his right mind, was about to stab Hwa-rin with the awl without caring.

“Hwa-rin, you’re mine!!”

At this moment.

-Swish.

Someone, while blocking the frozen Hwa-rin with his body, grabbed the hand of the running stranger from behind.

It was the expressionless Kang Woo-jin.

-Thud!

Then, he twisted the stranger’s hand holding the awl in the opposite direction and bent it behind his back.

“Ugh!! Ughhh!”

The stranger’s body naturally turned around. Soon, the stranger’s arm was bent backwards, and at the same time as Woo-jin raised the bent arm further, he tripped his foot.

-Thwack!

The stranger fell face first onto the floor. Woo-jin, maintaining a nonchalant expression, put his weight on the stranger’s back with his knee. The stranger, whose face was buried in the floor, desperately struggled and thrashed.

“Ack!! My arm, my arm!!”

Kang Woo-jin nonchalantly took the awl from his bent hand.

It was instantaneous.

“Aaaack!!! Let go!! Let go!!”

The current situation where Kang Woo-jin had subdued the stranger. Because of that, Hwa-rin, who covered her mouth with both hands, had her eyes wide open.

“······Ah.”

Choi Sung-gun with his ponytail, the chubby manager, and other people right in front of them were dumbfounded as they looked at Woo-jin. Because the scene just now was no different from a scene in a movie.

Regardless.

-Swish.

Woo-jin, who was pressing down on the fallen stranger even more, raised the awl he had taken as if he was handing it over, and spoke in a low voice to the people in front.

Without being out of breath or surprised.

“Call the police.”

It was a cold voice.