I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 204

Hwa-rin, still in her pajamas, stared blankly at the watch case on the table.

“……”

The logo on the case was from a brand recognizable to anyone. A watch worth over 30 million Korean won [approximately $22,000 USD]. It was a gift of gratitude for Woo-jin, who had saved her, and a congratulatory present for his first red carpet appearance this year. Of course, a significant part of it was also due to Hwa-rin’s fangirling.

However, the entertainment industry had too many eyes and ears.

That was Hwa-rin’s worry. It wouldn’t matter if no one made an issue of it, but the media usually did, which made it a problem. They could even fabricate stories.

That’s why the value of a gift, or anything, was important.

30 million. Is it too flashy?

For a moment, Hwa-rin’s worries deepened, but she slapped her cheeks as if to dismiss them. The reason was simple.

‘Honestly, the first one I picked was 50 million [approximately $37,000 USD].’

The watch she bought now was also heavily discounted. It had gone down to 40 million before finally settling at 30 million. Ah, whatever. Hwa-rin shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and muttered to herself.

“I’ll just give it to him. If Woo-jin feels burdened, I’ll just take it back.”

The media might spread baseless rumors if they found out, but the incident with the knife-wielding assailant was so big that she could probably gloss over it. Hwa-rin, having lightly changed her mind, touched her disheveled long hair and picked up her phone.

‘Going like this is too much.’

She was calling the salon she frequented.

“Yes, Teacher. Can I come around 12 today? No, no, it’s not for a schedule, it’s personal. Yes, yes. Okay, I understand!”

Hwa-rin, having made a reservation, tossed her phone onto the sofa and headed straight to the bathroom. After showering for several minutes, Hwa-rin paused while drying her hair at the vanity.

“Ah, right.”

She remembered someone she needed to contact beforehand. It was Hong Hye-yeon. She was also going to the Blue Dragon Awards today, so she probably had a similar schedule to Kang Woo-jin.

“If I suddenly show up, she’ll think it’s weird.”

Fangirling was fangirling, but it was better to avoid unnecessary suspicion. Especially with her close friend, Hong Hye-yeon. Hwa-rin picked up her phone again and made a call.

Hong Hye-yeon answered quickly.

“Yes, Hwa-rin.”

Hong Hye-yeon’s voice sounded sleepy, as if she had been sleeping. Hwa-rin checked the time and asked back.

“What? Were you sleeping?”

“No, no. I’m awake. My body is just drifting on the bed for about 30 minutes.”

“Aren’t you getting ready? The Blue Dragon Awards.”

“I have to. I’m going out in two hours to check the dresses and get some skin care.”

“You’re going to try them on, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Woo-jin too?”

“Yeah, probably?”

“Ah, I’m going there too.”

“Huh? To the fitting studio?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Hong Hye-yeon paused for a moment on the phone before asking.

“…Suddenly?”

“No, not suddenly. You know, what I said last time. The watch. I’m going to give it to Woo-jin today.”

“Oh, right! You finally bought it?”

“Yeah!”

“Good job. Okay, see you later then.”

“Okay, okay, I understand.”

-Click.

As soon as the call ended, Hwa-rin picked up the hairdryer again and smiled faintly.

“I can’t wait to see Woo-jin in a tuxedo.”

Meanwhile.

With the Blue Dragon Film Awards opening this afternoon, the entertainment industry was generally in a frenzy. The media, as well as public opinion, had very high expectations.

-Finally!!! There was nothing to watch today, so I’ll just watch the Blue Dragon Awards lololol

-This year’s Blue Dragon Awards are really going all out lololol The venue where it’s being held is huge

-The articles say Kang Woo-jin is sweeping the Best New Actor awards, I wonder how it’ll be

-Ah, Kang Woo-jin lololol He’s amazing, from being a drug dealer lololol [referring to his role in a movie]

-But will the old guys at the film festival really give it only to Kang Woo-jin????

-Honestly, isn’t the Blue Dragon Awards better than the Grand Bell Awards? lololol Blue Dragon is the best

-Many actors are attending

-Was it last year? Kim Bo-hye and Hong Hye-yeon were amazing

-Is it already the end of the year… Every time there are award ceremonies, I feel like I’m getting another year older… It’s kind of annoying

-↑What’s with this guy suddenly lololololol

-Inevitably, the best and worst will be decided lololol I want to see the red carpet in person

-I’m looking forward to Kang Woo-jin!! It’s amazing that he’s going to the film festival right after his debut!!!

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Numerous domestic entertainment companies were busy promoting their affiliated actors.

“Hey!! Why are there so few articles about us??”

“I’ll urge the media companies right away!”

“Kang Woo-jin, Kang Woo-jin, ugh, I only see Kang Woo-jin!! Tell them to shoot properly! The whole day will be filled with Blue Dragon articles, if we get buried, we won’t get any attention!”

“Yes, CEO! It seems like Kang Woo-jin has a lot of material to keep releasing.”

“Who doesn’t know that? Keep contacting the reporters and manage the SNS of the people going to the Blue Dragon Awards until right before the event!!”

“I’ve already told them to upload!”

The film industry was also engrossed in the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Of course, many actors participating in the Blue Dragon Awards today were also busy preparing. What car to take, what dress and tuxedo to wear, the reactions and comments to make on the red carpet, makeup, hair, and so on.

It was an annual film festival, but it was always a hot topic.

As much as the entire industry, the public, and various figures were paying attention, the year-end buzz was worth coveting. It was 100 times better to be picked as the worst-dressed and get criticized than to be buried without any mention.

Of course, it was best to have positive buzz, such as winning an award.

While the entire entertainment industry was making a fuss, the people around Kang Woo-jin were also making a fuss. All of Kang Woo-jin’s acquaintances, from his classmates to everyone he knew outside of the design company, were like that.

Among them, Kang Woo-jin’s younger sister and fan club president, Kang Hyun-ah, was.

“Ah! Mom! Can’t we close the store a bit early today?? What if customers come when the Blue Dragon Awards are on and we can’t watch it??”

“There aren’t usually many customers around that time. Ugh—it’s so chaotic. Be calm.”

“Mom, your hands have been shaking since earlier? It seems like you’re the most nervous.”

“…Will it be okay then? Your brother is appearing at the film festival? Your dad has been gulping down cold water since earlier.”

She had come down to her parents’ store for her school vacation. Today, they were planning to help out at the store and then gather to watch the Blue Dragon Awards. Of course, her friends, the ‘Strong Heart’ management team, were also on standby.

For reference, the ‘Strong Heart’ fan cafe had been in an uproar since earlier.

Not only ‘Strong Heart’ but also Kang Woo-jin’s SNS and YouTube channels were the same. The Blue Dragon Awards hadn’t even started yet, but there were already an enormous number of congratulatory comments and expectant reactions from fans.

Kang Woo-jin’s close friends were just as enthusiastic as the fans.

-Hyung-gu: Kang Woo-jin!! Is this bastard really going to the Blue Dragon Awards today???!! True???

-Kyung-sung: It’s so amazing lolololol Congrats in advance, Woo-jin lololol

-Hyung-gu: To see my friend walk the red carpet!!

-Woo-jin: Thanks

-Hyung-gu: Hey!! Share some on-site photos from the Blue Dragon Awards!!

-Dae-young: Woo-jin, what time are you coming to the fitting studio??

-Woo-jin: Probably a bit later than you guys

-Kyung-sung: What are these two talking about?

-Hyung-gu: Anyway! Let’s gather today!! Let’s all watch Kang Woo-jin’s red carpet live lololol

-Kyung-sung: But isn’t it just you and me?

-Dae-young: I’m in too lololol I’m not going to the Blue Dragon Awards

The whole country was buzzing.

On the same day, around late lunch.

The location was a fitting studio in Gangnam [a wealthy district in Seoul]. A space where celebrities could have their profile photos taken and check or try on outfits for various events. The studio was largely divided into two areas. One was a place where photos could be taken. The remaining area was specialized for fittings, with many mirrors and about a dozen chairs and small sofas for waiting.

A celebrity’s team arrived at such a fitting room.

“Let’s set up the dresses first!!”

“What about the jewelry?? Where should we put it?”

“Since it’s after the dresses, let’s put it in the jewelry box here for now!”

“Yes, yes!”

“The lights we brought are here, here!”

“Where’s Hye-yeon unnie [an honorific term for older sister or female friend] ??”

“Bathroom!”

It was top actress Hong Hye-yeon’s team. So, of course, the bulky Kim Dae-young was also moving busily. Meanwhile, Hong Hye-yeon, wearing no makeup and a duffle coat, entered the fitting room. It seemed like they would go to the salon after setting up the dresses.

Then, she sat on the sofa in front of the large mirror as if she was used to it.

“Ugh—the labor is starting, it’s starting.”

She had already experienced film festivals several times, so it was natural for her to be relaxed. Soon, Hong Hye-yeon brushed her long hair and took off her coat. At the same time, she asked Kim Dae-young, who was adjusting the lights.

“Dae-young, where is it? The shoes.”

The burly Kim Dae-young immediately answered.

“Yes? Ah, that? Just a moment.”

Kim Dae-young retrieved a luxurious shoe box from the entrance of the fitting room, where the luggage was piled up, and handed it to Hong Hye-yeon.

“Here you go. But that’s really expensive, right?”

“Huh? No? It’s not that expensive.”

Kim Dae-young, watching Hong Hye-yeon answer nonchalantly, muttered to himself.

‘Not that expensive, my ass. Just by looking at it, it’s easily over hundreds [of thousands of dollars].’

Hong Hye-yeon got up from the sofa as if she was about to start something. She checked the various dresses hanging next to the full-length mirror. The colors were diverse. Slightly pale red, bright beige, deep gray, etc. The designs of the dresses were also different. Of course, all of them were dresses that Hong Hye-yeon would try on.

It was at this moment.

-Swish.

“Oh, oh—everyone’s here??”

Choi Sung-gun, with his ponytail, entered the fitting studio. A familiar group followed behind him. Han Ye-jung, a stylist, and Jang Su-hwan. It was Kang Woo-jin’s team. While greetings were exchanged for a moment, a man with a nonchalant face, wearing a suitable long padded coat, appeared.

“Hello-”

He greeted in a low voice. It was Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin was secretly amazed by the fitting room, which he had never been to before.

‘Oh—so there’s a place like this??’

On the outside, he amplified his cynicism as if it was nothing special. There were a lot of people. Anyway, Kang Woo-jin was also natural overall since he was going to the salon later, and after making brief eye contact with Kim Dae-young, he greeted Hong Hye-yeon, who was standing in front of the set-up dresses, indifferently.

“Hello.”

Hong Hye-yeon, smiling faintly, waved her hand.

“Oh, you’re here? How was the shoot?”

“It went well.”

“Isn’t it tiring? Shooting in the morning and the Blue Dragon Awards at night—CEO? At this rate, Woo-jin is going to die.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was talking with the staff, shrugged his shoulders.

“It can’t be helped, the ‘Island of the Lost’ shoot was a bit long. Anyway, are you ready? Then let’s start right away. We don’t have much time.”

“Ah, wait a moment.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who had stopped the proceedings, approached the sofa where she had been and picked up the shoe box she had prepared.

“Woo-jin.”

The shoe box was handed to Kang Woo-jin, who was taking off his long padded coat.

“This is a commemorative gift.”

Woo-jin asked calmly.

“What is it?”

“Shoes. It’s just because I’m grateful for various things, and since we’re in the same agency, I couldn’t just stay still. Congratulations on your first film festival appearance. It’s not that expensive, so you can accept it.”

Choi Sung-gun, chuckling, interjected.

“Not that expensive, my ass. If you just search a little, you’ll find it, why do you have to say it like that.”

“Oppa [an honorific term for older brother or male friend]! No, CEO. Shut your mouth.”

On the other hand, Woo-jin, who was quietly looking down at the shoe box, accepted it with a rather indifferent feeling.

“I’ll wear them well.”

“Ah! Yes! You can really wear them casually.”

“Yes, I’ll wear them casually.”

“…Don’t treat them too casually. Moderately.”

“I’ll wear them moderately casually.”

“Be, be comfortable.”

Of course, it wasn’t that Kang Woo-jin wasn’t surprised.

‘Wow—shit, this luxury brand is super expensive?? She’s giving this to me?’

But being flustered here was for amateurs. He had to act dignified and nonchalant. And well, if someone was giving him something, there was no need to refuse, right? Gifts were always welcome. After quickly organizing his thoughts, the fitting started with Hong Hye-yeon.

The first was a dress with a pale red color.

Then, Hong Hye-yeon and a few staff members entered the dressing room next to the mirror, and Kim Dae-young approached Kang Woo-jin, who was preparing for his turn.

“Kang Woo-jin-nim [a polite honorific] ? How are you feeling right now?”

Woo-jin, exchanging glances with him.

‘Shut up, I feel like I’m going to throw up.’

Replied in a cold tone.

“Just so-so.”

Kim Dae-young, holding back his laughter, gave a thumbs up.

“As expected, you’re still as tough as ever.”

This burly bastard. It was when Woo-jin was glaring at his close friend to tell him to get lost.

-Click.

The dressing room opened, and Hong Hye-yeon came out wearing the dress. It was a design that slightly exposed both shoulders and chest, and Hong Hye-yeon’s long hair fell naturally over it. The waist area was a bit narrow, but Hong Hye-yeon pulled it off perfectly.

She smiled leisurely and struck a pose.

“How is it?”

The fastest reaction was from Kim Dae-young. He whispered just loud enough for Woo-jin to hear.

“Wow, crazy.”

Kang Woo-jin also exclaimed. Of course, internally.

‘So, so pretty. Wow—I’m seeing this in front of my eyes.’

But he needed to suppress his admiration a bit now. Well, that didn’t mean he had to lie. Kang Woo-jin said in a low voice.

“It suits you well.”

“Really? Really?”

Compliments poured out from Hong Hye-yeon, whose smile deepened, and from a dozen staff members, including Choi Sung-gun. It wasn’t just for show. In fact, Hong Hye-yeon was shining right now. Even with no makeup. Whatever it was, Hong Hye-yeon, who was extremely excited, re-entered the dressing room to try on the next dress.

As a result, she chose the first dress, the pale red one, out of a total of four dresses.

Now, the next turn was.

“Oh, oh! Woo-jin, change into the navy one first and come out. Su-hwan will help you.”

It was Kang Woo-jin. The first experience with a tuxedo, which he had never thought he would wear in his life, and probably never would. Woo-jin repeated his composure in his mind as he entered the dressing room. He slowly put on the pants and shirt. The first thing Woo-jin felt was simple.

‘Oh? It fits perfectly?’

And outside the dressing room, anticipation was high.

“How will Woo-jin oppa look?”

“What are you talking about? Oppa’s fit is already crazy.”

“But there are some actors who look good in regular clothes but strangely don’t look good in tuxedos.”

“Ah—that’s true.”

While the stylists were talking, the fitting studio door suddenly opened, and a woman wearing a hat entered.

“Huh—there are a lot of people? Hello.”

It was Hwa-rin, wearing a brown short padded jacket, and among the slightly surprised staff, Hong Hye-yeon gestured for Hwa-rin to come over.

“Hwa-rin! Why are you so late? I’m done trying on dresses!”

Hwa-rin, who had just greeted Choi Sung-gun, approached Hong Hye-yeon and smiled awkwardly.

“Sorry, sorry. It was a bit hard to find this place.”

Soon, Hong Hye-yeon pointed at the green paper bag in her hand and raised the corner of her mouth.

“Is that it?”

“Huh? Ah—yes. But where’s Woo-jin?”

“Dressing room.”

At that moment.

-Click.

The dressing room door opened, and Kang Woo-jin came out wearing a navy tuxedo. The shoes were the black ones that Hong Hye-yeon had given as a gift, and it was a navy tuxedo with a vest. Kang Woo-jin’s fit was perfect, as if it was custom-made.

A unique point was that instead of a bow tie, he wore a ribbon tie made of a rather wide strap.

Then, as Woo-jin adjusted the tuxedo jacket he was wearing and took a step, Hwa-rin, who had just arrived at the fitting room and was staring at Kang Woo-jin as if she was possessed, muttered to herself as if she was talking to herself.

“So…so handsome.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who was right next to her, asked back.

“Huh? What did you say?”

At that time. Incheon [a major city near Seoul].

In the huge hall called ‘Plaza’ at the mega-resort hotel ‘Paradise S City’. The hall, which was decorated to look like an awards ceremony at first glance, was vast, and about a hundred people were running around frantically in their respective positions. It was the final stage of preparation. On the large stage screen in front, a majestic title was displayed.

-[2020 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards]

Among them, one of the staff members crossing between the numerous seats shouted.

“Who’s putting the actors’ names on the chairs here!! You have to make sure there are no missing spots!!”

The names of the top actors in the country were listed on the seat chairs.

“Yes? I checked everything?!”

“Checked, my ass! Then why are these two missing??”

On the chairs that the staff had just passed, a familiar name was attached.

-[Kang Woo-jin-nim]

End