Chapter 138: Counterattack (1)
Translator: Dreamscribe
It was certain. The robotic female voice clearly announced not just one, but two abilities were being given. This slightly startled Kang Woojin.
“Not just one, but two abilities??”
It was unprecedented. Starting from English to Japanese, Sign Language, and even singing ability. Until now, the void space always offered just one gift. But now, it was giving two at once.
“Technique and recipe.”
Honestly, Woojin had high expectations of gaining abilities, and the possibility seemed likely. But two was beyond his expectations. More than anything, the timing was peculiar. Why now? In this situation?
Then, Kang Woojin had an intuition.
“Is the void space evolving?”
It wasn’t certain, but it felt like it. The void space was always unfriendly with no explanations, but judging by the current situation, could it be growing along with Kang Woojin? It’s like those games. As you complete quests, the rewards increase. Maybe the void space worked similarly?
“There haven’t been any quests, though.”
Perhaps, the wider range of abilities was a result of how well Woojin utilized the void space. Well, let’s just understand it that way. After all, comprehending the void space was impossible, right?
Moreover.
“If it’s being offered, so I should just be thankful.”
There was neither need nor way to refuse. Kang Woojin just had to accept it with a smile.
‘Does this mean… gradually I can receive 3, 4, or even 5 gifts in the future?’
A faint sense of expectation exploded. The void space is indeed the best. Even two thumbs up weren’t enough. Simply godlike.
That’s when it happened.
[“Preparing to read ‘Chef’s Technique·Recipe’······”]
[“······Preparation complete. Starting the reading of ‘Chef’s Technique·Recipe’.”]
Following the pleasant female voice, a vast grayness engulfed Kang Woojin. The momentum was terrifying, but Woojin was smiling. However, the sharp pain in his lower abdomen remained.
“Ugh.”
Following that.
-Swish.
Kang Woojin slowly opened his eyes. The space was similar to where he had enhanced his ‘singing ability’. It was endlessly dark like the previous void space. However.
“Ah.”
Quickly, Kang Woojin noticed a difference. He could see it when he turned his head to the left. Normally, Woojin was always alone, but to his left, there was another Kang Woojin. Or, to be more precise.
“A mirror?”
He saw a reflection of Kang Woojin standing. It mimicked everything, from blinking eyes to raising hands, to lifting feet.
‘Because there are two gifts?’
It felt mystical. The feeling of being in a completely dark space with oneself and another self. Right then.
“Here it comes.”
From afar, strange shapes started flying in. Woojin only realized what they were when they got close. Foods. Countless foods were rapidly approaching Kang Woojin’s body and permeating it. Was this the ‘Chef’s Recipe’?
What was interesting.
“Why do I feel the taste?”
Although a chill came when the food merged, it felt like he was eating the infused foods. He could taste the vivid flavors. Meanwhile, Woojin’s reflection on the left was also under attack. Moving knives, dazzling woks, and so on.
Numerous tools.
The next day, the 13th, in Tokyo, Japan.
The time was a little past 8 am. The location was the parking lot of the ‘Toega’ Film Company. Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi stood idly, noticeable among the gradually filling cars.
“······”
His expression was stern. He just seemed to be waiting for someone, looking at the entrance of the parking lot. Why was he spending his time here at this moment, especially when ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ was falling apart? The reason was simple.
‘The Kashiwa Group is- providing investment funds?’
It was because of a call he received yesterday from a woman named Lili Tetsugawa. Director Kyotaro recalled his conversation with her.
Kyotaro was confused about what this was all about.
“······Did you say the Kashiwa Group will provide investment for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’?”
On the other end of the phone, Lili’s voice was calm.
“Yes, that’s correct. But, is there anyone around you?”
“Ah- Yes, there are people.”
“Then please move to another spot.”
“···Understood.”
Heading out into the hallway, Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi wondered if it was just a prank call. Nonetheless, he needed confirmation.
“I’m sorry, but how can I believe that you are from the Kashiwa Group?”
“It’s okay if you don’t believe me.”
“Pardon?””
“We are well aware of the current situation with ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’. Despite that, we intend to invest.”
“Who is it?”
“You’ll find out when we meet in person.”
There was something different about this woman. It was evident in the dignity in her tone and the aura she carried in leading the conversation.
“Director, would you be available tomorrow morning?”
“Tomorrow morning?”
“Yes. If it’s okay with you, we will send a car.”
Director Kyotaro had another appointment with a different investor, but he felt he couldn’t miss this opportunity. Thanks to that, Director Kyotaro didn’t let go of this faint chance.
“Tomorrow morning is fine.”
“Then please be at the parking lot of Toega Film Company by 8 am. Just get in the car that arrives.”
That was it.
Director Kyotaro, recalling yesterday, returned to reality, to the parking lot of Toega Film Company. Could it be real? Really, the Kashiwa Group? He didn’t quite believe it, but Director Kyotaro wanted to believe.
“I have no connection with them. What could this be about?”
The Kashiwa Group was one of the top ten conglomerates in Japan’s business hierarchy. However, there was no connection whatsoever with Director Kyotaro. Could it possibly be the writer Akari?
At that moment.
-Vroom!
A sleek luxurious black sedan smoothly entered the parking lot. It was clearly an expensive foreign car, catching Director Kyotaro’s eye, and naturally came to a stop in front of him.
Then.
-Thunk!
The passenger door opened, and a woman with a neat appearance, dressed in a suit, stepped out. She was upright and tidy. Even while bowing to Director Kyotaro, she said.
“Hello, Director. It’s an honor to meet you. I am Lili Tetsugawa, the one who called you.”
She opened the back door of the car and politely gestured for him to get in.
“Please get in.”
“······”
Soon, Director Kyotaro got into the car as if mesmerized.
About an hour later.
The luxury sedan carrying Director Kyotaro stopped in front of a jaw-droppingly large mansion. Lili, with her long hair tied back, got out first.
-Swish.
She opened the back door of the car. Director Kyotaro’s expression was still one of utter bewilderment. After all, he hadn’t spoken a word with her during the drive. Anyway.
“Director, please follow me.”
Mindlessly getting out of the car, Director Kyotaro scratched his gray hair and followed Lili. They passed through the spacious yard, past a dozen busy staff, and furniture that made one’s jaw drop.
“Here we are.”
Her guidance stopped in front of a brown wooden door. Soon, Lili knocked on the door.
-Knock knock.
A raspy male voice came from inside.
“Come in.”
The voice was relaxed and leisurely. Then, as Lili opened the door, the interior of the room came into view for Director Kyotaro. The room was full of books. Clearly a study. In the center of it all was a large desk. And.
“Ah, pleased to meet you. Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi.”
Standing next to the desk, an old man with bushy white eyebrows, resembling a white-haired lion, extended his hand with a faint smile.
Director Kyotaro immediately recognized who he was.
‘······Chairman Hideki Yoshimura.’
The head of the great Kashiwa Group. A figure well-known not only in Japan but also internationally.
‘It was real.’
So, the approach from the Kashiwa Group was genuine, not a lie. At this moment, the Master Director Kyotaro gathered his wits. It was an important figure and a situation that warranted it.
“Hello, Chairman Yoshimura. It’s my first time meeting you.”
“I’ve seen you many times in the media, not my first time seeing you.”
“Recently, things have gotten bigger than intended.”
“If we talk about Japanese film directors, it has to be Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, after all.”
“That’s too kind of you.”
Chairman Hideki, wearing a subtle smile, gestured towards a three-seater sofa in front of his desk, indicating for Kyotaro to sit. Soon, tea was served in the study, and after savoring a cup, Chairman Hideki initiated the conversation.
“I’ve heard that the situation with the movie ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ you’re preparing isn’t good. Is that true?”
He went straight to the point without beating around the bush. However, Director Kyotaro, maintaining his composed posture, responded calmly.
“That’s correct.”
“How bad is it?”
“At least, the issue with the investment mentioned in the media is true.”
“I see.”
Chairman Hideki, leisurely setting down his tea cup but with a sharp look in his eyes, asked Director Kyotaro again.
“How much of the investment has been withdrawn?”
“About 70%.”
“That would be around 15 billion yen.”
For a moment, Director Kyotaro’s eyes flickered slightly. How could he know such detailed information about the investment? Nevertheless, he calmly responded.
“Approximately.”
“Hmm – alright, then I’ll cover the gap in the investment. I’ll add a bit more than what was originally there. So, feel free to expand the project.”
“!!!”
“But, there’s a condition.”
“A, a condition?”
Chairman Hideki, picking up his tea cup again, replied succinctly.
“That Korean newcomer actor, Kang Woojin, must continue to be part of it.”
“······”
“You can replace other actors if you want.”
Hearing this, Director Kyotaro was somewhat flabbergasted. Why was Woojin mentioned here? It was completely unexpected, especially coming from this mega tycoon. However, Director Kyotaro, suppressing his surprise, asked another question.
“May I ask why you are interested in our movie?”
“Hmm. Well, let’s say it’s about trying hard to protect a kid’s dream, I suppose. For that kid, even 100 billion yen wouldn’t be too much.”
It was an answer difficult to comprehend. But feeling that it was not appropriate to probe further, Director Kyotaro changed the subject.
“By any chance, do you know Mr. Kang Woojin personally?”
At the question, Chairman Hideki tilted his head slightly but did not answer immediately. He just reminisced about the common pain and hard times he felt connected to with the Korean actor he had never met.
After about 10 seconds.
Chairman Hideki’s wrinkled lips slowly opened.
“Let’s just say we understand each other’s pain.”
Director Kyotaro’s eyes widened. Clearly, he felt a connection between Chairman Hideki and Kang Woojin in the chairman’s tone. Then.
‘Is that so?’
Suddenly, Director Kyotaro began to immerse himself in his own misconceptions.
‘Now it makes sense… Woojin’s native-level Japanese. There must be some connection with Chairman Hideki.’
He was convinced. The sudden investment from Chairman Hideki and the mention of Kang Woojin.
‘Woojin’s fluent Japanese, overflowing self-esteem, relentless drive, including his incredible acting skills, and that somehow overflowing aura.’
Even the composure of saying he’d wait despite the movie being on the brink. Yes, all of it made sense when linked to Chairman Hideki.
‘I don’t know the exact nature of their relationship, but it all adds up.’
Chairman Hideki’s words added to his conviction.
“Director, you’re the only one who needs to know about my existence and our conversation today.”
“···Understood.”
At a moment rife with misunderstandings, of which neither was aware, Chairman Hideki once again spoke.
“I’ll send the investment right away. But everything must be highly confidential, and I presume it’s okay if I handle the related media manipulation?”
“You’re talking about influencing the media.”
“That’s right.”
“Can you give me an idea of how you plan to do it?”
“Simple. We’ll start by saying that the investment issue has been cleanly resolved.”
Then Chairman Hideki’s subtle smile deepened.
“There will be rumors that my Kashiwa Group is backing you up, just enough to intertwine and entangle.”
A few days later, on Wednesday the 16th, in the evening.
The first airing date of Japan’s popular talk show ‘Ame-talk Show!’ had already been announced.
『’The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ controversy sparks, but ‘Ame-talk Show!’ decides to proceed with the broadcast』
『’Ame-talk Show!’ featuring Kang Woojin will air on the 16th without issues』
Promotion had been ongoing since Kang Woojin’s visit to Japan.
Of course, even when the crisis of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ erupted and various controversies around Kang Woojin spread, ‘Ame-talk Show!’ did not stop. From a general perspective, airing it amidst controversy didn’t seem like a good idea.
Even the media questioned.
『Ignoring public opinion? What is ‘Ame-talk Show!’ thinking by proceeding with Kang Woojin episode?』
The Japanese public opinion was similar.
-Why do they have to air Kang Woojin’s episode when there’s a problem? Couldn’t they wait until things calmed down??
-I don’t get it, why is the Ame-talk PD insisting on this?
-I don’t care, I’m not going to watch it anyway
-It’s a long-running talk show over 10 years, and it’s not like it wouldn’t get decent ratings even without Kang Woojin, right? It’s just better timing to air stored content
-What are the Ame-talk production team thinking?
-He’s not even a top actor in Korea, just a newcomer, so there’s no reason to watch
The backlash was palpable. Even if justified, hate comments are still hate comments. Are they highlighting the posts? On Japanese social media and communities, ‘Ame-talk Show!’ related news was posted on more highlighted positions.
Of course, not all comments were negative.
-Why!! I’m really looking forward to it!
Most, however, poured out concerns and attacks. But clearly, they were just a part of it.
And at that moment.
“There are 3 more commercials left!”
In the main control room of the Japanese private broadcasting station TBE airing ‘Ame-talk Show!’, many people were gathered. From the head of the entertainment department to the senior executives and.
“Phew-”
PD Shinjo, looking at numerous monitors, swallowed his saliva nervously. Already thin, his face appeared even thinner due to the tension. Naturally, the expressions of the ‘Ame-talk Show!’ writers around him were similar.
At this point.
“‘Ame-talk Show!’ is going live now!”
A staff member in the control room signaled the cue. Immediately, the ‘Ame-talk Show!’ opening started playing on several monitors. Meaning, the ‘Ame-talk Show!’ episode featuring Kang Woojin was being broadcasted nationwide in Japan.
At the same time.
“How, how is it?”
The department head approached a staff member in the control room, followed by a wide-eyed PD Shinjo. The writers crowded around them, all eyes on the staff member.
Simultaneously.
“······”
The staff member, having checked something.
“The opening ratings for ‘Ame-talk Show!’ -”
He quickly turned his head and shouted to the crowd gathered.
“Opening ratings 20.3%! 20.3%!”
At that moment, not only the department head but also PD Shinjo and everyone else’s jaws dropped.
“What, how much??! 20.3%?!”
It was a result that went beyond a reversal, to the level of a complete turnaround.
*****
