Chapter 174: Stranger (4)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Chairman Hideki had a wrinkled smile while looking at Choi Sung-gun. However, the composure he showed was not aged. Despite being a veteran, he possessed the aura of a predator. Sitting in front of Chairman Hideki, Choi Sung-gun could keenly feel it.
‘…What is this man talking about??!’
It was initially unpredictable. Wasn’t it? It’s not a conglomerate from Korea, but a total surprise that a Japanese conglomerate head suddenly invests in bw Entertainment. Even Choi Sung-gun, who is quite flexible in thinking, couldn’t help being startled. He tried to think further, but it was impossible.
His thought process kept getting blocked.
Yes, in such cases, it’s best to buy some time. Choi Sung-gun first asked Chairman Hideki, who was sitting in the top seat of the 5-person sofa. This also included getting a clear answer.
“Investment. Did you say you personally want to invest? In our bw Entertainment?”
This question was passed to Chairman Hideki through an interpreter, and he slowly nodded his head while maintaining a smile.
“That’s what I said. Personally. In other words, not as the Kashiwa Group but on a personal level. I’m proposing to invest as an individual.”
In other words, it was Chairman Yoshimura Hideki’s unilateral decision. However, even though the words were passed on like this, the Kashiwa Group was Chairman Hideki’s. There was no way it was unrelated. Either way, Choi Sung-gun found it hard to digest.
‘First of all, the fact that he knows our bw Entertainment is aiming to expand is concerning. Why? Why does Chairman Hideki know about it?’
Chairman Hideki was seen for the first time today. If it weren’t for Kang Woojin’s ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’, there would never have been a chance to meet such a person from another world. How does Chairman Hideki know about the situation of bw Entertainment, which is like a small hole-in-the-wall store in Korea? No matter how much he thought about it, it didn’t make sense. If someone else heard it, they would dismiss it as nonsense.
But this nonsense was unfolding before his eyes.
Choi Sung-gun wanted to unearth the whole situation to understand it clearly, but asking Chairman Hideki for an elaborate explanation right away would only make him look like a fool. Choi Sung-gun gathered his wits as much as possible. The identity of the counterpart was clear, and the scent of opportunity was strong.
However.
‘Smiling and accepting it here could become laughable.’
Choi Sung-gun kept his manners without lowering his posture too much. Greed was visible from Chairman Hideki.
“It’s a very grateful proposal. However, our bw Entertainment is currently in discussions with various investors in Korea.”
“I suppose so.”
“It’s difficult to make a hasty decision on the spot since we are contemplating.”
After hearing the interpretation, Chairman Hideki slowly nodded.
“Of course, I understand.”
“May I ask one thing? Honestly, it’s a bit of an absurd situation for me. I’m sorry, but why are you interested in our bw Entertainment?”
Chairman Hideki’s answer was quick, exuding confidence.
“It’s because of actor Kang Woojin.”
Is that so? Choi Sung-gun had somewhat guessed it but still posed another question.
“I know his value better than anyone. However, there are many parts not revealed to the public, and actor Kang Woojin is still just a popular Korean actor in Japan.”
“Are you saying it’s strange to move for an actor from another country?”
“Yes. Of course, I can understand if it’s part of the group’s cultural marketing, but you mentioned it’s personal.”
“Hmm. That might be so. Probably such a case wouldn’t exist in the past or the future.”
Chairman Hideki muttered as he picked up the teacup in front of him.
“Today, after seeing Kang Woojin in person, I was convinced. His acting, charm, and the momentum he possesses. I find it hard to restrain myself when I see someone who will become a great figure.”
The smile faded from Chairman Hideki’s face as he put down the teacup.
“In the near future, his name will spread across the world. He possesses something valuable.”
Choi Sung-gun was thrilled.
‘Is this reality?’
The head of a mega-corporation in Japan is praising Kang Woojin. The feeling was amplified because it was so unexpected. And there.
‘The world… Indeed, does he have a clear vision for the future?’
Chairman Hideki’s prediction about Kang Woojin’s future was almost accurate. Currently, Woojin’s focus is set on the Academy Awards, and he has embarked on preparing for the Cannes Film Festival as a stepping stone towards that goal.
At that moment.
-Swish.
Leaning back deeply into the sofa, Chairman Hideki added more to his words.
“Of course, my actions aren’t solely for that reason. It’s difficult to explain in detail. Just see it as an old man’s precaution to protect something dear, related to my past. For that precious thing, even 100 billion won wouldn’t be too much.”
“……”
“And there is a favor that Kang Woojin did for me, although he might not know it. That’s how it started.”
“!!!”
At this, a lightbulb went off in Choi Sung-gun’s head. I see, so that was it. Soon, his brain began to spread what had just suddenly occurred to him.
‘The past and a favor. I’m not sure what he means by something precious…but Woojin and Chairman Hideki have had some sort of connection for a long time.’
It was a clear misconception.
‘If that’s the case, everything fits perfectly. Woojin’s confidence and composure during the crisis of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ the absurd appearance of Chairman Hideki, even the investment. I thought it had something to do with Director Kyotaro or Writer Akari…to think Woojin was connected.’
Choi Sung-gun enthusiastically scribbles in his notebook of misunderstandings. Incidentally, there was another similar figure, Director Kyotaro. Choi Sung-gun, unaware of this, thought,
‘Woojin’s Japanese, Japanese sign language skills. It has to be related to that. This man proposing an investment is also because of that. Without any connection, this scenario couldn’t happen. Did he say there was a favor? What on earth happened between Woojin and him in the past…’
He stared silently at Chairman Hideki’s face.
‘I don’t know, I can’t figure it out. It’s too big a scale, honestly, I’m dying of curiosity, but it’s tricky to get involved. Anyway, it’s clear that this man intends to pour money not into bw Entertainment but into Woojin.’
Misunderstandings turned into assumptions, and then to conclusions.
‘No matter what big shot he meets, Woojin always seemed unbothered- it makes sense now. If he has a connection with someone like Chairman Hideki, it’s no wonder other big shots seem like small fries.’
At that moment.
-Swish.
Chairman Hideki, adjusting his posture, cast his raspy voice.
“Even so, I have no intention of being careless with this matter. I plan to receive a proper business plan or proposal from the CEO.”
“……Of course.”
“Can we proceed positively?”
Choi Sung-gun bowed his head.
“I’ll ensure that the information you mentioned is relayed as soon as possible. Thank you in advance.”
“Let’s do that.”
Chairman Hideki, smiling once again, added more to his words.
“This conversation should stay between us.”
And at this moment, in the hotel’s bathroom.
“……”
Unknowingly becoming more significant in presence, Kang Woojin, with a calm face, was washing his hands after using the restroom.
-Swoosh.
Of course.
‘Wow, shit. Even the bathrooms in high-end hotels are amazing. What is this place? Are the faucets gold? Can’t be real gold, right?’
He had no particular thoughts.
Afterward.
The script reading for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ finally concluded in the late afternoon. The enthusiasm was fiery. The expressions of Director Kyotaro, Writer Akari, and the production team, as well as the dozens of actors who participated, were profoundly serious. Naturally, the reporters and approximately a hundred attendees felt the same.
Regardless.
-Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!
After the reading ended, the hall erupted in intense applause. Of course, Kang Woojin, maintaining his poker face, was also part of it.
‘Ha- it’s over, that was tough.’
Contrary to his inner thoughts, he silently joined in the applause. Meanwhile, Japan’s top actors were sneakily glancing at Kang Woojin. The script reading was sufficient to dispel everyone’s speculation, thoughts, worries, and concerns.
‘…Can we really go into filming like this? No, that can’t be. If I’m in the same scene as Kang Woojin, it’ll be immediately obvious.’
‘I almost fell for him! No, I did fall for him! Kang Woojin is several times cooler than I thought??!’
‘We weren’t lacking. It’s just that Kang Woojin stood out more. But why do I feel a sense of defeat?’
As the actors’ inner turmoil deepened, the hall where the script reading was taking place started to become rapidly bustling. Dozens of production staff moved to tidy up, photographers snapped pictures, and about a hundred related staff and attendees began to leave the hall or start conversations amongst themselves. Chairman Hideki’s group was nowhere to be seen.
They must have left midway through.
At this point, Director Kyotaro was giving simple instructions to the production team.
-Swish.
He scanned the faces of the lead actors, excluding Kang Woojin. Each one was etched with shock. Satisfied with this, Director Kyotaro wondered,
‘Was this a proper whipping?’
Writer Akari, pushing up her nose glasses, chimed in.
“Indeed, casting Woojin was the right decision. All the actors look like they’ve felt a lot.”
“Kang Woojin being a newcomer, and a Korean actor, must have intensified their feelings. It’s a harsh method, but it will surely serve as nourishment for them.”
Part of the reason Director Kyotaro cast Woojin was to critique the current degenerating state of the Japanese entertainment industry and its actors. Thus, a brief introduction of Kang Woojin had already been given to the actors.
‘Kang Woojin had been hidden for over a decade before recently shooting a short film, which brought him to light. During the script reading, experience the hurdle of acting with him.’
Thanks to this, the top actors of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ looked more deeply into Woojin’s acting. As a result, they became aware of their own abilities. Director Kyotaro, surveying the actors, didn’t care if there were negative reactions.
‘If they become twisted, it just means the actor’s caliber is small.’
Losing a few actors wouldn’t matter if even one or two experienced an awakening; it would be much more beneficial. Fortunately, no actor displayed any noticeable behavior. Soon, Director Kyotaro’s gaze landed on Kang Woojin, who was talking with Choi Sung-gun.
‘…As a director, it’s impossible not to covet an actor like him. His mere presence on set solves many problems.’
At this moment.
“Everyone! Director~nim, writer~nim, actors! Please gather here!!”
The assistant director shouted loudly in Japanese. It was for taking a group photo of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ with Director Kyotaro at the center, surrounded by dozens of people.
And Kang Woojin, the main pillar of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ as ‘Iyota Kiyoshi,’
“Woojin, over here.”
Stood right next to Director Kyotaro.
After taking the group photo, the actors began to leave the hall one by one, greeting the director and writer on their way out, and passing by Kang Woojin.
“Thank you for your hard work. See you on the filming day.”
“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”
Most were serious, but there was one exception.
“Kang Woojin!”
A female actor who had been continuously high-spirited and showing great affection towards Woojin was different.
“Do you use Line?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Then let’s contact through Instagram! We should get to know each other!”
It was Mifuyu Uramatsu, unanimously considered one of the top actresses in Japan. In ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ she played the role of ‘Horinochi Amie,’ a crazy character. Perhaps akin to Hong Hye-yeon in Korea? She had large eyes, pale skin, and full lips. Though her appearance was delicate, her manner of speaking was straightforward.
“I’ve actually been a fan of Woojin for quite some time, ah, as a fellow actor. I’ll send you a DM!”
With a smile and a wave of her hands, she walked away. Kang Woojin casually returned the greeting, but internally he wondered what was going on.
‘Wow, my heart, that was surprising. She’s quite straightforward, isn’t she? Well, thanks anyway.’
He quickly regained his composure. It was probably the novelty of being approached by a top Japanese actor. Soon, Choi Sung-gun joined Woojin’s side.
“Woojin, did you greet the director and writer?”
“Yes, CEO~nim.”
“Let’s go then. But what did Mifuyu Uramatsu say?”
“She wants to get to know each other. Said she’d send a DM.”
Choi Sung-gun chuckled and gave a thumbs up.
“You know? Mifuyu is among the top five popular actresses in Japan. For someone like her to ask for your contact first? Wow- you’re popular, huh? It’s all good to be friends and all, but let’s just manage any scandals properly. I know you’ll handle it well.”
Scandal? Unlikely. Anyway, it was indeed strange to Kang Woojin. Just a few months ago, his phone was merely exchanging contacts with his close buddies. But now, it holds the numbers of top actors from Korea and even the elites from Japan.
‘It’s gotten pretty global.’
His network had begun its international expansion.
The next morning.
Welcoming his second morning in Tokyo, Japan, Kang Woojin could be found in a dressing room. He was dressed in a white shirt with a green vest over it. His makeup was fully done, and his hair was styled with effort.
He was alone in the dressing room.
“Hmm-”
He was looking at a tablet. Among the texts displayed on the screen, one line caught his eye.
-[Fan signing event sequence]
He was here for the scheduled fan signing event.
At that moment.
-Thunk!
The dressing room door opened, and Han Ye-jung with her bob haircut peeked in.
“Oppa, it’s said that 300 invited Japanese fans are all here.”
Woojin, having already heard about it, nodded nonchalantly.
“Uh, okay.”
“But,”
However, as if that wasn’t the end of it, Han Ye-jung, making eye contact with Kang Woojin, added a bit more meaningfully.
“I heard that there are more than 700 people gathered in the outside plaza?”
*****
