小火星

Chapter 254: Storm (4)

“Cara, what are you talking about all of a sudden? You visited Korea for promotional activities a long time ago, didn’t you?”

Robert, the bald man on the other side, and the foreign team members tilted their heads in confusion at Joseph’s reaction. It was perplexing enough to receive a call from global star Cara out of the blue, but hearing that she was currently in Korea was even more surprising.

On the other hand, Cara’s characteristic cold voice on Joseph’s phone remained unchanged.

“It was a long time ago. The promotional activities for the movie are already over. Currently, I’m starting to work on an album.”

“Then what is it? Are you joking around?”

“Do you think I have nothing better to do than to call you and joke around, Joseph?”

She was serious. Joseph, who had been doubtful, suddenly looked more serious.

“Huh- Are you really in Korea right now?”

“Yes.”

“When did you arrive?”

“Two hours ago.”

“…It’s been so quiet. I haven’t heard anything about it, not even in the news.”

“Of course. I moved secretly and entered the country quietly. Apart from my team, probably no one knows. I’m heading to a rental house instead of a hotel for confidentiality. Joseph, you need to pretend you don’t know anything.”

Miley Cara secretly entered Korea? Why? Curiosity piqued, Joseph stood up from the sofa. Being a giant, he drew all the attention. He asked again into the phone.

“What’s the reason for coming to Korea while working on your album? Is it because of KPOP?”

“No. Are you at a hotel right now, Joseph?”

“That’s right.”

“I heard you’re going to the first filming of the movie ‘Leech’ on the 8th, two days from now.”

Joseph, who was looking out the window with one hand in his pocket, furrowed his brows again.

“How… did you know that? What’s going on, Cara? Are you investigating me?”

Cara replied with a low laugh over the phone.

“Not at all. It was purely a coincidence. I made an inquiry to the ‘Leech’ team, and they mistook us for your team. That’s how I found out. Why are you going to the ‘Leech’ filming location?”

“Well, I’m a producer. That’s what I do. Isn’t it stranger that you’re interested in that movie?”

“To be precise, it’s not because of ‘Leech’. It’s because of an actor starring in that movie.”

For a moment, something clicked in black Joseph’s mind.

“…… No way. Kang Woo-jin?”

“You know the name. So, you’re also going to the location to see that actor, right? Perhaps- the Hollywood screen test article about Kang Woojin that came out a while ago was also connected to you.”

“Well, there are many talented actors on the ‘Leech’ set, so it’s hard to say I’m only going for Kang Woojin.”

“It doesn’t matter either way. More importantly, Joseph, let’s go to the filming location together on the 8th.”

“Are you really planning to go?”

“If not, there’s no reason for me to come to Korea. Of course, it’s not solely because of the movie. Anyway, what do you think about going together? We won’t stand out too much if we’re together.”

Joseph laughed hollowly. Despite that, he was calculating. Ignoring Miley Cara’s request was difficult because of her overwhelming presence.

‘Regardless of understanding the situation, it wouldn’t hurt to create a personal debt with Cara here.’

Joseph, having reached a conclusion, nodded.

“Alright, let’s go together on the 8th. But Cara, did you really come to Korea just for one actor, Kang Woojin?”

“I told you. There’s other business too. See you on the 8th then.”

“…Alright.”

-Click.

The call ended. Joseph Felton slowly lowered the phone from his ear. Soon, Robert, the bald man behind him, asked quietly.

“Miley Cara- is she really in Korea right now?”

Joseph, putting the phone in his pants pocket, chuckled and replied in English.

“It seems so.”

“Why would Miley Cara come to Korea… for ‘Leech’? And what’s this about Kang Woojin?”

“There’s no way to know for sure. She’s always been an unpredictable character. But we can make a guess. It’s highly likely she saw something in Kang Woojin when she visited Korea for movie promotions in the past.”

“Something?”

“She probably saw something in Kang Woojin that reminded her of herself.”

“Still, it’s intriguing. Miley Cara is known to be quite aloof even in Hollywood.”

“I don’t know exactly what Cara wants with Kang Woojin, but he must have an energy that even a Hollywood star like her can’t ignore.”

Robert’s face showed a hint of confusion. On the contrary, the giant Joseph crossed his arms and showed a look of interest.

“Kang Woojin has captured more attention from Hollywood figures than I anticipated.”

Meanwhile, at the same time.

On a busy road in Seoul, inside a large, heavily tinted van. Inside the van were quite a few foreigners. Among them, a woman with tied-up blonde hair and wearing sunglasses was looking down at her phone in the seat by the window.

It was Miley Cara.

“As expected, Joseph Felton is interested in Kang Woojin.”

The one who responded to her murmur was the foreigner with a buzz cut sitting right next to her. It was Jonathan, who acted as Cara’s manager.

“Are you sure? Joseph Felton has so many Hollywood actors around him, why would he be interested in a Korean actor?”

“I’m not 100% sure, but that’s how I see it. The Hollywood project for which Kang Woojin did a screen test is likely one managed by Joseph.”

In fact, after returning to LA, Cara had continuously searched for news about Kang Woojin. She had a deep interest and desire to work with Woojin. She even mentioned him on famous overseas talk shows.

Therefore, she was up-to-date on Woojin’s Hollywood screen test buzz, various issues, and even his recent piano performance. Jonathan stroked his chin.

“Hmm- catching Joseph Felton’s eye… means the path to Hollywood is open.”

Cara, who had been chuckling softly, crossed her legs.

“Kang Woojin- he’s truly a fascinating actor. To think he caught the eye of the most influential producer in Hollywood.”

“By the way, Cara, have you sent Kang Woojin a DM yet?”

“Not yet. Although my main purpose is to see his main job, acting, rather than his hobbies, Kang Woojin might feel unnecessary pressure if he sees me. Although it’s highly unlikely given his personality… I don’t want to cause him any unnecessary concern.”

Cara, who was muttering, took off her sunglasses. Her blue eyes were striking. She thought for a moment and then turned her gaze out the window.

“It’s not too late to make an offer after he finishes filming.”

A few hours later.

The location was near Sinsa Station. It was the building of a large distribution company. More precisely, it was the distributor for the movie ‘Leech’, and a familiar female actor had just gotten out of a van that had just parked in the underground parking lot.

-Clunk!

With long black hair and a mole on her nose, the rookie actress Han So-jin, who exuded both elegance and a decadent image, stepped out. As soon as she got out of the van, she sighed. Her breath was mixed with tension. Wearing a hoodie, Han So-jin clutched the ‘Leech’ script to her chest.

It was natural.

In about an hour, the official script reading for ‘Leech’ was about to begin.

It was a colossal project that had been causing a stir in the domestic entertainment and film industry even before production started. It was the 100th film directed by Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in the film industry. As soon as Han So-jin joined ‘Leech’ as a supporting actress, her filmography’s caliber had elevated.

Acting alongside illustrious veteran actors and seeing the dream-like stage of the Cannes Film Festival was now becoming a reality.

As a newcomer, Han So-jin naturally felt an extreme amount of pressure.

‘Whew- Get a grip of yourself. You can’t doze off before you even start. There are mountains to climb, aren’t there?’

However, Han So-jin steeled herself. Joining the enormous ‘Leech’ project was a huge step, but she had a clear, towering goal during this period. It was to fiercely compete against Kang Woojin, the only newcomer similar to her but with a vastly different status.

Her ultimate goal was competitiveness.

Soon, her eyes were filled with determination. Meanwhile, Han So-jin’s manager and team members were all smiles. It was natural since their Han So-jin was on a roll.

“Alright, So-jin, shall we go?”

“Yes, Manager.”

“Kuh- it’s so moving. Our So-jin is going to the script reading of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s work!”

They got on the elevator, got off on the 4th floor, and arrived at the conference room in the middle of the hallway under the guidance of the waiting staff.

A nameplate was attached to the glass door.

-‘Leech’ Script Reading Room.

Naturally, dozens of staff members were busily moving around. A team with cameras could also be seen. Reporters talking on the phone or checking their cameras were noticeable as well. Han So-jin, who took a deep breath, opened the glass door to the reading room.

Soon, the interior of the reading room unfolded before her eyes.

Table set in a U-shape, many folding chairs arranged around the table, cameras set up on tripods everywhere, role nameplates on the table, representatives from the film company and distributor who had arrived early, and more.

It was a familiar sight, but the scale was enormous.

Soon, Han So-jin, like a rookie, greeted everyone loudly and bowed her head slightly to the staff and representatives. Then she checked the role nameplates on the table.

The interesting thing was.

“Ah.”

There was an actor who had arrived before her. Han So-jin had arrived about 50 minutes early. But there was a male actor with an indifferent face sitting right next to the director’s seat at the front. He was the first to arrive.

‘…Kang Woojin.’

It was Kang Woojin, dressed in a slightly thick bomber jacket, calmly sitting and looking down at the script. It was unexpected. Honestly, Han So-jin thought she would be the first to arrive. But from the start, she had already lost to him. Well, it’s funny to rank arrival times, but Han So-jin’s competitive spirit was that strong right now.

‘Hah- I should have come about 30 minutes earlier.’

She sighed inwardly and slowly walked towards Kang Woojin. Sensing her presence, Woojin, who was looking at the script, turned his head. Han So-jin bowed to him.

“Hello, Woojin-ssi.”

Woojin stood up and received her greeting indifferently.

“Yes, hello.”

“…You came early.”

“It just happened.”

“Um-”

Han So-jin, who was trailing off, bit her lower lip discreetly and continued.

“The acting you showed during the audition… it was really impressive. I thought you were amazing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. That’s why I’ve become even more determined. I want to surpass you, Woojin-ssi, for sure.”

Han So-jin’s small but firm determination. On the other hand, Kang Woojin’s low voice showed no particular concern.

“As you wish.”

He was calm and composed. He might seem slightly arrogant but was solid. This man was the same as ever. Han So-jin harbored competitive spirit towards Kang Woojin, but at the same time, she was one of the people who acknowledged him the most on this scene.

‘He must have had talent, sense, and charisma. But there’s not a hint of complacency. This actor never stops. He probably put in life-draining effort to get here, right? Insane. Just how much of a cheat is he.’

The more she saw, the higher the mountain that was Kang Woojin appeared. He was an actor personally selected by Director Ahn Ga-bok for the lead role. However, giving up wasn’t an option. No, she didn’t want to. Han So-jin steeled her resolve once again.

“Please take care of me once again.”

“Yes, me too.”

Their brief greeting ended. Han So-jin glanced at the nameplate placed on Woojin’s seat.

-‘Park Ha-seong / Actor Kang Woojin’

Han So-jin’s seat was the third one across from Woojin.

-‘Yoon Ji-min / Actress Han So-jin’

After a few dozen minutes, the actors for ‘Leech’ started arriving one by one. Top actor Jin Jae-jun, cast for the role of ‘Yoon Ja-ho’, took the seat right next to Kang Woojin’s.

“Woojin-ssi, it’s been a while. Did you have a good trip to LA?”

“Yes, sunbae-nim.”

Jin Jae-jun was much more relaxed than during the audition. Han So-jin, from across, greeted him politely, and around this time, various supporting actors for ‘Leech’ also entered. Among them was Oh Hee-ryung, cast for the role of ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’.

“Hello- Hi, hi.”

She still maintained her youthful and sophisticated image, looking like she was in her thirties. Her demeanor and speech were extremely refined. She exuded an air of elegance. Though similar in stature to Shin Han-ho, it was Oh Hee-ryung who broke down barriers.

“Oh my, So-jin-ssi. Nice to see you- Your acting during the audition was great.”

“S-sunbae-nim! Hello. You can speak comfortably!”

“Oh, no need to call me sunbae-nim. You can call me unnie. Is that difficult?”

“Oh- oh! No! Unn…ie sunbae-nim.”

“Hahaha, you have character.”

Of course, Oh Hee-ryung was also friendly with Kang Woojin.

“Hello, Woojin-ssi? I’ve seen you so much in the news that it doesn’t feel like it’s been a while.”

“Yes. Hello, sunbae-nim.”

“Mm-hmm, is being cool your charm, Woojin-ssi?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Interesting- we’ll be spending a lot of time together, right? I’m looking forward to the filming.”

“So am I.”

Han So-jin, observing this scene, watched the cynical Kang Woojin.

‘Wow- that person stays the same even in front of such senior actors. That’s truly admirable. I can’t do that…’

Of course, Han So-jin didn’t notice that Woojin had flinched for a brief moment.

Then it happened.

-Swoosh.

Another actor entered the large reading room. Immediately, there were exclamations from the staff and supporting actors.

“Oh, hello!”

“Hello, sunbae-nim!!”

“Hello!”

It was expected. The newly arrived person was the great actor Shin Han-ho. His presence instantly added gravity to the reading room. However, Oh Hee-ryung, sitting to Han So-jin’s right, remained unchanged. She maintained a smile even while looking at the stern Shin Han-ho.

“Oh my, sunbae, what’s with your appearance- Have you been living in the mountains?”

Except for Oh Hee-ryung, most of the actors and people in the reading room were surprised at Shin Han-ho. The reason was simple.

“······”

Shin Han-ho, who remained silent, had a particularly rugged appearance. To put it nicely, he looked macho; to put it bluntly, he looked scruffy. He still had a decent build, but he had lost some weight, and his long gray hair was even longer. The problem was the rough beard that thickly covered his mouth and chin.

He looked like a wild man.

Among the surprised actors, Han So-jin’s eyes widened, and she unknowingly opened her mouth.

‘Wh-what- did he really go to the mountains for training??!’

Despite this, Shin Han-ho’s tiger-like aura remained unchanged. Or perhaps it was even more intense with the added ruggedness, giving off a wilder impression.

Then.

-Swoosh.

Holding a script in one hand, with a very stern face, Shin Han-ho casually accepted greetings from the other actors while walking straight to one actor.

“Hello, sunbae-nim.”

It was the poker-faced Kang Woojin. Shin Han-ho’s seat was the first one opposite Woojin. However, for some reason, Shin Han-ho approached Woojin first.

The eyes of the great actor Shin Han-ho were calm and wild.

“······”

After briefly staring into Woojin’s eyes, Shin Han-ho, with his rough beard, opened his mouth. His voice was profoundly deep.

“My acting today might be a bit fierce.”

He was warning that he might be aggressive. For a moment, Han So-jin, watching this, gasped. What was this? She was visibly startled. It was the first time she had seen such a scene since her debut as an actress. Soon, she matched her gaze with Woojin, who was standing in front of Shin Han-ho.

She assumed Woojin would be startled too. Anyone would be intimidated with the great actor Shin Han-ho behaving like that right in front of them.

‘He must be frozen, right??’

However, Kang Woojin remained unwavering.

“Yes, I will take it well.”

*****

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