Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 288 The Deceitful Prosecutor and Russian Roulette

The black van silently glided into the underground parking garage where the press conference was being held.

Backstage dressing room.

Kang Jae-hoon closed his eyes, letting the makeup artist carefully use a powder puff to absorb the thin layer of sweat that had accumulated on his forehead from being outdoors.

The hairstylist's fingers danced through his hair, while the stylist's assistant knelt on the floor, carefully ironing out every wrinkle in his suit trousers.

Huang Zhengmin was already prepared, sitting leisurely to the side drinking an iced Americano, watching his apprentice being surrounded and taken care of.

"three minutes!"

The stagehand called out from the doorway.

The makeup artist gave his makeup a final check and nodded in satisfaction.

The stylist handed over a white suit jacket, which Kang Jae-hoon put on deftly and straightened his tie in front of the mirror.

"Five, four, three"

The stagehands started the countdown.

"Two, one!"

The lights suddenly came on, and the host's voice could be faintly heard through the door:

"Hwang Jung-min, the best box office guarantee actor in Chungmuro, who has attracted more than 30 million viewers with three consecutive hit films: 'Ode to My Father,' 'Veteran,' and 'Himalaya'!"

There was warm applause from the audience.

"And, Kang Jae-hoon, a handsome actor with superb acting skills, who showcases the charm of diverse roles in each work, satisfying the audience's craving for drama!"

The applause grew even louder.

"Let's welcome this symbol of Chungmuro, the perfect mentor and mentee: Hwang Jung-min and Kang Jae-hoon! It's a pleasure to see you both!"

The door was opened.

Bright light and noise rushed in instantly.

The master and apprentice walked onto the stage one after the other, smiling and waving to the densely packed media cameras below.

Kang Jae-hoon's white suit contrasts sharply with Hwang Jung-min's dark gray plaid, much like the contrast between the prosecutor and the conman in the film.

A staff member jogged over and handed over the microphone.

Kang Jae-hoon accepted it and bowed slightly:

"Hello everyone, I am Kang Jae-hoon, who plays Han Ji-won, a conman with nine criminal records."

Hwang Jung-min, standing beside him, also bowed slightly.

"Hello everyone, I am Hwang Jung-min, who plays Byun Jae-wook, the prosecutor who was falsely accused and imprisoned. It's nice to see you all."

After a brief greeting, the host, holding a cue card, began introducing the film:
"The movie 'A Violent Prosecutor' tells the dark comedy story of a prosecutor who is framed for murder and, while in prison, trains a handsome conman, joining forces to seek revenge..."

The trailer was played on the big screen at the appropriate time.

The scene alternates between Kang Jae-hoon's awkward dance at a political campaign rally and Hwang Jung-min's sinister gaze from behind bars. The final shot freezes on the two high-fiving in a prison phone booth, accompanied by a prominent caption:

[The scam began on September 10th.]

After the trailer finished playing, a barrage of flashes enveloped the two people on stage.

The host turned to Hwang Jung-min:

How many times have you worked with Jae-hoon in a movie?

Upon hearing this, Hwang Jung-min fiddled with his fingers and began to recall:
“《Ode to My Father》, 《When a Man Falls in Love》, 《Veteran》, 《Himalaya》… He looked up, “If you include this one, that makes five.”

"teacher."

Kang Jae-hoon picked up the microphone and interrupted:
"I also had a role in 'Asura,' one of the Yanbian F4, have you forgotten?"

“Oh,” Hwang Jung-min said suddenly, then slowly added, “Your scene was cut by the director.”

"what?"

"ah!"

Huang Zhengmin's eyes widened immediately:
"You didn't see the final cut?!"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately clasped his hands together and bowed ninety degrees to Hwang Jung-min:

"I was wrong! I'll watch it ten more times when I get back! It's just that my master's acting is so dazzling, I'm afraid that if I watch too much, I'll feel inferior and quit the entertainment industry..."

There was a moment of silence in the audience, followed by a burst of laughter.

Even Hwang Jung-min couldn't help but laugh and patted him on the back of the head:
"Stinky boy!"

The laughter gradually subsided.

Flashes of light rained down on him, and as Kang Jae-hoon squinted to adjust to the glare, the host aptly shifted the topic to him:

"I understand that this is your first time playing a conman on the big screen, right, Hoon-ssi?"

"Yes."

Kang Jae-hoon picked up the microphone and nodded:

"But this isn't your average scammer; they have to transform into various characters before each scam."

"Oh?"

The host immediately grasped the key point:
"So, can we understand that you actually played multiple roles in this movie?"

"You can say that."

Kang Jae-hoon smiled modestly:
"To be honest, with my limited experience and knowledge, I often find it difficult to understand the psychology of a character in different situations..."

He turned to look at Hwang Jung-min beside him:
"Fortunately, I had a teacher on set who provided me with detailed guidance and pointers."

"What an enviable master-disciple relationship..."

The host first offered a sincere compliment, glanced down at his cue cards, and continued asking:

"But speaking of which, it doesn't seem like Hoon-ssi's appearance matches that of a liar. He doesn't look like someone who would lie."

"Why do you say that?"

Hwang Jung-min suddenly looked past Kang Jae-hoon at the host:
"Doesn't he look like a typical conman?"

The whole audience burst into laughter.

The host responded wittily:
"Ah, if someone were to use your appearance to deceive people, Kang Jae-hoon would be facing a life sentence. As for you..."

"Acquitted."

Just after finishing the attack, Kang Jae-hoon was grabbed by the neck by Hwang Jung-min. He laughed and shrank back to avoid it, while the host sitting next to him couldn't help but laugh.

The audience burst into laughter again, and flashbulbs went off like crazy, capturing the hilarious moment of the master and apprentice bantering.

……

The afterglow of the flash slowly dissipated in the air, like the shimmering light left behind when the tide recedes.

The press conference proceeded amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, with the Q&A session flowing smoothly until the host posed the final question:
"If you two were to collaborate again in your next project, what kind of relationship would you like to portray?"

Hwang Jung-min stroked his chin, pondering for a moment:

"Actually, even though I've worked with Jae-hoon on so many dramas, we've had very few scenes together, which I always feel is a pity." He paused, "Next time, I'd like to play father and son."

"A very exciting idea."

The host then changed the subject:
"So, next we need to prepare the box office agreement. If the film is a big hit, what do you two plan to do for the audience?"

The master and apprentice whispered to each other, but could not reach a conclusion for a long time.

Seeing this, the host took the initiative to suggest:

"How about you two consider dancing to 'Russian Roulette'? It's a song that recently won three number one spots."

Background music started playing.

The highly addictive chorus melody instantly swept through the entire venue.

The father and son both fell silent.

The media below the stage erupted in cheers, their flashbulbs focusing on the frozen faces of the intruders.

Amidst the noise.

After a moment of contemplation, Kang Jae-hoon suddenly announced:
"If the number of viewers exceeds 10 million, I will jump with my master."

"I didn't agree!"

Huang Zhengmin's eyes widened.

He grabbed a chair cushion and threw it at his apprentice. Kang Jae-hoon's agile dodging was captured on the big screen in real time, bringing a cheerful end to the press conference.

……

The lingering heat of the flashes gradually cooled in the corridor, and the door to the dressing room shut out the outside noise as a muffled background sound.

Kang Jae-hoon unbuttoned his suit jacket and leaned casually against the vanity:

"Is the teacher really going to play my son in his next film? I'll ask the scriptwriting department to find a few scripts."

Huang Zhengmin unscrewed the mineral water bottle, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down with each swallow.

As the plastic bottle made a crisp clicking sound, he wiped his mouth.

"No rush, let's talk about it next year. I have a project lined up for my next film, 'The Spy'."

Kang Jae-hoon: "..." It's been three years.

From "Ode to My Father" to "Battleship Island," this teacher's acting opportunities have been as numerous as the flowing waters of the Han River.

He suddenly remembered the stack of contracts waiting to be signed on his desk—

Since the company was founded, he hasn't been able to simply be an actor like his teacher for a long time.

Unfortunately, reality doesn't allow it.

If he really threw himself into filming and worked non-stop for three years, not to mention the fledgling film company, he'd probably lose three out of his five girlfriends.

"correct."

Hwang Jung-min suddenly turned around: "If Jae-woo asks you for money, don't give him a single cent."

"?"

"That boy..."

Hwang Jung-min took out his phone from his suit pocket and opened the photo album:

"They took your and Yoona's autographed photos and resold them at school."

Kang Jae-hoon leaned over.

On the screen, a little boy in a school uniform is proudly showing off autographed photos of Kang Jae-hoon and Im Yoon-ah, while several adoring followers can be seen in the background.

"He not only dated three girlfriends, but also took in several followers."

Kang Jae-hoon stared at Hwang Jae-woo in the photo, who looked like a seasoned underground trader, and suddenly burst out laughing:
"A second-year student's business acumen and interpersonal skills... it seems like they're inherited from their teacher."

"Fuck off!"

Hwang Jung-min made a gesture as if to strike:
"When I was his age, I had never even held a girl's hand!"

Kang Jae-hoon nimbly dodged to the side, then suddenly grasped the key point:
"Wait a minute, how come this kid has Yoona's autographed photo?"

“She visits your teacher’s wife at home at least twice a month.”

Seeing his apprentice's stunned expression, Huang Zhengmin suddenly smiled meaningfully:
"You do not know?"

"……Of course I know."

Jiang Zai Xun lowered his head and straightened his cuffs, concealing the shock in his heart—she actually visited his teacher's wife every month.
This realization made him suddenly understand that he might really be unable to live without this woman.

It wasn't because of her stunning beauty, nor because of her dazzling star power.

Rather, it was because she had already quietly woven a gentle net, firmly binding him to every important moment in his life.

……

As dusk settles, Seoul's neon lights gradually illuminate the city.

As the hustle and bustle of the press conference subsided, Kang Jae-hoon returned to the company to finish the last few documents and drove towards Cheongdam-dong.

As the elevator ascended, he felt a sense of weightlessness and loosened his tie.

The fingerprint lock made a soft click, and the door opened the instant—

Under the warm yellow light of the floor lamp, Yoona was nestled on the sofa.

Her face was covered with a face mask, her headband held up all the stray hairs, and her long legs were casually crossed.

The calico cat purred on her lap, its neck being gently massaged by her slender fingers.

"came back?"

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon responded and sat down next to Lim Yoon-ah, naturally leaning over to bury his face between her white, jade-like legs.

The calico cat tilted its head and looked at the "intruder" who had suddenly barged in, and finally decided to mercifully give up half of its space.

"Thank you."

Yoona removed her fingers from the cat's back and gently combed his hair:

"Thank you for what?"

"Thank you for helping me maintain my relationship with my teacher's wife."

Her fingertips paused slightly, then she continued stroking the fur:
"Of course."

Kang Jae-hoon gently shook his head: "There's nothing in this world that should be done."

Lim Yoona smiled, her fingertips tracing his brow bone:

"I feel deeply grateful."

He didn't say anything more, but tightened his arms around her waist, as if to etch this warmth into his very bones.

After a moment of silence, Kang Jae-hoon began to recount Hwang Jae-woo's "business exploits".

After hearing this, Lim Yoona smiled and her eyes crinkled:
"This brat has really learned from you."

"Where can I have it?"

Kang Jae-hoon straightened up in protest.

"So who went to National Central University to pick flowers today?"

"I just think she has great potential."

Kang Jae-hoon held up three fingers: "Absolutely no ulterior motives."

"I know, I was just kidding."

Lim Yoona grasped the finger he swore with: "Secretary Han's sister, right?"

"Yes, her commercial value in the future will not be less than that of Lee Hye-ri now."

Such high praise?

Im Yoona surprised herself by removing the face mask and lightly touched Kang Jae-hoon's nose with her fingertip:
"Hyeri is now a girl worth billions."

Kang Jae-hoon grabbed her fingers:
"I have a hunch."

"Then I'll have to take a good look at this money tree when the time comes!"

Yoona smiled and pulled her hand away, but was suddenly embraced by Kang Jae-hoon around the waist.

"correct."

He leaned close to her ear: "Will you teach me a dance?"

"What dance?"

When Kang Jae-hoon revealed the box office agreement for "Russian Roulette," Im Yoon-ah instantly burst into laughter, collapsing onto the sofa with her headband askew.

The calico cat was startled and jumped away, meowing in dissatisfaction.

"You two, master and apprentice, are playing Russian roulette?"

Just imagining that scene made Yoona laugh uncontrollably:
"Senior Hwang Jung-min really agreed?"

He didn't agree.

Kang Jae-hoon helplessly spread his hands: "But I've already said it in front of the media."

"Senior Hwang Jung-min will kill you!"

She wiped away the tears of laughter from the corners of her eyes:
"Red Velvet's choreography is not easy to learn."

As she spoke, Yoona got up and demonstrated the basic movements to him.

Fingertips glide through the air, waist sways gently to the rhythm of the music, every turn carries the precision and agility unique to girl group ACE.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back on the sofa, his gaze following her moving figure.

At this moment, Lim Yoona seemed to be back in the center of the stage, with even the living room lights becoming spotlights, casting her silhouette onto the wall—

That was the radiance of Girls' Generation's visual center, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away.

……

At 1 a.m. in an apartment in Cheongdam-dong, two overlapping figures were reflected in the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Left leg back, right hand pointing at a gun—"

Im Yoona pried open Kang Jae-hoon's stiff limbs:

"Hey! This is dancing, not military training!"

Kang Jae-hoon smiled wryly and let her do as she pleased; his white shirt was already soaked with sweat.

The calico cat sat on the coffee table, its golden-brown vertical pupils reflecting its owner's clumsy, comical movements.

After two hours of hard practice.

Im Yoon-ah has finally announced the end of her special training.

She raised her hand to wipe the sweat from Kang Jae-hoon's forehead:
"Barely passing."

Jiang Zai Xun suddenly picked her up and carried her around the waist, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, teacher."

"Hey! Put me down!"

The protests were swallowed up behind the bedroom door. The calico cat flicked its tail, jumped onto the windowsill, and looked down at awakening Seoul—

A new day is about to begin, but the nightmare of a certain box office pact is only just beginning to take shape.

(End of this chapter)