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

Chapter 113 The Birth of a Villain Like Ni Yongxiao
As soon as the van entered the main street of Myeongdong, Kim Dae-won's phone vibrated.

He glanced at the car, then slammed on the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road, eliciting a chorus of horns from behind.

Ignoring everything else, Jin Dayuan quickly opened the electronic contract sent by the legal department:

"The contract has arrived. Let's take a look at the terms."

Kang Jae-hoon leaned closer, and the two of them stared at the phone screen, their heads touching.

As the setting sun shone through the car window onto the screen, Jin Dayuan had to turn up the brightness to see the densely packed small characters.

"His salary was 8000 million."

This number is higher than Kang Jae-hoon expected.

After all, it was said before that he would act for free, so it's already quite good that he can get a salary higher than the market price now.

Jin Dayuan's finger continued sliding down, suddenly stopping on a bolded clause:
"Wait, what is this?"

Screen display:

[Article 7 of the Supplementary Agreement: The actor voluntarily assumes the public opinion risks and potential commercial losses that may arise from the portrayal of the character, and the production company shall not bear any joint liability arising therefrom.]

"Ashi."

Kim Dae-won cursed, "This puts all the risk of retaliation from the chaebols on your shoulders."

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the line for a few seconds, then smiled and said, "It's only right, since I volunteered to play this role."

"You kid..."

Jin Dayuan shook his head helplessly.

Ultimately, it's because Kang Jae-hoon needed the role, not because the production team insisted on having Kang Jae-hoon.

Otherwise, Kim Dae-won could have negotiated with the other party.

If a role causes commercial losses, the production company must provide at least two film and television projects of equal scale as compensation.

Jin Dayuan continued to review the other terms:
"The filming period is four months... the insurance coverage for action scenes... the penalty for breach of contract..."

After finishing the last page, he let out a long sigh of relief:

"CJ is responsible for both production and distribution, so this clause is just a formality and there shouldn't be any problems."

"That's it?"

Jin Dayuan restarted the car:
"Let's eat first. Tomorrow I'll take the lawyer to the company to go over the details."

The Korean beef restaurants in Myeongdong were bustling with activity.

Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Dae-won sat in the corner.

The Wagyu beef sizzled on the grill, and the aroma of the fat filled the air.

Jin Dayuan skillfully flipped the meat slices, occasionally taking a sip of liquor.

"eat more."

Kim Dae-won placed the grilled meat onto Kang Jae-hoon's plate: "You're in for a rough time in the next few months."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded and wolfed down his food.

Halfway through the meal, he suddenly seemed to remember something and called over the waiter:

"Could you please pack two more portions of premium Wagyu beef, one ribeye and one short rib?"

Jin Dayuan raised an eyebrow: "For whom?"

"I'll take the Bible back with me to satisfy my craving."

Kang Jae-hoon chuckled sheepishly.

Jin Dayuan gave him a meaningful look, said nothing, and poured himself another glass of wine.

It was already 10 p.m. when I got back to the apartment.

"Bible, I brought you Korean beef!"

Kang Jae-hoon called out towards the living room while changing his shoes.

"It's so late, why are you still eating late-night snacks?"

Lee Sung-kyung heard the noise and snorted coldly without even looking up.

"It's all protein, it won't make you fat."

Kang Jae-hoon placed the lunchbox on the coffee table and opened the lid as if presenting a treasure.

The aroma instantly filled the air.

Lee Sung-kyung glanced at it: "The oil has solidified."

"Just heat it up in the microwave."

"No, the smell will get on your hair."

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly wrinkled her nose and sniffed, then frowned in disgust: "You smell like barbecue."

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his head and sniffed his sleeve:

"Have it?"

"To take a bath."

Lee Sung-kyung lightly kicked his shin: "It stinks."

"Go, go, go."

Kang Jae-hoon walked helplessly toward the bathroom when he was suddenly called back: "Wait."

"Ok?"

"Don't set the water temperature too high."

Lee Sung-kyung added, seemingly unintentionally, "It will irritate the wound."

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a moment, then a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips.

"understood."

After the bathroom door is closed.

Lee Sung-kyung stared at the box of Korean beef for a few seconds, then quietly pinched off a piece and put it in her mouth.

……

When Kang Jae-hoon walked out of the bathroom drying his hair, the Korean beef on the coffee table was gone.

He opened the refrigerator door to get water—

The lunchboxes were neatly stacked on the "sanctuary layer," with a sticky note on top that read: "[Eat tomorrow]."

The handwriting is messy but has a certain charm.

The TV is showing "My Love from the Star".

The scene then came to a moment where Kang Jae-hoon made a cameo appearance as a fried chicken deliveryman.

Watching himself make a cameo appearance as a fried chicken deliveryman on TV, Kang Jae-hoon couldn't help but laugh out loud.

In that scene, he deliberately imitated the standard service posture, even down to the angle of his bow. Although it was only a short ten-second scene, his honest yet slightly nervous expression was unexpectedly endearing.

"Was the acting alright?"

He turned to Lee Sung-kyung and asked.

"It's better than pole dancing."

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon reluctantly closed the refrigerator, squeezed next to Lee Sung-kyung, picked up the remote, and started browsing movie channels.

"what?"

"Find some references."

Kang Jae-hoon switched to the classic film section and selected a 90s Hong Kong film, "Infernal Affairs 2".

on the TV screen.

In "Infernal Affairs 2", Ng Chun-yu's character, Ni Yongxiao, is elegantly wiping his glasses.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at this classic image, thoughtfully stroking his chin—

The script framework of the movie "Veteran" is actually derived from the classic formula of Hong Kong police and gangster films in the 90s.

These kinds of topics were already overdone during the golden age of Hong Kong cinema.

Director Ryoo Seung-wan's brilliance lies in replacing the brotherhood and loyalty found in Hong Kong gangster films with the most sensitive issue of chaebol privilege in South Korean society.

The conflict between the police and criminals escalated directly into a class contradiction.

This "new wine in old bottles" approach actually breathes new life into old tricks.

Why are you looking at this?

Lee Sung-kyung was clearly not interested in this kind of movie, and casually picked up a magazine from the coffee table and flipped through it.

"Looking for inspiration."

Kang Jae-hoon stared intently at the screen.

The character of Jo Tae-oh is far more complex to portray than that of Seo Do-cheol, played by Hwang Jung-min.

Xu Daozhe's role is clearly defined.

A veteran detective who hates evil and is highly skilled is designed entirely based on the classic image of the "furniture store war god" from "Police Story":

He is strong, resilient, hates evil, and has an overwhelming sense of justice.

But Cho Tae-oh is different.

This third-generation chaebol possesses too many contradictory traits:
Elegance and brutality coexist, vulnerability and madness intertwine.

And Wu Zhenyu plays Ni Yongxiao—

He appears gentle and refined on the surface, but is actually ruthless and vicious.

Unlike the overt arrogance of traditional villains, this restrained madness is even more chilling.

This is exactly the kind of performance style he wanted to reference.

The movie reaches a scene where Ni Yongxiao hands a pistol to Crow, asking him to kill the undercover agent.

Kang Jae-hoon unconsciously leaned forward, mimicking the way he lightly pushed up his glasses and the curve of his lips.

The living room lights were somewhat dim.

The cold light from the television screen illuminated his focused profile.

Drips of water, still damp, fell from Kang Jae-hoon's hair, slid down his collarbone, and finally disappeared into the loose neckline of his pajamas.

Lee Sung-kyung's gaze unconsciously followed the droplet of water all the way.

(This guy)

She forced herself to look away and pretended to be very interested in the contents of the magazine.

But after flipping through a few pages, I realized—the magazine was upside down.

"The Bible—"

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly turned his head, startling her so much that her hand trembled.

"what?"

What do you think?

Kang Jae-hoon pointed at the television: "Is this kind of refined scoundrel image appropriate for a third-generation chaebol heir?"

"you ask me?"

"Isn't the Bible interested in performances? This kind of topic..."

This reason seemed to convince her.

Lee Sung-kyung put down the magazine, thought for a few seconds, and said:

"Should the third generation of chaebols be more arrogant? Like those chaebol young masters in TV dramas, they walk with an air of superiority, look at people with a sideways glance, and speak with a nasal tone."

Jiang Zaixun couldn't help laughing:
Your description sounds like that of a rhinitis patient.

"ah!"

Lee Sung-kyung kicked him: "Isn't that what you wanted to ask?!"

It's no wonder she's naive.

Rather, this perception is what the vast majority of people imagine about chaebols—

Those perfect male leads in idol dramas who wear bespoke suits, drive limited-edition supercars, and readily buy fish ponds for the female lead.

After all, 99% of people in reality never have the opportunity to come into contact with real chaebols; their understanding comes entirely from the filter of romantic comedies like "Secret Garden" and "The Heirs."

But what Ryu Seung-wan wanted to present was the true face beneath the glamorous exterior of the chaebols—

Those scandals that were deliberately ignored by the media.

It's not the arrogant kind from idol dramas, but a genuine ruthlessness that treats ordinary people like ants.

Unfortunately, this unsettlingly realistic portrayal was too avant-garde for South Korean screens in 2014.

The actors were afraid of offending the chaebols and worried that the audience wouldn't accept it, which is why Kang Jae-hoon got such a good deal.

“Our Bible is right.”

After being kicked twice, Kang Jae-hoon stopped laughing, slightly raised his chin as Lee Sung-kyung had described, and glanced at her with disdain:
"so?"

Lee Sung-kyung was stunned for a moment.

Kang Jae-hoon's expression at this moment did indeed have a touch of the arrogance of a "Hyun Bin-style chaebol heir".

But paired with his cartoon-patterned pajamas, it looked particularly comical.

"puff--"

She couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Like a proud rooster."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately broke down in his composure and started laughing too:
"Then I'll make some more adjustments."

He casually tossed his wet hair back, his eyes suddenly turning gloomy:

Or like this?

The living room lights cast shadows of varying shades on his face.

The bright smile that was just moments ago is now reduced to a faint, almost imperceptible curve at the corner of her mouth.

Lee Sung-kyung's smile gradually faded.

This expression...

It was exactly the same as the Ni Yongxiao that was being shown on TV at that time.

"How is it?" Kang Jae-hoon asked expectantly.

"Okay."

Lee Sung-kyung looked away, pretending to casually flip through the magazine.

"good?"

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly leaned close to her: "What does this look like?"

"picture……"

Lee Sung-kyung looked up and was caught off guard to meet his face, which was inches away from hers.

too close.

She was so close that she could count the number of eyebrows on his brow bone, and so close that she could smell the faint scent of his shower gel.

What's most damning is his expression right now—

A faint smile played at the corners of his lips, but his eyes held a dangerous, aggressive glint.

This contradictory quality makes him like a drawn sword, sharp and captivating.

(This guy)

(When did you become so good-looking?)

"What does it look like?"

Kang Jae-hoon's questioning brought Lee Sung-kyung back to her senses. She jerked back, her head hitting the back of the sofa hard.
"Like, like a stupid dog."

After saying that, Lee Sung-kyung suddenly shoved Kang Jae-hoon away and grabbed a cushion, throwing it at his face.
"Get away from me, it's so hot!"

Jiang Zai Xun looked bewildered after being hit, rubbing his nose in grievance: "Why did you suddenly hit me?"

"Who told you to get so close!"

Lee Sung-kyung glared at him fiercely, then got up and walked towards the bedroom:
"I'm going to sleep, don't wake me up!"

"and many more."

Kang Jae-hoon grabbed her wrist.

Lee Sung-kyung turned around and glared at him: "What?"

"I'm going to learn equestrianism and golf for a while, and I'll be back very late."

Kang Jae-hoon explained, "I'm letting you know in advance."

"Aren't you playing a detective? Why are you learning all that stuff?"

"I've changed roles; I'm playing a chaebol now."

"Oh"

Lee Sung-kyung's expression subtly changed, as if she suddenly realized something: "Then all that pole dancing training was for nothing?"

"It wasn't all for nothing."

Kang Jae-hoon blinked and said, "At least I really enjoyed the process of practicing with the Bible."

"..."

"nerve!"

Lee Sung-kyung flung his hand away, stormed into the bedroom without looking back, and slammed the door shut.

Kang Jae-hoon belatedly touched his nose—

(Did he say something wrong again?)
The movie on the television screen continued.

He temporarily banished other thoughts from his mind.

Refocusing his gaze on Ni Yongxiao, he consciously mimicked the other man's gesture of pushing up his glasses.

The moonlight streaming in through the window cast a silvery glow over the living room.

What Kang Jae-hoon didn't notice was—

The master bedroom door quietly opened a crack.

Lee Sung-kyung peeked at him through the crack in the door for a while before gently closing it.
-
The next day.

CJ Entertainment Headquarters Conference Room.

Kang Jae-hoon carefully reviewed the final version of the contract, while the company lawyer brought by Kim Dae-won checked the details line by line.

"The salary is 8000 million yuan, with 30% paid in advance and the balance paid after filming is completed."

The legal representative adjusted his glasses: "You need to pay special attention to the penalty clause."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded and solemnly wrote his name at the signature area.

The contract is signed.

Kang Jae-hoon was immediately taken to the creative conference room.

Liu Chengwan was studying the storyboard with a cigarette in his mouth when he saw him come in and waved him over:
"You've come at the right time, take a look at this."

Kang Jae-hoon took the script and found it covered with dense red annotations.

Ryu Seung-wan exhaled a smoke ring:
“Last night I re-examined Zhao Taiwu’s scenes, and I have some thoughts to share with you.”

"Director, I happen to have some ideas too."

Kang Jae-hoon opened his notebook and said:

"I watched 'Infernal Affairs 2' last night and found the image of Ni Yongxiao as a refined scoundrel to be very valuable for reference."

Kang Jae-hoon pushed up his non-existent glasses as a demonstration:

"For example, if you put a pair of gold-rimmed glasses on Zhao Taiwu, he may look refined and elegant on the surface, but his eyes behind the lenses could be very sinister."

Liu Chengwan nodded: "Go on."

“In the original script, Cho Tae-oh was a pure villain, but I’m thinking…”

Kang Jae-hoon hesitated for a moment: "Could we add some childhood trauma to him? Like being abused at home, or being ostracized by his older siblings? That way, the audience will be able to understand the reason for his twisted personality more easily."

Liu Chengwan's cigarette hovered in mid-air, his eyes suddenly sharpening:

"Are you teaching me how to write a screenplay?"

Kang Jae-hoon felt a chill run down his spine, but quickly regained his composure:
"I wouldn't dare, I just feel..."

"What do you think?"

"I think this will make the character more three-dimensional."

Kang Jae-hoon looked directly into Yoo Seung-wan's eyes:
"Like the tragedy of Arthur in 'Joker,' the audience understands his pain, but will not condone his violence."

After he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent.

Liu Chengwan's cigarette butt tapped lightly against the edge of the ashtray, making a soft sound.

A wisp of smoke rose slowly in the sunlight, tracing an ever-changing trajectory in the air.

The ticking of the second hand on the wall clock suddenly became exceptionally clear, like some kind of countdown.

Kang Jae-hoon held his breath as he watched Yoo Seung-wan stub out his cigarette in the already overflowing ashtray.

His brows furrowed, but his eyes gradually brightened—

"interesting."

Liu Chengwan picked up the bottled water on the table and took a sip: "Continue."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately breathed a sigh of relief:
“For example, we could add a scene where Cho Tae-oh is beaten with a golf club by his father when he is a child, and he abuses others in the same way when he grows up. This cycle would make his evil more layered.”

After listening, Liu Chengwan stood up and paced around the conference room with his hands behind his back.

“You have a good idea. But Zhao Taiwu is not a pitiful wretch. His evil is ingrained; the shadows of his childhood are just a catalyst.”

"I see."

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze followed his movements: "A tragic past is not an excuse, but rather makes his madness more reasonable."

"Yes."

Liu Chengwan stopped and suddenly asked, "What style of glasses do you want?"

Jiang Zaixun was stunned:
"what?"

"Didn't you want a refined scoundrel look? Go to an eyeglasses store and pick out a pair yourself; the cost will be included in your styling budget."

"Thank you, director!"

"Don't be happy too early."

Liu Chengwan tapped the table:

"The glasses are just an aid; the key is your performance. If you mess up the role of Zhao Taiwu..."

"I will enlist immediately."

Kang Jae-hoon responded half-jokingly.

Liu Chengwan snorted:
"Once the contract is signed, get out of here. Equestrian training starts this afternoon."
-
A private equestrian club in Gangnam District.

Kang Jae-hoon stood at the edge of the riding arena, watching several riders gracefully maneuver their horses across obstacles in the distance.

"Kang Jae-hoon-ssi?"

A middle-aged coach dressed in riding attire walked over and extended his hand: "I am your riding coach, Kim Sung-won."

"Hello."

Kang Jae-hoon shook hands with him.

They exchanged a few pleasantries.

Kim Sung-won led him toward the stables.

The stables were filled with the fresh scent of hay and leather, and a dozen or so horses were leisurely swishing their tails in their respective stalls.

Kim Sung-won led Kang Jae-hoon along the way, introducing the characteristics of each horse.

"This horse is called 'Baiyun'. It has a gentle temperament and is most suitable for beginners."

Kim Sung-won patted a pure white horse, which obediently lowered its head and nuzzled the coach's hand.

Jiang Zai Xun cautiously extended his hand, and Bai Yun immediately leaned over to sniff his palm. The warm, moist breath made him involuntarily pull his hand away.

"Don't be afraid, it's very gentle."

Kim Sung-won led Baek-yun out of the stable, the sunlight shining softly on the white horse's glossy coat.

Kang Jae-hoon followed cautiously behind.

"First, learn how to mount a horse."

Kim Sung-won demonstrated by gripping the reins and the front of the saddle: "Left hand here, right hand."

Kang Jae-hoon focused intently on imitating the movements, but almost slipped on his first attempt.

Baiyun seemed to notice his clumsiness and impatiently flicked its tail.

"Keep your center of gravity stable."

Kim Sung-won supported his waist: "Imagine you are climbing stairs, not high jumping."

On his third attempt, Kang Jae-hoon finally managed to mount the horse. He had just breathed a sigh of relief when Baek-woon suddenly snorted, startling him so much that he immediately gripped the reins tightly.

"Relax!"

Kim Sung-won patted his calf: "The more nervous you are, the more uneasy the horse will be."

Kang Jae-hoon took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax his tense muscles. As expected, Baek-yoon quieted down and stood obediently in place.

"Great, now try making it take a few steps."

Kim Sung-won held the reins, guiding the white cloud slowly forward. Kang Jae-hoon swayed back and forth involuntarily with the rise and fall of the horse's back, almost losing his balance.

"Keep your back straight! Use your core strength to maintain stability!"

The sunlight gradually became scorching.

When Kang Jae-hoon was finally able to independently jog a lap around the white cloud, the inexplicable sense of conquest made him burst out laughing.

Actually, there were no scenes of Jo Tae-oh riding a horse or playing golf in the script of "Veteran".

This training was purely intended to immerse him in the atmosphere of high society.

After all, the real life of a chaebol is too far removed from his reality.

Kang Jae-hoon grew up in an ordinary family and had never even been to a golf course, let alone come into contact with those extravagant third-generation chaebol heirs.

Therefore, Ryu Seung-wan chose to adopt the lifestyle of European aristocracy as an alternative.

Equestrianism cultivates elegance and control;

Golf training is characterized by composure and precision.

They even arranged wine tasting classes and suit etiquette classes.

All of this was to make Kang Jae-hoon exude an aura of "born nobility" from the very core of his being.

……

The two weeks of immersive training passed in the blink of an eye.

Kang Jae-hoon's schedule is packed full—

Morning equestrian lesson.

Afternoon golf training and combat training.

In the evening, I will also be going to a private club to learn about wine tasting and cigar appreciation.

Occasionally, he would take time to attend award ceremonies like the Golden Disc Awards as a presenter, but his hectic schedule meant he would almost immediately fall asleep as soon as he got home.

nowadays.

Kang Jae-hoon is already able to ride the clouds with ease to overcome basic obstacles.

Sunlight shone on his straight back.

The snow-white horses contrasted sharply with the dark riding attire.

From a distance, it does indeed have a certain aristocratic air about it.

The afternoon golf training progressed a little slower.

Kang Jae-hoon couldn't control the power of his swing, and several times he hit the ball into the bushes in the adjacent practice area.

At the occasional award ceremonies he attends, he is no longer the awkward newcomer.

The slight lift of her chin when facing the camera, the unhurried tone of her voice when talking to people—all exude an innate composure.

Although these are all "chaebol temperaments" that Ryu Seung-wan forcibly cultivated.

The end of the year is just around the corner.

Shopping malls in Seoul were packed with people buying New Year's goods.

Kang Jae-hoon and Lee Sung-kyung struggled through the crowds at Lotte Department Store, pushing a shopping cart.

What does your uncle like?

Kang Jae-hoon picked up a fishing rod and practiced with it a couple of times.

"Don't buy those useless things, my dad just likes to drink a little."

Lee Sung-kyung stopped in front of a row of imported red wines and picked out a moderately priced Bordeaux:

"This will do."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded thoughtfully, then turned and strolled over to the health supplement section, secretly slipping a box of Korean ginseng into his shopping cart.

Lee Sung-kyung noticed with her sharp eyes:

"Wow! How much does this cost?"

"It's alright. It's not easy to go back, so I should bring back some decent gifts."

Lee Sung-kyung stared at him for two seconds, then suddenly reached out and took out the box of Korean ginseng, replacing it with something more expensive:

"If you're going to buy something, buy the best."

"..."

When checking out.

Kang Jae-hoon's lips twitched as he looked at the string of zeros on the bill.

Lee Sung-kyung pretended not to see it, but quietly handed over her credit card.

"Need not."

Kang Jae-hoon pressed her hand down: "You said I would buy it."

"……Fool."

The two of them, carrying large and small bags, squeezed onto the intercity bus bound for Gaoyang.

The heating in the carriage was on full blast.

Lee Sung-kyung leaned against the window, dozing off, her head unconsciously resting on Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder.

"The Bible."

Kang Jae-hoon whispered to her, "We're almost there."

Lee Sung-kyung mumbled a "hmm" in her sleep, but instead of getting up, she leaned closer. The faint scent of shampoo from her hair lingered around Kang Jae-hoon's nose, making him afraid to move.

The bus drove through the farmland on the outskirts of Gaoyang City, where the snow-covered fields shimmered with golden light in the setting sun.

A few firecrackers occasionally popped in the distance, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year grew stronger.

(End of this chapter)