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

Chapter 115 New Year Greetings and Opportunities

Early morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year.

Gaoyang City Bus Station.

"Take care on the road, and come visit often when you have time."

"Thank you, Auntie. I'm sorry to have bothered you these past two days."

Kang Jae-hoon bowed to express his gratitude, the backpack strap digging painfully into his shoulders.

It was filled with Li's mother's love—

A full five kilograms of kimchi and two boxes of rice cakes.

The bus slowly pulled into the station, and the two people carrying large and small bags squeezed onto the bus.

Lee Sung-kyung chose a seat by the window, while Kang Jae-hoon stuffed his luggage into the overhead shelf.

The bus slowly pulled out of the station.

Kang Jae-hoon waved through the car window until Lee's parents' figures became two small dots. Only then did he turn to look at Lee Sung-kyung beside him:
"Should we go to our teacher's house to wish them a Happy New Year later?"

"Don't go."

"The Bible should also get to know my teacher."

"..."

"My teacher's wife makes especially delicious spicy stir-fried rice cakes!"

"……What time is it?"

"I can freeload lunch at noon."

Lee Sung-kyung turned her face away and looked out the window: "I just want to see how delicious spicy rice cakes can be."

Kang Jae-hoon's lips curled up slightly:
"Yes, my master's wife's cooking is definitely worth the trip."

Lee Sung-kyung caught a glimpse of the smile in his eyes and immediately punched Kang Jae-hoon in a fit of rage.
"What are you laughing laughing!"

"without……"

The bus drove through snow-covered farmland.

The distant mountains looked as if they had been sprinkled with a layer of icing sugar, and occasionally a few sparrows would flit across the withered reeds.

As the carriage swayed slightly, Lee Sung-kyung's head began to droop little by little.

Finally, she slumped against Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder, her breathing gradually becoming even and long.

Kang Jae-hoon carefully tilted his head to look at Lee Sung-kyung's sleeping profile.

After hesitating for a moment, he quietly took out his phone, put it on silent mode, and pointed it at the two of them.

"Click——"

Even the slightest movement startled Lee Sung-kyung.

She frowned, unconsciously snuggled closer to Jiang Zaixun's neck, and found a more comfortable position to continue sleeping.

Kang Jae-hoon held his breath until he was sure she wasn't awake before he breathed a sigh of relief.

He looked down at the photo—

In the video, he's laughing like a fool, while Lee Sung-kyung is sleeping soundly on his shoulder.

I stared at the photo for a few seconds.

Kang Jae-hoon inexplicably opened the real estate app.

(Housing prices in Gaoyang City in 2014)

He entered keywords, and the page immediately displayed information about several apartments for sale.

He clicked on the neighborhood closest to Li's parents' home—

The 80-square-meter two-bedroom apartment cost approximately 3.1 million Korean won in total.

Kang Jae-hoon quickly calculated his savings in his mind—

The salary from "The Heirs" plus advertising endorsements, minus company profits and taxes, plus the upcoming advance payment for "Veteran"...

Currently, the deposit is approximately 1.3 million Korean won.

(Still short 1.8 million.)

He silently wrote down the property sales phone number and checked the bank loan policies. The light from the screen shone on his focused face, completely unaware that Lee Sung-kyung had quietly opened her eyes on his shoulder.

"what are you doing?"

Lee Sung-kyung's sudden voice startled Kang Jae-hoon, almost causing him to drop his phone.

"No, it's nothing!"

He hurriedly locked the screen: "I just wanted to look up some information."

"Oh."

Lee Sung-kyung didn't press the matter further and closed her eyes again.

Just as Kang Jae-hoon breathed a sigh of relief, he suddenly heard a voice in his ear: "Did you just take a picture of me without my permission?"

"Huh? No, no."

"Bring me the phone."

"Really, no."

Lee Sung-kyung reached directly into his pocket, and Kang Jae-hoon frantically tried to protect his phone, the two of them wrestling in the cramped space between the seats. The middle-aged man in front of them turned around and glared at them, and Lee Sung-kyung reluctantly withdrew her hand.

"I'll take care of you when I get back."

She threatened in a low voice.

"..."

The bus slowly drove into the suburbs of Seoul, and the scenery outside the window was gradually replaced by skyscrapers.

He gazed at the towering concrete jungle in the distance and suddenly felt—

Compared to those cold steel and concrete buildings, the old apartment buildings in Gaoyang feel more like home.

……

Upon returning to her apartment in Seongsu-dong, Lee Sung-kyung immediately went into the bathroom to wash up.

Kang Jae-hoon then rushed to a nearby department store to buy a gift for their meeting.

Two bottles of 53-degree Feitian Moutai.

A box of Montecristo from Cuba.

Sulwhasoo skincare gift set.

When the cashier read out the bill, his eyelids twitched—

These three items alone cost nearly 150 million Korean won.

When Kang Jae-hoon opened the door carrying a gift bag, Lee Sung-kyung was standing in front of the dressing mirror in the entryway applying lip gloss.

Judging solely by appearance.

Her individual features weren't striking, but together they created a unique charm.

Her slightly upturned eyes exuded a cool and aloof beauty, while her full, luscious lips added a touch of sensuality. When she wasn't smiling, she appeared aloof and distant, but when she smiled, it was like sunlight breaking through the clouds.

"bought it?"

Lee Sung-kyung pursed her lips and turned to look at Kang Jae-hoon, who was standing blankly at the door.

Kang Jae-hoon then came to his senses and bent down to change his shoes:
"Yes, you."

"how?"

"nothing."

Kang Jae-hoon placed the shopping bags on the coffee table:

"I just think this color suits you very well."

Lee Sung-kyung raised an eyebrow: "You know about lip gloss?"

"don't know."

Kang Jae-hoon honestly admitted, "But the Bible looks good no matter what you paint on it."

"..."

Lee Sung-kyung turned and walked towards the bedroom: "Stop watching those idol drama lines."

The bedroom door slammed shut.

Kang Jae-hoon touched his nose and went back to his bedroom to change his clothes.

I had just changed my clothes when my phone suddenly vibrated—

[Krystal Jung]: Has Oppa gone back to Seoul?
Kang Jae-hoon picked up his phone, glanced at it, and quickly replied:
Just got back, now I'm going to visit my teacher for the New Year.

As soon as the message was sent, Krystal Jung replied instantly:
What time will you finish? I miss you~

This was followed by a series of heart and kiss emojis.

Kang Jae-hoon's fingers hovered over the keyboard, calculating the time, when Lee Sung-kyung suddenly knocked impatiently on the door.

"Not yet?"

"immediately!"

He hurriedly replied: "I'll let you know as soon as it's over," and then quickly stuffed his phone into his pocket.

When the door opened, Lee Sung-kyung had already changed into her outdoor clothes.

A cocoa brown wool coat draped to the thighs, layered over a striped white shirt. Light khaki wide-leg trousers with a beautiful drape made her legs appear longer.

She wore no extra accessories, only a simple black leather watch on her wrist.

What looks like an ordinary outfit looks sophisticated and elegant on her.

"gone."

"Oh"

Kang Jae-hoon picked up the gift bag and followed, glancing back at the full-length mirror in the entryway as he closed the door—

The two people standing together in the mirror looked surprisingly harmonious.

He wore a dark gray coat with a black turtleneck sweater, which contrasted subtly with Lee Sung-kyung's warm colors, yet somehow complemented them.

……

The taxi drove into Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

While not as luxurious as Apgujeong or Cheongdam-dong, this place offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. The streets are lined with mostly understated six-story apartment buildings, with the occasional detached villa.

"Your teacher lives here?"

Lee Sung-kyung looked at the rather ordinary street scene outside the window with some surprise.

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon explained, "The teacher doesn't like places that are too flashy."

The taxi stopped in front of an apartment building with a brick-red exterior.

After paying the fare, Kang Jae-hoon led the way, carrying a gift bag.

The elevator door opens.

Kang Jae-hoon rang the doorbell, and soon a series of hurried footsteps could be heard.

As soon as the door opened, Huang Zaiyu's little head popped out, his eyes lighting up:
"Hey, Xun-ge!"

Kang Jae-hoon breathed a sigh of relief—

Thankfully, she didn't call out "Mother" this time.

It seems the shadow of last year's play "Macbeth" has finally passed.

"Happy New Year."

He ruffled the little boy's hair and took out the New Year's money he had prepared from his pocket. "Thank you, Jae-hoon-ge!"

Hwang Jae-woo happily accepted the red envelope, but his gaze curiously shifted to Lee Sung-kyung:

"Is this pretty lady Xun's girlfriend?"

Kang Jae-hoon did not answer, but turned to look at Lee Sung-kyung.

Lee Sung-kyung remained calm and took out an equally thick red envelope from her bag, handing it to Hwang Jae-woo:
"Happy New Year."

Huang Zaiyu blinked, took the red envelope, and suddenly shouted:

"Dad! Xun-ge brought his girlfriend!"

"What are you yelling about, you brat!"

Hwang Jung-min's voice, accompanied by the clattering of slippers, came from the inner room: "Oh, so you know how to come and wish us a Happy New Year?"

Jiang Zaixun immediately bowed ninety degrees:

Happy New Year, teacher!

Lee Sung-kyung hesitated for half a second, then bowed as well: "Happy New Year, senior."

Hwang Jung-min's previously joking expression immediately turned kind and gentle the moment he saw Lee Sung-kyung:
"Don't call me 'senior,' it's too formal. Just call me 'teacher,' like this kid does."

"Hello, teacher."

Hwang Jung-min turned and called into the house, "Mi-hye, we have guests!"

Kim Mi-hye came out of the kitchen wiping her hands, and her eyes lit up when she saw Lee Sung-kyung:
"Isn't this the Bible?"

Lee Sung-kyung was visibly taken aback: "You...you know me?"

"of course."

Kim Mi-hye smiled as she accepted the Sulwhasoo gift box from Kang Jae-hoon and glanced at it:
"Didn't you attend the premiere of the play 'Macbeth' last year as a family member of Jae-hoon?"

Upon hearing this, Kang Jae-hoon abruptly turned to look at Lee Sung-kyung:
"You went to the premiere?"

Lee Sung-kyung's ears instantly turned red, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "My flight was delayed, and I just happened to be passing by."

"Oh?"

Kim Mi-hye gave her a meaningful look:
"I remember it was raining heavily that day, and many flights were canceled. I just happened to be passing by the National Central Theater from Incheon Airport... what a coincidence."

Lee Sung-kyung: “…”

Kang Jae-hoon stood frozen in place, the scene from the premiere day flashing through his mind—

As he stood on the stage taking his bows, he seemed to vaguely see a familiar figure.

But the lights were too dim at the time, and he thought it was his imagination.

"Dad, can I open my lucky money?"

Hwang Jae-woo's sudden interjection eased Lee Sung-kyung's embarrassment.

"No rules."

Huang Zhengmin scolded him verbally, but took the envelope and weighed it in his hand:

"Wow, that's pretty thick."

He glanced at Kang Jae-hoon: "You've been making a lot of money lately?"

"Thanks to the teacher."

With a simple smile, Kang Jae-hoon handed over a cigar gift box and a bottle of Moutai liquor.

Huang Zhengmin's eyes lit up:
"Come inside and let's talk."

As he spoke, he took the gift and turned to Lee Sung-kyung, saying:
"Don't be shy about the Bible, just treat it like your own home. I need to talk to Jae-hoon about something."

"Inside."

……

Huang Zhengmin's study is not large, but it reflects the owner's taste and achievements in every detail.

The glass display case against the wall showcases his Blue Dragon and Grand Bell Awards for Best Actor, alongside posters of his starring roles. The bookshelves are crammed with scripts and books on acting theory, many with sticky notes tucked between the pages.

A calligraphy work hangs on the wall, bearing the four large characters "Life is like a play".

"sit."

Hwang Jung-min pointed to the single sofa opposite the desk, and then skillfully opened the cigar gift box.

Kang Jae-hoon took the cigar cutter and carefully trimmed the cap of the cigar according to the technique he learned in etiquette class.

"You learn pretty quickly."

Huang Zhengmin took the trimmed cigar and slowly heated the stem with a long-handled match.

"For the role."

Kang Jae-hoon answered truthfully.

Hwang Jung-min lit a cigar, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled the smoke:

"Taste it?"

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Zai Xun picked up a stick, trimmed it, baked it, and lit it.

The bluish-white smoke rose slowly, enveloping the study in a hazy mist.

Huang Zhengmin got up and pushed open half of the window.

A cold wind, carrying fine snowflakes, blew in, diluting the smell of smoke that filled the room.

"Filming for 'Veteran' officially begins next Monday. Are you ready?"

"Ready."

"Zhao Taiwu's scenes are mainly in the second chapter, and your scenes will be filmed in about three weeks."

Huang Zhengmin exhaled a smoke ring and said, "Don't run around these next few days, stay in shape."

"clear."

"I'll find a counselor to accompany you after you turn on the computer."

Kang Jae-hoon was taken aback: "Psychological counseling?"

“The character of Zhao Taiwu is psychologically twisted, and playing him for too long can easily affect the actor himself.”

Hwang Jung-min said with a serious expression, "I don't want to send you to a mental hospital after filming."

".Understood."

Just as Kang Jae-hoon felt a warmth in his heart, he heard Hwang Jung-min change the subject:
"Does that girl know Krystal Jung?"

"..."

"Ah."

Hwang Jung-min sneered: "You brat..."

"teacher!"

"Alright, I can't be bothered with your nonsense."

Hwang Jung-min waved his hand and said, "But remember one thing, if relationship issues affect your performance after the camera starts rolling..."

"Will not!"

"Better so."

……

In the living room, Kim Mi-hye was pouring tea for Lee Sung-kyung.

"The Bible is a model?"

"Yes, I'm currently a contracted model with Y+."

Lee Sung-kyung thanked him and accepted the teacup with both hands.

"Y+."

Kim Mi-hye seemed thoughtful and said, "I remember it was acquired by YG last year?"

"Yes, but my contract is still independent."

Have you ever thought about transitioning into acting?

Kim Mi-hye took a sip of tea.

"I've been taking acting classes recently."

"You didn't tell Jae-hoon about this, did you?"

"How do you know?"

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly looked up.

Kim Mi-hye smiled meaningfully: "If that child knew you wanted to act, he would definitely come to me for help right away."

Lee Sung-kyung gripped her teacup tightly:

"I……"

In the South Korean entertainment industry, there are indeed many successful examples of models transitioning into acting.

Jun Ji-hyun's cat-like features, Gong Hyo-jin's sophisticated face, Han Hyo-joo's sweet smile...

These qualities allow them to be at ease in front of the camera.

But Lee Sung-kyung knew.

My face might be good enough for a model, but by acting standards, it's at best considered "decent".

They don't have striking features, nor do they possess a distinctive look that makes them unforgettable.

Even his proudest 175cm height has become a limitation in the film and television industry.

When acting alongside a male actor who is 180cm tall, wearing even a little high heel can ruin the aesthetics of the scene.

"Drama is the best way to train actors. Mastering the basics of dialogue, blocking, and improvisation is more useful than anything else."

Kim Mi-hye's words echoed in my ears.

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly remembered how Kim Min-hee portrayed a forbidden love so heartbreakingly, relying solely on her eyes and lines.

That pure acting skill is far more powerful than any pretty face.

She looked up towards the study.

You can faintly hear Kang Jae-hoon and Hwang Jung-min discussing the script.

He is now able to play leading roles in films directed by renowned directors in Chungmuro.

If you continue to stay in your comfort zone as a model, the gap between you and them will only widen and the distance between you will only grow further.

"I'm willing to try."

A hint of admiration flashed in Kim Mi-hye's eyes:
"SEM Drama Club welcomes you anytime."

"Thank you, President Kim..."

Lee Sung-kyung stood up and bowed.

"Just call me Master's Wife, like Jae-hoon does."

"...Thank you, Master's wife."

"Good boy."

Kim Mi-hye gently patted Lee Sung-kyung's hand, the fine lines at the corners of her eyes revealing the wisdom of someone who has been through it all:

"A good actor's eyes must be able to encompass the entire universe. And in that universe—"

She glanced meaningfully at the study:
There will always be special cases.

[PS: I'm not feeling well today, so I'll be posting less.]

(End of this chapter)