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

Chapter 125 The Prelude to the Conquest of Shanghai

VIP suite at Shilla Hotel.

When Kang Jae-hoon followed Kim Dae-won inside, there were already four people sitting there.

A distinguished middle-aged man, two women in business suits, and a young man are fiddling with a laptop.

"That's the producer from Huaxia, his surname is Wang."

Jin Dayuan introduced in a low voice.

"Hello, Mr. Wang."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately stepped forward and bowed slightly: "I am Kang Jae-hoon."

He spoke in Chinese that he had practiced beforehand, and his pronunciation was fairly standard.

After looking him up and down, Producer Wang smiled, nodded, and extended his hand:
"I am producer Wang Lei."

"It's an honor to meet Producer Wang. This is my manager, Kim Dae-won."

After exchanging pleasantries, both parties took their seats.

Wang Lei looked intently at Jiang Zaixun:

"Mr. Jiang, have you read the script?"

After listening to the translation, Jiang Zaihun nodded and said:
"Yes, I really like the character Xu Chenghun."

In reality, Kang Jae-hoon did not study the script in depth.

Since I just got it recently, I mainly practiced Mandarin last night.

"Oh? Then I'd like to hear your understanding of this character."

After listening to the translation, Jiang Zaihun pondered for a moment and said:

"He is a complex individual torn apart by multiple contradictions, or one who is a half-finished product shaped by the times and his family."

Kang Jae-hoon's answer was just a clever trick.

Because this statement can be applied to any character.

Fearing that producer Wang Lei would press for answers and expose the truth, Jin Dayuan immediately added:

“Hoon has always done in-depth research on his roles. When filming ‘Veteran,’ he specifically took courses in golf, horseback riding, and aristocratic etiquette to better portray the character of Jo Tae-oh.”

After listening to the translation, Wang Lei raised an eyebrow with great interest:
What kind of project is "Veteran"?

Jin Dayuan immediately took out the prepared documents from his briefcase.

Because of the script confidentiality agreement, his document only mainly highlights the status of director Ryoo Seung-wan and Hwang Jung-min in South Korea.

This indirectly highlights the depth of Kang Jae-hoon's background.

However, it was clearly stated that Kang Jae-hoon was able to get the role of Jo Tae-oh entirely through his own abilities, not by relying on Hwang Jung-min's connections.

This introduction clearly had an effect.

When Wang Lei looked at Jiang Zaihun again, his gaze held a hint of appreciation:

"He does indeed have a kind of affected air unique to aristocrats, which is very much in line with Xu Chengxun's status as an heir to a wealthy family."

"There are racing scenes in the script."

Wang Lei suddenly asked, "Mr. Jiang, do you have any relevant experience?"

"What a coincidence."

After listening to the translation, Jin Dayuan explained at length:

"We personally performed all the car chase stunts in Hoonjae's 'Veteran'! We filmed for four whole nights!"

Kang Jae-hoon almost choked on his own saliva—

They clearly used a trailer and a stunt double.

Despite being so embarrassed that her toes were digging into the ground, she still maintained an elegant and proper smile.

"To better portray the painter, he has already started learning sketching."

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He just bought a beginner's sketching book yesterday, and hasn't even sharpened his pencils yet.

Jin Dayuan patted his chest and guaranteed:

“We take this collaboration very seriously and have adjusted all our schedules specifically for this role.”

Kang Jae-hoon was completely immune to Kim Dae-won's offhand remarks, and added as needed:

"I really look forward to working and studying in China."

"So... how good is Mr. Jiang's Chinese?"

Wang Lei then changed the subject and asked.

"He's working hard to learn Chinese; he has a great talent for languages—"

As he spoke, Kim Dae-won gestured with his chin toward Kang Jae-hoon, indicating that he wanted to say a few words.

“I have been fascinated by Chinese culture ever since I was a child, having listened to my grandmother tell stories of China. The Analects says, ‘Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar?’ I am very happy to meet you all today.”

Kang Jae-hoon practiced this line for an entire night.

Although the pronunciation is stiff, it is still understandable.

The effect is immediate.

Wang Lei and his two female assistants exchanged a glance, their faces showing surprise and delight.

"Wow, actor Jiang even knows the Analects of Confucius!"

One of the women exclaimed, "She's truly beautiful and talented!"

"You flatter me."

Kang Jae-hoon humbly lowered his head, taking the opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief.

The conversation that followed went surprisingly smoothly—

Wang Lei spoke at length about the film project, from the production team to the distribution plan, occasionally interjecting with praise for the South Korean film and television industry.

Kang Jae-hoon only needed to nod when appropriate and occasionally respond with a few simple words in Chinese.

As the meeting drew to a close, Wang Lei gestured to his assistant:

"Show the contract to Mr. Jiang."

The assistant immediately handed over two copies of the contract, one in Chinese and one in Korean.

Kim Dae-won took the Korean version and quickly skimmed through it, then suddenly frowned:

"Does this sign say that we need to cooperate with this hype?"

"Oh, this."

Wang Lei explained casually, "Our female lead is a popular young actress, and the movie needs to generate some buzz when it's released."

He looked at Kang Jae-hoon: "Of course, it's just for publicity. You guys should be more skilled at this than we are, right?"

Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Dae-won exchanged a glance.

Creating on-screen couples has long been a standard practice in film and television promotion, and the Korean entertainment industry is indeed more adept at it than the Chinese entertainment industry.

The usual operating procedure is as follows:

During filming: The production team will deliberately "leak" some intimate behind-the-scenes footage, such as the male and female leads playing around and feeding each other on set;

Promotional period: Arrange for the lead actors to appear on variety shows and create ambiguous interactions;
Release period: Release candid photos of the couple, seemingly suggesting a romantic relationship, through the media;

Finale: Both agencies issued statements saying they were "just good friends," bringing the matter to a perfect close.

This approach can both increase the popularity of the work and allow the actors to maintain a "professional" image.

It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

only.

Compared to the ambiguous practices that are commonly accepted in the South Korean industry.

The fact that the contract explicitly included "cooperating with the hype surrounding the scandal" in black and white reveals a somewhat absurd honesty.

"no problem."

Kim Dae-won immediately agreed on behalf of Kang Jae-hoon: "This is part of the job; promoting the movie is an actor's duty."

"readily."

Wang Lei was clearly satisfied with the other party's attitude.

Thank you for your appreciation.

Kang Jae-hoon raised his teacup in a toast: "I will take this role seriously."

"I also look forward to you joining the cast of 'For Love or Money'."

……

After the meeting, everyone moved to the hotel restaurant for a meal.

The waiter served a delicate Korean set meal.

More than twenty side dishes filled the entire dining table.

The appetizer was a nine-fold plate.

The main course was Korean beef barbecue with matsutake mushroom soup, and the dessert was traditional rice cake.

"This is our traditional royal cuisine."

Jin Dayuan introduced it enthusiastically.

“Very… plentiful.”

Wang Lei's eyebrows twitched as he watched, and in the end he only picked up a piece of roast beef.

The conversation then turned to movie release schedules.

"If all goes well, the legal coordination should be completed by next Monday."

Wang Lei wiped his mouth: "Mr. Jiang will be joining the crew on Wednesday."

Because it involves cross-border cooperation, the specific contract details are quite complicated.

Therefore, it is necessary for the legal teams of both parties to coordinate.

Kim Dae-won and Kang Jae-hoon only saw the general outline.

"no problem."

Jiang Zai Xun nodded in agreement, but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that Wang Lei's assistant was secretly pushing the kimchi to the edge of the plate.

(It seems that Chinese investors are quite accepting of Korean food.)

(Needs improvement.)
Dinner ended in a slightly awkward atmosphere.

As they parted, Wang Lei shook Jiang Zaixun's hand and emphasized, "I look forward to working with you again."

But Kang Jae-hoon clearly saw that he was secretly rubbing his stomach with his other hand.

……

On the way back.

Jin Dayuan breathed a sigh of relief: "It's basically stable."

"Brother, I'm under a lot of pressure right now."

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back in his car seat, staring at the streetlights rushing past the window, and said:
"Racing, oil painting, Chinese, and also studying scripts and analyzing characters... Time is too tight."

Jin Dayuan, however, did not take it to heart:

"It's normal to get on the train first and buy the ticket later. Which actor doesn't learn as they film?"

The truth is this.

However, Kang Jae-hoon always has ample time to prepare, understand, and immerse himself in each role he films.

I'm not used to the sudden tight schedule.

"correct."

Upon seeing the stray cat on the roadside, Kang Jae-hoon immediately thought of calico and asked, "What should we do with the cat?"

"What cat?"

"These are the three flowers that I take care of every day."

"You want to take it to Shanghai?"

"May I?"

"Bringing a cat across borders?"

Jin Dayuan glanced at him in the rearview mirror:
Do you know how complicated the procedures are?

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zaixun opened his browser and searched for "What procedures are required to bring a pet into China".

The series of complex procedures left him dazzled—

Antibody testing, official health certificate, and entry quarantine approval.
Besides.

Pets must undergo 30 days of quarantine upon entry into the country.

"Brother, if you had the ability to keep your children with you, would you still choose childcare?"

"I'm single."

"For example."

"Is it absolutely necessary to bring it?"

"Ah."

Kim Dae-won glanced at Kang Jae-hoon's serious expression in the rearview mirror and sighed.

"Alright, I'll go think of a way."

"What about the month-long quarantine?"

"Use connections, of course."

Jin Dayuan said dismissively, "As long as the money is there, there's nothing that can't be done."

"Thank you, brother."

"Don't thank me too soon. I'll take care of the cat, but you have to promise—"

Kim Dae-won held up three fingers:
"First, I'll be in 'ascetic mode' during filming." "Second, I'll spend at least two hours a day learning Chinese, so I don't end up not being able to deliver my lines fluently."

"Third, do what the director tells you to do. Don't be like when you were filming 'Veteran,' where you add or change scenes all the time."

Korean directors often appreciate actors' "madness," considering it a manifestation of professionalism and passion.

Chinese directors value actors' faithful adaptation of the script, and improvisation is easily interpreted as disrespect for the creative team.

This difference is like the flow of the Yangtze River and the Han River.

They both seem to be water, but one flows with the source of life, while the other flows with Viagra.

During the filming of "Veteran".

Kang Jae-hoon's impromptu performances:

For example, the kissing scene added for Yoo In-young, the sickly smile as he adjusts his tie in the rearview mirror, and even the manic laughter in the car chase scene—

Not only will all of them be included in the final film by director Ryoo Seung-wan.

It even became a highlight of the character's development.

However, most Chinese directors adhere to the principle that "the script is the imperial edict".

Actors altering a play without permission is seen as a challenge to creative authority.

Kim Dae-won was worried that if Kang Jae-hoon, with his method acting style, were to add or change scenes at will on the Chinese set, he might anger the director.

"understood."

Kang Jae-hoon closed the browser and said, "I will do exactly as the director asks."

Kim Dae-won observed Kang Jae-hoon in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

That sounds like a compromise.

But Kim Dae-won keenly caught the fleeting sneer on his lips.

The agent sighed inwardly—

We need to preserve this cash cow's acting talent, but also teach him to "dance in shackles" on Chinese film sets...

The days ahead are unlikely to be easy.

……

It was late at night when Kang Jae-hoon returned to his apartment in Seongsu-dong.

The living room was quiet, and Lee Sung-kyung's slippers were neatly arranged in the entryway.

She has a night shoot tonight and hasn't come back yet.

Change into slippers.

He went straight to the bedroom.

Kang Jae-hoon threw himself onto the soft bed, took out his phone, and opened Kakao—

[Kang Jae-hoon]: I met with the producer of Huaxia today.

The message was marked as read immediately after it was sent.

[Lim Yoona]: Congratulations!
[Lim Yoon-a]: What role does she play?
Kang Jae-hoon rolled over and put the pillow behind his head:
[A chaebol heir, a painter, and a car chase scene]

The other side paused for a few seconds this time.

[Lim Yoona]: Speeding is dangerous!

[Kang Jae-hoon]: I'm obligated to do what I'm asked to do. I can't just pay high salaries to hire stunt actors.

[Lim Yoona]: Awesome! Our actress Kang is truly professional~
[Lim Yoona]: By the way, my car keys are in the entryway cabinet. You can get used to the feeling of a sports car first.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the message for two seconds—

(Did she drive her sports car?)
He hesitated before replying:

[Kang Jae-hoon]: This... isn't that a bad idea?
[Lim Yoona]: Anyway, I won't need it during my tour, it'll just collect dust. Consider it a perk for the cat owner~
Then there is another one:
[Lim Yoona]: Wait, how long are you going to film?
Kang Jae-hoon revised and edited the post before finally posting:
[Kang Jae-hoon]: It's been three months, so I wanted to discuss something with you.
The message was sent and the other party replied immediately:

[Lim Yoona]: Could it be that you're planning to bring the little princess to the film set?

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a moment, deleted the "I want to take it to Shanghai" he had already typed, and retyped:

【how do you know? 】

[Lim Yoona]: We're on the same wavelength?

[Lim Yoona]: After all, I felt the same way when I went on tour in Japan.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard for a few seconds before typing:
[Kang Jae-hoon]: Is that okay?
The opponent responded almost instantly.

[Lim Yoona]: Of course!
[Lim Yoona]: But...

When Kang Jae-hoon saw the word "however," he instinctively straightened his back.

[Kang Jae-hoon]: But?

[Lim Yoona]: But you have to promise me one thing.

Kang Jae-hoon frowned, his fingers flying across the screen:

[Kang Jae-hoon]: What?
[Lim Yoona]: Send me a picture of my little princess every day.

Kang Jae-hoon stared at the message for two seconds, then suddenly laughed.

[Kang Jae-hoon]: That's it?

[Lim Yoona]: What, you think the requirements are too simple? Then let's add another one—

[Lim Yoona]: You must be in the photo.

Kang Jae-hoon was taken aback, and before he could think of a reply, another message came from the other end:
[Lim Yoona]: Otherwise, how would I know if you've abused it?
Kang Jae-hoon chuckled, shook his head, and typed:

[Kang Jae-hoon]: Okay.

[Lim Yoona]: That's settled then, get some rest.

Kang Jae-hoon glanced at the time; it was almost 1 a.m.

[Kang Jae-hoon]: Okay, you too.

[Lim Yoona]: Goodnight~
Kang Jae-hoon stared at the tilde for a while.

I replied with "Goodnight".

He turned over and buried his face in the pillow.

For some reason, I suddenly remembered the action of Producer Wang Lei rubbing his stomach today—

That dinner clearly caused the Chinese producer indigestion.

Just like Kang Jae-hoon's feelings right now.

……

Two days later, in the SEM company conference room.

The legal team laid out the final version of the contract on the long table.

The actor's fee was 8 million Korean won before tax, payable in three installments.

40% before filming begins, 30% during filming, and 30% after filming wraps.

After deducting SEM commission and various taxes, Kang Jae-hoon actually received approximately 3.2 million won.

Filming locations included Shanghai and Vienna.

The insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage, even covering cosmetic allergies.

Time is very tight.

The production company requires Kang Jae-hoon to report to the Shanghai film crew the day after tomorrow.

Two and a half days.

Kang Jae-hoon quickly listed the tasks in his mind:
I reported to Lee Sung-kyung, packed my bags, and processed the pet's exit procedures...

It seems like something's missing?

He didn't have time to think it over; after signing the document, he started making preparations.

On the road.

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly remembered that he had been nominated for Best New Actor in the TV Drama category at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

He quickly took out his phone and dialed Park Hyung-sik's number—

"Hyung-sik, I have a favor to ask you."

"explain."

"I might not be in the country on the day of the Baeksang Arts Awards, but if I win an award..."

"I'll collect it for you?"

Park Hyung-sik's voice was tinged with laughter: "Sure, but you have to treat me to a meal."

"Easy to say."

"So what have you been up to lately? You haven't even participated in such a high-profile event as the Baeksang Arts Awards?"

"I'm going to China to film a movie."

"Dafa!"

Park Hyung-sik's voice suddenly increased:

"Remember to bring me a few packets of hot pot base!"

"no problem."

Jiang Zai Xun laughed and said, "I'll also bring you two bottles of Moutai."

"So refreshing?"

Park Hyung-sik asked suspiciously, "How much is the pay?"

"Eight hundred million."

"..."

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone.

Kang Jae-hoon thought the signal was bad: "Hello?"

"Xiba!!!"

Park Hyung-sik's roar nearly shattered his eardrums: "How much?!"

"Eight hundred million."

Kang Jae-hoon held his phone further away: "Korean Won."

"nonsense!"

Park Hyung-sik's voice was filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment: "How long will it take to film?"

"Three months."

"..."

There was another moment of silence.

Kang Jae-hoon could almost picture Park Hyung-sik on the other end of the phone, counting his daily wage on his fingers.

"Hey, it's Kang Jae-hoon!"

Park Hyung-sik gritted his teeth and said:

"You'd better bring me ten packs, no, twenty packs of hot pot base!"

"Go, go, go."

Kang Jae-hoon hung up the phone with a smile.

The next two days felt like they were on fast forward.

Jiang Zai Xun first took the little princess to the vet for a full check-up and obtained a health certificate. After that, he made several trips to the quarantine bureau to complete the formalities. Jin Da Yuan used his connections to expedite the process, and finally obtained all the documents the day before departure.

The cost was paying three times the agency fee.

When she was halfway through packing her luggage, Lee Sung-kyung pushed open the door and came in carrying a bag of things.

"for you."

She tossed the bag she was carrying into her suitcase: "Vitamins, cold medicine, stomach medicine..."

Kang Jae-hoon looked down and rummaged through the medicine bag, inside which sticky notes were neatly arranged.

[For a cold: Three times a day, after meals]

[Stomach pain: Take immediately when it occurs]

[Vitamins: After breakfast every day]

"I'm not going to Africa."

"The YouTube video says they use gutter oil for cooking over there."

Lee Sung-kyung leaned against the door frame with her arms crossed: "Don't let vomiting and diarrhea delay the filming."

Although Kang Jae-hoon didn't believe it, he didn't refute it. Instead, he stuffed the medicine box into his toiletry bag.

"Thank you."

"Don't be so sentimental."

Lee Sung-kyung turned and left: "I'm just afraid that if you die of illness abroad, the landlord will have to find a new place to rent."

Kang Jae-hoon watched Lee Sung-kyung turn and walk away, then suddenly spoke:
"The Bible."

"what?"

Lee Sung-kyung didn't turn her head, but she stopped walking.

"When I'm not around"

Kang Jae-hoon hesitated for a moment: "You should take good care of yourself too."

"Mind your own business."

Lee Sung-kyung's voice was muffled: "Don't get sick from eating in China. I don't want to receive an international SOS call in the middle of the night."

Done.

She walked quickly back to her room and slammed the door shut.

(End of this chapter)