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

Chapter 152 Jiang Lang cleverly defuses the situation to protect his own, and embraces a gentle embrace before leaving.
The phone rang briefly before being answered.

"Hey?"

Yoona's voice came through the microphone.

The background noise consisted of noisy human voices and faint shouts of commands.

It sounded like she had just finished a shoot and was leaving the bustling center.

"It's me. That..."

Kang Jae-hoon seemed unsure how to naturally bring up the topic of taking the cat, so he cleared his throat and asked instead:
"Are you adjusting well to filming in China? Are the food, weather, and language barriers alright? What's the atmosphere like on set?"

Yoona was a little confused by this series of "sudden concern" covering her life, work, and interpersonal relationships.

After a three-second silence, he finally spoke:

"Kang Jae-hoon—"

"Ok?"

"Your tone is suddenly like you're checking up on me... What? Are you worried about me?"

Her voice carried a distinct hint of teasing.

She seemed to enjoy catching his slightly clumsy attempt at concern.

Jiang Zaihun coughed subconsciously on the other end of the phone, awkwardly trying to cover it up:

"Uh...no. I was just...asking casually. After all...after all, you're filming alone out there..."

"Don't worry~"

Yoona's laughter sounds crisp and melodious:
"The food and accommodation were great; the hotel arranged by the production team was of a very high standard. There was a translator on set, so communication was never a problem. I've memorized my lines pretty well now, though I can still say quite a few, even if I stumble a bit. There were a lot of takes, but everyone was very patient. As for my colleagues... they all took good care of me."

Listening to her detailed report.

Kang Jae-hoon felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

"How about you? How are things going there? You just finished filming 'Himalaya' and are now busy promoting 'For Love or Money.' I've seen a lot of news about you lately. Are you alright? Nepal must have been incredibly tough!"
After finishing her sentence, Lim Yoona naturally returned the topic to the present.

"I?"

Kang Jae-hoon opened her car door and got in, trying to sound more relaxed:

"I'm fine."

"That's good. By the way, your movie 'Good Days' can also be watched on video websites in China."

"is it?"

Kang Jae-hoon was a little surprised.

This web series initially received lukewarm reception due to a lack of promotion.

However, Yoona promoted and attracted attention on her personal SNS.

In addition, there was spontaneous viewing and word-of-mouth dissemination by Kang Jae-hoon's fans, as well as his recent popularity.

This eventually caught the attention of iQiyi, a video streaming platform.

iQiyi acquired the exclusive mainland China broadcasting rights for the series from LINE TV through its international business channels.

It will be launched soon.

Although the publicity surrounding it cannot compare to that of big-budget productions.

But this marks the official entry of Kang Jae-hoon's works into the view of Chinese audiences.

"The response has been pretty good. I saw an increase in popularity when I searched the rankings in the background."

Yoona seemed quite happy too.

To know.

Even with only 0.01% of the niche attention, there are 140,000 people in China...

140,000 people...

"This is really...unexpected."

A drama destined to sink.

It miraculously managed to travel across the ocean and continue its life in this way.

It felt both wonderful and comforting.

"Alright, let's get back to the point. Now that you're back in Seoul, what about the cat..."

"Ah, that's exactly what I was going to tell you!"

Kang Jae-hoon immediately took over.

"I knew it, Kang Jae-hoon—"

"So this is what you were waiting for all along? Your concern for me is just an excuse; you really just want to see your cat, don't you?"

No! Of course not!

Kang Jae-hoon immediately denied it: "I really care about how things are going on your end! Of course, I miss you too!"

Ah Xi...

"Pfft..."

Yoona was clearly pleased with his slightly flustered reaction:
"Okay, okay, I was just kidding. I'll contact Soon-kyu unnie and arrange a time for you to pick her up. I'll send you her home address and a convenient time on Kakao later."

"it is good."

"Okay, I'm going to film now, bye~"

"Bye."

The phone hangs up.

Not long after, my phone vibrated.

I received a message from Lim Yoona on KakaoTalk:

An address, and a time slot of 3 PM.

……

3pm.

Kang Jae-hoon found Lee Soon-kyu's address.

They successfully reunited with their long-lost calico cat, "Little Princess."

The little guy seemed to recognize him, meowing a few times inside the carrier.

He took the cat directly to Yoona's apartment in Cheongdam-dong.

enter password.

Open the door.

Let the cat out.

The little guy immediately began to familiarize himself with the house and began to explore it.

Kang Jae-hoon fed and watered the cat, changed its litter, and played with it for a while with a cat toy. Watching the cat roll around in the sun-drenched living room, he felt relaxed.

It's getting late.

Kang Jae-hoon packed his things.

Close doors and windows.

I left Yoona's house.

The afterglow of dusk bathed the city in a warm golden hue.

Kang Jae-hoon drove his brand-new light silver-gray Santa Fe ix35 to the filming location of "Queen's Flower" in Ilsan.

Upon arrival.

After nodding to the staff, Kang Jae-hoon walked familiarly toward Booth B.

Push the door and enter.

Center of the field.

Two figures were entangled together—

The character played by Go Woo-ri is gripping Lee Sung-kyung's hair tightly with a ferocious expression.

The actions were ruthless.

It's so chilling it makes your scalp tingle.

Lee Sung-kyung struggled and writhed in agony under her control.

The body arched backward in pain as it was being pulled.

That beautiful, delicate face was contorted and deformed by pain and the feeling of suffocation.

Although Kang Jae-hoon was rationally very clear-headed—

Lee Sung-kyung's expression at this moment is at least 70% a display of acting skills.

But seeing her hair being pulled like that...

The heartache still overwhelmed me.

at this time!

"Snapped--!"

A resounding, crisp slap.

Lee Sung-kyung, in her struggle, used all her strength to slap Go Woo-ri hard across the face.
Gao Youli's head snapped to the side after being hit.

Those beautiful eyes, lined with eyeliner, widened in surprise.

It was filled with astonishment and shock.

And a hint of annoyance that he couldn't quite hide.

The force was real and the attack was sudden.

It completely exceeded her expectations and mental preparation for the performance!

—This slap wasn't in the script!

It looked like the conversation was about to fall flat.

The actor playing the male lead is very experienced.

The reaction is extremely fast.

Immediately proceed according to the script.

He rushed forward in one stride.

He forcefully stepped between the two women, using both hands to separate them:

"Stop! All of you stop! What kind of behavior is this!" At the same time, he kept gesturing to Gao Youli to continue the scene.

However, Gao Youli was clearly not yet fully recovered from the surprise and embarrassment of that slap.

In addition, he came from an idol background.

They lack extensive experience in improvisation and quick thinking.

She covered her cheek.

Expression stiff.

His eyes flickered.

I tried several times.

Lips move.

However, he was unable to deliver his lines smoothly and emotionally.

His eyes and reactions were clearly out of sync with the plot.

The director reluctantly took off his headphones:

"Crack——!"

A cold, hard shout to stop echoed inside the shed.

The director frowned.

Clearly, they were very dissatisfied with Go Yoo-ri's NG (no good) performance.

But he hasn't said anything yet.

Lee Sung-kyung, who had been hit, had already taken the initiative and bowed deeply in the direction of Go Woo-ri.

"Senior, I'm so sorry! I got too into the scene just now and couldn't control myself... I hurt you, I'm really sorry! Off-screen, I'm at your mercy!"

She adopted a very humble attitude.

They took responsibility for their own "investment".

Go Yoo-ri looked at Lee Sung-kyung, who was bowing in front of her, and her face was so gloomy it could drip water.

First, I received a solid slap.

Then, because he couldn't keep up with the scene, he had to do a retake, and the director and so many people were watching...

This double blow left her feeling extremely frustrated.

The director waved his hand impatiently:

"Touch up your makeup! You two go compose yourselves! We'll do this again in ten minutes!"

"Humph."

With a cold expression, Gao Youli didn't look at Li Jingcheng again, covered her cheeks, and walked quickly towards her dressing room surrounded by her assistants.

at this time.

Kang Jae-hoon, who had been silently observing from the outside, made a move.

He did not approach Lee Sung-kyung.

Instead, taking advantage of the brief dispersal and chaos of the crowd, he quietly and quickly followed the direction Gao Youli had left in.

"Boom boom boom——"

Kang Jae-hoon tapped his fingers three times outside the dressing room.

The assistant's voice came from inside:
"Which one?"

"Kang Jae-hoon."

There was a two-second pause.

The door was pulled open a crack from the inside.

She was Gao Youli's assistant, looking at him with a mixture of suspicion and wariness.

Kang Jae-hoon nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his gaze passing over his assistant's shoulder to look at Go Woo-ri, who was sitting in the makeup chair inside, her face ashen and her cheeks marked with obvious red marks.

"Excuse me, senior, there's something I'd like to discuss with you privately."

When Gao Youli saw him in the mirror, her brows furrowed even more, clearly not wanting to see him. But Jiang Zaihun's undeniable presence and his direct insistence on a "private conversation" made her ultimately wave her hand, signaling her assistant to leave temporarily.

The assistant glanced at Gao Youli with concern, then silently walked out and closed the door behind her.

now.

Only Kang Jae-hoon and Go Woo-ri remained in the dressing room.

The space felt somewhat cramped due to the silence.

Kang Jae-hoon cut straight to the point:
"I'm so sorry to disturb your rest."

He adopted a very humble attitude, bowing slightly:
"Just now, in front of the director and so many staff members, Lee Sung-kyung said 'Do whatever you want with me,' which was so stupid! So thoughtless!"

His tone carried a mixture of helplessness and stern condemnation:
"She's putting you in a very difficult position! If you actually 'deal with' her after she says that, what will tomorrow's reports say? 'Cast discord'? 'Senior actor slaps junior actor on set to vent anger'? The media loves headlines like that."

"It's nothing for Lee Sung-kyung to get a few insults, but this whole mess will ruin the reputation of the entire production team! What about the image you've worked so hard to build..."

Kang Jae-hoon left it at that.

But the inherent dangers are crystal clear—

Personal grudges being amplified by the media into a scandal on set is devastating for any actor.

Gao Youli's eyes, which were originally full of anger, flickered slightly.

But he didn't say anything.

Kang Jae-hoon keenly noticed the change in her emotions, his stern expression instantly transforming into one of apologetic concern:
“She’s a newcomer to the industry, and she got carried away while filming, so she didn’t know her own strength and her mind wasn’t clear. She didn’t do it on purpose, so please don’t take it to heart. I apologize to you on her behalf.”

As he spoke, he casually took out a business card from another pocket and handed it to Gao Youli on the dressing table with both hands:

"I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kang Jae-hoon. Hwang Jung-min is my mentor. If you have time and would like to exchange ideas or learn from each other about acting, please feel free to contact me anytime. My number is on my business card."

These movements were fluid and seamless.

This demonstrates a strong criticism of Lee Sung-kyung's behavior.

Then, at the opportune moment, an olive branch was extended (as a disciple of Huang Zhengmin, offering a seemingly valuable favor).

Gao Youli looked at the business cards on the dressing table.

It was printed with "SEM actor Kang Jae-hoon" and his contact information.

Her anger finally dissipated completely under the barrage of keywords such as "media," "reputation of the production crew," and "disciple of Hwang Jung-min."

If I have another episode, it will make me seem very inconsiderate.

and……

Kang Jae-hoon is currently enjoying a surge in popularity.

He is also Huang Zhengmin's beloved student.

Gao Youli's eyes shifted rapidly a few times.

finally.

She sighed.

She raised the hand that wasn't covering her face and waved it gently.

Although his tone was still somewhat stiff, it had lost the air of an impending volcanic eruption.

"...Never mind, we're all actors, it's normal to lose control when emotions get the better of you. Let's not do it again."

Her gaze swept over the business card; she didn't immediately take it, but she didn't refuse either.

This already shows our attitude.

Kang Jae-hoon felt a slight sense of relief.

His face maintained just the right amount of respect and apology:

"You're so kind, senior! I thank you on her behalf!"

He did not specifically ask Gao Youli to accept his business card.

Instead, she bowed slightly again respectfully, then turned and left the dressing room decisively.

Kang Jae-hoon had just opened the door to the dressing room and walked out.

I almost bumped into the person outside the door.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Lee Sung-kyung.

She frowned slightly.

Clearly, he had just mentally prepared himself and was about to knock on the door.

He was clearly taken aback when he saw Kang Jae-hoon suddenly appear.

"Why are you here?"

Jiang Zaixun raised an eyebrow, looking at her obviously apology-inducing appearance, and asked in return:

"You wouldn't... be planning to go in and apologize, would you?"

"I want you to take care of it!"

Lee Sung-kyung retorted sharply, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Save your breath. The senior is fine now, he's calmed down."

"what?"

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly looked up: "What...did you say to her?"

"It's nothing. I just told the senior actor that you were too engrossed in filming and didn't think things through. You must never say stupid things like 'do whatever you want' again, as it can easily cause trouble for the senior actor and the crew."

Kang Jae-hoon, looking at Lee Sung-kyung's slightly widened eyes, added:
"I also apologized on your behalf, saying that you're new to the industry and don't know your limits, and asked her not to take it to heart."

Lee Sung-kyung subtly twitched her lips after hearing this.

It seems he wanted to say something in rebuttal.

But that warmth was like a powerful effervescent tablet, bubbling sweetly deep within her heart, dispelling all the gloom.

The feeling of being protected, understood, and having your troubles resolved properly...

Damn it.

In the end, she just turned her head away and muttered something under her breath:
"……have a finger in the pie."

Looking at her, she was clearly pleased but stubbornly insisted on being nice.

Kang Jae-hoon raised his hand very naturally—

It landed gently on her head.

He even rubbed it a couple of times.

The movements are smooth and flowing.

"Alright, stop being so awkward..."

"You are looking for death!"

Before Kang Jae-hoon could even utter the word "skillful," Lee Sung-kyung delivered a precise and deadly elbow strike to the side of Kang Jae-hoon's ribs.

A position that causes the other party real pain without causing any serious damage.

"hiss--!"

Kang Jae-hoon was caught off guard.

He instinctively covered the spot where he had been hit and bent over.

After making this gesture, Lee Sung-kyung suddenly turned around and left.

Only she knows.

A scalding heat was spreading uncontrollably and rapidly from the base of her neck to the tips of her ears, turning her small earlobes bright red.

She could almost hear her own heart pounding like a drum.

All I could do was try to hide this sudden panic and that damned, lingering sweet flutter in my heart by quickly walking away.

Kang Jae-hoon rubbed his aching side.

Watching that murderous figure hastily depart, he muttered to himself:

"What a cruel attack..."

……

at dusk.

The announcement that filming was over finally came over the loudspeaker on the set of "Queen's Flower".

The actors and staff exchanged well wishes.

They all had relaxed smiles on their faces, as they were about to have a holiday.

When Lee Sung-kyung came out, she was dragging her personal belongings.

I spotted Kang Jae-hoon leaning against a load-bearing pillar, looking down at his phone.

heard movement.

Kang Jae-hoon raised his head.

The corners of his mouth naturally turned up:

"Let's go."

He naturally took the not-too-heavy bag from her hand.

Lee Sung-kyung remained silent.

She silently followed him as they walked out.

in the parking lot.

Kang Jae-hoon walked straight to the brand-new light silver-gray Santa Fe ix35 and pressed the key to unlock it.

Two beeping sounds.

The car lights are flashing.

Lee Sung-kyung stopped in her tracks.

He looked the unfamiliar SUV up and down, then glanced at Jiang Zaihun:
"Bought a car?"

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon opened the passenger door and gestured for her to get in:
"You're somewhat famous, so what's the point of taking a bus home for Chinese New Year? Aren't you afraid of being recognized and having to sign autographs in the aisle?"

"Tch, who wants to take you home for the New Year?"

Lee Sung-kyung habitually retorted.

But the body is very honest—

He nimbly bent down and climbed into the passenger seat.

Without any hesitation or lingering.

He even reached out and slammed the car door shut with a "bang".

Kang Jae-hoon's smile deepened.

He then got into the driver's seat.

The car smoothly drove onto the main road leading to downtown Seoul, the destination clear—

Lotte Department Store.

"Maotai?"

Lee Sung-kyung was somewhat surprised to see Kang Jae-hoon take two beautifully packaged bottles of liquor from the shelf without hesitation.

"Uncle should like this."

Kang Jae-hoon spoke with certainty.

He then casually picked up a beautifully packaged box of top-grade Cheong Kwan Jang ginseng from the side.

"you……"

What does Lee Sung-kyung want to say?

But looking at Kang Jae-hoon's calm and matter-of-fact demeanor...

The words reached his lips and he swallowed them back.

I'm no longer as insistent on replacing the expensive ones as I was last year.

He didn't mutter "Where did you get the money?" anymore.

She also picked out a few skincare products for her mother and thermal underwear for her father.

……

There was a long line at the checkout counter.

The cashier quickly scanned the items one by one.

"Drip, drip, drip..."

The numbers on the electronic screen kept changing.

The final price was set at a figure that would have made Kang Jae-hoon faint at this time last year.

Kang Jae-hoon calmly took out his wallet.

Take out the bank card.

handed over.

"Please enter your password."

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his head.

His slender fingers quickly pressed a few keys on the numeric keypad.

confirm.

Transaction complete.

The receipt is dispensed.

There was no delay whatsoever.

Lee Sung-kyung stood silently to the side the entire time.

Just watch quietly.

When Kang Jae-hoon put away the card and receipt, he picked up the several heavy shopping bags.

She then stepped forward.

I reached out and took one of the bags.

The two walked out of the mall carrying large and small bags.

I stuffed all the New Year's goods into the spacious trunk of the Santa Fe.

The car restarted.

We drove towards the Holy Water Cave as the night deepened.

Take a quick rest for the night.

The next morning.

Kang Jae-hoon was still driving.

Carrying Lee Sung-kyung and her luggage, as well as a back seat full of New Year's goods.

We drove onto the highway leading to Gaoyang City.

A warm festive atmosphere permeated the small apartment.

Li's mother was busy in the kitchen.

Lee Sung-kyung skillfully assisted from the side.

Peel the garlic and wash the vegetables.

Mr. Lee pulled Mr. Kang Jae-hoon to sit at the small coffee table in the living room.

A cup of clear tea, steaming gently.

They talked about the changes in Seoul, the hardships of filming, and the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains.

The atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing, like that of a family.

three days later.

Saying goodbye to Li's parents with reluctance.

The trunk of the silver-gray Santa Fe was crammed full of various kimchi, side dishes, and thoughtful gifts.

Carrying Lee Sung-kyung, who was also told by her parents to "take good care of herself."

Return to Seoul.

They didn't get much rest.

Kang Jae-hoon immediately went to buy new holiday gifts.

I drove to Hwang Jung-min's residence to offer my New Year's greetings.

He didn't come back for the Chinese New Year this year.

The crew of "Himalaya" went to Mont Blanc in France for location shooting.

And as a disciple.

Paying a visit to someone's home to offer New Year's greetings is an essential gesture.

Lee Sung-kyung accompanied him as usual.

Kim Mi-hye opened the door warmly and affectionately took Lee Sung-kyung's hand:
"The Bible looks a bit sparse. Filming must have been tough, right? Come, sit down. I just baked some of your favorite rice cakes."

"It's alright, Master's wife. Happy New Year!"

Lee Sung-kyung immediately smiled sweetly, a smile rarely seen on Kang Jae-hoon's face, and replied.

(Um?)
Kang Jae-hoon watched the two chatting familiarly about everyday things and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

like……

Am I your husband's apprentice?

……

Had lunch.

After several rounds of tea.

Kang Jae-hoon saw that it was almost time.

Then he and Lee Sung-kyung got up to say goodbye.

The next morning.

in the living room.

Kang Jae-hoon's suitcase was laid out open next to the sofa.

Actually, filming in Busan doesn't feel like going abroad.

But out of habit, Lee Sung-kyung squatted down to examine the contents.

Kang Jae-hoon, on the other hand, stood obediently.

After she finished her examination.

at this time.

Two familiar, short car horns sounded downstairs—

Kim Dae-won has arrived.

After confirming that nothing had been overlooked, Lee Sung-kyung casually zipped up the suitcase and stood it upright.

He pushed it to Kang Jae-hoon's side.

"I am leaving?"

"Ah."

Lee Sung-kyung didn't say anything extra, she just looked at him.

Kang Jae-hoon pulled his suitcase to the entrance hall, turned around and said:

"I'm really leaving."

"Ah."

He paused for a moment, then released the suitcase.

They did not immediately push the door open and leave.

Instead, they turned back two steps.

Open your arms.

He immediately pulled Lee Sung-kyung, who was standing in the middle of the entrance hall, into his arms.

Lee Sung-kyung's body tensed slightly almost instinctively for a moment.

But it quickly softened again.

No struggle.

She just leaned against it quietly.

His familiar, clean scent filled my nostrils.

Carrying the chill of winter clothes.

It also carried his own warm touch.

Kang Jae-hoon's chin gently rested on the top of her head.

A deep voice sounded in my ear.

Lighter and heavier than before:

"I'm leaving now. You too... take care of yourself and don't overwork yourself."

Lee Sung-kyung's arm, which was hanging at her side, twitched slightly.

He seemed to hesitate for a moment.

finally.

It slowly lifted up.

It encircles his waist and back.

Gently, very gently.

She hugged him back.

No force was used.

It was just loosely enclosed.

Like a silent response and promise.

She buried her cheek in the fabric of his shirt.

A gentle breath brushed past.

Time seemed to stretch out by several degrees.

An indescribable warmth flowed through the tranquility.

(End of this chapter)