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

Chapter 168 Yoona: Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! (Limited Edition of the Shura Field) [Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets]

The van glided smoothly through the pulse of Seoul's late night.

Outside the car window.

Huge billboards, convenience store LED light boxes, and cold white beams of light spilling from office cubicles stretched into flowing, blurry bands of light that sped past.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back in his leather seat, his forehead pressed against the slightly vibrating glass.

Those colorful, out-of-focus fragments of light and shadow pierced his retina, but couldn't actually settle into his eyes. His mind was filled with everything that had happened in those few short seconds—

Bae Suzy leaned closer.

A damp tissue with a minty coolness was pressed against the lips.

wipe.

After that……

A sudden, unexpected warmth.

cover.

With its sweet fragrance and soft touch, it conquers and expands its territory.

And her question, which sounded like a forced stamp of approval:
"uh-huh--"

"How does it feel?"

"Much better than the senior driver, right?"

then.

It was the "tap tap tap tap tap" sound of those high heels striking the tiled floor, gradually fading into the silence around the corner of the corridor.

He was left standing there, petrified, with a strange sensation and sweet scent lingering between his lips and teeth.

Scene after scene.

Played repeatedly in slow motion.

"Om-"

My phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket.

Kang Jae-hoon felt as if he had been abruptly pulled awake from a nightmare.

My body jolted.

My heart pounded violently twice in my chest.

He stiffly pulled out his phone.

When I realized it wasn't a message from Bae Suzy but a trending topic pushed by Naver.

He felt a strange sense of loss...

I glanced at it quickly—

[Nominees for the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards]

Girls' Generation's Yuri's relationship with a baseball player revealed

EXO's "Call Me Baby" sweeps the top spot on music programs

【…】

Immediately, Kang Jae-hoon expressionlessly put his phone back in his pocket and turned to look at Kim Dae-won in the driver's seat:
"elder brother."

"Ok?"

"..."

There was a full five seconds of silence.

Kang Jae-hoon then organized his thoughts, which sounded like a ball of yarn that had been scratched by a cat, and said:
"I have a friend..."

Jin Dayuan's lips twitched almost imperceptibly upwards.

"He... um... is on set..."

"By someone..."

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a moment, seemingly searching for the right adjective.

"...a very lively and beautiful young girl...was kissed."

"After that... the girl didn't say anything, she just ran away..."

"...What kind of relationship is this?"

The words fell.

Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Dae-won's meaningful gazes met.

A thicker silence fell over the carriage.

Radio music seems to have become quieter.

The only sound was the soft rustling of tires rolling over the road.

Kang Jae-hoon held his breath.

Just as he was about to lose his temper and prepare to embellish "my friend's" story in more detail, he was about to...

Jin Dayuan finally spoke.

"Oh?"

"That's called..."

"—lips, friendship, kinship."

"..."

Lip friendship?
lip? ? ?
friendship???

He opened his mouth.

Trying to refute something.

But he found himself under the agent's precise and even harsh "sharp-tongued comments".

Speechless.

……

The van slid into the familiar shadows of the Seongsudong apartment building.

The slight tremor of the engine shutting off replaced the city's hum.

Kim Dae-won nodded his chin toward the back seat of the car:
Don't forget what you've got.

Kang Jae-hoon responded.

Unbuckle your seat belt.

He pushed open the door and got out of the car.

He bent down and picked up the heavy bag.

The bag has a green logo of a fresh food supermarket printed on it.

He was like someone carrying an "exam paper" from fate.

"Let's go, bro."

"Ah."

The car window rolled up.

The black van silently blended into the night, like a drop of ink disappearing into the deeper sea.

Jiang Zai Xun walked towards the entrance of the building, stepping heavily onto the old cement stairs.

One level.

Another level.

Footsteps echoed hollowly in the silent stairwell.

The motion-sensor lights in the hallway illuminated a stark white light above his head as he walked.

It went out again.

Enveloped him in a brief darkness.

Then it lights up again when he takes his next step.

so repeatedly.

Five-story building.

Each step felt like stepping on a timeline.

A futile attempt to crush the chaotic image in my mind of a lip print intertwined with mint.

Unknowingly.

Kang Jae-hoon was already standing outside the familiar iron gate.

Take a deep breath.

He shook his head.

The key is inserted into the lock.

Rotate.

Click.

The door opens.

The warm light from the living room blended with the soft background music from a TV drama.

on the sofa.

Lee Sung-kyung was sitting cross-legged.

Her long hair was casually tied into a loose low bun.

She was bare-faced.

The phone was held to the ear.

He wore a rare, relaxed, and slightly playful smile:
"Really, Master's wife has the best taste! No one can compare to you when it comes to choosing colors..."

Her lips curved into a smile, and her fingers unconsciously fiddled with the tassels of the cushion.

"...Okay, okay! It's settled then! See you at the entrance of the Apgujeong Galleria tomorrow at 2 PM?"

The person on the other end of the phone seemed to give an affirmative answer.

Lee Sung-kyung's smile became even more pronounced:

"Okay, goodnight, Master's wife!"

Her voice carried a sweetness that was unusual for her, almost like a coquettish plea.

hang up the phone.

She turned her head.

I saw Kang Jae-hoon standing at the door, carrying bags and looking like a salesman coming to sell groceries:
"came back?"

"Hmm, I just heard you mention... Master's wife?"

Kang Jae-hoon looked at her with some suspicion: "Is it the one I know?"

Lee Sung-kyung immediately stopped smiling, bent down, picked up the remote control, and turned up the TV volume:

"You heard wrong."

Auditory hallucinations?

Kang Jae-hoon frowned.

The sensation of mint mixed with cherry blossoms involuntarily flashed through my mind again.

Could it be that he was overstimulated and was experiencing auditory hallucinations?
It's not impossible...

Seeing him stunned, Lee Sung-kyung knew things were going badly and quickly changed the subject:

What are you carrying in your hand?

"Oh! This!"

Kang Jae-hoon's attention was indeed diverted, and he immediately lifted the bag and shook it:
"It's the ingredients for ginseng chicken soup! The teacher wanted to eat ginseng chicken soup and specifically requested the Bible special edition."

"Ah."

Lee Sung-kyung showed no surprise on her face.

It was as if it were perfectly natural for Hwang Jung-min to specifically request the soup she made.

She walked over in her slippers and naturally extended her hand:
"give it to me."

"Let me do it."

Kang Jae-hoon didn't let her take it, but stepped aside and carried the bag to the kitchen as if he knew the way well.

but.

Lee Sung-kyung's straightforward and nonchalant attitude made him a little uneasy.

He had clearly prepared his speech in his mind the whole way upstairs.

I rehearsed at least three different ways to get her to cook for me by begging and pleading.

Even the "Ji-won version" of aegyo (cuteness) that I was forced to recreate tonight has been tearfully added to plan C!
result?

The entire contingency plan was never realized.

The other party showed no sign of embarrassment.

There wasn't even a soul-searching question like "Why did you look for me?" that fits the arrogant persona.

The heavy bag sat on the empty space on the counter.

Lee Sung-kyung had already deftly rolled up her sleeves.

Kang Jae-hoon's heart softened inexplicably.

"Bible."

"Ok?"

"Nice to have you."

"Humph."

Lee Sung-kyung hummed a short, sharp syllable through her nose:

"Stop with the nonsense. Hurry up and get all the seasonings out and put them in the sink. It's already past eleven o'clock. Do you expect me to stay up all night?"

Kang Jae-hoon immediately responded.

Like a soldier receiving orders, he frantically rummaged through the bag.

He took out bundles of scallions, ginger slices, ginseng, chestnuts, red dates, goji berries, and glutinous rice one by one and arranged them neatly next to the drain basket on the smooth marble countertop by the sink.

"I'll wash it."

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves and turned on the tap.

The water was flowing and making a gurgling sound.

Grab the goji berries and rinse them under the water.

"ah!"

Lee Sung-kyung slapped his hand away quickly, giving him a disdainful look:
"Is this how you wash things? It's like washing pebbles! Just leave it there!"

She snatched the small bowl containing the goji berries, gently placed it in another sink, and casually turned the tap to a gentle trickle.

Kang Jae-hoon awkwardly withdrew his hand and picked up the round chestnut next to him:

"And this one? Peel it?"

Lee Sung-kyung glanced at him as if he was about to crush the chestnut, and decisively reached out and snatched it back.

"Leave it alone."

Jiang Zai Xun was unwilling to give up, and turned his gaze to the young chicken lying in the basket.

"That……"

"roll."

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon was taken aback by her disdainful look and her decisive action of kicking him out.

He silently took a step back.

But half of his body remained in the kitchen.

Clinging to the edge of the door frame with both hands, he peered out and asked again, unwilling to give up:
"Are you sure you don't need any help with anything?"

"Boom--!"

responded to his.

It was the crisp sound of Lee Sung-kyung's thick kitchen knife slamming onto the cutting board!

Kang Jae-hoon instinctively shrank his neck.

She quietly withdrew from her culinary "sanctuary".

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The next day.

early morning.

Two large food trucks adorned with support banners drove in a grand procession to the perimeter of the filming location of "The Wailing" in Gangwon Province.

The banner, which read "Kang Jae-hoon supports the cast and crew of 'The Wailing'", was particularly eye-catching.

The enticing aroma instantly drew the attention of the entire group.

Jin Dayuan got out of the car to coordinate the meal distribution with the crew assistant.

Kang Jae-hoon was carrying a thermos that was wrapped up tightly.

Walk towards the temporary rest area next to the main studio.

Hwang Jung-min has just finished filming a scene.

His face still carried the solemn and fierce aura that lingered from when he was performing a shamanistic ritual in the play.

The tense expression on his face softened slightly as he took the thermos from Kang Jae-hoon.

"coming?"

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon placed the thermos on the small table and unscrewed the lid.

The rich aroma of medicinal cuisine and the warm steam rose instantly.

As Kang Jae-hoon helped the old man set out the bowls and spoons, he glanced at his bloodshot eyes:

How's filming progressing?

"It will probably take another two months."

Hwang Jung-min picked up a spoon, scooped up a spoonful of golden broth, blew on it, then lowered his head to sip the hot soup, closing his eyes contentedly.

"This is the taste..."

I took a few sips.

Hwang Jung-min seemed to remember something.

He glanced up at Kang Jae-hoon, who was helping him debone the chicken:

"correct."

The tone was casual, but the content was not:
"Post-production on 'Veteran' is finished. It's also passed censorship."

Kang Jae-hoon perked up and sat up straighter:

"Have you set a date?"

"Ah."

Huang Zhengmin took the torn chicken leg from him, stuffed it into his mouth, and puffed out his cheeks, saying:

"Probably... late June or early July. Let's avoid the tail end of those big productions."

Late June or early July...

That sinister and tyrannical chaebol heir, Zhao Taiwu.

That extreme villain, the culmination of his hard work, completely shattering his past image as a sunny and warm-hearted man...

It will soon be on the big screen.

It stirred up a storm.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the blink of an eye.

Nearly a month has passed since that chaotic yet thrilling night of "lip friendship" where mint and cherry blossoms intertwined.

The amazing thing is...

Bae Suzy almost seamlessly switched back to "normal work mode".

Her interactions with Kang Jae-hoon also seemed to have had that accidental encounter's memory precisely erased—

When it's time to rehearse, then rehearse.

Laugh and joke when it's time to laugh and joke.

Occasionally, she would tease him with a slightly mischievous joke about "chicken gizzard kisses".

It was as natural as if that brief kiss, which had left a deep crater in Kang Jae-hoon's heart, had never happened.

That openness and honesty.

That nonchalant attitude.

Sometimes it gave Kang Jae-hoon a strong sense of illusion—

That kiss...

Is it just a hallucination caused by being too tired on set?
Or is it just a bizarre dream?
however.

Whenever Kang Jae-hoon begins to waver.

Bae Suzy would also subtly and cunningly tease him unintentionally.

such as.

It will happen after filming wraps up.

When saying goodbye to Kang Jae-hoon.

Suddenly, a flying kiss...

This cunning "flirt and run" attitude.

This subtle imbalance, where the rhythm is out of control.

It quietly took over a part of his daily life.

It stirred up the undercurrents beneath the calm surface of the film set.

Days slipped by in this subtle push and pull, this pretense.

The release date for "The Producers" has been confirmed.

August 15th.

Golden and Earth Theater.

KBS.

This "mockumentary" work, which has generated much discussion and anticipation, is about to be reviewed by the audience.

Amidst the hustle and bustle.

Incheon International Airport Terminal 1.

Arrive at the lobby.

The automatic doors at the international arrivals gate slid open silently.

Yoona's assistant came out pushing a luggage cart.

She has just finished filming all her scenes for "God of War Zhao Zilong" in Hengdian.

As originally planned.

At this moment, Lim Yoona should have been directly transferring to the next flight to Koh Samui, Thailand, at the airport.

She went to film the music video for her group Girls' Generation's new summer single, "PARTY".

Why drag your luggage back to Seoul on such a short trip?
There is only one reason.

—Kang Jae-hoon.

Over the past month.

She was at a great distance.

He participates in his busy daily life in an ancient and gentle way.

The pages of a book carry my thoughts.

The care imbued with the fragrance of ink.

Those plain white envelopes lying in the inner pocket of Kang Jae-hoon's backpack.

The neat handwriting tells the story of spring in Hengdian, the fatigue on set, and the concern.

This rhythm.

This was a path that Lim Yoona had carefully planned.

Step by step.

Gentle and silent.

Like a slowly flowing river, it silently envelops the other person's heart.

however.

An unexpected storm suddenly crashed into this calm shipping lane.

—Bae Suzy.

Lee Soon-kyu, who plays the most crucial "postman" role, visited the set of "The Producers" (under the guise of delivering a letter). During that brief stay, which could not even be called a visit,...

They caught the look in Bae Suzy's eyes when she looked at Kang Jae-hoon.

The light in those eyes.

The sweetness in that smile.

The body language revealed an undisguised intimacy and an aggressive determination to win.

She was almost 100% certain—

Bae Suzy, known as the "Nation's First Love," and her younger sister express their longing for Kang Jae-hoon in their letters.

It's definitely not just a simple relationship like "film crew colleagues".

even……

It's probably not just "close friends".

A woman's intuition is like a warning alarm.

This sent alarm bells through the mind of Yoona, who was thousands of miles away!
The carefully planned rhythm was suddenly disrupted.

that moment.

She felt an unprecedented sense of passivity.

But the most difficult part is precisely this—

The carefully crafted method of communication over the past month... is "love letters".

It possesses a classical, subtle, and ambiguous beauty that is both profound and understated.

It depends on distance and the emotional tension that needs to ferment.

Like a carefully crafted fine wine.

It takes time to develop a rich and mellow flavor.

If at this moment.

The next second after receiving Sunny's call.

In a panic, I dialed that number I knew by heart...

Even if it's just a routine greeting.

They would instantly shatter the fragile and delicate balance that had been slowly built up with letter paper.

The subtle atmosphere that had been built up earlier... could be disturbed, ruined, or even completely destroyed by this abrupt phone call.

That's not her rhythm.

That wasn't the path she chose.

and so.

After filming wrapped up in Hengdian.

Yoona should have flown to a tropical island to embrace the sun and waves.

There was no hesitation.

I boarded a flight back to Seoul.

------

afternoon.

The set of "The Producers" recreated the atmosphere of a common meeting point for outdoor variety shows such as "2 Days & 1 Night," with several portable folding chairs bearing the show's logo scattered on the artificial turf mats.

The focus of today's filming shifted to the results of resolving the "main character vacancy crisis"—

Led by top star Cindy, played by Bae Suzy, the new cast of guests broke the ice and interacted in groups before the first recording.

Writer Park Ji-eun's ambition is fully revealed in this drama.

The most authentic picture of the Korean entertainment industry is created by piling up cameo appearances of various stars surrounding the moon.

now.

Surrounding the main actors playing the PDs are several real idols who were specially invited to make free cameo appearances, creating dramatic conflict and highlights.

Standing in the center position is naturally Cindy, played by Bae Suzy, whose expression still carries a hint of haughty arrogance.

Beside her were several guest actors—

Park Sandara, a member of YG girl group 2NE1, and Kang Seung-yoon, the leader of YG's new generation boy group Winner.

What's even more eye-catching is a young girl standing a little further back.

Her appearance attracted a lot of attention.

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze also fell on her—

Stunning!

This was Kang Jae-hoon's first reaction.

picture!
so similar!
It's as if a young Tang and Wei stepped right off the screen!

What is Tang Wei's status in South Korea?
She is a top-tier goddess of art films, a muse in the hearts of countless directors, and a benchmark of "national recognition" on par with Jun Ji-hyun.

For a newcomer who hasn't even debuted yet to have such a natural charm and starting point...

They're simply blessed with natural talent!

When did YG start stockpiling these kinds of art film projects that are supposed to be on par with Chungmuro?
Her looks and charisma are perfect for the camera and the big screen!
When idols perform songs and dances?
What a waste!

If you encounter a discerning director and a suitable script...

The "Three Kims of Chungmuro" (Kim Tae-ri, Kim Go-eun, and Kim Da-mi) might become the "Four Kims of Chungmuro"...

As he focused intently, his thoughts wandered, and he even felt a pang of regret that this "pearl was tarnished," he failed to notice the subtle changes in the surrounding airflow—

A familiar peach aroma suddenly wafted into my nostrils.

Followed by.

A long-lost voice, clear as a summer stream yet slightly hoarse from a long journey, gently sounded beside my ear:
"What are you looking at? So entranced?"

Kang Jae-hoon turned his head abruptly.

The first thing that catches the eye is a black baseball cap with its brim pulled low.

Under the brim of a hat.

Yoona's cheeks appeared slightly pale due to fatigue.

But his pupils remained clear and bright like glass.

"Yoona?! You're back?!"

Seeing the undisguised, overwhelming joy in Kang Jae-hoon's eyes, as if he had been hit by an unexpected gift, Lim Yoon-ah couldn't help but smile.

The stone that had been hanging in my heart because of the "postman's" intelligence.

They landed safely in an instant.

Even the fatigue from the long journey was largely dispelled by the light.

"Because... no matter how beautiful the letter is, it can't fold the warmth of an embrace."

Say it.

Im Yoon-ah then gently hugged Kang Jae-hoon.

Carrying the warmth of a weary journey.

Carrying the slight warmth of early summer.

It carried a faint scent of clothes dried in the Hengdian sun.

There is also a sense of reality that comes from traversing thousands of miles of mountains and seas and finally taking root in reality.

The mix of feelings made Kang Jae-hoon's heart pound wildly in his chest like a runaway horse!
dong dong!

Boom boom boom!
Almost instinctively, subconsciously, he reached out to raise his arms and embrace this source of warmth—

however.

Just as his arm muscles tensed and his fingertips twitched slightly.

Yoona decisively released her arms that had been wrapped around him.

It's not a case of playing hard to get.

Rather, it was the subtle, almost imperceptible glances sweeping across the set that made her choose to restrain herself.

Seeing Kang Jae-hoon's dejected expression, as if he had fallen from the clouds.

Yoona's smile deepened, and she then raised her hand to ruffle the "pot lid" slightly:
"hairstyle……"

"...It's quite cute."

Both are "cute".

When Bae Suzy said it, it was teasing and aggressive, which would make Kang Jae-hoon feel embarrassed.

But at the moment.

The words that came out from Yoona's smiling lips didn't sound uncomfortable to him at all.

There was only a subtle sense of pleasure from being teased by someone close to you.

Kang Jae-hoon looked into her bright, smiling eyes. His lips involuntarily curved upwards, little by little.

"Crack!"

The director's voice came through the loudspeaker:
"Suzy's not right. Her eyes are glazed over. Let's do it again."

"Ah... Director, I... I'm so sorry!"

Bae Suzy forced a very strained smile, one that was filled with panic and apology.

He hurriedly bowed and apologized to the director.

Meanwhile, his gaze seemed to be uncontrollably drifting towards Kang Jae-hoon and Lim Yoon-ah.

at that time.

Yoona had already put down her hand that was rubbing Kang Jae-hoon's bangs.

She naturally felt the scorching gazes emanating from that group of people faking their smiles.

"Is the character Suzy plays... the kind who's very scheming?"

Kang Jae-hoon followed her gaze and glanced at Bae Suzy, who was trying to compose herself. Without thinking much of it, he casually explained:
"The character will gradually become more fleshed out later on; it won't stay like this forever."

"Oh……"

……

The continuous "clicks" were like heavy hammer blows.

It hit Bae Suzy's pride hard.

Compared to being stared at so strangely by these poorly acting YG idols, it's much better.

What made her feel even more suffocated and desperate was that woman!

The mental torture inflicted by that "watching" was more humiliating for Bae Suzy than the director's reprimand!

A surge of violent shame and indignation rushed to his head.

She bit down hard on the soft flesh inside her mouth.

The intense pain finally suppressed the urge to smash things and scream.

It was as if the potential was being unleashed under extreme pressure.

Bae Suzy exhausted every last bit of her acting skills and willpower.

At the point where the director was on the verge of exploding.

at last.

I barely passed.

"Click... Okay, that'll do for now, that's enough!"

The director's voice was heavy with exhaustion.

It was as if by letting her go, he had also let himself go.

Shooting is paused.

The tension in the air eased.

An invisible awkwardness spread as a result.

All the struggle, embarrassment, and ruthlessness on Bae Suzy's face vanished instantly.

Switching to an extremely fragile and aggrieved state.

Heading towards the props rest area.

He sat down in the empty chair next to Kang Jae-hoon.

As if losing its support, the body tilted slightly to the side.

Hands moving naturally—

She wrapped her arms around one of Kang Jae-hoon's arms.

then.

That pretty face, which had been cold and stiff in front of the camera just moments before, tilted up to face Kang Jae-hoon, her voice soft and sweet:
"Oppa, Suzy got really yelled at by the director just now..."

"Oppa?!?"

All the weariness from the long journey, the joy of reunion, and the lighthearted banter on Lim Yoona's face vanished!

in Korea.

There are three situations in which women address men as "Oppa".

1. Brother and sister.

2. Fans' feelings towards their idols.

3. Couples/Spouse.

It is clear that Bae Suzy's relationship with Kang Jae-hoon is not related to the first two points.

The only explanation...

It's obvious!

An icy glint instantly appeared in Yoona's clear, doe-like eyes.

She suddenly turned her head to look at Kang Jae-hoon:

"You two are dating?!"

"no!"

Kang Jae-hoon raised his voice almost reflexively!

He waved his hand, trying to clarify.

He tried to pull his arm free from Bae Suzy's seemingly delicate but actually iron-like arms.

however.

Bae Suzy did not loosen her grip; instead, she tightened her arms even more.

It was almost as if she was hanging her whole body on his arm!

So powerful.

Jiang Zai Xun could clearly feel the soft, warm mass squeezing and binding his elbow!

Looking at Bae Suzy's innocent yet provocative demeanor, and Kang Jae-hoon's embarrassed state of being "kidnapped" and unable to break free, a nameless anger mixed with cold mockery rose in Lim Yoona's throat:
"So, is it because Suzy got too into character? Completely immersed in the role?"

"No wonder you didn't seem to be acting at all when you were playing the scheming woman."

"It turns out..."

"—Playing yourself?"

Yoona's seemingly complimentary but actually derogatory and scathing remarks directly pierced Bae Suzy's heart.

But who is Bae Suzy?
She switched to a higher level of combat mode almost instantly!

The hurt look on her face was instantly replaced by an exaggerated look of surprise and delight:
"oops--!"

The sound was drawn out in a delicate and long tone.

She even freed one hand that was tightly holding Kang Jae-hoon (while her other hand remained firmly around him), and waved her hands repeatedly:

"Yoona sunbaenim, you flatter me too much!"

"My acting skills are so shallow..."

Bae Suzy blinked her big, watery eyes.

His smile carried an incredibly "sincere" humility.

His gaze, however, was precise, piercing Yoona's heart like a dagger:

"...How can I compare to you, senior? Your performance in 'Love Rain' was... well... incredibly nuanced, truly textbook-level! I'm still far from that level—I have a lot to learn from you!"

A performance with rich layers?
Textbook level?
Ah!
Upon hearing this, Lim Yoona rolled her eyes inwardly.

This city...

She was reckless.

The concept of a representative work... to be precise, the lack of a truly definitive representative work... is indeed a hidden pain and a source of heartache for her.

Let's continue this topic.

It will only make the wound more exposed.

To put oneself in an even more embarrassing situation.

Ugh……

That damn green tea b*tch!
Why didn't the little princess bite her and give her a tetanus?
A curse, filled with deep resentment, flashed through my mind.

Im Yoona quickly regained her composure, switching back to her mature and composed senior mode, her gaze returning to Bae Suzy's still tightly clasped arm around Kang Jae-hoon's:

"Suzy, as a high-profile public figure, you need to be careful with your words and actions, and you also need to know your limits and boundaries. Park PD should have taught you all of this, right?"

The implication is—

Don't cause unnecessary trouble and risks for Kang Jae-hoon because of your willful behavior.

You may be shameless, but others are!

Upon hearing this, Bae Soo-ji also suddenly came to her senses.

I was so focused on finding ways to vent my anger on Yoona that I almost forgot about the crowded and noisy environment of the film set!

The paparazzi probably can't get in.

But aren't all the crew members like human cameras?
Both her and Kang Jae-hoon's careers are on the rise!
The devastating consequences of such a momentary lapse in judgment are simply unimaginable.

no way.

No one would remain completely calm if they were suddenly confronted by a "senior" who immediately adopted the demeanor of an empress and tried to assert her dominance over her without saying a word!
Bae Suzy glanced quickly at Kang Jae-hoon, who was caught in the middle and looked very uncomfortable.

He quickly glanced around.

really.

Several seemingly busy but actually attentive, gossiping figures were spotted.

A cold sweat instantly crept up my back.

As if she had been burned, she instantly released her grip on Kang Jae-hoon's arm.

They created a physical distance that had previously been excessively intimate.

Her cheeks also flushed slightly from the belated realization of nervousness and embarrassment.

She almost blurted out a retort to Im Yoona:
"Stop pretending! Why weren't you this 'well-behaved' when SM fired Jessica Jung?"

But she swallowed the words back down her throat.

After all, someone as clever as Bae Soo-ji wouldn't do something so foolish as to hurt the enemy a thousand while also losing eight hundred of her own.

What if I put my half-dead little bundle on the fire again...

however.

Bae Suzy's panic, retreat, and silence at that moment.

This was the perfect opportunity in the eyes of Yoona, who was preparing a counterattack.

She deliberately focused her gaze on Kang Jae-hoon, but her words were meant for Bae Suzy to hear:
"As an actor..."

As she spoke, she naturally raised her hand to help Kang Jae-hoon brush off the wrinkles in his sleeves from when Bae Soo-ji had hugged his arm.

"...When filming on set, you must do your job properly."

"Don't touch what you shouldn't touch, and don't provoke what you shouldn't provoke."

"Otherwise, what if you get bitten by a bad-tempered stray cat? You'll have to run to the doctor crying and get a tetanus shot, which is such a hassle, isn't it?"

Bae Suzy: "!!!"

The cat bite incident was indeed a little trick she did on purpose.

But being publicly exposed by Yoona in such a "concerned" tone is like being stripped naked and displayed to the public!
"..."

Bae Soo-ji was so angry that she was speechless for a moment.

The words "What's it to you?" were stuck in my throat.

Looking at Yoona's face, which was filled with innocent concern from her seniors.

She experienced for the first time what it meant to be "a mute eating bitter melon, unable to express the suffering."

but.

Bae Suzy knew she couldn't stay silent any longer.

Otherwise, it would confirm this embarrassing situation.

"Senior Yoona really... worries too much!"

"Of course I won't touch other people's things!"

"but--"

"What's mine is mine, and no one else can even touch a hair on it!"

"..."

The smell of gunpowder in the air was so strong it almost solidified.

Caught in the whirlpool, Kang Jae-hoon felt like a small, dilapidated boat about to fall apart in the eye of a storm.

I was so sweaty that the lining of my costume was almost soaked through.

"Jae-hoon, you're in position!"

The director's shouts were like heavenly music.

It instantly cleaved through the suffocating low pressure.

"Yes! Coming right away!"

Kang Jae-hoon responded almost immediately, his body springing up like a wound-up toy. His steps were liberated as he strode towards the filming area!

Just one more second.

He felt like his temples were about to explode!

“Jaehoon.”

however.

The moment he took his first step.

Yoona's clear, gentle voice followed, unhurried and calm.

Kang Jae-hoon froze, then helplessly turned halfway to the side.

"Let's go out for lunch together after work tonight."

"I'm waiting for you."

Not asking.

It is to inform.

It was an invitation that carried a gentle yet assertive tone.

Before Kang Jae-hoon could even utter a single word in response—

"Oppa!"

Bae Suzy's voice, tinged with obvious sweetness and a hint of warning, came crashing down like a sugar-coated bullet.

She stood up.

He walked a few steps to Kang Jae-hoon's side.

Although he didn't cross his arms like he did before.

But their bodies were subtly very close together.

Head up.

She looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes:
"Didn't we...promise to watch the Baeksang Arts Awards together tonight?"

"Oppa, aren't you concerned about whether Hwang Jung-min can win the Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor tonight?"

She deliberately pronounced "Teacher Huang Zhengmin" very clearly.

Hit the nail on the head!

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He looked around.

On one side was Yoona's calm and serene gaze.

On one side were Bae Suzy's bright, captivating eyes.

The two of them waited quietly for his reply.

The invisible pressure is like a heavy burden.

There was silence for a few seconds.

An absurd yet uniquely conceived idea surfaced like a lifeline, offering him a temporary respite.

He licked his slightly dry lips, and said with strong uncertainty and hesitation:

"Then... how about..."

His gaze shifted between the two female celebrities.

With difficulty, he managed to squeeze out the second half of the sentence:

"……Together?"

The moment the question was uttered.

He regretted it.

I wish I could bite my own tongue off!

What kind of hell mode is this?!

The moment the words fell.

Yoona and Suzy's gazes collided fiercely in mid-air like two icy swords!
Sparks fly!

Although Lim Yoona did not say anything.

But the subtext in that expression was self-evident—

Do you dare to come?

Bae Suzy received a silent yet extremely intimidating challenge from Im Yoona.

A bright, even slightly forced, enthusiastic smile bloomed on her beautiful face:

"To have dinner with Yoona sunbaen..."

"—This is something I really want to brag about on social media!"

Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He looked at the turbulent undercurrents before him, a situation on the verge of collapse.

Only one clear thought remained in my mind—

run! !

Must run!
immediately! immediately!
"that……"

He tried his best to make his tone sound apologetic and urgent:

"The director is urging me... I have to go to work now! We'll talk later!"

The words have not yet fallen.

He turned around so quickly it was as if he were being chased by a dog.

They quickly disappeared into the crowd heading towards the filming area.

------

not far away.

Gong Hyo-jin witnessed this brief but intense battle.

Her gaze lingered on Kang Jae-hoon's retreating figure for two seconds as he instantly fled.

Subsequently.

Slowly turning towards the two female protagonists who remained in the same spot, facing each other from a distance, each with a different smile.

She was elegant and composed, yet her eyes held an icy edge.

One was full of enthusiasm, but a burning fire was burning in his eyes.

The atmosphere was tense and confrontational.

You can feel it even when you're seven or eight meters away.

Kong Hyo-jin shook her head.

He clicked his tongue twice.

He pulled his phone out of the pocket of his loose, wide-legged pants.

The screen is unlocked.

Swipe down in the Kakao friends list with your fingertips.

soon.

I found that familiar contact's profile picture—

Lee Sung-kyung.

Kong Hyo-jin lightly taps the input box with her fingertip.

clap clap clap-

A line of concise and powerful text quickly appeared in the dialog box:
I just saw something interesting...

(End of this chapter)