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

Chapter 172 Bae Suzy's Hunting Diary
The silver-gray Hyundai Santa Fe glides into the underground parking lot of KBS TV station.

Jiang Zai Xun had just turned off the engine, gotten out of the car, and closed the door.

Almost at the same time.

A gleaming van silently slid in from the side and parked in the space next to him.

The sliding door opened with a whoosh.

Bae Suzy's figure nimbly jumped down.

Upon seeing Kang Jae-hoon, her eyes lit up, and she waved to greet him:

"Oppa, good morning!"

"morning."

"You seem to be in a really good mood today?"

Bae Suzy leaned closer, tilting her head to examine his features:

"What good thing happened?"

Kang Jae-hoon was indeed in a very good mood at the moment.

It's so good that it can't be hidden.

The image of that hurried yet soft kiss on the cheek outside the MBC film set that morning flashed through my mind, along with her slightly limping but quick-moving figure.

That warmth quietly welled up in my heart again.

Kang Jae-hoon did not answer directly, but only gave a vague reply:
"...Maybe it was seeing someone who made me feel better."

The speaker did not mean it.

The listener is interested.

Bae Suzy was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

Say it to his face...

And it was said to her...

She didn't reply.

But her fingers twirled a strand of long hair that hung over her shoulder, curling it with an air of barely concealed smugness and lightness.

—Yoona sunbaenim must be furious if she hears this, right?
"Let's go?"

Kang Jae-hoon was completely unaware of her thoughts.

He retrieved his backpack from the back seat and turned to call her.

"Hmm~"

Bae Suzy's voice became even sweeter as she asked:

"Is this Oppa's car?"

"Yes, I just bought it recently."

"Oh~"

Bae Suzy paused slightly.

His gaze lingered on the silver-gray car, lost in thought.

Kang Jae-hoon noticed she hadn't followed and turned around in confusion:

"what happened?"

"what--"

Bae Suzy snapped out of her daze and shook her head.

A smile returned to his face:

"nothing."

talking.

She deftly pulled her phone out of her small handbag.

Unlock.

Fingers flew across the screen.

A few seconds later, the edited Kakao message was sent.

Then turn off the screen.

She put her phone back in her bag, jogged a few steps to Kang Jae-hoon's side, and walked alongside him toward the elevator not far away.

The elevator doors were gleaming like mirrors.

Through the smooth metal door, Bae Suzy looked at Kang Jae-hoon's tall figure reflected in the mirror beside her and the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.

Rolling his eyes.

As if suddenly thinking of an interesting question, he abruptly leaned forward with his hands behind his back.

Her eyelashes fluttered like tiny fans, and she spoke without warning:
"Oppa."

"Ok?"

How long is one meter?

"About... this long?"

Kang Jae-hoon stretched out his arms and gestured the distance in the air.

Bae Suzy pressed on relentlessly, asking:

"What about the other two meters?"

Kang Jae-hoon had no choice but to stretch his arms to their limit.

however.

Just as his body formed an almost perfectly straight cross shape in front of the elevator lobby—

That figure, carrying the scent of lychees, suddenly crashed into his arms!
Bae Suzy wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, pressed her cheek against his chest, and tilted her head back:
"Stupid oppa!"

"Just say you want a hug!"

"Is it necessary to measure dimensions in such a roundabout way?"

Kang Jae-hoon: ...?
Bae Suzy gave him absolutely no time to break free or say anything.

The arms wrapped around his waist suddenly loosened, and her soft, sweet-smelling body quickly withdrew. She lightly jumped back, her face smiling sweetly and innocently, as if the person who had just forcefully pounced on her and pressed against her was not her.

Just at this moment.

"Ding--"

The clear announcement that the elevator had arrived at B2 rang out.

The silver-white staircase door slid open silently in front of the two of them.

There was no one inside.

Bae Suzy stepped inside, pressed the open button, and winked at him as she turned back:
"Oppa, come in quickly! It'll be closed in a minute."

at that time.

Kang Jae-hoon was still in a slightly stiff posture from when she suddenly attacked him.

I glanced at Bae Suzy, who was standing in the elevator as if nothing had happened, and even calmly tidied her hair.

He silently lowered his arm, which was still gesturing as if it were two meters long, and stepped into the elevator.

Ugh……

I've been tricked again...

The gleaming elevator doors closed silently behind them.

The elevator car ascended smoothly.

Bae Suzy leaned against the handrail, her fingertips twirling a strand of her hair, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Kang Jae-hoon, who stood ramrod straight beside her, staring intently at the changing floor numbers.

There was a subtle stillness in the air.

It carried with it the lingering, sticky, ambiguous atmosphere she had created.

"Ding--"

Arrive at the film set floor.

The two parted ways in the corridor, each heading towards their respective dressing rooms.

The production team of "The Producers" is making good progress; the footage from the first four episodes has already been archived.

Today's filming had a touch of dark humor:
The proud and arrogant top idol Cindy was isolated and ostracized by the other guests during the outdoor recording of "2 Days & 1 Night". She could only temporarily team up with the somewhat stubborn new PD Baek Sung-chan to complete the task.

The core conflict in this scene lies in Cindy's spoiled and scheming nature versus Baek Seung-chan's straightforwardness and lack of romantic understanding.

One of the highlights takes place on a mountain road.

Cindy felt too tired carrying the heavy backpack.

With a quick glance, an idea came to him.

She stopped Bai Chengcan, who was rushing along, and suggested playing rock-paper-scissors, with the loser having to carry all the luggage.

Before playing rock-paper-scissors.

She blinked her innocent-looking big eyes and deliberately "kindly" reminded Bai Chengcan:

"PD, I can draw scissors! Really!"

The implication is already very clear.

result.

PD Baek Sung-chan, who is as straightforward as a rock, was completely oblivious to the "unspoken rules" signals.

He nodded, his expression serious.

Then--

Under Cindy's expectant gaze, a stone was steadily produced!
"..."

Cindy looked at the scissors she had drawn.

Then look at the other person's pure and innocent expression, as if to say, "I won, so you should carry the luggage."

I almost couldn't catch my breath.

This scene required several takes on set.

Bae Suzy always has to try her best not to laugh.

The following shots are basically a loop of this anti-cliché plot pattern:
Cindy attempts to use her skilled idol techniques and a bit of cleverness to guide the situation, scheme, or slack off, but she just happens to run into Baek Sung-chan, a clueless PD whose thinking is as straight as a ruler and whose reaction time is as slow as a one-way street.

The result was like punching cotton.

Her cleverness was either completely ignored.

Or they will be misunderstood.

She was left with a blank, lifeless expression.

Kang Jae-hoon perfectly portrayed Baek Sung-chan's guileless sincerity and slightly naive persistence, creating a wonderful contrast with Bae Suzy's frantic stomping.

The day's filming came to a close in this bizarre yet highly comedic rhythm.

After finishing work.

The four lead actors were each assigned to record a short promotional video.

To promote "The Producers," which will premiere at 11 p.m. on KBS's Friday-Saturday slot.

As the last shot ended.

Kang Jae-hoon almost immediately bowed slightly to the director and staff to say goodbye.

All he wants now is to get home as quickly as possible—

I snuggled up on the sofa with Lee Sung-kyung to watch the premiere.

I just arrived at the parking lot entrance.

The crisp, rapid clicking of high heels came from behind me.

"Oppa!"

Bae Suzy, wearing those high heels, jogged a few steps to catch up with him.

"Where's your agent?"

"Hey, my manager said the van got scratched and has been sent for repairs."

Bae Suzy, without blushing or skipping a beat, gazed at him expectantly with her big eyes:
"Oppa, can you give me a ride?"

Kang Jae-hoon frowned, his face showing reluctance:

"This...is inconvenient, I'm in a hurry..."

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

The refusal had just begun.

Bae Suzy's beautiful eyes widened immediately, and she raised her chin in dissatisfaction, pointing her index finger lightly at his chest:

"On Christmas Eve two years ago, when it snowed heavily, who was it that got left on the street by their ex-girlfriend, rubbing their hands in the cold?"

"And who was so kind as to safely send that poor, simple-minded boy home?"

"Ok?"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon's words were stuck in his throat.

Bringing up old stories again, every word is like a knife to the heart.

That’s all.

Refusing again would make him seem ungrateful and ungrateful.

He sighed resignedly and reluctantly opened the passenger door:

"...Get in the car."

A sly smile flashed in Bae Suzy's eyes as she quickly ducked and slipped inside.

Kang Jae-hoon walked around the front of the car and got into the driver's seat.

fasten your seatbelt.

Just about to start.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something extra in the rearview mirror—

A small, transparent card holder.

It was hanging on a rope.

Wobbly.

Inside is a photo of Bae Suzy during her teenage years.

Her smile was bright yet youthful.

Kang Jae-hoon reached out and pinched the edge of the small card, then turned to look to the side.

"Isn't it pretty?" Bae Suzy asked matter-of-factly.

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon wisely didn't respond.

Forget it.

She'll pick them after she gets off the bus.

Arguing about it now will only lead to endless conflict.

"Buckle up."

Kang Jae-hoon reminded him and reached for the key.

Where is the seatbelt?

Bae Suzy's voice carried a hint of innocent confusion as she shifted her body, looking around.
"This is my first time riding in this kind of vehicle, I'm not very familiar with it~"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon took a silent breath.

sideways.

He stretched his arm out towards her.

I'm about to pull the passenger seatbelt buckle.

however.

The instant his fingers touched the edge of the metal buckle—

A gentle breeze carrying the scent of lychees suddenly swept in.

A soft, slightly damp touch landed unexpectedly on his cheek.

Just touch and leave.

Bae Suzy was already sitting up straight.

It was as if that sneaky kiss had never happened.

The air inside the car froze for two seconds.

Kang Jae-hoon did not turn around.

No questioning.

He didn't even blink an inch.

He pinched the metal buckle again with his fingertips and smoothly pulled the strap across.

"Click."

The seatbelt was securely fastened into the slot.

he knows.

I know it very well.

At this point, asking "Why did you kiss me?" or even just glancing at her would be like opening Pandora's box.

Bae Suzy would immediately tilt her head, blink her innocent yet mischievous big eyes, and ask in return:
"So... does Oppa want me to apologize?"

"Or... do you want to kiss me back?"

— Regardless of the answer, it is the key to the next trap she has carefully designed.

silence.

Silence is the strongest defense at this moment.

Bae Suzy looked at his flawless profile and the corners of her mouth silently curved upwards.

The engine started with a low thud.

The silver-gray car smoothly glided out of the shaded underground parking garage and merged into the busy traffic of Seoul in the evening.

"Should we play some music? It's too quiet."

Bae Suzy took out her phone and quickly tapped the screen a few times, expertly connecting to the car's Bluetooth:
"What do you want to hear?"

With his eyes fixed on the flowing traffic ahead, Kang Jae-hoon casually replied:

"Besides spring, love, and cherry blossoms."

"ah!"

Hear the words.

Bae Suzy immediately reached out and grabbed his earlobe, giving it a gentle twist:
"You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

"I just wanted to hear this song."

Kang Jae-hoon tilted his head to try to avoid her fingers, putting on a completely innocent expression.

The song itself is nothing special.

But Yoona's meaningful remark at yesterday's dinner party, "Sisters on the surface, but fighting for roles behind the scenes," still rings in my ears.

It's being brought up now.

It's like stepping on a landmine with pinpoint accuracy.

"Listen!"

Bae Suzy huffed and puffed out her cheeks, then tapped the playlist on her phone screen with her fingertips.

A light and sweet melody instantly filled the carriage.

The music flowed for a while.

The person next to me suddenly spoke up:
"Oppa also thinks...this is not good?"

It took Kang Jae-hoon a moment to realize what she meant. He quickly glanced at her, somewhat surprised.

Why has Suzy suddenly become so sensitive?

Bae Suzy stared at her beautiful nails, her voice muffled:
"That's because...because..."

The words rolled on the tip of his tongue.

"Because of what?"

"because--"

Bae Suzy suddenly turned her face, as if she had found a perfectly justifiable reason, her eyes shining with an astonishing light:

"Because I'm afraid you'll be emotionally manipulated by her! ...Yes, I'm doing this for justice!"

Kang Jae-hoon almost choked on his own saliva, and forced a smile while keeping a straight face:
"Hey, hey, hey, I'm not at the point where I fall in love with every girl I meet and get foolishly played, am I?"

"Um……"

Bae Soo-ji nodded seriously.

then……

He actually started counting on his fingers:

“Jung Soo-jung.” One finger.

“Lee Sung-kyung.” Two fingers.

"Lim Yoona." Three fingers.

"Is someone missing?"

Bae Suzy held up three fingers, her eyes sparkling as she looked at him.

Kang Jae-hoon fell for it as expected, his eyes instinctively glancing over.

Bae Suzy immediately smiled and answered her own question:
"Oh my, so I'm also Oppa's sweetheart?"

"..."

Kang Jae-hoon was completely speechless.

He silently fixed his gaze on the congested traffic ahead, pressing the accelerator a little harder. It was as if the guy next to him, recounting his romantic history on his fingers, was just an annoying wisp of air.

The only thing left in the carriage was the sweet melody of "Besides Spring, Love, and Cherry Blossoms" playing on repeat.

Bae Suzy stopped talking, tapping her fingers lightly on her knees to the rhythm, humming along to the melody, clearly in a good mood.

……

Not long after.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of her apartment building.

Bae Suzy unbuckled her seatbelt with a "click" and her body leaned closer again without warning.

"Boom!"

Another light kiss landed on her cheek.

"This is a thank you gift for taking me home~"

Before Kang Jae-hoon could react, her slender white fingers gently tapped the small card dangling from the rearview mirror:
"Don't pick them!"

The words fell.

She pushed open the car door and got out, her steps light and a little smug, skipping and hopping as she disappeared behind the glass doors of the apartment lobby.

inside the car.

Kang Jae-hoon slowly raised his hand to stroke the cheek that she had "ambushed" twice.

in fact.

He was not offended by Bae Suzy's behavior.

even.

Deep down, he was somewhat captivated by her bold and direct flirting.

but……

The chaotic fragments of last night's bedroom, Lee Sung-kyung's silent back upon waking, that hasty, tender farewell kiss this morning...

These images suddenly burst forth from my memory and flooded my mind.

The initial thrill that had just risen in my heart was instantly replaced by a heavy feeling of guilt.

Bae Suzy's direct and almost provocative intimate touches were no longer a sweet game, but had turned into invisible thorns, piercing the cracks between morality and emotion, pulling and tugging repeatedly.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned back in his chair, tilting his head back slightly. His Adam's apple bobbed, and a suppressed sigh escaped.

Buzz-buzz-

The phone, which was sitting in the cup holder, vibrated at just the right moment.

The screen lights up.

It was sent by Lim Yoona via Kakao.

[Yoona]: Jaehoon, my flight is about to take off.

[Yoona]: It's such a pity that I can't see the premiere of "The Producers" right away.

[Yoona]: But I'm sure it will be a huge hit! Waiting for the ratings results!

[Yoona]: Oh, and don't forget to feed and clean up after the little princess regularly, she misses you terribly!
[Yoona]: Oh, by the way! It's my birthday at the end of the month, and I'm having a small party with only a few close friends. I hope you can come and share in the joy!
……

Kang Jae-hoon's fingertip hovered over the phone screen in mid-air.

Her gentleness is always like this.

With just the right amount of concern and an undisguised demarcation of territory—

The cat at home, her birthday, her home.

The slightly limping figure in the morning light and the soft tenderness before me created a subtle tension.

He slowly typed his reply:
[Jae-hoon]: Have a safe trip, enjoy the sunshine, beaches, and sea breeze!
[Jae-hoon]: Little princess, don't worry about me!

[Jae-hoon]: Birthday... um, I'll try my best to make it.

……

send.

Put down the phone.

Kang Jae-hoon felt the "sense of responsibility" and "sense of guilt" on his shoulders grow even heavier.

The sigh that had just been uttered seemed even deeper.

Chaotic thoughts are like tangled balls of yarn.

He shook his head.

Suddenly I remembered Bai Xiang from last night.

My fingertips involuntarily swiped the phone screen again and tapped the search bar a few times.

The results were as expected.

As expected, "International Market" yielded no results.

He didn't win Best Director.

The Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor award also went to someone else, not even Choi Min-sik or Seol Kyung-gu, whom he thought were his strongest contenders—it was Lee Sun-kyun and Cho Jin-woong who won the award together.

Regarding this result.

Jiang Zai Xun felt a mix of indescribable emotions and complex feelings.

He hesitated whether to send a message to the teacher to comfort her.

Another day has passed...

Would it seem like hindsight to post this now?
Hesitated for a long time.

I still opened the chat window with Hwang Jung-min.

Overly formal words of comfort would be inappropriate, so after much thought, I typed out a seemingly lighthearted line:

[Jae-hoon]: Teacher, I'm free anyway, and tonight at 11 PM on KBS, "The Producers" premieres. How about contributing to the ratings? (Salute emoji)
The message had only been sent a few seconds ago.

The phone vibrated with a "buzz".

The reply was so concise it consisted of only one word:

[Huang Zhengmin]: Get lost.

As Kang Jae-hoon stared at the concise and powerful reply, a slight smile crept onto his lips.

A familiar taste.

It seems the blow wasn't so big after all?
hum-

My phone vibrated again.

This time it's Bae Suzy.

[Suzy]: Oppa hasn't left yet?
[Suzy]: Are you hesitating about coming up for a sit-down?
Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He tossed his phone back into the cup holder as if electrocuted, turned the key, and the engine roared to life. The silver-gray Santa Fe sped away from the apartment building, merging into the dazzling traffic of Seoul's nightscape.

(End of this chapter)