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

Chapter 252 Civil War Suspended! Pei and Li Temporarily Form an "Anti-Lin United Front"

The unveiling ceremony, ribbon-cutting, and chaotic group photo session finally came to an end.

The atmosphere inside the venue eased slightly.

The host's energetic voice, ready to warm up the atmosphere, rang out at the opportune moment:

"Let's give a warm round of applause to our colleagues at Next Scene who have just gone through a lot of hard work!"

"Now, please welcome SM Entertainment's most dazzling Red Velvet—to present a spectacular performance for the grand launch of Next Scene Film!"

"First up is... 'Dumb Dumb'! Where's the applause?!"

The iconic intro, filled with synthesized electronic sounds and irregular drum beats, explodes instantly!
The five members of Red Velvet made a lively and playful appearance with a slightly neurotic artistic flair!

The venue, which was just filled with the invisible smoke of battle, was forcibly pulled into a rhythm full of energy.

"Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb—"

"Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb—"

The addictive melody and precise knife dance ignited the entire venue.

Even in this seemingly playful song.

Bae Joo-hyun, in the center position, firmly attracted everyone's attention.

however.

Just a few minutes later.

The cheers had not yet subsided when the last "Yah!" faded with a playful smugness.

The music suddenly changed key!
Like a scorching summer afternoon suddenly shrouded in dark clouds.

A cello prelude with a cold, echoing sound and electronic tones like the distant sob of a sea breeze seeped into the air.

That is--

The prelude to "July 7th".

The Red Velvet members' expressions changed instantly.

The dance steps transitioned from movement to stillness.

The playful energy on her face vanished instantly.

Instead, there was a quiet atmosphere, with eyes that carried an unspeakable sadness.

"And so I woke up from the dream."

That sorrowful star has once again drifted further and further away.

A reluctant farewell.

(omitted...)
Almost all South Koreans know the meaning behind this song.

—Sewol Ferry.

The smile on Kang Jae-hoon's face vanished as soon as he heard the girls' mournful singing.

2014 years.

That year.

It's... terrible.

The scene was chaotic.

Because of his youthful arrogance, he made veiled criticisms of the authorities' inadequate response to the "April 4.16th" incident on a radio program, and as a result, he lost his DJ job the next day.

then.

Followed by.

quarrel.

With Jung Soo-jung, who was his girlfriend at the time.

Ultimately, exhausted from repeated cold wars, they broke up sadly.

Then came... a long period of silence.

His name seems to have received "special attention" from certain individuals within the Ministry of Culture.

The place is deserted.

Ultimately, he left for China.

result……

The film "For Love or Money" was a box office and critical flop, resulting in a disappointing failure.

After returning home.

The web drama "Good Day," which she co-starred in with Kim Ji-won, with whom she was still friends, quietly sank into obscurity.

That was almost the darkest period of his life.

later……

When did the light come in?

Is he the slightly silly but stubborn and hardworking rookie PD from "The Producers"?

Is it Bae Suzy's energetic and radiant face that appears in this chaotic life?

read this.

Kang Jae-hoon subconsciously tilted his head slightly.

My gaze fell on the spot not far away next to my teacher's wife, Kim Mi-hye—

Bae Suzy was indeed sitting there.

only……

She wasn't listening to music at all!
Those beautiful big eyes were fixed on Lee Sung-kyung, who was to Kang Jae-hoon's right rear!

Judging from their posture, they might rush up at any moment for "revenge"!
Apparently!

The humiliation of being squeezed out of the "center circle" is far greater than a heavy, mournful ballad!
Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He silently turned his head back. His forehead seemed to hurt even more.

Really...

What a mess.

He gave a self-deprecating twitch at the corner of his mouth.

but……

Even in that darkest period, those 14 years when it felt like the world had abandoned us...

It is not entirely cold.

Lee Sung-kyung...

The girl who was so afraid of heights that her face turned pale.

But she still accompanied him on that damned, whistling roller coaster.

Im Yoona...

She invited him to her concert.

Below the stage, amidst dazzling lights and cheering crowds.

He was enveloped by the bustling crowd.

The radiant figure on the stage exudes power, telling him that life can be so vibrant and passionate.

It's hard to say whether it's lucky or unlucky...

"Zai Xun?"

A very soft voice interrupted his turbulent thoughts.

Kang Jae-hoon snapped out of his daze.

I found myself staring intently at Yoona without even realizing it.

She asked silently with her eyes:

what happened?
Kang Jae-hoon did not answer.

She merely curled the corners of her lips slightly.

Amidst the solemn and mournful background music, I secretly tickled her palm.

Lim Yoona was slightly taken aback.

immediately.

She pursed her lips, her eyes sparkling.

Under the cover of the singing, she quietly reached out her hand.

She grasped his fingers, which he hadn't yet withdrawn after drawing the heart.

Fingers intertwined.

In this somber melody of remembrance for the departed.

It conveys a message that only we understand—it's so good to have you by my side right now.

……

The mournful melody of "July 7th" has faded away.

Amidst thunderous applause, the host brought the opening ceremony to a close with a vibrant voice:
"Let's give another round of applause to Red Velvet, and to every guest who has come here!"

"The grand launch ceremony of Next Scene Film Limited has now officially concluded!"

"Later, we cordially invite all our distinguished guests to the Shilla Hotel, where we will prepare a light meal to celebrate this shining moment together!"

Thank you again for coming!

"..."

The atmosphere at the scene instantly shifted away from solemnity and stage tension.

The guests chatted in small groups as they walked toward the waiting vehicles outside.

The teacher's wife, Kim Mi-hye, stood quietly between Bae Suzy and Lee Sung-kyung.

With one hand, he naturally took Bae Suzy's arm, which was still a little angry, and with the other hand, he gently patted Lee Sung-kyung's arm.

"Let's go, kids."

"Sit with your teacher's wife and talk to her."

Bae Soo-ji was about to confront Lee Sung-kyung about her resentment when her teacher's wife's casual remark shut her down.

Lee Sung-kyung glanced coldly at Bae Suzy, then at Kang Jae-hoon and Im Yoon-ah who were seeing guests off in the distance, and finally nodded:
"Okay, Master Wife."

The two, one on the left and one on the right, each with their own thoughts, had no choice but to obediently be led away from the "main battlefield" where a silent battle had just broken out by their master's wife.

the other side.

Kim Ji-won walked up to Song Hye-kyo again, her smile sweet.

"Shall we go too?"

Song Hye-kyo gently patted her back:
"Okay. Congratulations, Jae-hoon! We're heading to the hotel now!"

Song Joong-ki smiled and nodded to Kang Jae-hoon.

The three of them boarded the same car and drove away smoothly.

Before leaving.

Kim Ji-won glanced through the car window at Kang Jae-hoon and Lim Yoon-ah, who were still standing side by side at the door, busy with their work.

A complex look flashed across his eyes.

Inside the venue.

The clamor has subsided.

All that remained were the staff members calmly cleaning up the mess.

The Red Velvet members came to say goodbye, accompanied by their managers.

"Thank you so much for today. The performance was wonderful and a great help."

Kang Jae-hoon strode forward to greet him.

Standing beside him, Lim Yoona smiled and added:

"Yes! Wendy's high notes today were so steady and amazing! Seulgi's dance moves were perfectly controlled!"

talking.

She took several envelopes from her assistant, envelopes that looked very sincere.

He personally handed it to each member.

When Joy and Yeri received the envelopes, they subtly felt the thickness between their fingertips. They quickly exchanged a glance, and Joy even secretly mouthed "Daifa" to Yeri.

The smile on his face became even more sincere and radiant.

"Thank you, Yoona unnie! Thank you, President Kang!"

After thanking them in unison, the girls boarded the van and left under the guidance of their agent.

After seeing the performing group off.

The real wrap-up work inside the venue has only just begun.

Yoona showed no sign of stopping and naturally took over part of the command on site.

"The list of recipients will be checked again at the media gift distribution area."

"The hotel's final number of guests, dietary restrictions, and allergy information will be updated with a third confirmation letter within fifteen minutes to ensure that there are no mistakes in the kitchen."

"..."

not far away.

A young stagehand rushed over carrying several receipts, looking anxiously at Kang Jae-hoon who was leaning against the wall, lost in thought.

"President-nim! There's a problem with the audio company's payment process. We didn't have their contract copy filed, and the final equipment add-on fee..."

Kang Jae-hoon maintained his languid posture leaning against the wall, nodding his chin at the elegant figure a few meters away who was checking information on his phone:

"do not ask me."

Go ask her.

"It only counts if she says so."

The stagehand was taken aback, but immediately understood:

"Inside!"

He turned around and ran happily towards Lim Yoona.

……

As Red Velvet's van merged into traffic.

The last piece of audio equipment available for rent was loaded onto the truck.

The final media gift receipt form has been filed.

The plaza in front of the Next Scene film studio building, which was just a moment ago bustling with activity, is now only quiet with the sounds of busy staff cleaning up the mess.

The van silently glided up in front of the two of them.

"gone."

Without even looking up, Yoona tapped the screen one last time with her fingertip.

"Yeah." He responded.

With fluid movements, he locked the screen and handed the tablet to his waiting assistant.

Then, she stuffed her handbag into Kang Jae-hoon's empty left hand.

Kang Jae-hoon caught it with ease.

The car door is closed.

It isolated us from the outside noise and the mess of the final stages.

The wheels are rolling.

Heading towards the Shilla Hotel.

Kang Jae-hoon turned to the side.

There was no build-up whatsoever.

A warm, large hand covered her slender, taut right shoulder.

Knead it with just the right amount of force.

"Are you exhausted?"

Yoona has her eyes closed.

Her long, thick eyelashes resembled tired butterflies.

There was no resistance to the warmth of his palm.

She even tilted her neck slightly.

Move a little closer to him so that he can more easily massage those sore and stiff muscles.

Her voice was muffled and tinged with a coquettish complaint:
"I'm exhausted... It's more tiring than holding eight concerts in a row..."

She slightly lifted her eyelids and gave him a reproachful glance:
"...Someone seems to have it pretty easy. Just lazing around and doing nothing the whole time, huh?"

"Doesn't this just prove that our Yoona is truly capable and hardworking, a pillar of strength?"

"However, speaking of this 'shopkeeper'—"

Kang Jae-hoon's massage movements slowed down:
"You have no idea, I was really humiliated in public by that 'iron-fisted' Director Yin the other day..."

He began to vividly describe how, at the company that day, he had enthusiastically announced a million-dollar bonus to boost morale, and how Yin Jingxi had coldly and ruthlessly rejected him in public with professional terms such as "tax time bomb," "a model of system destruction," and "a terrible precedent."

I almost became the kind of unfortunate boss who "died right after opening"...

The tone was somewhat like a primary school student tattling.

Yoona, who had been enjoying the massage with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them.

"Director Yin?"

"Ah."

"How dare you lay a hand on my man in front of everyone to establish your authority?"

"When we get to the hotel later, I'm really going to have a 'good' meeting with her..."

This declaration of possessiveness...

That's damn beautiful!
Kang Jae-hoon used a little force to pull the person closer to him, and rubbed his chin against the fragrant hair:
"It's so good to have Yoona here."

"Now you realize how good I am?"

Yoona nestled in his arms and poked his chest with her finger:
"Just now on stage, President Jiang, surrounded by beauties on both sides, was quite the sight to behold."

"..."

coming!

Though it may be late, the time for questioning has come!

"Injustice!"

Kang Jae-hoon's face, which the media had dubbed the "Chungmuro ​​Chameleon," immediately fell, and as he massaged his shoulders, his tone was half coquettish and half aggrieved:

"What I did wasn't a hug."

"I was clearly being boiled in oil!"

Yoona's lips curled up uncontrollably, revealing a hint of smug satisfaction at being pleased, but she suppressed it and let out a soft snort through her nose.
"Deserve it!"

Kang Jae-hoon keenly caught the fleeting curve of her lips.

It's now!

"Yoona..."

His voice suddenly dropped several octaves, and the massage movements under his hands also took on a different meaning.

Yoona's half-closed eyelashes trembled slightly.

Eyes not open.

They didn't dodge it.

It means tacit consent.

It is also a silent invitation.

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his head.

Kiss those alluring cherry lips that are slightly pouting in reproach!

"Well……"

A syllable was completely swallowed up.

At first, Yoona bit him slightly, showing a bit of temper.

It was then set on fire.

The fatigue accumulated throughout the day, and the tension of maintaining a perfect image in front of the camera... all transformed into an equally fervent response.

A slender arm wrapped around his neck.

They threw themselves wholeheartedly into this covert firefight behind the cramped car seat.

The air became thin and scorching hot.

Their breathing was rapid and intertwined.

Kang Jae-hoon's hand had already uncontrollably slid down to her beautiful waist, and he even had the urge to explore more dangerous areas.

The atmosphere is rapidly slid towards the brink of spiraling out of control...

"President-nim. We are 500 meters from the main gate of Silla Hotel. We expect to park in two and a half minutes."

The driver's emotionless voice instantly dispelled the romantic atmosphere inside the car.

Im Yoon-ah suddenly pushed away Kang Jae-hoon, who was covering her.

next second.

With a "click," the interior light turned on with a cold glow.

Her slender back was held perfectly straight.

With dazzling speed, fingertips conjure from the chain bag a small enamel mirror with a tortoiseshell handle and a tube of matte rose-pink lip gloss, re-outlining the lip gloss edges that someone had just kissed.

The movements were focused and elegant.

The woman who was just moments ago nestled in her lover's arms, exuding a coquettish charm, transformed back into a radiant goddess in a matter of seconds.

……

Shilla Hotel Banquet Hall.

The fragrance of clothes and the shimmering light of the crystal chandelier intertwined.

When Kang Jae-hoon and Im Yoon-ah, this perfect couple, "arrived late together" and stepped in side by side.

shhhhh--

Several gazes shot through the air like poisoned arrows!
Ignoring the various gazes directed at her, Yoona whispered to Kang Jae-hoon:

Which one is Yin Jingxi?

Following the direction of Kang Jae-hoon's slightly raised chin.

Im Yoona spotted a woman in a black suit with a sharp and aloof demeanor not far away.

"I'm going to pay a visit to this Director Yin."

"You go ahead and attend to your social needs."

Done.

With an elegant yet dangerous smile, she walked gracefully toward Yin Jingxi.

Kang Jae-hoon was just about to breathe a sigh of relief and find a corner to calm his feelings of being whipped by the gazes of all sides.

A familiar lavender scent wafted over.

"Hey."

A cold, simple syllable.

Kang Jae-hoon's heart skipped a beat, and he felt inexplicably guilty.

"What...what happened?"

Lee Sung-kyung didn't look at him; her gaze swept aimlessly over the clinking glasses of the guests, her tone as flat as if she were reciting a weather forecast unrelated to herself:
"Oh, nothing."

"I was just in the rest area over there, and I was bored."

"Coincidentally, I overheard Editor-in-Chief Tina chatting with a female representative from Cartier's headquarters... They seemed to have a pretty good impression of your appearance in 'Descendants of the Sun'."

These are clearly not the main points.

Here comes the point.

"Here!"

With a flick of his wrist, Lee Sung-kyung slapped the two envelopes directly into his arms.

"They insisted on giving it to me!"

"The show lineup for Paris and Milan next month, invitations to the front row of several main shows. There's also an invitation to a private Cartier Asia Pacific appreciation dinner..."

Om-!
Kang Jae-hoon felt a buzzing in his head!
Top-tier luxury red and blue bloodlines!

Front row seats throughout all four major international fashion weeks!
Cartier's olive branch!

Lee Sung-kyung's "help" instantly elevated Kang Jae-hoon's status and network of connections to another level!
"The Bible! Thank you..."

"Thank you for what."

Lee Sung-kyung quickly interrupted him, muttering under her breath:
"...I'm just afraid you won't be able to tell the difference between haute couture and street food, and you'll embarrass yourself when you go out."

however.

This heartwarming moment (which was routinely met with disdain by Kang Jae-hoon and Lee Sung-kyung) didn't even last five seconds.

A figure carrying the scent of lychees forcefully entered between the two.

"Oppa~!"

Bae Suzy affectionately took his arm, which had been left hanging, but the words that escaped her red lips were enough to make his heart pound:
"I talked myself hoarse just now trying to calm those officials down... but it was very rewarding!"

“One of them mentioned a project in a private conversation—'A Taxi Driver,' starring Song Kang-ho and directed by Jang Hoon (a disciple of director Kim Ki-duk), which focuses on the Gwangju democratization movement.”

She shook his arm:

"The script is amazing! We're currently in the early stages of fundraising and looking for co-producers... Oppa!"

Bae Suzy leaned even closer, her breath sweet as orchids:

"This is a winning story! It'll definitely get tons of attention! And this kind of participation... how much of a boost it would give your new company? Why don't you step in and talk to them? Or..."

He winked slyly.

"You'd like to personally play an important role? I think that would be perfect for you!"

Kang Jae-hoon felt his head buzz again!
Taxi Driver!
Gwangju Uprising!

Song Kang-ho!
Zhang Xun!

Any one of these names is enough to drive film investors crazy!
Not to mention the inherent topicality and award potential of such politically sensitive topics!

Bae Suzy's gift is too generous!
"Sooji...you..."

At this moment, Kang Jae-hoon was even at a loss for words to express his overwhelming gratitude.

only……

He didn't even have a chance to fully express his gratitude.

Her other soft arm possessively took his free right arm.

Lee Sung-kyung's voice was as cold as a poisoned blade, piercing straight at Bae Suzy:
"Very important?"

"of course."

Bae Suzy's smile was charming and radiant:
"The model thinks it's important to be on the Cannes Palme d'Or nomination list with the name Next Scene and to win the Blue Dragon Award for Best Film."

"Is it more important to go to those foreigners' fashion shows, take a photo—and wait for them to give you a watch, then turn around and say, 'You have a decent style'?"

Bae Suzy's words were extremely venomous!

"Miss Model", "Foreigner's Fashion Show", "A Watch as a Gift", "Decent Look"...

Every word was precisely aimed at Lee Sung-kyung's pride!
They completely devalued the top-tier resources she had carefully brought, along with her dual identity as a model and Kang Jae-hoon's girlfriend!
Lee Sung-kyung suddenly raised her head.

Those amber eyes instantly turned icy cold, shooting straight at Bae Suzy's smug and provocative face!

Bae Suzy did not back down at all.

Instead, she raised her delicate chin slightly, as if she were a victor.

She even pulled Kang Jae-hoon's left arm into her embrace more forcefully, her smile becoming even more unrestrained, filled with an arrogant "I'm going to step on you, so what?" attitude.

Two completely opposite yet equally powerful auras collided violently on either side of Jiang Zai Xun, like ice and flames!

The atmosphere was extremely tense!
A devastating conflict could erupt at any moment!
Caught in the middle, torn apart by two forces, Kang Jae-hoon felt his head throb with pain.

The conditions offered by both sides were incredibly tempting.

Taxi Driver is a crown jewel of cinematic art!

The front row of the four major fashion weeks is a ladder to status and top-tier business resources!

How am I supposed to choose?!

Choosing this option is like detonating a nuclear bomb immediately!
"Uh... um... Suzy... Bible... look at you guys..."

But obviously.

Nobody paid any attention to what the two powder kegs were saying!
at this time!

A heavenly voice (to Kang Jae-hoon) rang out with a lazy, playful tone:
"Jae-hoon... I've been looking for you for ages."

Lim Yoon-a!
She strolled back leisurely, as if she had completed a small task, completely untouched by the dust.

His gaze swept over Kang Jae-hoon's gruesome splint-like appearance, then over the way Bae and Lee were tearing at him like fighting cocks, neither willing to give an inch, and a slight smile curved his lips:
"uh-huh?"

"Are you two... having some kind of power struggle? Look how hard it is for our President Jiang to pull?"

Swish-!
Just moments ago, Bae Suzy and Lee Sung-kyung were locked in a life-or-death struggle, wishing they could tear each other apart with their gazes!
The instant I heard Yoona's superior tone, as if she were looking down on human conflicts from a godlike perspective—

They simultaneously released their grips, which were almost embedded in Kang Jae-hoon's muscles, as if by telepathy!
and.

Turn your head sharply.

He glared fiercely at Lim Yoona, who seemed detached yet exuded a sense of superiority as a judge!

Kang Jae-hoon, who was suddenly released, almost lost his soul.

The instant the body was pulled back from the brink of hell.

What you see is what can be called the "eighth wonder of the world"—

A rare and spectacular moment when "enemies joined forces against Yoona".

(End of this chapter)