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

Chapter 253 President Jiang's Survival Rules: If you can't beat them, play the victim; if

Chapter 253 President Jiang's Survival Rules: If you can't beat them, play the victim; if you can't play the victim, act like a dog.
not far away.

I witnessed firsthand how Lim Yoona, with just a few words and a nonchalant air, took the overwhelmed Kang Jae-hoon away from Bae Suzy's "major project hammer" and Lee Sung-kyung's "top luxury resource storm".

And he even managed to provoke the two of them into turning their fire on him...

Kim Hyoyeon was stunned and took a big gulp of champagne to calm herself down.

Shaking his head repeatedly:

"Our Yoona... her skill level..."

She couldn't even think of any words to describe this high-level operation.

"You went to China and ended up watching these palace intrigue dramas?!"

I held it in for a long time.

I finally managed to squeeze out this simple exclamation.

Seohyun was stunned for a while by this scene that could be described as an "artistic way to get out of a tight spot".

It took me a moment to come to my senses.

"To be honest, unnie..."

She deliberately dragged out the sound, turning her head to look at Hyoyeon beside her:

"I was just thinking..."

He paused deliberately.

Kim Hyoyeon looked at her, puzzled.
"Ok?"

Seohyun suppressed a laugh and asked with a sincere expression:

"If that scene had been played by Hyoyeon unnie in Yoona unnie's position..."

He slowly finished speaking the second half of the sentence:
"—I'll probably just start fighting with both of them right here and now, right then and there?"

"and……"

Seohyun watched as Kang Jae-hoon was "dragged away" by Im Yoon-ah in a disheveled state.

Finally, he burst out laughing.

My shoulders were shaking from laughing:
"Our Kang Jae-hoon oppa might also get caught in the crossfire of your 'righteous iron fist' a few times..."

Seohyun playfully made a boxing gesture at the end.

"right?"

Kim Hyoyeon was so angry at the vivid description that her nose almost crooked.

He nudged Seohyun with his elbow in an annoyed manner:
"Hey! Seohyun! Am I really that unlike a woman?! I can be gentle and considerate too!"

Seohyun giggled as she was bumped into.
"No, no, no, our Hyoyeon unnie is the most gentle and considerate person in the world."

But he denied it.

Kim Hyoyeon recalled the hypothetical scenario that Seohyun had just described...

It seems, maybe, possibly, probably...

It certainly fits my "explosive" way of doing things.

The image of herself lunging at him with bared teeth and claws kept flashing through her mind...

Then look at Kang Jae-hoon in the distance, who has already integrated into the investor circle and is trying to regain his composure as the president, and Lim Yoon-ah beside him with a perfectly steady smile...

Kim Hyo-yeon herself couldn't hold it in anymore.

He rolled his eyes and chuckled helplessly, then raised his glass and took a big gulp.

"Forget it, forget it, comparing this to Yoona..."

"Unnie, I give up!"

This level of palace intrigue.

I really can't play this game!
That girl is absolutely inhuman!

……

at the same time.

We've escaped that suffocating "battlefield of beauties."

Step into the area comprised of investors and industry giants, where the lighting appears more rational and cold.

Kang Jae-hoon felt as if his CPU, which was on the verge of crashing, was finally beginning a difficult restart.

He instinctively moved closer to the only "stabilizing force" beside him, and taking advantage of a brief pause after exchanging pleasantries with an investor, he lowered his voice and asked:

"Yoona...look at what Suzy and the Bible brought..."

His Adam's apple bobbed:
"...How should we handle these two opportunities?"

As Lin Yoona gracefully finished responding to another production executive's polite remarks, upon hearing this, her clear eyes, which always seemed to see through people's hearts, narrowed slightly.

She turned her head to the side, a faint, yet chilling smile playing on her lips:
"Ok?"

"President Jiang..."

The voice was deliberately kept soft and slow.

"Is this some kind of test for me?"

"..."

"what?!"

A chill instantly exploded along Kang Jae-hoon's spine.

"No no no!"

He visibly panicked instantly:

"I absolutely didn't mean that!"

"It's just... I can't live without you."

Yoona's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile for a moment as he teased her, but she quickly composed herself again.
"Stop talking so much."

He nodded to yet another passing guest.

Wait until the other person has passed by.

She turned slightly to him, no longer pursuing that bit of jealousy:

"Okay, just kidding."

"Let's get down to business."

“I just visited Director Yin. Next Scene currently has 35 billion in available strategic reserves.”

"5 million must be kept for daily operations, and only 30 billion can be used for the first film investment."

30 billion is a sum for a production that typically starts at tens of billions.

This cup of soup.

How much will we get?
"Suzy's 'A Taxi Driver' is undoubtedly a good project."

"With veteran actor Song Kang-ho, director Jang Hoon, and the Gwangju Uprising as the subject matter, it's a double guarantee of awards and buzz. But—"

"The threshold for this kind of sure-win situation is extremely high."

"We can't take the lead; we can only try to secure a co-production credit."

Joint production = risk sharing + cost control.

Use limited funds to achieve the most efficient brand empowerment.

and.

Being a co-producer usually means having the right to "amicably negotiate" casting for roles that are not main or supporting.

In addition, there was the friendship between Hwang Jung-min and director Jang Hoon.

There is a high probability that Kim Ji-won will be included in the core cast of a project of this caliber.

Thus.

It not only gives Kim Ji-won the "leap in status" she has always dreamed of, but also fulfills his promise to Kim Ji-won to some extent.

Kang Jae-hoon was getting excited.

Suzy provided a channel that Yoona used to achieve ten times the cost-effectiveness!
"That……"

Kang Jae-hoon's voice was tinged with hesitation.

After all, there's still a hot commodity—a top-tier luxury resource.

"Fashion Week invitations and Cartier dinners brought by the Bible..."

Lim Yoona gave a soft hum:
Do I even need to explain that?

"Top-tier fashion resources are one of the core engines of an artist's commercial value and a company's brand premium."

"In the future, we will expand our artists' opportunities to become top cosmetics brand ambassadors, luxury brand ambassadors, and even film product placements. This is a truly strategic resource that can benefit the entire artist roster of the company."

"Think about the resources and influence that G-Dragon brought to YG."

"Although the Bible..."

Im Yoona paused for a moment, then swallowed back the comment that was tinged with personal emotion:
"It is no less significant than 'Taxi Driver,' and may even be more enduring and have a wider impact."

"You're too good at calculating..."

Kang Jae-hoon sighed out unconsciously.

The look in his eyes as he gazed at Yoona was filled with sincere admiration.

Yoona tilted her head slightly to glance at him, a smug smile curving her lips, her long eyelashes fluttering like feather fans.
"After all... you have to do a good job as the boss's wife~"

She pronounced the words "boss lady" lightly and sweetly.

It has a slightly provocative hook.

In an instant, the rational analysis that had just been filled with the stench of money was pulled back into a state of ambiguous intensification.

Kang Jae-hoon's heart skipped a beat.

Gazing at her radiant smile so close to his face.

For a moment, I forgot where I was.

Tick, tap, tick, tap...

The sound of a needle ticking was so faint it was almost inaudible.

Yoona habitually glanced down at the exquisite watch on her wrist.

The smile on his face seemed to have been paused.

"I have to go."

She raised her head, without the slightest hesitation:
"The promotional period for 'God of War Zhao Zilong' in China is in two and a half hours. The makeup team and lighting are already in place, and the plane won't wait for me."

Kang Jae-hoon was instantly jolted awake by the warmth:
"So fast? I'll give you a ride!"

"no need."

Lim Yoona gently shook her head.

His gaze passed over Kang Jae-hoon's shoulder.

For a brief moment, two dangerous signal lights were locked onto the elegant figures behind him.

The contact lasted only a moment before being removed.

It was so fast that its deeper meaning was impossible to grasp.

Then, she turned her gaze back to Kang Jae-hoon's face.

"You stay here..."

"...to properly entertain our distinguished guests."

The word "Laibin" has a profound meaning.

It refers to the group of powerful figures in front of us who control resources and money.

It also points to those two... unstable factors that could cause chaos at any moment.

Unfinished business.

It was all reflected in those clear, bright eyes.

Even though I said I didn't need it.

Kang Jae-hoon stubbornly escorted Lim Yoon-ah all the way out of the banquet hall.

Until they reached the car that was waiting in advance at the hotel entrance.

The driver opened the back door.

Lim Yoona stopped.

I didn't sit down immediately.

She turned around.

The shrewdness and competence she displayed in the banquet hall were gone.

He tilted his face slightly upwards.

The way she looked at Kang Jae-hoon seemed to soften a bit in the wind.

No words are needed.

Kang Jae-hoon understood immediately.

He took a step forward.

Strong arms encircled her slender waist.

A passionate kiss filled with possessiveness and a sense of farewell.

short.

But it was purer than that kiss in the van earlier, which was filled with chaotic desire.

Lip points.

Yoona's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gave him one last deep look.

It was as if they wanted to etch his image onto their retina before he left.

Then I turned around decisively.

He bent down and sat inside the car.

The car window rolled up silently.

They separated their intertwined gazes.

"Let me know you've arrived safely!"

Kang Jae-hoon quickly shouted into the car window.

The car sped away, merging into the still-brilliant river of cars on a Seoul early summer night.

A gentle breeze blew.

It brings a touch of coolness.

It also dispelled the lingering sweet peach scent of Yoona on his lips.

Kang Jae-hoon took a deep breath.

To regroup and make a comeback.

Return to that battlefield brimming with both opportunity and "killing intent".

however.

I had just stepped into the brightly lit banquet hall.

Two fragrant breezes instantly surrounded and sealed him off from the left and right, the powerful pressure pinning him to the spot. On the left was a blend of lavender and cool cedarwood in the base notes—Lee Sung-kyung.

On the right is a rich, vibrant, and sweet fragrance with the juicy scent of lychee—Bae Suzy.

"President Jiang~"

Bae Suzy's voice is so sweet it could drip honey:
"I have a small problem here, could you please take a moment to guide me?"

Lee Sung-kyung's tone was also unusually gentle (it looked incredibly fake):

"Yes, it's a personal matter."

He spoke politely and respectfully, but the force with which he gripped his arm was enough to twist it off.

He didn't even have time to react.

Or.

His reaction was completely ignored.

The two cooperated tacitly.

With forceful strides, she dragged him into the secluded depths of the banquet hall corridor.

Along the way, we encountered several guests who wanted to say hello.

Meeting Lee Sung-kyung's chilling gaze and Bae Suzy's enigmatic smile...

They all wisely looked away.

He seemed oblivious to Kang Jae-hoon's desperate expression, as if he had been kidnapped.

boom!
The heavy, soundproof door to the lounge was slammed shut behind her with her heel.

Outside the door, there was a scene of extravagant revelry and music.

Inside the door was a chilling guillotine.

The harsh white light from the overhead lamp shone on those two stunningly beautiful yet chilling faces:

left.

Lee Sung-kyung crossed her arms tightly to her chest, her long legs crossed, and her amber eyes stared intently at the frozen Kang Jae-hoon.

"Kang Jae-hoon, isn't it amazing to have two women at once?"

right.

Bae Suzy's signature sweet smile had vanished completely; her arms were crossed over her chest, and her chin was slightly raised.

"Now, shouldn't you give us an explanation?"

Aloof and cold.

A vibrant and striking one.

However, they formed an unprecedented alliance of judges because of their common "enemy".

Kang Jae-hoon's Adam's apple bobbed up and down with difficulty.

What can it explain?
Was it "business etiquette" to hug and kiss Lim Yoona just now?
Is Lee Sung-kyung just a regular roommate and a regular friend?
Is Bae Suzy a good colleague?
He even sensed that Bae Suzy's eyes were beginning to simmer with the urge for a physical attack, and Lee Sung-kyung's hand seemed poised to grab her high heels...

My gaze unconsciously swept over the metal ashtray with the "Next Scene" logo printed on it on the small coffee table next to me—

Is that thing sturdy enough to withstand a pair of high heels? Can it carry Suzy's handbag?

The thought of survival flashed through my mind.

"Mute?"

Bae Suzy's voice has lost all its sweetness.

Lee Sung-kyung didn't say a word.

"..."

Silence is the deepest despair at this moment.

A few seconds later.

Kang Jae-hoon's shoulders suddenly slumped.

It's not admitting defeat.

Instead, it completely tore away all pretense and wishful thinking.

"explain?"

He raised his head and looked directly at the two burning flames of anger before him:

"it is good."

"I'll explain it to you."

"You don't need to take turns interrogating me."

"I admit it myself."

Kang Jae-hoon forced a smile that was almost bleak:

"Correct."

"I enjoy the resources you bring."

“I took advantage of your feelings.”

"I'm still insatiable and delusional, wanting to have it all!"

“I am the kind of bastard you’ve cursed countless times in your heads—a complete, rotten bastard to the core! Scum!”

Every word carries weight.

He mercilessly nailed himself to the pillar of shame.

Every word is as sharp as a knife.

The impact caused both of them to shudder slightly.

Lee Sung-kyung's arms, which were crossed over her chest, instantly loosened, and Bae Suzy's expression froze in astonishment.

But it's not over yet.

Kang Jae-hoon didn't give them any time to process their shock and complex emotions.

"Things have come to this——"

"Open your eyes and look at the situation between us!"

"Are you still just a simple boyfriend and girlfriend? Don't be naive!"

His gaze swept toward Lee Sung-kyung:
“My life is filled with traces of you, Lee Sung-kyung, how am I supposed to separate you from this?!”

The gaze shifted to Bae Suzy:
"Once you've put on the label of 'son-in-law of Gwangju,' can you really take it off?"

"I can't live without either of you!"

"I know! I know this idea is utterly selfish, utterly filthy, and incredibly unfair to you! But this is the reality! This is the mess we've created after we've stripped away the pretense!"

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly raised his hand and pointed to the closed door of the lounge:
"I've had enough of this act, and I'm exhausted."

"Which of you feels wronged? Can't stand it anymore? Doesn't think I'm a scumbag and not worth it?"

"OK--!"

"Get out of here!"

"If I, Kang Jae-hoon, dare to stop you even for a second—I'll be a dog!"

……

silence.

Deathly silence.

Only the heavy, suppressed breathing of the three people echoed in the small space.

Lee Sung-kyung stared at his face, which was distorted with excitement.

a few seconds.

She suddenly chuckled.

"it is good!"

The cold sound was like ice beads hitting the ground.

"Remember your words!"

He didn't even glance at Kang Jae-hoon again.

He resolutely strode toward the closed door.

The dull thud of high heels hitting the carpet was like a heavy hammer blow to Kang Jae-hoon's heart; each step heralded the end.

Do not--!
Kang Jae-hoon's pupils suddenly contracted!
What "retreating to advance" and "strategic abandonment"? It's all utter nonsense!

The body instantly transcends thought.

A hungry tiger pounces on its prey.

The moment Lee Sung-kyung's slender fingertips touched the cold doorknob.

Two strong, powerful arms wrapped tightly around her waist like iron hoops.

"You're not allowed to leave—!"

Lee Sung-kyung groaned as he choked her, the immense impact lifting her feet off the ground instantly.

She struggled with the thought.

But the restraints remained completely still!

Bae Suzy witnessed this sudden reversal, a scene straight out of an eight o'clock soap opera, and was so angry that she burst out laughing.

Good guy!
You only stopped her but not me, right?

Fine! I'm not playing along anymore!
Bae Suzy also turned around abruptly and rushed towards the door.

"Don't--!"

With his left arm still tightly holding the terrified and frantically struggling Lee Sung-kyung, his right arm suddenly gripped Bae Suzy's slender wrist, which was reaching for the doorknob, and pulled it back sharply—

"what!"

Bae Suzy screamed, completely caught off guard.

With a brute force yank, he staggered and fell backward.

She crashed hard into Kang Jae-hoon's arms.

To be precise——

It crashed into his outstretched, waiting right arm.

The scene is frozen!

left.

Lee Sung-kyung was tightly bound between his left arm and chest.

He was still struggling in vain, his high heels angrily trampling on his leather shoes.

right.

Bae Soo-ji's soft body pressed tightly against his right arm and ribs.

His wrist was gripped tightly by his large, bony hand, making it impossible for him to move.

His angry, panting breaths landed rapidly on his chest.

that's it.

Kang Jae-hoon embraced Lee Sung-kyung on his left and Bae Suzy on his right.

This created an extremely bizarre and utterly absurd scene—

One man can hold the pass.

I have physical control over the field, bringing both beauties into my grasp.

The two women were forced to press themselves against that hot, infuriating chest.

I had no choice but to look up.

At such a close distance.

Bae Suzy's fiery eyes met Lee Sung-kyung's amber eyes, which were almost frozen solid.

The moment their eyes met.

The sense of shared hatred that had just arisen from being "abandoned" vanished in an instant.

We're here...

He's forcibly holding me... what's he doing?!

Lee Sung-kyung looked up at Kang Jae-hoon's grimacing face so close to hers, and then recalled his righteous yet utterly flawed "scumbag declaration"...

"Kang—Jae—Hoon—!"

"You! You! Shameless! Scoundrel!!"

at the same time.

Bae Suzy also realized what was happening:
"Okay!"

"So you're putting on a melodramatic show to try and soften our hearts?! President Jiang, you're a natural-born actor!!"

The accusations rained down on Kang Jae-hoon like a storm.

The expensive suit was crumpled, the instep of his foot had been stepped on countless times, and his arm was already stinging from the nail marks.

Embarrassed.

despair.

out on a limb.

"Who was it that just said anyone who dared to stop us was a dog?"

Bae Suzy suddenly raised her head and stared at Kang Jae-hoon.