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

Chapter 254 Pei-Li Boxing Ring: A Two-Way Race

The lights in the banquet hall of the Shilla Hotel were still shining brightly.

The chaotic "rest room human-dog identification incident" seemed to have never happened.

At least on the surface.

A scene of elegant attire and graceful figures.

Kang Jae-hoon was holding a champagne glass and chatting and laughing with several heads of film and television investment funds.

The man's tall and upright figure, encased in a perfectly tailored dark suit, articulated the production direction of a certain "Next Scene" project for the next five years.

Occasionally, a well-timed joke can evoke a sense of restraint.

The sharpness and control that belong to a rising star in the film industry were evident in his brows.

The premise is...

Ignore the extremely unnatural wrinkle at the edge of his shirt collar.

(It's like someone has grabbed you by the collar and yelled at you.)
...and a subtle dent in the back of the suit jacket.

(It appears she received a "greeting" from the heels of high heels)
Everything was almost perfect.

Behind a pillar that is neither conspicuous nor obtrusive, yet offers a perfect view of Kang Jae-hoon's performance.

Two equally eye-catching slender figures.

Bae Suzy crossed one arm over her chest, while elegantly holding a glass of champagne with the fingertips of the other.

"Tsk..."

His tone was drawn out and slow, a signature "Pei-style" teasing:
“Look at him standing there, putting on such a respectable act. If you didn’t know better, you’d really think he was some young, promising, steady, and reliable businessman.”

Lee Sung-kyung's gaze remained fixed on the distance.

He didn't even spare Bae Suzy a glance.

It was as if he was talking to himself.

It was as if it were a rebuttal to the other person's pointless remark:

"if not?"

"Should we let everyone see him in the lounge just now...?"

The next four words, "barking loudly," were on the tip of his tongue.

He was forced to swallow his words again.

"..."

After a short silence.

Bae Suzy suddenly changed the subject.

Turn sideways.

She turned her bright face completely toward Lee Sung-kyung.

"Hey."

"Just now in the lounge...did you really want to leave?"

Lee Sung-kyung finally managed to pull her gaze away from Kang Jae-hoon.

Turn your head slowly.

Bae Suzy's reflection was reflected in her amber eyes with a cool light.

"I was angry."

"Oh~~~~~~"

Bae Suzy drawled out her words as if she had just realized something.

The voice also took on a strange, sarcastic tone:

"Tsk tsk... I just thought our aloof and stubborn Lee Sung-kyung was quite the backbone~"

"Ah--"

Lee Sung-kyung responded with a short, mocking laugh.

They didn't even bother to fake their expressions.

“Bae Suzy…”

"There are no outsiders here..."

What are you pretending for in front of me?

She took half a step forward.

Her height gave her an advantage, allowing her to look down slightly at Bae Suzy.

obviously.

Old grudges resurfaced.

Lee Sung-kyung hadn't forgotten Bae Suzy's earlier mockery of her as a "model."

Bae Suzy's smile remained unchanged.

"You think you can outdo me?!"

"Why didn't you utter a sound when that old hag was here?!"

These words.

It was both ruthless and heartbreaking.

It hit Lee Sung-kyung hard on a sore spot she herself was unwilling to acknowledge.

Im Yoona...

When Yoona was actually there.

When that elegant and composed person, whom Kang Jae-hoon subconsciously relied on and trusted, was present.

Lee Sung-kyung's aloof stubbornness does indeed unconsciously diminish somewhat.

This is a fact.

It is a kind of unspeakable inferiority complex brought about by the gap in reality.

Aside from having a better figure than the other person,

Career achievements?

Network resources?

Even the ability to control the situation with ease in such situations?
It seems that nothing is truly qualified to rival that female prodigy who fought her way up from being a "national girl group member" to her current status.

"You didn't say anything either."

Despite the weak and ineffective counterattack.

But the pot calling the kettle black; who can be more noble than whom?
Bae Suzy's face turned pale after being hit by this "boomerang".

True.

At that time, Yoona's words when she called Kang Jae-hoon away from between the two were very simple:
"If you want to make tomorrow's headlines, then keep tearing each other apart."

Not a negotiation.

It is a trial.

Regardless of how much resentment and anger they felt for their own resentment and love.

None of these things should be used to push Kang Jae-hoon and his company into the eye of the storm and become a laughing stock at this crucial moment when Kang has poured his heart and soul into establishing the company.

My reason was forcibly pulled back by this bucket of cold water.

Only then did they let go.

This tacitly acknowledges Yoona's precise and unmistakable "overall dominance".

……

Lee Sung-kyung was too tired to look at her forced posture anymore.

Holding a wine glass.

With long strides, I'm ready to leave.

"Hey!"

Bae Suzy's unwilling voice rang out again behind her.

Lee Sung-kyung didn't stop walking (but she clearly slowed down).

"honestly."

"Besides your pitiful advantage of knowing him a few years earlier than others... what else do you have that makes you worthy?"

"Why not wake up and find another man?"

"..."

Lee Sung-kyung came to a complete stop.

The childhood friendship of several years was ironically reduced to— by Bae Suzy's lighthearted words.

Is it just a "tiny" advantage of taking a little longer?
The tacit understanding, companionship, and warmth of relying on each other during the darkest days that were accumulated over time are so insignificant.
Is it really that insignificant?
A few seconds later.

Lee Sung-kyung slowly turned around.

"Ah……"

A soft laugh escaped from her red lips.

"Change men?"

“Bae Suzy…”

The voice was as soft as falling snow.

Why don't you change it?

Point to point!
Bae Suzy immediately raised her beautifully shaped chin with pride.

Those large, alluring eyes sparkled with absolute confidence and arrogance!

The smile was so bright it was dazzling:
"Me? Why should I change?"

"I'm a perfect match for Jae-hoon oppa! We were born for each other!!"

She counted on her fingers:

"Just looking at their appearance—the cutest height difference! Fans agree they're a perfect match!"

"Let's look at their works again—The Producers, Zootopia, Train to Busan..."

Yes.

A few days ago, the Cannes Film Festival officially announced that "Train to Busan" had been selected for the Midnight Screenings section.

The poignant embrace between her and Kang Jae-hoon on the poster was included in the official trailer and broadcast globally.

Then there's the "couple's daily life" in the promotional photos, which were flooded with posts from CP fans saying "Fox and Rabbit CP has come to life."

She felt incredibly confident!

This is simply destiny!
"Not to mention the chemistry between us when we're together!"

"That's simply..."

"..."

at that time.

Lee Sung-kyung's cold and beautiful smile had completely transformed into undisguised murderous intent.

"A perfect match?"

She kept repeating the word.

"I think you are..."

"You've never been beaten before, have you?"

Bae Suzy was not afraid at all.

They even took the initiative to straighten their chests and step forward.

She is not as tall as Lee Sung-kyung.

But its aura was like that of a proud little phoenix!
"Huh? What?"

"Do you want to give it a try?"

Eyes facing each other.

Lightning flash!

The anger that had been temporarily suppressed because of Lim Yoona was completely reignited by this conversation where they exposed each other's shortcomings!
And it burns even brighter!

"Tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM, No. 28, 10th Street, Shengshui 2nd Road, Black Mamba Fighting Club."

"Dare to come?"

Bae Suzy wasn't scared at all; instead, she raised her chin even higher.

"--Walk!"

"Leave now!"

……

far away.

Kang Jae-hoon was completely unaware of all this.

Park Jung-wook is currently working with Park Jung-wook, the minister in charge of historical project promotion and film and television collaboration under the Gwangju Culture and Tourism Bureau.

To explore the project "Taxi Driver".

"Director Park, thank you very much for your trust and support."

"As a newly established company, NEXT SCENE is well aware of its limited experience. However, we have the backing of Mr. Huang Zhengmin's extensive network and experience, and we are determined to go all in and have a keen sense for excellent topics."

"Co-production is indeed the safest and most mutually beneficial approach. We are very happy to be one of the partners and contribute to bringing this magnificent memory of democracy to the big screen!"

Kang Jae-hoon spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

They even brought up Hwang Jung-min's name.

however.

Park Jung-wook slowly spoke:
"We can feel President Jiang's sincerity."

"but……"

His sharp gaze fell on Kang Jae-hoon's handsome and expressive face.

"The soul of the movie 'Taxi Driver' lies not only in the story itself, but also in the warmth and persuasiveness brought by each character."

He leaned back slightly.

He raised a point that surprised Kang Jae-hoon:

"Especially a college student who speaks fluent English and represents the younger generation's yearning for justice and communication with the world."

“We believe that this role…”

He paused again.

The way he looked Kang Jae-hoon up and down was incredibly blatant.

"...His image, temperament, and the gaze that can bear the weight of history—none other than President Jiang himself can match him!"

These words were like an invisible rope, instantly tightening around Kang Jae-hoon's throat.

His prepared arguments regarding co-production profit sharing and actor recommendations were all rendered useless!

My heart is racing!

Kang Jae-hoon's carefully maintained smile was almost about to crumble.

He could even imagine the uproar online:

[Shocking! Company president allegedly goes bankrupt and takes on acting roles to recoup losses?!]

"Director Park, you...you're too kind!"

The "Chungmuro ​​Chameleon" level of acting skills instantly came online, with a perfectly timed mix of surprise and delight on his face.

"Being able to contribute to this film that is destined to shine in film history is a great honor and a great challenge for me, regardless of my role!"

"only……"

Kang Jae-hoon's tone became extremely humble and sincere:
"I know that although I have some acting experience, the weight that 'Taxi Driver' carries is far greater than that of ordinary works!"

"If Director Park and Director-nim truly believe that I am qualified to add a touch of color to this film..."

"I, Kang Jae-hoon, am willing to act in this film without receiving any payment!"

"I will dedicate this precious salary entirely to the portion of the production handled by Next Scene Films to demonstrate my respect and determination!"

Zero pay!
Their posture has become so low as to be utterly humbled!
But the core objective is clear—my company doesn't yet have that capability?

Then try to get involved as an actor without any payment, and then use this "pledge of allegiance" to gradually gain more weight in subsequent productions!

Park Jung-wook was clearly taken aback by this weighty "pledge of allegiance".

Zero pay?
They even have to pay for the production costs?
This sincerity...

That's a generous portion!
The scrutinizing expression on his face finally softened a little.

The assistant leaned down and whispered a few words in his ear (presumably mentioning Bae Suzy and her relationship with Kang Jae-hoon).

Park Jung-wook's gaze softened further.

He pondered for a moment.

His gaze lingered on Kang Jae-hoon's face.

finally.

He revealed a gentler smile.

He reached out his hand:

"We have all seen President Jiang's sincerity and determination."

"so……"

"Specific details regarding the collaboration with the production company..."

“Our department and the production committee will assign someone to further assess NEXT SCENE Films’ team strength and project management capabilities.”

He didn't finish his sentence.

But the meaning is very clear—

We can talk.

We're giving you a formal opportunity to enter the competition! (Although it's not the most ideal combined core.)
"We will maintain smooth communication and look forward to further in-depth exchanges!"

Kang Jae-hoon felt a sense of relief!
The first step is done!
"Yes! Definitely! I'll be waiting anytime!"

He immediately grasped Park Jung-wook's hands tightly.

The key figure has left.

Kang Jae-hoon let out a long sigh of relief.

He was thinking of quickly sharing the good news with Bae Soo-ji, the great contributor.

at this time.

A fragrance of gardenias quietly approached.

"Oppa..."

Kim Ji-won had been standing obediently beside him without him even noticing.

She tilted her little face slightly upwards.

Those large, expressive eyes were filled with timely concern:
"Oppa looked so serious just now... Did the talk... not go very smoothly?"

Her voice was soft and sweet.

Kang Jae-hoon was looking for someone to vent his tension from earlier.

It was her.

My heart softened.

Her concerned gaze seemed to melt away some of the weariness.

He leaned casually against the pillar beside him, with nothing to hide from her:
"They only want to use me personally, but they lack confidence in our production capabilities. I was thinking that if we could collaborate more deeply, maybe I could help you land a significant role..."

Kim Ji-won immediately shook her head.

"Oppa, please don't say that."

His large, calloused hand was immediately covered by a soft, smooth palm.

"I'm okay~"

Their ten fingers intertwined naturally.

"I'm so happy to be able to start a business with Oppa and watch Next Scene grow little by little. There will be plenty of opportunities for roles in the future."

Feel the soft, warm touch and comfort coming from your palm.

The exhaustion I felt from being bothered by Pei and Li seemed to have been soothed by this pure and non-aggressive gentleness.

Kang Jae-hoon instinctively squeezed her small hand back.

A gentle smile played at the corners of her lips.

Just at this tender moment.

Agent Kim Dae-won walked over in a hurry.

His gaze swept over their intertwined hands (but he couldn't care less about that at the moment), and he whispered solemnly in Kang Jae-hoon's ear:

"Ten minutes ago, Bae Suzy and Lee Sung-kyung left together."

"what?!"

Kang Jae-hoon's heart skipped a beat:
"Where are you going?!"

"It's unclear at the moment. Their cars left the hotel one after the other, and their directions are currently unknown. We've already sent people to investigate."

"Tell me the results as soon as you find them!"

"Ah."

Kim Ji-won, who was standing next to him, was still being held by his small hand.

Watching him lose control because of those two women.

Looking at the undisguised nervousness on his face.

A deep, unfathomable emotion flickered in the depths of those eyes that had just been shimmering with gentle light.

So fast that it's impossible to catch.

immediately.

She put on that most fitting and compliant mask again.

The little hand gently patted Kang Jae-hoon's tense hand in a comforting way.

The tone is soft.

It is full of understanding and magnanimity:
"Oppa, don't worry too much..."

"...They're all grown up now..."

"...You'll be mindful of your behavior...right?"

That soft, hesitant ending tone.

It was less of a comfort.

rather say……

It added another flare of "possibility" to Kang Jae-hoon's already volatile nerves.

however.

At that moment, Kang Jae-hoon had no mind to savor the deeper meaning in her words.

He just felt.

This is so frustrating!
"Oppa is already overwhelmed with work, and they... sigh, they really shouldn't be distracting him at a time like this."

Hear the words.

Kang Jae-hoon let out a long sigh.

Fingers tightened slightly.

He gently squeezed the soft little hand in his palm.

"Our Ji-won is the best..."

"She's both sensible and easy to take care of."

He didn't even notice when he said that—

The moment that compliment was uttered.

Beside her, Kim Ji-won's lips subtly curved into a smile that was almost imperceptible.

A smug glint flashed in his eyes.

—Fleeting.

—No trace can be found.

……

The cold white light shone down directly.

The countertop inside the octagonal cage reflected a faint glimmer of sweat.

Lee Sung-kyung and Bae Suzy stood across the center line, each wearing brightly colored boxing gloves—Lee Sung-kyung's were a cool, dark blue, while Bae Suzy's were a flamboyant pink, like a silent declaration of confrontation.

Both of them were wearing tight-fitting sports vests.

One of their legs is so long it's a foul.

Her waist was so thin it was dazzling.

It was beautiful yet menacing, yet it also had a strange sense of incongruity.

"The rules are simple—"

The coach next to him swallowed hard, his eyes darting between the two men.
"Stop right there, don't hit me in the face, don't pull my hair, don't..."

"let's start."

Lee Sung-kyung interrupted coldly, her amber eyes fixed on Bae Suzy:
"Anyway, she won't last more than half a minute."

Bae Suzy chuckled, a provocative smile playing on her lips:
“I’ll return those words to you exactly, Miss Model.”

"Ding--"

The bell had just rung.

Lee Sung-kyung then struck a textbook boxing stance.

He protected his jaw with both fists.

Lightly touching the ground with the toes.

The 175cm tall model's figure, when leaping, resembles a lioness poised to pounce.

"Shh!"

A jab came suddenly, not fast but with a tricky angle—he's obviously trained with a professional.

But Bae Suzy on the other side reacted with a Taekwondo side slide step.

"Crack—!"

The battle cry echoed throughout the training hall.

She tensed her right leg muscles, about to launch a high kick, when she suddenly realized that she wasn't standing on the wooden floor of the dojo, but on an unfamiliar soft mat in a boxing ring.

The moment the center of gravity shifts.

Lee Sung-kyung's jab barely grazed the tip of her hair.

The scent of lavender mingled with the sweet aroma of lychee, creating an eerie ambiguity in the heat of the breath.

"Ah."

Lee Sung-kyung glanced down at her right leg, which was still dangling in mid-air:
"Would you like me to get you a barre, ballerina?"

Her response was a sudden sweeping leg kick.

Lee Sung-kyung jumped back to dodge, but stepped on her own sweaty footprints and almost slipped.

The two regained their balance.

They stared at each other from a safe distance.

Chest heaving violently—

Three parts are due to exercise, and seven parts are the thrill of adrenaline surging.

When the bell rings in the second round.

Bae Suzy's fingers, which were gripping the trap, trembled slightly.

She watched as Lee Sung-kyung pressed down on her like a lioness, the sound of her punches sending chills down her spine.

Her body reacted faster than her brain; she ducked to dodge the straight punch, and in the instant she turned and kicked back, she could even feel the wind from her leg whipping up her opponent's hair—

"boom!"

A sharp pain exploded from the back of her foot, and Bae Suzy gasped.

Lee Sung-kyung wasn't much better off; her forearm was numb from the shock, and there were dents on her boxing gloves.

Where are you kicking it?

Lee Sung-kyung swung her arms.

"Why are you hiding?"

Bae Suzy hopped on one leg, grinning.

The coach covered his face with the scoreboard, his shoulders twitching suspiciously.

The third round, with stamina bar almost empty.

All fighting styles have become mere decorations.

When they rolled around in a ball for the third time, the rubber particles from the boxing mat were stuck to their bodies.

Lee Sung-kyung's knee was pressed against Bae Suzy's inner thigh, and Bae Suzy's elbow was stuck on her collarbone.

The two were like two plants with intertwined roots.

Even the slightest movement will trigger more intense pain.

Sweat dripped from Bae Suzy's chin onto Lee Sung-kyung's eyelids, making her blink repeatedly due to the saltiness.

"so."

Bae Suzy's breath brushed against her ear: "What exactly do you see in him?"

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly bent her knees in retaliation:
"none of your business!"

"His obsequious, sycophantic manner?"

Despite the pain, Bae Suzy didn't loosen her grip; instead, she tightened it even more.

"how about you?"

Lee Sung-kyung suddenly flipped over and pinned her kicking legs down:

"Is it just because he can bark like a dog?"

The air froze for half a second.

Bae Suzy couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

Lee Sung-kyung passively swayed her shoulders.

Laughter was like a contagious yawn.

The two were laughing together in the boxing ring.

While lying on the mat to catch my breath.

Bae Suzy caught a glimpse of Lee Sung-kyung's abs peeking out from under her sports vest and, almost without thinking, reached out and poked them.

"ah!"

Lee Sung-kyung jumped up as if she had been electrocuted.

"It's quite sturdy."

Bae Suzy tilted her head and smiled, pointing towards the bathroom:
"Want a drink after showering?"

In the steamy shower, the sound of water drowned out their muffled conversation.

But the staff in the rest area can testify.

As the two women wearing baseball caps walked away side by side, one of them suddenly reached out and removed a rubber pellet from the other's hair.

As the glass door opened and closed, a few words drifted in:

"That old woman is indeed..."

".Um."

(End of this chapter)