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

Chapter 260: First came the victory in Gwangju, then the Paris uprising.

Kang Jae-hoon's smile remained perfectly intact.

Even when the editor-in-chief, Ms. Ott, focused her eager gaze on him, he nodded slightly as a sign of honor.

Hannah's translation is still ongoing:
"...The despair in your eyes as the prince trapped in the rice chest, that silent scream! It was Oscar-worthy!!"

(The rim of Kim Ji-won's champagne glass obscured the corners of her mouth that had just turned up.)
"It seems I need to discuss with Brother Yaren about making a twins action movie next time, and I'll send it to you for your appreciation."

Kang Jae-hoon leaned forward slightly, his posture so sincere it was convincing (translated clearly by Han Na).

Emmanuel was taken aback.

Kim Ji-won also looked over curiously.

Kang Jae-hoon's eyes were sincere:
"Thus……"

"Next time, you really won't be able to tell us apart."

When Hanna calmly relayed the message in fluent French, Kang Jae-hoon even made a Wing Chun starting stance, which made Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel Ott laugh until fine lines appeared at the corners of his eyes.

"Clever boy! I like you!"

(Hannah translated the French-style enthusiastic praise with a completely flattering tone.)
ten minutes later.

Hannah continued mechanically translating Emmanuel's rambling, while Kang Jae-hoon outwardly listened attentively, his mind racing—

How to gracefully end this "generation gap battle".

until……

"—Screenwriters these days!"

Emmanuel suddenly slammed down his champagne glass in annoyance:

"The fashion workplace dramas they write are practically fairy tales! They turned it into boring office politics! The reasons their editors-in-chief use to criticize clothing... God! It's because they're 'jealous of the female lead's youth and beauty'?"

"This is too childish!"

Kang Jae-hoon's previously drifting thoughts suddenly froze.

"True fashion."

But then, Emmanuel immediately curled his lip:

"...It happened backstage at a fashion show. An assistant was fired after the editor-in-chief insulted her entire family in Italian for picking up the wrong haute couture handbag from the current season, and the Chanel she was wearing was from the previous season!"

"In a luxury suite in Milan, a designer's contract for the next season was immediately and permanently terminated simply because he secretly borrowed a pattern from a competitor's sketch that had been abandoned six months earlier!"

She spoke faster and faster, her rapid French pronunciation making it almost impossible for Hannah's translator to keep up:
"It was about a rising supermodel being pointed out on the MET Gala red carpet for wearing the same inner layer as the wife of a socially awkward senator, which revealed a complex power struggle between brands and public relations tactics."

Kang Jae-hoon's eyes lit up as Hanna caught the keywords "MET Gala innerwear disaster," "abandoned pattern drafts," and "Chanel haute couture handbag," and Miranda's famous line from "The Devil Wears Prada" flashed through his mind: "That's all."

The image of Meryl Streep turning around with her platinum blonde hair on screen strangely overlapped with the commanding presence of Emmanuel in his eyes at that moment—

A spark of inspiration suddenly ignited.

Just as Emmanuel paused to catch his breath...

He decisively seized that tiny opening.

Raise your right hand – a gesture that is absolutely polite yet clearly conveys the intention to "interrupt".

Hannah translated his words into French at a steady pace:
"Please forgive my immature interruption, Ms. Ultra."

“Your words suddenly reminded me of a truly great work—The Devil Wears Prada.”

Almost as soon as Hannah uttered the last word, Emmanuel Ott's eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant light:
"Oh! Yes! Yes! Miranda Priestly! The icon who walked out of hell!!"

"Even after almost ten years, it remains a classic! A timeless classic!"

Kang Jae-hoon raised his champagne glass, the refracted light from the crystal dancing in his eyes:

"If 'The Devil Wears Prada' were transplanted to contemporary South Korea..."

"An East Asian fashion battlefield built by K-pop, beauty empires, and social media traffic..."

"What do you think—"

"Could a sharper, more modern 'Seoul version of Miranda' be born?"

Emmanuel's emerald earrings suddenly flashed with dazzling light—

Her forceful gesture of raising the glass with Kang Jae-hoon startled Kim Ji-won, almost causing her to choke on the champagne.
"Fantastique!"

"Compared to the relatively mature rules and regulations in the Western fashion industry, the Korean fashion industry also has a unique workplace culture—hierarchy, seniority relationships, and competition for fashion resources among K-pop idols... It may be even more exciting than the original."

Kang Jae-hoon's smile gradually widened—

Because he saw—

The president of Cartier Asia Pacific, not far away, was quietly moving closer to eavesdrop on the gossip...

Kim Ji-won's eyes lit up dramatically when she heard about the "intern's comeback."

……

The conversation was in full swing.

Just as Ms. Emmanuel was rapidly describing in French the capital games waged by top luxury groups eyeing the Asian market—

hum.

Kang Jae-hoon's phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

He took it out and glanced at it without making a sound.

The message notification that popped up on the screen made him raise his eyebrows almost imperceptibly.

Excuse me for a moment.

He gave Kim Ji-won a look and gently placed the champagne glass on the waiter's tray.

Two bodyguards in black silently followed. The three of them walked through the dappled light cast by the crystal chandelier and pushed open the heavy French glass doors to the rose-covered terrace.

The night breeze carried the steam from the fountain downstairs.

Kang Jae-hoon swiped to unlock the screen—

[Kim Dae-won 22:17]

"It's done!"

【22: 17】

"Miss Suzy is simply a goddess of wealth descended to earth!"

【22:17】

"They got Director Park and those two old foxes he brought along completely drunk!"

【22:17】

"Finally, they sang a section of 'Imjin River' in the Gwangju dialect!"

【22:18】

"Total investment of 10 billion Korean won + your role + co-production, we own 32%!"

【22:18】

"You can enjoy your date in Europe... no, please make sure to treat Ms. Suzy to a grand feast!"

The cold light from the phone reflected in Kang Jae-hoon's suddenly dilated pupils.

Securing the co-production was within his expectations.

He never doubted Bae Suzy's silver tongue and connections.

But 32%?!
His expected success rate was 22%, and he only dared to dream of a maximum of 25%!

This woman...

She not only turned his backyard upside down, but also utterly annihilated his front yard!

The evening breeze on the terrace carried the scent of roses from the estate and caressed my face, while in the distance, the lights of the Eiffel Tower meandered like molten gold flowing into the night.

Kang Jae-hoon leaned on the railing with one hand, deep in thought.

So……

How should we reward Marshal Pei, whose achievements have overshadowed the emperor?

Throwing money at it?

Bae Suzy's film and television fees and endorsements alone could bury her in a swimming pool of money.

Jewelry?

Her jewelry collection is so large it could be the subject of a small exhibition.

Vacation?

He desperately wants to learn how to create shadow clones.

Promise yourself?

The cold wind on the terrace suddenly felt like ice scalpels.

"……hiss."

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly felt a dull pain in his lower back.

Suddenly turned around.

Looking through the glass doors at the bustling crowd inside the hall—

Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel was talking animatedly to Kim Ji-won, while the girl nodded obediently and stole glances in his direction.

Sudden.

Inspiration struck him like lightning—

The female lead in the Korean version of "The Devil Wears Prada"!

Bae Suzy doesn't lack money, fame, or even ordinary resources—

What she lacks is a top-tier project that can prove everyone wrong about her being labeled a "box office poison"!

Since the box office failure of "The Song of Peach Blossoms and Plum Blossoms".

The snobs in the film industry had already quietly labeled her as a "pretty face" and "unable to carry the big screen."

No matter how popular the TV series became, it only solidified her title as "Nation's First Love".

but if……

Can she secure this most glamorous landing ship in Asia, representing a top Hollywood IP?

This would not only allow her to return to the heart of the film industry, but also completely transform her from "Nation's First Love" into "Fashion Queen"!
the most important is--

Once she takes on a role that requires her to fully immerse herself in it, she not only has to go to the brand's headquarters three months in advance to intern and study the character, but during filming, she will also be tormented by the demanding director, leaving her with no room to breathe.

At that time-

Bae Suzy definitely needs:
The time spent on acting instruction lessons > the time spent figuring out how to squeeze every last drop out of him;

The time spent studying the lines > the time spent battling with Im Yoon-ah from afar.

perfect!

Kang Jae-hoon almost wanted to applaud his own extraordinary wisdom!

The plan has been developed. The primary goal is now to implement it.

How can we get the host of this banquet to be interested in sponsoring or naming the film?
Kang Jae-hoon recalled the way the Cartier Asia Pacific president listened to gossip without batting an eye.

I had a vague idea in my mind.

……

As Kang Jae-hoon raised his champagne glass again and walked toward Editor-in-Chief Emmanuel, his eyes remained subtly focused on the change in the position of Cartier Asia Pacific President.

"Editor-in-Chief."

His voice rose a few decibels at just the right moment:
"I suddenly thought of an interesting statistic—"

As soon as Hannah finished her precise French translation, Emmanuel perked up his ears:

"?"

"After the broadcast of 'Descendants of the Sun,' Song Hye-kyo wore a snowflake ring from the brand J.ESTINA, which sold over 10,000 units per day."

really.

Yu Guangli, the president of the Asia-Pacific region, paused slightly.

"What's even more interesting is—"

"The main buyers are young women aged 20-35."

Emmanuel's eyes lit up:
"The Power of Film and Television!"

"not quite."

Kang Jae-hoon shook his head:
“They are not buying jewelry, but the dream of ‘I can have that kind of love’.”

"Just like 'The Devil Wears Prada' made countless girls fantasize that they were Andy who eventually wore Chanel."

The Asia president's figure had now completely stopped at the outer edge of the conversation circle.

"Actually, product placement in Korean dramas emphasizes 'emotional connection'."

Kang Jae-hoon drew a heart shape in the air with his finger:

"When the audience sheds tears for Kang Mo-yeon and Yoo Si-jin, they are also paying for the 'couple's style'."

The president of Cartier Asia Pacific raised his eyebrows almost imperceptibly.

Emmanuel suddenly clapped his hands:

"Absolutely right! That's why I mentioned those vintage jewelry pieces in Park Chan-wook's 'The Handmaiden'."

Kang Jae-hoon didn't wait for her to finish:
"But what image does Cartier have in the minds of young people now?"

He asked and answered himself:
"Mom's wedding ring, Dad's gold watch—"

Suddenly turning towards the location of the Asia Pacific President:
"What do you think, Mr. Renault?"

Everyone turned around in surprise—

Only then did they realize that the Asia-Pacific CEO had somehow ended up standing on the edge of the crowd.

Renault raised an eyebrow slightly, but unexpectedly replied:

"That's why we launched the Clash series."

"But will young consumers remember 'rebellious' or 'difficult to match'?"

Kang Jae-hoon hit the nail on the head:

"To be frank, Cartier Asia Pacific needs to create a 'phenomenal memory' in its marketing."

"for example."

He held up his phone to show Naver's real-time trending topics, and the tag #YoonMyungjooSeoDaeyongAfterSalesService# was still in the top three:

"Turn the brand story into a love bible for young people."

The air froze for three seconds.

Renault suddenly laughed: "Mr. Jiang should switch to marketing."

"Do not."

Kang Jae-hoon shook his head:
"I just want to make good movies—like making the Korean version of 'The Devil Wears Prada' into an epic advertisement for Cartier to conquer the Asian market."

He then presented the complete plan:
1. Deep implantation:

The film's protagonist wears Cartier's latest Clash collection to achieve a career comeback, with each product line corresponding to a stage of the character's growth.

2. Film and television synergy:

They launched a documentary reality show of the same name, "Finding the Real Miranda," which was about holding a nationwide audition for the female lead in the film.

Cartier is a sponsor.

Their jewelry will be the only designated jewelry for contestants to advance and for taking promotional photos.

When Kang Jae-hoon said—

In the final assessment that decides whether the intern stays or goes, Miranda casually tossed the ring onto the table and told the protagonist, "If you can make it look like a ridiculous counterfeit on your hand within a week, you'll stay."

When this plot was conceived.

Renault's eyes lit up completely, and he handed over his business card:

"I need a complete business plan."

Kang Jae-hoon accepted the champagne respectfully, and winked at Kim Ji-won as he turned around—the girl was already dumbfounded, and could barely hold the champagne in her hand.

No one noticed the message that Hannah's assistant sent to Yoona so quickly:

[The company president secured an annual collaboration with Cartier in just 15 minutes]

……

Night fell softly like velvet, and the manor lights gradually went out, leaving only the moonlight dancing like shards of silver on the fountain's surface.

As Kang Jae-hoon said goodbye, he bowed slightly. Emmanuel's emerald earrings brushed against his chin during the hug, leaving a cool touch.

The light from the crystal chandelier swirled one last time around the rim of the champagne glass, sealing this perfect business game within amber.

"Hanna's assistant."

He suddenly stopped and turned around.

Four black-clad figures, like a well-trained honor guard, instantly stood in a straight line in front of him.

Kang Jae-hoon's fingers traced the inside pocket of his suit jacket, and he took out four envelopes that the waiter had prepared beforehand, handing them over one by one:
"A professional service fee of two thousand euros per person."

Hannah's glasses slipped down slightly:
"President-nim, our working hours haven't started yet..."

"No, the contract—"

He suddenly loosened his tie, his Adam's apple bobbing as he let out a light, quick sound:
"This concludes the article."

Kim Jin-min and Lee Jae-hwan exchanged a glance.

The bodyguards' professional instincts prevented them from immediately reaching out.

Instead, they waited for Hannah's signal.

But the usually shrewd female assistant's lips tightened at this moment, and her fingertips quietly curled into her palm.

Kang Jae-hoon raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on her:
"You won't take the money? How about I change it to a plane ticket? I'll book the fastest flight right now to get you back to work?"

Hannah took a deep breath and accepted the envelope:

"...Thank you for your generosity."

Before the bodyguards could relax from their tense muscles, their person under their supervision had already taken the "key person under their care" and strode towards the revolving door.

Kim Ji-won's tongue-out face as she turned around was illuminated by the moonlight.

Her fluffy skirt, like a night-blooming cereus breaking free from its cage, blossomed in the night outside the door.

Kang Jae-hoon's slender fingers twirled the Porsche key, and the car's headlights flashed twice in response in the darkness.

The night breeze ruffled Kim Ji-won's loose hair, and she suddenly stood on tiptoe and bit his earlobe:

"Where to go now?"

"Go."

The engine roared as it tore through the moonlight:

"...I tried all the gelato flavors in Paris."

In the crimson arc traced by the taillights, four frozen figures were reflected in the rearview mirror at the hotel entrance. Hannah bent down to open the envelope; a card fluttered out from among a stack of euros—

Thank you for providing full supervision.

[I suggest you apply for a prison warden position next.]

……

on the passenger seat.

Kim Ji-won swished her high heels onto the back seat and stepped barefoot onto the leather seat:

"The first stop?"

Kang Jae-hoon turned the steering wheel with one hand: "To Trevi Fountain—"

"In legends..."

The shadows of the streetlights brushed past his suddenly lowered eyelashes:

"The person who throws a coin while facing away from the fountain..."

The vibrations from the tires rolling over the cobblestones came through the back of the chair.

"We will eventually return to Rome."

"If you put in two coins, you will be united with the person you love."

"But if you put in three coins, you can make the person you dislike leave."

Kim Ji-won paused for a moment, then suddenly leaned half her body out of the car window.

The night wind turned her ribbon into a flag of escape:
"Then I'll throw three!"

"One for our reunion—"

The shimmering light of the canal danced in her pupils.

"One for eloping—"

"The last one..."

She suddenly shrank back and buried herself in Jiang Zaixun's arms.

A warm lip print on his Adam's apple:
"...to make Hannah's assistant oversleep tomorrow!"

The speedometer needle swung merrily toward 120 km/h, much like someone's heart rate soaring at that moment.

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly remembered Yoona's line in the video, "Dream of me," and then he thought of Suzy's menacing Kakao. Finally, he looked down at the girl kissing him in his arms—

……

I should have asked for more coins.

(End of this chapter)