Chapter 35

Villain Only Acts 035

One More Death (1)

Cedious Entertainment was suffering from the scandal involving their actor, Jung Ah. The actor management team was sweating profusely, trying to calm the angry fans and manage the situation.

The scandal's main subject, however, was completely carefree, which made the manager, coordinator, and other staff feel wronged.

"Jung Ah, the CEO is calling you."

"Me? Why?"

"Why do you think? Because of the scandal, of course, the scandal."

"Bro, it wasn't a scandal, it was just an incident."

"We know, but do you think the fans will believe that? You're at the peak of your career, why did this have to happen now? Sigh."

"You're being too harsh. If anything, Jung Seo Hoon is the one who got crushed like a sprout under a rock because of me."

"Is he even one of ours? Anyway, go up there quickly."

"Got it."

Jung Ah moved with her usual haughty gait.

Upon entering the CEO's office, she was greeted by Jang Seung Won, a lean man in his early to mid-40s, who welcomed her with open arms.

"Ah, Jung Ah. Come in. I heard you had a wrap party yesterday?"

"Yes, we did."

"Great job on the drama. I heard the ratings were record-breaking. CF contracts are pouring in. This will boost your value even more. Well, it already has."

"But why did you call me here to lecture me about not behaving properly and causing a scandal, and how I might lose all the CF deals and what will happen to my hair?"

"Well, that makes it easier to talk about."

Jang Seung Won's smile vanished.

"Be honest with me."

"Just an incident."

"Hey, hey. I can be honest with you, but you have to be honest with me. Are you going to marry that guy, are you pregnant, or are you just enjoying it? I need to know for sure to respond properly."

"Seriously, what are you talking about? It was just an incident. That day, I was drinking with writer Kim Sang Hee, and she invited Jung Seo Hoon later."

"What? Really?"

"Writer Kim was right next to us when the photo was taken. She just didn't appear in the photo."

Jang Seung Won seemed to calm down as if he had been suppressing his frustration for ten years, but then he suddenly became angry.

"How can I just let this go! This is why they call them 'yellow journalists'! I've treated them to so many meals and drinks, and they just rush to join the hate train when someone's house is on fire?"

"Even you were jumping around, weren't you, CEO?"

"I do that because I care about our artists. Anyway, there's nothing going on, right?"

"I'm Jung Ah."

"Right, you're Jung Ah. Oh, you're so reliable. Hey, you're such a pretty thing."

CEO Jang Seung Won laughed heartily and pressed the intercom to give an order.

"Tell the PR team, all team leaders and above, to come up here now."

***

Oh So Hee was frantically posting comments and replies on SNS, her eyes bloodshot.

Kim Da Hye was also busy participating in the online battle on her phone.

The reason was the scandal involving Jung Seo Hoon and Jung Ah.

It seemed like the entire world was filled with hate for Jung Seo Hoon.

"Damn. Why is everyone bashing our Seo Hoon?"

"Even if someone has to be bashed, it should be Jung Ah, not our Seo Hoon."

"Look at the photos and videos; it's clear Jung Ah lured him in. Those who haven't watched 'Illigal' don't know anything about bashing our Seo Hoon!"

"How can this be a drama fandom? It's more like a girl group stan fandom!"

Jung Ah, known for her pure and scandal-free image, had a passionate fan base.

Many fans who were busy with their jobs and only recently caught up with the scandal were also jumping into the drama.

They were leaving Jung Ah alone and thoroughly tearing apart Jung Seo Hoon.

―Rookie? It's clearly fake acting. I'm giving a calm and objective evaluation. ㅇㅇ

―How dare he climb a tree he can't even look at?

―Looking for someone to hang Jung Seo Hoon (1/100)

―Don't touch my wife, damn it.

―Why are you calling my wife your wife?

While the fans of Jung Seo Hoon were also participating in the online battle, they were vastly outnumbered.

This side was formed from the early fan base of 'Illigal,' but the other side had a much higher proportion of people who hadn't watched 'Illigal.'

The two women, who were in the middle of a keyboard battle, became anxious when they looked at the clock.

"Damn. We need to watch the main episode soon. If we stop now, they'll think we're just trembling and will claim victory."

"Let's stop and watch the episode first. We're just housebound women with no jobs to go to. It's better to boost the ratings than to argue with these people."

"But this Siberian bear said he'd bring beer. Why is he taking so long? Is he robbing a convenience store or something?"

Ding dong. Ding dong.

"You're talking about him like he's a ghost."

Oh So Hee grumbled and opened the door, and O Tae Woo, a bear-like man, entered with a lot of beer.

"But isn't your leave over?"

"It is."

"How can the violent crime unit be so relaxed?"

"I said I had something to do at home and got out. They interpreted it as something bad. How much time is left?"

"20 minutes."

"Oh, and this."

O Tae Woo took something out carefully.

It was a collection of autographed photos of various actors, neatly coated.

The two women were surprised but delighted as they received them.

"What's this? Did you go to the set, bro?"

"I was on stakeout duty, and they were filming nearby, so I went to check it out. They said they'd sign them for me since I was on duty."

"Awesome. This will add to my Seo Hoon autograph collection."

Kim Da Hye also received a set and asked happily.

"Bro, did you see him act? Did you talk to him?"

"I was too far away to see clearly. Jung Ah still looks beautiful. Thinking about it makes me angry again. Did you see the scandal articles?"

"Yeah, I did. How could they pair our Seo Hoon with anyone? He's clearly better than her."

"Kim Da Hye, that's not true. Jung Seo Hoon is the one who dared to climb a tree he couldn't even look at. Do you know how angry the uncle fans are?"

"No, that's not right."

A slight argument broke out, but they soon agreed to a ceasefire.

As the commercial ended and the drama opening began, O Tae Woo, with his eyes fixed on the TV, said,

"Anyway, our Jung Ah is not acceptable."

"That's what we're saying. We're against this scandal."

The final episode began.

***

When Hwang Hak Jin and his rival organization were both exhausted and suffering heavy losses, Lee Jin Wook told Goo Je Man to watch, then entered and massacred the exhausted group.

―Try to catch me if you can. Try to stop me if you can.

Lee Jin Wook, mocking Goo Je Man, carried the unconscious Hwang Hak Jin away.

Hwang Sun Hye, after receiving a call from Lee Jin Wook offering to hand over all the information Hwang Hak Jin knew, including the bribery ledger and videos of high-ranking officials receiving sexual favors, hesitated but eventually moved.

―Now, tell me your conditions. What do I need to do for you to hand over the information?

―Don't try to catch me in the future. Just watch. I'll continue to act in a way that will help you.

Hwang Sun Hye felt tempted by the offer but felt a light disgust at her own silence.

Lee Jin Wook smiled faintly, as if telling her not to.

―There's something else I really want.

―Tell me.

―Watch from there. Like the lawyer hiding there.

Hwang Sun Hye's gaze shifted to one side, and Goo Je Man, whose cover was blown, flinched but did not step forward.

Lee Jin Wook, with a caring smile, glanced at where Goo Je Man was hiding and then pulled the black cloth aside like a stage curtain.

―Ugh...

Like a livestock about to be slaughtered, Hwang Hak Jin, naked and tightly bound, made Hwang Sun Hye feel nauseous.

Goo Je Man also covered his mouth to suppress a groan.

―Ladies and gentlemen, we are now preparing a special roast pig. He's old and vicious, but he'll be very delicious.

―Stop it! That's insane!

Unable to bear it, Goo Je Man shouted and ran out, but Lee Jin Wook, with a more terrifying smile, licked the meat cleaver with his tongue.

―Good. Scream more. More, until my heart tingles.

―Lee Jin Wook! Please! Stop it!

While Goo Je Man tried to stop the crime, Hwang Sun Hye's eyes remained calm.

Lee Jin Wook looked at her and grinned.

―Prosecutor, what did I say? We may be different, but we can go together.

***

O Tae Woo clenched his fist.

On the screen, Lee