Chapter 41

Villain Only Acting 041

Innocence Trampled (1)

[Veteran actor Y is embroiled in an extramarital affair scandal. Y, known for his impressive acting career, has always been praised as a sweet husband and father... (omitted)...

Meanwhile, the new film by director Hwang In-joon, in which Y stars, is now facing rough waters... (omitted)...

It remains to be seen how much of a setback this extramarital scandal will be for the film's box office.]

"What the hell! They're openly smearing me! They even exposed my name and the film's name!"

Hwang In-joon, suddenly sober, sputtered in anger.

Chae Ji-hyun, pale-faced, was busy searching for articles, and Jeong Su-ryeon couldn't take her eyes off the screen.

"Yun Hyeong-sik, what are you going to do? How can you be implicated in such a ridiculous scandal?"

Of course, it would be filled with doubt if he hadn't heard the story from his sister earlier.

In this industry, baseless smear campaigns are a daily occurrence.

But the words his sister had spoken kept nagging at him.

"Hyung-sik. I'm sorry. It seems Tae Jin-jeong, that bastard, has nothing left to lose and is now latching onto you to get back at me."

"No, I'm fine. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Hah, Tae Jin-jeong, that scumbag. Ah! Seo-hoon, Su-ryeon. I'm sorry. I got too excited and my words came out harsh."

"No, I understand."

"I would have sworn worse. It's a ridiculous smear campaign. Still, how could someone in the same industry do this?"

It's clear that this was a premeditated move, given the extensive coverage.

A considerable amount of money must have been spent.

The media wouldn't publish an article that would make Hwang In-joon an enemy without some form of compensation.

"But what will happen to the film now?"

Yun Hyeong-sik, despite the situation, was still worried about the film, and Hwang In-joon felt both grateful and apologetic.

"Don't worry. You're not even the lead, so how much impact could it have? It seems Tae Jin-jeong, that bastard, is just trying to get under my skin. Getting angry over this would only hurt me."

"But you were clearly angry just now. A lot."

"Chae Ji-hyun, I'm human too. I couldn't help but get angry for a moment. I'm fine now. I just want to grind my teeth at Tae Jin-jeong, that bastard."

"I really don't understand why he's like this. How many years has it been now?"

"He's a lifelong enemy, that bastard."

Seeing Chae Ji-hyun subtly taking his side, it was clear that Tae Jin-jeong had a notorious reputation in the industry.

'Wow, they both don't suspect Yun Hyeong-sik of the affair itself. They think it's a smear campaign, of course.'

Of course, that was a reasonable assumption.

But Jeong Su-ryeon couldn't shake off a nagging feeling.

"Alright! I'd like to keep drinking and lift our spirits, but I need to deal with this. I'll have to call it a night here. Sorry."

"No problem. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."

"If you want to help, promise to star in my next film. That would really help me, Seo-hoon."

Hwang In-joon, even in this situation, didn't forget his business, and Jeong Seo-hoon laughed it off.

***

It was almost noon.

The siblings got out of the taxi and returned home.

Jeong Su-ryeon, unable to speak in front of the taxi driver, kept sending messages.

[Is the affair real?]

[Don't know]

[Director and Chae Ji-hyun seem to believe it's true]

[We'll know when the lid is lifted. They said he's a sweet guy]

[But if you were a woman, you'd like him, right?]

[We didn't talk about that]

After hesitating for a moment, Jeong Seo-hoon finally asked.

[But what if it's real?]

[What do you mean, what if?]

[The film, I mean]

[The film? They won't scrap it just because a supporting actor is involved in an affair scandal. Only sensitive people would avoid it. But what about the footage already shot?]

[They'll just release it]

[Of course. There are investors who've put a lot of money into this film. A scandal like this won't ruin the film. It might affect the box office a bit]

Jeong Su-ryeon, who had been typing casually, suddenly turned to Jeong Seo-hoon.

"Seo-hoon, did you have a role in mind? In the film?"

"I don't know."

"Seems like you did. Hey, it's not like the film will be scrapped. It might even do better."

"Do better?"

"The scandal has already generated buzz. The production company saved on marketing. Who knows where this will lead."

"Anyway, they won't replace the actor."

"They won't. The film is about to have its premiere. How can they scrap it over a rumor with no evidence? Besides, Yun Hyeong-sik is known for his clean image. They'll just have to push through."

Push through.

Jeong Seo-hoon couldn't help but think of a besieged front line.

"What if it's real?"

"If I were the CEO, I'd delay the release until the truth is uncovered. How long would that take? Besides, the director thinks it's all fabricated."

"I guess not."

'Not that I had high hopes.'

He definitely felt the need to give up.

***

The taxi finally arrived at their house.

The siblings walked through the garden and entered the first floor.

Their father, sitting on the sofa, was engrossed in three laptops on the table.

"Father, I'm home. Seo-hoon is here too."

"I told you to come home early. You've grown up, but you still don't listen."

"That's why I came home early this morning. Where's Mother?"

"Sleeping. She's amazing. How can she watch dramas for 12 hours straight without a break?"

"Father, you work 12 hours straight without a break. I think that's more impressive. But what about my Birkin bag?"

"Mother or husband."

"Didn't you promise to buy it if I gave up on becoming an actor? It's been almost two years. When are you going to keep your promise?"

Then the father suddenly cleared his throat.

Glancing towards the bedroom, the father whispered to Jeong Su-ryeon.

"Go check your room."

"Yes! Yes!"

Jeong Su-ryeon clenched her fists and cheered.

"It's from the basic catalog, so don't be too disappointed. It took 14 months to get it."

"Wow, 14 months. How did you endure the itch to show it off, Father?"

"It was originally Mother's, but I took it and gave it to you. It's a secret, so don't tell anyone."

"Mother doesn't know?"

"Yes, I gave her something else. It's a real secret."

"Of course, of course! Father, I love you!"

After showering kisses on her father's forehead and cheeks, Jeong Su-ryeon excitedly went upstairs.

Left alone with his father, Jeong Seo-hoon couldn't understand why his father was acting this way but remained silent.

"Seo-hoon, are you upset?"

"Huh?"

"I'll get you a nice handbag too, so don't be too jealous of your sister. It's not even worth two thousand."

"..."

Jeong Seo-hoon finally recalled his father's timid nature.

***

Hwang In-joon kept calling journalists.

But most of the journalists who published the affair articles didn't answer his calls.

"These bastards. How much did they take from Tae Jin-jeong? No wonder they're called scumbags. Damn."

The film production company's PR manager asked.

"Director, just to confirm, there are no issues with Yun Hyeong-sik's personal life, right?"

"Of course not. Of course not. Do you know how clean that guy is? There's no one in this industry with a cleaner personal life and a stronger sense of morality. Trust my eyes, not just his words."

"Understood. We'll handle the articles accordingly."

The PR team checked important points to ensure a rational response.

Then Hwang In-joon's phone vibrated.

Seeing the caller, Hwang In-joon's expression froze as if he had seen a bug.

The PR manager, noticing Hwang In-joon's stiff expression and the caller, also looked uncomfortable.

"Director, is that Tae Jin-jeong?"

"..."

"Yes."

"Maybe you should answer. You should at least hear what he has to say."

"Alright. A weak director has to follow the PR team's advice, I guess."

As soon as he answered the call on speaker mode, a smooth voice poured out.

- Hey, Hwang In-joon. How have you been? Did you like my gift?

"Mr. Tae."

- Hold on, is this on speaker? Are there any production company staff listening? Hwang In-joon, turn off the speaker and move to a quiet place.

"It's not on speaker."

- I'm doing this for your own good. There's nothing good that can come from it leaking out. You're probably recording this anyway, so tell your friends to listen later. But they probably won't get to hear it. Hehe.

"..."

Feeling his authority slipping, Hwang In-joon was annoyed but also found it strange.

Tae Jin-jeong's attitude was too relaxed, unlike when he had tried to ruin him before.

Moving to a quiet place, he said.

"It's noisy. Speak now."

- Hwang In-joon. You don't seriously believe Yun Hyeong-sik, do you?

"What do you mean?"

- Do you seriously believe that horny bastard?

"No, I don't. So, did you pay the journalists to ruin my film? You should at least maintain some decency. Do you think only I'll be ruined if the film fails? The other actors, agencies, and investors won't sit idly by. You're the one who's ruined, got it?"

-Hehe... This bastard has no idea how the game is played. Listen carefully. Do you know who Yun Hyeong-sik is involved with? It's Ha-ran from Julius Center, Ha-ran!

"What?"

Shocked as if hit on the back of the head with a hammer, Hwang In-joon's pupils trembled violently.

***

Yun Hyeong-sik, who had comforted his worried wife, checked the call from Hwang In-joon.

"Dear, I got a call from the director."

"Okay, dear."

Moving to a quiet study, Yun Hyeong-sik answered the call.

"Yes, Director. I've answered the call."

- Did you mess with Ha-ran?

Hwang In-joon's voice was unusually calm, and Yun Hyeong-sik, taken aback, responded.

"What? What do you mean?"

- Did you mess with Ha-ran? Ha-ran from Julius Center. I gave her a small role in my film.

"No, I really don't know what you're talking about. I only talked to Ha-ran occasionally on set and don't even know her contact information..."

- Hey! Bastard! Where are you lying? I have dozens of photos of you two having dinner together! Did you know who her sponsor was before you messed with her?

"What?"

Yun Hyeong-sik's pupils shook violently like collapsing bedrock.

- You're ruined now! Not just you, but our film is ruined too!

"Director, I don't understand what you're saying..."

- Ha-ran's sponsor! The biggest investor in our film! Damn you!