Chapter 45

Villain Only Acting 045

Instead of a Chick, a Turkey (2)

Hwang In-joon flinched, and Jeong Seo-hoon closed his mouth and just looked on.

Park Si-hong chuckled with amusement.

"Look at this. You understood what it meant, but you're pretending not to."

"What do you mean...?"

"I watched the scenes where our actor appeared in the drama. Your eyes are different, they really are. Others might think it's acting, but I can tell the real thing right away."

The smile disappeared from Park Si-hong's face, and his eyes took on a probing look.

"That wasn't acting, was it? Right?"

"Sir, Mr. Seo-hoon—"

Jeong Seo-hoon cut Hwang In-joon off and replied.

"I entered university early and studied for three years while preparing for a qualification. I also participated in my advisor's lab. After finishing my third year, I went to the military, and after discharge, I got a chance to appear in a drama. That's the answer before I became an actor."

"It doesn't seem like that. Your eyes are definitely not just from studying."

Park Si-hong turned to Hwang In-joon as if to say, "Is this true?" and Hwang In-joon nodded frantically.

"Our actor Jeong Seo-hoon is a genius among geniuses. He entered the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Korea University as the top student at the age of 17."

"Is that all true?"

Park Si-hong, still doubtful, tilted his head and asked again.

"Where did you serve in the military?"

"I was stationed in Yongsan. I was the duty soldier for a three-star general."

"Three-star general's duty soldier? So you had it easy, right?"

"Yes. I had a lot of free time, so I continued to study even in the military. I mostly tutored the general's children."

"Really? Is that true?"

Park Si-hong continued to tilt his head, as if it couldn't be true.

"I know your eyes well. Was that really just acting?"

Jeong Seo-hoon caught the muttered words that no one else could hear.

Since starting his life as Rashid, Jeong Seo-hoon has felt his physical abilities and senses becoming sharper and more refined day by day.

Park Si-hong suddenly broke into a bright smile.

"Oops, I was talking nonsense. Let's just forget it. I must have been carried away by how good your portrayal of the killer was."

"No, sir. You were just being kind to my acting."

"But was that your first role?"

Occasionally, a hint of informality crept into his speech.

It didn't feel like he was deliberately lowering himself; rather, it seemed he was trying hard to maintain respectful language.

"Yes. It was my first."

"That's impressive. You have talent. I was almost fooled. Hey, Director Hwang, didn't I suggest using this guy earlier instead of the affair actor?"

"Ah, yes. I failed to seize the good opportunity."

"At least now everything is back on track, which is fortunate."

Hwang In-joon felt a bit dizzy at Park Si-hong's way of attributing the absurdly impossible timing to his own merit.

"And Director Hwang, I didn't want to say this as an investor, but..."

"Ah, don't worry about it."

"Can I check in on the reshoots from time to time?"

Hwang In-joon's face stiffened at the suggestion of interfering with the shoot.

Park Si-hong chuckled as if he had expected this reaction.

"I invested 11.6 billion and even got additional funding. Director Hwang should naturally call, right? Isn't that fair?"

"Of course. I'll call."

"Indeed. Your son is an entertainer. I could tell from the moment he walked in."

"Please process the payment. Let's get going."

"Understood."

The dealer, who treated the multi-billion won vehicle like an electronic gadget in a store, inwardly gave a thumbs up.

After signing all the necessary documents for the final purchase, Jeong Tae-hyun stood up with a satisfied look.

"I'll tell your sister it's second-hand. She'll get upset. She'll say she only got a bag."

Who cares about a bag and who cares about a van? It's already clear how she'll react.

"Your sister knows better than I do. She won't believe it."

"How else could I get it so quickly? I'll say it's a second-hand van with new tires, interior, and paint."

"But Dad, do you have a license for this? I can't drive it with my license."

"..."

In the end, the dealer drove them home.

***

The dealer couldn't forget the intense impression the customer made when they first met.

Early 40s? Mid-40s?

The man, with a kind and handsome appearance that suggested he had charmed many women in his youth, was dressed simply but drew attention just by being there.

From his eyes to his fingertips, he exuded a refined aura that couldn't be faked with expensive designer items.

The customer, who casually glanced at the multi-billion won supercars on display as if they were convenience store bento boxes, made this request.

"Is there a van that many entertainers use?"

"Yes, sir. Would you like to order a Sprinter? I can assist you."

The Sprinter is a van model that Mercedes-Benz imports and then has domestic body builders customize according to the final consumer's order.

Naturally, it takes at least a few months, sometimes over a year.

"But I need a new car right away."

"Sir, I'm sorry, but that's not possible. The Sprinter—"

The dealer patiently explained why it couldn't be done.

The customer nodded and listened attentively with a gentle expression.

The dealer felt a thrill at having logically and persuasively convinced this distinguished customer.

However.

"If you can bring me a new car within a month, I'll give you a personal incentive of 10 million won. Find a way."

"I'll bring you a car that will completely satisfy you!"

After that, the dealer scoured the domestic Sprinter market like a detective and finally got the information about a car that had been refused for purchase.

A talent agency had ordered it but abruptly canceled the contract, even forfeiting the deposit. For the dealer, it was like finding gold in the sky.

As he drove, the dealer didn't stop explaining how good the car was.

"Originally, a girl group ordered it for their activities, but for some reason, they refused to take it. Since it was ordered for a girl group, it will be very comfortable for your entertainment activities."

"By the way, have you ever seen our son?"

"Ah? No... I'm sorry. I know he's an entertainer, but I'm not familiar with the entertainment industry."

"Actually, I'm grateful. Seo-hoon, did you hear that? Your dad got this car to make your tough and hungry journey a bit easier."

When they got home, Jeong Su-yeon saw the Mercedes Sprinter and burst into tears of envy. Her mother appeased her by lifting the driving ban.

***

That evening, Hwang In-joon contacted him.

[Check the new script I sent.]

Opening the email, Jeong Seo-hoon saw that the script had been revised in several places.

Given the reshoots, it seemed the lines, actions, and emotional arcs of Kim Chan were being adjusted to fit Jeong Seo-hoon.

After reviewing all the blue-marked revisions, Jeong Seo-hoon called Hwang In-joon.

"I've checked the revisions."

-Sorry for sending it late. I just finished revising a little while ago. The reshoots are on a tight schedule.

"It's more than just a little, isn't it?"

-Of course. How could my Kim Chan be the same as yours?

Despite the challenging reshoots ahead, Hwang In-joon's voice sounded genuinely delighted.

-When I decided to replace that guy with you, I was disappointed I couldn't incorporate everything I had in mind. Ah, if only the runtime wasn't an issue.