Chapter 324: Bomb (5)
Translator: Santos
Autumn. A season that lingers briefly, marking the preparation for winter. Though felt as a gradual drop in temperature, autumn is also a fleeting time to experience the hint of year-end chill in advance.
What had been pleasantly cool now starts to turn cold.
The latter half of the year—or, more precisely, the year-end. Although only the four months from September to December remain, a series of events was expected to unfold.
Or rather, a lineup of explosive surprises.
This was all part of Kang Woojin’s story. While the year had hardly seen a day of peace, as the end of the year approached, the explosive surprises associated with him were readying themselves. At that moment, dates began to spin around in Woojin's mind.
“October for Japan release, November for Korea release.”
That was the future of *Face Dealer*. It was overwhelming. His daily life and everything around him had changed drastically over the last year. Of course, even last year, Kang Woojin had done enough to make jaws drop. How many achievements did he rack up in just his debut year?
But Kang Woojin this year had been even more intense than last.
From January all the way through the coming December, there wasn’t a single month without a break. Inside the booth, with a phone held to his ear, Woojin maintained a composed expression, though his mind was racing. He had just finished listening to what Director Kyotaro had to say.
"This month, filming for *Beneficial Evil* starts, then at the end of the month, I’ll head to Cannes, October will see *Face Dealer* release in Japan, and November in Korea. Damn—oh, and even though it’s not confirmed, isn’t there a new album from Miley Kara expected soon?"
This list was just the highlights. There were plenty of other things Woojin hadn’t even mentioned, like *Best Friend: The Remake*, which was currently in production. In other words, a barrage of nuclear bombs was lined up, ready to be dropped all the way until the year’s end.
"Damn, it's brutal, just relentless."
Despite his excessive inward sigh, Woojin’s stoic face showed no change. Honestly, any other actor would have been overwhelmed just thinking about this schedule. But Woojin, equipped with his unique ability, was the only one who could handle this hellish schedule.
A monster.
Probably. No, it was certain that only Woojin could create this kind of reality or future. Woojin raised his gaze, looking outside the booth where Choi Sung-geon and other team members were glancing over in curiosity, wondering who Woojin was talking to. But Woojin simply responded to Director Kyotaro in a deep voice over the phone.
“I understand.”
An ever-so-slightly hoarse voice from Director Kyotaro responded right away.
“If editing wraps up by the end of this month, then the October and November release schedules shouldn’t change much. It’s pretty much confirmed.”
“Yes.”
“Regarding promotion and marketing before the release, as we previously agreed, we’ll be pushing it several times harder than usual. Same goes for the screenings—each round, the scale, and the frequency will all be increased.”
“Will screenings begin around mid-October?”
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“Most likely.”
Screenings.
Reporters, critics, filmmakers, actors, a wide range of audience members—the screenings were bulked up in scale to ensure they’d all get an early shock before the release of *Face Dealer*. Given the hype Woojin had already generated at the production announcement, it was only natural that people would flock.
Then, a follow-up.
“Woojin?”
Director Kyotaro’s voice came through again from the other end of the line.
“As for the test for *Face Dealer*, are you still unable to attend?”
Woojin, maintaining his neutral expression with his mouth shut for a moment, nodded.
“I’m sorry.”
If the editing of *Face Dealer* wrapped up by the end of September, the test would likely take place that same week. By then, Woojin would either be overseas filming *Beneficial Evil*, or he’d be at the Cannes Film Festival after completing filming.
It was a schedule with no room for flexibility.
“Attending will be difficult.”
Director Kyotaro, though he sounded slightly disappointed, accepted it with a hint of resignation.
“I see. That’s fine. You made a strong enough impression at the production announcement, so that’s more than enough. Just be there for the stage greetings when the film releases.”
“Yes, I received that message.”
“You’ll be heading to Cannes soon, right?”
“Yes.”
“As much as I’d love to join you in Cannes—I’ll be supporting you from here.”
“Thank you, Director.”
In a soft voice, Woojin replied, and Director Kyotaro spoke once again.
“I would love to witness the moment when you lift that trophy, Woojin.”
A trophy? Is this man getting ahead of himself? Woojin smirked slightly to himself. Honestly, he could hardly imagine himself holding a trophy at a world-renowned film festival. However, if Woojin or *Leech* managed to win anything at Cannes, the destructive impact of all the other “nuclear bombs” lined up would be amplified several times over.
And that alone would create incredible promotional impact.
Knowing this, Director Kyotaro murmured,
“It would be a first. An Asian actor has never received the leading actor award at Cannes.”
It was clear he meant it sincerely.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
---
Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles.
Night turned to morning, as LA began its new day. Inside a large meeting room of a major agency, a gathering of global superstars and a few Korean representatives was taking place. Miley Kara, along with producer Song Man-woo, was present.
“Can’t believe it. Seeing Miley Kara in person?”
“Miley Kara... Netflix kept sending her persistent offers, but she always declined. Yet here she is, just because Woojin’s involved. Just how close did they get?”
“Whoa!! It’s really Miley Kara!! Oh my... she’s glowing!!”
These thoughts belonged to the Korean representatives from Netflix, including Chief Director Kim Sohyang, writer Choi Nana, and the production director for *The Good and the Evil*. Outwardly, they kept composed, but inwardly, they were buzzing with excitement. Miley, on the other hand, was quite calm. Naturally, she was used to such settings.
Then.
-A slight movement.
Song Man-woo took the initiative to greet her, extending his hand. Miley shook it and greeted him with a touch of coolness in her voice.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Miley Kara.”
“Ha-ha, of course. Everyone around the world knows that.”
“Isn’t that a bit much to start with?”
“Was it?”
Even though he was nervous, Song Man-woo was a prominent figure in the world of dramas. His English was a bit clumsy, but he and Miley managed to engage in a casual conversation. Miley then turned her gaze to Kim Sohyang, a slightly rounder woman.
“Hello.”
“Nice to meet you, Miley. I’m Kim Sohyang, Chief Director at Netflix Korea.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. It’s an honor.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
As expected from a global company, Kim Sohyang’s English was quite advanced. Then, Choi Nana took her turn.
“Oh, hi!”
A nervous Choi Nana greeted her in English and then switched to Korean for her self-introduction.
“I’m writer Choi Nana!”
Kim Sohyang translated for her, and Miley’s blue eyes sparkled at the mention of a writer.
“Really? Nice to meet you, Writer Choi. I’m looking forward to the script.”
“Th-thank you!”
“Pardon?”
“Yes?”
The humorous awkwardness in Choi Nana’s response instantly lightened the atmosphere in the meeting room. Soon, everyone was seated. Song Man-woo led the next round of conversation, undoing his blazer button, which seemed to be bothering him.
“First off, thank you for joining *Beneficial Evil*.”
With a small smile, Miley brushed back her blonde hair, exuding a touch of that famous chill she was known for.
“Of course, I’m excited about the project, but it’s something I needed as well. So the thanks should really go to Mr. Woojin.”
“Of course.”
“Hmm, may I see the script first?”
Song Man-woo nodded and glanced over at Choi Nana, who picked up a clear file from the table and passed it to Miley. Miley noticed her hand trembling slightly and smiled inwardly.
“She’s quite nervous. She looks young—must be new. Still, if she’s written a piece good enough for Woojin to star in, her skills must be impressive. She’s cute, though.”
Miley immediately opened the clear file. Inside was a slim stack of papers—the scripts for episodes 1 and 2 of *Beneficial Evil*, covering the scenes she’d appear in. Most of it would be filmed during the overseas shoot. Miley didn’t need to see the entire script. With a synopsis and the parts she would be involved in, it was more than enough for now. Everything had been translated into English, of course.
-Page flip.
Miley’s blue eyes widened slightly as she skimmed the first few pages, a look of surprise flickering in her eyes.
“A long take? They’re going overseas to Bangkok, and they’re filming such a major scene right from the start?”
-Page flip, page flip.
For the next fifteen minutes, Miley read in silence. Neither Song Man-woo, Kim Sohyang, nor Choi Nana disturbed her. Eventually, Miley reached a level of understanding about her role.
“I play an old colleague of ‘Jang Yeon-woo,’ the male lead. Of course, Jang Yeon-woo is the role Kang Woojin will play. Specifically, my role serves as a trigger related to him.”
The scenes involving Miley’s character included several action sequences, martial arts, and close-quarter combat (CQC). Most of this would be handled by Woojin, while Miley’s role was mainly simple movements and gunfight scenes. Still, her lines were numerous, and there was plenty of acting involved.
The more she read, the more intrigued she became.
“My own performance aside, the pacing, the intensity, the impact! CQC, gunfight scenes, bare-handed combat, bladed weapon skills! What’s this? The action design is... this actually seems like a lot of fun. Watching Woojin act this out is going to be incredible.”
She had read countless scripts over her career in Hollywood, and in Miley’s view, *Beneficial Evil* was in no way lacking by Hollywood standards. It even included a long take of over ten minutes from the start. At this point, Miley remembered that *Beneficial Evil* had recruited Ethan Smith, a Hollywood stunt team leader, for the action choreography.
“Oh, so that’s why the design is so elaborate?”
Next, her thoughts drifted to Woojin. The script was flashy and elaborate, so how would he pull this off? For a moment, Miley recalled Woojin’s bold movements when he’d saved her on the music video set.
That alone had been cinematic in its own right.
But that was just reality. The Woojin in the script was set to be even more intense, dozens of times over. Miley brushed her blonde hair back, letting out a small breath as she felt herself getting more excited.
“I can’t wait to see it; I’d have regretted not taking this on.”
In particular, Miley was most interested in seeing Woojin’s CQC performance. She had seen numerous Hollywood actors’ CQC performances, so just from the storyboards, she could immediately picture the scenes in her mind.
Yet, for some reason, Woojin was proving hard to predict.
This feeling left her even more thrilled—her mood and emotions swirling in anticipation. After about ten more minutes, she closed the script.
“This is an interesting script, quite impressive.”
Song Man-woo, Kim Sohyang, and Choi Nana’s eyes widened. They hadn’t expected such a high level of praise. Miley, still calm, continued.
“I’m excited. I’ll make sure to prepare thoroughly so as not to hold the production back.”
She meant that she’d carefully review and study the script, including her acting.
“But as for the previously mentioned script reading—”
“No problem!”
Song Man-woo waved his hand, sensing her mild discomfort.
“It won’t be an issue if you miss the script reading; we can coordinate on set before filming. That’s quite common, actually.”
“Really?”
“Yes! No worries at all!”
Getting Miley Kara to join the production was worth any adjustments. An excited Song Man-woo handed over additional transparent files to Miley, including CQC choreography prepared by stunt leader Ethan Smith and the overseas schedule for filming in Bangkok.
“The CQC choreography should help you prepare. *Beneficial Evil*’s first filming day is set for the 20th, according to the schedule. It would be great if you could arrive a day early, but even if you’re a bit delayed, it’ll be fine.”
“Hmm—understood.”
Since it was already the 11th, she had about ten days to prepare. Miley found it tight but manageable, as she’d been notified in advance.
“The overall shooting schedule is... about two weeks?”
“Yes. If there are no complications, we should finish within two weeks.”
“It’s important to wrap it up on time since the next schedule is crucial.”
She was referring to Cannes.
In any case, with a firm nod, Song Man-woo switched topics.
“Oh, and until the day of filming, no one besides you will know about your involvement, Miley. Not even the cast and crew, except Woojin.”
“I understand.”
Miley crossed her legs and smiled.
“They’ll be quite surprised to see me.”
---
At the same time.
While Miley Kara was having her meeting with *Beneficial Evil* team, elsewhere in LA, about an hour’s drive from Miley’s agency, a familiar giant sat alone at a desk on the middle floor of a tall building surrounded by countless skyscrapers.
It was the well-known Hollywood producer, Joseph Felton, dressed in a white shirt and tie.
With his shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, he sat at a glass desk filled with a laptop and various documents, with four thin stacks of paper laid out before him. This was a project for Universal Movies, one of Hollywood's top five studios, for which Joseph and Megan Stone had discussed recruiting Kang Woojin.
The film’s concept had been passed on to four Hollywood screenwriters, and the four thin stacks of paper in front of Joseph were four distinctly different synopses.
In other words, it was time to choose a script.
“Hmm—all of these have such different vibes. It’s going to be a tough choice.”