Possessed 10 Million Actors - Chapter 158:

‘Regarding actor Kang Jinseok?’

It was a somewhat vague expression. Whenever Director 1 contacted him until now, he always clearly stated what the matter was.

Jang Sunho, after some contemplation, decided to call Director 1.

Before the signal could pass a few times, Director 1’s voice came from the mobile phone.

[Director 1]

“Yes. This is Jang Sunho. I saw the message. What’s going on?”

[Um.]

After a short contemplative sound from Director 1, he spoke.

[Is there any incident related to school violence with actor Kang Jinseok during high school?]

“School violence?”

[Yes.]

Jang Sunho made a bewildered expression.

‘What nonsense is this…’

“Are you talking about something he did or something done to him?”

[Of course, I’m talking about actor Kang Jinseok hitting someone. If he did hit someone, it wouldn’t be a big issue for actor Kang Jinseok, would it?]

“As far as I know, the actor has never hit anyone. If such an incident had occurred, it would have already been widely known in today’s world. Besides, Actor Kang Jinseok didn’t spend much time in high school. He dropped out and took the GED.”

[Are you sure about that?]

Director 1 spoke as if he knew something. Jang Sunho cautiously inquired in response to the insinuating tone.

“Do you have any information you’d like to share?”

[Yes. 2nd Director got information from somewhere. They claim that Kang Jinseok, during his high school days, broke another student’s nose.]

“Oh…”

[We have witnesses and evidence. That’s why the 2nd Director is trying to gather other directors for some action.]

At the mention of evidence and witnesses, Jang Sunho furrowed his brow.

‘Is there something I don’t know?’

For a moment, that thought crossed his mind, but Jang Sunho quickly raised his head.

When Jinseok was first assigned to him, Jang Sunho checked everything about him. It was more for the prevention of potential issues with the entertainer he was going to handle rather than background investigation.

But he couldn’t find anything. Jinseok had lived his life as innocently and diligently as a fool.

‘From my point of view, I don’t think Actor Kang Jinseok would hit someone.’

Although violence cannot be justified, Jang Sunho thought that if Jinseok had hit someone who deserved it, it would have been a proportional response.

After concluding his thoughts, Jang Sunho calmly addressed Director 1.

“Well, I don’t think Actor Kang Jinseok did anything problematic during his school years. He’s not that kind of person.”

[I also think so. It could be true or not. However, in a situation with evidence and witnesses, if controversy arises, only Actor Kang Jinseok will be at a disadvantage.]

“…”

It was a valid point. Whether it was true or not, just the rumor of Jinseok having caused trouble with another student during his school days would inevitably harm him.

Though it was a concern, Jang Sunho wasn’t anxious. As long as he trusted Jinseok, he believed they could handle any situation.

‘But what bothers me more is why Director 1 is helping Jinseok.’

Jang Sunho had always been curious about why Director 1 was supporting Jinseok.

No matter how many times he asked, he only received ambiguous responses. Even when Jang Sunho investigated it himself, the same result occurred.

‘So, I don’t completely trust this person. People with many secrets can strike unexpectedly.’

At that moment, Director 1 spoke with a significant tone.

[As long as you don’t know what evidence KL Entertainment has, you’re bound to suffer. And if you truly believe in Actor Kang Jinseok’s innocence, he must have this evidence. That’s the only way to deal with it.]

“Do you mean there is such clear evidence?”

[2nd Director is considered competent by the CEO, unlike other directors. If this information leaks, we’ll know there’s a traitor within. I’ll probably be the first one accused.]

“Then it seems difficult for you to help this time.”

Even so, it was enough for Jang Sunho. He could handle the rest.

By the way.

[No, that’s not it. I will provide the evidence that the 2nd Director holds.]

“Are you giving it to me?”

[Yes. It’s time for me to leave KL Entertainment.]

Jang Sunho gasped at Director 1’s unexpected words. Seizing the moment of shock, Director 1 added.

[And one more thing.]

“…”

[Why I am helping Actor Kang Jinseok, I will now explain properly. This way, Team Leader Jang Sunho can work with me without worries.]

***

Click! Click!

“I’ll do my best in filming. Thank you so much for coming!”

On the day of departure for the shooting of “The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World,” Jang Jinseok entered the gate, facing numerous camera flashes from reporters and fans. He sighed as he heard the voices of fans cheering and encouraging him until the last moment.

“Phew.”

Although he was getting used to such receptions, it still felt unfamiliar. Wiping the sweat on his forehead, he sighed, and Ha Jun, noticing that, spoke with a concerned voice.

“Was the interview too long? You seem tired.”

“No, it’s not that. I’m just a bit nervous, you know? I actually prefer longer interviews or events. It feels like I’m recharging with energy during those moments.”

“Haha…”

Watching me speak with clenched fists, Ha Jun chuckled lightly.

The reason why Ha Jun was with me on the day of departure to Japan, not Jang Sunho, was that Jang Sunho suddenly got busy. Jang Sunho always tried to accompany me unless it was something really important or urgent, so it seemed like quite an urgent matter.

“I’m not as close to Mr. Ha Jun, but still, it’s more comfortable with the manager.”

But I couldn’t cling to Jang Sunho when he was so busy. Besides, Ha Jun was capable and a good person.

“Actor, it’s time to board the plane now. Shall we?”

“Ah, yes.”

I followed Ha Jun to the chartered flight gate.

They chartered the plane today because the staff and cast who went to Japan in advance decided to move together in one go.

Perhaps because I had already taken a plane to Japan before, I found my seat naturally today.

“Yussha.”

I put my bag in the overhead compartment and looked around at the staff and other actors. There was an atmosphere mixed with excitement and anticipation for overseas shooting.

Among them, the person who stood out was none other than Inoue Masaki, my co-star in this project.

“The film itself wasn’t that impressive, but she did really well in the audition. She beat all the other competitors and got cast unanimously.”

Above all, Inoue had a distinctively similar feeling to the female protagonist in the script. Perhaps the character in the script resembled Inoue’s personality in real life.

Whether she resembled Tadano’s lover or not, it was impossible to tell, but considering the work alone, she seemed like a perfect fit.

While pondering various thoughts, I happened to meet Inoue’s eyes.

“!”

Inoue widened her eyes, cautiously observing me. It felt like the way I used to scrutinize senior actors when I first entered the filming scene. Suddenly, a memory surfaced, and laughter escaped from my mouth. Inoue, who had no idea about the meaning behind my laughter, looked even more bewildered when I started laughing while looking at her.

Before any misunderstanding could arise, I approached and greeted her. Unsure of what to say, I decided to keep it simple. I didn’t want to make her feel more uncomfortable with a lengthy conversation.

“Inoue, hello. I wanted to greet you earlier, but it’s been a hectic day. I thought I’d properly say hello now.”

“Oh, yes! Hello!”

Inoue straightened up and greeted me with a voice that sounded both tense and firm. To an outsider, it might have seemed like I was pressuring her with authority.

“Haha… Was I too sudden? I thought I should greet you before going into the shoot…”

Inoue still seemed tense, or rather, a bit flustered.

“Is there any problem? Are you feeling unwell?”

“Oh… it’s not that. Actually…”

“?”

“Today, the people from my hometown came to the airport in a group to cheer for me. I only told my younger brother about being cast in this project, but that foolish brother seems to have spread the news throughout the whole town.”

Spread the news in the town?

—

Tokyo, Haneda Airport.

Reporters and fans, having heard the news of Jinseok’s arrival for his next project, were waiting eagerly in front of the gate.

Among them, there were individuals exuding a particularly ominous atmosphere—the vice president and employees of “Toho,” who had been trying to disrupt “The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World” by any means necessary.

“There are so many people. Even if they are reporters… there isn’t even an official schedule, yet this many fans gathered.”

The vice president spoke with a feeble voice.

“Yes. It seems like it’s because Kang Jinseok, the actor, had good interactions with fans during his previous trips to Japan.”

“Hmm…”

The vice president sighed, scanning the crowd with a disgruntled expression. Among them, a banner read, ‘Pride of Tsurui Village, Inoue Masaki.’

“Well, it seems there’s no other option now.”

They had mobilized every possible means, even resorting to methods that others might find petty, to ruin the project. However, their opponent easily overcame their opposition.

So, what should we do now?

“Well, there’s no other way. We’ll have to apologize and beg for forgiveness. And, we need to coordinate our story with Director Katahiro.”

Before the film’s release, they had to seek forgiveness from Director Katahiro, who acknowledged, “Originally, this project was supposed to be created with Toho, but it was discarded like a piece of trash.”

If not, Toho would face severe backlash from the media and the public.

“Sigh… Well.”

Certainly, their pride was hurt. But business wasn’t conducted based on pride.

The vice president took a bitter breath and, addressing the secretary, said, “Contact Director Katahiro and express our apologies. Also, tell him I’d like to meet him in person.”

“You want to meet him in person, Vice President…?”

“Yes. If he’s busy, I’ll go myself and make sure to convey our apologies.”