Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Where Did a Guy Like This Come From?
The Genius Actor Was a Martial Arts Spy in His Past Life
-This stop is Dongincheon, Dongincheon Station. Please exit on the right.
Back Seung-chan opened his eyes at the sound of the subway announcement.
“Ugh…”
Stretching as he got off the subway, Back Seung-chan felt his body ache. Riding the subway from Pyeongtaek to Dongincheon had taken nearly two hours.
“I should probably get a car later.”
Of course, that was after paying off all his debts.
As he stepped out of the station, he noticed pigeons in the old square. But something else immediately caught his attention.
A commotion was happening near the entrance.
“Stop nagging me and just bring more alcohol!”
“Yeah, bring more alcohol!”
“No, you can’t drink here, sir.”
“Who do you think you are telling me what to do? Do you know who I used to be? Back in my day…”
Five homeless men were arguing with a police officer.
Around them, six or so green glass bottles lay scattered. Most of the men were drunk and causing trouble. Meanwhile, the police officer was sweating, clearly struggling to handle the situation.
“….”
Back Seung-chan watched calmly.
“I’ve definitely changed.”
It had been five years since his father’s business went under and the family moved to this neighborhood. Back then, he couldn’t get used to scenes like this. Even that morning, he would have reacted differently.
But now, he simply accepted it.
“Compared to those guys, these homeless people are practically angels.”
In his past life, in the martial arts world he once lived in, there was a group of beggars called Gaebang.
They were rivaled by powerful factions like Gu Pailbang, and though they weren’t physically strong, their intelligence made them dangerous. Compared to them, today’s homeless men were nothing.
“Sir! Put that down immediately!”
“I told you not to boss me around!”
The commotion grew louder, but Back Seung-chan ignored it and continued walking.
Then he heard the desperate shout of a police officer:
“Citizen! Watch out!”
He glanced sideways and saw a green glass bottle flying toward him.
The police, the homeless men, and bystanders all shut their eyes, expecting a terrible accident.
But it never came.
Thud.
Back Seung-chan lightly caught the flying soju bottle.
“Uh…”
The scene looked straight out of a movie, leaving the onlookers blinking in disbelief.
He slowly approached the homeless men, bottle in hand. People watched in silence.
Back Seung-chan scanned the men before speaking.
“Be careful, alright? Don’t cause trouble for others.”
His voice was ice-cold, his gaze sharp. For a moment, the presence of Cheon Myeon-gwi—a survivor of the martial arts world—was unmistakable.
“Hic…”
Intimidated by his aura, the drunken men sobered up immediately.
“S-Sorry…”
They avoided his gaze and apologized in trembling voices.
“Please be more careful next time.”
Back Seung-chan softened his expression, placing the bottle on the ground. It was as if he had never been the fearsome figure moments ago.
“Are you alright?”
A police officer, equally shocked, asked.
“I’m fine.”
“We should have been more careful…”
“It’s not your fault. You’re not superhuman; you can’t prevent every accident.”
“Ah, thank you for understanding.”
The officer looked relieved.
“Then may I go now?”
“Of course. Thank you.”
Back Seung-chan smiled faintly and turned away, letting out a slow sigh.
“I got too worked up.”
Cheon Myeon-gwi, the martial arts persona of Back Seung-chan’s past life, had lived in a dangerous world where life and death were constantly at stake.
Having been part of the Hao Sect, he had been at the center of that world.
That instinctive reaction to threats was a leftover effect of his past life.
“I need to be careful.”
This world wasn’t martial arts—it was modern times, where laws prevailed over fists.
He reminded himself and moved on.
A short walk later, a rich, savory smell stopped him.
[Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken, 8,000 Won - Life Chicken]
It came from a new chicken restaurant.
“So this is the place Seung-hee said was good.”
His younger sister, Back Seung-hee.
“I remember Dad used to buy it sometimes back then.”
Seeing the chicken brought back memories. After their family’s financial ruin, it had been rare, but when his father was drunk, he would occasionally bring fried chicken home. His mother had scolded him, worried it wasn’t healthy for the kids, but she later understood it was a nostalgic gesture, reminding her of her late father. The family would enjoy it together.
One of Back Seung-chan’s fond memories.
“Should I get it?”
It was nearly 5 PM, close to dinner time.
“Yeah, let’s get it.”
He took out his smartphone and called home.
-Son, are you done?
It was his mother. Usually, she finished preparing dinner late, but today was a day off.
“I’m right outside the station.”
-You’re done early? I heard it might take longer.
“Luck was on my side. Dinner isn’t ready yet, right?”
-I’m just about to start. Why?
Luckily, dinner wasn’t started.
“I’ll bring chicken home. Let’s have chicken tonight.”
He wasn’t hungry, but he wanted to relive a good memory. Plus, he had some money now.
-Chicken?
“Yes, the place Seung-hee wanted last time.”
-What a waste of money…
His mother tried to argue but gave up. Then, another voice came from the background.
-Chicken? Oppa, you’re bringing chicken?
His sister Back Seung-hee.
“Yeah, I’ll get it.”
-Nice! Add pickled radish and sauce too!
Seung-hee’s excitement was palpable.
-You! He worked hard for this money!
-Well, he said he’d get it…
Back Seung-chan smiled at their bickering. Perhaps because of losing parents in a past life, he now felt his family was even more precious.
“I’m getting it because Seung-hee wants it, and I got paid well today, so don’t worry.”
-Seung-chan…
He said what he needed and hung up. No endless persuasion required.
“Welcome! How can I help you?”
“Four orders to go, add two pickled radishes, and include sauce and cabbage salad.”
One chicken per person was the rule.
“Here’s your order.”
“Thank you, have a good day.”
Shortly after, the chicken was ready.
“Did Grandpa and Dad feel like this too?”
Back Seung-chan smiled, thinking of the family enjoying the meal. His steps toward home felt lighter than ever.
His home was a quiet apartment complex about 15 minutes from the station.
Among the old buildings, a distinct four-story red-brick villa stood out—it was his home.
Climbing the stairs, he sighed. No elevator meant it was tough on his parents, and two rooms weren’t ideal for a family of four. He currently stayed in the living room.
Reaching the fourth floor, he heard quick footsteps approaching from inside.
“Oppa, you’re home?”
It was his cute, pretty sister, Back Seung-hee, eyes immediately fixed on the chicken bag.
“Yeah, chicken’s here.”
“Okay! I’ll set it up!”
She grabbed the bag and disappeared inside, leaving Back Seung-chan smiling.
“I'm home.”
“You worked hard, son.”
“Yeah. Was it tough?”
His parents, freshly showered, asked.
“Not really. It finished quickly.”
Seung-hee, ready to eat, called from the living room:
“Come quick! If you don’t, I’ll start without you!”
The eagerness in her voice was clear.
“Dad, Mom, eat quickly. Seung-hee will finish it all!”
“Alright then.”
As his parents sat down, Back Seung-chan finally enjoyed the meal together with his family.
While tearing into a drumstick, Seung-hee suddenly asked:
“Oppa, did you see a celebrity today?”
“I did.”
“Who?”
Seung-hee set down her drumstick, eyes wide with curiosity.
“Do you know Nam Si-woo?”
“Whoa!”
Her eyes went wide, dropping her chicken in shock.
“You mean the drama you’re in is ‘Legend of the Nerd’?”
“How do you know that?”
Back Seung-chan was slightly surprised at her knowledge.
“No way! Of course I know—it’s my brother!”
“Our brother?”
Seung-hee’s words made him glance at his mother.
“Mom, did I have a sibling I didn’t know about?”
“You only have one son, Seung-chan.”
“Me too, only you as a mom.”
Everyone laughed, but Seung-hee seemed disappointed.
“Oppa, aren’t you working tomorrow too? Won’t you go there?”
“No, I’m done with that drama.”
He would work another part-time job for filming, but not the same drama.
“If I get a chance to see him again, can I get an autograph? I’ve been a fan since his debut.”
Back Seung-hee had trained as an idol until three years ago. She liked Nam Si-woo then.
“If I meet him again, I’ll try to get it.”
“Okay!”
Seung-hee’s eager request made him smile and nod.
Late at night, Director Park Tae-ho returned home exhausted after filming but went straight to his small editing room.
He played the footage of Back Seung-chan on his monitor.
“Wow…”
Even during filming, he’d noticed Back Seung-chan’s acting, but seeing it again revealed new facets.
The subtle expressions, timing, and emotional flow were all natural.
“Where did a guy like this come from?”
He watched repeatedly, discovering new details each time.
After two scenes, all he felt was a sense of loss.
“….”
He pondered, then made a decision.
“This is too good to end here.”
Not only for the work’s quality but also to see more of Back Seung-chan’s potential. He even saw glimpses of action acting ability. A truly promising actor.
Without hesitation, Park Tae-ho called someone.
-Director, what’s going on so late?
A sleepy voice answered, but Park Tae-ho spoke passionately:
“Writer Kim, we need to make some changes to the script.”
The call was to Kim Se-hee, the writer of the web drama Legend of the Nerd.