Chapter 76
Chapter 76: Afterlife Restaurant Announcement (3)
After the press conference for “Ghost Real Estate” ended, its male lead Kim Jaewon, who had thrown a juicy piece of bait to the reporters, moved on to his next schedule.
As he got into the car waiting in the parking lot, a satisfied smile spread across his face.
“Hyung, but… did you really not know?”
His manager asked carefully.
It was about his statement at the press conference claiming he didn’t know the title “Afterlife Restaurant.”
“Of course I knew. How could I not?”
Kim Jaewon answered as if it were obvious.
He had been an actor for 20 years since he was twenty.
Unless he were a rookie, there was no way he wouldn’t know a competing drama in the same time slot.
“Then why…”
The manager couldn’t understand.
Unless there was some kind of relationship or conflict, such a response could come off as rude.
“It just seemed a bit arrogant.”
“Arrogant?”
“Yeah. You know he was holding a press conference at a similar time, right?”
“Yes.”
The manager nodded.
He already knew Baek Seungchan was at the “Surviving in the Jungle” press conference.
“I heard he was asked how he felt about competing with our drama. Do you know what he said?”
“No.”
“He said this was the ‘Surviving in the Jungle’ press conference, so they should only ask about that.”
“…And that’s a problem?”
“Shouldn’t he show respect to a senior? He could’ve answered nicely and moved on.”
The manager still didn’t understand.
Baek Seungchan hadn’t done anything wrong.
If anything, he had been polite.
“This is why people shouldn’t rise too fast with luck. He’s only been in the industry a year, yet he acts like he’s something special. I just wanted to put him in his place.”
“Ah…”
The manager nodded outwardly but was dumbfounded inside.
Of all people, Kim Jaewon shouldn’t be saying that.
He himself had risen to stardom right after debut thanks to his looks and physique.
Though now recognized for his acting, back then it was mostly visuals.
And he was known as a troublemaker in the industry.
“So-called genius, huh… that annoys me too.”
That was the real reason.
“Don’t you think?”
“…Yeah.”
The manager played along.
But inside, he thought—
He might finally face consequences this time.
After seeing the provocative article, Baek Seungchan immediately watched the teaser for “Ghost Real Estate.”
Regardless of everything, what mattered most was the drama itself.
“It’s interesting.”
That was his honest impression.
“Ghost Real Estate?”
“Yes. It’s well made.”
Even from a one-minute teaser, it made him curious.
“The acting is good too.”
Kim Jaewon’s signature witty and comedic acting was excellent.
There was a reason he had stayed a top star for nearly 20 years.
“Especially Shin Migeong sunbae’s acting.”
She was in her early 30s with about 10 years of experience.
Even among A-list actors, her skill stood out.
“Hey, is now the time to be praising them?”
Kim Sungho looked frustrated.
Baek Seungchan tilted his head.
“Then what should I do?”
“…Well…”
Kim Sungho hesitated.
He didn’t have an answer.
“We could respond through SNS or articles, but it won’t help.”
There were ways.
But none were beneficial.
Responding seriously could backfire.
“It’s just a joke,” people might say.
“Seungchan, do you know the term ‘don’t feed the troll’?”
“What?”
“It means ignoring idiots is the best response.”
“…I’m learning from you.”
Kim Sungho’s anger faded.
“Of course, I’m not planning to stay silent forever…”
Baek Seungchan muttered.
“Hmm? What?”
“Nothing.”
He wasn’t planning to just take it.
If he responded, he would do it properly—
At the “Afterlife Restaurant” press conference.
Buzz—buzz—
A message arrived.
-Cha Minhee: [link]
-Cha Minhee: Did you see this? (angry)(angry)(angry)
Even through text, her irritation was obvious.
-I just saw it.
-That guy always talks like that. Don’t take it seriously.
Baek Seungchan smiled.
-Uncle? Didn’t you call him something else before?
-She replied: He’s 20 years older. Why would I call him oppa? Did you see the teaser?
-Yeah. It was good. Now I’ve lost confidence.
-Really?
-Yeah. I’ve lost confidence in losing.
-…Stop with the dad jokes.
He was technically an old man at heart.
-Don’t worry. I’m not bothered.
-That’s good. But tell me your secret now?
She still didn’t know about “Hongyeon.”
Very few people did.
It was being kept secret for impact.
-Why is it a secret?
-Because it’s a secret?
-Exactly. See you at the press conference.
-Hey?
-Hey!
-Hey!! Tell me!
He silenced his phone.
Responding would only encourage her.
Kim Jaewon’s remark caused a stir online.
“LOL, doesn’t know the competing drama? That’s disrespect.”
“Well, it’s Kim Jaewon.”
Others found it entertaining.
But some found it rude.
“Too disrespectful for a senior.”
However, those voices were drowned out.
“People are too serious.”
“It could’ve been a joke.”
Attention shifted.
“Ghost Real Estate” gained massive interest.
“This looks amazing.”
“Feels like a movie.”
“Definitely a hit.”
The teaser received strong reactions.
Ironically, Kim Jaewon had created great promotion.
And people became curious—
“How will Afterlife Restaurant respond?”
“The press conference is going to be interesting.”
Even “Surviving in the Jungle” gained attention.
“Baek Seungchan is insane.”
“He looks like a survival expert.”
Six hours before airing, the “Afterlife Restaurant” press conference began.
“Seungchan, I saw the jungle teaser. It looks amazing.”
“You’re basically a survival expert.”
The actors chatted excitedly.
“Don’t overreact to Kim Jaewon.”
“He’s known for his personality.”
“Just ignore it.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Baek Seungchan smiled.
At that moment—
The door opened.
Cha Minhee entered.
“Wow…”
Everyone admired her.
She looked stunning.
Especially compared to her usual casual appearance.
“Isn’t this too much? Feels like an awards show.”
“…A lot of people will be watching.”
Still shy in person.
She sat next to him.
“How did you come up with this idea?”
“What?”
“The live press conference.”
This one was special.
It was streamed live on YouTube.
There was even a cooking segment by Baek Seungchan.
“The more attention, the better.”
It was his idea.
“Alright, we’re ready.”
Soon, it began.
“Afterlife Restaurant Press Conference”
“20,124 viewers”
Even at that moment, the number kept rising.