Chapter 96
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 096
Chapter Title: Hollywood
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Sorry about that, Adrian."
Adrian had no choice but to realize it from the director's firm words.
No matter how much he struggled until the end.
'The outcome wouldn't change.'
The director's gaze had already left him long ago.
Even if he tried recreating the scene Yi-han had just pulled off right now, it wouldn't mean anything.
It would only confirm the gap in their levels.
And knowing that, the director had decided not to give him the chance.
In the end, Adrian could only let his head drop. Frustration clenched his fists.
It wasn't anger toward Yi-han.
It was fury at himself.
He despised how he'd been so arrogant, too busy patting himself on the back. He hadn't been doing well enough. He was sorely lacking.
Adrian stole a glance at Yi-han.
Ha ha...
He could only let out a hollow chuckle.
'How could anyone not acknowledge that actor?'
Before this radiant presence that outshone him beyond comparison, Adrian admitted defeat.
"...I see."
Adrian stepped back. He had nothing more to say. It was time for him to head home.
"Good work."
The director's brief farewell followed soon after.
Director Braden lightly patted Adrian's shoulder before walking off elsewhere.
Straight to Yi-han.
From the moment Yi-han's acting began, the director's preconceived notion of casting Adrian Hill had vanished completely.
"Yi-han."
An Asian priest?
No matter how striking his looks or how popular he was in Korea.
There had been no intention of casting him from the start.
Braden had simply respected the choice of his long-time casting director. He couldn't easily retract the audition invite after the press release had already gone out.
But everything changed after seeing his performance.
A Johan like this...
"I'm sorry for suddenly shoving the script at you and acting so unreasonably."
Even he, as the director, could only throw up his hands in welcome.
"It was brilliant. Incredibly brilliant, beyond words. It's the first time a single take has made me want to rewrite the script."
The director extended his hand toward Yi-han.
"And."
With an expression like he'd discovered a new muse, pounding with excitement, he said to Yi-han.
As if there was no longer any need to hesitate.
"Welcome to Hollywood."
He shook Yi-han's hand firmly.
"From now on, you're Johan."
It was a clear declaration that he would cast Yi-han in his film.
Just like the casting director John, who had first invited Yi-han to audition.
Director Braden had made an impulsive decision as well.
"...!"
Yi-han's eyes widened in that instant.
Gasps rose from those around them.
It was that shocking.
On-the-spot acceptance notices like this were almost unheard of.
Even if it was a decision finalized during the audition.
Normally, it would go through meetings with the production and investment companies—not the director's sole call—before agencies received formal pass or fail notices later.
But from the director's perspective, he had no choice.
'My greed has fully kicked in...!'
No matter the concerns or backlash, he couldn't take back this decision.
Persuading investors would be a headache; better to act first and deal with it.
Director Braden grinned. In the end, results would prove it. And this was an actor who could deliver!
"Looking forward to working with you, Braden."
"Likewise!"
Yi-han nodded immediately, drawing an even broader smile from the director.
Excitement was already building.
After witnessing that? Of course. A director's fierce desire welled up.
He could hardly contain his joy at the chance to weave this monster—this brilliant creator—into his film.
And as Yi-han beamed in astonishment at the director's decision.
'...You've gone and done it.'
The marketing head on the panel, the rep from the investors—none raised objections.
'Honestly, I'm worried how much flak production will give for this.'
'How could we oppose it?'
'That's exactly it. After seeing this Johan, how could we search for another?'
They could only nod.
Of course, it wasn't without regret over Adrian Hill's fame and golden-haired, blue-eyed appeal.
'Yi-han Shin.'
But those black hair and black eyes had already captivated them perfectly.
Hollywood fame or not, a new viral hit for the film could be made in no time.
'An Asian priest. Might even be bigger publicity.'
'Yeah. He shines like that. What's impossible?'
Someone like that was destined to be a true star.
Yi-han walked with unrestrained joy.
Admiration spilled out naturally.
'Insane.'
Audition over, casting confirmed by the director himself.
'Really insane.'
Yi-han was heading to the private waiting room where his manager, Na Seon-yong, waited.
No one had expected this success to land in his hands.
They'd even talked about signing the contract today.
Recalling Director Braden's firm assurance, Yi-han grinned wide.
Getting a Hollywood audition invite was rare enough.
But the door to Hollywood—which top Korean stars pounded on endlessly without success—had swung wide open for him.
Something unimaginable in his past life.
Even confident as he was, Yi-han couldn't help being stunned.
He'd transcended race, securing the role purely on acting.
Thinking of sharing the news made him even happier.
Then, just as he rounded the corner to the waiting room hallway.
Someone leaned against the wall.
Adrian Hill.
"Adrian?"
Yi-han called out.
He'd seemed furious earlier; Yi-han thought he'd left. Was he waiting?
Adrian stared blankly at the floor, then startled at Yi-han's voice and looked up.
"Oh, uh."
Spotting Yi-han, he rubbed his neck awkwardly.
"...Congrats. Felt like I didn't get to say it."
An unexpectedly straightforward well-wish.
"But I'll be watching. To see how good you really are."
Still, his fist clenched, as if very aware of Yi-han.
"Next time, I won't lose."
A declaration of rivalry, spoken as if their next Hollywood encounter was inevitable—forgetting Yi-han was from another country.
Yi-han couldn't help chuckling.
Every word rang so true to Adrian Hill.
"Yeah. See you again."
"...!"
Yi-han gave a light farewell. Sincere.
He smiled and passed Adrian.
At that moment, Adrian's voice called from behind.
"Next time, we'll meet higher up! I'll be the one looking down then!"
Adrian spouted lines straight out of a teen drama hero, making Yi-han burst out laughing.
If we really meet again, it'll be fun for sure.
And then, at the sound, Na Seon-yong emerged from the waiting room first.
"Huh?"
He glanced at Adrian's departing figure, then at Yi-han.
"Gasp! It's over already?"
Na Seon-yong's face, who'd waited anxiously for so long alone, lit up.
His lips were parched, though, from the tension of the drawn-out audition.
"But... what was that actor saying just now...?"
He'd apparently overheard Adrian from the door, confusion clouding his face.
Yi-han couldn't understand the English well, but the top contender had come here personally after the audition.
And Yi-han's expression as he entered was beaming.
"N-no way. Hyung."
Na Seon-yong stared at Yi-han, jumping to conclusions.
"You got it. Cancel our flight home."
Yi-han curled his lips into a smirk.
"Shooting starts next Monday. They asked if we could sign today."
"...!"
Na Seon-yong's face was pure disbelief.
"Y-you got it? Just now?!"
"Yeah. It was decided a bit ago."
"...?!"
Na Seon-yong's jaw dropped.
Of course, he'd hoped deep down. Yi-han would nail it if anyone could.
Despite articles and online buzz saying even for him it was a long shot.
Winter Entertainment had celebrated the invite but not dared dream beyond.
At least Na Seon-yong had believed to the end Yi-han would get it.
As his manager, unwavering faith in his actor was natural.
But landing the casting same-day? Unthinkable.
Unless the director wasn't just pleased but utterly blown away.
"Uwoooooh!"
So this shock was inevitable.
"Jackpot! Real jackpot!"
Our actor is this insane!
Na Seon-yong whooped loud enough to shake the waiting room. Yeah! It made no sense not to pick Yi-han!
Yi-han burst into laughter at his explosive reaction.
The big guy bounced around so energetically, sharing the joy.
It made the casting feel all the more real.
Meanwhile, the moment the audition ended.
Separate from urgently filling the suddenly vacant supporting role, the set for the leads' shoot prep buzzed nonstop.
And amid the chaos, an unbelievable rumor spread like wildfire.
Yi-han had been cast as Johan.
"What?!"
Staff too swamped to peek at the audition gaped in shock.
"No way. Director's lost his mind!"
One after another, icy remarks flew.
The role slipping from near-locked Adrian Hill to a sudden Korean actor.
"Even if he acts well, casting a foreigner as Johan out of nowhere?"
"Adrian's way better. Ticket power alone is night and day!"
Outrage mixed with disbelief dominated.
"How can a priest be Asian?"
"Does that even make sense?"
Hollywood was hardcore capitalism from the start.
Acting mattered, but star power to draw crowds was the unwritten rule.
And now that rule was shattered. By an unknown Asian.
"Ha! Let's see him try."
Some vented fury at this disruption to Hollywood's waters. Especially here, packed with whites, at the intrusion of color.
"He'll learn on set."
Others sneered.
"Once language barriers rack up dozens of NG's, director will snap out and call back Adrian Hill, right?"
Doubt and distrust toward Yi-han thickened across the set.
But amid the majority's scorn, some cheered.
Bang!
"Kevin!"
The makeup room door flew open.
"You hear the news?!"
The rushing staff shouted, unable to hide excitement.
"Total crazy decision! That actor you liked—Yi-han!"
The lead of the film heard it too.
"That Asian actor snagged Johan!"
The staff shook their head in disbelief, tongue clicking.
Other staff in the room buzzed.
Kevin Peters, mid-special makeup with eyes closed, had to open them.
"He got it?"
"Yeah! No meetings—they cast him on the spot!"
"That good, huh?"
Kevin's face lit with surprise.
Excitement seeped through the veiny, blackened skin prosthetics.
"To think it'd turn out like this."
Admiration escaped naturally.
What on earth happened at the audition? He regretted missing it for prep.
And he'd only given the guy a slim shot by recommending him.
Just one rec.
Yet he'd bulldozed every obstacle to arrive here effortlessly.
"Makes it even more exciting."
Kevin whistled happily, genuinely thrilled.
"Really looking forward to it."
Shooting with Yi-han suddenly felt anticipated.
He wanted to see firsthand how far this actor could go.
"...Knew you liked him, but damn, you're pumped. No worries about chemistry with a Korean?"
A concerned voice cut through his glee.
"Whatever. So when's the shoot?"
"Next Monday."
Kevin Peters brushed it off, checking the date.
"Three days. Perfect."
A smile played on his lips.