Chapter 216
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 216
Chapter Title: The Final Shadowman
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Inside a plane flying over the Pacific Ocean.
Seojun read the script in his hands once more. He had already memorized it all, but he couldn't help but keep looking at it.
He had several scripts worn out from constant reading. This crisp one was a new copy he'd printed before leaving the country.
*Flip.*
Seojun turned back to the first page, mentally reading the stage directions and reciting the lines. He paid careful attention to every line that came to mind.
He had never filmed any movie half-heartedly, but the Shadowman series held a special meaning for Seojun.
The first movie of ‘Lee Seojun’s’ life.
*‘I love all my other projects, but Shadowman is still my favorite.’*
With a small smile, Seojun flipped through the pages.
* * *
The plane carrying Seojun arrived in LA.
There was a minor incident where the immigration officer recognized Seojun, but seeing the officer’s face light up as if he’d gained the world from a single handshake, Seojun couldn't help but smile.
“I’ll definitely watch the movie!”
“Thank you.”
With the airport's cooperation, Seojun, Seo Eunhye, and An Daho smoothly exited the airport and got into a vehicle prepared by Kings Agency.
Their accommodation for the duration of the film shoot was provided by the Marine Company.
The car carrying Seojun and the other two departed from the airport, followed by two security vehicles.
“The bodyguards will be staying at the residence with you, so you don’t have to worry about safety. The action training center isn't far, so it’ll be convenient to get to. Your schedule starts the day after tomorrow, so please rest well until then and let us know if you need anything.”
The Kings Agency employee who was driving said.
An Daho, who was in charge of Seojun's care, reconfirmed the location of the training center. Although he had already checked it using online maps back in Korea, it didn't hurt to check again.
He had already researched everything from the training center’s operating hours and alternative locations to use outside those hours, to nearby restaurants, the locations and hours of well-regarded Korean restaurants, and 24-hour convenience stores and hospitals. Still, when An Daho asked for confirmation, the Kings Agency employee smiled and answered every question without missing a beat.
Seojun and Seo Eunhye watched in admiration as the two in the front seats conversed endlessly.
“They’re both really amazing.”
“Daho hyung is so cool.”
The rookie manager who couldn't speak English was now fluently conversing with a local employee.
He was the very picture of the veteran manager that a young Seojun had dreamed of and hoped for years ago, after seeing Lee Jiseok's manager.
Seo Eunhye whispered quietly.
“I don’t think Mom needs to follow you around anymore, Seojun.”
“Aw, but I like having you with me, Mom.”
Seo Eunhye couldn't help but laugh at Seojun's cute remark.
Perhaps because the country was so vast, it took quite some time to reach their lodging.
Their admiration for the larger-than-expected residence was brief. The sun had completely set, and just as Seojun and the others were about to have a light meal of bread and rest, their eyes widened at the sight of unexpected guests.
“Ta-da!”
“Jun. Welcome.”
When they opened the door to the residence, Richel Hill and Evan Block were waiting under the bright lights. It was the exact same way Seojun had welcomed them when they came to Korea.
“Richel! Evan!”
Seojun beamed at the unexpected but very welcome guests.
It had been almost a year since they met after filming *Escape*, so of course he was happy. They texted and called often, but meeting in person was a different feeling altogether.
“How did you both get here?”
“We heard you were coming, Jun. No matter how busy we were, we had to come.”
Hehe. The two actors hugged the brightly smiling Seojun tightly and then greeted Seo Eunhye and An Daho standing behind him.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Evan Block and Richel Hill led the three of them inside.
“Come on. You must be hungry, right? We’ve prepared some food.”
“We have Korean food, too! You two, come on in.”
At the mention of Korean food, even Seo Eunhye and An Daho, who had looked a bit tired from the long journey, had their eyes sparkle. The first-class in-flight meal had been fine, but they were craving warm Korean food.
“It’s a new place that just opened, but the reviews for this restaurant were really good.”
“We prepared a ‘simple’ Korean-style meal.”
Contrary to their words, everyone burst out laughing at the table laden with food. Seojun’s face was full of smiles, having met familiar faces on his very first day in LA.
* * *
After two days of rest, Seojun’s schedule began.
Seojun's first schedule in America was a meeting with Director Ryan Will. Seojun and An Daho headed to the action training center where they were scheduled to meet him.
“The operating hours are from 9 AM to 8 PM, and they don't allow it any later for safety reasons. They have outdoor and indoor training grounds, and even a swimming pool for underwater action scenes. It seems like the facilities are really well-equipped otherwise, too.”
“Wow. It must be huge.”
“Well, Hollywood is right next door.”
Seojun nodded at An Daho’s words.
Where there’s demand, there’s supply.
This action training center not only trained stuntmen but also introduced suitable ones to production companies and assisted with filming action sequences.
Not only that, but Hollywood actors who were ambitious about action or had many scenes where their faces were visible during action sequences would also train and film here.
Most of the stuntmen in the *Shadowman* series were also affiliated with this place.
“Seojun, there it is.”
“Whoa!”
At An Daho's words, Seojun pressed his forehead against the glass and looked out the window. Large, gym-like buildings stood side by side.
Evan Block and Richel Hill had also trained here.
As the movie’s protagonist with many intense action scenes, Evan Block, who performed most of his own stunts, had started training months ago, and Richel Hill had begun her training a month ago.
Seojun, who had fewer and simpler action scenes than the two of them, was given three weeks.
*‘I’ll have to catch up quickly!’*
What kind of fun training awaited him? Seojun’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at the approaching action training center.
* * *
The main building of the action training center.
Director Ryan Will and Jonathan Will, who were waiting in the conference room, welcomed Seojun and An Daho. They exchanged simple greetings and sat down.
“I enjoyed *Escape*. Your action scenes were great.”
“Hehehe.”
Seojun smiled shyly at Director Ryan Will's compliment. Praise from other directors was nice, but perhaps because Ryan Will was his first director, his compliments resonated the most.
“The action scenes in *Shadowman 3* will be more complex and longer than in *Escape*. But we’ll adjust them so they’re not too difficult, so don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Seeing Seojun’s eyes sparkle, Director Ryan Will, An Daho, and Jonathan Will shook their heads. The three of them, having spent a long time with Seojun, knew his passion for acting all too well.
“Mr. Daho, please make sure he doesn’t overdo it.”
“Yes, don’t worry.”
Seojun pouted at the exchange between Director Ryan Will and An Daho. A small smile touched Director Will’s lips at the child-like display as he began to speak.
“Jun. Let’s just tour the facility today and start training tomorrow. There’s someone I want to introduce you to.”
“Introduce?”
Seojun blinked, thought for a moment, and then let out a small, “Ah!”
At that, Director Will and Jonathan smiled. Seojun’s pout vanished.
“My stunt double?”
Seojun's stunt double.
The actor who would perform Jin Natra’s intense action scenes.
Recalling the stunt double from the *Shadowman 2* shoot who resembled Evan Block, Seojun’s eyes lit up.
“That’s right.”
Director Will nodded and checked the time.
“He should be training right now. Shall we go see?”
“Yes!”
Seojun nodded eagerly at Director Will’s suggestion.
On the way out of the main building and toward the training grounds.
Seojun spoke to Jonathan.
“Oh, right. Jonathan. I really enjoyed your movie. Congratulations on the award.”
It felt like just yesterday that he’d heard Jonathan had gone independent, but Director Jonathan Will had already improved enough to win an award at a film festival. He had congratulated him over the phone during the awards ceremony, but he wanted to say it in person.
Jonathan shrugged at Seojun’s congratulations.
“Thanks. But it was just a minor prize.”
But he couldn’t hide his joy, as the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
Director Will snorted at his nephew's inability to be honest. He knew how ecstatic Jonathan Will had been on the day he won the award. He had been completely over the moon.
“But is Jonathan filming with us this time too?”
Didn't he say he went independent?
At Seojun’s question, An Daho also looked at Jonathan with curiosity. Both of them had been a bit surprised to see Jonathan Will in the conference room, though their surprise was outweighed by their happiness.
“Just this once, as a special case. My uncle asked me.”
“Director Ryan Will did?”
As Seojun looked at him, Jonathan Will’s uncle, Director Ryan Will, cleared his throat.
“...Yes. Jonathan’s skills are quite good.”
“Skills, my foot. My uncle just finds me easy to boss around.”
Seojun and An Daho chuckled at Jonathan’s remark and looked at Director Will. Facing the gazes of the three asking if it was true, Director Will averted his eyes and began to speak.
“It’s not wrong that you’re easy to boss around... but it’s also true that you have talent.”
Hearing his uncle’s praise for the first time, Jonathan’s eyes widened.
Seojun noticed that Director Will’s gaze, though directed elsewhere, had intensified.
“I want to film *Shadowman 3* perfectly.”
Determination. A vow.
Everyone stopped walking at Director Will’s heavy words.
“I’ve only chosen staff members who work best with me, and I’ve selected the art team for the sets and the CG team from places I consider to be the most perfect.”
Director Ryan Will looked at Seojun.
“And that goes without saying for the actors.”
Seojun’s heart swelled at that look of trust. He could feel just how much Director Ryan Will acknowledged and believed in him.
“In a situation like this, I wouldn’t choose someone just because it’s convenient.”
Hearing the words of the director he most admired and respected, Jonathan Will’s eyes reddened.
After going independent from his uncle, he had always wondered if he was doing well. This single statement cleared all his doubts.
Director Jonathan Will was doing well enough for Director Ryan Will to include him in the filming of *Shadowman 3*.
Turning his gaze back to the group, Director Ryan Will patted the heads of his nephew, who had grown into an adult, and the actor, who had grown up so well.
* * *
After the moment of praise, a subtle silence fell.
As the actor, the master director, and the young director grew awkward in the lengthening silence, An Daho, who had stood a step back from the delicate atmosphere, spoke up. His face was full of smiles.
“Shall we get going, then?”
“Let’s.”
“Yes!”
“This way!”
As if they had all been waiting for that cue, the simultaneous replies made everyone burst into laughter.
* * *
[Actor Lee Seojun Departs for *Shadowman 3* Filming!]
[The Finale of the Shadowman Series. *Shadowman 3*!]
[Actor Lee Seojun’s First Film, the Shadowman Series!]
[A Story Inseparable from Lee Seojun!]
-Ah. He’s going.
-I’ve been waiting for Shadowman 3, but now that filming is starting, I feel kind of bittersweet.
=Same here. I want to see it, but at the same time, I don’t.
-It’s been almost 10 years. I watched Shadowman 1 when I was in middle school, and now I’m in college.
-The beginning of superstar Lee Seojun was definitely Shadowman.
-I still vividly remember being shocked by the post-credits scene, and now it’s already the end.
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