Chapter 254
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 254
Chapter Title: Two Trophies at WTV
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As they chatted about various things to shake off their disappointment before the start of the WTV Film Festival, Richel Hill's eyes lit up.
“By the way, Jun. How are the preparations for your play coming along?”
At Richel Hill's question, Evan Block, Director Ryan Will, and Swalin Anum all leaned in to listen.
All four of them had heard about the play from Seojun. Two weeks ago, they had even read the script for ‘Mirror,’ which Seojun had translated himself. Since he was planning to add English subtitles to the N-tube video anyway, the translation hadn't been too difficult.
“They’re going well. But there’s an exam in October. The other kids I’m practicing with are also focused on the exam, so we’re still just doing read-throughs.”
“An exam?”
“The high school entrance exam. Since it’s an arts high school, there’s an acting test too.”
“Ah, right. Your role in *Yeok* started with an exam video, didn't it?”
Seojun nodded at Evan Block’s words.
“Yes. But starting in November, I’ll be able to focus entirely on the play.”
“I can't wait for December to get here!”
All four of them were sparkling with anticipation for Seojun's second play.
As they talked and waited, *Pop!* Confetti cannons fired. A cheer rose from the audience, and the WTV Film Festival began.
The WTV Film Festival opened with a performance by the most famous band of the year.
With the powerful crash of the drums, a heavy vocal, a dazzling guitar, and a deep bass, brilliant flames erupted from all sides and fireworks exploded. Just as he had eight years ago, Seojun watched the performance, clapping enthusiastically.
After the amazing performance, the MC took the microphone. Surprisingly, it was the same MC from eight years ago.
While waiting for the audience to settle down, the MC glanced around and his eyes met Seojun’s over by the *Shadowman* team’s table. He broke into a bright smile.
He didn't know if WTV had intentionally brought him back for this, but the MC clearly remembered the very beginning of a superstar's journey eight years ago.
As if sensing the MC's warm feelings, Seojun waved, and the MC grinned before continuing with the show. The exchange between the two was broadcast live.
- They totally planned this. Totally lol.
- WTV is amazing lol.
- It’s like everything is the same as 8 years ago, except Seojun grew up haha.
The MC gave a brief introduction to the WTV Film Festival and began to announce the award recipients one by one.
“The Most Charming Actress of the Year!”
On the screen behind the stage, Richel Hill's face appeared alongside other actresses. The audience shouted the names of the characters the actresses played. The loudest name was Bell Natra.
“Richel Hill!”
To the applause of Seojun and the others, Richel Hill rose from her seat.
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Jun!”
Richel Hill went up on stage and smilingly accepted the popcorn-bucket-shaped trophy and a bouquet of flowers. She stood before the microphone to give her acceptance speech and began to speak.
“The most charming actress of the year, that feels really nice. I hope to be the most charming actress not just this year, but next year and the years after as well. To the *Shadowman* team, who worked so hard with me, it was a truly fun and happy shoot. And I want to express my deepest gratitude to the fans who voted for me.”
After Richel Hill's speech, a voice called out from the audience.
“Your Highness!”
“Princess Bell!”
Richel Hill, who had been about to step away after her speech, laughed at the voices and returned to the microphone. She was also aware of the speculation that Bell Natra might be the next king of Natra.
“People of Earth! Please take good care of my brother William and Shadowman!”
*Whaaaaaa!*
Laughter erupted from everywhere. As diverse and fun as its award categories, the WTV Film Festival was a more lighthearted and enjoyable event than other awards ceremonies.
The smiling *Shadowman* team welcomed Richel Hill back as she returned with her trophy.
“I guess I should come up with something to say, then.”
“I should think about it too.”
With faces full of amusement, Evan Block and Seojun fell into thought.
As the laughter subsided, the MC spoke.
“Don't you worry, Princess Bell. William and Jin Natra have become very, very famous actors. There isn't a person on Earth who doesn't like them.”
Another wave of laughter broke out.
“Next, we will present the Best Hero of the Year award!”
The MC pulled a card from the envelope and smiled meaningfully.
“Well, well, I thought he was an actor, but it turns out his real identity was a superhero! The Best Hero of the Year is!”
“Evan Block!”
The crowd burst out laughing at the MC's words. Seojun, Richel Hill, and Evan Block also erupted in laughter.
- An actor or a superhero? lol
- Actor by day, hero by night?
- He must be busy, lol.
Evan Block, still smiling, accepted the trophy and bouquet and stood before the microphone.
“Everyone, please tell Bell Natra not to worry. Because I'm living very happily.”
Evan Block smiled faintly and continued.
“It's already been 10 years since *Shadowman 1*. I'm so happy to be able to greet you all like this. 10 years. It's a long time if you think about it, but short in some ways. I feel the same as I did back then, but our William has grown up so much.”
The camera lens turned towards Seojun.
Startled by being suddenly on screen, Seojun's eyes widened before he broke into a bright smile and waved.
“I don’t know what these past 10 years have been like for you all, but I was truly happy while filming *Shadowman*. I sincerely hope that all of you also found joy in watching *Shadowman*.”
As Evan Block bowed deeply, a thunderous applause erupted.
- Ah. This really feels like the end T_T
- I know, right? T_T No one is saying to look forward to the next one.
- Still, don't you think Shadowman and Bell Natra will appear in the Assemble series?
- +1 The one who really won't be back is William T_T
- William T_T
“Next is the ‘Best Villain Award’.”
At the MC's words, the audience and viewers alike raised their hands, ready to applaud for an award they all expected.
On the screen behind the stage, five nominees were shown.
Among them, one actor stood out with a face that remained remarkably young even after 10 years. Perhaps it was because, for the 'Best Villain Award', the other actors had more rugged features, making his still-youthful face even more prominent.
The MC smiled and began to speak.
“Just like eight years ago, the votes for this actor are still no joke. Everyone, please give him a round of applause. The young actor who received the ‘Most Notable Actor Award’ on this very stage eight years ago has returned. And true to the award's name, it seems you all paid close attention, because he has become a tremendous actor. The winner of the Best Villain Award is!”
Even before the MC finished speaking, applause broke out. Seojun's name and Jin Natra's name were shouted from all corners.
“The terrifying villain who tried to destroy Earth and Natra simultaneously, Seojun Lee for his role as Jin Natra!”
As Seojun's name was called, a roar of cheers erupted.
Jin Natra, William, Seojun Lee.
People called out whichever name they loved most.
Seo Eunhye and Lee Minjun, sitting in the audience, beamed and applauded, while An Daho, also smiling brightly, took a picture of Seojun's close-up on the screen and sent it to the CEO and staff of Cocoa Entertainment.
Seojun walked onto the stage with a radiant smile.
He was different from that little kid who had been dazed and confused, almost content with just one award. The greedy person who now sought more projects, more awards, and more love, held the popcorn-bucket-shaped trophy and a bouquet of blooming flowers in his arms.
“Hello. I’m Lee Seojun.”
As was his trademark, Seojun's first greeting was in Korean.
“It’s been eight years since I was last on this stage. The venue is the same, the MC is the same, so it feels like I’ve gone back in time. But time has passed, and I’ve grown a lot. To all of you who have continuously loved *Shadowman* over this long time, I really want to tell you that I love you.”
Cheers and applause filled the air.
Seojun, who had half-turned to leave after finishing his speech, stepped back to the microphone.
The camera lens focused on Seojun. The audience and viewers held their breath. It seemed that, just as Richel Hill and Evan Block had done, Seojun also had a message to leave for the ‘people of Earth.’
Seojun—no, William—smiled brightly.
It was a pure and gentle smile, one full of happiness. His voice was sincere.
“Please tell my beloved father and Bell that I’m happy now. Please tell the dependable Shadowman that I’m not lonely anymore.”
The awards hall fell silent for a moment as if time had stopped.
Director Ryan Will, Swalin Anum, Evan Block, and Richel Hill looked surprised for a moment before their expressions softened into gentle smiles.
These were ‘William’s words.’
The once-young William had grown up and was now sending a message.
The audience in the hall and those watching the WTV Film Festival let out a collective gasp of awe at this epilogue for *Shadowman*, which appeared like a special post-credits scene they never thought they would see.
- T_T I never expected to see this here T_T
- So this is what we needed to see for a truly happy ending!
- Seojun’s so clever T_T
- But his acting is still terrifying;;
- +1 He became William in an instant;;
- But isn't this a plot hole? William's memories...(muffled)
- To the comment above… let's just call it a parallel universe.
Seojun returned to his seat, and the winners for other categories were announced. Seojun and the *Shadowman* team applauded, congratulating the actors. And finally, the last award of the night approached.
The MC pulled a card from the envelope, straightened his shoulders, and spoke.
“A moment ago, I never imagined I would see this actor’s performance with my own eyes. It was an incredible display of acting that silenced this entire vast awards hall in an instant. That acting prowess earned him trophies and praise from both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards. We certainly can't be left out! The winner of the Best Acting Performance Award is!”
Applause broke out even before the name was called. From the audience, shouts of ‘Seojun Lee’ could be heard. The MC, smiling at the loud voices, shouted enthusiastically.
“Seojun Lee!”
Receiving his second award, Seojun placed his first trophy on the table and headed for the stage. A huge round of applause and cheers erupted from the audience.
“Hello. I’m Seojun Lee.”
Standing before the microphone to give his second acceptance speech, Seojun took a moment to look around the awards hall before speaking.
“I realized something as I entered the venue today. The fact that I can no longer say, ‘Please look forward to the next *Shadowman*.’ When filming ended, I think a part of me might have believed we would be back to film again in a few years.”
The audience listened intently to Seojun’s voice.
“My first movie appearance was in *Shadowman*, and my first attempt at playing a villain was also in *Shadowman*.”
It was because of *Shadowman* that he had been able to open two libraries at once, something he had never managed in all his long past lives.
“The first award of my life was also for *Shadowman*. It was the ‘Most Notable Actor Award’ right here at the WTV Film Festival. No one will ever know how happy and joyful I was.”
*‘Truly.’*
It was an award he had finally received after living through long past lives. Those who didn't know that long, long story would never understand just how happy ‘Seojun’ and his ‘first life’ had been.
“While filming *Shadowman*, I met wonderful people, got to work on new projects, and was able to return here like this. It was the most enjoyable film, a very important film in my life, and one I will never forget.”
The actor, Seojun Lee, smiled brightly.
“To everyone who loved *Shadowman*, the film I love the most, I sincerely thank you.”
As Seojun bowed deeply, applause thundered through the hall.
The people there could fully feel how much this young actor had loved, still loved, and would continue to love *Shadowman*.
“You must be happy, Director.”
“Yes. I am.”
Director Ryan Will beamed at Swalin Anum’s words.
How could he not be happy when an actor he worked with loved the film so much?
***
[Hollywood Actor Lee Seojun Wins ‘Best Villain’ and ‘Best Acting Performance’ Awards!]
[8-Year-Old Lee Seojun and 16-Year-Old Lee Seojun on the Same Stage!]
[A Surprise Post-Credits Scene?! Shadowman! Bell Natra! William! Appear at the WTV Film Festival!]
[Actor Lee Seojun with Two Trophies at the WTV Film Festival!]
[Actor Lee Seojun’s Most Beloved Film, *Shadowman*!]
- Seojun, congratulations on your awards!
- I watched without any worries this time, haha.
- = Right. Unlike the Golden Globes and the Oscars, I could watch this one with a peaceful heart, lol.
- I can't believe we got a post-credits scene at an awards show!
- = Bell Natra, Shadowman, and William… it was so good T_T
- I saw it during *Gray Vainie*, but he really does change in an instant.
- = +1 He’s truly amazing.
- It’s really over. *Shadowman*.
- = It might come back with *Assemble*, but the *Shadowman* series is over T_T
- = And no more William T_T
- = I'll have to soothe this empty heart with figurines!
- = +1 When are they coming out?