Chapter 102
Chapter 102
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 102
Chapter Title: Encounter Over Cheeseburgers
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“As expected, the cheeseburgers here are something else!”
Robert Downey Jr. took a big bite of his cheeseburger, chewed thoughtfully, and savored a small moment of joy.
Once upon a time, this handsome man—Hollywood’s top talent—had spiraled into a life of reckless indulgence, becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs.
He had effectively thrown his acting career into the trash.
But with the help of his loving wife and friends, he completed rehab and seized a chance to turn his life around.
The opportunity to play a hero who had walked a path just like his own.
Ronny Stark.
A hero with strength ten times that of a normal human, clad in armor equipped with missiles and laser cannons.
But inside that armor, Ronny Stark was a wastrel who drowned the void left by his parents’ death in a childhood accident with a string of promiscuous affairs and alcohol addiction.
Just like himself in real life.
“I might get addicted to these cheeseburgers at this rate.”
Robert grumbled playfully, but he was happy.
There had been a time when drugs had dulled his taste buds so much he couldn’t even enjoy a cheeseburger.
Just being able to savor the flavor like this made him happy.
“Robert, you sure know how to pick ‘em. Our situation right now is like this hamburger—cheap and low-rent…”
Jonathan, who had been munching on his own cheeseburger, glanced at Robert and let out a hollow chuckle.
*Iron Steel* was a life-changing opportunity for him—and for Robert too.
But apparently, headquarters didn’t see it that way.
“140 million dollars? Does that even make sense? Even thriller movies cost 200 million these days. And this is a hero flick. A millionaire flying around in robot armor, smashing stuff, firing missiles. You know, a hero movie.”
Jonathan raised his voice.
Just as he said, *Iron Steel* was a hero movie.
The kind that required heavy CG work.
Just 10 million more dollars, and they could make something polished.
But as it stood, they could only afford the bare minimum CG.
Otherwise, they’d have to cut shooting days to save on CG budget.
In the end, driven by the desire to make something even a little better, they had requested additional funding from the studio.
But instead of approving it, they were told to find investors themselves.
Frustrated, they had flown to Silicon Valley, where the rich gathered.
But no matter how they thought about it, finding investors seemed impossible.
As if to console the despairing Jonathan, Robert amped up the clowning.
“If we can’t find investors, you make me a prop Night Hawk suit or something. I’ll wear it to the end.”
“What about the flying?”
“Just wire it up.”
Robert replied innocently to Jonathan’s retort.
But even his consolation—such as it was—didn’t brighten Jonathan’s face.
They hadn’t even been able to register for the after-party following Investor’s Night in Silicon Valley.
After Investor’s Night ended, there was a casual dinner gathering.
Even non-investors like famous celebrities or influencers could attend.
But since the two of them weren’t big names yet, their applications had been rejected despite submitting them.
By *every single company*.
Grind!!
Jonathan ground his teeth, recalling the humiliations of the past few days.
“They won’t even let us in…”
“I should be the one more embarrassed than you.”
Robert gently soothed Jonathan.
A director might fly under the radar.
But he—the lead actor, who had once dominated Hollywood—had been turned away at the door too.
Still, Robert hadn’t let go of hope.
If they couldn’t find investors, they could revise the script to cut CG scenes.
And if he wore practical prop suits as much as possible, they could film something solid somehow.
“Whew. Let’s at least try Apple. Steven Gibson might welcome us.”
“That guy’s a fan of *Iron Steel*, right?”
Robert started to nod at Jonathan’s question but hesitated.
Even he thought it was a pathetic idea.
Investing in a favorite character and investing in the movie based on that character were two different things.
Robert clicked his tongue at his own foolishness for a moment, then said,
“Let’s just eat our cheeseburgers.”
“You’re not sick of them yet?”
“Not at all.”
Just as Robert nodded.
Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind them.
“Robert Downey Jr.? And… Director Jonathan Favreau, isn’t it?”
Someone called their names, and they whipped around reflexively.
Two bodyguards who had been eating burgers at a nearby table started to stand, but Robert quickly raised a hand to stop them.
In front of them stood an East Asian man in a top-tier luxury suit, beaming with a wide smile.
“…….”
“…….”
Robert and Jonathan exchanged glances.
‘A fan?’
‘Could be rich.’
Sharing the same thought, the two jumped to their feet.
Having rubbed shoulders with celebrities in Hollywood, they had developed an eye for luxury goods.
And by their expert eyes.
The East Asian man was wearing a suit worth about $100,000.
Plus, behind him were burly bodyguards who looked like security.
They were dressed in the same luxury suits as the East Asian man.
‘He’s rich.’
‘Rich guy.’
The *Iron Steel* director and lead actor were thinking the same thing.
If he was rich, they needed to get friendly.
The rich East Asian extended his hand first to the money-hungry(?) director.
“I’m Lee Dae-hyuk. From Korea.”
“I’m Jonathan Favreau. Actor and director.”
The East Asian, Lee Dae-hyuk, smiled and shook Jonathan’s hand.
Flash!
Psychometry activated as usual.
A flood of information about Jonathan poured into his mind.
‘Even at this point, he was talented.’
He could see the scenarios and storyboards Jonathan had put together.
Even just the text and storyboard images—not actual footage—were intriguing and fun.
With that kind of vision, it was no wonder *Iron Steel* would succeed.
And that success paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe that the world enjoyed all the way to 2021.
A massive world of 20 movies and 5 dramas.
Having met ancestors from that dimension in person, Lee Dae-hyuk felt a surge of emotion in his chest.
And now he knew they had come to Silicon Valley to find investors…
‘Talk about luck rolling in.’
All he had to do now was play his cards right and secure the investment.
‘10 million dollars should be fine, right? Or maybe a bit more?’
10 million dollars was about 9.3 billion won.
He could invest up to 20 million right now.
But Lee Dae-hyuk didn’t bring up investment right away.
Just like in relationships, business needed a little push and pull.
Showing up out of nowhere and offering to invest?
They’d think he was a scammer—or if not, they wouldn’t appreciate it properly.
The smartest move was to get them to ask for the investment first.
While Lee Dae-hyuk was formulating his plan.
“I’m Robert Downey Jr.”
Robert offered his hand to Lee Dae-hyuk as well.
Grab!
Lee Dae-hyuk took it without hesitation.
Flash!
‘Ugh.’
Using psychometry back-to-back brought on a slight headache.
But Lee Dae-hyuk managed his expression and smiled.
‘He’s as impressive as I thought.’
Like Ronny Stark, the protagonist of *Iron Steel*, Robert was someone who had overcome adversity.
The fighting spirit and positivity emanating from him even lifted Lee Dae-hyuk’s mood.
‘Is this why he succeeded?’
Releasing Robert’s hand, Lee Dae-hyuk pondered a bit.
The success of the first *Iron Steel* came from overcoming its ‘low budget’ handicap with clever, witty scripting and strong acting.
But what if he invested too much?
‘They might end up with a movie that’s all CG and no proper script revisions.’
Of course, more budget could mean a better film, but altering history raised the risk of failure.
‘Find a compromise.’
He needed to invest just the right amount.
Enough to make the movie comfortable to shoot without derailing their futures.
But first.
‘Better get a little closer.’
It was still a few hours until Investor’s Night at 7 p.m.
“If you don’t mind, could I treat you to a cup of coffee?”
“Hmm… Jonathan?”
Robert glanced at Jonathan.
Jonathan nodded without a second thought.
“Anywhere’s fine. Haha.”
Hearing that, Lee Dae-hyuk looked at Kim Sung-hee beside him.
“You heard that, right?”
“Ah… Yes.”
Even as she answered, Kim Sung-hee felt immense pressure.
They might be a has-been actor and a mid-tier director now, but they were still Hollywood stars.
She had to take them somewhere they’d like—no easy task.
‘Where can I take them without getting chewed out?’
Facing this once-in-a-lifetime mission(?), cold sweat trickled down Kim Sung-hee’s back.
***
Silicon Valley was home to world-famous franchise coffee chains locked in fierce competition.
But the spot most favored by local businessmen was a tiny, nameless shop tucked in an alley.
Pinz Coffee.
Instead of standard lattes or cappuccinos.
It served one custom cup at a time, hand-dripped to the customer’s taste using a new coffee blend developed by the founder.
Of course, it took time for each cup.
But since most patrons lingered for meetings or work, no one complained.
“If you’ve come to Silicon Valley, you have to try Pinz Coffee before you go.”
Kim Sung-hee said proudly once they were seated.
Maybe because the taste belied the humble exterior?
Lee Dae-hyuk, Yoon Tae-ho, Jonathan, and Robert were all impressed as they sipped.
Especially Lee Dae-hyuk, whose eyes sparkled.
A memory from the past surfaced.
‘Yoo Jae-man exported Pinz Coffee to Korea and made it big.’
Office workers everywhere—not just in Korea, but the world—harbored a faint longing for Silicon Valley.
Yoo Jae-man capitalized on that.
By branding it as ‘the coffee shop for Silicon Valley businessmen,’ it became a massive hit in Korea.
In just three years, 10 stores grew to 100.
Later, people even said, ‘They come to Seojin Department Store just to drink Pinz Coffee.’
‘Coming to America just added another fun task to my list.’
A smile crept onto Lee Dae-hyuk’s lips.
What could be more exciting than assignments like this?
Plus, the conversation was enjoyable even beyond business.
Jonathan and Robert regaled the group with absurd and ridiculous tales from the set.
Robert fired the first shot.
“For a bed scene, I walked in buck naked at first. Everyone freaked out and yelled… but the female staff just stared the whole time. Haha.”
Jonathan countered with his own grim history.
“I once played a fighter, forgot the cup, and… whew, nearly switched genders.”
“Kyakyakya—!!”
Kim Sung-hee clutched her stomach, laughing at their expressive faces.
“…Hahaha.”
Yoon Tae-ho, who didn’t speak English, only laughed after Lee Dae-hyuk and Kim Sung-hee translated.
But he kept smiling to match the vibe.
How much time passed like that?
Robert and Jonathan learned about Lee Dae-hyuk too.
That he was the guy who invested big in Apple and had come here for Investor’s Night.
“…….”
“…….”
Once the mood had ripened, Jonathan Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. exchanged glances.
Talking with Lee Dae-hyuk and Kim Sung-hee was fun.
Especially Lee Dae-hyuk’s gaze and voice brimmed with affection toward them.
As a regressor who knew their successful futures, Lee Dae-hyuk couldn’t help but look at them warmly.
But now was the time to treat them not as a mere fan, but as a potential investor.
Sensing the shift, Lee Dae-hyuk fell silent.
Finally, Jonathan pulled the trigger.
“By any chance, do you like hero movies?”
In their chats, Jonathan and Robert had picked up hope.
They’d caught that Lee Dae-hyuk was interested in IT and content industries.
In fact, Lee Dae-hyuk had subtly dropped hints on purpose.
He did want to invest in movies and dramas—not just Marvel Cinematic Universe—starting with *Iron Steel 1*.
But leaking those vibes now was to draw out an investment request from them.
To Lee Dae-hyuk’s question, he shared his thoughts.
“Any guy loves hero stuff. I’ve played *Iron Steel* as a game and watched the animations.”
Jonathan’s face lit up.
“There’s a movie coming out with *Iron Steel*’s hero as the lead. This guy’s playing Ronny Stark, the Iron Steel role.”
Jonathan clapped Robert on the shoulder.
Robert grinned sheepishly, and Jonathan continued.
“Dae-hyuk, if you’re looking for movies or dramas to invest in, how about our *Iron Steel*?”
“…….”
As Lee Dae-hyuk went quiet, Jonathan quickly added,
“Oh, I’m not just asking for cash out of the blue. We’ll send you the script and concept art, bring you to set for a briefing. Decide after that.”
Jonathan was confident.
Anyone who saw the *Iron Steel* script and concept art wouldn’t refuse.
But Lee Dae-hyuk, who had smiled through the talk, replied firmly.
“Not right now.”