Chapter 147
Translator: uly
Chapter: 147
Chapter Title: Ki Han-hyang? (2)
Not being able to call out crap for what it is? If that’s not the newfangled suck-up syndrome—or rather, the fool-on-fool scam—what the hell is it? The victim feels like dying, while the spectator gets a refreshing thrill. That double-edged spiciness belongs to none other than the critic Han-hyang.
“This guy’s always hated appearing on shows. Why’d he suddenly pop up out of nowhere and complicate everything... What do we do?”
It started with a cautious casting inquiry for a program that hadn’t been on the schedule. A weekend morning show focused mainly on movie introductions. It was famous not just for digging up classic old films and hidden gems, but even more so for its incredibly punchy narration that introduced them. The memes scorching the internet didn’t come from nowhere.
Of course, it also had a corner for upcoming releases. And that was exactly where the talk of Ki Han-hyang appearing had come from.
“How could it not work? Our show has pretty high ratings for a weekend morning slot. We’ve got a solid fixed audience too.”
“It’s not that the program isn’t appealing; my schedule’s just way too packed. Sorry, but I don’t have time for your show...”
Requests to appear were already pouring in from everywhere. Even favors leaning on connections.
But.
“If I may ask, do you know Han-hyang?”
“Yes. Of course.”
Lee Gyu-han, recalling the name of the famous critic who gave what seemed like praise but was almost a roast every time Kwon Seonghyeon’s movies came out, answered.
It was movie criticism far from kind, teetering endlessly on the edge of takedowns, but it had ultimately helped a lot. There was even internal buzz that his cleverly savage digs paired with positive evaluations had nudged it past ten million viewers.
“Then we can cut to the chase. None other than that Han-hyang himself contacted us, saying he wants to personally introduce the film.”
“What? Who?”
“Han-hyang. In person. He specifically named this one—the movie opening soon—and said he wants to review it and do an interview. Still tough?”
It was tough. Of course it was!
But the name Han-hyang was pretty enticing.
“Seonghyeon. What would you do? If we accept, it’ll push other schedules back in a chain, but maybe we can squeeze it in somehow...”
He was practically a core powerhouse, so just appearing would generate buzz.
But.
“Turn it down.”
Kwon Seonghyeon said it without a second thought, as if no deliberation was needed. He’d seemed conflicted at first, but the moment “adjust the schedule” came up, he’d firmly decided.
“Hey, it’s Han-hyang, man. Wouldn’t that be a huge boost? We’ve got that hero flick opening soon anyway—something extra beforehand would be great, right?”
“Schedule’s already jammed, and you want to squeeze more? Yeonwoo’ll get hurt.”
“Yeah, true... But you know it’s a super important time right now, don’t you?”
“What if he collapses while touring the country for stage greetings? Have you become the type to ditch actors for sales?”
Once more, the resolute gaze of the handsome man struck home. Seeing the quiet blame in his low voice and deep eyes, Lee Gyu-han felt inexplicably wronged.
“Hey, what’re you saying? When have I ever? I’ve always scheduled around labor laws because of your nagging! Except for shoots, that is.”
“That’s a given. Do you not know how fragile Yeonwoo is? Hyung, think long-term. Yeonwoo isn’t some flash-in-the-pan star that burns bright and fades quick.”
Lee Gyu-han agreed with that.
Yeonwoo definitely had something other actors lacked. What they called an “aura” in this industry.
Even if acting skills were a bit off. Even if looks were just okay. You needed something that irresistibly pulled people in to survive here.
“In that sense, Kang Yeonwoo’s top-tier.”
Looks? Check. Unique vibe? Check. Acting chops? Absolutely. And more. Yeonwoo had this magnetic pull that hooked people hard. A presence so strong it was hard to call him a rookie anymore.
“Yeonwoo’ll last. I’ll make sure of it. But to do that, we gotta build his career right from now. Why’re you babying him like a chick under your wing? Looks like you’ve already discharged from the military a while back.”
He’d slimmed down from filming, giving him an even stranger aura.
Still, his personal trainer said despite appearances, he was naturally sturdy and had gained more muscle...
“Who else’ll guard my lifeline if not me?”
“Why’s Yeonwoo’s career your lifeline? Uh... You planning to switch sides?”
“Sides?”
“Start an agency? Wait, this company’s yours anyway. Why bother with a new one? Ah... Expanding? Need a success story? People’d flock to you on name alone—why worry?”
No answer—just a refined smile in return.
Lee Gyu-han, hit straight by it, cleared his throat awkwardly.
“I think Han-hyang’s worth pushing for, even if it’s a stretch. Timing’s perfect too. They’re slotting it early on purpose, so it’ll hit right after release and ride the wave properly.”
“...What about adjusting the other shoot?”
“Huh? Oh! Probably doable if we ask. They’d rearrange for sure if he agrees to come...?”
Kwon Seonghyeon’s eyes wandered into space for a while.
Then he let out a deep sigh.
Conflicted gaze. Sleek fingers stroking his chin, lost in thought, silent.
‘What’s got him like that?’
Lee Gyu-han glanced over, but nothing caught the eye.
Another sigh.
After a brief silence, Kwon Seonghyeon spoke.
“No helping it. Grateful you let us meet sometimes... but sometimes I wish we didn’t.”
“Huh? What?”
Lee Gyu-han asked back at the murmured low voice.
Kwon Seonghyeon shook his head and looked up again.
“Hyung. Don’t forget to confirm and adjust the shoot time.”
“Y-Yeah, of course. I don’t wanna overwork Yeonwoo either.”
And that was why Yeonwoo now faced this touchy, irritable-looking guy.
*
“Yeonwoo-ssi. No need to force yourself into something tough.”
“Not tough.”
“...You really don’t have to.”
“Really not tough, so no worries.”
The schedule from Kwon Seonghyeon looked packed at a glance.
Most slots filled? That explained it.
But Yeonwoo, handed the schedule, felt nothing special.
‘This much? Manageable.’
It reminded him of the mad spinning Lady Kang had put him through under the guise of training.
‘Yeah. Daily hikes back then.’
Ever tried meditating under a waterfall? Even sitting was brutal. One slip and the pressure snaps your neck.
Just sitting was solid manual labor.
Add daily hikes on top? Yeah.
Compared to that...
‘This is nothing.’
He’d never once thought his stamina lacked since.
Though facing obsession entities near god-level was different.
“You might be fine now, but think long-term. Actors don’t collapse from overwork mid-schedule for nothing.”
“Kwon Seonghyeon-ssi.”
“...Yes.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
Was that a droopy tail and ears illusion? Kwon Seonghyeon sat in the chair, his fluffy brown hair perfectly visible.
Must be why.
Yeonwoo unwittingly rested a hand on it.
“Yeonwoo-ssi...?”
“Ah, my mistake.”
Why’d he have to look so dog-like?
“I’m fine.”
“Me too.”
No hobby of petting grown men’s heads. Dogs were an exception, but...
‘Kwon Seonghyeon isn’t a dog.’
It’d felt so soft and fluffy though...
Before thoughts veered weirder, Yeonwoo shut them down.
Knock knock!
Perfect timing—someone rapped on the waiting room door.
‘Staff?’
Mid-recording wait, maybe to fetch him.
He opened the door expecting that.
But there stood someone completely unexpected.
*
“K-Kang, Kang Yeonwoo-ssi?”
“Yes. Time to go out?”
“N-No. No, not at all.”
“...?”
Not staff come to fetch him, apparently.
Before Yeonwoo could shoot a suspicious look, the guy hurriedly pulled out a business card and handed it over.
[Ki Han-hyang [email protected]]
The name in thick ink on premium paper with a subtle pearlescent sheen.
“Not a peddler or anything. This is me.”
‘Ki Han-hyang...? Rings a bell.’
A name that’d echoed in his ears lately.
Didn’t take long to place it.
One person popped into his head.
The reason he hadn’t matched it was...
‘Cynical, right? Touchy and prickly...?’
The guy before him didn’t look it at all.
Skinny, as heard.
But no prickliness in his demeanor or face.
Eyes slightly upturned? But his beaming smile made him round and approachable, not sneering.
‘Name matches, so... probably him.’
Just to confirm:
“You’re Han-hyang-ssi co-hosting today, right?”
“Yes! That’s me!”
Instant reply. He beamed even wider, thrilled Yeonwoo recognized him.
“Nice to meet you. But Yeon Do-hee-ssi hasn’t arrived yet, so rehearsal’s still...”
“Not here for rehearsal. Kang Yeonwoo-ssi.”
“Yes?”
Ki Han-hyang’s cheery smile turned resolute.
Yeonwoo tensed up too.
Not rehearsal? Then...
Insulting him maybe?
‘Looks fine, but who knows.’
Come to think, today’s script was super bare-bones.
“Given Han-hyang-ssi’s style, a detailed script would just hinder.”
“That’s not what we discussed before. Puts us in a bind.”
Lee Gyu-han, having checked the cue sheet first, rubbed his forehead in distress.
The PD explained fervently.
“Han-hyang-ssi promised no negatives.”
“How can we trust that?”
“It’s live! If he does, we’ll edit it all out. Make sure it never looks negative. Come to editing if you want and check yourself!”
Full of holes—barely a script—so rehearsal mattered.
But not that.
Then why come?
As Yeonwoo’s eyes hardened with suspicion.
A hand thrust forward suddenly.
“Mind a handshake?”
“Yes?”
“Please, just one handshake.”
“...?”
Huh? Not here to fight?
He’d smiled the whole time, but the mood shift had tensed things.
Weird though.
“Ah, sure. Looking forward to working together today.”
They were co-hosting today anyway.
No harm in greetings.
The moment hands clasped.
A status window popped up.
And.
-Name: Ki Han-hyang (34) (Nickname: Han-hyang) (Instagram ID: OneFragrance)
-Occupation: Famous Film Critic
-Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
-Specialties: Aphoristic Critique [A], The Pen is Mightier than the Sword [A+], Cynical Gaze [A], Film Analysis [A+]
-Favorability: Highest
-Current Physical Condition: Malnourished
-Current Emotional State: Ecstatic
*Some items cannot be opened at this time.
*Detailed information on this individual is hidden.
**Lifespan cannot be harvested from this individual at present.
‘Huh...? Favorability: Highest?’