Chapter 197:
Seongbuk-gu. Director Yeo Jaeyoon's house.
Jaeyoon and his daughter, Hyemin, were casually watching TV and snacking. Jaeyoon took a bite of an apple and discreetly observed his daughter's expression.
Though her expression seemed somewhat dry, as usual, Jaeyoon could discern a subtle difference in it.
"It seems like she's upset about not being able to travel with Kang Jinseok."
Originally, Hyemin was supposed to appear together with Jinseok in the travel variety show, "Recognizable Abroad?". They had worked on two projects together, even attended Cannes together, and filmed advertisements for famous overseas brands together, creating an image of them being quite close.
The assigned PD, Seo Hyeonwook, also welcomed it with open arms. Just having Jinseok appear was a big deal, but with Hyemin joining as well – it was beyond sensational.
Hyemin, surprisingly, expressed her willingness to appear actively, and it seemed like the appearance was confirmed.
"An unmarried man and woman traveling alone? Absolutely not."
However, Hyemin's appearance was thwarted, all because of Director Yeo Jaeyoon.
Of course, it wasn't truly ‘alone' as there were plenty of staff and a manager accompanying them. Yet, as a father with a daughter, Yeo Jaeyoon couldn't accept it.Moreover, Yeo Jaeyoon was well aware that his daughter harbored subtle feelings for Jinseok, making him even more reluctant to let her go on the trip. Even if he thought of himself as a troublesome father interfering with his daughter's romantic affairs, it didn't matter. To Yeo Jaeyoon, Hyemin was always the top priority.
"Hello, I'm Kang Jinseok!"
Jinseok greeted cheerfully on TV. Watching Jinseok like that, Yeo Jaeyoon clenched his fist and pondered.
"Well, if it's Kang Jinseok, he's an acceptable person. Charismatic, friendly, polite, lively, reasonably well-off, clean in relationships with women."
Somehow, he felt like he had similar thoughts in the past, but Yeo Jaeyoon attributed it to his mood.
"But it's still not acceptable."
He didn't know how long he could continue to interfere with his daughter, but Yeo Jaeyoon was determined to do it as long as he had the strength.
At that moment, another participant appeared on the screen.
"Hello, I'm Park Hayeon! I arrived in Japan before Jinseok oppa!"
Park Hayeon. An entertainer who would be appearing instead of Hyemin this time. She recently finished a concert in Japan, and her schedule conveniently overlapped with Jinseok's shoot. Besides, her recognition as a Korean idol in Japan and her proactive attitude toward her appearance bonus points, not to mention her past appearance on the entertainment show "Entertainment Diary" together with Hyemin.
Crunch.
It was just an ordinary act of eating an apple, not much different from usual, but for some reason, Yeo Jaeyoon sensed his daughter's mood.
Clearing his throat, Yeo Jaeyoon asked Hyemin, "Hmm, Hyemin. Are you still upset about not going there?"
Instead of answering, Hyemin increased the volume of the TV. It was admirable and appreciated by Yeo Jaeyoon that she expressed her feelings like that, but being her father, he felt somewhat uneasy.
"For now, it's probably better to stay quiet."
He had a nagging feeling that if he pried too much, Hyemin might retreat to her room.
Meanwhile, on the TV screen, Jinseok was heading to Japan from Incheon International Airport. At the airport, he shared anecdotes like, "I was lost a lot when I first came here" and "A young fan wearing a rabbit hat gave it to me when I entered Japan. I still have it," while occasionally putting on the hat.
A grown man wearing such a hat.
As a somewhat conservative Yeo Jaeyoon, it was a bit uncomfortable to see, but strangely, it suited him well, perhaps because he had a good sense of style.
Then, it happened.
Jaeyoon couldn't help but notice that Hyemin, who couldn't take her eyes off the TV, was caught in his gaze.
At that sight, Jaeyoon let out a faint sigh. And so, the uncomfortable TV viewing for the two continued.
***
At the same time, at Park Chunsam's house.
Celebrating a rare holiday, Park Chunsam was leisurely watching TV in the living room. His sparkling-eyed wife and daughter were with him.
On the screen was an episode of "Recognizable Abroad?" featuring Jinseok.
Park Chunsam's wife and daughter were avid fans of Jinseok. However, it wasn't just because of Jinseok's work.
It was also because whenever Jinseok traveled abroad or on special occasions, he would send gifts through Park Chunsam.
Park Chunsam recalled the gifts from Jinseok inside the refrigerator.
"Last time, he sent wine and expensive beef."
Honestly, Park Chunsam's preference was soju and pork belly. Jinseok was well aware of this but had sent wine and beef, saying, "I can't just give you soju and pork belly since it's for both Mrs. and Ms. You can enjoy these with them."
"Well… thanks to that, my wife and daughter liked it."
As Park Chunsam was lost in various thoughts, Jinseok's video continued on TV.
"Wow… when I first came here, there were hardly any customers. Now, there are so many customers waiting."
Jinseok licked his lips, observing the long line filling the alley. Subtitles on the screen read, ‘Kang Jinseok's recommended Japanese ramen restaurant.'
"It's a place recommended by Jinseok."
Someday, he thought he should go there. While Park Chunsam was having such thoughts.
Ding-dong.
Someone rang the doorbell. Since it wasn't common for visitors to come at this hour, Park Chunsam grinned and went to the front door.
"Who is it?"
As Park Chunsam opened the door, there was no one outside. Instead, a large package was placed on the floor.
"What's this? It looks like an icebox."
Even at a glance, it seemed like a substantial box. Most people would groan while lifting it, but Park Chunsam effortlessly brought it inside.
"Hey, do you have something you ordered?"
"No? Did it come to me?"
"Let me see… Oh? Is it for me? The sender is… Kang Jinseok?"
As Park Chunsam spoke, the attention of his daughter and wife, who had been focused on the TV, turned abruptly towards him.
"Sent by actor Kang Jinseok?"
"Jinseok oppa?!"
"Well, it seems so. But why do you call Jinseok ‘oppa'? He's younger than you."
"Because he's handsome."
As if questioning why she was asked such an obvious question, the daughter approached Park Chunsam. Then, she inspected the package.
"It's an international delivery. Let's open it, Dad."
"Sure. What did he send this time?"
Park Chunsam placed the box on the living room table and began to open it with familiar movements. Although the box was tightly sealed with tape and strings, it was futile against Park Chunsam's strength.
After a while, Park Chunsam opened the box. As he expected, it was an icebox.
Inside were bottles of sake and a letter.
——
During my recent filming in Japan, I discovered a truly delicious drink, so I'm sending it for you to try.
I might have to go back to the United States after this shooting, so I might not be able to enter Korea for a while.
I'll occasionally share pictures on the group chat to say hello.
-Kang Jinseok
——
It was Jinseok's gift.
"Well, well."
Park Chunsam smiled with satisfaction. Truly, this guy hadn't changed much even after achieving significant success.
After the variety show filming in Japan, he immediately headed to the United States.
"Steven Spielberg calling me…!"
Steven Spielberg.
A renowned Hollywood director. He had reached out to cast me as the lead actor in his upcoming project.
When I heard those words, my heart pounded as if it would burst. The directors who had called me so far were all top artists, but Steven Spielberg was in a different league.
"It seems the schedule is not going as planned for me."
However, unlike me, Jang Sunho seemed somewhat uncomfortable.
"Even if you, are said to have good stamina, having a meeting in Hollywood right after overseas filming. This is all my oversight."
"Haha… You don't need to think that much. And if Spielberg calls, of course, you go. The casting isn't confirmed yet since the meeting hasn't happened."
"I practically see it as a confirmed casting. But, more importantly, are you really in good health?"
"I'm fine."
As I smiled and emphasized twice, Jang Sunho nodded as if understanding.
"I understand. Still, if you feel tired or anything, please let me know."
"Yes. Oh, by the way, Manager-nim, wasn't I supposed to be in Director Kang Chanwook's project originally? But now with Spielberg's project, won't the filming schedules overlap?"
"You don't need to worry about that. As you know, in Hollywood, it takes several months to over a year to start shooting after the casting. When Spielberg briefly spoke, he mentioned that the actual shooting would be in the second half of next year, so it won't overlap with Director Kang Chanwook's project."
"I see."
It was Jang Sunho, as always. I felt like I could just follow his schedule, as I had done until now.
Then suddenly, an important fact crossed my mind.
"But Manager-nim, how about your wedding preparations? There's less than two weeks left now."
I was concerned about Jang Sunho's wedding, which was just around the corner. I wondered if he was handling the preparations well and if there would be any disruptions to my schedule due to both my shooting and his wedding preparations.
However,
"I've already finished all the preparations. To the second."
"To the second?"
"Yes."
Contrary to my worries, Jang Sunho calmly replied, seemingly without any concerns.
As expected, my concern for Jang Sunho turned out to be the most useless thing in the world.
"But, honestly, Manager-nim, I never thought you'd get married to her. From my memory, when you two worked together, you always seemed to be bickering."
"I also think the same. In fact, ‘marriage' wasn't in my life plans, but somehow, it happened."
Jang Sunho spoke with a slight complaint, but there was a subtle smile on his face. It was rare to see him smile like this.
During our various conversations, an announcement came over the airplane's speaker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon be arriving at Los Angeles International Airport."
With that announcement, I glanced out the window.
Outside the window, I could see Los Angeles International Airport, the closest airport to Hollywood.