Chapter 158:

Chapter 158:

Regarding actor Kang Jinseok?'

It was a somewhat vague expression. Whenever Director 1 contacted him until now, he always clearly stated what the matter was.

Jang Sunho, after some contemplation, decided to call Director 1.

Before the signal could pass a few times, Director 1's voice came from the mobile phone.

[Director 1]

"Yes. This is Jang Sunho. I saw the message. What's going on?"

[Um.]

After a short contemplative sound from Director 1, he spoke.

[Is there any incident related to school violence with actor Kang Jinseok during high school?]

"School violence?"

[Yes.]

Jang Sunho made a bewildered expression.

What nonsense is this'

"Are you talking about something he did or something done to him?"

[Of course, I'm talking about actor Kang Jinseok hitting someone. If he did hit someone, it wouldn't be a big issue for actor Kang Jinseok, would it?]

"As far as I know, the actor has never hit anyone. If such an incident had occurred, it would have already been widely known in today's world. Besides, Actor Kang Jinseok didn't spend much time in high school. He dropped out and took the GED."

[Are you sure about that?]

Director 1 spoke as if he knew something. Jang Sunho cautiously inquired in response to the insinuating tone.

"Do you have any information you'd like to share?"

[Yes. 2nd Director got information from somewhere. They claim that Kang Jinseok, during his high school days, broke another student's nose.]

"Oh"

[We have witnesses and evidence. That's why the 2nd Director is trying to gather other directors for some action.]

At the mention of evidence and witnesses, Jang Sunho furrowed his brow.

Is there something I don't know?'

For a moment, that thought crossed his mind, but Jang Sunho quickly raised his head.

When Jinseok was first assigned to him, Jang Sunho checked everything about him. It was more for the prevention of potential issues with the entertainer he was going to handle rather than background investigation.

But he couldn't find anything. Jinseok had lived his life as innocently and diligently as a fool.

From my point of view, I don't think Actor Kang Jinseok would hit someone.'

Although violence cannot be justified, Jang Sunho thought that if Jinseok had hit someone who deserved it, it would have been a proportional response.

After concluding his thoughts, Jang Sunho calmly addressed Director 1.

"Well, I don't think Actor Kang Jinseok did anything problematic during his school years. He's not that kind of person."

[I also think so. It could be true or not. However, in a situation with evidence and witnesses, if controversy arises, only Actor Kang Jinseok will be at a disadvantage.]

""

It was a valid point. Whether it was true or not, just the rumor of Jinseok having caused trouble with another student during his school days would inevitably harm him.

Though it was a concern, Jang Sunho wasn't anxious. As long as he trusted Jinseok, he believed they could handle any situation.

But what bothers me more is why Director 1 is helping Jinseok.'

Jang Sunho had always been curious about why Director 1 was supporting Jinseok.

"The film itself wasn't that impressive, but she did really well in the audition. She beat all the other competitors and got cast unanimously."

Above all, Inoue had a distinctively similar feeling to the female protagonist in the script. Perhaps the character in the script resembled Inoue's personality in real life.

Whether she resembled Tadano's lover or not, it was impossible to tell, but considering the work alone, she seemed like a perfect fit.

While pondering various thoughts, I happened to meet Inoue's eyes.

"!"

Inoue widened her eyes, cautiously observing me. It felt like the way I used to scrutinize senior actors when I first entered the filming scene. Suddenly, a memory surfaced, and laughter escaped from my mouth. Inoue, who had no idea about the meaning behind my laughter, looked even more bewildered when I started laughing while looking at her.

Before any misunderstanding could arise, I approached and greeted her. Unsure of what to say, I decided to keep it simple. I didn't want to make her feel more uncomfortable with a lengthy conversation.

"Inoue, hello. I wanted to greet you earlier, but it's been a hectic day. I thought I'd properly say hello now."

"Oh, yes! Hello!"

Inoue straightened up and greeted me with a voice that sounded both tense and firm. To an outsider, it might have seemed like I was pressuring her with authority.

"Haha Was I too sudden? I thought I should greet you before going into the shoot"

Inoue still seemed tense, or rather, a bit flustered.

"Is there any problem? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Oh it's not that. Actually"

"?"

"Today, the people from my hometown came to the airport in a group to cheer for me. I only told my younger brother about being cast in this project, but that foolish brother seems to have spread the news throughout the whole town."

Spread the news in the town?

Tokyo, Haneda Airport.

Reporters and fans, having heard the news of Jinseok's arrival for his next project, were waiting eagerly in front of the gate.

Among them, there were individuals exuding a particularly ominous atmospherethe vice president and employees of "Toho," who had been trying to disrupt "The Most Painful Predestined Relationship in the World" by any means necessary.

"There are so many people. Even if they are reporters there isn't even an official schedule, yet this many fans gathered."

The vice president spoke with a feeble voice.

"Yes. It seems like it's because Kang Jinseok, the actor, had good interactions with fans during his previous trips to Japan."

"Hmm"

The vice president sighed, scanning the crowd with a disgruntled expression. Among them, a banner read, Pride of Tsurui Village, Inoue Masaki.'

"Well, it seems there's no other option now."

They had mobilized every possible means, even resorting to methods that others might find petty, to ruin the project. However, their opponent easily overcame their opposition.

So, what should we do now?

"Well, there's no other way. We'll have to apologize and beg for forgiveness. And, we need to coordinate our story with Director Katahiro."

Before the film's release, they had to seek forgiveness from Director Katahiro, who acknowledged, "Originally, this project was supposed to be created with Toho, but it was discarded like a piece of trash."

If not, Toho would face severe backlash from the media and the public.

"Sigh Well."

Certainly, their pride was hurt. But business wasn't conducted based on pride.

The vice president took a bitter breath and, addressing the secretary, said, "Contact Director Katahiro and express our apologies. Also, tell him I'd like to meet him in person."

"You want to meet him in person, Vice President?"

"Yes. If he's busy, I'll go myself and make sure to convey our apologies."