Chapter 185:

Chapter 185:

Seoul, Gangnam, an upscale Korean restaurant.

As Minyoung stepped out of her car, she surveyed the surroundings outside the restaurant.

"It looks like this is the place."

It was a building with high walls, lanterns, and a tiled roof, clearly suggesting an expensive establishment.

Being invited to such places wasn't new for Minyoung, especially as she climbed the ranks and dealt with sensitive cases. However, this was the first time she had accepted an invitation.

That spoke to how meticulous Minyoung was.

"I didn't want to come this time either, but well."

As Minyoung entered the restaurant, a staff member stopped her and inquired, "Excuse me, have you made a reservation?"

"I'm here to meet Senior Oh Sungchan. I'm Minyoung."

Upon hearing this, the staff member's expression softened, and they smiled warmly.

"Oh, you're here. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. Please follow me."

Whether it was because she was Oh Sungchan's guest or for some other reason, the treatment was noticeably different.

The staff member led Minyoung to the deepest part of the restaurant, saying, "Here you go. Please come in."

"Yes."

After a slight nod to the staff member, she knocked on the door.

"It's Minyoung. May I come in?"

"Oh! You're here. Come in, Prosecutor."

"Yes."

Minyoung opened the door and stepped inside.

The first thing that caught her eye was a large dining table, about 4-5 meters long, covered with an abundance of food that could break a leg if someone accidentally stumbled into it.

Whether they had just started the meal or had been waiting until Minyoung arrived, there were no signs of anyone touching the food.

But what intrigued Minyoung more than the extravagant feast was the presence of two men.

"Somehow I didn't want to come, and there he is."

One of them was Oh Sungchan, who greeted her warmly, and the other was a man Minyoung recognized as Lee Youngkyung, the head of KL Entertainment.

As Minyoung stood still, Oh Sungchan laughed heartily and spoke to her.

"Haha! Long time no see, Prosecutor. How have you been?"

Minyoung, with a stern expression, replied to Oh Sungchan.

"It's been a while, Senior. I apologize for not being able to visit you sooner. However, it seems I don't belong here. I'll make my way later."

Upon hearing Minyoung's words, Oh Sungchan's expression stiffened for a moment. Soon after, he relaxed his expression and spoke to Minyoung again.

"You're still as stern as ever. Come on, don't be like that. Sit here."

"Senior, I'm not sure if you're aware, but the person sitting there, Lee Youngkyung, is someone I'm planning to prosecute soon. I say soon, but it could be as early as tomorrow—"

"Prosecutor, I know. Do you think I would have called you without knowing that? Well..."

Minyoung fell silent as Oh Sungchan intended to lecture her, but he quickly moved on to the main point.

"Lee Youngkyung, the President over there. He knows a lot of people and could be of great help for your future success. We're not close, but we have some connection. But if you fight and bicker with someone like him, how awkward would it be for me?"

"..."

"I'm not saying you shouldn't prosecute him at all. You have your pride as a prosecutor, and you've investigated so far. How should I put it? Just handle it appropriately. Right, Mr. President?"

"Oh, yes. That's correct."

Unlike his usual self, Lee Youngkyung seemed quite subdued. It was understandable, considering that the outcome of Oh Sungchan and Minyoung's conversation could significantly impact his future.

Contrary to Lee Youngkyung's wish, Minyoung had no intention of cutting her some slack.

"I apologize, Senior. I'll just leave now."

Having said that, Minyoung turned around without hesitation and left.

"Hey, Minyoung!"

Oh Sungchan shouted at Minyoung's back.

Director James Won, well-known to Korean movie fans for films like ‘Saw,' ‘The Conjuring,' and ‘Insidious,' has been making headlines for extending an audition offer to actor Kang Jinseok.

OS Entertainment, Kang Jinseok's agency, released an official statement via social media, stating, "We cannot provide precise details at the moment. While it's true that Kang Jinseok received an audition proposal from a renowned Hollywood director, amidst recent baseless rumors, Kang Jinseok has politely declined, planning to take a break from his acting activities for the time being."

Fans expressed disappointment about Kang Jinseok taking a break, yet did not hide their resentment towards KL Entertainment in the comments.

——

As soon as Youngkyung read the article, he kicked the front seat with his foot.

"What the hell? Are they blaming us for not going to see the Hollywood audition?!"

Whether it was true or not, Youngkyung was not in a good mood.

With KL Entertainment and himself already facing unfavorable public opinion, such an article would only worsen the situation.

"I need to act quickly. If the situation doesn't improve from here, it might become irreparable."

Youngkyung hurriedly checked his contacts.

Then, he sent a group message to influential people who could potentially help him.

"Help me."

***

"Manager. Is it true that Director James Won offered an audition?"

During a long-awaited dinner with Jang Sunho, a memory of something he had said before crossed my mind.

Jang Sunho nodded calmly when I asked about it.

"Yes. However, I declined because I felt the script and role wouldn't suit actor Kang Jinseok's image. Also, considering the situation with KL Entertainment that I posted on social media, I thought it might be good for you to take a break."

"Hmm."

I was truly grateful for his concern, but it still left me feeling a bit disappointed. After all, it was an opportunity for Hollywood. I wished I had at least tried the audition.

"What was the role?"

"A serial killer with dissociative identity disorder named Harry Sung. The story is based on a memoir written by a former FBI agent about his experiences."

"It sounds like a quite heavy role."

Hearing about the role, I somewhat understood why Jang Sunho had declined. Probably due to his emphasis on ‘image management,' he always preferred roles that portrayed a positive character.

"It's a bit regrettable."

I must have revealed my feelings on my face because Jang Sunho cautiously asked, "If you're disappointed, I can contact them again and express your willingness to audition."

"Even though you've already declined?"

"Yes. I intended you to take a break because of KL Entertainment, but if it's a project by Director James Won, I'd like you to be a part of it for sure."

"Manager, isn't this too much trouble for you?"

"It's not much trouble at all. Just writing an email and making a phone call. However..."

Jang Sunho hesitated, his words trailing off as he spoke.

"I am concerned about you."

"Because of my image?"

"No, it's you're acting that I worry."

I tilted my head in confusion, not quite understanding. Jang Sunho calmly added an explanation.

"From what I've observed, you have a style of completely immersing yourself in the role when you act. It's not just about being a good actor; it's about embodying the character."

"Haha, suddenly such praise—"

"That's why I'm worried."

Interrupting me, Jang Sunho continued.

"If it were a different role, I wouldn't mind. But playing a murderer, especially a ‘multiple personality murderer,' seems like a significant burden for you. I hope it's just my excessive concern."

"..."

"I initially thought I'd like you to take on such a role. However, the more I read the script and synopsis, the more I felt that it might not be suitable. It's a very brutal story, fitting for a director like James Won."

Jang Sunho took a document bundle from his bag and handed it to me.

"This is the synopsis that Director James Won sent. Would you like to take a look?"