Chapter 847: First Filming of Haze (1)

"Bong Tae-Sik! You dare stab me in the back?"

When President Shin Jong-Ki snapped at him, Bong Tae-Sik hastily tried to explain.

-M-Mr. Shin, that's not what I—

"That's enough. I don't care to exchange pointless words with you. Let's get to the point. Until I give you permission, don't even think about showing your face anywhere near LT Entertainment. Got it?"

Shin Jong-Ki had already been briefed in full detail about what Bong Tae-Sik had done with the female reporters, so he cut him off coldly.

Getting fired from LT Entertainment on top of everything else had been unexpected. Refusing to go down like this, Bong Tae-Sik launched into a ridiculous excuse.

-Mr. Shin! Whatever Yoon-Ho told you, he made it all up out of jealousy! He's envious that I became a successful celebrity while he's still stuck as a talent agent. Please, you have to believe me!

Shin Jong-Ki scoffed in disbelief and raised his voice.

"

Hah

! You're saying Chief Jung is jealous of you? Since when do successful people envy failures?"

-What? I-I don't understand...

"You pathetic fool. Chief Jung owns over fifteen percent of Hoop Entertainment stock. At today's valuation, that's more than a 100 billion won! His annual salary alone is over 2.5 billion won! Why on earth would someone like him be jealous of a minor celebrity like you? The more you talk, the more ridiculous you sound!"

-W-What? A 100 billion? That's absurd! That can't be right! You must be mistaken—

"Absurd? And now you're calling me, the president of LT Entertainment, an idiot? That's it. Forget about appearing in any of our films from now on."

The panicked Bong Tae-Sik begged in a desperate voice.

-S-sir. I was wrong. I just wanted so badly to be in this movie that I went too far. Please forgive me...

However, it was already too late.

"I'm hanging up."

Click.

Shin Jong-Ki ended the call and turned to me. "Chief Jung, let the reporters know they're free to post the footage of Bong Tae-Sik messing up at today's audition."

"Understood, sir."

When I messaged the female reporters, they replied with laughing emojis.

"They said they'll post it right away."

Shin Jong-Ki sighed deeply and handed me his phone. "

Ahem

. By the way, I apologize for revealing your stock holdings. President Kang Gam-Chan told me he'd be making a disclosure soon, so I knew it was coming, but that bastard got me so riled up I blurted it out without thinking..."

This morning, Chairman Choi Eun-Tae had begun the process of transferring stock to me. Since the disclosure was scheduled for later this week anyway, I just smiled and shook my head.

"It's alright. It was going to be public soon. Anyway, I bet Bong Tae-Sik's in shock right now."

I could still remember the way he looked at me ever since he became a celebrity, like I was nothing more than someone destined to live cleaning up after others. But thanks to the years I spent standing behind the entertainers I cared about, I had climbed to a position and accumulated assets that were beyond Bong Tae-Sik's reach.

Shin Jong-Ki smirked at my words. "He's definitely shocked. But look at you now. You've become a major player in Korean entertainment, haven't you?"

I quickly waved my hand in protest. "A major player? Not at all. I'm still far from worthy of that title."

"

Hmm.

I guess it's not something a young guy like you wants to hear yet. How about we call you a rising star instead?"

I scratched my head with an awkward smile, and Shin Jong-Ki chuckled.

Just then, murmurs started spreading around us.

"Man, I'm jealous."

"To be twenty-eight and worth a 100 billion? What was I even doing at that age?"

"They say his annual salary is over 2.5 billion too."

"Wow~ I can't even wrap my head around numbers like that."

As everyone marveled with envy, someone finally spoke up.

"Still, someone like Chief Jung deserves it. Look how much he's done for the company. Don't you agree?"

At that moment, Managing Director Lee Eun-Joo smiled and glanced at Shin Jong-Ki. "You heard that, Mr. Shin?"

Lee Eun-Joo was the one handling the most work at LT Entertainment these days.

Shin Jong-Ki grinned as he spoke. "Director Lee. If you worked as hard as Chief Jung, the LT Entertainment shares would naturally end up in your hands too."

Lee Eun-Joo pouted and grumbled in response. "

Tch

... Of all the people to compare me to, you had to choose Chief Jung? You might as well just say you're not giving me anything."

'

Why's he acting like I'm someone who does nothing but work all day... Wait, no. That's actually true

.'

The comment hit a little too close to home. Still, if there was one thing I knew about Shin Jong-Ki, it was that he was someone who would give generously when the time came. If he were to become chairman, LT Entertainment would naturally pass to someone else.

After teasing the grumbling Lee Eun-Joo, Shin Jong-Ki turned to everyone. "Alright. Time to eat, then."

"We were waiting for you to say that."

At that moment, cheers erupted from every table as everyone began dipping meat into the broth and enjoying the meal.

"Hot, hot.

Hoo~

"

As I savored the meat blanched in the vegetable broth, the savory flavor of the meat and the richness of the broth blended in my mouth, making me smile without realizing.

A short while later, once we had finished eating, articles written by the female reporters began going up again. But this time, they included stories that would help Deok-Bae.

[Choi Deok-Bae cast as Baek Ill-Seung in

She Was Beautiful

.]

[Choi Deok-Bae's incredible audition moment.]

[Is this method acting? Choi Deok-Bae completely immersed in character!!]

[Choi Deok-Bae's soulful eyes stealing hearts.]

[A new side of Choi Deok-Bae!]

Perhaps out of guilt, the female reporters flooded the internet with articles about Deok-Bae. Thanks to that, the number of comments under the articles was rising fast.

(Comments)

-Wow. Jung Yoo-Jin is amazing, but Choi Deok-Bae's acting is holding up just as well.

-The way he snaps out of character is ridiculously sexy.

-When's this movie coming out? I'm definitely watching it.

-He's handsome, tall, nails the action scenes, has a great voice, and can act. Plus, he's got a cool little brother like Han-Ul. He's got it all!

-Next in line after Lee Tae-Poong to become a top star.

...

Just as Deok-Bae's name began trending in the spotlight, Lee Eun-Joo's phone began to vibrate.

Buzz~

Mine started vibrating too. The call was from the brand that had reached out earlier this morning—Speedic Water from LT Beverages. That's when things started getting busy again at the restaurant. Lee Eun-Joo took calls from reporters. I answered the advertiser's call.

With Shin Jong-Ki jumping in now and then to help, Deok-Bae landed a verbal agreement for a major commercial deal worth a total of 1.2 billion won over two years. Though he had yet to land a lead role, he was now commanding top-tier ad fees on par with A-list actors.

While I was still fielding ad-related calls, the restaurant owner came over and prepared egg porridge for us.

Bubble bubble

.

They stirred beaten egg and chopped scallions into the gently simmering hotpot broth and drizzled in a little sesame oil, creating a mouthwatering bowl of porridge.

"Wait just one minute before eating."

"Yes, ma'am."

We paused our conversation and picked up our spoons together. The hot, savory egg porridge tasted especially good.

***

"Jung Yoon-Ho... a 100 billion? That bastard... how..."

Bong Tae-Sik, having just ended the call, stood frozen with a pale face. It had never crossed his mind that he would end up banned not only from Jinseong Foods but also LT Entertainment. However, what stunned him even more was the revelation that Jung Yoon-Ho had become a billionaire.

"T-That can't be true..."

He had seen articles in the past that claimed Jung Yoon-Ho's annual salary was in the billions, but he never believed them. He had simply dismissed them as empty boasting and never gave it a second thought.

But now that Shin Jong-Ki had confirmed it himself, there was no room for denial. And with that, he realized his own life had hit rock bottom.

With a dazed expression, Bong Tae-Sik looked at Chief Yang Sung-Taek and asked, "Mr. Yang... d-did you know about this?"

Yang Sung-Taek swallowed hard and shook his head. "N-No. How would I know something like that?"

Yang Sung-Taek was just as shocked. He knew Jung Yoon-Ho was doing well, but he never imagined he would become a major shareholder of Hoop Entertainment.

'

Shit. Am I screwed

?'

The thought that Jung Yoon-Ho might know what he had done put Yang Sung-Taek on edge.

Just then, Bong Tae-Sik asked, "What do I do now, Mr. Yang?"

Yang Sung-Taek shot up from his seat and blurted, "I-I'll look into it, so just wait here for a minute."

Determined to report this to someone higher up immediately, Yang Sung-Taek rushed out of the office. And just before the door closed behind him, he looked at the dazed Bong Tae-Sik and answered silently in his head.

'

What do you mean, what now? You're done for, that's what

.'

Forcing himself to calm down, Yang Sung-Taek hurried to the elevator. He had to let people know that Jung Yoon-Ho was no longer the man he used to be.

***

After the team dinner ended, we parted ways with the LT Entertainment staff and headed straight to Gyeongju. Deok-Bae and Yoo-Jin had to shoot scenes for

Hwaranjeon

.

I had to go to Namhae as well, so I got into the car driven by Team Lead Yeon So-Hee and sat in the backseat next to Yoo-Jin.

That reminded me that I should give Kang Gam-Chan a call to report everything that had happened today.

After listening, Kang Gam-Chan let out a sigh.

-You've done a lot today, Yoon-Ho.

"It's nothing, sir."

-Don't say that. You were getting Deok-Bae ready for his audition and dealing with the Jeon Tae-Mi issue on top of that. You probably didn't even have a moment to breathe. I'll handle Jeon Tae-Mi's case for now.

"Yes, sir."

Then, with a tone of concern, Kang Gam-Chan added.

-I know the other celebrities and singers matter too, but make sure you take care of yourself as well.

After resolving the issue with Miso in Namhae, I still had to deal with problems related to Oh Ji-Seon, Sung Hee-Yeon, and Bok Seon-Ill from Singer Division 4. And once that was done, I could finally get rid of Chief Yoon Dong-Gu, who held the secrets of Singer Division 4. Since Yoon Dong-Gu's singers were the core of Gwanwoo Entertainment, cutting him off would drastically weaken their influence.

Even so, Kang Gam-Chan was telling me to prioritize my health above all else. However, it was exactly because of that kind of care that I couldn't help but push myself harder.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll be in touch again as soon as we're done at the set."

-

Sigh

...Alright. Take care. Call if anything comes up.

Knowing the company would handle the rest, I hung up with peace of mind. And right then, Deok-Bae's phone began ringing as if on cue. I wondered if it was a reporter, but thankfully, it was Han-Ul.

Deok-Bae picked up the video call.

-Hyung! Congrats on passing the audition today!

Han-Ul's bright voice rang through the receiver, and Deok-Bae's face lit up even more than it had after the audition.

"Han-Ul, what'd you have for dinner? Did Grandma make something tasty? Did you finish your homework?"

-Yup! I had beef brisket doenjang-jjigae[1] and finished my homework too.

Even though he had just signed an ad deal worth over a billion won, what really made Deok-Bae light up was asking if Han-Ul had eaten and finished his homework.

Next to me, Yoo-Jin clutched her phone and bounced her feet, waiting eagerly for Deok-Bae to finish his call with Han-Ul.

'

She's probably trying to call Miso

.'

Sure enough, as soon as Deok-Bae ended the call with Han-Ul, Yoo-Jin wasted no time and dialed Miso on video.

[Video Call: ♡Miso♡]

Miso, calling from the Hodo Pension in Namhae, answered in her honeybee pajamas. For some reason, her cheeks were puffed out.

-

Nom, nom

...Mom?

Recognizing the word 'Mom,' Yoo-Jin tilted her head curiously. "Miso, are you eating something?"

-Mm..Nom...Pot..ato..Nom

Yoo-Jin tilted her head.

"What's that? Pot...what?"

Miso patted her chest like something had gotten stuck in her throat and tried again.

-

Nom Nom

...Sweet...

Yoo-Jin blinked, more confused than ever.

Then, Jung Sang-Bong appeared behind Miso holding a bottle of soda.

-

Huff, huff

... Miso, drink this.

Miso took the soda with both hands and gulped it down.

-

Ah~

Once her throat cleared, she finally spoke clearly.

-Roasted sweet potato!

Yoo-Jin turned to me. "Did you know what she was saying?"

"Yeah, kind of."

When Miso nodded eagerly, Yoo-Jin chuckled.

"Really? Wow, Mommy wants some too now."

-Mommy, you should come eat with me.

Oh

, and Mommy, this place is really nice! Wait a second!

Miso scurried off with the phone, heading toward the window of the pension.

-

Tada

! See?

The video showed a night sky filled with stars and fishing boats bobbing on the waves along the dark shoreline. It was an absolutely picturesque scene. To top it off, the sound of mountain winds drifting down from the island hills added to the ambiance.

"Wow~ that's so beautiful. If I finish filming early, I'll definitely come see you, okay?"

-Okay!

Just then, a warm Gyeongsang-do accent called out from outside.

-Sweetie~ Want some

guksi

?

'

Guksi? Ah, she means noodles in dialect.

'[2]

Miso turned with a big grin and replied.

-Yes, Grandma. I'll eat!

-Come on then! I made a whole

darai

full.

-Okay~

Miso yelled with glee.

-Mommy, I'm going to see Grandma now!

Miso handed the phone to Jung Sang-Bong and bolted outside. She didn't say a bowl, but a

darai

. This meant she made at least three to five servings, minimum. No matter how young Miso was, if she ate that much of Grandma's noodles, there would be no way she could shoot tomorrow morning.

I called out to Jung Sang-Bong in a panic.

"Sang-Bong! Go stop her! Tell her to eat just a little! Hurry!"

-Yes, Mr. Jung.

Jung Sang-Bong ended the call with a nod.

Then Yoo-Jin looked at me curiously. "Oppa, what's a '

darai

'?"

"A washbasin in dialect. As in, a bowl as big as a washbasin."

But instead of being shocked, Yoo-Jin licked her lips. "

Mmm

~ sounds delicious.

Ah

, I wanna go to Namhae too!"

I stared at Yoo-Jin, dumbfounded. "Excuse me, aren't you the one who just polished off all the hotpot and scraped the pot clean for the porridge? You also have filming tomorrow morning, remember?"

Yoo-Jin casually wiped her mouth and spoke carefully. "Oppa, everyone knows noodle stomachs are separate."

"What kind of nonsense is—"

"Why is that nonsense? So... should we stop by a rest area and get a light

darai

of banquet noodles before we reach Gyeongju?"

I closed my eyes and pretended not to hear. "I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

Yoo-Jin waved her hand near my ear and whispered, "Oppa. Then just one bowl, please?

Hmm

?"

'

I can't hear. I can't hear a thing

.'

And like that, I slowly drifted off to sleep, pretending I hadn't heard Yoo-Jin's pleas.

***

I arrived at the

Hwaranjeon

set in Gyeongju late last night, then took one of the company vehicles parked there and drove through the night until I finally reached Mijo Port in Namhae. After a few more hours of sleep at the crew lodging arranged in advance, I woke up at 6 a.m.

Swoosh, swoosh.

Beyond the window, I could hear the soft crash of small waves breaking against the breakwater.

Click.

I slid open the old wooden-framed window, and just as the forecast predicted, a thick fog blanketed everything outside.

"Perfect weather for filming."

It was ideal for shooting

Haze

. In good spirits, I helped the crew tidy up the bedding and joined the returning staff from the island in preparing ingredients and equipment.

Today's filming location was a small island called Hodo, about ten minutes away by boat. With only around ten households living there, we had quite a bit to prepare. The staff began loading everything onto the moored boat. I also carried on board the extra supplies I had prepared separately.

Finally, once the last of the cleanup was done, President Han Yoo-Sik stepped onto the boat.

"Chief Jung, isn't this the perfect weather for filming? Even the fog seems to be welcoming you today."

Han Yoo-Sik, who had finished the site survey and poster shoot last week, was in awe of the thick sea fog on the day of our main shoot.

I smiled. "It's not because of me, sir. This must be the reward for your hard work."

"Is that so?

Haha.

Then perhaps even the heavens are supporting our project."

As I smiled contentedly, the grizzled, bearded captain called out.

-We're departing.

Vroooom~

With a deep bellow, the boat carrying about twenty staff members began heading toward Hodo.

Splash, splash~

We cut through the somewhat choppy sea, but instead of clearing, the fog seemed to grow thicker. Still, the captain looked calm and showed no sign of concern. As Hodo came into view a short while later, the captain slowed the boat and spoke.

"We're docking now. Everyone, hold on tight."

The breakwater appeared faintly through the fog as the captain carefully guided the boat into the tiny harbor.

Thud.

The front bumper tire gently bumped against the dock, and the boat came to a stop.

"We've arrived. Please disembark carefully."

"Thank you."

About twenty crew members quickly began unloading the food and filming equipment.

Thump.

Since the main filming team had already been stationed on the island since last week, we didn't have that much cargo to unload.

Vroooom~

With everyone and everything offloaded, the boat slowly disappeared back into the fog. Then, a chill wind swept over us.

Whoosh.

I shivered slightly. Something about the atmosphere felt eerie.

Right then, one of the crew members made an uneasy comment. "The boat... it's not like it's not coming back, right?"

"

Oh

, come on. No way. I asked earlier and they said the fog should clear soon. Plus, Miss Yung-In and the children's folk song choir coming as extras haven't even arrived yet. Don't jinx us."

"Right. I'm sorry."

Production Chief Hyun Jong-Yeon lightly scolded the crew member, half-joking that words have power.

At that moment, I got a notification on my phone.

Buzz~

[Notification: April 5, 2021. A new schedule entry for Jung Miso has been added.]

In the middle of this fog-drenched, desolate harbor on Hodo with no other soul in sight, a notification from Everyday popped up on my phone.

Feeling suddenly uneasy, I opened it to check what it was. But the moment I read it, I was at a loss.

'

Today's shoot is canceled

?'

1.

Brisket doenjang-jjigae

☜

2. Guksu (국수) vs guksi (국시) ☜