Chapter 205: Year End (6)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Hwalin, in her pajamas, stared intently at the watch case placed on the table.

“······”

The brand of the watch was recognizable by the logo alone, an expensive one at that, priced over 30 million won. It was a token of gratitude for Woojin, who had saved her, and also a celebration gift for his first walk on the red carpet this year. Of course, a considerable portion of it was also due to Hwalin’s fangirling.

However, the entertainment industry always had many eyes and ears watching.

What worried Hwalin was exactly that. There wouldn’t be a problem unless someone decided to make it one, but the media often did make it into one. They could even fabricate things out of thin air.

Thus, the extent of the gift mattered.

30 million won. Was it too conspicuous?

Suddenly deep in thought, Hwalin slapped her cheeks as if to deny her worries. The reason was simple.

‘Honestly, the first one I picked was priced at 50 million.’

The watch she bought now was already heavily discounted. It went down to 40 million, and finally settled at 30 million. Ah, forget it. Hwalin shook her head as if to clear her thoughts and muttered softly.

“I’ll give it to him first. If Woojin feels burdened, then I’ll just take it back.”

If the media got wind of it, they might spread baseless rumors, but the awl assailant incident was big enough that they could probably gloss over it lightly. With a lighter heart, Hwalin touched her disheveled hair and grabbed her phone.

‘Going as is would be too much.’

She made a call to the salon she frequented.

“Yeah, ssaem. Can I come in around 12 today? No, no, not for a schedule, just personal. Mhm, mhm. Okay, got it!” (TL: Ssaem here is a informal and cute way for saying Teacher.)

After making a casual reservation, Hwalin flung her phone onto the sofa and headed straight for the bathroom. Some time later, after showering, she was drying her hair at the vanity when she paused.

“Oh, right.”

She remembered someone she had to contact in advance. It was Hong Hye-yeon. She would also be attending the Blue Dragon Film Awards today and probably had a similar schedule to Kang Woojin.

“If I show up out of the blue, unnie might think it’s weird.”

Although it was part of her fangirling, it was best to avoid unnecessary suspicions, especially since she was close to Hong Hye-yeon. Hwalin picked up her phone again and made a call.

Hong Hye-yeon answered quickly.

“Yeah- Hwalin.”

It was unclear if she had been sleeping or not, but her voice was groggy. Hwalin checked the time and asked back.

“What? Were you sleeping, unnie?”

“No, no. I’m awake. Just taking a short nap on the bed for about 30 minutes.”

“Aren’t you getting ready, unnie? For the Blue Dragon Film Awards.”

“I have to. I’m going out in two hours to check the dresses and get some skin care.”

“You’ll be trying them on, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Woojin-ssi too?”

“Yeah. Probably?”

“Oh, I’ll be there too.”

“Huh? At the fitting studio?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

There was a brief pause on the other end before Hong Hye-yeon asked.

“······Suddenly?”

“No, not suddenly. Remember the watch I mentioned last time? I’m giving it to Woojin-ssi today.”

“Oh right! You ended up buying it?”

“Yeah!”

“Good job. Alright, see you there then.”

“Okay, got it.”

-Click.

As soon as the call ended, Hwalin picked up the hairdryer again and smiled slightly.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Woojin in a tuxedo.”

Meanwhile.

With the Blue Dragon Film Awards opening this afternoon, the entertainment industry was generally abuzz. The media and public expectations were very high.

-Finally!!! Had nothing else to watch today, might as well watch the Blue Dragons ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-This year’s Blue Dragons really went all out ㅋㅋㅋㅋit’s gonna be huge

-Hearing rumors Kang Woojin is expected to sweep the rookie awards, wonder how that will turn out

-Ah Kang Woojin ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋnailed it in Drug Dealer ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-But will the old timers at the festival really give it all to Kang Woojin???

-Let’s be real, it’s Blue Dragon > Grand Bell, right? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Blue Dragon is the king of awards.

-Lots of actors attending

-Remember last year? Kim Bo-hye and Hong Hye-yeon absolutely killed it

-Is it already the end of the year…..feels like I age another year every awards season…..kinda sucks

-↑What’s with this guy all of a sudden ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-As usual, they’ll decide the best and the worst ㅋㅋㅋㅋreally wanna see the red carpet in person

-Looking forward to Kang Woojin!! It’s amazing to attend a film festival right after his debut!!!

·

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Numerous entertainment companies were busy pushing promotions for their actors.

“Hey!! Why are there so few articles about our side??”

“I’ll hurry the press right away!”

“Kang Woojin Kang Woojin, ugh it’s all about Kang Woojin!! Tell them to release them properly! It’s all going to be Blue Dragon Awards articles all day, it’s no fun if we get buried!”

“Yes, CEO-nim! It seems Kang Woojin has a lot of gossip fodder, that’s why they keep pushing it.”

“Who doesn’t know that? Keep contacting the reporters and manage the SNS of our people going to the Blue Dragon Awards until the last minute!”

“I’ve already told them to upload!”

The film industry was also preoccupied with the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Naturally, many actors participating today were busy with their own preparations. Decisions about which car to take, what dresses and tuxedos to wear, reactions and statements on the red carpet, makeup, hair, etc.

It’s an annual film festival but it always becomes an issue.

The industry as a whole and the public, along with various personalities, were all paying attention, making the end of the year a prime time for garnering attention. It was 100 times better to be criticized for being the worst dressed than to go unnoticed.

Of course, receiving an award or sparking a positive controversy was the best.

During such times when the entire entertainment industry was in a frenzy, those around Kang Woojin were no exception. This included his schoolmates and everyone else who knew him outside of his design company.

Among them, Kang Woojin’s sister and the president of his fan club, Kang Hyun-ah, said:

“Ah! Mom! Can we close the shop early today?? What if customers come while we’re watching the Blue Dragon Awards and we miss it??”

“There are usually fewer customers around that time. Oh my- you are getting nervous. Just stay calm.”

“Mom, your hands have been trembling for a while? It seems like you’re the most nervous.”

“······Is it going to be okay? Your brother is going to be at the film festival? Your dad has been chugging cold water since a while ago.”

It was during the semester holidays, and she had come down to help at her parents’ store. Today, after helping out, they planned to watch the Blue Dragon Awards together. Of course, her friends, the admins of ‘Kang’s Heart,’ were also on standby.

Incidentally, the ‘Kang’s Heart’ fan café had been buzzing from earlier.

Not only ‘Kang’s Heart’, but Kang Woojin’s SNS and YouTube were also abuzz. The Blue Dragon Awards hadn’t even started yet, but fans were already running wild with congratulatory comments and eager anticipations.

Kang Woojin’s close friends were no less enthusiastic than the fans.

-Hyung-gu: Kang Woojin!! Dude are you really going to the Blue Dragon Awards today??? True???

-Kyung-sung: So surprising for realㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋWoojin, congrats in advanceㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Hyung-gu: To think I’d see my friend walking the red carpet!!

-Woojin: Thanks

-Hyung-gu: Hey!! Share some on-site photos when you’re at the Blue Dragon Awards!!

-Dae-young: Woojin, what time are you coming to the fitting studio??

-Woojin: Probably later than you guys

-Kyung-sung: What are these two talking about?

-Hyung-gu: Anyway! Let’s gather today!! Let’s all watch Kang Woojin on the red carpet ㄱㄱㄱㄱ

-Kyung-sung: Who else is going besides you and me?

-Dae-young: I’m going ㄱㄱ I won’t be at the Blue Dragon Awards

The whole country was buzzing.

On the same day, around late lunchtime.

The location was a fitting studio in Gangnam. A space for celebrities to check and fit various outfits from profile shoots to event attire. The studio was divided into two areas: one for shooting and the other specialized in fitting with plenty of mirrors, chairs, and some couches for waiting.

A team for a celebrity had just arrived at the fitting room.

“We’ll set up the dresses first!!”

“What about the jewelry?? Where should we place it?”

“Put it in the jewelry box after the dresses!”

“Okay!”

“Got the lights over here!”

“Where’s Hye-yeon unnie?”

“Bathroom!”

It was the team for top actress Hong Hye-yeon. Naturally, the busy and burly Kim Dae-young was also bustling about. Meanwhile, Hong Hye-yeon, bare-faced with a duffle coat, entered the fitting room. It seemed she was heading to set up dresses first.

Then, she sat down casually in front of the large mirror on the sofa.

“Whew- the real work, begins now.”

She had experienced film festivals numerous times before, so her composure was natural. Soon, Hong Hye-yeon, with her long straight hair, took off the coat she was wearing. At the same time, she asked Kim Dae-young, who was adjusting the lights.

“Dae-young-ssi, where are they? The shoes.”

The burly Kim Dae-young promptly responded.

“Eh? Ah, those? Just a moment.”

Kim Dae-young fetched an elegant shoe box from near the piled-up entrance of the fitting room and handed it to Hong Hye-yeon.

“Here they are. But these are really expensive, right?”

“Eh? No? They’re not that expensive.”

Hong Hye-yeon replied nonchalantly, while Kim Dae-young muttered to himself.

‘Not expensive? Just looking at them, they must cost at least several hundred thousand.’

It seemed like Hong Hye-yeon was about to decide something as she stood up from the sofa. She checked the various dresses hanging next to the front mirror. They were colorful: a light red, a bright beige, a dark gray, among others. Each dress had a unique design, of course, all intended for Hong Hye-yeon to try on.

It was then.

-Swish.

“Uh oh- everyone’s here??”

Choi Sung-gun entered the fitting studio followed by a familiar crowd: Han Ye-jung, the stylist, along with Jang Su-hwan. It was Kang Woojin’s team. As greetings were exchanged for a brief moment, a man with a nonchalant face wearing a suitable long padding jacket appeared.

“Hello-”

He greeted in a low voice. It was Kang Woojin. This was Woojin’s first visit to a fitting room, and internally he was intrigued.

‘Oh- so there’s a place like this??’

Externally, he amplified his cynicism since there were many people around. Anyway, Kang Woojin, who was also about to visit the salon, casually nodded at Kim Dae-young and greeted the Hong Hye-yeon standing in front of the set-up dresses.

“Hello.”

Hong Hye-yeon, smiling faintly, waved her hand.

“Yeah, you’re here? How was the shoot?”

“It went well.”

“Isn’t it tough? Shooting in the morning and the Blue Dragon at night- CEO~nim? Really, Woojin-ssi might die from overwork at this rate.”

Choi Sung-gun, who was chatting with the staff, shrugged his shoulders.

“Can’t help it, the ‘Island of the Missing’ schedule ran long. Anyway, are you ready? Then let’s start right away. We’re short on time.”

“Ah, just a minute.”

Hong Hye-yeon went back to the sofa where she had placed the shoe box.

“Woojin-ssi.”

The shoe box was passed to Kang Woojin as he was taking off his long padding jacket.

“This is for you, a commemorative gift.”

Woojin, asking calmly.

“What is it?”

“Shoes. Just a token of appreciation for various things, and since we’re under the same agency, I couldn’t just do nothing. Congratulations on your first film festival appearance. They’re not very expensive, so feel free to accept them.”

Choi Sung-gun, who burst into laughter, interjected.

“Not expensive? Just do a search, and you’ll see.”

“Oppa! No, CEO~nim. Shut up.”

Meanwhile, Woojin, who was quietly looking down at the shoe box, accepted it with a quite indifferent demeanor.

“I’ll wear them well.”

“Ah! Yes! Really, you can wear them out.”

“Yes, I’ll wear them out.”

“······Just don’t treat them too roughly. Moderately.”

“I’ll moderately wear them out.”

“Whew, take it easy.”

Of course, it wasn’t that Kang Woojin wasn’t surprised.

‘Wow- shit, these are luxury brand shoes, super expensive?? For me?’

However, panicking was for the novice. He needed to act dignified and not make a big deal out of it. And why refuse something given? Gifts are always welcome. Kang Woojin quickly organized his thoughts, and the fitting started with Hong Hye-yeon first.

The first was a dress with a striking light red color.

Then, Hong Hye-yeon and a few staff members entered the dressing room next to the mirror, preparing for the next turn, while Kim Dae-young approached Kang Woojin.

“Kang Woojin-nim? How are you feeling right now?”

Woojin, exchanging a look with him, thought:

‘Shut up, I feel like throwing up.’

He replied with a cold tone.

“Just so-so.”

Kim Dae-young, holding back laughter, gave a thumbs up.

“Still as solid as ever.”

It was then that Woojin gave a fierce glare as if to say ‘piss off’ to his buddy.

-Click.

The dressing room door opened, and Hong Hye-yeon emerged wearing a dress. The design slightly revealed her shoulders and chest, and her long straight hair naturally fell over it. Although the waist was slightly narrow, but Hong Hye-yeon wore it perfectly as if it was made for her.

She casually struck a pose with an easy smile.

“How does it look?”

Kim Dae-young was the quickest to respond, whispering just loud enough for Woojin to hear.

“Wow, insane.”

Kang Woojin also let out an exclamation, internally of course.

‘Damn, she’s gorgeous. Wow- I’m seeing this right in front of me.’

However, his admiration needed a bit of restraint at the moment. Well, that didn’t mean he had to lie. Kang Woojin cleared his throat and said,

“It suits you very well.”

“Really? Do you really think so?”

Hong Hye-yeon’s smile deepened as she received a shower of compliments from Choi Sung-gun and the dozen other staff members. It wasn’t just out of politeness. She genuinely shone at that moment, even without makeup. Energized by the mood, Hong Hye-yeon quickly went back into the dressing room to try on the next dress.

Ultimately, out of the total four dresses, she chose the first one with the light red.

Next up was.

“Hey! Woojin, start with the navy tuxedo and come out. Su-hwan will help you.”

It was Kang Woojin’s turn. It was his first time wearing a tuxedo, which he thought he would never wear in his life, and for a long time to come. Woojin entered the dressing room, trying to maintain his composure, and slowly put on the trousers and shirt. His first impression was simple.

‘Oh? It fits perfectly?’

And outside the dressing room, anticipation was in the air.

“How do you think Woojin oppa will look?”

“Why even ask? Oppa always nails the fit.”

“But you know, some actors look good in casual clothes but somehow not in tuxedos.”

“Ah- that is true.”

While the stylists conversed, the fitting studio door suddenly opened, and a woman wearing a hat entered.

“Whew- it’s crowded? Hello.”

It was Hwalin, wearing a brown short padding jacket, and the slightly surprised staff watched as Hong Hye-yeon gestured for her to come over.

“Hwalin! Why are you so late? I’m done trying on the dresses!”

Hwalin, who had just greeted Choi Sung-gun, awkwardly smiled at Hong Hye-yeon.

“Sorry, sorry. It was a bit hard to find this place.”

Soon, Hong Hye-yeon pointed at the green paper bag in her hand with a smirk.

“Is that it?”

“Eh? Ah- yeah. But where’s Woojin-ssi?”

“Dressing room.”

That moment.

-Click.

The dressing room door opened, and Kang Woojin stepped out in a navy tuxedo. The shoes he wore were the black ones given to him by Hong Hye-yeon, and the tuxedo, a navy color top-to-bottom, was paired with a vest. The fit was impeccable, as if it was tailored for Kang Wooin.

An unusual aspect was the bowtie, which wasn’t the typical butterfly style but rather a wide ribbon bowtie.

Just then, as Woojin adjusted his tuxedo jacket and was about to move, Hwalin, who had just arrived at the fitting room, stared at him as if enchanted and muttered to herself without realizing.

“So···fucking cool.” (TL: Here, Hwalin used the slang “존멋,” which is short for “존나 멋있다” meaning “so fucking cool.”)

Right next to her, Hong Hye-yeon asked.

“Huh? What did you say?”

At that time, Incheon.

At the ‘Paradise S City,’ a mega-resort hotel, in the ‘Plaza,’ a vast hall set up for the awards ceremony was bustling with about a hundred people running around in final preparations. The grand title for the event was displayed on the large stage screen.

-[41st Blue Dragon Film Awards 2020]

Among the staff crisscrossing through the many seats, one shouted,

“Who is putting the names on the chairs?! Make sure none are missed!!”

The chairs had the names of top actors and actresses lined up in a row.

“Eh? I’ve checked everything though?!”

“You call that checking! Then why are these and these missing??”

On the chair the staff had just passed by, a familiar name was attached.

-[Kang Woojin-nim]