Chapter 231: Growth (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Megan Stone, from beyond the phone, suddenly dropped a fact. Although Joseph Felton was instantly seen through, he kept his mouth shut for a moment before leisurely sitting down on the sofa with a slight smile.

“Well. Megan, I don’t know what you’re talking about?”

Megan’s response was immediate.

“Are you trying to play dumb?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The black man, Joseph, naturally picked up the green drink.

“I heard that ‘Last Kill 3’ got noisy because of that case. But I’m not that free, you know? And you said you were in Japan.”

“Of course, Japan is still quiet. But if the article comes over from Korea, it will quickly become a hot topic here too. Kang Woojin’s recognition in Japan is greater than expected.”

At her words, mixed with laughter, Joseph propped his chin.

“Ah- really?”

“You knew that, Joseph. You asked me for a report on Kang Woojin, and after that, your team must have investigated him more thoroughly.”

“Haha. Did I?”

“Yeah. I could tell from his acting. Kang Woojin would soon be in Hollywood.”

“······”

When the smiling Joseph fell silent, Megan on the other end of the phone continued.

“Honestly, at first, I thought it was Kang Woojin’s side that leaked the screen test information for ‘Last Kill 3’. But coming here, I realized that Kang Woojin’s issues are more than just one or two. There’s no need for him to take such a gamble.”

“So?”

“After seeing Kang Woojin’s shocking performance and thinking it over, it came to mind that it was you, Joseph, who showed interest in him. But as a capable producer, you wouldn’t have acted without any benefit.”

“······”

“Kang Woojin has high recognition in major Asian countries like Korea and Japan, and both countries have plans to release ‘Last Kill 3’. By releasing information, you aimed to raise the movie’s recognition and boost Kang Woojin’s image. It’s not a big favor, but it could create a positive atmosphere in future conversations with Kang Woojin.”

Indeed. Joseph, who was lowering the green drink, secretly admired. Megan Stone was no ordinary person as a Hollywood CD. But Joseph feigned ignorance.

“Haha, Megan. Aren’t you looking too deeply into this? Just for a Korean actor I saw once, would I go that far?”

“Everyone would think so, but I believe you saw considerable value in Kang Woojin.”

“Considerable value- Anyway, Megan, it’s a misunderstanding. You’ve got it wrong.”

“I knew you wouldn’t admit it so easily. It’s all my guess, and there’s no proof. I just wanted to say one thing.”

“What is it?”

“No matter what preparatory work you had in mind, whatever script you wrote regarding Kang Woojin, it’s all in vain.”

“···In vain?”

“Yes. If you see Kang Woojin’s acting in person, you’ll feel it too. It’s all meaningless. He doesn’t need anyone’s help; he’s already paving his own way and running at an incredible speed.”

Joseph’s expression became slightly serious. Regardless, on the other end of the phone, Megan’s tone.

“And having seen him in person, Kang Woojin wouldn’t feel particularly grateful. He seems to have already forgotten about ‘Last Kill 3’. The declaration of asserting his presence is already done. And When I asked about the actual ‘Last Kill 3’ screen test video.”

Her laughter deepened.

“Kang Woojin even showed an annoyed expression.”

Afterwards.

On the 24th, around 7 PM, with only a few hours left before the end of Sunday. Among the TV channels, the recently hot variety show was airing on the general programming channel HTBS.

-‘Our Dining Table’

– Episode 1

It was ‘Our Dining Table’ by PD Yoon Byung-seon, which hit a first-broadcast rating of 15.6%.

As evidence of its hit ratings, ‘Our Dining Table’ was on TV in many homes, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, many people were watching ‘Our Dining Table.’

– Oh,ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ it’s starting!!

– Finally, my healing show on Sunday!!

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋQㅠㅠㅠㅠ I’ve been waiting for this… the only healing on Sunday…

– Are they showing the start in America from today?

– ㅇㅇㅇYeah, they start the business in America in earnest.

Last week, they showed the basic plan, team formation, one-day restaurant trial, and team practice. Today’s start of ‘Our Dining Table’ was about the members, including Kang Woojin, officially departing for the United States.

The pace was fast.

While showing the chemistry between the members, they quickly arrived in America. Then they showed the brief reactions of the members, unveiled the food truck they would operate, introduced the interior of the food truck, and the accommodation the members would use.

In the background.

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋ An Jong-hak immediately becomes the nominal boss ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Kang Woojin, despite being the youngest in terms of experience, suddenly becomes the leader ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Oh, but Kang Woojin has leadership. Regardless of seniority, he gives commands right away ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Chef Kang Woojin

The main chef and leader, Kang Woojin, had meetings with the members, selected the food truck menu, prepared for the business, and gathered ingredients, all of which were broadcast. Of course, entertainment elements were appropriately mixed in between. It was indeed a production fitting of PD Yoon Byung-seon, a master in the variety show industry.

Then the ‘Our Dining Table’ team officially started their food truck business.

The first location was near North Hollywood Park in LA.

The TV, showing a vast park through inserts, then introduced an elderly couple holding hands. Both had white hair and kind faces. The elderly couple then noticed the food truck, which was a mix of red and blue overall.

-‘KOREAN FOOD’

-‘Our Dining Table’

[“Looks like it’s a food truck selling Korean food.”]

[“Seems so. Wonder what they’re selling?”]

In the end, the elderly couple became the first customers of ‘Our Dining Table.’ Their appearance slightly stirred the real-time chat.

– ㅠㅠㅜㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜ It reminds me of my grandparents ㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜ

– Doesn’t the grandpa seem to have some kind of aura?? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ, he’s not ordinary

– But Americans really compliment Koreans’ skin a lot ㅋㅋㅋㅋ these folks too.

– I’m curious about their reaction after eating Korean food!!

The elderly couple on TV continued their conversation.

[“It’s a Korean TV show.”]

[“I see, so that means the people working here are all celebrities? I wouldn’t expect much from the taste of the food.”]

An Jong-hak handed them the menu with a simple greeting, and the elderly couple, after hearing the explanation of the TV show, chose two dishes.

[“I’ll have the bulgogi rice bowl. What about you?”]

[“This. Kimjab…”]

[“It’s called Kimjaban Makguksu.”]

[“Ah, I’ll have that, please.”]

The elderly couple who ordered glanced at Kang Woojin inside the food truck, as he seemed to be the central figure.

[“That chef must also be an actor.”]

[“Yes, he’s handsome.”]

[“I should have gone for tacos. Food from shows like this usually doesn’t taste good.”]

[“You’re too picky. As a fellow chef, you should experience and taste various foods.”]

[“I’ve already tasted many Korean dishes. Have you tried gochujang? It’s so good that I’m researching how to use it in my restaurant.”]

The viewers, taking a hint from the elderly couple’s conversation, got excited.

– Oh??? My restaurant?? That grandpa seems to be a real chef, ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ.

– ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Please fall in love with Korean food….

– Could that grandpa be a super famous chef??

– Did the production team cast him?

Meanwhile, the nominal boss, An Jong-hak, served the bulgogi rice bowl and Woojin’s creative dish, Kimjaban Makguksu. The elderly couple looked at it curiously. After An Jong-hak briefly explained how to eat it and stepped back, the elderly couple checked the smell and appearance of the food before eating.

Subtitles appeared at the bottom.

– ‘An unusual aura’

At that moment.

[“Hello.”]

The angle suddenly changed, and a cut of the elderly couple’s interview appeared. It was their introduction scene. It turned out that this foreign grandpa was the owner and chef of a Michelin 1-star restaurant.

-Woahㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ amazing

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋ No wonderㅋㅋㅋ he had such an aura ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– That restaurant will now be swarming with Koreans ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Wow… Michelin 1-star….

– But is that Kimjaban Makguksu really created by Kang Woojin?

– ㅇㅇㅇㅇ Yep, he made it before coming to America.

The scene changed again. The elderly couple finally tasted the food they received. It started with the foreign grandpa who kept sniffing the Kimjaban Makguksu.

[“The soup is brown, and so are the noodles. The smell is- nutty and not bad. It’s similar to Japanese ramen. But definitely different and a bit off-putting. This black thing floating in the soup is seaweed?”]

A brief introduction of the Kimjaban Makguksu. The screen also showed an insert of the Makguksu. Then, the white-haired grandpa, who didn’t seem too pleased, gently scooped up some soup. His expression hardened for a moment.

-What??? What is it?? Does it taste bad? Ah… please no!!

– It looks like it would taste amazing…

Without saying a word, the grandpa scooped the broth a few more times. Once, twice, three times. Then he lifted the noodles. The show cut to the tense members of ‘Our Dining Table’ and then back to the elderly couple. The grandma asked.

[“How does that brown noodle taste?”]

Chewing the noodles with a firm expression, the grandpa spoke decisively.

[“We were wrong.”]

[“Hmm? Is it not good?”]

[“The man who made this dish is not an actor; he’s a real chef.”]

At that moment, the viewers’ chatroom exploded.

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ so funnyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Noㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Noㅋㅋㅋㅋhe’s an actor grandpa, an actorㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Wow… but that means it’s so delicious that even that grandpa chef got confused??? I really want to try Kimjaban Makguksu…

– This is crazy ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Kang Woojin suddenly becomes a chef ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– …Drool… Where can I eat that Kimjaban Makguksu????

– ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I really want to eat it!!!!!

Most people were crying out for Kimjaban Makguksu.

Monday, after the weekend.

The first episode of ‘Our Dining Table’ aired yesterday, featuring the scene where the foreign elderly couple praised Korean food, followed by conversations with the main chef Kang Woojin, and then showing foreigners flocking to the food truck. The episode ended showing a massive line of foreigners at the food truck on the second day.

The real-time viewer chatroom was abuzz with curiosity.

Anyway, the viewership rating for the first episode of ‘Our Dining Table’ was announced on Monday morning.

『[Official] Captivated living rooms on the weekend, ‘Our Dining Table’ Episode 1 total viewership rating 17.5%!』

The rating rose by 2% from last week, nearing the 20% mark. Articles flooded in instantly.

『Will it hit 20%? ‘Our Dining Tablee’s’ massive success!』

『[Spotlight] The ‘Kimjaban Makguksu’ created by Kang Woojin on ‘Our Dining Table’, a heavenly taste that confused a local chef?』

『It works overseas too… Hong Hye-yeon and Hwalin’s beauty enchanted Americans/ Photo』

『‘Our Dining Table’ starts food truck business in the US… Americans fall for Kang Woojin’s cooking/ Photo』

『Viewers of ‘Our Dining Table’ with 17.5% rating “I want to eat Kimjaban Makguksu too!!”』

Due to the buzz about Kang Woojin’s potential Hollywood debut, his articles also mixed in with rumors and overflowed.

『Main chef on ‘Our Dining Table’, actor in Hollywood? Which Hollywood movie did Kang Woojin screen test for』

It was a tidal wave. The domestic media enthusiastically churned out articles about the endless buzz, and PD Yoon Byung-seon, along with the ‘Our Dining Table’ team, accelerated their promotional efforts by posting various videos.

Moreover, the buzz around Kang Woojin grew uncontrollably.

However,

『Despite the growing buzz about a ‘Hollywood debut,’ Kang Woojin remains silent』

Kang Woojin himself had no particular reaction.

As Monday passed and Tuesday dawned, the numerous buzz topics circulating in Korea finally reached Japan, where Kang Woojin was filming ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger.’

『Kang Woojin of “The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger” making headlines in Korea for potential Hollywood debut』

『The YouTube video of Kang Woojin’s potential Hollywood debut goes viral in Korea』

Because of this, the filming site of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ became bustling. Not only the actors but also over a hundred staff members were whispering about Kang Woojin.

“Did you see the article? Woojin is going to Hollywood, they say.”

“Ah- but isn’t it just a screen test?”

“No, they say it’s confirmed.”

“Eh? I read in an article that it was just a test.”

This speculation grew, particularly because a group of foreigners had recently appeared on set.

“Oh! Those foreigners! They must have been Hollywood representatives!”

“Huh? I thought they were part of the special effects team?”

Groundless rumors spread quickly.

“I heard Woo-jin is going straight to Hollywood after our project ends.”

“It’s really amazing- how can an actor grow so fast in just one year ······ there’s no one like that in Japan or Korea. No, not even in Hollywood, right?”

“But it’s understandable, isn’t it? You’ve seen Woo-jin’s acting.”

The actors of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ looked at Woojin with curiosity or envy. Especially Yasutaro, who played Ginzo, seemed visibly eager to talk.

However, no one directly asked Kang Woojin about it.

This was partly due to the typical Japanese disposition and also because of Director Kyotaro’s special order not to disturb the set’s atmosphere. Meanwhile, the filming of ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ continued. They needed to quickly wrap up the high school scenes.

Despite this, Director Kyotaro, watching Woojin on the monitor, was puzzled.

‘Did Megan Stone come after seeing the screen test? Or is Megan from a different team entirely?’

Regardless, Kang Woojin maintained a poker face and focused on the filming, while both Korea and Japan buzzed with excitement as Tuesday came to a close.

Following this, on Wednesday the 27th.

Today, the ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ team was on standby early. From early morning, over a hundred staff and actors gathered at the high school, and today marked the end of the high school filming.

In other words, the past scenes would be wrapped up by the morning.

The first scene started with Kang Woojin or Kiyoshi observing the homework i.e. the nine members one by one. It also included the appropriate relationships and conflicts of each character. Around 11 AM, when the filming was in full swing, a short break was given with roughly 2 to 3 hours left to wrap up the past scenes.

The staff were running around the classrooms and hallways.

“Please add another camera in the hallway!!”

“Check the props in the classroom first!”

“Did you get the desks?!”

It was chaotic. Meanwhile, the actors gathered in various spots, discussing the script and having simple rehearsals. The locations varied: some were in the classroom, some in the hallway, and others in front of the bathroom. Each had their scene locations.

At this moment, Kang Woojin, dressed in the school uniform, stood at the end of the hallway with an indifferent expression. His scene location was the nearby stairs, and he was currently pretending to read the script seriously, but his mind was elsewhere.

‘I’m so hungry. I’m craving tteok-bulgogi, damn.’

Should I ask the CEO to go to a Korean restaurant tonight? As he turned his head, Woojin noticed a classroom right in front of him. No, upon closer inspection, it wasn’t just a classroom.

‘Music room?’

Reading the Japanese nameplate inside his head, Woojin glanced through the window to take a look. The spacious room had many chairs in the center and various instruments lined up by the window.

‘Oh- this brings back memories.’

Recalling his school days, Kang Woojin glanced around furtively before opening the front door of the music room. With a faint noise, the characteristic wooden smell wafted into his nose.

Meanwhile, Uramatsu Mifuyu, the actress with big eyes and plump lips who played ‘Horinochi Amie’ in ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ glanced at Kang Woojin standing at the end of the hallway while chatting with other actors.

‘Woojin-ssi? Where is he going?’

At the same time, Director Kyotaro, full of gray hair, appeared, chatting with the assistant director while looking around the hallway.

“Where’s Woojin-ssi?”

Mifuyu pointed to the end of the hallway with her finger.

“Over there.”

Meanwhile, Kang Woojin had stepped into the music room and halted. A large black object on the platform at the front of the music room had caught his attention. After staring at it for a moment, Woojin slowly approached, brushed off some of the dust from the cover, and lifted it. Soon, white and black keys were revealed.

“Hmm-”

It was a piano.