Chapter 438: Beast (7)

Translator: Santos
 

In a sprawling 50,000-square-meter complex known as the SPT Studio, the late morning sun illuminated the set of *Beauty and the Beast*. This impressive venue, where most of the movie would be filmed, was about 80% complete. Some sections were finished, while others were nearing completion.

One of the most striking finished sets was the grand banquet hall.

With its opulent chandeliers, intricately carved pillars, and a dazzling white-and-gold piano, the banquet hall looked like a dream brought to life. It would later serve as a key location for developing the connection between the Beast and Belle, but today, it was crowded with over a hundred crew members from the production team, all bustling around a large central table adorned with various refreshments and snacks.

It almost felt like an actual banquet.

However, they weren’t preparing for a party; they were setting up for the highly anticipated script reading. The fast-paced activity hinted that the reading was about to start soon.

A few minutes later…

“Hello, everyone!”

The first guest arrived in the banquet hall, a Hollywood supporting actor cast as Belle’s father—a character who would serve as the initial link between the Beast and Belle. The actor’s eyes widened as he took in the grand set.

“Oh, wow.”

Impressed by the scale and quality of the set, he began wandering around before even sitting down, marveling at the detail.

*“The quality is incredible—feels like I’m stepping right into the world of *Beauty and the Beast*.”*

As he explored, more actors began arriving, most of whom were supporting cast. Each one expressed their amazement as they stepped inside.

“Hello! Wow, this banquet hall is incredible!”

“Haha, it’s way more extravagant than I imagined!”

“They really pulled out all the stops.”

Instead of preparing for the reading, the actors spent time admiring the set. *Beauty and the Beast* was one of the most anticipated live-action adaptations worldwide, and for the actors, it looked like a perfect embodiment of the fairy tale they’d imagined.

Eventually, the actors began to settle in their seats around the U-shaped table, where each spot was labeled with a character’s name. Even as they opened their scripts and began talking amongst themselves, the atmosphere was light-hearted and friendly. Compared to the intense and somber mood during the script reading for *Piero: Birth of a Villain*, this felt almost festive.

Naturally, the conversation soon turned to Woo-jin.

“Has anyone met Woo-jin, our Beast?”

“Oh, I saw him on *The Tonight Show*!”

“No, I mean in person. Has anyone actually met him face-to-face?”

“I did, briefly, at a fashion event.”

“Oh? How was he?”

“Well, it was just a quick glance, but he had this… intense, cynical vibe. I thought about saying hello since we’re in the same movie, but I didn’t get the chance. He seemed… a bit unapproachable.”

“Yeah, he does seem kind of distant, even on TV.”

No matter what, Woo-jin was currently the hottest actor in Hollywood, and it was no different here on the *Beauty and the Beast* set. Eventually, the conversation shifted to Miley Cara.

“They say the Beast saved Belle even before filming began.”

“Oh! You mean that incident where Woo-jin saved Miley? I read it in the news—sounds terrifying. If he hadn’t been there, who knows what could’ve happened.”

“Yeah, I saw some articles mentioning a similar heroic incident involving him back in Korea. The guy’s full of surprises.”

The discussion grew, touching on everything from Cara’s attack to Woo-jin’s projects and his candid interviews. Meanwhile, over a hundred crew members, along with journalists and Disney representatives, had gathered around the U-shaped table, bringing the headcount to over 200.

And then…

“Hello!”

A striking actress with brown roots fading into blonde stepped in, sparking whispers. At first, some mistook her for Miley Cara, but it was actually Maria Armas. Not known for her friendliness with Miley, Maria gave polite nods before quietly taking her seat.

*“Hmph.”*

Seemingly uninterested in mingling, she glanced around the room. Neither Woo-jin nor Miley had arrived, and Maria’s gaze quickly returned to her script. However, she didn’t go unnoticed.

A few moments later…

A cheerful greeting and a bright smile announced the arrival of none other than Miley Cara, the actress playing Belle. Her entrance electrified the room.

“Miley! Long time no see!”

“Glad to see you’re okay after that incident! How are you holding up?”

“We were just talking about you! So happy you’re here!”

With a warm smile, Miley responded to the greetings from both cast and crew.

“Thank you, everyone. The incident was a while back now, and I’m really fine. See? I’m here in one piece!”

“Haha, well, obviously! Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here!”

Miley’s presence seemed to elevate the already high spirits in the room. Watching the scene, Maria scoffed quietly.

*“Hmph.”*

It wasn’t the excitement itself that bothered her, but rather Miley’s charm.

*“Why does she have to look so perfect? It’s annoying.”*

She turned her attention back to her script, trying to ignore Miley. But Miley, two seats over, leaned over and spoke softly.

“Maria, since we’re in the same movie now, shall we at least say hello? The reporters are watching, after all.”

Maria glanced briefly at the nearby journalists snapping photos and sighed.

“Fine. Welcome, Miley. I heard you went through something dangerous. I’m glad you’re okay.”

The lack of enthusiasm in Maria’s words made Miley chuckle.

“Try to put a bit more sincerity into it. Still, thanks—and for the tips you gave me earlier, too.”

“What tips?”

“Never mind.”

Miley was referring to information Maria had provided about Woo-jin, but Maria, looking puzzled, didn’t catch on.

At that moment…

A tall, black-haired man entered the banquet hall with a calm, deep-toned greeting.

“Hello.”

Immediately, hundreds of eyes turned toward him.

It was Kang Woo-jin.

Though he maintained a neutral expression, the silent attention of so many people slightly rattled him.

*“Whoa—so many people.”*

He kept his composure as he found his seat, labeled *Beast*, and nodded politely. Almost immediately, a flood of greetings and questions came his way, including one from Miley, seated across from him.

“Woo-jin, how are you feeling?”

In a room full of Hollywood actors, Woo-jin’s attention was solely on Miley. As he met her gaze, his first thought was…

“…I’m fine.”

“Glad to hear it.”

She seemed remarkably composed, and Woo-jin felt oddly relieved by her nonchalance.

*“So… I was the only one worried? Makes sense, she must have dated plenty of guys before.”*

To him, her confession from the other day suddenly felt more like a dream.

Unbeknownst to him, he was entirely mistaken.

*“Why is it so hard to make eye contact with him?!”*

Miley, for her part, was struggling to maintain her cool.

Meanwhile, across town in LA, the production team of *John Persona* was gathering in a Universal Studios conference room. Familiar faces like Joseph Felton, the towering producer, and Megan Stone, the casting director, were seated alongside others. Even the famed Hollywood director Danny Landis was in attendance, as they held a preliminary meeting to discuss casting, scheduling, and additional key staff for the production.

The early planning stage was crucial for preventing issues down the line. While film productions could encounter disruptions at any time, a strong initial setup was essential to smooth things out.

As they moved on to the casting discussion, Megan Stone took the stage, and the images of various actors filled the screen.

“This is our preliminary casting list.”

Director Landis rubbed his chin as he scanned the board, his gaze drawn to the top—a photo of Kang Woo-jin.

*“John Persona’s world heavily centers around the lead character.”*

To create the right atmosphere, all supporting actors had to complement Woo-jin’s screen presence. While this applied to any film, it was particularly crucial for *John Persona*, given the lead’s significance. Landis continued scrutinizing the high-profile actors listed, from lead actress candidates to villains.

Then…

Joseph leaned over to Landis and lowered his voice, suggesting a hint of secrecy.

“Director, Universal Studios is considering sequels for *John Persona*. They’ve discussed the possibility with me, and the screenwriter has been informed as well.”

“A series?”

“Yes. They requested a three-part arc, so please keep that in mind.”

“Hmm. So, this is a long-term plan.”

“They see potential in the script.”

“And you’re on board?”

Joseph smirked.

“As a freelancer, I’ve invested a lot of time in *John Persona*, so yes.”

Nodding, Landis posed another question.

“If we’re considering sequels, shouldn’t we secure Woo-jin first? Directors can change, but replacing the lead would kill the continuity.”

“Agreed. We plan to move quickly to lock him in.”

At that moment, a knock on the door interrupted the meeting. Another key team member Joseph had recruited—a stunt coordinator—stepped inside.

Joseph made the introduction.

“Everyone, this is Ethan Smith, joining our team.”

“Pleased to be here.”

The big-nosed stunt coordinator, known for his work with Woo-jin in *Beneficial Evil*, added his unique action flair to the production.

Back at the *Beauty and the Beast* reading room…

With the banquet hall packed to capacity with cast and crew, the reading had officially begun. Director

 Bill Roettner, seated at the head of the U-shaped table, took charge of introducing the cast.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin as the Beast.”

Following Woo-jin, Miley Cara, Maria Armas, and the other cast members were introduced one by one. Finally, Bill opened his copy of the script, and the cast and crew followed suit. The photographers eagerly captured the moment. 

After about ten minutes, the early dialogue focused on Belle rather than the Beast, with Miley’s character exploring the Beast’s castle.

Then came the first exchange between Woo-jin and Miley, the Beast and Belle.

There were no major issues.

But…

“Hmm?”

Watching without interference so far, Director Roettner suddenly paused.

“Hold on a second.”

Everyone looked up as he turned to Miley, who was sitting nearby.

“Miley, why are you already looking at the Beast with such affection?”