I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 364: Prestige (1) - Edited

Chapter 364: Prestige (1)

Translator: Santos

When Kang Woo-jin first met Director Ahn Gabok, his throat was hoarse. The prolonged filming of *The Beneficial Evil* had kept him late, leading to him sleeping around dawn. Even though he had visited the pocket dimension beforehand, his body was honest about its fatigue.

‘Ugh— I think I’ll need to visit the pocket dimension more often today. I'm dead tired.’

If only he could sleep in the pocket dimension, that would be bliss. He was lost in thought when Director Ahn Gabok and Choi Seong-geon entered the representative office. His hoarseness added to the blend of concepts in his voice, which came out in an unusually low tone.

“Director, how are you?”

Even Kang Woo-jin, who was used to putting on a strong front, was surprised by his own tone. Perhaps because of that, Director Ahn Gabok, with a face lined with wrinkles, slightly furrowed his brow as they shook hands. Well, our proud monster didn’t particularly mind.

In any case, Woo-jin and Director Ahn Gabok sat across from each other.

Then, two stacks of papers were placed on the desk.

‘Oh— as expected.’

Though his expression remained unchanged, Woo-jin’s inner self immediately sensed what Director Ahn Gabok had placed on the table.

‘A script? He really brought it. Wow, director!’

It was clear that the papers Ahn Gabok had brought were Hollywood scripts. Sitting next to him, Choi Seong-geon couldn’t help but think how amazing that was. It was a moment when all of his guesses fell into place. Unbeknownst to him, Ahn Gabok’s calm yet aged voice rang out.

“First, take a look at this. One is in English, and the other is in Korean. You can choose whichever one is more comfortable.”

But why was this old man— no, Director Ahn— so serious? Feeling the atmosphere had become quite grave, Woo-jin lowered his voice even more. He responded with something like, “Understood,” and shifted his gaze to the scripts on the desk. Two thick scripts, adorned with black squares.

The title was visible on the top cover of one script.

- *Pierrot*

*Pierrot*? This was an unusual title. Without hesitation, Kang Woo-jin picked up the English version of the script. At that moment, the language didn’t make much difference to him. As he subtly extended his index finger to turn the page, he glanced at Director Ahn Gabok across from him. For some reason, the director was staring at Choi Seong-geon.

It was obvious.

Choi Seong-geon was likely sparkling with excitement. He would be jittery with joy if a massive opportunity was thrown at Woo-jin. In reality, that was indeed the case. Afterward, Kang Woo-jin's reality seemed to pause momentarily.

- Flap.

Feeling even more resolute, Kang Woo-jin flipped through the pages of the *Pierrot* script. About two pages. Of course, this was merely a demonstration. Soon, Woo-jin calmly murmured to Director Ahn Gabok.

“Director, I’ll take this project.”

Director Ahn Gabok narrowed his brows slightly, while Choi Seong-geon’s eyes widened. Woo-jin’s response had been too quick and firm. Ahn Gabok’s wrinkled lips parted.

“Really? Just like that?”

“Yes, Director. I’m talking about taking the lead role, of course.”

However, Kang Woo-jin's steadfast expression remained unchanged. It was unexpected. In the old man’s mind, it had been that way.

‘I thought it would definitely take some time.’

It made sense.

When they were working on *Symbiotic Leech*, it hadn't been like this.

‘...I remember waiting at least a week.’

However, Kang Woo-jin’s answer after reading the *Pierrot* script didn’t take more than a few minutes. A strange jealousy welled up within Ahn Gabok. It was due to Woo-jin’s demeanor, which was different from how he was during *Symbiotic Leech*. The past and present were clearly different. However, the director’s jealousy quickly faded. Watching the script for *Pierrot* in Woo-jin’s hand,

- Swish.

The envy transformed into great satisfaction and anticipation.

‘This monster is feeling something similar to what I felt when I read that script.’

It was a feeling that proved his discerning eye hadn’t aged.

‘Heh, who would’ve thought I’d be influenced by such a young actor in my twilight years? But it’s not a bad feeling at all.’

After all, Kang Woo-jin had never failed since his debut, and after making a splash at Cannes, he was now aiming for a full-fledged overseas expansion. He certainly wouldn’t choose his projects lightly. He needed to be several times more alert than usual.

Meanwhile, Choi Seong-geon’s eyes beside Kang Woo-jin were widening more and more.

‘Has Woo-jin ever agreed so quickly? This is the first time I’m seeing him so eager.’

In fact, it was safe to say that this was almost unprecedented.

‘Is that script really that insane?! But he hasn’t even read a few pages yet?’

In any case, that script was unusual. Just then, Kang Woo-jin, who had been silent, opened his mouth.

“I will take it. If there’s an opportunity.”

Director Ahn Gabok, who had been stroking his wrinkled cheek, responded slowly.

“...There is an opportunity.”

“Yes, I believe that’s why you brought the script.”

“More accurately, there is a chance to have a chance. It’s up to you whether you’ll break it or grasp it tightly.”

“I understand.”

“By the way— why did you decide so quickly? You answered right after seeing the title and a few pages.”

Why, you ask? It was simple. The strong-willed Kang Woo-jin answered, of course, internally.

‘I just came back from the pocket dimension.’

The *Pierrot* he had seen in the dark pocket dimension was so compelling that he felt no hesitation at all. But he couldn’t say that outright. He needed to dodge the question somewhat, but Woo-jin didn’t particularly struggle with it. He had a cheat key of illusions.

“I had a good feeling about it.”

Kang Woo-jin’s instinct kicked in. Thus, Woo-jin’s delusions solidified even further, but who cared? Soon, silence enveloped the representative office. Choi Seong-geon was internally screaming, “Of course! That insane feeling again!” but the old man, Director Ahn Gabok, looked directly into Woo-jin’s eyes and soon smiled faintly.

“I’ve seen all kinds of actors, but you never cease to surprise me. But you’re the real deal.”

“...”

“Yes, there are times when an actor has to rely on their animal instincts or intuition.”

As expected, the misunderstandings deepened. Still, the atmosphere continued to flow smoothly. Then, Director Ahn Gabok crossed his arms and spoke to Kang Woo-jin.

“There will likely be fierce competition, but I hope you’ll be the one to survive. I believe in you.”

Kang Woo-jin’s calm reply was brief and clear.

“It won’t be a problem.”

About an hour later.

After leaving BW Entertainment, Director Ahn Gabok, who had just descended to the underground parking lot with his team, got into the van. It was only a few minutes before the van was set to depart, and as it settled onto the busy road,

“...”

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

Lost in thought while gazing into the void, Director Ahn Gabok was cautiously asked by a slightly chubby representative from the agency.

“Director, did things go well with Kang Woo-jin?”

Director Ahn Gabok didn’t reply immediately. Behind his usual laid-back demeanor, his wrinkled lips slowly parted.

“I still feel like I have a long way to go.”

“Excuse me?”

“Looking at the *Pierrot* script, I felt embarrassed by how many thoughts I had. That kid, Kang Woo-jin, will— no, will definitely shake Hollywood to its core.”

“...What exactly did you discuss?”

A faint smile appeared on Director Ahn Gabok’s face.

“Nothing special. I was the one in a rush while Kang Woo-jin was several steps ahead of me. It’s just like back during *Symbiotic Leech*. The only difference is that we’ve shortened the time.”

“Will he?”

“He said there’s no problem.”

“Huh—”

The agency representative seemed slightly surprised, opening his mouth wide. When the van hit a red light, he awkwardly changed the subject.

“Uh, so, Director, when should we announce the *Pierrot* project? Columbia Studio said they would announce the production confirmation in a few days.”

“What did Columbia Studio say?”

“They said any route is fine. The contracts have already been signed. We can announce it first, or they can announce it simultaneously with their production announcement.”

“Do we have the decision-making power?”

“It feels like they’re giving us consideration. They know that *Symbiotic Leech* is currently in theaters and that it’s being released overseas as well.”

“Hmm—”

As a realistic conversation unfolded, Director Ahn Gabok also calmly considered.

“The release of *Symbiotic Leech* in Japan is next month, right?”

“Yes.”

“And France?”

“We're in coordination, but it should be early next year at the latest.”

For reference, the *Symbiotic Leech* currently showing in Korea was set for release in Japan next month, while it was being prepared for

several other countries, including France, next year. Soon, Director Ahn Gabok made a decision.

“There’s no reason to dawdle.”

“I think so too. The sooner we announce this, the more momentum *Symbiotic Leech* will gain during its domestic release, especially with Japan’s release next month. France or overseas might be a bit weak.”

“I don’t care; it’s a symbolic release.”

“I’ll prepare properly and announce it as soon as possible!”

The agency representative, who was writing something on his phone, suddenly became excited.

“Ugh, I’m so nervous.”

The surrounding staff joined in.

“Yeah, right? It’s incredibly exciting.”

“I feel the same! I’m anxious because it’s the first time I’m experiencing this.”

“How much will Korea buzz about it??!”

The agency representative eagerly empathized with Director Ahn Gabok.

“The first in Korea... the overall director of a Hollywood project. It’s overwhelming! There have been a few in Asia, but there are hardly any Asian directors who have worked with a big player like Columbia Studio!”

“Hmm—”

“Aren’t you too calm?”

“Well, surprisingly, it’s not that big of a deal. Maybe I’m just too old for this.”

“I... I really didn’t think this day would come—”

“That sounds like you thought I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“Excuse me??! No, no, no!!”

“Just kidding.”

The agency representative, having almost had a heart attack, quickly continued.

“Considering how we just exploded at Cannes with the ‘Palme d'Or’ and ‘Best Actor’— when this gets announced, the media and public will be in an uproar.”

An employee chimed in.

“With the insane box office issue of *Symbiotic Leech*! ”

Director Ahn Gabok chuckled, stroking his wrinkled cheeks.

“That’s right; it’s going to get quite noisy. But I think my matters are just small potatoes in comparison.”

“Yes?”

“That monster.”

He knew very well about Kang Woo-jin’s outrageous brand power.

“When Woo-jin makes a move, won’t it cause a hundred times more frenzy than my situation? The entire country will be talking about it.”

At the same time.

A black van that had just entered the highway. Inside, Kang Woo-jin was seated. The destination was Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do. It was for the filming of *The Beneficial Evil*. Woo-jin sat with his legs crossed, staring out the window. His expression was stiff, a deep look on his face.

Choi Seong-geon, in the passenger seat, glanced at Woo-jin through the rearview mirror.

“Huh— he made such a clear decision, but... I guess some sorting out will be necessary. It wasn’t in the plan.”

That was incorrect. In truth, Kang Woo-jin wasn’t serious at all. He was merely thinking about what to have for lunch while looking out the window.

‘What was the menu for the food truck today? Was it spicy pork? Bulgogi? I can’t resist meat.’

Then, lowering his gaze, Kang Woo-jin spotted the scripts for *The Beneficial Evil*, including the *Pierrot* script that Director Ahn Gabok had handed him earlier. He picked up the script without much thought.

- Swish.

Upon reflection, this was the first confirmed Hollywood project.

‘Well, it’s not finalized yet, though.’

There was also something with Joseph, but that was still in the scriptwriting stage, so it was excluded for now. Whatever it was, the first experience always brought butterflies. However, as Kang Woo-jin looked at the *Pierrot* script filled with English, his heart was calm. It didn’t feel immediate yet. Perhaps once the day came when he started filming somewhere in Hollywood, it would feel different.

As Kang Woo-jin did this,

- Swish.

He pretended to flip through the *Pierrot* script while raising his index finger to poke at the attached black square. Although he needed to read the *Pierrot* script, taking a break in the pocket dimension came first. Soon, Kang Woo-jin's view transformed into the vast darkness of the pocket dimension.

“Ugh!!”

Casting aside the concept, Kang Woo-jin stretched out fully. He walked toward the floating white squares. Numerous works appeared. The first was *The Inquiry Agency*, and at the very back was *The Strange Sacrifice of the Stranger*, *Symbiotic Leech*, and *The Beneficial Evil*. So far, the highest rating was for *The Beneficial Evil*.

- [9/Script (Title: The Beneficial Evil), EX Grade]

It was rated EX. Next, Woo-jin's gaze shifted to the very end, where a new work added that morning was displayed. It was *Pierrot*. He recalled a question from Director Ahn Gabok during this morning’s meeting.

‘But— why did you decide so quickly?’

Woo-jin, who had been smiling, answered in the pocket dimension.

“If I don’t take this script after seeing this grade, I’d be an idiot.”

- [11/Script (Title: Pierrot), EX+ Grade]

*Pierrot* had seized the highest grade in the pocket dimension.