小火星

Chapter 192: United States (7)

“······”

“······”

Including Director Kim Do-hee and other famous directors, actors besides Jin Jae-jun, magazine editors, reporters, etc. Everyone blankly stared at Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had a leisurely smile.

On the other hand.

“Hm? Why are you all like this?”

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s smile deepened. Of course, Sim Han-ho, standing next to him, also had an unfazed expression. Only these two were fine in this banquet hall at the moment. After taking a sip of wine, Director Ahn Ga-bok opened his wrinkled mouth again.

“I just told you because you asked, why are all of you looking so shocked?”

Finally regaining their senses, Director Kim Do-hee, with her permed hair, blinked her widened eyes and asked.

“Di, Director~nim. Did you just confirm that the remaining actor is Kang Woojin ssi?”

“That’s right.”

“So, you mean Kang Woojin is cast alongside Senior Sim Han-ho in your 100th work, ‘Leech’? He was also in my ‘Drug Dealer’.”

“Are there two Kang Woojins in the acting world now?”

“No, that’s not it.”

It was hard to believe even though they had heard it clearly. Especially since Kang Woojin had already shaken the nation with the twist in the Hwalin case. And now, suddenly, he’s a lead actor in a Ahn Ga-bok film?

How did that even happen?

Thanks to this, actors like Kim Do-hee and Jin Jae-jun were still flustered, but reporters and magazine editors began to sneak away with different expressions in their eyes.

‘Haha, interesting? Why Director Ahn Ga-bok chose Kang Woojin is a matter for later. I need to throw this out as quickly as possible.’

‘Kang Woojin? Crazy. This guy’s a real star material. How does he make headlines every week?’

‘An historical actor like Sim Han-ho and a rookie rewriting history, Kang Woojin. Can’t ignore this intriguing lineup.’

The reporters took out their phones to start typing, while everyone else from ‘PowerPatch’ magazine and beyond started making calls.

“Hey, just slam the title and go with the article. It doesn’t need content.”

“It’s a scoop, a scoop. Don’t ask, just write it down first. And get the article up as quickly as possible. Shh! I said don’t ask.”

Watching the backs of these people, Director Ahn Ga-bok slowly nodded. It was the scene he wanted. Then he whispered to the grey-haired Sim Han-ho sitting next to him.

“The fire has properly spread.”

“···It was already burning well, and the firewood was top-notch.”

The banquet hall buzzed even more as everyone grasped the situation. Whether they were near or far, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words naturally spread. The voices grew louder, occasionally with shouts.

“What, what??! For real??!”

“Kang Woojin?! Did he just say that??!”

Many were surprised but took out their phones. They had to relay the bomb dropped in this banquet hall to the outside. Among these, the actors’ reactions were the most intense.

Various emotions mixed in their eyes.

“Can’t be······ Kang Woojin?”

“What does that mean? So, Kang Woojin is just in his 1st year and he’s challenging Cannes?”

“It’s too sudden, isn’t it? No, but is Kang Woojin’s schedule even possible?”

“Ha- Impossible.”

“Senior Sim Han-ho and Kang Woojin together?? What in the world!”

Jealousy and envy were the most prominent emotions. A moment when intense desire turns into resentment. Then, Jin Jae-jun, who was close to Director Ahn Ga-bok, managed to speak up.

“Director~nim. Is there a reason you chose Woojin ssi?”

With all eyes on him, Director Ahn Ga-bok answered nonchalantly.

“It seems he’s not particularly interested in Cannes.”

Exactly 15 minutes later.

Just 15 minutes after, the bomb that exploded in the banquet hall was revealed to the world.

『[Breaking News] Director Ahn Ga-bok at ‘Stars’ Night’ announces, “The two actors confirmed for ‘Leech’ are Sim Han-ho and Kang Woojin”』

Kang Woojin’s heroic tales were still boiling over.

Hours later, in Los Angeles, USA.

While it was the start of the 8th day in Korea, LA was just welcoming the morning of the 7th. The time was around 9 AM. Near North Hollywood Park, where the accommodation for the ‘Our Dining Table’ team was located. Among the many staff-packed accommodations, the one particularly bustling with people was the house used by the male cast members.

The reason was simple.

After arriving in LA, the ‘Our Dining Table’ team had officially started shooting. Well, the shooting had started when they left Korea, but the real shooting for the theme of ‘Our Dining Table’ was from now on. Meanwhile, outside the accommodation, the staff and production crew of ‘Our Dining Table’ were scattered everywhere.

However, what was unusual was.

“Really??! Wow, I just woke up and didn’t know!”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s completely true. Director Ahn Ga-bok himself said it. Look it up, Korea is turned upside down!”

“It’s still early morning in Korea right?”

“When do journalists ever sleep?!”

“Crazy- What did Woojin ssi say?”

“Don’t know, haven’t met him yet.”

It was very bustling. The production crew and dozens of staff members of ‘Our Dining Table’ were all the same. Everyone non-stop talked about Kang Woojin.

“Director Ahn Ga-bok announced it himself at the after-party of ‘Stars’ Night’?”

“Yeah, yeah, and even Actor Sim Han-ho was right there.”

“Wow- Right before the dashcam video issue even cooled down······”

“As soon as the cast members gathered, I knew PD Yoon was not joking around.”

“I saw that too. Ha Gang-su’s eyes were about to pop out, weren’t they?”

“Since ‘Our Dining Table’ has many actors as members. It’s only natural they were all shocked.”

“Director Ahn Ga-bok, the lineup with Sim Han-ho, and then adding Kang Woojin to it. This is really a big event, a big event.”

Because Director Ahn Ga-bok’s bombshell had already spread this far. In fact, the news was first heard a few hours earlier in the early morning, and the reactions were several times more intense than now. Currently, it was relatively calm. Nevertheless, conversations about Kang Woojin were non-stop.

“But can Woojin ssi even fit it into his schedule?? He’s already taken on many projects. With Director Kwon’s and the one in Japan.”

“Don’t know, they must have figured something out? Anyway, all predictions were off the mark. Wow- Look, the company group chat is about to explode.”

“Putting the great actor Sim Han-ho and first-year Kang Woojin together, it couldn’t possibly remain quiet.”

Around this time, Choi Sung-gun said.

“Yeah, yeah, but we can’t release a statement right away. Let things heat up a bit.”

He was busy walking leisurely down the street, making calls. Since there would be no break from the phone calls. Around him, the managers of each cast member were clinging on.

They must be curious.

So, where was Kang Woojin?

He was sitting on a sofa in the living room on the first floor of the male cast members’ accommodation. Or rather, the entire cast of ‘Our Dining Table’ was gathered here. An Jong-hak on a single sofa, Hwalin and Hong Hye-yeon on a three-seater, and on the remaining long sofa were Ha Gang-su and Yeon Baek-kwang.

Woojin, wearing a hat today, appeared more solemn than usual.

“······”

Of course, that’s how it appeared to others, but internally, he was just feeling extremely tired.

‘Ah- I’m so tired. I should go into the void space for a bit.’

He had already been through a rough storm. Before the tales of his heroism had even cooled down, the ‘Leech’ matter had hit this place. Because of this, not only the entire cast of ‘Our Dining Table’ but also PD Yoon Byung-seon and the writers had bombarded him with a storm of questions.

‘Woojin ssi!! Is this article that came out real??!’

‘How can nuclear bombs keep going off like this!!’

‘Are you really shooting a film with Director Ahn Ga-bok?!!’

‘Why did you keep such a big thing a secret?? Are you really going to Cannes, Woojin ssi?!’

For over an hour, that was.

PD Yoon Byung-seon was nearly dancing with joy. Especially since most of the ‘Our Dining Table’ cast were actors, their reactions were intense. Endless curiosity from An Jong-hak and Ha Gang-su, hidden admiration from Hwalin, high praises from the youngest Yeon Baek-kwang. Hong Hye-yeon, surprisingly, didn’t have much of a reaction, as if she had somewhat sensed it.

If the situation here was like this, what would it be like upon returning to Korea? Woojin had peeked at the internet situation in Korea and felt burdened.

So what can be done? We should think of it as something that was going to happen anyway, just a little earlier.

‘Well, I can’t avoid it, so I might as well enjoy it. But that old man, he really dropped it out of nowhere.’

Contacts from acquaintances were also a headache. Especially his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah, and close friends. Somehow, despite the disaster of a situation, the ‘Our Dining Table’ team had calmed down.

Because they had to shoot.

Anyway, around the sofa where Kang Woojin was sitting, numerous mini-cams were placed, and cameras were positioned here and there. Around them were dozens of staff members including Byung-seon. Regardless, the appearance of the ‘Our Dining Table’ cast was quite natural. Including Kang Woojin wearing a hat, everyone was in comfortable clothes, and the makeup of Hwalin and Hong Hye-yeon was light.

They were currently deciding on the menu.

Starting tomorrow, they had to begin actual sales using the food truck that was waiting outside. In other words, they had to buy all the ingredients today, prepare them, and even arrange the movements of the cast members.

At this moment, An Jong-hak, sitting on the single sofa and wearing a baseball cap, broke the ice.

“First, we need to finalize the menu, right? Kitchen team, do you have anything in mind? What do you think, leader?”

The question thrown, everyone’s gaze landed on the silent Kang Woojin. Woojin calmly answered, as he had already decided on the answer thanks to the knowledge ingrained in him as a chef.

“The speed of serving food is important for a food truck. We don’t need many items on the menu, 2 would be appropriate.”

“2. Which ones?”

“Rice and noodle dishes. Both can be parboiled.”

“What did the chef think of?”

“For the non-spicy options, bulgogi rice bowl and kimjaban makguksu would be good, I think.” (TL: kimjaban makguksu = seaweed buckwheat noodles)

An Jong-hak immediately raised his hand.

“I agree-”

Following him, Hong Hye-yeon and Hwalin joined in, and ultimately everyone agreed. No other opinions were raised. Watching from outside the angle, PD Yoon Byung-seon chuckled and joined in.

“Hey, if you’re going to decide that quickly, why have a meeting?”

An Jong-hak waved his hand as if it was noisy.

“If the hero chef has made a decision, I, as a figurehead, must follow. What, does PD Yoon have any complaints about the menu?”

“None at all. It’s perfect.”

“Okay. Then we can start making a list of ingredients, and for the flow- let’s see… since it’s a food truck, having 4 in the kitchen and 2 for serving should be enough, right?”

The answer came quickly again. Chef Kang Woojin would have Hong Hye-yeon, Hwalin, and Yeon Baek-kwang assisting in the kitchen, while the tall Ha Gang-su and An Jong-hak were in charge of the exterior.

Here, Ha Gang-su, wearing a hoodie, raised a question.

“What about drinks?”

Kang Woojin’s low tone answered immediately.

“It’s better to leave out drinks other than coffee at the beginning. Carelessly offering drinks can prolong conversations and slow down the turnover rate.”

“Ah- I see.”

“Let’s start by offering just simple water to gauge the atmosphere.”

An Jong-hak and Ha Gang-su gave a thumbs up.

“Wow- As expected of hero chef, Director Ahn Ga-bok’s man. That’s reassuring.”

“That charm got Director Ahn Ga-bok hooked.”

Hong Hye-yeon, who tied her long hair up, also joined in.

“As expected, not just anyone can become a hero.”

Hwalin, glancing at Woojin, was internally praising.

‘That lukewarm charisma is really the killing point?!’

Teasing disguised as praise. Regardless, Kang Woojin was silently recalling ‘the chef’s recipes.’

“Let’s split into teams, one for buying ingredients and another for preparing at the accommodation.”

“Yes! Leader!”

It was to divert attention.

The next day, around lunchtime, near North Hollywood Park.

The vast park was filled with many foreigners taking walks. A woman jogging with headphones, a man having a fun time with his dog, a couple lying in the grass reading a book, etc. It was a scene straight out of a movie. While many people were visible, the park was so spacious that it didn’t feel crowded.

Among them, an American elderly couple walking on the park’s pathway caught the eye.

Both had white hair and were slowly crossing the park holding hands. As they chatted and walked, the grandma noticed something by the roadside ahead. She immediately opened her mouth, of course, speaking English.

“Isn’t that food truck new?”

In her soft tone, the grandma’s words directed the grandpa’s gaze forward. The elderly couple often passed through the park at this time, allowing them to instantly recognize the food truck that wasn’t usually there. The food truck was a mix of red and blue colors overall.

Hanging on top of the truck were signs in both English and Korean.

-‘KOREAN FOOD’

-‘Our Dining Table’

Seeing the sign, the grandma smiled broadly.

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

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

“Shall we eat there?”

“You wanted tacos, didn’t you? And remember how you cried after eating Tteokbokki last time?”

“We can ask them to make it not spicy this time, right? We can always have tacos since there’s one next to your restaurant.”

“Hmm.”

“It’ll be a memorable meal. If we’re going to eat anyway, shouldn’t it be something special?”

Convinced by the grandma, the grandpa nodded.

“Alright, but if it doesn’t taste good, you have to say it right away.”

“Of course.”

Thus, the elderly couple moved towards the food truck selling Korean food. From up close, all the staff indeed looked Korean.

“Oh, they really are all Korean. But… they all look so handsome and beautiful?”

“That’s right. Koreans really have nice skin, look so young that it’s hard to guess their age.”

At that moment.

-Swish.

A few women approached the elderly couple, who were getting closer to the food truck, and asked in English.

“Excuse me, are you planning to use this food truck?”

The grandpa replied.

“Yes, why? Is it still being prepared?”

“No, it’s not that. Actually, this food truck is part of a Korean TV show. If you use it, you’ll be appearing in the show, so we’re asking for your consent.”

The grandma, with a kind smile, gave their consent.

“We’d be delighted. It’s fine with us.”

“Thank you, then please feel free to use it.”

Soon, the women moved away, and the grandma laughed as if amazed.

“A Korean TV show.”

“I wonder if that means all the people working here are celebrities?”

“Must be.”

“The food might not live up to expectations, though.”

Soon, when the elderly couple reached the area with 6 tables set up, a Korean approached them from the food truck. It was An Jong-hak, the figurehead manager, wearing a navy uniform with the ‘Our Dining Table’ logo and his hair neatly slicked back.

“Hello, are you our first customers today?”

An Jong-hak’s English was quite fluent. Not as much as Kang Woojin, but there was no problem in communication, and he guided the elderly couple to a central table. The grandpa then asked.

“I heard it’s a TV show, what’s the theme?”

“We’re promoting Korean food abroad.”

“I see, so you and everyone else are celebrities?”

“That’s right.”

“Impressive.”

“Thank you, here’s the menu. Currently, we have two dishes ready. Shall I explain them to you?”

“Please do.”

Soon, An Jong-hak explained the Bulgogi rice bowl and Kimjaban Makguksu listed on the menu. After listening to the explanation, the grandma asked with a smile.

“Is the Bulgogi rice bowl spicy?”

“Not at all.”

“Then I’ll have the Bulgogi rice bowl, and you?”

The grandpa pointed at the noodle dish in the menu.

“This one. Kimjab······”

“It’s called Kimjaban Makguksu”

“Ah, I’ll have that, please.”

“Understood.”

An Jong-hak politely collected the menu and moved away from the elderly couple, shouting to the people inside the food truck in Korean.

“One Bulgogi! One Kimjaban!”

Watching him, the grandma commented.

“Korean sounds so pleasant to the ear.”

The grandpa was scanning the cameras and production crew around them.

“Hmm- If it’s a TV show, does that mean the chefs cooking are also actors?”

“Looks like that person inside the food truck?”

Following the grandma’s gesture, the grandpa looked inside the food truck. Two men and two women were visible. Among them, a young man who had just started cooking caught their eye. He had a deep impression and a cynical aura, wearing a headscarf on his head.

Seeing his appearance, the grandpa was sure.

“That chef must also be an actor.”

“Yes, he’s handsome.”

“Should have gone for tacos, right? The food in such shows is usually not good.”

“But looking at that chef moving, seems like he learned diligently?”

“Indeed… Seeing that he’s wearing a headscarf and a mask, he seems to have focused on hygiene, and judging by how he handles the wok, it looks like he practiced a lot. But still, his main job is being an actor.”

“You’re too picky, as a chef, you should experience various kinds of food and flavors.”

“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.” (TL: gochujang = red chili paste)

Indeed, this grandpa was a chef who ran a restaurant. The location was close to here.

That’s when.

-Swish.

This time, not An Jong-hak but a tall man approached the elderly couple. It was Ha Gang-su.

“Your food is ready.”

Though his English was slightly awkward, the elderly couple greeted him nonchalantly and received their ordered food. An Jong-hak also appeared, explaining how to eat the food. After the explanation, the two men left, and the grandma stirred the steaming Bulgogi rice bowl with a spoon.

“It smells good. What about you?”

The grandpa, looking intently at the Kimjaban Makguksu in front of him, said,

“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?”

“Try it.”

The silver-haired grandpa hesitantly lifted his spoon and gently scooped up some soup, then carefully sipped it.

“······”

His expression hardened. No, rather, it was an ambiguous face. Without a word, the grandpa tasted the soup again. Once, twice, three times. Then, he took the bowl and took a big gulp. Watching him, the grandma who was flipping the Bulgogi rice bowl widened her eyes, and the grandpa silently looked down at his Kimjaban Makguksu before picking up his fork.

Twirling the noodles and dipping them in the soup before eating.

Unbeknownst to them, at this moment, all the ‘Our Dining Table’ team cameras scattered around the food truck were filming the elderly couple.

Soon, the grandma, who had been scooping up the Bulgogi rice bowl, asked the grandpa.

“How does that brown noodle taste?”

The grandpa, stopping his fork mid-air, chewed on the noodles but his expression remained firm. Then, slowly lifting his head.

“We were wrong.”

“Hmm? Is it not tasty?”

The grandpa said to the grandma. There was a storm in the grandpa’s blue eyes.

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