The Crazy Woman Acts Too Well - Chapter 187
After Minami Akiko’s return to Japan.
A meeting of the production team for the award-winning work at the ‘Japanese Noir Competition.’
“Hasn’t it turned into quite a big deal?”
Most of the personnel were puzzled by Akiko’s statement. It was only natural; they had assumed there would be no crisis ahead.
One of the personnel asked.
“Is that actor from Korea really so remarkable?”
“Yes, he was quite impressive.”
At this, the overall director of the ‘Japanese Noir Competition’ spoke up. He remained calm.
“Hmm, so you’re saying that as well.”
“The director doesn’t seem as surprised as one might think?”
“Yes. I sort of anticipated you might say something like this after you returned.”
Akiko slightly lowered her sunglasses.
“Before I went to Korea?”
“At that point, I didn’t give it much thought. I glanced at Seo’s profile, but it didn’t leave much of an impression on me. I just thought of him as an actor with a striking appearance.”
“But?”
“We couldn’t just sit around idly in Japan, could we? I watched the drama he starred in. It was a work titled ‘Special Mobile Unit 808.'”
“Ah.”
Akiko hadn’t checked Seo’s videos. She wanted to observe his acting without any prejudice.
The overall director continued.
“Of course, this isn’t a film, but even considering that, it was remarkable. I recommend you take a look. Watching it passively made me realize various things.”
At that moment, another member of the staff interrupted with a tone laced with dissatisfaction. He hadn’t seen ‘Special Mobile Unit 808.’
“Are you suggesting that Japanese media is somehow inferior to Korean, using an example of a drama that gained moderate popularity in Korea?”
“It wasn’t just moderate. It surpassed 40% in ratings.”
“40%? Did you just say 40%…?”
The staff member who had voiced his dissatisfaction widened his eyes. The reactions of others who hadn’t seen ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ were similar. The overall director nodded.
“Recording a 40% or higher audience rating in this day and age? It’s a miraculous occurrence. If it were just an ordinary masterpiece, it would have had moderate success, as you mentioned.”
“So, something extraordinary beyond ordinary merits… could it be….”
“Yes. I thought it might be Seo.”
The director’s voice carried a hint of admiration.
“Seo plays a genius detective whose performance even transcends gender boundaries. Honestly, I was only waiting to see when Seo would appear in the later episodes, but I was truly amazed.”
At that moment, Akiko nodded.
“He is indeed a great actor. But there’s something more.”
“Something more?”
The eyes of the personnel widened.
“The quality of a leader. He not only leads but also encourages those around him, demonstrating charisma by setting examples.”
“…”
Subsequent silence followed.
Praising the excellence of an adversary rather than an ally was bound to dampen morale. The facial expressions of the personnel now revealed various concerns.
Finally, one of them spoke.
“From the director down to the writer, all of your praise is making me nervous. Could it be that when you mentioned ‘big trouble,’ it means our chances of winning are now lower?”
“Ah, of course not.”
Akiko chuckled.
“What I mean is, we’ve finally reached the stage of a real contest against worthy opponents. Isn’t this exactly the kind of showdown involving Korea’s and Japan’s greatest interests?”
“Ahh…”
“Therefore, let me give you a single plea.”
Akiko’s expression grew serious.
“Everyone, don’t be complacent and give it your all.”
A simple but highly effective strategy.
Akiko had witnessed countless times how one could foolishly let their guard down and end up taking a fatal blow. To her, this type was nothing but pitiful.
“Because I, too, will rework my script from scratch.”
A swordsman would contemplate a duel with a sword, and a writer must ponder a battle through the written word.
Banish complacency and ignite a desire to compete fiercely. Akiko’s feelings were precisely that. The spark named Seo had reignited her passion.
‘It’s been a while since my heart burned so intensely.’
Akiko became increasingly interested in this contest. Her focus shifted from her daughter to rivaling Seo, and it seemed it would be quite interesting indeed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, in the Republic of Korea,
Sawako was discussing Yuhak Seo (Kim Yu-han) with Yusaku.
“Director, is Mr. Seo truly starring in my movie?”
“Yes, Sawako.”
Although Sawako had asked this question nearly ten times, Yusaku always answered with a smile. After all, who wouldn’t be ecstatic to think of an actor like Seo taking the lead role?
In fact, Sawako’s eyes sparkled.
“Director Yusaku has such a remarkable network. Who would have thought you could secure such an amazing overseas actor…?”
At this, Director Yusaku burst into laughter.
“You’re thinking too highly of me, Sawako. Securing Seo wasn’t as easy as you imagine.”
“But? Is it that he didn’t sign on because he was captivated by my script?”
Sawako had an awareness of her limitations as both a person and a writer.
“Hmm. It goes like this.”
Yusaku paused briefly.
“Sawako, your writing hasn’t been refined much yet. To put it nicely, it hasn’t compromised, but to say it harshly, it lacks realism.”
“…Yes. Mother also said the same.”
“But, Sawako, do you know something?”
“Hm?”
“A pure writer can compromise, but once they do, becoming pure again is impossible. That’s what all the writers I’ve seen so far have been like.”
“Ah?”
“Even if writers could remain pure forever, reality is tough. The world breaks down a human several times and forces them to their knees, urging them to compromise. But…”
“But?”
“Sawako, I thought Seo could be someone who would help preserve your purity, and it seems Seo also shared a similar view. He thought your script had potential.”
“So, Seo is doing this for my sake…?”
Yusaku nodded.
“Yes. It seems like Seo wishes for you to continue writing while preserving your purity. As a fellow artist, it’s a form of support.”
Of course, if Seo heard this, he would likely jump in surprise and do a backflip. He agreed simply because Seo thought he was a yakuza and had found favor with the Special Rating.
Nevertheless, Director Yusaku was being earnest. Now, one more member had joined the team. The scriptwriter, Sawako, was included.
Director Yusaku spoke with determination in his voice.
“I’ve always been impressed by Seo from his short films, but now I’m certain: Seo can turn your script into reality. He will definitely achieve something remarkable.”
“To be honest… I’m a bit scared.”
Sawako said this.
“Handing over such a plain script to Mr. Seo seems almost too humble, and if Seo makes significant revisions, I might not be able to claim it as my own.”
But the young woman soon shook her head.
“Strangely, despite this fear, I want to take a challenge. This is the first time my heart feels so eager.”
Thereafter, Sawako looked intently at Director Yusaku.
“Director, I have a request.”
“What kind of request?”
“I want to have a direct conversation with Mr. Seo.”
Director Yusaku was surprised in his own heart. Sawako didn’t generally enjoy interacting with people and was also quite shy. That this young woman had requested a conversation was unexpected.
“Conversation?”
“Yes. I feel I might receive a lot of inspiration.”
“True, there’s nothing as important as inspiration for a writer.”
Director Yusaku smiled shortly thereafter.
“Alright, I’ll ask him.”
◈◈◈◈◈
The next morning.
“Hmm…?”
Monkeying, who was managing communities as usual, unconsciously frowned upon noticing some irritating posts. It seemed something had happened during the night.
[This SugaLL’s average really? Lol]
[Bring this guy back into your gallery;]
[Is this guy from your gallery?]
“What’s this about?”
Monkeying quickly scanned the posts. Upon opening the articles, a screenshot of another thread’s entire content appeared.
[Title: This person’s too scary]
[ I talked to a few people, and it’s all the same response.
They suggest trying to enjoy life before d*ath—eating good food, going to karaoke, drinking. They even suggest having a chat about unfinished business.
But forget all that. Is there anyone who, upon meeting, would coolly agree to d*e together? Is there anyone fully prepared?]
[Incessant spamming of such posts in the Depression Gallery—turns out the account owner has traces of activity here. Bring this person back. He’s genuinely terrifying…]
– Just shut up and bring him yourselves
– Is it a girl?
– Is she pretty?
– Haven’t seen this nickname here before?
‘Nope, I’ve seen this nickname before.’
Thinking so, Monkeying searched for the history tied to the captured nickname, a privilege of a manager. Before long, all posts by that nickname were displayed.
‘So this person didn’t post much but left plenty of comments.’
[Seo Sua isn’t better than Yang Ha-rin.]
[Let Seo bash, but Yang Ha-rin is top-tier]
[Screw it; this person can’t act]
Checking the timestamps revealed that these comments were made a long time ago. At this point, Monkeying furrowed his brows, noting a stark transformation in tone.
[Seo Sua, she’s impressive indeed.]
[Honestly, life must be fun.]
[What must it feel like to live like that?]
[Just envious. Jealous.]
[That’s great…]
What initially seemed like typical trolling had gradually shifted towards more favorable comments recently. Monkeying understood this and shrugged it off, having seen countless cases of antifans eventually warming up to the subject.
Regardless, clarifying things came first.
Monkeying promptly wrote up the post.
[Title: This isn’t really one of our gallery members]
[They did visit Seo Sua’s gallery, but they have far more activity in the Depression Gallery. Take care of it there; we’ll block them here]
– Hmm
– Clean and quick, just like the best manager
– This is accurate! What’re you guys babbling about?
– When’s the burger giveaway?
– Alright, big manager’s apologizing, so bring on theburger
◈◈◈◈◈
Simultaneously, Seo was at the care center.
Not long after, an adorable creature lunged into Seo’s arms—none other than Sumi.
– Mother!
“Sumi!”
– Mother!
“Sumi-iii!”
Seo buried her face in the soft body of Sumi, causing those nearby to break out in cold sweat. It seemed like Seo was about to devour Sumi’s innards. Was it ab*se?
Regardless, Seo’s reason for visiting the center today was not a regular one. There was a grander purpose ahead.
“Caregiver, is it okay to take her out now?”
Seo, her eyes gleaming, asked.
Yes, this is it—the grand purpose.
From now on, Seo was permitted to take Sumi along with her. It wasn’t allowed 24/7, nor was Sumi permitted to go everywhere, but…
…so what? This alone was amazing, right? Seo is happy!
“Yes. Sumi’s exceptionally smart and has an unusually close relationship with Seo despite the long separation, so it’s possible.”
“Yay…”
The caregiver meticulously explained the necessary precautions, which Seo attentively listened to. Of course, technically, Han Seo Sua was memorizing everything.
In the midst of this,
‘Hmm?’
Seo unconsciously blinked.
A Special Rating window floated up again without warning.
[Yeoncheon Kyung Codex]
[1. Kim Sun-il – Yeoncheon Kyung: Reconciliation]
[2. Seo Yeon-woo – Yeoncheon Kyung: Passion]
[3. Hong ■■■ – ■■■■]
[4. ■■■ – ■■■■]
‘…Again? Two entries in the codex?’
But Seo soon clicked her tongue and dismissed it. I’ll think about it later. It’s probably not related to my Yeoncheon Kyung anyway. Let’s investigate and solve it methodically.
Then, at that moment,
[4. ■■■ – Unavailable due to Yeoncheon Kyung Liberation]
[d*ath]
Seo involuntarily frowned.
“…What?”