The Crazy Woman Acts Too Well - Chapter 188
One week later.
First of all, the filming for “Lies, Lies, Lies” had come to a complete end. Bald Director Park Mu-ryong’s face was beaming with a smile he couldn’t get rid of, pleased as he was with the results.
And it hadn’t even been released yet.
Meanwhile, on the internet.
With the season transitioning from spring into summer, the entertainment industry was also heating up. It was due to many people gravitating toward the Busan International Film Festival this year.
[Special Mobile Unit 808 X Ushinsa Collaboration Pop-Up Store Targets MZ Generation’s Interests]
Despite the passage of time since the last episode aired, Special Mobile Unit 808 remained a hot topic on the internet, thanks to a continuous string of collaborations.
In fact, Special Mobile Unit 808 had even prepared a potent card to keep from being forgotten by the public.
– I want to see the Kim Yu-han and Lee Kang-cheol chemistry again soon!
– I must have a Kim Yu-han photocard! ☹
– When is Season 2 coming out?! Please release the teaser at least! ☹
– Su-a’s portrayal of Kim Yu-han feels like my life character. ☹ Watching any drama now feels boring.
That was the existence of Season 2.
Even though discussions about a completely finished work are bound to cool down quickly, the possibility that Season 2 would be produced ensured that people didn’t reject the topic of Special Unit 8.
Moreover, there was another piece of good news.
[Special Mobile Unit 808 Expands Overseas… Under Review in the US, Already Approved in Japan! Launch Confirmed!]
Finally, Special Mobile Unit 808 would extend its reach overseas as well, and the fans of the series found even this thrilling.
– Will Special Unit 8 connect in Japan?
– I’ve heard buddy films are highly popular in Japan.
– You folks should experience a twist too! ☺
– I want to give away Kim Yu-han’s gender! ☺
– Go Special Unit 8! Conquer Japan!
Since this was a drama that they had loved so much, people were curious how it would be received by overseas audiences.
Especially in Korea, where many people enjoy foreign reactions, there was great anticipation.
As Special Mobile Unit 808 continued to thrive, Su-a, who contributed to where the series is today, reaped significant benefits. The popularity of Kim Yu-han directly translated to Su-a’s popularity.
Of course, not everyone was celebrating Su-a.
[Are Lee Sua’s Tempering Allegations True? Testing Her Between Japan and Korea Without a Stumbling Block… Hopefully]
As Su-a prepared for her debut in Japan, smear articles occasionally surfaced. However, people were no longer shaken, thanks to numerous official announcements.
– They’re still writing this cr*p… Really?
– All of Su-a’s Korean schedule is already public… So what’s the point?
– These garbage articles only care about views.
Ultimately, the tabloids targeting Su-a ended up being helpful to her, refining her image with each attempt to tarnish her. This was the situation Misstic had meticulously orchestrated.
[‘Can You Raise a Fox?’ Queries Exploding, Who’s the Arctic Fox Receiving as Much Attention as Su-a?]
[Sua’s MyTube Variety Show Surpasses 20 Million Views. Random Popularity Overseas? Videos of Feeding Pets Are Hyped?]
As a result, Su-a soared sky-high.
Now speaking purely of buzz, she was already on par with the top-tier actors. In fact, her case might even be stronger, thanks to the moniker “A meteoritic rookie” increasing her visibility.
◆◆◆◆◆
The next day.
Jog Korea indoor studio.
Click! Click!
The cameras surrounding Su-a incessantly released their shutter sounds, akin to flashbangs detonating.
“Ms. Su-a, I’m going to see how that swimsuit looks against your body!”
“What kind of expression should we go for?”
“Since we’ve already nailed the alluring look, let’s try something different this time. ‘Are you serious? I’m supposed to wear this?’ with a look of contempt!”
Su-a effortlessly incorporated her “fox antics” and “Maid Sua” persona to meet the request. Hmm? Why are we reshooting this? This was Jog Korea’s request.
A brand-new swimsuit had come out, considered one of the most beautiful in history, and they wanted to include it in the magazine. Misstic accepted the request in exchange for a highly favorable contract.
Of course…
The real Su-a was lost in her thoughts.
“…I’m going crazy for a whole week. What is it, anyway?”
The issue Su-a was pondering over, of course, was Yeoncheon-kyung.
[Yeoncheon-kyung Encyclopedia]
[1. Kim Sun-il : Yeoncheon-kyung ─ Reconciliation]
[2. Seo Yeon-joo : Yeoncheon-kyung ─ Passion]
[3. ■■■ ─ ■■■■]
[4. ■■■ ─ d*ath]
And here, number 4.
“d*ath? Does Yeoncheon-kyung mean ‘d*ath’?”
Naturally, Su-a didn’t know what it implied.
“At least nothing unusual has happened so far. I barely slept the first night out of sheer fear…”
To think it might be a message about Su-a’s d*ath, Su-a had even taped her windows shut and trembled through the night. Save Su-a! Su-a’s survival! Su-a’s fear!
But as days passed, she felt slightly more at ease.
Su-a wasn’t about to suddenly awaken Yeoncheon-kyung, so the meaning wasn’t likely that she’d d*e. Also, there hadn’t been any horrifying incidents involving her surroundings.
Soon, she began to feel a little more assured.
“Maybe ‘Yeoncheon-kyung’ just means d*ath. Perhaps?”
It was the conclusion she reached.
“Try calling and chatting with important acquaintances, and if no warning signs emerge, there’s nothing else we can do. I can’t keep dwelling on this thought…”
As Su-a came to this conclusion,
“Ms. Su-a, thank you for your hard work! We’re done!”
“A- yes.”
Firstly, the photoshoot for the latest swimsuit had come to an end.
…
…
…
…
…
Afterward, a meeting took place between executive Kim I-seo and the Jog Korea team leader while Su-a waited in the van. She wasn’t bored, since she had Sumi!
“Sumi, aren’t you uncomfortable tagging along with me like this?”
“I would feel hollow even if I gained the whole world without my mother. I’ve never been happier than I am now.”
“Sumi…”
Just as Su-a was hugging Sumi tightly,
Drrr-
The van door opened, and Kim I-seo appeared.
“Su-a, apparently Jog Korea’s purpose today wasn’t really about promoting the latest product. There was a different reason.”
“What do you mean by a different reason?”
“The photoshoot for the latest product was merely a means to bring us here. It seems they wanted to contract you as a long-term model. It turned out great.”
Kim I-seo nudged Su-a with her elbow.
“Congratulations. You’re our Jog Korea long-term model.”
Su-a instantly understood what kind of conversation Kim I-seo had had; likely securing an exceptionally advantageous contract before returning.
“And Su-a.”
“Yes, Ms. Executive.”
“Regarding the meeting with Director Yusaku, I think it’s about time to push hard and finalize everything. Delaying any longer might upset the other side. So, I’d like to arrange a meeting soon.”
“I’m available anytime you decide.”
“Then I’ll schedule it after checking my calendar. It shouldn’t be a stiff affair, though. The screenwriter wants to thank Su-a.”
“Thank Su-a?”
Su-a was confused about this.
A meeting hasn’t even taken place yet, so why a thank-you? If it’s the screenwriter for Director Yusaku’s work, wasn’t it the wheelchair-bound teenage girl? Su-a never had much interaction with her.
But Su-a quickly understood.
When she sang at Netflix Korea’s headquarters, that girl was present. She was likely moved by Su-a’s singing.
Ohhh… Su-a the genius…
“I’m looking forward to the meeting.”
Su-a muttered to herself.
Then all of a sudden,
Su-a remembered Yeoncheon-kyung.
“Ms. Executive.”
“Yes, Su-a.”
“Are you not planning to d*e? You’re not thinking of dying, are you?”
“…”
“Please be careful, always.”
“…”
Kim I-seo spent a moment observing Su-a before speaking.
“Thinking back, I assumed and acted too much, binding Su-a to this long-term model deal without really consulting her. It’s my mistake. I thought you’d agree for sure because I know you so well.”
“Hmm?”
Su-a had to listen to Kim I-seo’s long explanation but gained something valuable from it. Primarily, Ms. Executive had no intentions of dying and was in perfect mental health.
◆◆◆◆◆
Later, at Kim Sun-il’s mansion. The living room.
“Wow! This guy is completely a nitwit!”
Sun-il’s younger sister, Yu-jin, was bouncing around.
Currently, the siblings were in front of a sizeable TV, but their postures were a stark contrast. While Sun-il sat calmly on the couch, Yu-jin looked like she was about to jump into the screen.
She was watching with her fists clenched.
Yu-jin turned suddenly to look at Sun-il and called out.
“Brother! Right? That guy is a total nitwit! He likes the girl, so why isn’t he confessing? I’m so frustrated I might burst!”
“Hmm… Is that so?”
“Arrrghhh! Really! Brother, are you a nitwit too?”
“…”
Sun-il scratched his cheek, embarrassed.
He wasn’t really interested in what was happening on TV. He was simply there because it was cute to watch Yu-jin watching TV. While the younger sister focused on the screen, the older brother watched his younger sister.
Anyway,
[Love Signal]
That was the show Yu-jin was watching. It was a dating program where unfamiliar men and women were placed together to form couples—ordinary concept but extremely popular.
Sun-il quietly pondered.
“Yu-jin is interested in these kinds of things lately.”
With her health being in better shape now that she’s out of the hospital, Yu-jin’s biggest interest was “romance.” But not her own. It was all about her brother Sun-il’s romance.
Not long after, Yu-jin fixed her gaze on Sun-il.
“Brother. Broooother.”
“What?”
“Does Brother have a girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“No reason why.”
“Ahh… Again with that answer…”
Yu-jin sighed heavily.
“There aren’t any men on the screen as good-looking as Brother, yet they’re super popular with the ladies. So, shouldn’t Brother be popular too? Why don’t you have a girlfriend? Something feels off.”
“Popularity with women and having a girlfriend are separate matters. To begin with, I have no interest in dating.”
“What? What did you say—!”
Yu-jin jumped in surprise, as if struck by lightning.
“Brother, you can’t do that! You mustn’t!”
“Why?”
“To be happier, you need to date! You need to marry!”
“Hmm…”
Sun-il grabbed his aching head.
Yeah, the reason Yu-jin cared about his love life was right there. She still wanted her brother to be happy and believed the route to happiness was through love.
Yu-jin tapped Sun-il’s thigh.
“Brother.”
“Yes, Yu-jin.”
“Is that lady with the white hair not your girlfriend?”
“Are you talking about Lee Sua?”
Sun-il instinctively was about to say “no” but hesitated because of a curious thought.
“Why did you think of Lee Sua before Seo Yeon-joo? Technically, I spent more time with Seo Yeon-joo.”
“Yeon-joo-ssi is a bit… Hmm…”
Yu-jin stumbled.
“Small? People don’t like smaller types.”
She pointed at [Love Signal] on TV. Hmm, it was true that larger types tend to get more picks.
“Anyway, Brother!”
“Hmm?”
“Are you going to get a girlfriend or not?”
…
…
…
Hours later.
“…Of course, that’s how it would end.”
Kim Sun-il sighed deeply as he sat on his bed.
He had ultimately promised to become friendlier with Su-a.
“Why did I do that?”
Was it the fear of his sister’s increasingly stern expression? Or the habit of trying to reassure his sister still lingering? Probably both.
“But this is a pretty good compromise.”
He soon praised himself.
Compared to Yu-jin’s initial suggestion of “marry Lee Sua,” this promise was far more reasonable. If he were still the Sun-il from the past, he might have agreed just to pacify his sister.
Besides, it wouldn’t be bad to befriend Sua. They were both from Misstic and considered valuable colleagues, after all.
“Alright, let’s become a little friendlier with Lee Sua.”
Though young Yu-jin thought more interaction between Sun-il and Su-a would naturally lead to them dating, that was wishful thinking.
Kim Sun-il first checked on Su-a.
It wasn’t hard. Articles were flooding the internet.
“Lead role on Netflix’s flagship project? I didn’t expect Hong Ye-ji, who was only a supporting writer back then, to come this far.”
As Sun-il reviewed her recent activities,
“Hold on. Now there’s a problem.”
Sun-il mumbled this before putting down his phone.
“How exactly do you become friendlier with someone?”
Kim Sun-il didn’t know.
What did it mean to become closer, and what were the methods?
Lost in contemplation over this, an unexpected message arrived.
Ding— Ding—
Without realizing, Sun-il arched an eyebrow after checking the sender. An unexpected message from Su-a.
[From: Lee Sua]
▷ Are you doing well these days?
▷ No negative thoughts allowed!
▷ Always be happy!
▷ Come to me for counseling when you’re feeling down!
“What is this? Out of the blue.”
Su-a was unpredictable, whether it was now or in the past. Maybe this was part of some role-playing or character research.
After pondering for a moment, Kim Sun-il
Contacted Seo Yeon-joo.
Asking the party directly, Su-a, might be a bit awkward, right?
[To: Seo Yeon-joo]
▶ Hey.
▶ I have some concerns.
▷ Yes.
▷ Everyone has their concerns, don’t they?
▶ I’m serious. Stop joking around.
▷ I’m not joking at all!
“…”
Sun-il took a deep breath.
Yeon-joo really wasn’t a good match.
▶ There’s someone I need to get friendlier with.
▷ ?
▷ Who?
▷ A girl?
▶ Yeah.
▷ ?
▷ ????
▷ ????????
▷ Haha! Haha! Aren’t you talking about Su-a? ☺
▷ This sister knows everything! ☺
Kim Sun-il immediately blocked Yeon-joo.
…
…
…
In the end, Sun-il also contacted Su-a.
[To: Lee Sua]
▶ I have concerns.
▷ Concerns? You can’t think of dying!
▶ Who said anything about dying?
▶ I want to get friendlier with someone.
▷ Really? Who?
▶ …
After deleting and rewriting several times,
▶ Just someone I know.
▷ Ahha.
▷ Then you should increase the time spent together.
▶ Understood.
Sun-il immediately agreed. Given the past advice and Su-a’s reliability, that must be the right approach.
“Increasing time spent together…”
Sun-il repeated the words.
…
…
…
Afterward, Sun-il placed a call to someone.
“Hello. Ms. Lee Geum-sook.”
“Sun-il? What’s the occasion for you calling first?”
“I read online about a flagship Netflix project in progress. It seems the actor casting isn’t complete.”
“Yes, male actors are lacking.”
“How difficult is the script?”
“Not really difficult. I saw the script and, Su-a is somewhat exceptional and challenging, but the other actors’ roles are pretty straightforward.”
“Hmm.”
Kim Sun-il began checking his calendar app.
Soon, Lee Geum-sook asked.
“Sun-il, why are you asking this?”
After finishing his check of the schedule, Kim Sun-il answered.
“Would it be possible for me to take one of the roles?”