The Crazy Woman Acts Too Well - Chapter 190
The next day.
The domestic product advertising personnel were buzzing. The reason was the swimsuit pictorial of Sua that had been revealed yesterday.
“ARP brand swimsuits are selling like crazy, right?”
ARP.
The swimsuit brand that Sua wore.
“There are plans to release several more collections.”
“Should we have entrusted Sua with our advertisement?”
At Joge Korea, the swimsuit being promoted was selling like hotcakes. The reason was obviously Sua. The way it was captured on camera using the ‘fox-style’ heightened consumer desire.
[The “Sua Effect” opens up the advertising industry… ARP: “Product sales skyrocketing, leading to a massive stock shortage.”]
[Making waves this summer, the Kim Yu-han effect has ARP ‘rowing fast.’ Sales skyrocketed the moment it was revealed.]
Both the magazine and the promotional product had garnered noticeable results, making the attention toward Sua, who made all this happen, naturally grow even more.
The term ‘Sua Effect’ was even coined.
The journalists were equally amazed.
“Wow, this rookie has started off the summer with a solid hold. Her drama was a hit in spring, and now the swimsuit pictorial is a huge success?”
“The combination of swimwear and actresses generally does well, but this is exceptionally good. Is the person behind the camera amazing? Everything from the angles to the expressions is remarkable.”
“… There’s no vulgarity either, so there aren’t any criticizing articles. They managed to keep the line.”
Just as Sua’s stock was rising, the bombshell pictorial made waves, affecting not just the personnel but also the outstars.
“Hey, sis? Isn’t that Lee Sua’s swimsuit?”
“Yeah, ARP bikini.”
“Photos with that on get an insane number of likes these days. It’s just ridiculous.”
“That’s true; actually, the bikini itself is pretty average. But when Sua wears it, it’s a whole different story.”
As outstar influencers challenged each other to post it on their SNS, it naturally spread to the general public.
The reaction in online communities was no less significant.
[Comic Gallery]
[Title: Confirmed My Type]
[If Sua models my swimsuit, she’s my girlfriend.]
– Who’s Sua? Not an adult, right?
– Don’t even bring it up unless it’s 2D.
– I’ll model it.
– Is that you?
– No, it’s a guy.
[Car Gallery]
[Title: A Warm Trend Is Happening These Days]
[Sua in a swimsuit? It’s super popular among women. That’s why whenever I go online, I see a bunch of women wearing it… Are we getting a visual treat?]
– Looks insane when someone with a good body wears it.
– It’s a warm trend.
– I recently took an interest and was looking when I got slapped by my wife.
– Whose gallery smells like dentures?
Later.
Because Sua’s rise was extraordinary.
[Is Lee Sua’s touch still as golden as ever?]
[The surprising filmography of rookie Lee Sua now leaves people speechless…]
People started seriously investigating Sua’s success myth, or her so-called “golden touch.”
Naturally.
Sua hadn’t yet experienced even a single failure or setback. Instead, greater success seemed to be chasing her relentlessly.
[MyTube]
[A haunting truth about Lee Sua you never knew… Lee Sua Special ｜ F ilmography Edition]
From videos treating Sua like an urban legend…
[(Urgent) Japanese actors sentenced to d*ath in Tokyo… “Sua took direct action!” The emperor cries.]
…to videos like National Pride TV’s crude stuff that questions how such uploads are permissible—just by showing Sua, the views go up.
And as such incidents occurred everywhere,
At Mystic HQ, Kim I-seo was running around as if her feet were on fire, like a busy little squirrel. She’d receive reports from one corner and hurry over to inform Sua.
“Sua, we’ve got an offer for a cosmetics model. I swear, for actresses, a cosmetics advertisement is like breathing. No questions, just do it.”
“Cosmetics model? Understood.”
Sua accepted without hesitation. There was no reason to reject it. Cosmetics ads don’t generally have difficult requests, right? At most, applying a bit of product or holding it up.
Rather, Sua embraced!
But there was a problem—
“Sua, try this one, it’ll work well.”
“Sua, this will enhance your image.”
“Sua, this is for future networking.”
—There were just way too many added schedules.
“Too much! Way too much! It’s really excessive!”
Even while screaming internally multiple times,
“Ughh….”
Still, Sua swallowed her cry of d*ath and managed somehow.
The reason was simple.
‘These aren’t superficially profitable proposals; they’re designed for my career’s benefit.’
Kim I-seo didn’t just push through because the money and offers were good. She proactively recommended only what truly benefitted Sua’s public perception and career.
What could she do? Save me, Sua…
Meanwhile, amid the chaos surrounding Sua’s world, the progress on Hong Ye-ji’s “Untitled” was in full swing. With all lead roles and production teams secured, the train was ready to roll.
First, Netflix was busy promoting it.
[Is this a new pairing of Lee Seo-jung and Lee Sua? Netflix marquee work casting finalized. Directed by Kim Young-gon.]
While informing that “Untitled” was on course without issues, its strengths were gradually revealed. From actors to the director, they had plenty to meet the audience’s expectations.
“Did Kim Sun-il express interest in joining?”
“There’s no reason to refuse, right? In fact, we should grovel to bring him in. Proceed without fail!”
“….”
Hong Ye-ji watched the bustling scene absently.
“Kim Sun-il is just too… and, please don’t oversell the promotional articles. Let’s go for something more discreet…”
“Haha, the writer should focus on the novel.”
“….”
It was as if all planks on the Ship of Theseus had been replaced. Ye-ji, the original author, seemed truly unnecessary now. It didn’t end there, as it also felt like she couldn’t intervene either.
“…Is this right?”
While Hong Ye-ji pondered, detailed tasks progressed.
Location scouting, the atmosphere in the piece, direction… People were each passionate about their work to ensure the success of “Untitled.”
And there was another aspect. The Original Soundtrack (OST) of “Untitled” was currently underway.
“Currently contacting Kim Mirae for the scoring, right?”
“Yes. The songs seem to fit Sua’s voice, so we assigned her the composition. Should we find a lyricist separately or what?”
“Let’s hold on the lyrics. It might be better if Sua writes it herself. Let’s just observe.”
Preparations were underway to let the world hear Sua’s songs.
Elsewhere.
Park Yu-mi, author of another Netflix project, “The Elite,” was leisurely sipping coffee while browsing through pictorials.
[JOGUE]
In her hands lay the summer special of Joge Korea.
“…”
Park Yu-mi’s pupils moved about quickly.
Surprisingly, she wasn’t particularly interested in the swimsuit. What she scrutinized closely was the model. She was looking at every aspect of Sua.
“That’s good. It’s a subtle form of allure.”
To her, Sua’s summer pictorial was very satisfying, and her confidence grew that Sua would handle the role of the maid in “The Elite” excellently.
Sua in a swimsuit was this impression.
And at the filming site, Sua would officially wear the maid’s costume, showing how she would perform. Park Yu-mi was eagerly looking forward to it.
“I want to start filming immediately. I can’t wait!”
A week later.
Go Tae-min’s Studio.
A grand piano sat in the massive conference room, surrounded by people. The staff of “Tomorrow Crescendo” and actors were all present, making the number significant.
“Ah, so this is the famous Ham Ah-yoon, huh?”
“Hello.”
“Will we get to see your legendary piano performance soon?”
“It will start when filming begins.”
The atmosphere relaxed instantly due to the banter between the renowned pianist Ham Ah-yoon and other actors. Though the venue was bustling, there were still people coming.
“Nice to see everyone again.”
“Hey, everyone staying well?”
“Is it just me, or does everyone else glow too?”
Go Tae-min was living up to his reputation as a master director in Korea; there were only high-ranking actors present. As they exchanged thoughts, an affable middle-aged actor appeared.
“Hello, everyone!”
The resonant voice belonged to a muscular and chiseled-faced actor with the keywords passion, justice, etc., often coming up in discussions—actor Kang Hak-man. He greeted everyone quickly, showcasing his usual courteous demeanor.
“Ah-yoon, it’s an honor to meet you!”
“The pleasure is mine. Nice to meet you, Mr. Kang Hak-man actor.”
“And there’s… Ah! Writer Hye-ryeong! We meet again!”
“Indeed. You seem to be in even better spirits recently?”
Kang Hak-man was well-liked for always smiling and being accommodating, very extroverted, you might say.
Soon, praises started pouring in for Kang Hak-man.
“I enjoy watching your variety shows. Taking the family fishing, the camaraderie is beautiful and quite enviable.”
“Thank you. Acting is a profession through which we support our families. Always thinking of family, you know.”
“Kang Hak-man always speaks so kindly. Every time I see you, it makes me want to get married myself.”
After a series of warm greetings, Kang Hak-man settled into his seat and looked around. Surprisingly, for a room so packed, one chair was still empty.
“Looks like someone’s late?”
“That’s Sua’s spot.”
“Ah, right. She shares the leading role with Ah-yoon?”
Sua was not late but had arrived quickly. Kang Hak-man clicked his tongue at the punctuality and his calm composure.
“Thoughtful and composed? She hasn’t arrived yet?”
“Yeah, Sua’s super busy and usually arrives precisely on time. Lately, it’s been crazy nonstop, from variety shows to advertisements.”
Gradually, those around nodded their heads in agreement.
“She seems to be having a hectic schedule recently. With all her appearances from variety shows and commercials.”
“Straight into filming ‘Tomorrow Crescendo,’ then off to Japan? I haven’t yet debuted in Japan, by the way….”
“I saw the photoshoot for this—extraordinary!”
At that moment—
The door to the meeting room swung open, and a white-haired actress entered. The sharp-eyed Sua.
“Hello, I’m actress Sua.”
Sua said so and found her seat, beside Kang Hak-man. Right after she took her seat, the staff, who had been waiting, immediately called out.
“Alright, let’s proceed with the table read immediately!”
A rustling sound of flipping scripts was heard as all actors prepared themselves. With a project like Master Go Tae-min’s, it couldn’t be done carelessly.
Beside Sua, Kang Hak-man sat quietly…
“….”
Looking straight at her.
The script reading began.
“Can our So-hee see the piano for me? She’s preparing for a competition, so I’d like to see her potential and skill.”
“…What exactly are you suggesting right now?”
‘Whoa, this is serious.’
Listening to the other actors’ lines, Sua thought. Wow, this piece is no ordinary effort.
Director Go Tae-min’s casting was evident once the script reading began. The depth in just the delivery of lines was on another level.
‘There’s not a single average-level actor here. I need to do well, too. Focus, Lee Sua.’
Sua reaffirmed her determination several times internally, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves.
’I can do it! I’ve experienced this script multiple times!’
Especially because Sua’s special trait wasn’t a “Musician” for nothing, right?
I can do it! Sua passion! Sua determination!
’Next line next line is mine.’
As Sua was slowly loosening her throat, something odd struck her.
‘Huh?’
Sua jumped slightly, almost bolting up to scream. She felt something like a snake crawling on her thigh.
‘Kangzang! What the hell is this?’
Thanks to her years of image management, she managed to control herself, staying composed. She decided to assess the situation first. What’s going on?
A short while later.
‘…!’
Sua’s eyes widened.
It was Kang Hak-man touching her thigh.
Looking at Kang Hak-man after being startled, he appeared completely unconcerned as though nothing was happening. Still focused on his script, while subtly caressing her thigh.
‘U-Uh, what should I do….’
Her mind went blank.
Sua’s seat, not in the center, was closer to the corner. With the script read proceeding smoothly, Sua lacked the courage to interrupt.
There wasn’t any alternative.
…Just a little patience. First, endure it until the script read ends and gently inquire afterward. Why is he doing this?
However.
That very moment.
– Screw that. Ni gimi, d*mn.
The inner Gangster Sua—Lim Soo-hee—shouted.
What courage? What patience?
What nonsense!
Sua grimaced and immediately grabbed Kang Hak-man’s wrist, twisting it so he couldn’t escape.
“Uh, ughhhh…!”
Due to this, Kang Hak-man was the first to panic and make a sound.
“Should I break your wrist then?”
The instant Lim Soo-hee came over Sua snapped.
“Who the hell do you think you are touching someone’s thigh? Answer.”