Chapter 63: Oppa, Saranghae

As he saw Kim Ji-yeon off, Lee Jin-woo suddenly asked, "Know any place with trendy necklaces suitable for young people? Something fashionable and novel…"

Following her suggestion, he picked out a platinum necklace with a threaded design.

The pendant resembled an inverted Eiffel Tower, studded with diamonds, strikingly unique.

The price was decent, just 14 million won.

For one.

"You're really generous with women," Kim Ji-yeon remarked, unable to resist commenting on his "decent" assessment.

14 million, decent? Seriously…

"Not with women—with my women, I'm very generous."

Lee Jin-woo stowed the two necklaces in the glove box and center console, under Kim Ji-yeon's helpless, slightly wistful, curious gaze.

Dropping her off downstairs, he smoothly turned and drove out of the alley.

Heartbeat Index reached, triggering task: Sister-in-Law's Redemption.

Sister-in-Law's Redemption: Earn the sincere love of the sister-in-law, saving her sinking heart.

Parking the Range Rover downstairs, he took the elevator up.

Passing Yoon Hye-na's door, he hesitated, then lowered his raised hand.

Zzt~

Opening his door, footsteps echoed. "Oppa!"

Lee Joo-bin, in white socks, ran over, aggrieved yet joyful.

Her teary, pitiful look tugged at the heart.

"Baby, this is for you." Like magic, he presented a gift bag.

Her grievance melted into delight. "For me? Eom, eom, ahh~"

Clutching the bag, she hopped and spun in joy, then leapt into his arms, planting a kiss. "Muma~"

Helping her stand, he slipped off his shoes as she eagerly opened the box.

Her eyes sparkled at the necklace.

"Oppa, it's gorgeous!" Stroking it, she couldn't wait for him to put it on her.

"Of course. Like it?" He lifted the chain, moving behind to clasp it.

In the mirror, her eyes turned soft as spring mud.

"Oppa~ Saranghae!" Her knees buckled, hitting the floor with a thud.

Dancers sure are sturdy!

…

A storm of emotions, deftly quelled by Jin-woo.

Lee Joo-bin's petty grievances paled against a 10-million-won gift.

As for her sisterly bond with Han So-hee, he left it to them.

They were adults, capable of handling "sisterly" issues.

He trusted they'd manage…

Knock, knock~

Next morning, a knock woke him.

Opening the door, Yoon Hye-na stood there, her professional skirt suit exuding a career woman's aura.

"President, the crew's preparing."

He slapped his forehead, nearly forgetting he was filming.

"Ajussi!" A big head popped out from behind her.

"Haha, little guy, you okay?" Jin-woo ruffled Han Shang-woo's head.

Annoyed, Shang-woo ducked away, grumbling, "Ajussi, I'm not a kid anymore."

"Aigo, our Shang-woo's grown up, but why's he still drinking milk?"

Jin-woo eyed the warm milk in his hand, smirking.

Shang-woo hid it behind his back, ducking behind his mom.

Peeking out, he wrinkled his nose. "Ajussi's a big meanie. I'm done with you."

"Hahaha…" Jin-woo roared with laughter.

The kid was cute. Wonder what he'd be like grown up.

He better become a real man, not go astray!

"Yoon Representative." Lee Joo-bin appeared behind him, leaning against the wall, waving.

"With a kid here, dress properly," Yoon Hye-na said sternly.

Seeing the head behind her, Joo-bin hid. "Sorry, Representative Yoon, I didn't know…"

Wearing just Jin-woo's white shirt, a lifted arm would expose too much—indecent for a kid.

Yoon said nothing. Jin-woo, without looking back, raised a hand. "Go change. We're heading to the set. You have scenes today."

"Ne, President-ssi." Joo-bin smiled happily, vanishing behind the wall.

In Jin-woo's mind, New World would film smoothly.

With a cast of acting pros, there shouldn't be issues.

Han So-hee and Lee Joo-bin, with minor roles, wouldn't cause delays.

But reality delivered a cold truth.

In his memory, Lee Jung-jae and others were far more seasoned, their acting sharper.

Now…

Whether Lee Jung-jae, Hwang Jung-min, or Park Sung-woong, their skills needed polishing.

And Jin-woo raised the bar.

With clear mental images and comparable films as benchmarks, his standards soared.

"Stop." Halting again, he set down the script and stood.

The crew perked up, knowing the director was about to show off.

Approaching the sofa, his leisurely stride suggested a high-end venue.

Though fallen, facing death, he was still the sole, domineering Lee Jung-joo.

He grabbed a bottle from the bar, thumb flicking the cap off, and flung himself onto the sofa.

One arm on the backrest, lips curled smugly. "Oi, over there, pass me a smoke."

"Before I go, a cigarette's fine, right, hm?" Death looming, Jung-joo clung to his pride.

"Perfect weather to close my eyes." In a dead-end, he'd choose his time.

That was the proud, reckless Lee Jung-joo.

"Eyes—reflecting on the past, unwilling, yet with relief and sincere blessings."

"The organization falling to Lee Ja-sung brings some comfort. It's not the worst outcome… Jung-joo's loyal to the organization, no question."

"Director, give me 10 minutes." Park Sung-woong rubbed his stiff cheeks, muttering as he headed to the railing.

Back in his seat, Park Hoon-jung offered coffee. "Director, when writing, does every character form a vivid image in your mind?"

"Pretty much. Set their identity, then expand, placing them in the story. When a new character appears, pause, repeat."

Jin-woo shared his insights fully.

No need to hide. Talented people succeed without it; the talentless, even with a "success path," veer off.

Plus, he'd taken Park's breakout chance.

Though only in his memory, with Park here, small compensations felt right.

As Park Hoon-jung pondered, Bong Joon-ho, full of admiration, said, "Director, having a senior like you is a lifelong blessing for juniors."

He'd learned much from Jin-woo.

Sharing experience so openly—most couldn't.

While Park asked, others nearby gleaned insights.

Jin-woo spoke loudly, calmly sharing valuable lessons.

He never shooed others away.

Initially, respect came from his status, role, and power.

Now, it was genuine reverence.

The crew believed he was the "genius" people spoke of.

His first script was brilliant.

His debut directing stunned even Bong Joon-ho.

When New World premiered, a new name would shine at festivals.

"Don't paint me as a saint. It's not that noble."

As Bong tried to speak, Park Sung-woong signaled readiness.

"Again, prepare."

Jin-woo raised his right hand, index finger up, and all departments readied.

Park Sung-woong took a deep breath, stepping into position.

"Smoke, gimme a smoke."

Jin-woo, borrowing a cigarette, wasn't a smoker.

He'd have one occasionally, half burning away.

But today, he craved one, each drag deep.

Hiss~ Puff~~ Exhaling a column, all departments were set.

Through the smoke, he nodded, squinting, hoping to see his envisioned Jung-joo emerge.

Striding boldly, toes slightly out, arms swinging, suit flapping, head tilting at the bar…

"Perfect." Cigarette in mouth, Jin-woo stood, clapping. The crew beamed.

"Oi, don't slack. Next scene."

"Ne~"

Since joining, Jin-woo's life became a dull loop.

Set, home.

Which home depended on his mood.

Sook Min-soo was busy days, visiting voters, giving speeches, campaigning.

Meeting party insiders, building connections.

Nights were no less demanding.

With the election nearing, she never forgot her biggest backer and funder.

Her nurtured ambition made her, already sharp, ruthlessly pragmatic.

On TV, Sook Min-soo walked streets, visiting voters.

Onscreen, she was elegant, intellectual, confident, radiating mature charm.

Before him, she was just as radiant.

But with an added allure few would ever see.

Her parted lips let out a long, languid breath…

(End of Chapter)