NIS Agent Reincarnated as a Genius Actor - Chapter 163

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 163. Los Angeles

 

The car that had been traveling from the airport on the freeway toward LA downtown exited through an off-ramp.

 

 

 

“Let’s grab some coffee before heading to the hotel.”

 

 

 

Since they had immediately followed the bodyguards to the car from the airport without a moment to breathe, the members nodded their heads.

 

 

 

Jeong Cheol-min stretched in the back seat.

 

 

 

“Ahhhh, finally getting to set foot on American soil.”

 

 

 

Yeon-woo gazed thoughtfully at James Choi before preparing to get out.

 

 

 

‘First, I need to find out through Team Leader Yoon Mi-yeon whether the CEO also suspects James Choi.’

 

 

 

He needed to learn more details about how James Choi had joined and what duties he was assigned for the American schedule.

 

 

 

The car stopped at the cafe, and after the bodyguards got out first, the group followed.

 

 

 

Following the guidance into the cafe, they found no customers inside.

 

 

 

“Hm? Business must not be good.”

 

 

 

Though he couldn’t understand the Korean, Bernard Fenton, who was entering through the door, heard Jeong Cheol-min’s muttering and spoke up.

 

 

 

“This is my cafe. We’re not accepting customers today so you can rest comfortably.”

 

 

 

Jeong Cheol-min scratched his head after hearing Fenton’s words through Yeon-woo’s translation.

 

 

 

“Oh my, why go to such lengths? We’re just stopping by briefly before heading to the hotel anyway.”

 

“Fenton probably made a lot of money thanks to us anyway, so you don’t need to feel burdened.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

 

 

While the members each ordered drinks and sat down to catch their breath, Yeon-woo sat next to Team Leader Yoon Mi-yeon and quietly spoke to her.

 

 

 

“Team Leader Yoon. What kind of work is that James person supposed to handle here? Do we have any projects worth attracting overseas investment for?”

 

“Well, honestly, I’m not sure either. He’s someone from the board of directors…”

 

 

 

Team Leader Yoon Mi-yeon trailed off.

 

 

 

Being placed by the board meant he wasn’t sent by CEO Kim Ju-seong, at least.

 

 

 

Since James Choi was definitely someone operating with funds from Baeksol, whether he knew it or not, there wasn’t much more to see. During the trip to America, Yeon-woo had been watching Team Leader Yoon rather than James.

 

 

 

Seeing Team Leader Yoon Mi-yeon subtly monitoring James Choi’s movements, she had probably received orders from CEO Kim Ju-seong to keep close tabs on him.

 

 

 

‘That means there’s friction between CEO Kim Ju-seong and the board within LN Enter.’

 

 

 

Last time too, during the process of appointing outside directors, the board and CEO Kim Ju-seong’s side each recommended one person.

 

 

 

But for someone placed by the board to be operating with money from Baeksol’s pocket meant…

 

 

 

‘At least the entire LN Enter board, or at minimum some influential members among them, have been recruited by Baeksol.’

 

 

 

He’d need to keep watching James Choi’s movements, but the purpose was somewhat predictable.

 

 

 

While organizing his thoughts, Jung Su-yeon approached.

 

 

 

“Yeon-woo. What did you order?”

 

“Yeah. I’m fine. Water is enough.”

 

 

 

Looking around, Dong-ha was standing by the window taking photos of Han Byeol, and Jeong Cheol-min was sprawled in his chair, tired from the long flight.

 

 

 

‘Hmm. James is important too, but first I need to successfully finish this talk show.’

 

 

 

Fortunately, all the members except Jeong Cheol-min could speak English, so it seemed like it would proceed more easily than expected.

 

 

 

Bernard Fenton sat across from Yeon-woo and struck up a conversation.

 

 

 

“By the way, the ‘Friday Night Show.’ Thanks to Ryu and his group coming to LA, I get to host you.”

 

“I initially thought it would be in New York, but the filming location is LA?”

 

“Yes, that’s right. NBS headquarters is in New York, but most filming is done in LA. Hollywood is here, after all.”

 

 

 

Come to think of it, most celebrities appearing on talk shows would reside in LA, so having the studio here wasn’t strange.

 

 

 

“Right now, famous production and distribution companies in Hollywood are paying attention to Mr. Ryu’s visit to LA.”

 

“To me?”

 

 

 

Bernard Fenton smiled and nodded.

 

 

 

“Probably for different reasons though. Snobish Mount will be grinding their teeth since their ‘Alliance’ ultimately failed, and other production companies rush in with fire in their eyes when they see a goose that lays golden eggs.”

 

 

 

Yeon-woo nodded and looked thoughtfully at James beyond Fenton before speaking.

 

 

 

“Then there might be production companies trying to contact us during this schedule?”

 

“That’s right. Well, business would continue even with phone contact, but since you’ve come from as far as Korea to their backyard, there’s a high chance they’ll show their faces.”

 

 

 

Yeon-woo quietly nodded at those words.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the writing staff of the ‘Friday Night Show’ was in the midst of a heated meeting.

 

 

 

“I’m telling you, then and now are different. These actors are young and above all, they’re on a roll right now.”

 

“Well, I understand that ‘White Blood’ is the biggest hit right now. But that’s about the drama. We’re a talk show. Did you already forget the ratings when those Taiwanese actors appeared last time?”

 

 

 

At the negative comment, one of the writers nodded and added their opinion.

 

 

 

“Asians are too polite and quiet. Well, that’s good as people, but their sense of humor doesn’t match ours, so if we drag it out too long, the ratings will eventually plummet. Let’s just do a short bit at the beginning to hook the ratings, then wrap up and insert Bianca in the latter part. I heard she’s having her third wedding soon.”

 

 

 

Then the show host David Powell stepped in to mediate.

 

 

 

“Then let’s do it this way. Since we have some time to spare, we’ll shoot both every other day, and if the actors from ‘White Blood’ deliver good content, we’ll go with it solo, otherwise we’ll edit it down to half. How does that sound?”

 

 

 

The writers nodded at Powell’s words.

 

 

 

“Sounds good. Then let’s prepare accordingly.”

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

After catching their breath at the cafe, the group got back in the car and headed to the hotel.

 

 

 

As the car entered LA downtown, Han Byeol looked out the window in amazement.

 

 

 

“Wow. The skyscrapers stretch all the way to the sky!”

 

 

 

Seeing this, Yeon-woo chuckled.

 

 

 

“That’s totally Ella, not Han Byeol.”

 

 

 

He recalled the scene when they had entered the trading city of Trachea.

 

Jung Su-yeon also smiled, seemingly remembering the same scene.

 

 

 

“Seoul has plenty of skyscrapers too, yet you’re acting so surprised.”

 

“Unnie, look at that!”

 

 

 

Han Byeol’s head turned busily this way and that.

 

Since this was her first time traveling without her parents, everything seemed exciting to her.

 

 

 

Yeon-woo looked out the window, then turned his head to ask Bernard Fenton.

 

 

 

“Which way is our hotel?”

 

“Well, I booked it in Beverly Hills. It’s close to Hollywood where we’ll be filming tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Yeon-woo quietly nodded at Fenton’s words.

 

 

 

Beverly Hills became established as a representative wealthy district when famous foreign celebrities began living there due to its proximity to Hollywood, bringing in ultra-luxury mansions.

 

 

 

Then Han Byeol, who had been listening to the conversation, raised her hand and said.

 

 

 

“Is there an ocean near the hotel too?”

 

 

 

Then Bernard Fenton smiled and turned around.

 

 

 

“Does Ella like the ocean?”

 

 

 

Whether the pronunciation of Han Byeol’s name was difficult for foreigners, or because Ella and the real Han Byeol’s images matched so well, Fenton called Han Byeol “Ella.”

 

 

 

“Yes! I love the ocean.”

 

 

 

At Han Byeol’s words, Fenton pondered briefly then nodded.

 

 

 

“Hmm, you can’t see the ocean from the hotel we’re going to now, but I can move you if you want. There’s a pretty nice hotel with an ocean view. If you all want, you could stay there instead. What do you think?”

 

 

 

When Yeon-woo looked at the members, they all seemed to prefer staying at a hotel with an ocean view if possible.

 

 

 

“Manager Yoon. What do you think?”

 

“Well, the actors’ opinions are what matter. I’m fine with anything.”

 

“What about you, Teacher?”

 

“Mr. Fenton will move us to a hotel with an ocean view? I’m good with that.”

 

 

 

After hearing the members’ opinions, Yeon-woo scratched his cheek.

 

 

 

‘Hmm, Beverly Hills would probably have more luxury hotels though? If it’s a nearby ocean, it must be around Santa Monica Beach.’

 

 

 

And he asked Fenton.

 

 

 

“Is it okay to change suddenly like this?”

 

“Oh, it’s actually more convenient for me. The hotel with the ocean view is mine. It’ll be easier to provide security there too.”

 

 

 

Hearing Fenton speak as if it was nothing, the members’ mouths fell open.

 

Even Dong-ha, who had been sitting quietly looking tired, straightened up in surprise.

 

 

 

“Wow. Mister must be super rich.”

 

 

 

That’s what I’m saying.

 

Bernard Fenton…

 

He was really wealthy.

 

 

 

“Then let’s go there. Sorry for the trouble.”

 

“Haha, trouble? I just booked the one relatively close to Hollywood so the actors wouldn’t get tired, but I’d prefer it if you came to my hotel.”

 

 

 

The car changed direction and headed toward Santa Monica Beach.

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

“Wow, this is like heaven.”

 

 

 

Jeong Cheol-min looked at the scenery with an excited expression, saying he was experiencing all kinds of luxury thanks to this.

 

 

 

Since they arrived just as the sun was setting, the sunset over Santa Monica Beach beautifully colored the hotel in a crimson glow.

 

 

 

“It’s a private building, so you can use this entire building.”

 

“Uncle Fenton is the best!”

 

“Thank you, Mr. Fenton.”

 

 

 

Bernard Fenton grinned at the actors’ greetings.

 

 

 

“Compared to the benefits you’ve brought me, this much is nothing.”

 

 

 

Bernard Fenton’s position in Hollywood had been declining recently as he was being pushed aside even by Jake, who had only recently emerged in the industry, but the success of “White Blood” brought about a dramatic rise in reputation.

 

 

 

They didn’t collaborate with companies that held powerful influence in Hollywood either.

 

 

 

While LN Media was considered a fairly large production company in South Korea, succeeding through a joint venture with a company that was completely unknown on the world stage had quite an impact.

 

 

 

David and Goliath.

 

The underdog effect.

 

 

 

The structure of the weak defeating the strong was naturally compelling enough to capture people’s attention, and even Hollywood insiders were no different in this regard.

 

 

 

“Woaaa! Sis, sis! Come up to the 2nd floor!”

 

“Han Byeol, you’ll fall if you keep running like that.”

 

 

 

Han Byeol was running around excitedly, and Su-yeon followed her up to the 2nd floor with a smile.

 

 

 

“Yeon-woo, I think I need to lie down on the sun bed and watch the sunset for a bit.”

 

“Yes, sir. You must be tired, so please rest.”

 

 

 

And Dong-ha took out his smartphone and headed to the yard where the pool was.

 

 

 

“Hyung, I’m going to film some TikTok videos. Want to film together?”

 

“It’s okay. I’m not good at that kind of stuff. Do it with Han Byeol later.”

 

“Yes!”

 

 

 

Then he pulled out a tripod from somewhere, placed his smartphone on it, and started doing a short dance in front of it.

 

 

 

‘Hmm, is this what young people are like these days.’

 

 

 

Unlike Akenaton who had been relatively mature, Dong-ha was exactly like the current MZ generation.

 

That didn’t mean he lacked manners or wasn’t mature in his thinking though.

 

How should I put it.

 

 

 

“He’s trendy.”

 

 

 

Hearing Bernard Fenton’s words as they watched together, Yeon-woo nodded.

 

 

 

“That’s right.”

 

“According to my sources, there were some people among the Friday Night Show production team who were worried that tomorrow’s filming might not be interesting. Hollywood show production teams have some prejudices against Asian actors.”

 

 

 

Hearing those words, Yeon-woo smiled slyly.

 

 

 

Having lived abroad for so long and having been active in social circles for a long time while conducting espionage activities, his rhetoric had been consistently honed.

 

 

 

That’s why he was confident he could completely captivate tomorrow’s filming set.

 

 

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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