I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 375: Overwhelmed (4) - Edited

Chapter 375: Overwhelmed (4)

Translator: Santos

The scale of *Columbia Pictures*, which is referred to as one of Hollywood's "Big Five," resembled a massive amusement park with several sets built throughout its grounds. In fact, this grand film studio was one of the famous tourist attractions in LA. Likewise, *World Disney Pictures* and the other “Big Five” studios shared similar notoriety.

Consequently, during times when filming wasn’t taking place, *Columbia Pictures* was bustling with tourists.

However, even though it resembled an amusement park, there were indeed main buildings within *Columbia Pictures*, and in those buildings, film company staff members were hard at work. Whether they were planning, producing, or wrapping up a shoot, there were naturally many ongoing projects.

Among them was *The Pierrot*.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Yes, see you again soon.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

In a medium-sized meeting room adorned with posters of past hits from *Columbia Pictures*, a meeting had just concluded.

Foreigners with business smiles shook hands as some exited the conference room. Now, only seven remained— the core members of *The Pierrot*. There was a woman with a strong presence, the general producer of *The Pierrot*, along with a bald male executive, a short-haired man acting as a caddy, and a few team members.

Finally,

“Director, what did you think?”

“Hm— that actor is calmer than I expected.”

“Right? He often plays playful characters, so he has a cheerful image, but he’s not that energetic in reality.”

Worn-in but stylish, veteran director Ahn Ga-bok was present. He had recently become deeply involved in the production of *The Pierrot*, and he had just finished a preliminary meeting with one of the candidate actors mentioned as a lead. Of course, the actor who just left was a top Hollywood star, having received confirmation regarding auditions and screen tests. Soon, the brown-haired caddy lowered his tablet and chimed in.

“He seems to have enough experience, so it shouldn’t be a significant issue, but we did notice a few weaknesses.”

The executives nodded in agreement.

“Well, there was a bit of fear reflected in his conversation.”

“He’s always been a bit of a risky actor. If I remember correctly, he took a year off after struggling to recover emotionally from a role a few years back, right?”

“That’s right; it was quite a well-known story. He has great focus when acting, but once he dives too deep, he struggles to come back up.”

“That incident may have left a trauma.”

For reference, while the preliminary meetings with the actors may seem light-hearted, they carry various meanings. It could be seen as a final check. Meetings and conversations with the actors were merely formalities. They had likely completed numerous validations and investigations, but now they were examining the actor’s recent condition, psychology, appearance, and personality, all of which contributed to their final assessments.

“But he has recovered, hasn’t he?”

“Can we say he’s fully recovered? Every project he’s taken since that incident has been a comedy.”

Thus, the core team of *The Pierrot* thoroughly dissected the just-departed actor without hesitation. At this moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok, who was rubbing his wrinkled cheeks, spoke in a low voice.

“... His comedic aspect might have led him to our project, but the comedy in *The Pierrot* is merely a mask. Ultimately, the clarity of the ‘tragedy’ is key. A slight risk exists, which could be a flaw.”

Once the translation was delivered through the interpreter, most nodded in agreement. They felt a sense of understanding. Ahn Ga-bok was the general director of *The Pierrot* and an experienced veteran. While the production systems in Korea and Hollywood were different, he was observing the film *The Pierrot* more clearly than anyone else.

Around this time,

-Swoosh.

The female producer sitting next to Ahn Ga-bok checked the time.

“It’s about time for the next turn.”

The caddy and executives tapped on the tablets in front of them, changing the displayed actor.

“Kang Woo-jin is the most unique among the candidate actors.”

Among the candidates, Kang Woo-jin had the least clout in Hollywood.

“Have you received word that he has arrived?”

“I’ll check.”

After the caddy left the meeting room, a bald male executive opened his mouth again.

“He’s the most confusing actor. Yet, he also seems to fit the role perfectly.”

“Hmm, his conditions are definitely different from the other actors. He’s the only Korean actor, with a short career and an unconventional path. His acting style is also unique.”

“Because his conditions are different, there’s a lot to consider, especially since he has a short acting history.”

“The fact that he has no experience in Hollywood is also a concern.”

The executive, with his arms crossed, and the female producer began to enthusiastically evaluate Kang Woo-jin.

“On the flip side, the results he’s achieved in such a short time are remarkable. It’s rare to see an actor displaying that level of energy in Hollywood.”

“Hmm— it’s my first time seeing his filmography. His performance in *The Leech* was fantastic. However, since it’s his first experience in Hollywood, he might appear a bit nervous today.”

“It wouldn’t be strange if he’s anxious.”

“Hollywood will be unfamiliar to him, but there’s also the pressure of being the ‘first’ as a Korean actor.”

“But he looked composed during his speech at Cannes, didn’t he?”

“Perhaps that was because he had experience winning awards at a Korean film festival.”

The discussions continued without having seen Kang Woo-jin yet. Meanwhile, they listened to the interpreter to ensure clarity.

*“...”*

The sourc𝗲 of this content is frёeωebɳovel.com.

Veteran director Ahn Ga-bok listened quietly. More precisely, he was suppressing a smile. He was the only one in the meeting room who knew Kang Woo-jin well, and the words ‘nervousness’ and ‘pressure’ in their conversation sounded amusing to him.

*“He’s a guy who uses Cannes as a stepping stone; there’s no way he’d feel that way.”*

Throughout his time observing Kang Woo-jin, he felt the man would be unfazed even if he fell from the universe. However, he didn’t feel the need to interject.

*“Experiencing it firsthand is what leaves a lasting memory.”*

It was intentional.

This was to provide a bewildering new world to the arrogant, ignorant foreigners who had yet to experience Kang Woo-jin. At this point, the female producer asked Ahn Ga-bok.

“What kind of actor do you think Kang Woo-jin is?”

In truth, the producers and executives of *The Pierrot* were cautious about Ahn Ga-bok’s opinion on Kang Woo-jin. Given that he was also Korean and had seen Woo-jin since *The Leech*, there was a possibility of biased evaluations. In this process, where fairness was essential, that kind of bias was unnecessary.

Still, the producer posed the question to gauge how much Ahn Ga-bok valued Kang Woo-jin.

Ahn Ga-bok stroked his chin.

How should he explain him?

*“Outrageous”? “Completely unconventional”? “Arrogant monster”?* Many words crossed his mind, but Ahn Ga-bok settled on simplicity.

“He’s a weirdo. Kang Woo-jin is definitely a weirdo.”

A weirdo? At the answer given, the female producer and executives tilted their heads slightly.

*“A weirdo—”*

They concluded that he must be a bit unusual.

That was the wrong answer.

At the same time, outside the meeting room.

A van driving through the massive, amusement park-like interior roads of *Columbia Pictures* came to a stop.

-Creak.

It halted in front of a large building. This was the heart of *Columbia Pictures*, where various crucial decisions were made. A large number of foreigners were constantly coming and going, and from the stopped van, the cynical Kang Woo-jin stepped out, followed closely by Choi Sung-geon.

Then,

-Swoosh.

With no change in expression, Woo-jin looked up at the tall building. That was exactly how he felt.

*“Huh— the main headquarters looks kind of dull?”*

The beige-toned building was tall, but after seeing so many fascinating sights on the way here, the actual headquarters felt unremarkable. Still, the foreigners bustling around were captivating to watch.

What could he say?

*“Wow— that guy’s mustache is awesome!”*

Was it overflowing with personality? Regardless, Choi Sung-geon, who was trailing behind, spoke to Kang Woo-jin.

“Let’s go; if we head to the lobby, the staff will be out soon.”

“Yes, Representative.”

As they approached the stairs leading to the building’s entrance, Kang Woo-jin responded in a low voice.

“Hmm?”

Choi Sung-geon stopped abruptly, looking up. At the same time, Kang Woo-jin also lifted his head. A foreign man was just exiting the building. However, he had a distinctive presence.

And then,

*“Huh? What’s this vibe from that stunning guy—he seems familiar.”*

It was a remarkably familiar face. Maintaining his poker face, Woo-jin racked his brain. Where had he seen him? It wasn’t likely he had a foreign friend. And this was Hollywood’s largest film studio, *Columbia Pictures*. Therefore, there was only one answer.

*“A Hollywood actor?? Right! He’s an actor!”*

It felt just like that. While he didn’t have much interest in Hollywood to recall the name

, he knew the actor was incredibly famous both in Korea and here. It was a big hit movie, even though he couldn’t remember the title right now.

At the same time,

“Wow— it really is *Columbia Pictures*. I can see a Hollywood superstar this easily?”

Choi Sung-geon exclaimed quietly.

In fact, anyone not knowing the Hollywood actor descending the stairs would be hard to find. He was known not just there but across all of America. He was also recognized worldwide, including in Korea. In terms of acting, he could be compared to Miley Cara. Thus, many foreigners were flocking around him. They could be his team members or employees of *Columbia Pictures*.

With curiosity rapidly building, Kang Woo-jin felt the need to maintain his composure.

*“Act like you’re not looking.”*

Engaging in his act, he pretended not to notice while walking up the stairs again. Choi Sung-geon, who had been distracted by the Hollywood actor, quickly snapped back to reality and began to move his feet. In a few steps, Kang Woo-jin and the Hollywood actor drew close to each other, close enough to touch if they reached out. Yet, Woo-jin didn’t spare him a glance.

In that moment.

“Ah, so it’s true.”

The Hollywood actor, brushing past Kang Woo-jin, suddenly stopped. He turned to address Woo-jin in fluent English.

“I know you, Kang Woo-jin. The Korean actor. You made a splash at Cannes. I wasn’t there, but I saw the footage. Congratulations on your Best Actor award at Cannes.”

He had just finished a preliminary meeting for *The Pierrot* and was one of the six candidates. He smiled leisurely as he spoke. Choi Sung-geon flinched in surprise. Maintaining his poker face, Kang Woo-jin was inwardly astonished.

*“Damn, he’s gorgeous.”*

He was taller than Kang Woo-jin, with brown hair naturally swept back. His features were striking, especially his eyes. Did they have an enchanting quality? Either way, he had a mask that couldn’t be found in Korea. The Hollywood actor radiated an aura that was undeniably top-tier.

Thanks to that, the surrounding attention turned to them.

Upon hearing the Hollywood actor's words, his team and the nearby foreigners murmured about Kang Woo-jin.

“The Cannes Best Actor? So that guy is Kang Woo-jin?”

“He said he’s aiming for the Academy Award during his acceptance speech. Is that the same Korean actor?”

“I think so; I saw him in Miley Cara’s music video.”

“Are you sure? But why is that actor in LA?”

The atmosphere felt oddly charged, yet Kang Woo-jin, in a thick layer of pretense, turned his attention back to the Hollywood actor. He answered in a low voice, again in English.

“Thank you for the congratulations.”

“The song with Miley was great too. I saw it in the video, and your English is quite good.”

“I can manage basic communication.”

“Ha ha, is that so?”

At that moment, Choi Sung-geon wanted to capture the scene in front of him. The image of a top Hollywood actor and Kang Woo-jin felt so natural among the many foreigners.

*“A top actor like that casually greeting our Woo-jin!”*

Soon, the Hollywood actor extended his hand to Kang Woo-jin with a smile.

“You’re quite famous among the actors here, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Kang Woo-jin shook his hand.

“Likewise.”

“However, that acceptance speech about aiming for an Academy Award was a bit much; some of my fellow actors were quite upset. It sounded like you were dismissing the Academy. It’s good to have confidence, but too much can seem excessive.”

With a relaxed tone, the actor continued, stepping closer to whisper to Kang Woo-jin.

“I heard you’re one of the candidates for ‘The Pierrot,’ and so am I. But I have no intention of giving this role up to anyone else.”

“...”

Kang Woo-jin tilted his head slightly at the unexpected remark. It felt a bit out of the blue. Was my image coming off negatively here? A top Hollywood star would openly say such a thing. What was this? A tactic to intimidate me? To be honest, Kang Woo-jin knew little about top Hollywood stars aside from Miley Cara.

Hollywood is vast.

With that vastness came countless top-tier actors, each with unique personalities. Not everyone would be as friendly as Miley Cara was to Kang Woo-jin. In fact, most of Hollywood's elite likely held unfavorable feelings toward Kang Woo-jin.

After all, the rumors and facts about his acceptance speech at Cannes would have reached them.

To the Hollywood elite, Kang Woo-jin was just an Asian actor who happened to win Best Actor at Cannes through luck, emerging from a small country.

The world-renowned Hollywood actor whispered again, contrasting with Kang Woo-jin.

“I don’t know why ‘Columbia Pictures’ chose you as a candidate, but Hollywood will be more challenging than you can imagine.”

After finishing his words, he stepped back slightly, smiling with confidence. He was still holding Kang Woo-jin's hand.

“Then see you later. I hope we meet in the project next time, Kang Woo-jin.”

As he prepared to let go of Kang Woo-jin's hand.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woo-jin didn't release it. He tightened his grip slightly, his face exhibiting a rough indifference. His *Beastification* ability had kicked in.

As the attention of the surrounding foreigners focused on him, Kang Woo-jin leaned in and whispered in a low tone of English to the Hollywood actor.

“By the way, what’s your name?”