LEFT WITH WORDS || KIM TAEHYUNG

Chapter 18: Wrong but Right

"Actually...there was no blackmailer to begin with. It was just me all along"

Everyone gawked.

"Yes. I was the one who planned all of it"

They became speechless.

"Once I was heading to the rooftop of our company. I think it was few days before we commenced the shooting for this film. Before few steps itself I stopped when I heard Mr. Cha and Chan Woo talking. They were discussing something related to the deal"

Tae recollected the scene

Mr. Cha: "What about Ho Jin? Did he accept our deal?"

Chan Woo: Yes. But he said he'll pay us the amount after he gets his first role.

Mr. Cha: Ok. I'll transfer your share to your account soon. And let's not meet inside the company so frequently.

"Then I wondered if they sensed me and ran downstairs immediately"

"When I asked Hoseok about this, he said he didn't have much idea, but Su Ni might know better since she's usually in touch with some of the actors.

As expected, she was a little aware of this matter. She told she'd find out more from her colleagues. 

They said certain actors were introduced to the director by Mr. Cha. Then we combined Mr. Cha's conversation and what we heard from Su Ni. We suspected that those actors probably came up with his recommendation because they agreed to give bribe. We investigated further and found some evidence that made us suspect them more. But those weren't enough to prove to anyone else in the company."

"So I came up with this plan of changing the script before we come to Sobaek, and force the blame upon Chan Woo."

"Mr. Cha supported Chan Woo the first time because he knew Chan Woo wouldn't do that. So to instigate a fight between them, I spoke against Mr. Cha and made all of you suspect him.

Enraged that he was being suspected, he took it out on Chan Woo who became lesser of a suspect that day.

If I'm not wrong, Chan Woo harmed Mr. Cha during their fight, and that got him injured. That's why he made an excuse that he was sick and wouldn't join us for the shooting. That very day, Mr. Bo asked Chan Woo why his face was swollen. It's also due to the fight"

"I see" Mr. Park continued "And now that they fought, Chan Woo would naturally hate Mr. Cha. So you planned to speak with him and make him reveal about the bribery thing, for in that moment, he wouldn't hold back the opportunity to bring down Mr. Cha" 

"Precisely"

"Then why did you lie that it was a blackmailer?"

"Well...what you said was my original plan. But Jin found out two days ago that I was the one doing it, and questioned me about it. After I explained him, he said he'd expose me, 'cause messing with the script was wrong on my part as well.

But I stopped him and asked him to talk to Chan Woo in my place. I feared that if i'd personally talk with Chan Woo, he might attack me or even kill me in the anger that I drove him to this state. Since he respects Jin, there are more chances that he'd agree."

"I'm surprised that Jin actually agreed to help you" Mr. Park said.

"Well...usually I wouldn't. But even I was concerned about the matter since long and wanted to sort it out" Jin lied. Tae glared at him while recollecting the actual event.

Tae: So, can you speak to him in my place?

Jin: What's in it for me?

Tae: Think about it. Bribery is illegal. All the actors who're involved in it will no more be hired for films, and will lose their public image. So if all such actors are eliminated, the demand for you will rise in the industry for only few will be leftover.