Life is Easier If You're Handsome-Chapter 184

This is a dangerous film.

No matter how commercialized, no matter how much it was made to generate profit—

the ending was far too dangerous to dismiss so simply.

There will be... an avalanche of articles.

Good or bad, it would be the center of controversy.

And that was exactly—

"...what True Hero was aiming for."

An individual’s power had limits.

That’s why the Hero had no choice but to ask the public:

How will you judge me?

What will you think? What conclusions will you draw?

Each person’s thoughts and experiences would differ,

so naturally, there would be countless different answers.

"D-Donghu... was this your intention?"

Director Lee Seong-deok wanted to ask him right then and there.

But—

The actors haven’t come down from their emotions yet.

He suppressed his urge to discuss it, sensing the lingering intensity in the air.

Especially—

After pouring out that much raw emotion, it’ll take a long time for him to recover.

Kim Donghu would need quite a while.

After witnessing such an incredible performance, waiting a little was the least they could do.

And Director Lee wasn’t the only one thinking this.

Everyone on set had been stunned by the actors' performances,

and they were willing to give them time to breathe.

In particular—

...How long has it been since I acted with this much intensity?

Updat𝓮d from frёewebnoѵēl.com.

Was this the first time I gave it my absolute all?

Han Taegun was still completely trapped in Choi Yongsoo’s emotions,

struggling to break free.

The helplessness of a man burdened by his own weakness.

The disillusionment of a cop who realized he couldn’t protect everyone.

The agony of watching vigilante justice unfold while being unable to intervene.

It all bound him down, locking him inside his character.

Get it together. I’m... I’m Han Taegun.

Moments like this required absolute composure.

A steady, disciplined mind.

Besides, my junior gave an even more overwhelming performance.

Donghu... must be having an even harder time.

Thinking that, he turned toward where Donghu was.

And then—

"Hah."

Like a joke, the weight of his emotions vanished in an instant.

"Here I am, struggling to snap out of it... and our little brat is over there eating a hot dog."

What the hell had he been so worked up about?

"Wait, and his manager bought it for— Oh? Seokho... Representative Seokho?"

It wasn’t even his manager.

No, how the hell was the company CEO still running around taking care of him like this?

A hot dog... and coffee... and he even bought extras for the others?

Even though Veritas was a small agency, it was highly selective.

Their earnings had to be substantial—

yet somehow, Seokho still insisted on personally looking after his people.

"...Seriously, this agency is way too tempting."

It had an undeniable charm.

***

Once filming wrapped up and the atmosphere settled down—

"I was thinking of adding a little post-credits scene."

"Sorry, what?"

"I just... I wanted to show that, in the end, the police, or rather everyone, is doing their best in their own way."

Director Lee approached me, quietly sharing his thoughts.

"Ah... I actually think it’s better to leave it out."

I opposed the idea.

"You don’t like it?"

"No, it’s actually too good. That’s the problem—it might ruin the lingering impact of the ending."

"The lingering impact?"

"Yeah. I think the film should end with the Hero escaping."

If they added some last-minute epilogue,

it would just feel like a desperate justification—

a clumsy attempt at self-defense.

No story could be perfectly balanced.

Providing counterarguments and listing supporting evidence—

that was for debates, not films.

But that’s just my opinion.

In the end, the final decision rested with the director.

If Lee Seong-deok was adamant, I couldn’t do much about it.

"...Let’s go with that, then."

"Huh?"

I was caught off guard by how quickly he agreed.

Wait—wasn’t this too easy?

"I’ve never regretted listening to you, Donghu. It’d be stupid to ignore your input now."

"...."

He really left me speechless.

"You’ve worked hard. You’re coming to the after-party, right?"

"Of course! I’m an adult now, after all."

After wrapping up the celebration,

we shot some extra behind-the-scenes footage for online release.

And by early July—

True Hero had officially completed filming.

At the same time—

"Kim Donghu’s Spectacular Comeback! Ratings Surpass 45%!

The Final Episode Airs Tomorrow, and It’s Already a Record-Breaker?"

Our Fake Wedding was also racing toward its finale.

By the way, I didn’t watch the last episode with Sujin.

Or rather—

I’m not watching it with you this time.

< Why not?

Are you seriously asking? Really? Are you even human? You’re a beast. A pervert!

Sujin had officially banned me from coming near her for a while.

Which, honestly, was just adorable.

Especially since—

But I still want to see you, so call me.

If you don’t, you’re dead.

(Attached: selfie)

Even when she was sulking, she always managed to slip in a little affection.

Yeah... no wonder I reacted so strongly when she had that kiss scene with another guy.

Thinking about that, I finally made my way home.

With filming wrapped up, I hadn’t visited properly in a while.

And once things got busy again, I wouldn’t have time to see my family.

So, I figured now was the best time.

Besides—

"Oppa! What took you so long?!"

If I wanted to avoid getting scolded by Seohyun,

who was now six years old, regular visits were mandatory.

***

Kim Seohyun, age six.

A full fifteen years younger than Kim Donghu.

She had already inherited enough of his looks to leave people speechless.

With an undeniable charm that grabbed attention wherever she went,

Kim Seohyun was far from the typical child.

From an early age, she was sharp, haughty, and dignified.

Everyone around her adored her beauty,

and she had quickly learned that the world was easy for those who were adored.

However—

There was one situation where Kim Seohyun actually acted her age,

where she turned into nothing more than a little girl.

"Waaahhh! Why didn’t Oppa come sooner?!"

Whenever it had to do with her favorite person—her older brother.

The most handsome, coolest, and only prince on a white horse—Kim Donghu.

The one who always smiled at her, played with her, and treated her like the most special person in the world.

She loved everything about him.

But there was one problem.

Too many other people loved him too.

And because of that, he was always busy.

A bad Oppa. A stupid Oppa. A dumb Oppa!

...Actually, she took that back.

Why?

Because—

Beep, beep, beep!

The door code sounded.

"Oppa’s here!"

He was late, sure.

But he had come, and that was all that mattered.

She had a lot she wanted to say, but first, she had to scold him properly.

"Oppa! What took you so long?!"

And exactly one second later—

she ran full speed into his arms.

"Sorry, but I came as fast as I could because I really missed my Seohyun."

"R-Really?!"

"Of course. Seohyun is always my number one."

"Hehe... But what’s that in your hand?"

"Obviously, a present for my princess. I heard Kungsooni and Secret Jouju are the top toys right now."

"Wow, waaah...!!! Then we’re playing with this today?"

"Of course."

"Oppa, you’re the best!"

Seohyun took the toy and dashed into her room,

probably eager to open it and play with it by herself for a bit.

Yep, still just a kid.

Donghu chuckled as he watched her go.

He never understood why their parents always said Seohyun was so mature for her age.

But then—

Why are Mom and Dad looking at Seohyun’s room like that?

Was something in there?

He was about to check when Seohyun ran back out, holding her new toy.

"Oppa! Let’s play!"

"Alright! Let’s play as much as we want today!"

And so, they played.

"Are you sure you have time for this, son? You’re not too busy?"

"No, it’s fine today."

"Alright, as long as you’re sure."

He had small conversations with his mom here and there.

"Um... well, in We Got Married, don’t they usually introduce their families?"

"Oh... We got an offer, but we both turned it down. Thought it’d be better to keep our private lives separate."

"...I see."

His dad looked disappointed.

Donghu spent the day relaxing with his family for the first time in a while.

"Are you busy next week?"

"Not exactly, but I do have something scheduled."

"What is it?"

"Uh... I have to go to Shinbu’s concert."

"Oh, I see."

"Oppa! No talking about other girls when you’re with me! Especially not that show!"

"Ah, right, sorry. That was my mistake."

"Yep! Don’t do it again!"

"Got it."

They played for hours.

And eventually—

Seohyun fell asleep in Donghu’s arms.

Man... who’s going to end up taking her away one day?

Whoever it was, Donghu thought,

they’d better be at least as strong as him.

That was his only condition.

Thinking that, he carried her to her room—

and then froze at what he saw inside.

"...She already had this toy?"

She had the exact same one.

And yet, she had still happily played with him like it was brand new?

In that moment, Donghu fully understood why their parents always said she was mature for her age.

***

Mid-July.

Gocheok Sky Dome was sweltering with excitement.

"Wow... There are so many people. How many?"

"About... twenty-five thousand? Anyway, it’s completely sold out."

BloomBell’s solo concert.

The entire area was in chaos, proving their overwhelming popularity.

A group in only their third year,

performing at Gocheok Sky Dome—

it was an unbelievable feat.

This was their biggest stage yet.

A moment to prove themselves.

And in times like this,

a person naturally wanted to be supported by the one they loved most.

But—

...Donghu is busy.

Jaerin had half-given up when she’d asked,

"You’ll come to my concert, right?"

Celebrity schedules could change in an instant.

Even if someone said they’d come, it wasn’t always possible.

And—

He hasn’t contacted me as the concert gets closer.

He was probably avoiding her because he felt bad about not coming.

She understood.

She was disappointed, but there was nothing she could do.

So—

"Is brother-in-law coming today?!"

At the youngest member’s question—

"No, I don’t think so."

Jaerin could only smile bitterly.