Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 196

Early December.

With True Hero set to remain in theaters for about three more weeks—

『A Historic Achievement: True Hero Hits 18 Million Viewers!』

『A Successor Too Soon? The Highest-Grossing Korean Film Changes Hands After Just Three Years!』

『Can It Reach 19 Million? A Deep Dive into True Hero’s Box Office Trajectory!』

『The Youngest Triple-Ten-Million Actor Ever—A First in Korean Film History! Exclusive Interview with Kim Donghu!』

『Not a Franchise, But a Phenomenon—Kim Donghu’s Success Across Three Distinct Films!』

『Could True Hero Inspire Copycats? Experts Say: "Absolutely Not. No One Can Be Kim Donghu."』

『The First Requirement to Becoming a Hero? Heavyweight Boxing Gold Medalist—A Feat Only One Man in Korea Can Claim.』

『A New Possibility? Kim Donghu’s Pitching Precision Draws Rave Reviews—Pro Baseball Teams Eyeing Him for Ceremonial First Pitch!』

Having surpassed 18 million admissions, True Hero officially claimed the highest audience record in Korean cinema history.

With its current pace, projections estimated a final tally of around 19 million by the end of December.

"We won’t hit 20 million, which is a bit of a shame! But honestly, even saying that feels greedy—this doesn’t even feel real."

"But it is real."

Director Lee Seong-deok couldn’t stop staring at the numbers, practically bouncing in {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} his seat like a fish in water.

"I still can’t believe we made this."

"Haha, come on. You can puff your chest out a little more."

Clink.

Choi Seokho handed him a cup of coffee, trying to rein him in.

"But why did he come here instead of the production company’s office?"

Choi Seokho discreetly studied the director’s expression.

It made sense for him to be thrilled, given the film’s explosive success.

But why was the final stop of that excitement Veritas’s office instead of his own studio?

And on top of that, without even setting up an appointment.

The silence stretched for a moment.

Realizing the unspoken question, Lee Seong-deok hastily spoke up.

"Oh, the reason I dropped by—it's about a short film proposal."

"A short film?"

"Yes."

A short film?

Right after directing the highest-grossing commercial film in history?

And while the movie was still actively screening?

"I work in entertainment too, but I’ll never fully understand the minds of creators."

Choi Seokho gave him a puzzled look.

"You came to discuss this because you want Kim Donghu as the lead?"

"Yes, exactly. More like... I wanted to take a number and get in line."

"...I feel like I’m missing something. Can you explain in detail?"

"Ah, I’ve been rambling too much—sorry about that."

"No worries. Want sugar in your coffee?"

"Oh... five sugar cubes, please."

"Got it."

As the sugar cubes dropped in one by one,

Choi Seokho waited patiently for Lee Seong-deok to gather his thoughts.

"In simple terms—I’ve received a funding proposal from Netflix."

"...What?"

Lee Seong-deok dropped the bombshell without hesitation.

"Netflix?"

"Yes. With OTT services expanding aggressively, Netflix has been keeping a close eye on Korea."

"And now that the highest-grossing Korean film has changed hands... they see you and Donghu as the next major players?"

"Exactly."

Netflix.

The global streaming giant had been rapidly expanding through original content.

But for them to move this quickly—

"So they’re willing to pay Donghu’s fee?"

"Yes. That’s why it’s a short film—it's their way of testing the waters first."

What he originally thought would be just a casual coffee chat

had suddenly turned into a major career decision.

"How the hell do I even schedule this in?"

As Choi Seokho’s mind raced,

"We don’t have a script or scenario yet, but... if the opportunity is there, I really want to do this. So I wanted to bring it up in advance."

Lee Seong-deok was wrapping things up.

Technically, he could’ve waited until things were more concrete to make an official proposal.

But knowing how packed Kim Donghu’s schedule would be,

he wanted to stake his claim first.

"Next year, things will get insanely busy—so ideally, I’d like to shoot in January."

"January?"

"Yes. If schedules align... Since Donghu is competing in the Asian Games next year."

"Right. That’s true. Okay... Got it. I’ll pass this along."

Netflix, huh.

"Is this the real beginning of his global career?"

The thought of Kim Donghu stepping onto the world stage

was no longer a hypothetical.

"I like where this is going."

Choi Seokho grinned.

***

Mid-December.

The end of the year meant one thing: awards season.

And the first of these grand ceremonies? The Blue Dragon Film Awards.

"Wah! It’s Kim Donghu!" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

A film festival wouldn’t be complete without its signature red carpet event.

Even though I had already made an appearance at the Grand Bell Awards last month—

People are still just as excited.

I could see the crowds cheering as I walked down the carpet.

"He’s literally a work of art."

"Just looking at him is therapeutic. And he’s so good with fan service."

"Man... youth is amazing. No, maybe it’s just Kim Donghu that’s amazing. How many achievements does this guy have at 21?"

"If he competes in the Asian Games next year, he’s winning gold too. He’s the only real contender."

I heard the occasional murmurs from reporters as I walked past.

The rapid flashes of cameras surrounded me.

After a brief stop at the photo zone—

"Hello. Thank you very much."

—I adjusted my suit and made my way to my assigned seat.

"Donghu, you’re a little late today."

A familiar voice greeted me the moment I sat down.

I thought I’d arrived early.

"Taegun, you got here way too early."

"I had to. Apparently, if I want to have a long conversation with you, I need to come early."

"Huh? Who told you that?"

"Jinwoo."

Taegun gave me a look—one that told me he had a lot to say.

Then, lowering his voice, he said—

"I’m transferring to Veritas. What do you think?"

"...What?"

Did I hear that right?