PAID

Translator: NovelBin

September 1, early morning.

The setting was one of Columbia Studio’s massive soundstages, where the bustling urban scenery had been recreated in impressive detail. Director Ahn Ga-bok and the team of over a hundred foreign crew members from *Piero: Birth of a Villain* were tirelessly preparing the set.

It was just before 8 a.m.

“Camera angles! Double-check!”

“Extras, get into position!”

“Director! Could you check this angle here?”

This stage, resembling a crowded city street, was filled with buildings packed close together, sidewalks, roads, crosswalks, shops, and various street stalls. Today’s shoot would feature scenes of “Henry Gordon,” Woo-jin’s character. Originally scheduled for 10 a.m., the shoot had been moved up two hours to accommodate Woo-jin’s packed schedule—after all, he also had his first shoot for *Beauty and the Beast* later in the afternoon.

In other words, Woo-jin was taking on a “double shift” today.

“Stand by, Woo-jin!”

Woo-jin appeared on set, looking every bit like Henry Gordon, with a worn hoodie and jeans. Exchanging simple greetings with the foreign crew members, he maintained his stoic, cold demeanor in line with his character.

“…”

Woo-jin took in the grand urban set around him, a tinge of bittersweet emotion welling up within him.

‘The end is near for *Piero.* I’ll miss this.’

At that moment, Director Ahn approached with the day’s storyboard in hand.