From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 262: Devil Director

Jang-Wook sat across from Dayo in the quiet meeting room, his phone resting face down on the table, though his attention kept drifting back to it. He had already read the articles more than once, and every time, his frown deepened. The room smelled faintly of coffee and paper.

"This isn’t good," Jang-Wook said finally, breaking the silence. "Some of these articles are spreading fast. They’re not outright condemning the movie yet, but they’re planting doubt. That’s dangerous at this stage."

Dayo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed loosely, his expression calm. He didn’t look surprised. If anything, he looked mildly amused.

"You think so?" he asked.

Jang-Wook looked at him, clearly unsettled by the response. "This is bad for the film’s image. People are questioning the quality, the cast, even the safety standards on set. Someone is deliberately stirring things up."

"I know," Dayo replied simply.

Jang-Wook paused. "Then why do you look like this doesn’t concern you?"

Dayo tilted his head slightly. "Because you’re only looking at it from one side."

Jang-Wook frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I was actually about to tell you to stop allocating money for promotions," Dayo said.

That made Jang-Wook sit up. "Stop promoting?" he repeated. "Why would we do that now?"

"Relax," Dayo said calmly. "I didn’t say cancel everything forever. I said stop for now."

Jang-Wook stared at him, trying to understand. "You’re making it sound like this situation helps us."

"It does," Dayo replied without hesitation.

Jang-Wook let out a short breath and shook his head. "You’re saying someone is attacking the movie, and your solution is to... do nothing?"

"I’m saying someone is giving us free promotion," Dayo corrected.

That made Jang-Wook go silent.

Dayo continued, his tone steady. "Think about it. These articles? The scepticism? The arguments online? They all keep the movie in people’s mouths. Whether they believe in it or not, they’re talking about it. Awareness is awareness."

Jang-Wook leaned back slowly, processing it.

"People doubting the movie doesn’t mean they won’t watch it," Dayo added. "Sometimes, it makes them more curious."

Jang-Wook’s eyes narrowed as the idea settled in. "You’re saying... even negative attention works in our favour."

"Exactly," Dayo said. "Especially when there’s no solid evidence yet. All they have is speculation."

Jang-Wook was quiet for a long moment. Then he laughed softly, shaking his head.

"I wouldn’t have thought of it like this," he admitted. "Most directors would be panicking."

Dayo smirked faintly. "I’m used to been doubted. "

Jang-Wook looked at him again, this time with something close to admiration. "You know," he said, "has anyone ever told you that you’re too sharp for your age?"

Dayo shrugged. "People have been saying that since I was a kid."

Jang-Wook laughed again, louder this time. "Working with you... it’s been eye-opening. You’ve made me rethink how problems should be handled. It’s not something I’ve experienced in a long while."

"That means a lot," Dayo replied. "If I can learn from you, it only makes sense that you can learn something from me too."

Jang-Wook nodded, still smiling. "Fair enough."

Then his expression sobered slightly. "Still, whoever is behind this... they won’t stop easily."

Dayo met his gaze. "Let them try."

Filming continued smoothly in Korea despite the noise outside. On set, the crew moved with efficiency, the cast stayed focused, and scenes were completed without disruption. If anything, the controversy seemed distant, like background noise that never reached the cameras.

After wrapping up for the day, Dayo returned home earlier than usual. He had barely settled in when his phone rang.

"Janet?" he said, surprised.

Her voice came through bright and familiar. "Miss me already?"

Dayo smiled immediately. "Always. What’s up?"

"I’ll be in Korea tomorrow," Janet said casually.

Dayo froze. "Tomorrow? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," she replied. "I didn’t want to tell you too early."

A grin spread across his face. "It’s been over three months."

"I know," Janet said. "That’s why I’m coming."

"Well," Dayo said, laughing softly, "you just made my entire week."

"We’ll see about that," she teased before ending the call. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

When Dayo returned to set the next day, his mood was noticeably lighter. He smiled more, spoke more casually, and approved scenes faster than usual.

Jang-Wook noticed immediately.

"You look different today," he said during a short break.

"Do I?" Dayo replied.

"You do," Jang-Wook said. "Your smile hasn’t faded since morning."

Dayo chuckled. "My sister’s coming."

Jang-Wook nodded. "That explains it."

Internally, Jang-Wook reflected on how unusual this was. Dayo was known for being calm but relentless. He never shouted, never lost his temper, but once he saw potential in a scene, he would push and push until every detail was perfect. Actors were often exhausted by the end of the day, even without raised voices or harsh words.

Today was different.

Scenes that normally required multiple retakes were approved in two or three. The atmosphere was lighter, though no one mistook that for leniency. Everyone knew Dayo’s standards hadn’t changed.

During a brief pause, one of the actors laughed and said, "The Devil Director is in a good mood today."

Dayo turned. "Devil Director?"

The actor froze for half a second, then laughed nervously. "That’s what people call you."

"Why?" Dayo asked, genuinely curious.

"Well," the actor said carefully, "you don’t shout, you don’t insult us... but you don’t let anything slide. You drain everything out of us until the scene is perfect."

Dayo nodded slowly. "If that’s what it takes, I’ll accept the title."

He then clapped his hands once. "Alright. Break time is cut in half."

Groans echoed around the set.

Dayo pointed at one actor directly. "You. You’ve been avoiding your delayed scene for weeks."

The actor stiffened.

"Tomorrow," Dayo continued, "we shoot it. And it will be perfect."

Everyone understood immediately. Tomorrow would be long.

Later that evening, Dayo took the cast and crew out for dinner. Laughter filled the space, tension faded, and for a few hours, the noise of the outside world didn’t matter.

The movie was still moving forward.

And Dayo remained exactly where he needed to be.