Life is Easier If You're Handsome novel Chapter 285

Akimbo.

A term referring to wielding weapons in both hands simultaneously.

It’s an expression you often see while playing FPS games.

In Korean terms—

‘Dual pistols.’

But applying that to Batman?

Was this the “distinction” they meant by making an Asian Batman?

Still.

"Isn’t Batman supposed to follow a no-kill policy?"

I couldn’t help but wonder if they were about to change even the core setup of Batman.

The Warner Bros. team gave a faint smile and shook their heads at my question.

"You really know Batman well, Mr. Donghu."

"Yes, I like him."

"Haha, we understand what you’re concerned about."

A figure from Warner Bros.

Specifically, Batman’s director, producer, and even co-writer—

Cristo Daran stroked his beard and continued speaking.

"Batman is definitely no-kill. So we’re planning to replace the bullets with rubber rounds."

"Rubber?"

"Yes, they’ll hurt like hell when you get hit."

Batman sticks to his no-kill rule.

And Director Cristo intended to stretch that definition quite a bit.

"As long as you don't kill them, that’s your Batman."

"Not killing... you mean we’re pushing it to the edge?"

"Yes, exactly to that edge. Permanent damage is a possibility too."

"What?"

"Donghu Kim, I still watch the movie you starred in, True Hero."

That sudden comment made me blink in confusion.

But after a few seconds, I understood why he said it.

"Could it be...?"

"Yes. Batman, who enforces justice... isn’t that a true hero too?"

The hero in True Hero beat criminals to a pulp with his bare fists.

Neutralized them from a distance with baseballs, and finished them off with brass-knuckled punches.

The reason that memory came up here — was simple.

"To make sure they ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) can never commit a crime again. To deal judgment thoroughly! Modern style!"

In other words, a Batman who delivers judgment — right to the brink of death, but never crossing the line.

"Of course, the script isn’t finished yet, and the sets are still under construction. We have a lot of hurdles ahead."

Still, Cristo wanted me to know they were planning along these lines.

I nodded.

He took that as a sign of approval and carefully handed me something.

"What’s this?"

"Well, this is our first real one-on-one meeting... I’m getting ahead of myself because there’s so much I want to say."

It turned out to be material related to special forces training.

"Starting with akimbo techniques, it’s a program designed for various martial arts moves."

"Am I supposed to do this?"

"Oh, no, no. Just know it exists. We haven’t even properly started shooting yet."

Given how restricted gun training is in Asia, it seemed the production team was preparing this specifically for the Batman role.

Normally, it would make sense to accept such an offer.

Training like this usually takes at least three to six months.

It was something I could obviously do for a movie.

But—

‘I’m different.’

My case was very different from the usual.

"If possible, could I start training after the script is finalized, or at least after Batman’s character setup script is complete?"

If the script was completed and I could fully immerse myself—

'Maybe I could unlock a new talent for the first time in a long while.'

With that hopeful thought in mind, I answered.

"Yes, yes! Of course. We’re grateful just for your willingness. Honestly, many actors would just use stunt doubles."

Director Cristo readily nodded.

It seemed he was simply happy that I was willing to train.

The less stunt double use and the more direct action by the actor, the better the film tended to be. It was understandable.

'Dual pistols, not killing... a Batman who enforces judgment.'

Just hearing about it was thrilling.

And looking through the material, there was something else that caught my eye.

"Will Batman also use tonfas?"

"Ah, that’s not confirmed yet, but the gun barrel for Batman is going to be long."

"Sorry?"

"If he runs out of ammo, he’ll flip the gun and use it reversed."

Sssak.

Director Cristo mimed using the gun like a tonfa.

The moment I saw that—

‘I’m convinced. This is going to be huge.’

A truly new kind of Batman was about to be born.

***

While Kim Donghu was busy with movie meetings, the entire world was in an uproar because of him.

The global franchise giants.

They all wanted Kim Donghu’s face next to their burgers.

As for alcohol companies — it wasn’t even a question.

Since he’d hit it big with eating, they were convinced that if they rode that momentum and shot eating-related CFs, it would explode.

"Kim Donghu! Kim Donghu! No matter what, get Kim Donghu!"

"I don’t care if it’s a short-term contract, just slap his face on it!"

"You know Kim Donghu’s loyalty, right? He even showed up for the last party of Brilliant Uniform when it was going bankrupt!"

"Do you know how many companies he still works with just out of loyalty? If the conditions are right, he just keeps going!"

Everyone absolutely demanded Kim Donghu.

"FJ... Ilyang Foods... do you know how huge the trickle-down effect is from just standing next to Kim Donghu? Their stock price jumped 20%!"

"What burgers does Kim Donghu usually eat? What? He just orders the entire fast food menu? Agh, I’m losing my mind!"

They were desperately trying to find any association with him.

"Yup, if I fail to land this contract, I’ll just die~"

Some were literally betting everything on it.

"Yeah yeah, it’s true, I managed to schedule a meeting with Choi Seokho."

Some even succeeded in setting up meetings.

"Seokho! Did you know we’re basically family? My cousin’s dog’s cousin’s best friend’s vet goes to the same hospital as yours!"

Others were desperately mobilizing every connection they had.

It was truly a mad, insane CF war over Kim Donghu.

And the problem was — this was just the beginning.

As if following the saying "Double it when you’re winning,"

news broke that Kim Donghu would be playing Batman in <Murcielago>.

Meaning, if you landed a CF contract with Kim Donghu now, you basically won the jackpot.

It was like the golden fairy from a fantasy RPG.

Catch it, and you win the game.

"Kim Donghu is like the Dragon Ball! Actually, he’s Shenron! Or the One Ring!"

"Our Donghu is officially world-class."

One appearance on a variety show had lit the whole world on fire.

And while riding that wave — there was one place that dropped a bomb for everyone to see.

That was—

『Kim Donghu confirmed for Physical 300!』

The Netflix content production team, which had been hiding Kim Donghu’s participation till now.

If the momentum’s good, hit it again.

Like the marksman with the magic bullet — the fourth shot would absolutely be a critical hit.

'We’ll drive the stake in properly.'

Netflix was re-checking the fully edited footage of <Physical 300>.

In just one month, an actor with overwhelming physical prowess would be unveiled to the public.