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Big Life Chapter 91-95

Big Life Ch 91-95

Chapter 91: Keep Barking At It (7)

 

Ha Jae-Gun gnashed his teeth in anger.

In Ha Jae-Gun’s ears, Woo Jae-Hoon’s tone seemed like he was saying—what, do you dare reject my offer? Ha Jae-Gun was already upset, and Woo Jae-Hoon’s condescending tone only served as fuel to the fire.

Hm? Mr. Ha?” Woo Jae-Hoon urged once more.

Ha Jae-Gun remained silent as his gaze moved downward slightly.

This is getting messy…‘ Oh Myung-Suk inwardly sighed.

It wasn’t obvious, but the atmosphere was turning sour.

Oh Myung-Suk knew that Ha Jae-Gun was a prideful writer, and he viewed basic manners to be highly important.

If he left things as they were now, there was a high possibility that the contract negotiations would break down. After all, the contract didn’t really matter to Ha Jae-Gun.

I think it’s time for a mediator to step in…‘ Oh Myung-Suk had been looking for an opportunity to cut in on the conversation, as he could not side with Ha Jae-Gun blindly.

The other party was a famous figurehead in Korea’s movie industry. Woo Jae-Hoon received harsh criticisms from audiences and critics, but he still had movies with over ten million viewers under his belt. Therefore, he had high credibility with investors.

Oh Myung-Suk didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity, and the endeavor would definitely add value to Ha Jae-Gun’s portfolio as well. In addition, Summer in My 20s would be under the spotlight as well.

“I’m feeling kind of peckish, do they sell finger food here?” Woo Jae-Hoon muttered casually as he rubbed his pot belly.

After a while of pondering, Ha Jae-Gun looked up at Woo Jae-Hoon.

“Will you be writing it personally?” he asked.

“Pardon?”

“The scenario, I mean.”

Hm, not yet confirmed, but there’s a possibility.”

“It’ll be difficult then.” Ha Jae-Gun said almost immediately.

Ha Jae-Gun’s firm response astonished both Woo Jae-Hoon and Oh Myung-Suk.

“What do you mean?”

“You wrote the scenario for Yukgwang-gu, right?”

Woo Jae-Hoon choked upon hearing that. He could already see what was coming.

And he was right, Ha Jae-Gun cut straight to the topic…

“I am one of the extremely disappointed audiences after watching that movie. Unfortunately, if you are the one writing the scenario, I have no confidence in leaving my own work in your hands.”

Woo Jae-Hoon’s face turned beet red. The young man actually poked him in his Achilles heel! If he could, he would have immediately covered the young man’s mouth.

However, Ha Jae-Gun continued. “It’s fine even if I’m not allowed to write the scenario personally. However, please get a writer I could agree with and acknowledge to work on the scenario. That would be my compromise.”

“Are you sure that’s a compromise and not a ridicule?” Woo Jae-Hoon raised his voice. He looked ready to fight.

Ha Jae-Gun put on a faint smile and shook his head. “It is definitely a compromise. I could have stood up and left right away, but I decided to suggest an alternative.”

“What…?!”

“I hope you won’t misunderstand me. I’m not compromising because I don’t want to miss out on this opportunity but just out of consideration for our editor-in-chief here, who has kindly arranged for this meeting.”

“Look here!” Woo Jae-Hoon slammed his thick hands on the table.

How dare a greenhorn writer in his twenties dare to discipline someone of Woo Jae-Hoon’s caliber? Woo Jae-Hoon’s simple and straightforward reaction didn’t allow him to look over the current situation.

Ha Jae-Gun stood up and straightened his clothes.

“It seems that we will have a hard time continuing the discussions of the contract. I’ll be taking my leave first.”

Huh? Hey? Heyyy!

” Woo Jae-Hoon was flustered when Ha Jae-Gun announced his departure and waved frantically in the air.

 

Following Ha Jae-Gun, Oh Myung-Suk stood up as well.

Furious, Woo Jae-Hoon changed his target to Oh Myung-Suk. “Hey, Editor-in-chief! Where are your manners? How can you be so dense?! How dare you allow this mockery? How are you managing your own writer?!”

Oh Myung-Suk stopped and let out a long sigh.

He looked at Woo Jae-Hoon and said, “I think you’re in the wrong as well.”

“What?!”

Oh, Myung-Suk glanced at Woo Jae-Hoon’s feet and said, “You came here wearing slippers, and it shows that you have no qualms about everything and that you’re a free-spirited person. I’m not sure if it’s a fashion trend in Chungmuro or if it’s because of your reputation in the industry, but Mr. Ha doesn’t seem like that attitude at all.”

Oh Myung-Suk sounded quite polite, but his words were jarring to the ears.

Woo Jae-Hoon slammed the table once more and stood up, trembling in anger. His labored breathing echoed loudly, and he looked like an active volcano that was about to erupt.

“You…! You said your name was Oh Myung-Suk, right?! I’ll make sure to drop a call at your headquarters!”

Woo Jae-Hoon had just made a frivolous threat without knowing that Oh Myung-Suk was the eldest son of the President of OongSung Publication Group.

Oh Myung-Suk smiled and nodded. “Please do. I’ll be waiting for your call regarding the copyright.”

“What?! Fine, get ready for a pay cut! I don’t need your stinky copyright! Did you think that novel is the only one in the world?!”

Oh Myung-Suk ignored the yelling Woo Jae-Hoon and left the cafe. Oh Myung-Suk was about to pull out his phone and make a call when he spotted Ha Jae-Gun at the entrance of the parking lot.

Oh Myung-Suk smiled bitterly.

“I’m sorry, Editor-in-chief.” Ha Jae-Gun apologized to the approaching Oh Myung-Suk.

However, Oh Myung-Suk smiled and shook his head, asking, “You haven’t had lunch, right? Shall we have a quick meal nearby?”

“Sure.”

They headed to a nearby Korean restaurant.

There was still some stuff left for them to discuss things, even if Woo Jae-Hoon wasn’t around.

“I’ll have a hot stone mixed rice bowl.”

“I’ll have the same. Please give us two hot stone mixed rice bowls,” Oh Myung-Suk ordered for them.

.

As Ha Jae-Gun poured water into each of their cups, Ha Jae-Gun started, “I apologize for wrecking the situation earlier. I hope you’re not between a rock and a hard place because of me…”

“It’s all right, Mr. Ha,” Oh Myung-Suk said as he picked up his spoon. “I’m fine, so please don’t worry about me. However, I am hoping that you won’t pass up on this opportunity.”

“…”

“This is really a great opportunity for you. I understand why you’re upset, but I really hope we can go through with this contract. It can’t be helped that the other party is the best director in the Korean film industry.”

Ha Jae-Gun looked away with a complicated expression.

Oh Myung-Suk pulled his chair closer to the table and continued. “I’ll do my best to resolve the scenario issue. I’ll surely satisfy you, so please leave the rest to me.”

Their eyes met, but Oh Myung-Suk didn’t continue speaking.

Ha Jae-Gun had never been the kind of person who would get persuaded against his decision, so Oh Myung-Suk tried to win Ha Jae-Gun’s trust through his unwavering gaze.

However, Ha Jae-Gun shook his head and said, “Thank you for your kind words. But that director seemed to be the type who holds onto grudges. Would they go ahead with the copyright contract before the scenario issue is resolved?”

“Please don’t worry about that.” Oh Myung-Suk pushed up his glasses and said, “It is my job to make it happen.”

There was no hint of bluff in his words. He was confident and believed that he had the ability to make the contract happen without any hiccups.

Ha Jae-Gun’s bitter face lasted only for a while longer. He soon nodded with a smile.

Oh Myung-Suk had never once disappointed Ha Jae-Gun, and he once again decided to trust and leave things in his hands.

Just then, the food they had ordered was served, and the two started digging in.

***

Back in the production team’s office, Woo Jae-Hoon was puffing hard on his cigarette with a distorted expression. An employee was timidly reporting and was being extra careful about triggering the man in front of him.

Summer in My 20s just went up to third place in Bandi and Lunia’s bestsellers corner. It has sold over 550,000 copies so far, and we believe that it will hit first place with over a million copies sold. This novel is the best for investors who value issue marketing the most, as the novel is still selling out at an alarming rate.”

Hoo…!

Woo Jae-Hoon stubbed the puffed cigarette in the ashtray.

White smoke came out through his nose and mouth at the same time.

Woo Jae-Hoon had thought of abandoning the project, but there was strong opposition coming from their investors. The investors had unanimously agreed that they had to somehow get the copyright to Summer in My 20s.

“Oh, and Director, I’ve looked up Mysterium’s editor-in-chief, Oh Myung-Suk, as well.”

Woo Jae-Hoon was drinking his coffee when he shouted with his blood pressure shooting off the roof. “You really investigated him! I only instructed it out of anger, do I look like a despicable man who’ll use such tricks?!”

“W-well, you instructed me first, so…! Anyway, Director, that’s beside the point. Oh Myung-Suk is actually… he’s actually the eldest son of the President of OongSung Publication Group.”

“What?!” Woo Jae-Hoon felt like he was about to go crazy.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, I know someone in the company, so I called them to verify. It seemed like an open secret.”

“Why is the eldest son not in management and working as an editor-in-chief?”

“I’m not sure of the details.”

Woo Jae-Hoon covered his mouth and was lost in thought. He recalled when Oh Myung-Suk mentioned that OongSung Publication Group was also willing to invest in the production.

“Director, what about dinner—”

“Get out. I’ll settle it myself.”

Woo Jae-Hoon dismissed his staffer and wrapped his throbbing head.

His pride would not allow it, but he had to admit defeat.

His recent two productions hadn’t really performed well, and Woo Jae-Hoon acknowledged that things wouldn’t go his way if he were to remain stubborn.

“Call…! Call me…!” Woo Jae-Hoon glared at his phone, growling. His final ounce of pride didn’t allow him to initiate a call, and he was resolved to wait for a day or two.

However, the call never came.

***

“It’s best to write when you’re feeling bored. Isn’t that right?”

Meow.

“The one I’m working on now is a fantasy story. I’ve been working nights at the Bucheon office, and it’s been taking shape quite well.”

Ha Jae-Gun added a period to the last sentence of the document before stretching. He had started this piece as practice, but he ended up completing three volumes worth of manuscript.

His lax schedule these days had also contributed to his speed.

“I should get some feedback on it, right?”

Ha Jae-Gun then sent the document as an attachment to Kwon Tae-Won.

It was just past 7 a.m.

Ha Jae-Gun had worked through the night, and he recovered from his fatigue by drinking coffee from Seo Gun-Woo’s cup.

“Rika, I think the movie adaptation has gone down the drain.”

Ha Jae-Gun hadn’t heard from Oh Myung-Suk about it.

However, Ha Jae-Gun didn’t really care about it.

He was sure that a better opportunity would come in the future.

“Now I’m feeling hungry. Shall we have breakfast?”

Just as Ha Jae-Gun headed to the kitchen, his phone rang. He looked down at the phone and saw that it was a call from Kwon Tae-Won. He was surprised because it hadn’t even been fifteen minutes since Ha Jae-Gun sent the mail.

Ha Jae-Gun answered the phone, “President, you’re up early.”

— Writer Ha, you worked through the night again, right? I called as soon as I received your email. I briefly read through the synopsis, and it looks like it’s another medieval fantasy?

“Yes, The Breath was successful, and I’m enjoying the genre as well. However, it’s more light-hearted this time. Anyway, please read it when you have time.”

— Of course. I’ll read it while having breakfast. Thank you so much, Writer Ha. You even submitted a manuscript with the synopsis.

“I thought I have to work my share for the office,” Ha Jae-Gun joked.

— Please enjoy your breakfast. Oh right. You haven’t heard that writer Yang Hyun-Kyung has started submitting chapters again, right?

“Really?” Ha Jae-Gun’s eyes widened at the unexpected news.

— Yes. He told me to keep it a secret, but I thought I should let you know. It seems like he is currently working part-time near the office while writing them. He has been submitting chapters for six days in a row and even sent over three advance chapters.

Ha Jae-Gun suddenly recalled the moment Yang Hyun-Kyung left the office without much luggage. He had been harsh on the young man with the aim of bringing him back to his senses, but he had been quite worried as well.

“Where is he working?” Ha Jae-Gun noted down the name and address of Yang Hyun-Kyung’s workplace.

After a while, Ha Jae-Gun’s call with Kwon Tae-Won ended, and he decided to take a shower before going outside.

The world outside got brighter as the dazzling sun rose.

Chapter 92: Keep Barking At It (8)

 

There was a long line of vehicles waiting to enter a gas station located near the main streets of Bucheon. It was so busy to the point where there was no time for its employees to go on a toilet break.

“Welcome. How much?”

Yang Hyun-Kyung was one of the gas station’s five employees. He greeted a customer who had just driven into the gas station. His gloves and uniform were covered in grease, and even his name tag was covered in grease as well.

Yang Hyun-Kyung wanted to get them laundered, but he didn’t have the time to do so due to the overlapping off days of his colleagues. He had requested to get an extra set of uniforms, but the branch manager and general manager only asked him to hold out for a few more days until the budget was released from the headquarters.

Aigoo, I’m tired…!

Yang Hyun-Kyung inserted the gas nozzle into the car before letting out a long sigh. His shifts had been a repeat of working from 8 to 6, resting for two hours and continuing with another 8 to 6 shift… which had already gone on for four days.

It was to be expected because he was a new recruit, and he could only go through the unfair treatment.

How am I going to last until 6 in the evening?

Yang Hyun-Kyung was about to lose his mind. He could have gotten a good night’s sleep yesterday, but he couldn’t because he had to work on writing his novel.

The sun was setting, and his world was spinning slightly from exhaustion.

Who can I blame? It’s all my fault.

Yang Hyun-Kyung looked down at all ten of his fingertips that had popped out of his worn-out gloves and scolded himself. It was the very same gloves that Kang Min-Ho had given him back at the Bucheon office.

The gloves that he was supposed to use while writing were now being used to pump gas.

I’ll sleep for four hours after this shift, and then I’ll work on my novel since those darn roommates of mine seem to be coming home late tonight.

Yang Hyun-Kyung was currently staying on level two of the building adjacent to the gas station. He was occupying a small room located at the end of the hallway.

He took up this job because meals and accommodation were free, but sharing the room with two other people who had visitors frequently dropping by had inevitably affected his sleep and focus on his novel.

He realized it late, but the Bucheon office was the best haven he had. He thought of himself as pathetic for ever taking for granted the food and comfortable food he had back there.

If I ever touch stocks again, I’ll be Dog Hyun-Kyung!’ Yang Hyun-Kyung was determined, and he subconsciously bit on his fingernails.

He decided to sell all the stocks he had, but he only got 300,000 won back from the total of 2,000,000 won he had invested after borrowing money from his parents.

“Uncle! I think we’re done here, so what are you standing there for?!” The customer in the driver’s seat yelled angrily.

Yang Hyun-Kyung flinched, he snapped back to reality and rounded off the amount to the hundreds, and pulled out the gas nozzle.

He was about to hang the nozzle back in its slot, but his eyes widened in shock.

Writer Ha…?!

The extremely familiar back profile of a certain someone was right across the street.

However, he couldn’t be certain due to the distance and his bad eyesight.

“Ahjussi…!”

“Coming! The total is 68,300 won.”

Yang Hyun-Kyung hurried to serve his customer. After sending them off, he looked across the street again, but he could no longer spot the familiar silhouette.

Nah, I must be mistaken. This isn’t that near the office, and why would he come all the way here?

Yang Hyun-Kyung soon forgot about the familiar-looking back profile as a swam of customers inundated him.

Midday soon arrived, and Yang Hyun-Kyung headed back to the dormitory to have lunch.

However, a package had been waiting for him.

“Mr. Hyun-Kyung, someone asked me to give this to you.”

“What’s this?”

“Health supplements. It’s expensive stuff.”

Yang Hyun-Kyung took the paper bag from the vice branch manager and looked inside.

He saw large bottles of multivitamins in the paper bag.

Who would give this to me…?

Yang Hyun-Kyung checked out the bottle in a daze.

Just then, he recalled something that had happened earlier in the day and looked at his vice branch manager.

“Sir, how did the person you gave you this look like?”

“He looks kinda normal? Mid-to-late twenties, maybe?”

“I-is this him?”

Yang Hyun-Kyung hurriedly searched the Internet and showed him a picture.

The man took off his glasses and observed the picture for a bit before nodding.

“Yeah, that’s him. Wow, he’s a popular writer at Navin too? Are you guys related? How do you know him?”

“…!” Yang Hyun-Kyung choked, unable to reply. He felt overwhelmed, like having swallowed a huge block of steamed tofu. Tears filled his eyes, and he could only stare at the photo of Ha Jae-Gun on his phone.

“Mr. Hyun-Kyung, have some of your lunch. It’s getting cold.”

“Yes… yes, I’ll eat now.” Yang Hyun-Kyung started stuffing food down his throat.

His energy—which seemed to have been bottoming out—was revitalized. His appetite was even returning to him as well. He chewed his food with vigor after deciding that he had to get out of his hellish place as soon as possible.

***

“I feel more productive when Writer Ha is around; it’s great.”

“Same goes for me.” Ha Jae-Gun replied while typing away on his keyboard.

He came to the office after taking a look at how Yang Hyun-Kyung was doing, and he decided to work on his novel while he was in the office.

Kang Min-Ho wasn’t around as he had an appointment with his friend, so it was just Jang Eun-Young and Ha Jae-Gun in the office.

“You’re writing a new fantasy novel and publishing with Laugh Books this time, right? What is it about?”

Mm, it starts with the appearance of a dungeon on the continent. Killing the monsters in the dungeons drops items, so warriors from all over the world gather for the wealth and fame it could bring them.”

“Is the main character a warrior as well?”

“No, he is the son of a bankrupt merchant. He purchased a barren land near the dungeon and conducts business with the warriors.”

“That sounds interesting. Can you please let me take a peek once you’re done with the first chapter?”

“Sure,” Ha Jae-Gun replied and picked up his phone.

He saw that it was already past noon.

It would be better to give her a call before she goes for lunch.

Ha Jae-Gun wanted to call Jung So-Mi to commission her to work on his new fantasy novel‘s book cover and illustrations.

However, Oh Myung-Suk’s name appeared on his phone before he could call Jung So-Mi.

“Hello, Editor-in-chief.”

— Hello Mr. Ha. Have you had lunch?

.

“I was just about to.”

— Thank goodness. If you haven’t eaten yet, can we have lunch together?

Ah, um…” Ha Jae-Gun trailed off.

He looked at Jang Eun-Young’s back. He had already agreed to have lunch with her.

Ha Jae-Gun was about to reject it when Oh Myung-Suk continued,

— Director Woo Jae-Hoon said that he would like to treat you to a meal.

“The director?”

— Yes. He would like to apologize for the reckless behavior and would like to continue discussions about the copyright contract.

Ha Jae-Gun was bewildered and at a loss for words.

He knew that Oh Myung-Suk would not lie, but how and why did that high and mighty director choose to bow down?

— I’m sorry for asking you out at the last minute. If you can’t do it today, how about tomorrow or the day after…

“No, let’s meet today,” Ha Jae-Gun said and stood up from his seat. He didn’t want to push it further since he knew how much effort Oh Myung-Suk had put into this.

— Thank you, Mr. Ha. Where are you now? I will send my staff over to fetch you.

“I drove today, please tell me where to go, and I will make my way over.”

— We’ll be meeting at a Korean restaurant near Seonneung station. Will you be able to arrive by 2 p.m.?

“Definitely.”

— Okay, I’ve sent you the address via text. I’ll see you in a bit, Mr. Ha.

Ha Jae-Gun hung up. Then, he decided to inform Jang Eun-Young that she would have to eat lunch by herself before leaving the office.

Traffic was smooth today, so he managed to arrive at the destination ten minutes before 2 p.m.

Ha Jae-Gun arrived at the Korean restaurant that had occupied an entire three-story building. He parked at the parking lot and alighted to find Oh Myung-Suk and Woo Jae-Hoon approaching him.

“You’re here early, Mr. Ha,” Oh Myung-Suk smiled as he greeted Ha Jae-Gun first.

Woo Jae-Hoon bowed and said, “It’s an honor to meet you again, Mr. Ha. I apologize for my recklessness before.”

Ah… It’s alright. I was rude as well.” Ha Jae-Gun was perplexed at the sudden change in attitude. Why was Woo Jae-Hoon suddenly addressing him as Mr. Ha? What happened to Writer Ha?

“Shall we head in, then? Editor-in-chief and Mr. Ha.”

“Sure.”

The three held their conversation over a luxurious table of traditional Korean food.

There was a period of time when only Woo Jae-Hoon did the talking to apologize for his mistakes and previous attitude. His attitude took a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn.

“I’ve made the mistake of treating both the editor-in-chief and Mr. Ha. so recklessly after working in such a chaotic field for a long period of time. Hurhur, I hope you’ll understand…”

“It’s all good now, Director. We understand.” Oh Myung-Suk cut the man off. He was growing tired of listening to the long-winded apology, thinking that their lunch would soon turn into dinner if he were to allow him to continue on apologizing.

“Since we’re busy men, let’s cut straight to the chase. About that…” Oh Myung-Suk glanced at Ha Jae-Gun. ”I think we should resolve the issue about the scenario writer first. Director, are you able to hire a scenario writer who can satisfy Mr. Ha?”

“Ah, I was about to raise that issue myself as well.” Woo Jae-Hoon scratched the back of his head with a perplexed look and let out a sigh first before starting his piece.

“There is a scenario that suits me onsite. There is also a group of scenario writers who knows my working style very well. These are things that you will need to take into consideration and know of, Mr. Ha. There is no perfect scenario. There are times when we have to amend the scenario several times for a certain scene. It’s not some excuse because this is how film productions usually work.”

Ha Jae-Gun listened and nodded in response.

Woo Jae-Hoon looked at Ha Jae-Gun and Oh Myung-Suk for a moment before continuing earnestly, “I won’t be working on the scenario myself. However, I have a few writers whom I look favorably upon, can you choose someone among them?”

Ha Jae-Gun looked at Oh Myung-Suk, seemingly asking about his opinion.

Oh Myung-Suk nodded lightly, showing that it would be best to accept that offer at this point.

Ha Jae-Gun looked back at Jae-Hoon and asked, “Can we know more about the writers?”

Woo Jae-Hoon introduced their names and the movies that were made with their scenarios. Ha Jae-Gun didn’t know their names, but the movie titles that Woo Jae-Hoon had listed were all familiar to him.

“What do you think?” Woo Jae-Hoon asked after his introduction had ended. He drank from his glass to quench his parched throat while waiting for an answer.

Ha Jae-Gun soon came to a decision.

“It would be best if we could have Writer Baek Dong-Il on the team,” he said.

“Really?”

“Yes. I didn’t know his name until now, but I’ve watched all the movies made with his scenarios. I would be reassured that my novel is in good hands if we could get him on board.”

Woo Jae-Hoon smiled brightly, delighted at the news. “Ahahaha, I see. I’ll make sure to get him on the team. Wow, Mr. Ha. I’m really thankful that you made such a quick decision. Ahahahaha! Ugh, ahem…! I apologize for my loud voice…”

The discussion about the copyright contract ended on a good note. They had agreed that the publisher would draft the entire contract with its details listed out clearly.

Ha Jae-Gun didn’t probe any further about the contract because he knew that Oh Myung-Suk would do a good job on it.

After their lunch, the three of them bid goodbye at the parking lot before going on their own way.

Oh Myung-Suk bowed to the director first and said, “Please return safely, Director. Thank you once again for taking time out of your busy schedule.”

Aigoo, aigoo! No, no! I should be thankful that both of you have decided to join me at this meeting. Ahaha…!” Woo Jae-Hoon’s face turned red, and he started bowing lower than Myung-Suk.

Ha Jae-Gun cocked his head at the strange sight.

Why is he treating the editor-in-chief in this manner? He was such a haughty person before…

Woo Jae-Hoon was one of the top film directors in the local film industry, but what made him act this way toward a mere editor-in-chief of a publishing company?

The man had acted politely to Ha Jae-Gun as well, but Woo Jae-Hoon’s attitude was much more exaggerated today. Woo Jae-Hoon had been bowing and clasping his hands as if he were an apostle worshiping their god.

“I’ll be leaving first, then!” Woo Jae-Hoon exclaimed and pulled out of the parking lot first.

Oh Myung-Suk then turned to Ha Jae-Gun with a grin. “Ah, Mr. Ha. I haven’t shared the copyright fees with you yet. I’m thinking of getting up to two hundred million won.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s eyes widened.

Oh Myung-Suk had just told him a few days ago that the copyright fees of the local original novels in the mystery genre would cost around ten million won without additional provisions.

Of course, he did mention that Ha Jae-Gun would be able to expect a significantly higher amount since Summer in My 20s had turned into a bestseller.

Still, Ha Jae-Gun hadn’t been expecting to receive more than a hundred million won for the copyright contract.

Oh Myung-Suk’s asking price was double the ceiling of his expectation.

Chapter 93: Keep Barking At It (9)

 

“Is that possible?”

Ha Jae-Gun had to ask.

It was true that Summer in My 20s had become a bestseller, and it was true that he had been receiving a lot of attention from the public despite being a rookie writer.

However, Ha Jae-Gun thought that it was an astronomical amount compared to the market rate that had been longstanding in the industry.

Oh Myung-Suk chuckled and replied with confidence, “Definitely.”

It wasn’t the amount that got Ha Jae-Gun concerned since he had earned that same point through other channels as well. The Breath, amongst other fantasy novels that Ha Jae-Gun had written under the pseudonym Poongchun-Yoo, was already bringing him over a hundred million won in royalties every month.

“I must make sure we sell the copyright at two hundred million won. This would become another talking point for a while. This will also become a symbolic accolade in your career as well, Mr. Ha,” Oh Myung-Suk said with confidence once more.

He was aware of what Ha Jae-Gun was talking about.

Oh Myung-Suk had never once made a promise in his life that he couldn’t keep, aside from the promise he had made to his brother.

Ha Jae-Gun looked up at the sky and sighed. “I can’t even thank you now, Editor-in-chief. I think you’ve heard it too much, and it’s starting to trouble you.”

“Seems like we’re the same. I was quite concerned about it, actually.”

The men burst out into laughter.

The two of them headed off to grab a coffee, and the spring sun beat down on them, casting a long shadow on their trail.

***

“Can I do it?”

“What’s up with the sudden inferiority complex? I thought you wanted to do this. Are you pulling my leg? I’ve already bought the copyright.” Woo Jae-Hoon downed a shot of whisky neat.

Sitting across him on the cushy sofa was Park Do-Joon, and the two men were accompanied by ladies in captivating dresses on both sides.

They were in a private room frequented by people in the entertainment industry, and its business required no form of advertising or promotions, as its only channel to obtain new guests was through word of mouth through their regulars.

“Do-Joon oppa, why are you on such low energy today? Do you want to make a toast with me?” one of the ladies stuck next to Park Do-Joon and held her glass up to him.

Park Do-Joon shot her an annoyed glare and rejected her advances.

“Isn’t there anyone else asking for your company?”

“What? Are you asking me to leave?”

“Yeah, it’ll be great if you could,” Park Do-Joon replied nonchalantly and brought the glass in hand to his mouth.

The lady snorted and glared at him coldly before leaving the room.

Pouring a glass for Woo Jae-Hoon, Park Do-Joon asked, “Have you already decided on the actors for the other characters?”

“I’ve decided on most of the characters, except for the female lead and a few others.”

“Han Joo-Hee, right?”

“Yeah. We need someone intelligent with a fresh image but two-faced as well. She’s got to be good at acting, too. I don’t think it’s easy to look for someone like that through auditions.”

Park Do-Joon lowered his gaze to his glass and thought for a moment.

Park Do-Joon was definitely interested in acting in Summer in My 20s since he personally enjoyed the original novel, and it was also a new genre for him to challenge. On top of that, he was familiar with Woo Jae-Hoon’s working style since they had worked together for a couple of productions before.

However, his worries felt as heavy as the burden he felt since the original novel was such a huge hit. It would be expected that everyone who had read the novel before would want to watch the movie adaptation.

“Will my image fit with the main character?”

“Yes, it’s a perfect fit.”

“But I’m tall…”

“The main character’s height in the novel wasn’t mentioned. Hey, Park Do-Joon, Stop with all the nonsense and just make your decision. The distributor is hoping to premiere the movie before summer ends, so Dong-Il is anxiously working on the scenario right now.”

“Of course, he would.”

“We’ll be doing a site visit in Osaka to clear the scenes where Han Joo-Hee and Lee Ye-Ji went on their trip. Have you been to Tempozan before?”

“I haven’t been to anywhere else in Japan except for Tokyo.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and the door opened.

A waiter poked his head in, it was someone Park Do-Joon knew well.

“What is it?”

“We’ve got a new girl, so I wanted to introduce her to you.”

Park Do-Joon didn’t look too interested, as his mind was currently occupied with matters about the movie, and it was on the verge of exploding.

If it hadn’t been for Woo Jae-Hoon, he wouldn’t have come here in the first place.

“Just send her in; why bother asking that every time?” Unlike Park Do-Joon, Woo Jae-Hoon welcomed the girls with open arms. At the sight, the woman next to him sulked and moved away from him.

The waiter sniggered and signaled to the lady outside to come in.

A lady in a wine-colored dress walked in with her head slightly lowered.

“H-hello…”

“Look up for a bit, I can’t see your face properly.”

The lady bowed slightly and looked up as instructed.

Woo Jae-Hoon’s eyes widened in admiration when he saw her flushed face.

“Hey, you’ll look even prettier without make-up on. What’s your name?”

“My name is Kim Na-Yeon. It’s my first day today.”

“I see. Go take a seat there.”

Kim Na-Yeon hesitated, but she eventually sat down a short distance away from Park Do-Joon. Park Do-Joon had yet to take a proper look at Kim Na-Yeon’s face.

“Shall I fill your glass?” Kim Na-Yeon asked and slowly reached out for the bottle on the table.

Just as her fingers touched the glass in Park Do-Joon’s hand, Park Do-Joon frowned and looked at her, annoyed.

“I will pour it myself—” Park Do-Joon stopped mid-sentence, and his gaze met with Kim Na-Yeon’s gaze, who was taken aback by his sudden outburst and was leaning away out of fear.

“What… is your name?”

“Kim Na-Yeon.”

Park Do-Joon went agape, stunned by her beauty. The ladies working in this establishment had outstanding beauty like her, but she had a strange appeal that he couldn’t quite describe.

She’s really pretty.

Park Do-Joon had to acknowledge Woo Jae-Hoon’s keen eye.

He agreed with Woo Jae-Hoon—she would look much prettier without make-up.

Park Do-Joon signaled to the waiter. “Tae-Sung.”

“Yes, hyung.” The waiter walked up to Park Do-Joon with his hands gathered in front of him in the shape of a bowl.

Park Do-Joon took out his wallet and pulled out a cashier’s check worth a million won. However, he didn’t just pull out one cashier’s check, but one, two, three, four, and five…

The waiter, Tae-Sung, gulped as he watched Park Do-Joon pull so many checks out one by one.

“Bring me a Royal 38 Years, and I’m keeping her here tonight. You can keep the rest.”

These ladies could jump to other rooms unless a guest specifically wanted to keep them in their room, and keeping a lady in the room tonight meant that she wasn’t allowed to entertain other guests and could only stay in this room.

“You’re okay with it, right?”

Kim Na-Yeon nodded silently.

Park Do-Joon put out his glass, and Kim Na-Yeon added ice and alcohol into it before handing it back to him with both hands.

“Director, where did we stop?” Park Do-Joon asked, sounding energetic. He chuckled to himself upon realizing that he was still a man, after all. His confidence was coming back to him with a beautiful woman accompanying him.

***

[Movie adaptation of the bestselling novel, Summer in My 20s, scheduled to premiere this summer.]

[Popular actor Park Do-Joon cast as the male lead for Summer in My 20s (Working title). Who will be the female lead?]

[Sales of the original novel, Summer in My 20s, confirmed for a movie adaptation, are soaring. Soon hitting 1 million copies sold.]

[Newdon, a distribution investor, ‘Production fee expected to be over 50 billion won.’]

[Writer Ha Jae-Gun’s copyright fee is a whopping 200 million won?]

Park Do-Joon…?

All signs of drowsiness disappeared on Ha Jae-Gun’s face.

After working all night on his novel, he ended up waking to a lazy afternoon.

Ha Jae-Gun was enjoying a cup of coffee and was catching up on the news related to Summer in My 20s online. Amidst the many headlines was the name Park Do-Joon, and it was a name that caught his attention.

I remember seeing him somewhere before—Ah!

Ha Jae-Gun snapped his fingers upon recalling the night when he did the radio broadcast for Writer’s Night at the broadcasting station. He recalled picking up the phone that Park Do-Joon had left in the washroom. He was even offered a can of beverage as thanks.

Seems like he’s quite popular. So he’s going to be the male lead.

Ha Jae-Gun had already moved on from everything related to Summer in My 20s.

The issue with the scenario writer had been resolved, and Oh Myung-Suk had also transferred him the two hundred million won copyright fee as promised. In other words, whatever happened afterward was no longer Ha Jae-Gun’s concern.

Oh, he has been in the industry for quite some time. And he’s the same age as I am…

Ha Jae-Gun started reading Park Do-Joon’s profile. It was natural for him to be interested in the actor since Park Do-Joon was cast as the male lead of his novel.

He even wanted to watch the movies and dramas that Park Do-Joon was cast.

Bzzt!

Just then, Ha Jae-Gun’s phone rang; it was from Oh Myung-Suk.

Ha Jae-Gun stopped reading and answered the call, “Hello, Editor-in-chief.”

— Hello, Mr. Ha. Have you read the news today?

“Yes, I was just reading them. I heard that Park Park o-Joon…

— He’s a great actor, and he’s popular as well. His height is on the taller side, but I think he will still be able to do a good job portraying the male lead in the novel.

“That would be great…”

— I have some things to tell you today. Firstly, Director Woo Jae-Hoon is requesting your attendance at the movie press conference.

“Movie press conference? Isn’t that focusing more on the director and actors?”

— Well, Summer in My 20s is still quite popular as a book, so it’s not uncommon for the authors of a popular original novel to appear in its movie premiere press conference. Are you okay with that?

“Sure, I can do that.”

— Another thing, there’s a request from EBC Channel inviting you to appear in the show, A Writer’s Study. You know of that show, right?

Ah, yes. I’ve watched it a couple of times.” Ha Jae-Gun nodded.

He had watched the show a few times before when the writers he liked appeared in the show. If Ha Jae-Gun’s memories were serving him correctly, then the host would go to the writers’ house to look around the place and talk with them briefly.

Afterward, the show would be held in a filming studio where there would be a talk segment with a panel.

— The impact of this invitation is incomparable with any radio show. It’s fine if you don’t attend the movie press conference, but I hope you’ll take up the TV show.

Oh Myung-Suk pushed ahead even before he could hear Ha Jae-Gun’s reply.

Ha Jae-Gun looked around at his studio, which still looked the same as it had been last year. He then asked carefully, “I’m still living in a studio, though. There’s nothing much in my so-called study except for a table. Is there anything to talk about in such a shabby place like this?”

Oh Myung-Suk burst out into laughter.

— I like how it is right now.

“Really? How?”

— Imagine what the viewers would say. They’ll think, why is an author who had written so many hit novels living in a cramped studio? Wow, so the environment doesn’t affect him at all. He’s really a hardworking, humble, and incredible person, etc… I think it’ll be great.

“I see… All right. Since you said so, then I’ll do it.”

Ha Jae-Gun talked for a while more with Oh Myung-Suk before finally hanging up. He prepared Rika’s meal and was about to make a pot of ramyun for himself when another call came in.

The call was from Kwon Tae-Won.

“Hello, President Kwon.”

— I saw the news! Park Do-Joon is going to be the male lead of your novel? Your novel’s popularity is already soaring sky-high, and your movie is going to be a huge hit as well.

Haha, we’ll have to see how it goes.”

— Ah, and I’ve just contacted Ms. So-Mi. She said you’d be paying her for the illustrations out of your own pocket?

Ah, that’s right. There are quite a number of illustrations, actually.”

— Don’t do that. If others hear that a writer of your caliber is actually paying for the illustrations out of your own pocket, I’m going to get cursed out. Laugh Books will be handling all of that. I’ve talked it out with her, we’ll be commissioning her 300,000 won for the cover, and her black-and-white illustrations will be at 100,000 won each.

“I’m sorry, it’s my dream to insert many illustrations for my novel.”

— You don’t have to be sorry. Ah, we will be printing physical copies of the novel as well since we’ve already rented a warehouse. I’m planning to print it together with The Breath, so I’ll let you know again.

“Sure.”

— Oh, right, I almost forgot, but have you decided on a title for your novel?

Mm… About that…” Ha Jae-Gun trailed off and looked at his bowl of ramyun, which was turning cold. It was a first-world problem that he would always encounter whenever he had a new novel.

“What do you think of Dungeon’s Trader King?”

— Hmm, do you have anything else?

“What about I’m Running a Business in a Dungeon?”

— It’ll sound like a light novel if the title is a sentence. Do you have something else?

“‘My Customers are Warriors’?”

— Um, Writer Ha. I think I’ll brainstorm a few titles and come back to you again.

“Okay, thank you for your help.”

After hanging up, Ha Jae-Gun sighed deeply and picked up his chopsticks.

Once again, he realized that he had zero talent for naming his novels.

He started eating his soggy ramyun as if he were a lifeless robot.

***

“What? Really?”

— Yes, I received the final volume manuscript and found it strange. This is a mistake, right?

Deputy Lee was in shock while on a call with a warehouse employee. She flinched and looked around the office, but she was relieved to see that no one else was around.

Ah, okay. I’ll give you a call back soon.”

Deputy Lee ended the call in a hurry and looked for Jung So-Mi.

She finally found Jung So-Mi, who had just stepped out of the washroom.

“Ms. So-Mi, let’s talk for a bit.”

“Sure, Sis.”

“Let’s go somewhere else.”

.

Deputy Lee pulled Jung So-Mi along to the deserted emergency exit stairway, and Jung So-Mi found the former’s actions quite out of the norm.

After checking that there was no one around them, Deputy Lee started.

“You’re in charge of Football Round, right?”

“Huh? Yes, what about it?”

“I received a call that the final volume wasn’t marked with that mark!”

Jung So-Mi’s face turned pale instantly in horror.

Was it partly due to the continued mental attacks that she had been receiving from her editor-in-chief that he couldn’t enjoy her work these days? In addition, it was her first time making such a huge mistake.

“I’m sorry, Sis…! I must have been out of my mind… what should I do?”

“The solution is to recall the entire batch, but since we’re going to suffer a huge loss if we were to do that, we would have to do something about it. Leave it to me.”

“W-what are you going to do?”

“I’ll have to add a gilt. Remove the cover and don’t print the mark, just emboss the gilt on it. Our loss probably won’t hit a million won if we do that.”

Deputy Lee patted the shoulder of the fear-stricken Jung So-Mi.

“Thankfully, we found out before the books were delivered because we can still find a solution for it. Don’t worry too much, it might just end with us writing an apology report on it at the most.”

Jung So-Mi was at a loss for words and buried her head in her hands, nodding silently.

If it hadn’t been for Deputy Lee, she would have already left her hellish days in this office. She had been crying more frequently and had been finding herself more pathetic recently.

Deputy Lee skillfully resolved the issue at hand for her, as she had been in the industry for quite a while now and had experienced such things several times before.

However, Deputy Lee’s help didn’t mean that Jung So-Mi was saved. She was still in pain, and she fidgeted in her seat as if her seat had become a needle cushion.

On that fateful afternoon, the editor-in-chief, Park Kyung-Wook, returned to the office with a straight face from a business trip.

Jung So-Mi trembled at the sound of his footsteps alone; a sense of foreboding enveloped her as she felt Park Kyung-Wook’s presence towering over her from behind.

“Where did you leave your brain at?”

Park Kyung-Wook threw a book onto Jung So-Mi’s desk. The book had the words—final volume—printed in gilt on its cover.

Jung So-Mi stood up and turned around.

Her lips were trembling as she said, “I’m really sorry. I’ll make sure not to make the same mistake again.”

“No, you don’t have to do that anymore.”

“Sorry?” Jung So-Mi’s eyes widened in shock.

Park Kyung-Wook snorted and loosened his necktie in frustration.

He glared at her and said, “Ms. So-Mi, shouldn’t you just leave?”

Chapter 94: Keep Barking At It (10)

 

“…?!”

Jung So-Mi’s heart sank. She barely managed to endure the endless mocking from Park Kyung-Wook since the bun-haired girl situation, but the words she heard just now from Park Kyung-Wook were different.

Park Kyung-Wook was blatantly asking her to resign.

“Can’t you see that the company is in a mess because of you? The writers are leaving us one by one, our sales are dropping, and you’re just spending company money on entertaining the writers when there’s nothing else going on. Now you’re spending money just to add gilts of the final volume mark on the book covers? How dare you!”

Jung So-Mi’s head drooped as she trembled. Indeed, she had committed a mistake, and she was extremely apologetic for it. However, everything else that Park Kyung-Wook had mentioned wasn’t her fault. Angry tears threatened to roll down her face as all the blame was pushed onto her.

She would never boast that she was the best, but she had definitely worked hard. The continuous overtime had pushed the limits of her stamina, and she had been doing her best to clear the enormous workload assigned to her.

As for the company money she had spent to meet writers, it was a measly 14,000 won.

That brat…!

Deputy Lee was trembling in fury while cursing Park Kyung-Wook.

She couldn’t bear seeing Jung So-Mi shaking like an aspen tree.

Sigh, who else can I trust to lead the editing team?” Park Kyung-Wook returned to his seat, shaking his head, expressing his disappointment.

Jung So-Mi wasn’t moving, so Park Kyung-Wook glared at her and said, “Edit Rooftop Necromancer volumes 1 and 2 by tomorrow.”

“…” Jung So-Mi remained silent.

Deputy Lee turned pale. The title that Park Kyung-Wook had just mentioned had never been edited. Assigning four editors to a single volume wouldn’t even guarantee that it would be completed in a day. Park Kyung-Wook’s impossible instruction meant that he really wanted to fire her.

“Ms. Jung So-Mi, did you not hear me?”

“I… understand.”

“You understand? Ha, seriously.”

Park Kyung-Wook picked up his coat and left the office. He decided to leave because his father—Park Jae-Gook—the President of Star Books wasn’t around.

What was he doing these days that he wasn’t in the office for most of the day?

“Ms. So-Mi, what are you going to do?” Deputy Lee scooted over to Jung So-Mi when Park Kyung-Wook finally left.

Jung So-Mi squeezed a smile and replied, “I’ll have to work overtime, of course. My home computer isn’t fast enough to handle a lot of things, so I have to stay here and work overtime.”

“How will you be able to complete this alone?” asked Deputy Ko while scratching his head.

He had always been bootlicking the editor-in-chief and neglecting Jung So-Mi as well as the other employees, but it seemed he still had a bottom line, seeing how he couldn’t bear to overlook the current situation.

“Ms. So-Mi, should I help you out for a bit?”

“Oh my, what brings you here?”

“We can help each other out since we’re on the same team. I’ve also been receiving lots of help from Ms. So-Mi for quite a while…”

Her colleagues peeked their heads up from behind their partitions as well.

“I’ll help too.”

“Deputy Yoon, too? Did you finish Vampire Maid?”

“I’ll be done in two hours. Ms. So-Mi, just treat me to a meal next time, alright?”

Jung So-Mi started crying buckets while facing the floor. She was filled with overwhelming gratitude toward her colleagues.

“What a crybaby. Are you not going to stop crying?” Deputy Lee patted Jung So-Mi’s head, consoling the younger girl.

Jung So-Mi looked up after a while with her tear-stained face. She smiled brightly and shook her head before saying, “I’ll just do it on my own.”

“Ms. So-Mi…”

“It’ll be finished by tomorrow morning if everyone helps me, but it’s just a stop-gap. I think I have to complete this on my own regardless of the result. I’m really thankful to everyone for the offer, but I have to do this on my own.”

Jung So-Mi’s words pulled everyone back to reality.

They realized that there was nothing they could do to help her.

The ensuing silence seemed to depict the true colors of the working society.

~

Tadadak! Tadadadak! Tadak!

Jung So-Mi stayed back alone in the dark office, struggling with her work. It was already 8 p.m., and everyone else had already gone home. The only noise that could be heard in the office was the sound of her keyboard.

“Ms. So-Mi, stop working and come with me.”

“…?!” Jung So-Mi was caught off guard and looked up.

She saw a gloomy Park Kyung-Wook staring at her.

“Grab your bag with you; let’s go have dinner.”

“I’m fine, I’m not hungry.”

“I overreacted earlier. Let’s have a meal and talk about the things that have been happening in the team.”

Jung So-Mi was perplexed by the sudden change in Park Kyung-Wook’s attitude.

“It’s going to be quick.”

To be honest, she didn’t want to eat with him. She had long heard of the encounters Deputy Lee had with the editor-in-chief, but this was a job she valued, and he was still her boss.

Jung So-Mi was new to the working society, and she ended up following his instructions.

Park Kyung-Wook brought Jung So-Mi to a fusion Japanese restaurant located at the building arcade. He didn’t bother asking for Jung So-Mi’s preference and ordered a tuna platter as an accompaniment to some sake.

“Have a glass.”

“No, I won’t be able to work if I drink.”

“How are you going to complete all of that by tomorrow? I said it out of anger, so just forget about it. Here.”

Jung So-Mi could not refute and ended up accepting the offer.

Jung So-Mi glanced at Park Kyung-Wook and realized that he was already drunk because his face was flushed red. She didn’t see it earlier since it was dark in the office.

“Ms. So-Mi, you should be more flexible at work,” Park Kyung-Wook said as he poured sake into an empty cup.

“Flexibility and working smart are important. I know that you’re a diligent worker, Ms. So-Mi, but you aren’t flexible enough. Well, it’s just your first year in the working society, so let’s close one eye on that. Mm, I know that.”

Park Kyung-Wook suddenly reached over and grabbed Jung So-Mi’s hand.

Jung So-Mi froze at his sudden action.

“Why are your hands so cold…? You should wear gloves while working in the office. If you’re uncomfortable with anything, just let me know, okay?”

Jung So-Mi felt a shiver down her spine, and she finally realized that Park Kyung-Wook’s change of attitude earlier was just a facade.

Jung So-Mi trembled, and she felt as if there were ants crawling all over her.

Park Kyung-Wook reached out with his other hand and massaged her hands.

“Shall we finish up here and go for a second round? I know of a bar with good vibes. Now that I thought about it, I don’t really know much about you aside from work. Hahaha.

Just then, her phone left on the table started vibrating.

The name on the screen caught Jung So-Mi’s attention.

The words Ha Jae-Gun were reflected into her eyes and was engraved on her mind.

~

“What are you doing now? You’re an editor.”

“Please turn me into canned food.”

“That’s doable. It’s slightly small, but let’s go.”

“You draw quite well, so why do you say that you have no talent in it? Aren’t you too harsh on yourself?”

~

Writer Ha…!

Like stars in the sky, Ha Jae-Gun’s face and voice shone brightly in her mind. The ants that had been crawling all over her disappeared as her courage grew stronger upon being reminded that Ha Jae-Gun was on her side.

Jung So-Mi immediately regained strength in her fingers.

Crack!

Owwww!” Park Kyung-Wook screamed in pain and looked up.

Customers looked at them in shock, and Jung So-Mi stood up after twisting his fingers.

Oww,

Ms. So-Mi! Why did you suddenly—” Park Kyung-Wook quickly wrapped his fingers and staggered up.

 

Jung So-Mi bit her lips and glared at him before slapping him across the face.

Slap!

Hick?!

Park Kyung-Wook saw stars as his head was forcibly turned to one side.

However, Jung So-Mi wasn’t done just yet. She wasn’t wearing her usual sneakers, so her pointy heels did additional damage when she kicked Park Kyung-Wook in the shin.

Puck!

Arrrrrgh…!” Park Kyung-Wook collapsed on her knees.

The customers weren’t just watching them anymore.

They had already stood up at their tables to watch Jung So-Mi’s counterattack.

“Do you have nothing else to do at your age? You don’t even do anything at work, yet you dare to act condescendingly just because you’re the president’s son. You’re so incompetent that I’m ashamed to call you editor-in-chief. Do you have any idea how much I’ve been struggling to call you that title?!”

“W-what are you…?!” Park Kyung-Wook rubbed his cheek and shin. He was stunned by the sudden outrage, and he looked up at Jung So-Mi with an incredulous look. It seemed that he felt as if he were in a dream.

Jung So-Mi had always been obedient and a pushover, so he didn’t expect that she would fight back.

Oh, there’s something you do. You’re always flirting with the female employees at the office. Thank you for letting me resign with peace of mind, and please get a grip. Please work on editing your character first rather than the novels.”

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Someone stood up to give her a round of applause.

He was a fellow office worker wearing a long necktie. The nearby drunk office workers also cheered and clapped for her. It seemed that Jung So-Mi had just popped a stress cider for them.

“Good luck at work, and enjoy the rest of your tuna.”

Jung So-Mi picked up her bag and left the restaurant.

A drunk diner stumbled over to Park Kyung-Wook, who was still lying on the floor. They slapped Park Kyung-Wook’s lips and cursed at him for a while before finally pouring alcohol over his head.

Blegh! What are you…” Park Kyung-Wook yelled and grabbed the other party by their collar.

Meanwhile, Jung So-Mi was already walking down the streets of Seoul with confident strides. She decided that she wouldn’t be afraid of anything anymore.

Jung So-Mi’s pace didn’t slow down as she imagined Ha Jae-Gun waiting for her at the end of this road.

***

The filming of A Writer’s Study from EBC Channel started in Ha Jae-Gun’s one-room apartment. His room was tiny, so it was exceptionally crowded today.

EBC’s announcer and show host, Park Hye-Sang, and her producer as well as their staffers were in the room, along with Oh Myung-Suk. There were also passersby gathering around the entourage of vehicles parked outside the building.

As the face of EBC Channel, Park Hye-Sang’s intellectual beauty permeated with her elegant dress and charming voice. Park Hye-Sang was the face of EBC Channel, and she was an intellectual beauty sporting an elegant dress.

Her voice was charming as well as she asked, “When did you start writing?”

Ha Jae-Gun was sitting across from her. Ha Jae-Gun felt a bit overwhelmed because of Park Hye-Sang’s beauty and the surrounding cameras, but he still managed to answer her question.

“Aside from school work, my first work was probably back in middle school Year 1.”

“What was it about? Was it a novel as well?”

“You could say that… It was a martial arts novel featuring some of my classmates from back then. It was set in a modern-day school, unlike in the Central Plains like the typical martial arts stories. I liked the movie Volcano High a lot back then. Do you know that movie?”

Park Hye-Sang smiled and nodded. “Yes. It was quite an innovative movie at the time.”

“Yes. My novel was a parody of that movie, but it should actually be called a copy of it. I was excited about writing it when my seat partner asked me to read it one day. They said it was interesting and kept laughing while reading it. Soon, all of my classmates ended up reading it as well…”

Park Hye-Sang and everyone else in the room chuckled.

“I was happy to see my friends enjoying it. They were also my first readers, so I continued writing. Most people would draw cartoon characters and pass them around, but since I’m not good at drawing, I chose to write instead.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s nervousness disappeared as time went on. To be honest, the interview didn’t feel that different compared to his interview with Navin last year for Foolish Woman.

“Let’s take a fifteen-minute break.”

Oh Myung-Suk and Ha Jae-Gun stepped outside for a while during the break. With a cup of coffee in each of their hands, they started talking while hanging out behind the quiet building.

“It’s just a twenty-minute segment, but there are a lot of questions. The questions are getting longer as well.”

“This is normal. However, it’ll still end in an hour, so please hang in there for a while more, Mr. Ha.”

However, the interview wasn’t the end of it. Ha Jae-Gun still had to do a recording for the remaining thirty-minute segment of the show on another day. The recording will probably take even longer than today’s session.

“Oh, Mr. Ha. Have you already heard of the panelists?”

“Yes, have they been decided?” asked Ha Jae-Gun as he brought the cup to his mouth.

However, Oh Myung-Suk’s answer almost made him spit his coffee.

Chapter 95. Keep Barking At It (11)

“It’s been decided that AppleT’s Chae-Rin will be part of the panel.”

Ha Jae-Gun wiped his wet lips.

He stared incredulously at Oh Myung-Suk.

“Why her?”

“They must have thought it was appropriate to get her on the show. After all, she had mentioned a few of your novels on her own social media and even came to get your autograph from you personally. On top of that, her reputation as a literature-loving idol is exceptionally strong as well. They must have thought that getting her on board would bring about lots of discussions.”

Ha Jae-Gun tilted his head, unable to understand Oh Myung-Suk’s explanation.

Even if Chae-Rin liked literature, she was still a member of a popular idol group. There were heaps of TV programs that she could participate in to increase her popularity, so why would she choose to appear in an educational program?

Plus, the viewership of A Writer’s Study was not that great. To be honest, Ha Jae-Gun couldn’t help but feel that something was off.

Oh Myung-Suk continued. “I’m not sure who the writer was, but there was another time when a member of Girl’s Era became a panelist.”

“Oh, really?”

“That’s right.”

“Wouldn’t it be natural for her to agree to go on the show when she likes your novels? Since she had recommended your novels and even went to get your autograph.”

Just then, a staff member appeared from the other side of the building and said, “Mr. Ha, we’re about to resume recording.”

“Yes, I’ll be there soon.”

The recording resumed immediately upon Ha Jae-Gun’s return.

By the time they were done with the recording, the sky was already dyed a brilliant orange. Ha Jae-Gun sighed as he wiped the sweat off of his forehead.

“You’ve worked hard, Mr. Ha. This is the script for the studio recording.”

“Thank you.” Ha Jae-Gun accepted the thick file of paper from the staffer.

“Please prepare to recommend a novel from another writer, which is to be brought up at the end of the segment. It doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite novel or a novel that you’ve found impressive recently.”

“Okay, I’ll make sure to prepare one.”

The staff then hurried to clear the mess in Ha Jae-Gun’s apartment. Park Hye-Sang—who was talking with the producer a distance away—stole glances at Ha Jae-Gun.

When their eyes met, Park Hye-Sang smiled sheepishly and bowed lightly.

“The place got quiet relatively quickly.” Oh Myung-Suk started.

The staffers had already departed.

“What are your plans now, Mr. Ha?”

“I’ll be heading to the office in Bucheon. I’ll have to finish the new fantasy novel I’m currently writing.”

Oh Myung-Suk nodded in surprise and admiration.

Ha Jae-Gun hesitated at Oh Myung-Suk’s reaction. By now, Ha Jae-Gun had learned more about Oh Myung-Suk, and as a writer, he had a question for him.

However, Oh Myung-Suk was a step quicker.

“I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned this to you in passing before. You’re an incredible writer, Mr. Ha. It’s not easy for anyone to be able to grasp both the exciting fantasy world and the literary world so well.”

“Do you like fantasy novels, too?”

Oh Myung-Suk shrugged as if Ha Jae-Gun had asked a weird question.

“Well, it’s just a genre, so how could I like or dislike any genre? Of course, I can always point out the good and bad areas of each novel, but just because they’re fantasy novels doesn’t mean that I should be narrow-minded and ignore the entire genre altogether.”

“It’s great to hear that from you.”

“We should agree in different aspects and not fight over which is superior to the other. In fact, I personally enjoy martial art novels a lot.”

“Really?”

Oh Myung-Suk looked up to the sky and laughed out loud. “Did you really think that I’ll only read literary novels? I love Writer Yong Dae-Won’s novels. Plus, the rate of his serialization had increased as well.”

Oh Myung-Suk then winked at Ha Jae-Gun.

“I enjoyed Writer Poongchun-Yoo’s Records of the Murim Master a lot. I even bought the book and want to get your autograph on it later as well. You are close to him, right? Please help me get his autograph.” Oh Myung-Suk teased.

Ha Jae-Gun looked down at his feet and laughed. He felt weird to have discovered a new side to Oh Myung-Suk, but he also felt that they had grown closer together.

“Oh, right, I should take my leave now. I’m afraid I’ll take up more of your time. I’ll see you at the broadcasting station next time.”

“Please drive safely.”

After sending Oh Myung-Suk away, Ha Jae-Gun left for the office in Bucheon with Rika.

Kang Min-Ho was struggling at his desk as Demon Lord Returns was almost coming to an end. His level of concentration was so high that he didn’t even realize Ha Jae-Gun had arrived.

Ha Jae-Gun quietly went to his desk, not wanting to disturb him. It was only when Rika appeared in the corner of his eyes that Kang Min-Ho finally looked up.

“When did you arrive, Writer Ha?!”

“Just a while ago. You were very focused on your novel. Do you not have any stockpile?”

“No, it’s just strange that things are coming to me smoother as I reach the end of the novel. I’m planning on completing it as soon as possible and start working on my next novel.”

“That’s awesome.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Writer Ha.”

“Where is Writer Eun-Young?”

“She went out to buy side dishes. She said Naughty Roommate was performing well, and since both Writer Ha and President Kwon were coming, she wanted to treat everyone to a good dinner.”

Kang Min-Ho and Ha Jae-Gun enjoyed a cuppa while talking to each other.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The door lock chime interrupted them, and the door opened shortly.

Kwon Tae-Won’s face appeared from behind the door.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled and greeted him. “Why do you look so happy? You seem to have struck the lottery.”

“Yes, I struck the lottery…”

“Huh?”

“We have a very pretty, cute, and diligent new employee. I brought her along with me, can I introduce them to all of you?”

Ha Jae-Gun was stunned.

Kang Min-Ho quickly looked at the mirror and started tidying up his messy hair.

Kwon Tae-Won opened the door wide, revealing the new employee standing at the door.

“Ms. So-Mi…?!” Ha Jae-Gun blurted out in surprise.

The new employee was none other than Jung So-Mi. Like any other day, Jung So-Mi was wearing a checkered top, jeans and sneakers, and a backpack. She smiled shyly at them.

“Hello, I’m Deputy Jung So-Mi from Laugh Books. I’m looking forward to working with you two,” Jung So-Mi introduced herself with vigor and bowed at a deep ninety-degree angle.

She turned to look at the stunned Ha Jae-Gun and chuckled. “I got promoted to deputy, hehe.”

“Did you… resign from Star Books?”

Jung So-Mi nodded.

There was no further explanation from Kwon Tae-Won either. Sensing that the silence meant that he would hear more from either of them in the future, Ha Jae-Gun decided not to probe any further.

“Oh my, Ms. So-Mi is here too?” Jang Eun-Young asked in surprise as she appeared from behind Kwon Tae-Won and Jung So-Mi.

Jung So-Mi took some of the bags from Jang Eun-Young and said, “Hello, Writer Jang. I’m a Laugh Books employee from now on. I’ll be handling romance novels, including your novel. I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“I’m happy to hear that you’ll be the editor in charge of my novel.”

“Don’t be too happy just yet. I’ll be dropping by the office often, and I’ll can you guys often as well.”

“I’ll prepare a delicious meal for you, so please go easy on me. Clever of me to buy extra food back~ Please wait for a while more, everyone.”

Kanh Min-Ho rolled up his sleeves and went to help Jang Eun-Young. “How many did you buy? OMG, five?! Are you going to cook them all?”

“Of course, and they aren’t really that huge.”

“Wait, do we even have a pot that can them all?”

While the pair was preparing dinner, Ha Jae-Gun and Kwon Tae-Won headed to the end of the corridor.

Kwon Tae-Won explained what happened while Ha Jae-Gun was busy.

The expression on Ha Jae-Gun’s stiffened as he listened.

“…I only found out after receiving a call from Deputy Lee as well. She said Ms. So-Mi walked over on her own after getting struck with fear. She even added that the editor-in-chief from Star Books had threatened that he wouldn’t let her off so easily.”

“So how did it get resolved?”

“I contacted the owner of the restaurant, of course. I’ve been a regular there since my days with Star Books, and I know them quite well, so it was easy to communicate with them. I called Star Books, saying that I got the CCTV recordings, and they yielded immediately. The guy would have been in bigger trouble if it were escalated into a sexual harassment case.”

Kwon Tae-Won sighed as he looked at the darkening sky outside.

“I had no idea that something like that was happening to her, and she hasn’t told me about it. If I knew, I would have asked her to join Laugh Books much earlier. However, it’s great to hear that everything has already been resolved.”

“Yeah…” Ha Jae-Gun agreed softly as he grew more apologetic toward Jung So-Mi.

Even if Ha Jae-Gun didn’t know since Jung So-Mi had never brought it up, it didn’t mean that she wasn’t feeling quite depressed.

He felt pity for Jung So-Mi, who had never lost her smile despite the adversity.

“Oh, I haven’t told you about Writer Yang yet.” Kwon Tae-Won snapped his fingers, changing the topic of their conversation and the atmosphere.

“He has sent over all the chapters up until the end of the novel.”

“Really? Then, what is he doing right now?”

“He’s drafting a new novel. He said he’d send the draft over to me once he’s written about 50,000 characters. He said he wants to continue working at the gas station, and he’s gotten quite used to it as well.”

“Did you not ask him to return to the office?”

Kwon Tae-Won leaned back as he broke into a laugh. “This is your office, Writer Ha, what right do I have to do something like that? Anyway, I have to go to the washroom, so please excuse me.”

All left alone, Ha Jae-Gun whipped out his phone. He was about to send a message, but he decided against it and pressed the dial button instead.

Yang Hyun-Kyung answered the call a few seconds later.

— W-writer Ha…?

“How are you doing?”

Only silence returned from Hyun-Kyung’s end.

Ha Jae-Gun waited patiently for his reply.

He could hear people talking and moving around busily in the background.

— I’ve been taking the health supplements you sent. Thanks to you, I’m doing pretty well.

Ha Jae-Gun looked around the corridor to see if there was anyone else around and scratched the back of his head. The scent of delicious food was already wafting in the air through the ajar door.

“Are you done with your shift?”

— Yes, I worked the morning shift today.

“You haven’t had dinner yet, right? Writer Jang is making a large pot of boiled duck with rice, so come here. Let’s eat.”

— I’m too ashamed to…

“If you don’t come here in thirty minutes, I’ll go on your novel and start leaving bad comments on it. Goodbye.”

— W-writer Ha?!

Ha Jae-Gun ended the call and started helping the others set the table for dinner.

After roughly fifteen minutes, Yang Hyun-Kyung appeared in the office with a flushed face. He was panting heavily, and it was obvious that he ran all the way here.

Kang Min-Ho was the first to greet him with a surprised smile.

“Oh my, who is this? Our resident financier is back,” he teased.

“Writer Ha threatened to put bad comments on my novel if I didn’t come for dinner…”

Everyone burst into laughter at Yang Hyun-Kyung’s explanation, but no one really asked any questions. There was no need for any more words either. Their dinner preparations had sped up with Yang Hyun-Kyung’s help.

‘He should be able to relax now.’

It was all water under the bridge. What was most important was tomorrow. Ha Jae-Gun had a lot to say to Jung So-Mi, but he decided to bury his questions for now, afraid that he would affect the friendly atmosphere at the dinner table.

***

The out-of-place gears finally found their places one by one.

The writers’ office had become livelier than ever.

Yang Hyun-Kyung had left his hellish dormitory at the gas station and returned to the office, while Jung So-Mi, who was now a Laugh Books employee, would appear at the office once every two days.

“Writer Ha, would you like to take a look at the draft of the illustration for the third volume of Oscar’s Dungeon?”

“This looks good. Nothing looks off. Please go ahead with this.”

Oscar’s Dungeon.

The title for Ha Jae-Gun’s latest fantasy novel had been decided.

Everyone had been brainstorming on the title for a while, but they couldn’t find a fitting title. Somehow, Jung So-Mi suggested using the main character’s name as part of the title, and Ha Jae-Gun immediately agreed because he was getting tired of thinking of a good title for his new novel.

The progress afterward was rather quick, and the one who played the largest role was definitely Jung So-Mi.

Jung So-Mi meticulously edited the five volumes that Ha Jae-Gun had submitted and quickly drew the covers for each of those volumes—including five to six black-and-white illustrations per volume.

Tomorrow, they would publish up to volume two.

“This novel is better as a physical book,” Ha Jae-Gun commented as he looked through the illustrations. “The services provided for each platform are different, so there are times when the illustrations would look distorted or couldn’t be inserted midway through the chapters. This is a dream of mine, so I wish to publish this as a physical book instead of focusing on maximizing profits.”

“I understand. I will let the president know.” Jung So-Mi pulled out her phone and returned to her desk.

Ha Jae-Gun returned to his monitor and sighed. He got stuck on the story’s development from the sixth volume. He had some ideas in mind, but he still had some doubts.

‘Let’s take it slow. It’s not like I’m working on another novel currently; plus, I still have a lot of time.’

At around 3 p.m., Ha Jae-Gun picked up his coat and stood up. He had to be at the broadcast station for the studio recording of A Writer’s Study. He had agreed to meet Oh Myung-Suk there as well.

“Good luck with your recording, Writer Ha.”

Jung So-Mi followed Ha Jae-Gun down to the parking lot to send him off.

Ha Jae-Gun opened the door to the driver’s seat, but he turned around to look at her before entering the car.

“If I managed to get back early, would you like to have dinner together?” he asked.

“Please let me know after you’re done with the recording.”

“Okay.”

“Ah, please wait.” Jung So-Mi reached out and fixed his necktie.

Their eyes met at that moment, and Jung So-Mi hurriedly stepped backward and put her hands behind her as her face turned red.

“Please have a safe trip,” she said shyly.

“Thank you. Thank you for your work, and I’ll leave Rika in your hands.”

Before heading to the broadcast station, Ha Jae-Gun decided to drop by a large bookstore nearby. He had to grab the book that he had to recommend in the closing segment for A Writer’s Study. He bought a copy of the book, which he had already read once at the library before driving away toward his next destination.

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⌚Every ★Saturday / Wednesday ★

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Big Life

Big Life

빅 라이프
Score 8.4
Status: Completed Type: Author: , Artist: Released: 2015 Native Language: Korean, English
Death, Depression, Poverty, Love issues – all things that a 27-year-old no-name writer faces. Yet, with one fateful day, one fateful supernatural event, he gains the powers of a dead genius writer. Everything changes after that, and success after success comes to him. Yet, he has a rival in love and writing, one who is also a famous writer and son of an international publishing corporation. This rival will do anything he can with his influence to beat him into submission. This is a story of a writer, who must succeed against all odds.

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