Big Life

Chapter 135: I’m An Earthling (5)

“The weather is pretty cold. The winds are quite strong, too.”

“Meow.”

Rika’s cries echoed with the cold wind. Meanwhile, Ha Jae-Gun was pulling out and trimming the weeds with a weed cutter around Seo Gun-Woo’s tomb.

“The weather makes me think of having a glass of soju and some hot soup. It sounds great, right? Elder?”

Ha Jae-Gun stood up once he was done. He smiled in satisfaction at the clean tomb.

“Phew. Taking that I’m right, let me pour you a glass of soju.”

Ha Jae-Gun took out two paper cups and poured soju into them. He offered one to Seo Gun-Woo and brought the second to his mouth. He turned away before drinking it.

“Keugh~ Ah~”

Ha Jae-Gun drank it on an empty stomach, so the heat from the alcohol quickly warmed him up.

“I first met Elder when I was just twenty-seven. Now, I’m twenty-nine. Time really flies.”

Rika sat on Ha Jae-Gun’s lap.

Ha Jae-Gun stroked her neck as his eyes watered.

“You must have been tired recently. You haven’t been answering me, no matter how many questions I asked. I’m getting quite worried. Everyone else says that my novels are good, but I’m not so sure anymore. Are my novels really good?”

Ha Jae-Gun didn’t expect to hear any answers to his question, which soon dissipated into the cold wind. Ha Jae-Gun sat there for a while more, then finally stood up with his collar closed tightly around his neck.

“I apologize for the rant. I wouldn’t have gotten this far if it hadn’t been for you, Elder. I know that you’re always watching over me. Thank you. I’ll be back again, Elder.”

He picked up Rika in his arms and turned around to leave.

Lee Yeon-Woo was waiting at the end of the road with his car on standby.

“Are you all done?”

“Yeah.”

“You said he’s an Elder? Just who is he?”

“You won’t know even if I told you. Let’s go now.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s schedule was tight today. The first thing on his schedule was a joint interview with Director Yoon Tae-Sung and Actor Park Do-Joon at Newdon’s office. After which would be a scenario meeting at Nextion’s office.

“It’s a commemorative interview for crossing seven million viewers, but what shall we do?” Lee Yeon-Woo asked while driving. “The movie will hit eight million viewers after next week. If they can delay it by a week, the numbers will be perfect.”

“Enough with the fuss,” Ha Jae-Gun said with reproach, but he was smiling.

The movie performed well beyond his expectations. He thought that it would be great if the movie broke even, so he was caught off guard when it passed seven million viewers.

“Which novel is next?”

“What do you mean next? I can’t even afford to think of anything else now that I have to focus on Oscar’s Dungeon.”

“Well, you don’t have to work on a new novel to make another movie. There’s Foolish Woman as well as Storm and Gale. Your old novels might even get an offer for a movie adaptation. Look at how well There Was A Sea is doing.”

“Haha, is that so?”

The car stopped at a red light.

Lee Yeon-Woo turned to look at Ha Jae-Gun with a serious expression. “And did I say it before when Do-Joon hyung came to hang out at the writer’s office? I like all of Poongchun-Yoo’s novels. So Oscar’s Dungeon has to become a movie as well.”

“You were drunk when you said that.”

“I wasn’t. I drank, yes, but I wasn’t drunk. My words back then were from the bottom of my heart.”

“All right, I believe you, Writer Lee.”

“Ah, so unfair. Ahh…!”

Lee Yeon-Woo frowned and held his head.

Ha Jae-Gun turned to the window, suppressing his laughter.

Traffic was smooth, and they soon arrived at their destination. Ha Jae-Gun alighted from the car and gestured to Lee Yeon-Woo, saying, “It’s cold out, let’s go in together.”

“I’m fine, hyung. I can stay in the car.”

“This place isn’t like that. You can stay with me while the interview is ongoing. Bring Rika along, too.”

“Hahaha, all right then.”

There were still fifteen minutes before the scheduled meeting, but everyone was already present in the office. The reporter, Park Do-Joon, and Yoon Tae-Sung stood up to greet Ha Jae-Gun as he entered the room.

“Hello, Writer Ha.”

“Hello. All of you are here early.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s arrival cued the start of the interview.

The atmosphere was amicable, as the three were on good terms. Natural and pleasant conversations continued in the question and answer segment.

Lee Yeon-Woo stood outside the camera angle with Rika in his arms, smiling all the while.

“...I have another question for Writer Ha. You’ve expressed your trust in Director Yoon Tae-Sung through various channels so far. Do you still feel that way? Wait, is this considered an NG question?” asked the reporter.

Ha Jae-Gun chuckled before saying, “It’s fine, I’ll answer that. I definitely still trust him. I would like to work with him again if the situation allows for it.”

The reporter smiled brightly and looked at Yoon Tae-Sung.

Yoon Tae-Sung smiled and scratched his face bluntly, then said, “I’ll most definitely welcome scenarios written by Writer Ha Jae-Gun. We work well together as well. He came all the way to Donghae on location and discussed various aspects of the scenario with me. He’s put in quite a bit of effort.”

The reporter’s next question was directed to both Yoon Tae-Sung and Ha Jae-Gun.

“Director Woo Jae-Hun’s remarks in his past interviews are being brought up again. In summary, he said that it’d be fortunate if There Was A Sea could break even, that Writer Ha has never written a proper scenario before, and that the scenario Writer Ha has written for an assignment was entirely different from an actual movie’s scenario. Have you heard about his remarks?”

The two nodded, and the reporter continued. “Director Woo Jae-Hoon had also said that communication is vital on-site, so even though both of you discuss and agree upon decisions made on-site, he expressed doubts that you’d produce any good results.

”However, the movie’s view count has just hit over seven million, so is there anything you’d like to say?”

Yoon Tae-Sung and Ha Jae-Gun looked at each other. Yoon Tae-Sung, who hadn’t revealed much of his emotions throughout the interview, finally burst into laughter.

Ha Jae-Gun grabbed Yoon Tae-Sung’s arm and smiled wryly while looking down.

“I think this reaction from us is enough to answer you,” said Yoon Tae-Sung. His face quickly became expressionless.

The reporter covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing before nodding at the two. The camera was even shaking slightly as the cameraman burst into laughter.

The interview went on for a while more and soon ended with the reporter giving his well-wishes that the movie would hit ten million viewers at the box office. Then, he said his goodbyes before leaving with the crew.

The crew finally left, and the three could finally sit comfortably.

Lee Yeon-Woo joined them as well, along with Rika.

“How have you been doing, Director?”

“I’m planning to work on a short film. It’s a scenario that I had completed back in university, but I only got the time now to film it.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I love all your short films.”

“You can definitely look forward to it this time. I found a face that fits the movie perfectly.”

Bzzt!

Just then, Park Do-Joon’s phone rang. However, he flipped his phone over upon seeing the caller ID. He obviously didn’t want to answer it.

At the same time, Yoon Tae-Sung excused himself to use the washroom.

“Why aren’t you answering it?” Ha Jae-Gun asked after Yoon Tae-Sung left the room.

The phone was still vibrating, and Ha Jae-Gun wondered if the call was from Lee Chae-Rin.

Park Do-Joon finally answered the call with an annoyed look.

“Hello.”

— Hello Oppa. I’ve messaged you so many times, but you still haven’t replied to any of them…

“Didn’t I tell you not to call me over personal things?”

— I’m sorry. I wanted to say hi and also ask you a few things about the entertainment industry since I don’t have anyone else to go to—

“All right, what do you want to tell me?” Park Do-Joon interrupted coldly.

Kim Na-Yeon sounded hesitant as she revealed.

— I’m actually having a hard time. Everyone is cursing at me. What should I do? I’m scared to even go to the convenience store.

“Ah, seriously.”

Park Do-Joon glared into the air. The innocent Lee Yeon-Woo flinched at Park Do-Joon’s overwhelming presence.

“Did you really think that everyone would like you? Did you really think everyone would only say good things about you? I told you, didn’t I? I told you that you’d have to be prepared mentally. You said you were prepared… Did I not tell you that you need to be strong to withstand just about everything if you want to become an actor?”

— Y-yes…

“So what is this whining? Is this your first time seeing the harsh reality of the world? What are you? A middle-school student?!”

— Sniff…!

Kim Na-Yeon’s sobs echoed in Park Do-Joon’s ears. Park Do-Joon closed his eyes and furrowed his brows. He took in deep breaths before ending the call.

“Do-Joon, are you alright? What happened?”

“It’s nothing, sorry. I’ll share with you next time when there’s a chance.”

Ha Jae-Gun could only stay silent, unable to probe any further.

Anxious, Lee Yeon-Woo’s audible gulp echoed throughout the quiet office.

“Respect?!” a furious voice echoed outside the voice. “How dare you try to teach me about respect!”

Park Do-Joon immediately recognized the voice and quickly hurried out.

Ha Jae-Gun also found the voice familiar, so he walked outside.

‘Woo Jae-Hoon…?’

Yoon Tae-Sung and Woo Jae-Hoon stood facing each other in the middle of the corridor. Woo Jae-Hoon was waving his huge arms and shouting before the tiny Yoon Tae-Sung.

“Say that again! Respect?!”

“Yes, please be more respectful. How long have we known each other for you to drop the honorifics while talking to me?” Yoon Tae-Sung retorted defiantly.

“Let’s not do this and talk about the movies. Aren’t you a director as well?”

“What? Y-y-y-you…!” Woo Jae-Hoon’s face flushed red in anger.

Woo Jae-Hoon was about to hurl a punch at Yoon Tae-Sung when Lee Yeon-Woo jumped out between them. He interrupted both Woo Jae-Hoon and Park Do-Joon, who was about to step forward and intervene.

“What are you doing to our Director Yoon Tae-Sung?” Lee Yeon-Woo stepped in front of Yoon Tae-Sung.

Woo Jae-Hoon scanned Lee Yeon-Woo from head to toe and pointed at him. “Who are you?! Step aside!”

“Sorry, but I think it’s better if you step aside instead, Director Woo Jae-Hoon.”

“You punk!”

Woo Jae-Hoon reached out to Lee Yeon-Woo’s collar. But even before he could touch Lee Yeon-Woo, Lee Yeon-Woo grabbed him instead. Lee Yeon-Woo even grabbed his other hand.

“Why you, greenie! Are you not going to let go?!”

“You’re indeed much famous for sparring instead of movies.”

“This bastard?!” Woo Jae-Hoon, confident with his large physique, pounced on Lee Yeon-Woo.

However, it was a wrong move.

In terms of physique and strength, Lee Yeon-Woo wasn’t lacking at all.

“Please excuse me!” Lee Yeon-Woo twisted Woo Jae-Hoon’s arm. He grabbed the older man’s nape and pushed him up against the wall.

“Aaaaaaarghhh! M-my arm!”

Woo Jae-Hoon’s cheek was smashed up against the wall, and he screamed, “Y-you! I’ll sue you! Ackkk!”

“I believe in the fairness of the CCTV. Relax, it’ll hurt more if you move.”

Onlookers were starting to gather upon hearing the commotion.

Lee Yeon-Woo eventually let go of Woo Jae-Hoon’s arm.

Woo Jae-Hoon groaned and staggered away to one side of the office with the support of his colleagues.

”Are you alright, Director?”

“Of course.”

Park Do-Joon started blaming Lee Yeon-Woo, “Why did you step up? That was dangerous. You could have just let me handle him.”

“I’m sorry, my body moved on its own. And I thought Do-Joon hyung would get stuck between a rock and a hard place. I mean, it’s Director Woo Jae-Hoon.…” Lee Yeon-Woo said while sheepishly scratching the back of his head.

Park Do-Joon watched the latter, dumbfounded. To think that Lee Yeon-Woo had even considered his long-term friendship with Woo Jae-Hoon. It was his first time seeing the considerate and thoughtful side of Lee Yeon-Woo.

"Ha Jae-Gun picked a great manager. Hmm? Great job. Even perfect if he were a bodyguard as well."

Park Do-Joon's compliments were followed by Yoon Tae-Sung's praises.

"Mr. Lee Yeon-Woo, right? Why don't you become my manager instead? I'll pay you twice your salary."

"Ahaha, thanks, but I'm Writer Poongchun-Yoo's manager for life." Lee Yeon-Woo laughed out loud.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled and patted Lee Yeon-Woo's back.

It was a chaotic situation, but the aftermath felt quite refreshing.

***

"T-there's none today."

"What are you saying? There's a meeting today, but you don't have any recordings? Give me your phone."

Oh Myung-Hoon rummaged through Hye-Mi's bag and pulled out her phone. Hye-Mi, still in her lingerie lying on the bed, jumped out in surprise.

"T-this is really absurd..."

"Are you not letting go?" Oh Myung-Hoon shook her hand away.

He took her phone and went to the smaller room next door, locking it behind him. Despite Hye-Mi banging against the door, Oh Myung-Hoon ignored her and began playing the recording on her phone.

'Wow, what? Is she worried that I'll get angry hearing everyone else complimenting Ha Jae-Gun?'

Oh Myung-Hoon sneered and listened to the recording through his earphones.

The meeting was about Oscar's Dungeon. However, there was only Nam Gyu-Ho, Lee Soo-Hee, and members of the planning team present. Ha Jae-Gun wasn't there.

'There isn't anything special. Foolish people. Look at them trying to milk the original novel just because it's doing quite well.'

However, unlike the mockery on his face, Oh Myung-Hoon was already getting bloated before he had dinner. Oh Myung-Hoon was about to take out his earphones and stop listening to the recording, but…

— Is Writer Oh really unable to produce even a quarter of such quality?

"...!"

Oh Myung-Hoon's eyes widened upon hearing Nam Gyu-Ho’s brusque words.

Was this Nam Gyu-Ho's final evaluation of Oh Myung-Hoon's scenario for Dragon Warriors? Had he evaluated it to be much worse than Ha Jae-Gun’s scenario? Even after taking off his earphones, Nam Gyu-Ho's words continued to echo in his ears.

Oh Myung-Hoon looked up to the ceiling, trembling in anger. Veins popped up all over him, and a powerful murderous intent began surging from within him.

"Mr. Myung-Hoon! Mr. Myung-Hoon!"

Hye-Mi's voice made him even more furious, as he could feel the pity in her voice.

How dare she pity him?

"Shut up!" Oh Myung-Hoon yelled as he flung the door wide open.

Terrified, Hye-Mi fell on her butt. However, Oh Myung-Hoon didn’t even look at her as he picked up his clothes and started putting them on.

"W-where are you going?"

"None of your business.”

Oh Myung-Hoon left Hye-Mi in his own studio and left.

He had already decided on where he was going.

Oh Myung-Hoon hopped into his car and stepped on the accelerator. He didn’t even use his car’s navigator to help him navigate his way to his destination.