Big Life

Chapter 149: Tremble in Fear (8)

“…?!”

Ha Jae-Gun took in a sharp breath; his eyes widened in shock. The screen turned brighter, making his face look pale. On the huge screen was not rookie actress Hong Ye-Seul.

It only showed the cat-faced girl whom he had met late in the night on the city streets. It was the very same girl who cried, saying that she wanted to become a celebrity to find her mother—Da-Seul.

‘Why is Ms. Da-Seul…?’

It wasn’t easy for him to accept the fact that actress Hong Ye-Seul and Da-Seul were the same person. However, the face on the screen was definitely her. That face, which looked much prettier without makeup, appeared vividly in his eyes.

Ha Jae-Gun trembled like an aspen tree in the wind. The girl who had disappeared after leaving sad tears had just reappeared as an actress.

It felt like time had stopped. He couldn’t hear anything as well.

“Oppa, what’s wrong?” Lee Chae-Rin whispered, curious. Ha Jae-Gun’s shock had to have been so strong that even she could feel it from beside him.

Instead of replying to her, Ha Jae-Gun looked around. He could not spot the face he had in mind anywhere in the dark theater. He then recalled Yoon Tae-Sung mentioning earlier that she had to work today and thus could not make it.

“Oppa? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, no. I’m fine.” Ha Jae-Gun slowly shook his head and plopped back into his seat.

He felt exhausted, like someone who had just finished a run. His eyes were on the huge screen, but his mind was empty.

“Wait for me! I’ll return as a totally cool woman in front of you!”

The farewell cry meant for the deputy whom the female lead liked rang in his ears.

Ha Jae-Gun felt that it was meant for him to hear, as there was a similar line in the letter she had written for him. She had also mentioned in the letter that she would return to get the necklace from him once she could stand confidently before him.

The movie finally ended when the credits finished rolling. As the lights returned to the theater, Lee Chae-Rin's face was stretched with a smile.

“Wow, the movie was interesting. It was both funny and touching.”

“…”

“Oppa, what’s wrong with you? Are you sure you’re okay?”

“No. I found it interesting, too.”

Ha Jae-Gun could barely stand. When he turned around, he spotted Yoon Tae-Sung looking in his direction, and their eyes met. The two approached each other.

“How was it, Writer Ha?”

“It was great and interesting,” said Ha Jae-Gun. However, it was a lie. The complex feelings he felt made him unable to concentrate on the movie. Ye-Seul’s final words were stuck in his mind.

“How about the actress? Hong Ye-Seul. She’s good, right?”

Thankfully, Yoon Tae-Sung’s focus was on Ye-Seul rather than the movie.

Ha Jae-Gun calmed himself down and nodded. “She’s pretty. Her acting was natural and matched the movie. I finally understand why you’ve been complimenting her so much.”

“Right? Don’t you think that she’ll also fit the role of the naggy female high school student in Gyeoja Bathhouse?”

As they talked about Gyeoja Bathhouse, something came to Ha Jae-Gun’s mind. He hesitated for a moment before saying, “But, Director. Have you already mentioned Gyeoja Bathhouse to her?”

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

“And she knows that I’m the author of the original novel?”

Yoon Tae-Sung looked at Ha Jae-Gun blankly. Eventually, he broke out into a grin. “Of course, she knows. Do you really think that you’re just an average writer at the moment? She had even told me that she enjoyed all your novels.”

“…”

Ha Jae-Gun was at a loss for words, and he shook his head. It was clear that Da-Seul—no, Ye-Seul, knew that he was the author of the original novel. Despite that, she didn’t take the initiative to contact him. He could guess why.

‘Writer Ha, would you like to meet Ms. Hong Ye-Seul once?”

“No, it’s fine.” Ha Jae-Gun snapped out of his thoughts and smiled, shaking his head. “Is there a need for me to meet her? I should just work on the scenario and send it to you soon.”

Ha Jae-Gun decided to respect Ye-Seul’s decision and wait until she came to him confidently and willingly. In other words, he would have to hold onto her necklace for a while more.

“Jae-Gun Oppa, Yu-Ri said she’s here.”

“Oh, okay. Director, we’ll be leaving first, then. You should be quite busy, too.”

“Thank you for coming. I’ll be waiting for your scenario.”

Ha Jae-Gun left the theater with Lee Chae-Rin. The warm sunshine gradually eased the mixed feelings in him. Ha Jae-Gun took off his cardigan as May would soon come. He smiled as he thought of her, who had been working hard to become an actress somewhere where he couldn’t see.

***

“Editor-in-chief, it’s 10th on Bandi, and it’s Lunia’s bestseller. This time’s response is pretty explosive as well.”

“Please keep up the good work. Make sure the printing goes smoothly.”

As his staff left the office, Oh Myung-Suk let out a sigh of relief. The power of Ha Jae-Gun’s latest horror mystery novel was showing its prowess once more.

50,000 copies of Gyeoja Bathhouse were sold out at pre-order within a few hours and made headlines. Its official release happened a few days later, creating a huge sensation. The fact that it was also being produced as a game and a movie also empowered their marketing efforts.

‘Tenth place in just five days? My worries were all for naught.’

The results were not far from There Was A Sea, which placed 8th on the fourth day of its release. Oh Myung-Suk was finally able to relax. He was also finally able to stand tall before Chae Yoo-Jin.

Bzzt!

Chae Yoo-Jin’s name appeared on the screen of Oh Myung-Suk’s phone. Oh Myung-Suk smiled.

“Speak of the devil.”

— What do you mean? Ahh, were you thinking about me? And I called just at the right time?

“I was about to call you too. Gyeoja Bathhouse is doing really well.”

— I’ve seen it all already. It’s all over the news. I’m all prepared as well. Author’s biography, his work tendencies, his accolades, and even fifty pages of his translated manuscript as a sample.

“You’re efficient as ever, Ms. Chae Yoo-Jin.”

— Oh, but I’m now in my unni’s house in L.A. Did you know what I found here?

“Hmm, what is it? Your ugly childhood photo?”

— This noonim was never ugly in her entire life. I’ll most definitely punish you for that slip of the tongue when I see you soon. Anyway, I found Writer Ha Jae-Gun’s novel here.

“Which novel?”

— The Breath.

“Ah, I’ve read that fantasy novel too.”

— I saw my nephew’s friend reading it. I asked him where he got the translated copy, and he said a few Koreans in the community were circulating it amongst themselves. He said it was quite interesting, too.

Oh Myung-Suk finally realized that Ha Jae-Gun’s influence was spreading across the globe. As expected, interesting and popular books would definitely sell well in any country.

“Mr. Ha’s pseudonym is Poongchun-Yoo, and The Breath was the bestselling fantasy novel under his belt. It’s been a while since it was completed, but the novel is still relatively popular.”

— Really? I should read that sometimes, too. Who knows? Perhaps Poongchun-Yoo would just hit a home run here in the U.S. first before Ha Jae-Gun does.

Knock, knock, knock.

Just then, there was knocking on the door. Oh Myung-Suk then recalled that he had a meeting arranged with Newdon and said, “Yoo-Jin, I have a meeting, so I’ll have to hang up.”

— All right. Talk to you again later.

Oh Myung-Suk ended the call and stood up.

A staffer opened the door and said, “A production team leader from Newdon is here. What should I do?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I forgot that I have a meeting with them about Gyeoja Bathhouse. I’ll be there soon.”

Oh Myung-Suk straightened his clothes and stepped out. He picked up the pace, all for the best writer of OongSung.

***

“Team Leader Lee, it feels like the promotion for the game came naturally since the book is doing well. The number of signups is no joke,” said a member of Nextion’s mobile planning team as they looked through the internet.

Lee Soo-Hee was preparing materials for their upcoming meeting. She looked up and smiled. “Indeed. I should call the marketing team and tell them to take some money out of the marketing budget so we can eat beef at the company dinner later.”

Everyone in the office burst into joy.

Like Oscar's Dungeon, the development of Gyeoja Bathhouse was going swimmingly. The speed was faster than the expected timeline that the team predicted the game's launch to be scheduled for late summer instead.

"Now, everyone. Let's attend the meeting."

Lee Soo-Hee and her team members headed for the small meeting room. Nam Gyu-Ho was already there waiting, reviewing the past meeting minutes while seated at the head of the table.

"Everyone is here, right? Let's begin," Nam Gyu-Ho said briefly and put down the meeting minutes. The establishment of a branch office in Taiwan was the main agenda of the meeting today.

“I think we must establish it,” Lee Soo-Hee stepped up with a strong tone.

“Com2Us and GameBean are already targeting the Taiwan market, so I don’t think it’s that early even if we start now. It’s different from the China market. We’ll have to provide services on our own in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau to strengthen our competitiveness locally. We also have to respond to users in real-time.”

Nam Gyu-Ho grunted while listening quietly to her.

His expression didn’t show it, but he had already agreed with her words.

The Taiwan market had already grown to the extent that it was now included in the top five huge markets on Googol Play. It was currently ranked fourth on the list, showing its remarkable growth. The other team members shared their opinions as well.

“I think that it’s also the best market where advertising efforts will directly reflect the relative amount of profits. Compared to our local users who have never paid much while playing games, Taiwanese users have strong purchasing power in games.”

“As the Taiwan game developers are all moving to China, they have a shortage of local developers. It would be best if we could establish the branch office as soon as possible.”

“I have the same thoughts. Oscar’s Dungeon will soon be complete, so I think it’s best we hurry.”

Nam Gyu-Ho scratched the bottom of his chin and nodded lightly. After pondering over the team’s opinions, he finally spoke, “We’ll need to decide who to send…”

“I’ll go. Of course, I should go there,” Lee Soo-Hee answered as if she had been waiting for him to bring it up.

Despite knowing that she would say that, Nam Gyu-Ho let out a short sigh.

‘I knew this would happen.’

Nam Gyu-Ho actually didn’t want to send her over, as he had been relying on Lee Soo-Hee for support for the longest time. He would feel anxious without her around him.

Lee Soo-Hee’s competence shone the most when she was away. Even a seemingly simple task could cause problems in unexpected areas when carried out in her absence.

Nam Gyu-Ho was also one who would often be complimented for the great job he put in his work, and Lee Soo-Hee was the only other person he truly acknowledged to be the same as him. He knew that it was all because of her help that he had been able to stand confidently in his position.

Nam Gyu-Ho tapped his finger on the table and said, “Let’s put together a team.”

Lee Soo-Hee smiled and nodded. Her heart was pounding, knowing that she could personally see to it that Ha Jae-Gun’s game would get released into the Taiwan market.

“Let’s have a company dinner tonight. We won’t be able to see her for a while if she goes to Taiwan.”

Nam Gyu-Ho dismissed the meeting and left the room first. His calm face turned tearful immediately the moment he stepped out.

***

— Why is the world so unfair? I’m running all across China, but you’re sitting comfortably in Korea entering China?

“Shall we change positions then?”

— Sure, why not? I’ll write the novels, and you go on the variety shows, why don’t you?

It was mid-day in May, the not-so-cold weather allowing Ha Jae-Gun to wear his short-sleeved shirt. Ha Jae-Gun was walking around in his garden while on the phone with Do-Joon.

“When did you say you’ll return?”

— I’m taking the 25th-night flight back.

“It’s the Baeksong Arts Awards the next day; time’s going to be tight.”

— Let’s have a reunion drink after that. Along with a trophy as accompaniment.

“People might think that the Most Popular Award and Best Male Lead Award are yours if they heard that. High expectations can lead to huge disappointments.”

— I’m just saying. Oh, right. I heard from Chae-Rin that it’s thanks to you that she got to sing the OST for Gyeoja Bathhouse? She’s extremely grateful for that.

“It’s not me. The director met her when we went for the movie preview for Girls’ War, and he had always liked her voice as well. She’s pretty good at singing, too.”

— Well, I’m not so sure about that.

“She won on Masked Singer, and you’re still saying that? Hey, Do-Joon. Sorry, but I’ve got a call coming in. I’ll call you again later.”

Ha Jae-Gun quickly ended the call with Park Do-Joon and jumped on the next call.

“Yes, President Kwon.”

— I almost forgot how you sound. How have you been?

The bright voice came from Tae-Won.

— Oh, Writer Ha, isn’t today the autograph session for Gyeoja Bathhouse?

“Yes, I’m about to leave the house soon as well.”

— You must be busy. The autograph session, then the Baeksong Arts Awards. You also have to work on the movie scenario for Gyeoja Bathhouse and the game quests… all on top of Oscar’s Dungeon as well.

“It’s not that tough on me as you say. There’s nothing much for me to do on the game side, actually. They create the variables based on the story’s development, so that’s an area that the Nextion’s planning team is more specialized in.”

— That’s great. Please take care of your health. Ah, I’ve actually got a piece of good news for you.

“Good news?” Ha Jae-Gun asked, his eyes widened.

Whenever Kwon Tae-Won said that something was good, it would be quite incredible.

— I’ve received a call from Nextion.

“Nextion? What is it about?”

— They said Teencent from China contacted them, and they would like to officially translate Oscar’s Dungeon and service it as an ebook.

“Oh, I see,” Ha Jae-Gun replied with a puzzled look.

He had expected this to come someday, but he didn’t expect it to come so quickly.

The game was still unreleased as well.

“Ms. So-Mi’s webtoon must be doing really well.”

— Hahaha. Anyway, it will be released to a country with a population of 1.35 billion. I thought The Breath would get there first, but I guess I was mistaken.

Ha Jae-Gun felt something behind him, and he turned around to find Lee Soo-Hee wearing a dress that fluttered in the breeze. She had just finished all preparations prior to her departure.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled at her; he wanted to deliver the good news to her first.