Big Life

Chapter 230: People Are Important (9)

— Mr. Ha, I’m contacting you from the Chinese Embassy in Korea. I left you a message because you didn’t answer your phone; I’ll be waiting for you to contact me.

“Hmm…?”

Ha Jae-Gun stopped typing on his keyboard and frowned lightly. Why would the Chinese Embassy in Korea reach out to him? What would it be about?

Ha Jae-Gun didn’t take too long to think as a call from Oh Myung-Suk came in, which Ha Jae-Gun answered in a heartbeat.

“Yes, Editor-in-chief.”

— You've been stuck at home these days; it must be hard on you.

“You sound happy, Editor-in-chief. It's not that tough or frustrating staying at home. It's nice to play with the cats and work on my novels quietly.”

— I'm waiting for Human's Malice. I'd be happy if you could send me a synopsis of it.

“Editor-in-chief, I'm really not giving you an excuse, but I need to begin with character development first. I don't have anything substantial to give you right now, even if I want to.”

— I'm just saying it. Just treat it as subtly urging you to start on the novel.

Ha Jae-Gun headed to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee and said, “Actually, I often write better when you urge me, but this is about malice, so writing it is taking a toll on me.

— It's rare to see you whine, Mr. Ha. Maybe we can meet for drinks when you face writer's block?

“I'd love that. There are many instances when something just comes to me while we're talking about different things. Oh, right. Editor-in-chief.”

Ha Jae-Gun recalled the text message he had received a few minutes ago and changed the topic. “I received a message from the Chinese Embassy in Korea.”

— The Chinese Embassy? What did they say?

“I'm not sure what they want. It was an unknown number that called first, but I didn't answer since I've been receiving those annoying calls. It was after that when a text message came in.”

— Please wait while I check out what it is that they want.

“Could you do that? I'm sorry for making things difficult.”

— You don't have to say that. I'll hang up for now.

Ha Jae-Gun finished his cup of coffee, but Oh Myung-Suk had yet to give him a call. What was it that held him up on the phone for so long?

Growing uneasy, Ha Jae-Gun decided to flip through the game magazine that Soo-Hee was reading while waiting for Oh Myung-Suk to call. It was almost thirty minutes later when Oh Myung-Suk called.

“Yes, Editor-in-chief.”

— Sorry for getting back to you now. I had a call with Teencent Pictures after the call with the Chinese Embassy, and then I had another call with the Deputy Minister of Culture. You've met the Deputy Minister of Culture at the awards ceremony, right?

Ha Jae-Gun's eyes widened as he put down the magazine in his hands.

“Teencent Pictures? And even the Deputy Minister of Culture?”

— It was an official request from the government in China. They hope to meet to discuss cultural exchanges between Korea and China. They will make an official announcement if Mr. Ha agrees to attend.

“A discussion of cultural exchanges between Korea and China? I don't understand.”

— You don't have to think too much about it; it's all because of Storm and Gale. The movie is extremely popular in China right now, like how it is in Korea. You might not realize this, but saying that Storm and Gale had swept China by storm won't be an exaggeration.

“So, what do they want to talk about with regard to Storm and Gale…?”

— They want to discuss its key story and production process. Of course, this is just an excuse on the surface; they have a hidden motive. Liu Bao, head of China's Central Publicity Department, will be visiting Korea, so they must be planning to ask something from you.

Oh Myung-Suk’s voice slowly sounded more excited as he continued his explanation. But it was a given, as the man he had just mentioned was equivalent to the Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the Ministry of Culture in China. He was a high-ranking official in charge of external publicity, a project on the national level.

Oh Myung-Suk was proud and happy to know that someone that great had recognized Ha Jae-Gun's value and had reached out to them first.

“Mm, I see...” However, Ha Jae-Gun's reply remained ambiguous.

Unlike Oh Myung-Suk, Ha Jae-Gun had no idea about the Central Publicity Department of China, so he couldn’t tell just how big of a deal it was.

Oh Myung-Suk continued.

— They will put together a representative team once they receive an okay sign from you. They will then contact the person-in-charge at the Ministry of Culture, the production team for Storm and Gale, as well as me, all within today.

“Within today?”

Ha Jae-Gun couldn't keep up with the speed of this conversation. Ha Jae-Gun held a pen in hand as he wedged his phone between his ear and shoulder, and then he began noting down what Oh Myung-Suk had shared.

He was afraid that he might forget everything they had talked about over the phone the moment he hung up, so he decided to take notes.

— They also mentioned that you are the key person in this event, and that was why you were the first person they approached respectfully.

“Ah, I see. I wasn't aware of it. Would it be better if I returned their call as well then, out of respect?”

— You don't have to; I will prepare everything else on my end. But, can I take it that you're agreeable to attending the said event?

“Um, I would like to hear your opinion first, Editor-in-chief.”

— I definitely think this is a good thing for you.

Oh Myung-Suk replied without hesitation.

— You should have felt this after working with them and getting used to their working style. You should accept their offer if you want your work to take root in China securely.

“I understand. I agree, and I will leave the arrangements in your hands.” It didn't take him long to decide, as Oh Myung-Suk’s judgment had never once resulted in a bad outcome. As usual, Ha Jae-Gun had decided to put his trust in Oh Myung-Suk.

“But, Editor-in-chief, you mentioned that the head of the Central Publicity Department wants something from me. Just what is that?”

— I do have a few guesses, but I would like to keep them to myself at this point in time. Why don't you wait until the meeting is scheduled instead of hearing it from me now?

“Okay, I will wait patiently then.”

— Hahaha, thank you. I will contact you again, Mr. Ha.

The phone call ended with laughter. Ha Jae-Gun was lost in thoughts, staring into space. Whenever he took a step out into the larger world, he would always think of the past. The same was happening right now.

“When I first met you, I never thought that there would come a day when I would receive a call from the Chinese Embassy…” Ha Jae-Gun put Rika on his lap and stroked her gently.

It had been three years since they had met. As usual, she looked up at him with loving eyes.

“Rika, do you still remember when we used to stay in the small studio? That day when I first bought an air conditioner and had it installed in my room, I even bragged, asking if you knew what it was. I was so happy back then to the point that it felt like I had everything in the world, and I was happy that you were there with me.”

“Meow?”

Bzzt!

A call from an unknown number came in once more. Ha Jae-Gun snapped out of his emotional thoughts and reached for his phone. As there was a call about the Chinese Embassy earlier, he picked up the call this time.

“Hello?”

— Aigoo, Mr. Ha Jae-Gun. Hello, how have you been? I’m Baek Kyung-Jae, a civil servant from the district office’s general affairs department. Our head of the district office, Mr. Yang Beom-Shik, would like to meet you to further discuss the event, Night of Literary…

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I should be listening to this.” Ha Jae-Gun frowned, cutting the man off. How was it possible that all of their speech tone and style were the same in person and over the phone?

“I have clearly expressed my intention to reject the event before. I will not be participating in the event.”

— Mr. Ha Jae-Gun, our head of the district office, would like to invite you to the event to…

“I’m sorry, I’ll be hanging up as I’m busy.”

— W-wait! Mr. Ha!

Ha Jae-Gun hung up the call without hesitation. Rika and Nun-Sol followed after Ha Jae-Gun as he was about to head out to visit the Elder’s grave.

***

“The food served here is delicious, Director.”

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have arranged for your alumni gathering here.”

Ha Jae-In was back at the Chinese restaurant Magnolia in Yeonhui-Dong, where her alumni gathering was held, but this time, she was with Ha Jae-Gun and Nam Gyu-Ho; they were having dinner together. They gathered here tonight for the upcoming announcement of the online game—The Breath.

“We are fully prepared such that we can even hold a press conference for it tomorrow. However, as there was a conflict in schedule with our competitors, there is a risk that our announcement will get buried and won't become a trending topic.

"We are currently planning to hold the press conference next month at the Plaza Hotel, but we will still be releasing news of the game tonight before midnight.”

“I understand.”

A plate of the dongpa meat was served at their table.

Nam Gyu-Ho nudged the plate over to Ha Jae-Gun’s side and said, “I hope you can drop by if you’re available, Mr. Ha. There will be quite a few questions asking about the settings and story.

"I think it'll be great if the original author answers such questions."

“I understand. If the schedule doesn’t clash with the recording for Let’s Watch A Movie, there won’t be a problem. I'm quite free these days as well.” Ha Jae-Gun agreed to appear at the press conference.

Discussions on The Breath continued for a while. As they continued drinking, the subject of their conversation naturally changed to Ha Jae-Gun’s other commitments.

“The Chinese Embassy in Korea contacted me.”

“They contacted you, too, Director Nam?”

“It’s because Nextion also has a business connection with you, Mr. Ha. Seeing how Teencent even contacted me shows that they are creating an even bigger picture and not just stopping at Storm and Gale.”

“We will find out more next week during the meeting. Will I be seeing you at the meeting as well, then, Director Nam?”

“It’s not confirmed yet, but I think so.”

Both their glasses were filled to the brim with alcohol once more. Silence enveloped them as their conversation took a short pause.

Taking the chance, Ha Jae-Gun asked, “Have you been practicing?”

“Practicing?”

“Streetfighter. You mentioned that you immediately got the machine for your company’s lounge that day.”

“Ah, yes.” Nam Gyu-Ho fixed his necktie, which didn’t even look crooked, and nodded. “I got the hang of it after playing it for a while. I managed to recover that feeling I had when I was back in middle school.

"I’m still a game developer, after all. But honestly, I wasn't sober and was quite nervous that day as well,” The strong-prided Nam Gyu-Ho said seriously.

Ha Jae-Gun barely suppressed his laughter and replied, “I’m looking forward to seeing how much better you are at the game now. Please let me know when you would like to fight.”

“Shall we bet with the bill for round two tonight?”

“Sure, I will not shy away from a challenge.”

Bzzt!

Nam Gyu-Ho excused himself as he picked up his phone. Reading the message that just came in, a smile suffused his lips.

Ha Jae-Gun knew at once that it was a message from his older sister.

“I just received a picture of my noona in a dress; she’s beautiful.”

“Ah, yes… Indeed… Right?” Nam Gyu-Ho scratched the back of his head awkwardly and continued. “Picking out a suitable outfit is unusually tiring. Everything suits her. Speaking of which, I would like to ask you for a favor, Mr. Ha. Could you please help to pick a dress for Ms. Jae-In?”

Ha Jae-Gun smiled gently, looking down. Just then, something came to his mind, and he looked up. “Before that, there’s a favor I’d like to ask from you as well.”

“What is it?”

“Will you help me?”

“Of course. I’m Nam Gyu-Ho. Don’t you know that?” Nam Gyu-Ho opened his shoulders and patted his chest.

Ha Jae-Gun picked up the alcohol bottle and filled his glass, saying, “I would love for you to address me more casually.”

“More… casually?”

“You’re going to get married to my older sister. Even now, there are times you address me as Writer Ha or Mr. Ha. I think it’s because you can't decide how to address me that you can’t talk to me comfortably.”

“Ahh, um… Uh… So...” Despite clearly knowing the answer to what Ha Jae-Gun was driving at, Nam Gyu-Ho still hesitated.

Ha Jae-Gun raised his glass and requested a toast, adding, “Please call me Brother-in-law.”

“Ah...”

“I’d love to call you the same.”

The moment he heard Ha Jae-Gun’s words, a corner of Nam Gyu-Ho’s heart jumped violently. The overwhelming feeling made his breathing turn irregular and tickled his throat. His slightly opened lips were trembling.

“Yes? Brother-in-law.” Ha Jae-Gun sent another hit.

Nam Gyu-Ho was shocked. Moments later, he composed himself and raised his glass as well. “S-sure. But next time...”

“We mentioned it today, so let’s do it from now on.”

“Ah, okay… Since you said so… Sure, brother-in-law-nim.”

“What’s brother-in-law-nim. Please speak casually to me as well.”

“Let me just drink first...” Nam Gyu-Ho emptied his glass in one shot.

Nam Gyu-Ho then loosened his necktie, saying that he was feeling hot with a flushed face. Ha Jae-Gun bit down on his teeth so hard just to hold in his laughter and protect his brother-in-law’s pride.

***

“Na-Yeon unni, I’m here!” Hong Ye-Seul yelled with enthusiasm as soon as she walked through the door. The sight of a 30-pyeong apartment, which was a space more than enough for two to live together, appeared before her.

This apartment was both Kim Na-Yeon's and Hong Ye-Seul’s new residence after the success of the movie Storm and Gale.

“Welcome back, our famous actress.”

“What? You’re cleaning again?” Hong Ye-Seul frowned as she stepped into the living room.

Kim Na-Yeon was on all fours, wiping the floor with a rag.

“I said not to clean. I’ll do it.”

“How would a famous actress have time to clean the house? It is my job as a parasite,” Kim Na-Yeon replied jokingly with a smile.

However, Hong Ye-Seul couldn’t muster a smile in response.

Hong Ye-Seul snatched the wet rag from Kim Na-Yeon’s hand and said with an angry tone, “Didn’t I tell you not to say that? You've helped me a lot before I got to where I am right now. You looked out for me, fed me, gave me a place to sleep, and even helped me with my acting during my most difficult times.”

“You don’t have to get all serious with a joke. Alright, fine. Just let me finish up.”

“Forget it. I’ll do the rest. I should get a vacuum cleaner when I’m back later. You’re going to fall ill if you just stay at home all day.”

“Just give it here.”

The two of them joined forces and soon finished cleaning the house. As they both sat on the sofa having coffee, Hong Ye-Seul started, “Unni, you should slowly get back into the scene.”

“No way...” Kim Na-Yeon smiled bitterly.

After the release of There Was A Sea, the fact that she had worked in the shadowy part of the entertainment industry in the past was revealed, and the incident shook her up so much that it made her leave the industry.

She had been living with Hong Ye-Seul since then.

“Are you still afraid?”

“There’s that but… I just think that my mind is weak. The job isn't really suitable for me, but...”

“But, what?”

Kim Na-Yeon looked down and slowly said, “I’d like to try out at a play.”

“A play?”

“I love acting. I don’t care about money; I just want to do some acting.”

Hong Ye-Seul’s eyes shone, and she held Kim Na-Yeon’s hand in hers.

“I’m all for it, unni.”

“Really…?”

“Yeah! It means that you’ll be stepping out there once again! I love it, just tell me if you need something! Okay?”

Kim Na-Yeon’s nose tingled while looking at the overjoyed Hong Ye-Seul. Hong Ye-Seul was her beloved younger sister, and she had always been by her side. If it weren’t for Hong Ye-Seul, she would have already said farewell to this world.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Hong Ye-Seul caught the gist of the question and smiled. “The rumor about me working as a karaoke helper does not affect me at all. I’m going to be brazen about it. I just have to stay confident, and such rumors will eventually die on their own.”

“You’re so cool, Hong Ye-Seul.”

Bzzt!

“Wait, unni. I’ll pick up this call real quick.”

Hong Ye-Seul quickly ran for her bag. Her face brightened immediately when she saw the name on the phone screen.