Big Life

Chapter 298: True Story (4)

“Chairman! What are you saying…?!”

— Don’t worry about monetary issues. I will make sure that no damage will come to you and Literature Travel.

“I’m not worried about that, Chairman! I can’t understand why you’re making this decision… all of a sudden!”

— It’s fine even if you don’t understand. I’ve already contacted legal advisor Kim Sung-Ryul too. Listen to what he has to say and tie up the loose ends after. I’m ashamed that things have turned out this way. I’m hanging up.

“C-Chairman? Hello?”

After the call ended, a sigh escaped from him. Still stunned, Lee Young-Shik tried calling Oh Tae-Jin’s number once more, but he was only notified that the phone was turned off.

“CEO? Why are you still here?” asked the Association’s team leader.

“I-It’s nothing. I was just making a call… I’ll be there soon.” Lee Young-Shik replied and watched the team leader enter the venue. His mind turned blank as he watched the busy crowd. What was he supposed to do now? He felt like a lost child after letting go of his mother’s hand at the market.

After much deliberation, Lee Young-Shik decided to contact Oh Myung-Suk. There was nothing else he could do.

— Hello, uncle.

“Ah, Chairman. Hello. This is Lee Young-Shik.”

— Please, address me comfortably like before.

“S, sure… Young Master. It’s been… a while.” Lee Young-Shik laughed awkwardly.

Both Lee Young-Shik and Oh Myung-Suk were close when the former was still working at OongSung, and they used to play together like real uncles and nephews.

Lee Young-Shik also generously shared his experience and knowledge about the publishing industry with Oh Myung-Suk.

Those fond memories flashed across his eyes, but they lasted for only a brief moment, as he was in real danger all because of Oh Tae-Jin's decision.

Lee Young-Shik cleared his throat and asked, “Young Master, I’m at the hotel for the award ceremony, but I just received a call from the Chairman.”

— I see; what did he say?

Oh Myung-Suk’s calm voice only made Lee Young-Shik feel even more flustered. He also received a hunch that Oh Myung-Suk was already aware of the change in Oh Tae-Jin’s heart.

“A-about that.” Lee Young-Shik swallowed nervously and said, “He… would like to… recall Five Dreams.”

— Did he really say that…

“I thought I had misheard him at first. He would like to recall all physical books and would like to stop sales of ebooks as well, but I can’t understand why. His novel has already hit bestseller lists and should now be expanding into the foreign markets, so I don't understand why he has chosen to stop everything…!”

— Please do it.

“Pardon…?” Lee Young-Shik’s eyes were filled with extreme disbelief.

— Please do as he asks, uncle.

“Young Master, if it’s not rude of me to ask, could you please tell me the reason? If you can understand the frustration I’m feeling, at least give me a brief explanation…”

— I will visit you at Literature Travel’s office soon. I apologize that I have nothing to tell you now.

“Yes, Young Master…” Lee Young-Shik could only hang up the phone, not knowing what else to say. He grew more nervous as the time for the award ceremony was about to start. He still looked in the direction of the car park even after knowing Oh Tae-Jin wouldn’t be showing up for the award ceremony.

***

[Lee Young-Shik, CEO of Literature Travel, receives Korea Literature Achievement Prize on behalf of Oh Tae-Jin: I don’t know much of Writer Oh Tae-Jin’s personal history]

[Former Chairman of OongSung Group, Oh Tae-Jin, decides to recall all of his bestselling novels, Five Dreams and The Last Trip. Why?]

[All ebooks of Writer Oh Tae-Jin’s novels, including Five Dreams and The Last Trip, will be completely withdrawn from sales]

[Representative of Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Writer Oh Tae-Jin conveys that he will not be participating in the Korea-China cultural exchange anthology]

[Writer Oh Tae-Jin’s continued silence: why the sudden change of heart?]

The world was in chaos after learning the news about Oh Tae-Jin. Ha Jae-Gun left the house early, bringing Rika along with him. They walked slowly, admiring the soft spring, and they soon arrived at Seo Gun-Woo’s grave.

“I’ve come to see you, Elder.” Ha Jae-Gun greeted, letting Rika down. “I’m not sure what I should share with you first. First of all, your son is still recovering from his injuries, and he’s decided to stay in Gyeongju for the time being after getting discharged from the hospital.”

As usual, Rika did her routine patrol, walking around the grave, while Ha Jae-Gun laid out some newspapers on the ground and sat down.

“Your son cried a lot, but he did not say much to me. However, he did say this once when I went to visit him at Gyeongju; he thanked me for putting in effort to keep your honor.”

A tear dropped from his face and onto the newspaper. “I think he will be staying at Mr. Kang Byeong-Ha’s residence. His granddaughter, Ms. Yeon-Ju, seemed to be quite insistent about it, saying that this is the only way she could repay you.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s heart sank even as he spoke.

Seo Gun-Woo’s works had been taken from him first by his most respected mentor, his own son, and lastly by his old friend. He couldn’t imagine just how Seo Gun-Woo had to have felt seeing his dreams getting arbitrarily deconstructed, fabricated, and published under the names of others.

“He’s going to cover up the issue with the late Mr. Kang Byeong-Ha along with the Middle of Jongno, as this is your wish as well. If you had wanted to reveal the truth, you would have already done so much earlier. But…”

Rika’s fur stood on end after taking a round around the grave. Meanwhile, the gaze in Ha Jae-Gun’s bloodshot eyes was shaking.

“As your student… I’m going to step into the matter concerning Chairman Oh Tae-Jin. I first gave the chance to his son, CEO Oh Myung-Suk. I will make my move when necessary; I will definitely restore your honor.” Ha Jae-Gun repeated those words, reassuring himself. As if out of concern, Rika cried softly and licked the back of his hand.

“Now, all I want to know is how Chairman Oh Tae-Jin got his hands on your work. I’m just waiting to hear the answer to that question.”

Bzzt!

Ha Jae-Gun sat upright when his phone rang. It was a call from the minister of culture. In fact, the Korea-China cultural exchange meeting was today.

“I’ll come visit again in the next few days, Elder.” Ha Jae-Gun bowed, then turned around. He would be bringing a huge gift along during his next visit. Either presenting it with his own hands or with the hands of a repenting sinner.

***

A heavy atmosphere filled the meeting room in the Korea Tourism Organization office building. The faces of both Liu Bao and various representatives of Teencent Literature were extremely dark. The same went for the Korea team, including the minister and deputy minister of culture.

However, the following happened just five minutes before the chaos erupted.

‘Even Chairman Oh Tae-Jin left…’ It wasn’t a small matter when Seo Hyung-Bin announced his departure first. Ha Jae-Gun’s addition did help calm the situation, but Oh Tae-Jin’s departure this time caused an even larger ripple.

“Are we still unable to get in contact with Mr. Oh Tae-Jin?”

“Yes, um… He’s living a secluded life because of personal reasons…” The deputy minister repeated the words Oh Tae-Jin had told him that like a parrot. Oh Tae-Jin was a symbol and a legend in Korean literature, so his sudden announcement to pull out from the Korea-China cultural exchange event had a huge impact on everyone.

To make matters worse, he had even decided to recall all of his works, including the works he had published during his retirement. This was a huge matter in the eyes of the public and government.

Meanwhile, there were definitely people who were stepping away from this heavy atmosphere. At least, that was true for assemblyman Kwon Sung-Deuk and Writer Kim Chun-Shik.

Kwon Sung-Deuk was frustrated as he wanted to push ahead with the contract with the subsidiary that his relative was running. While Kim Chun-Shik was struggling, thinking of a protege to fill up the empty spot left by Oh Tae-Jin.

“Shouldn’t we… start the meeting soon?” The minister said cautiously, but no one responded.

Meanwhile, Liu Bao silently observed Ha Jae-Gun’s expression, who was currently deep in thought. Ha Jae-Gun seemed to be occupied with something ever since the start of the meeting.

‘This is going to be quite an issue. How should I report to Vice President Wu Dawang?’

When the conflict in Liu Bao grew deeper, Ha Jae-Gun suddenly looked up and scanned his surroundings before saying, “I'll try contacting Mr. Seo Hyung-Bin.”

“...?” Everyone remained silent as if they had agreed upon in advance and looked at Ha Jae-Gun.

Ha Jae-Gun wanted to invite the man who had stepped down voluntarily?

“Will Mr. Seo Hyung-Bin really agree to it?”

“It is my duty as a junior to persuade him and make sure he joins the program.”

“If you say so… Actually, it'll look better if he does have a change of heart.”

The China team nodded in agreement amidst the murmurs after listening to the interpreter.

Kim Chun-Shik dropped his head, sulking internally. He wasn't offered a chance to recommend his protege to fill the spot.

Ha Jae-Gun then added, “I think we're left with the issue of selecting a publication company.”

“...?!” Kwon Sung-Deuk almost spat out the coffee that he was drinking. Of course, Ha Jae-Gun's suggestion was timely, as that was the reason the representatives from Teencent Literature had attended this meeting.

Kwon Sung-Deuk was shocked because he hadn't expected Ha Jae-Gun to be interested in this area.

Liu Bao and Ha Jae-Gun's eyes made contact. Liu Bao saw a certain level of certainty in Ha Jae-Gun’s gaze, and he whispered his question to the interpreter.

“Mr. Liu Bao asks if you have a company in mind to recommend?”

“Yes, I do.”

Clatter!

Kwon Sung-Deuk still let slip the coffee cup in his hand. He hurriedly cleaned up the spilled coffee with a contorted expression and an awkward chuckle.

Ha Jae-Gun then continued, “There's a company called Laugh Books.”

“Laugh Books? Oh…” the deputy minister chimed in knowingly, nodding. “It's the same company that has published your genre novels, right?”

“You know them too? That's right.”

Ha Jae-Gun did not bother with Kwon Sung-Deuk, who had already turned pale by now, and added, “Let me explain before everyone’s misunderstanding grows. I've always had a deep connection with the CEO of Laugh Books, and it began when I was still an unknown writer. Back then, he was working as an editor-in-chief at Star Books, a publisher specializing in genre novels.”

“He must have a lot of experience.”

“That's right. He is talented in both planning and editing. He has also proven his excellent skills as a business manager ever since setting up Laugh Books. He has been handling all domestic and global sales of all my novels since The Breath, including the China and U.S. markets… The CEO himself has taken care of all those.”

“Ohh…!” Everyone else in the room nodded in admiration.

Kwon Sung-Deuk was on the verge of losing his mind. He wanted to splash his tea at them and scream at them not to believe Ha Jae-Gun.

Ha Jae-Gun then raised his index finger and spoke with certainty in his voice, “I believe that determination alone is not enough to revitalize the content industry.

"This is also a project between Korea and China, so I believe that this must be entrusted to a company that has sufficient experience and qualifications—a company that is thoroughly prepared to take up the responsibility.”

“I understand what you’re saying.” Liu Bao expressed his view through the interpreter.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled at Liu Bao.

“I support having Teencent Literature under Teencent’s group of companies to take over the service in China. I’ve met CEO Ren Xue many times and am aware of his upright management philosophy. And similarly…” Ha Jae-Gun trailed off, looking around. Aside from Kwon Sung-Deuk, who was looking down at his feet, Ha Jaee-Gun made eye contact with everyone else. “I support Laugh Books in the same way. I am confident that there is no other company in Korea that is able to handle this business better than them.

"If there are any financial issues arising during this process, I will take responsibility for them. I will also cover the shortage of investment funds if there is a lack of it.”

Kwon Sung-Deuk could not have a say despite his anger boiling. His relationship with Dao Technologies’ subsidiary and the stocks he held were all over the Internet. His plan was to wait for the dust to settle and use the opportunity to influence the vendor selection, but he hadn’t expected Ha Jae-Gun to make such a move.

‘Damn it…! I’ve also been working so hard for this…! All the time and money I’ve invested in it…!’ Kwon Sung-Deuk only grew angrier when no one stepped up to oppose the suggestion. Kwon Sung-Deuk felt like his soul was being forced through a threshing machine and was being ripped apart. He joined in the applause with a gaunt face.

Soon, the first part of the meeting came to an end.

When Kwon Sung-Deuk left for the washroom in a daze, he saw his aide on the phone with a bright smile. However, the latter hung up in a hurry when he spotted Kwon Sung-Deuk.

“Ah, Assemblyman. Did the first part of the meeting just…”

Slap!

The aide’s head swung away upon receiving the slap on the cheeks. A burning red mark was evidently left on it.

“Stupid bastard! You can’t even block out a single piece of tabloid article! How dare you give me such poor work quality when you’re getting paid monthly! How dare you be my aide?!”

After venting his anger on his aide, Kwon Sung-Deuk stormed out of the washroom.

His aide still held onto his burning cheek, remaining in the same spot for a while. Little did Kwon Sung-Deuk know that his aide was beginning to have a change of heart.

***

“You, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Chae Yoo-Jin looked at Oh Myung-Suk with sadness in her eyes, holding his hands tightly. She didn’t believe him. Ever since the issue with his father, Oh Myung-Suk hadn’t slept in peace at all.

Oh Myung-Suk had been staring out of the window at the scenery outside for a while. Chae Yoo-Jin had arranged this dinner in hopes to cheer him up, but Oh Myung-Suk didn’t look impressed.

“Do you remember us coming here a few times during our dates?”

“Of course.”

“Yeah, I thought you’d forgotten…”

“Sorry.”

“For?”

“For not matching the mood.” Oh Myung-Suk let out a sigh and looked up at the sky.

Only a few stars were visible across the polluted sky in Seoul.

How could a sky lounge provide such a view? Oh Myung-Suk suddenly felt sad.

“I owe Mr. Ha a huge debt.”

“...”

“It must have been a difficult decision to give me the chance first.”

“I don’t think of it that way. I would have discussed this with you first if I were him.”

Bzzt!

Chae Yoo-Jin’s phone rang out of the blue. It was a call from home. She showed her phone to Oh Myung-Suk before answering it.

“Hello?”

— Aigoo, Chae Yoo-Jin…!

“Mother? What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Oh Myung-Suk’s eyes landed on Chae Yoo-Jin immediately, and he witnessed her face turn pale.

“Disappeared…?”