Chapter 140: Im An Earthling (10)

Team Leader Lee, are you really going to accept the reappointment?

Mm,

maybe? But nothings confirmed yet, anyway, Lee Soo-Hee quickly answered her team member and took a sip of coffee.

It was already 6 p.m. A day's work had just ended, and it was time for them to knock off.

"I'll be leaving first. You should leave early, too, Mr. Jung-Gu."

"Yes, Team Leader. Please be safe on the way back."

Lee Soo-Hee took the elevator along and pressed the b.u.t.ton to B1.

Phew

A sigh escaped as Ha Jae-Guns face surfaced in her mind.

Idiot

She didnt manage to hear a proper answer from Ha Jae-Gun that night. She had hoped that he would ask her not to go upon hearing news of her reappointment, but Ha Jae-Gun congratulated her and even supported her.

Lee Soo-Hee was both disappointed and speechless.

It was the same when he said that she could sleep over for the night. At that point, Lee Soo-Hee asked him how a woman could stay over at a mans place when they werent even in a relations.h.i.+p to begin with.

And that was it

Ha Jae-Gun didnt say anything afterward.

No, I am the idiot

Lee Soo-Hee mocked herself as the elevator doors opened at B1.

Click, clack.

As she walked to her car, her phone rang. It was a call from Oh Myung-Hoon.

What is it?

You still sound cold whenever you pick up my call.

What do you want? Why are you calling me when youve completed the scenario for Dragon Knights?

I want to talk to you in person.

Sorry, but Im not free.

Im at Dodos on the first floor. I really have something to tell you. I wont take up too much of your time, so please.

All right, then.

Lee Soo-Hee turned around and headed back to the elevator. Cafe Dodo was located in a corner of the first floor of their office building.

Oh Myung-Hoon had just picked up his order of americano and cafe latte from the counter when Lee Soo-Hee entered the cafe.

Youre having a cafe latte, right? Oh Myung-Hoon asked.

Lee Soo-Hee nodded lightly and sat across from him.

If youve got something to say, do it quickly. Lee Soo-Hee left her bag on the empty seat beside her. Her icy cold att.i.tude made Oh Myung-Hoon smile faintly.

Ive got many things to apologize to you.

If youre going to talk about the past, dont.

Ive also done a lot of bad things to Jae-Gun as well.

Its fortunate that youre still aware of that.

Hows the response for Dragon Knights?

So-so. Her answer was short and straightforward.

The performance of Dragon Knights, which Oh Myung-Hoon wrote the game scenario for, was doing fine. It couldnt be considered a success or a failure. Its performance was average overall.

At the very least, Im relieved to hear that there are no great losses. I did my best for it with the mindset that its my last work.

Lee Soo-Hees eyes widened at that moment. Your last work?

I just joined my fathers company, Oh Myung-Hoon replied casually.

After taking a sip of his americano, he added, Im the Head of Sales in the company, so all the problematic issues come to me.

I see, Lee Soo-Hee replied dryly with a nod.

She had known for a long time that Oh Myung-Hoon belonged to the family running OongSung Publication Group.

Congratulations. Do a good job there.

Thank you. Ill really do my best, Oh Myung-Hoon replied with much determination.

Im doing everything that I can for the sake of the company and for the sake of my fathers acknowledgment. Father has recognized my recent efforts. Hyung is definitely angry at my ruthlessness, but Father has acknowledged my smart thinking.

Im going to work hard until I get to become the heir of OongSung Publication Group. Ill keep climbing until I reach the summit.

Sure, sure.

Ive also started going to a therapist. They say Ive got some anger management disorder, but since its not serious, I should just take it easy, think of good things, and take my medication regularly.

Ill be able to recover in no time as long as I remain consistent. Im even going to the hospital just for the company when I obviously hate it. Ill do whatever I can

Myung-Hoon. Lee Soo-Hee cut him off and looked at him coldly. Im not here to listen to your life updates.

Why did you call me out here exactly? Why are you telling me all that?

Oh Myung-Hoon looked down, unable to answer her.

Lee Soo-Hee let out a sigh of frustration. Just as she reached out for her bag to leave, Oh Myung-Hoon yelled, In this world!

A few customers in the cafe turned around in shock.

Even Lee Soo-Hee flinched at his sudden outburst.

Youre the only one I can say this to Oh Myung-Hoons breathing turned rough, and his torso quivered. He took deep breaths to calm himself down, and he even downed his Iced Americano in just a few gulps.

Thats why Im telling you all this

Lee Soo-Hee listened with a stiff look. She was surprised by his outburst, but she felt nothing emotionally. She didnt have even a modic.u.m of trust in Oh Myung-Hoon, as she was well aware of his personality.

Oh Myung-Hoon muttered, I know very well why you dislike me. My biggest issue is the fact that I cant distinguish between work and personal life. Plus, I trample on others if I find something unsatisfactory about them.

Right now, Im trying to change myself.

Oh Myung-Hoon pulled out a book from his bag and placed it on the table.

Lee Soo-Hees eyes widened upon seeing the book.

It was the English translation of Ha Jae-Guns

There Was A Sea

.

Im spearheading the marketing for the US market.

What?

Ill be heading over to New York soon.

Lee Soo-Hees heart was in turmoil for the first time since she met Oh Myung-Hoon here. Oh Myung-Hoon was in charge of marketing Ha Jae-Guns novel? She thought that things would not turn out well.

Why are you telling me this? Lee Soo-Hee asked, hiding her emotions.

Oh Myung-Hoon pushed the book to Lee Soo-Hee and replied, I wanted your acknowledgment.

My acknowledgment?

I think you would acknowledge me if I successfully marketed Ha Jae-Guns novel in the US market. I want you to acknowledge that Oh Myung-Hoon can distinguish between work and personal life.

Lee Soo-Hee was speechless, but she eventually scoffed and said, Youve got to show good results to your father to become the successor of OongSung, anyway, right? Its your work, too, so even if you dont like it, you still have to make sure that Ha Jae-Guns novel will become a hit in the US market. Dont get me involved here.

Soo-Hee, its really not like that. Oh Myung-Hoon smiled bitterly and shook his head. The readers of the Korean and US markets are different from each other. You must be well aware of that as well. Its extremely rare for a novel to become a hit there.

My brother, Ha Jae-Guns editor-in-chief, was the one who came up with this idea, so success or failure doesnt really matter to me here. It wont affect me at all.

Lee Soo-Hee could not deny it and only bit her lips. Lee Soo-Hee had graduated from the same major. She was also aware that countless local writers tried entering the overseas markets to no avail.

As silence ensued for a while, Oh Myung-Hoon straightened out his necktie and broke the silence.

I do dislike Ha Jae-Gun, and he definitely doesnt like me as well, but my dislike of him is on a different level. The sight of him alone disgusts me, and my blood pressure goes to the roof. These are my honest feelings toward him. But Oh Myung-Hoon pointed at his face. I want you to know that my disgust toward him is less than how much I like you.

Oh Myung-Hoon picked up his coat and stood up, leaving Lee Soo-Hee in her seat, who was staring into s.p.a.ce.

Ill be going first. The English translation turned out well, so take a read. Youre good at English, too, so you'll be able to enjoy it. Oh Myung-Hoon said before heading for the door.

Lee Soo-Hee stiffly looked down at the English copy of

There Was A Sea

.

***

Ha Jae-Gun gave a blank look. He had just heard the news of the rookie actress Kim Na-Yeons suicide attempt. Kim Na-Yeon had performed as Eun-Hee in

There Was A Sea

.

They said her roommate discovered her while she was trying to light up some charcoal in her own car. Theyre unsure about what would have happened if they had discovered her too late. Thankfully, the reporters have no idea at all.

Sat across from Ha Jae-Gun was Park Do-Joon, who was filling his gla.s.s full of whiskey. He had already emptied over half a bottle on his own, but it seemed insufficient for him.

It must be tough on her mentally. Im starting to regret the fact that I havent really spoken to her properly, even over the phone. I should have at least pretended to listen when she was complaining about it.

Park Do-Joon downed the entire gla.s.s of whiskey, then let out a long sigh and shut his eyes tightly.

Whatll happen to Ms. Na-Yeon?

They said shell head back to her hometown to rest.

Why did she decide to be an actress with that weak mind of hers! Park Do-Joon mumbled, growling to himself. His anger wasnt directed at Kim Na-Yeon but at himself.

Ha Jae-Gun understood where Park Do-Joon was coming from, so he simply listened to him in silence.

Dont be mistaken. Im not running to China. I was just feeling frustrated, and that is why the schedule was pulled up.

I wont misunderstand; dont worry.

Please help me take care of Chae-Rin while Im away. Shes highly emotional, probably because of her love for novels. Shell definitely bother you from time to time, but please console her for me.

Got it.

Park Do-Joon opened his eyes and stood up.

Ha Jae-Gun followed out and asked, Are you leaving already?

Ive got a tight schedule tomorrow morning, so Ive got to leave now. Tae-Bong hyung is waiting for me outside as well. Im here just to talk to you for a while. Lets drink again once I become a world star.

Dont get ahead of yourself. And yeah, return as a world star.

Ha Jae-Gun followed Park Do-Joon out of the house and sent him off.

Park Do-Joons expression, trying hard to maintain his dignity before Ha Jae-Gun, was burned in the retina of Ha Jae-Guns eyes. He could see that Park Do-Joon had been struggling, and he had been struggling for quite a while now.

Bzzt!

Ha Jae-Gun found his phone ringing when he returned.

Rika was pawing on his phone and crying as if asking him to quickly answer it.

Whos calling at this time? Huh?

The caller ID showed Lee Soo-Hee.

Ha Jae-Gun picked up Rika in his arms and answered the call at the same time.

Yeah, Lee Soo-Hee.

Are you home?

Lee Soo-Hees voice sounded sharp.

Ha Jae-Gun subconsciously straightened himself and replied, Yeah, Im home.

Ive got something to tell you, so can I go over there?

Now?

Or should I go over tomorrow?

No. I was just surprised to hear that you want to come over when its already so late. Where are you? Ill pick you up.

Ill go over, Im actually on the way now. Give me ten minutes.

Beep!

Lee Soo-Hee hung up immediately.

Ha Jae-Gun was bewildered, but he hurriedly cleaned up all traces of his drinking session with Park Do-Joon. Shortly after he had finished cleaning up, the doorbell rang.

Ha Jae-Gun opened the door remotely and wore his shoes.

You took the cab over? he asked, spotting a taxi outside.

Lee Soo-Hee nodded with her slightly flushed cheeks. I was at a company dinner earlier and had a few drinks.

It was a lie.

She actually went to the bar in the bas.e.m.e.nt of their office building and had three gla.s.ses of drinks alone after her meeting with Oh Myung-Hoon. Still, her tumultuous emotions wouldnt calm down, so she decided to visit Ha Jae-Gun.

Come in.

Ha Jae-Gun pulled Lee Soo-Hee into his house and sat her down on the sofa.

He was about to bring her something to drink when Lee Soo-Hee leaned on his back and said, You dont have to get me a drink. Im here because I have something to say, and Ill be leaving afterward.

Oh, okay

Ha Jae-Gun noticed the strange atmosphere and sat across from her.

Before Lee Soo-Hee began, she let out a long sigh.

Ive decided. Ill be taking up the reappointment.

Ah

Didnt you agree as well? You said I should go since its a great opportunity, said Lee Soo-Hee.

Ha Jae-Gun was surprised by her teasing tone of voice. He could swear that it was his first time hearing that kind of tone from Lee Soo-Hee.

I wanted to share this good news with you first since youre my closest friend in this world.

Soo-Hee.

Whats with that look? Arent you going to congratulate me? Lee Soo-Hee tilted her head, finding it strange.

Ha Jae-Gun gulped, but he didnt reply. There was no way he could congratulate her right away.

Lee Soo-Hee wasnt the only one who had drinks. Ha Jae-Gun also had three gla.s.ses of whiskey with Park Do-Joon earlier. The alcohol was getting to him, and it made his heart pound harder against his chest.

A blanket of silence draped over the two.

I dont like it, said Lee Soo-Hee.