Chapter 196: What? Dragon Rider? (2)

h.e.l.lo, Director. I just read the text message you sent. Are you in the office?

Yes, Im having a cup of coffee in the pantry, Nam Gyu-Ho replied as he checked himself out in the reflection on the gla.s.s window. He tended to act as if Ha Jae-In was in front of him whenever they talked on the phone.

Have you had breakfast? You didnt just have a cup of milk for breakfast, right?

Im an obedient man. I had proper food.

Thats good.

Ha Jae-Ins refres.h.i.+ng giggle traveled to his ears, and Nam Gyu-Ho shrugged his shoulders proudly. Ha Jae-Ins simple words were far better than the praises his father gave him at work.

How about you, Ms. Jae-In? Have you had breakfast?"

Yes, I did. I'm about to prepare to head out.

"You're going to the academy this early?"

No. There's something I have to attend in Seoul. I'm meeting a friend about my high school alumni meeting.

Nam Gyu-Ho's eyes widened when he heard the word Seoul.

"Really? You should be having lunch with your friend, so if you have time, would you like to have coffee with me?"

Are you sure? I'm fine with having coffee, but you should be busy.

"Don't worry about me, and give me a call later."

Alright, I'll meet my friend first and give you an update later.

"I'll be waiting."

Of course.

Nam Gyu-Ho hung up the call and whistled on his way to the washroom. Nam Gyu-Ho raised his nose in the air as he scanned his outfit in the mirror. Had he known he was going to meet Ha Jae-In today, he would have paid more attention to his outfit today.

Bzzt!

Just then, a message came in.

Nam Gyu-Ho was about to wash his hands when he picked up his phone to check the message, and his eyes widened at its content.

It was a message from Ha Jae-Gun.

- h.e.l.lo, director. How have you been? Oscars Dungeon has been doing well, thanks to you, so I would like to treat you to dinner. Please let me know when you would be available.

Hmm?

Nam Gyu-Ho tilted his head curiously. Did Ha Jae-Gun really want to meet him because of

Oscars Dungeon

? Ha Jae-Gun had to know that he was dating the former's sister, Ha Jae-In.

Ah, its kind of awkward to meet him right now.

Nam Gyu-Ho was afraid of meeting Ha Jae-Gun at this period in time, as he hadnt persuaded his father just yet. If Ha Jae-In was brought up in their conversation over dinner, there was no way he could give him a satisfactory answer.

- Thank you for your words. I will contact you again as soon as possible.

Nam Gyu-Ho returned a short reply after much consideration. He would have returned with a call on normal days, but that was too much for him now. His face was darkened with anxiety as he left the washroom.

***

Its been a while, Jae-In. Why havent you changed a single bit? You haven't put on any weight, you still look the same as when you were a student.

What? I put on makeup today, covering my wrinkles. Youre the one who still looks like a university student. Ha Jae-In held Sook-Hees hands, whom she hadnt met in years.

Sook-Hee was Ha Jae-Ins cla.s.smate back in her third year of high school. They were always seen together but not considered the closest of friends. Sook-Hee was always green with envy and loved showing off, so Ha Jae-In always kept a distance from her.

Its nice to see you. How are we the only ones who are free to meet?

I know, right? Most of them must be busy taking care of children after getting married. Lets decide on what to have for lunch first.

The two of them headed to a restaurant nearby and discussed their alumni meeting. After deciding on a date and place, the two of them continued their conversation, sharing information about their lives.

I heard your brother is doing really well these days. He was so popular when I looked him up on the internet. Hollywood even purchased the license to his works.

Yeah, things just worked out for him since he works hard. Ha Jae-In replied briefly.

If Sook-Hee were her close friend, Ha Jae-In would have been excited bragging about Ha Jae-Gun, but Ha Jae-In knew that Sook-Hee had always been the epitome of jealousy.

Tsk

, b.i.t.c.h. Pretending to be calm when youre actually happy about it.

Its not like that.

How much does he earn? Did he earn around 10 billion won? Sook-Hee questioned repeatedly.

Ha Jae-In only smiled awkwardly and gave a light nod.

Sook-Hee was shocked, and her jaw dropped. Really? He really earned 10 billion won?

Why do you keep asking that?

Wait, what has he been writing that allowed him to earn so much? I was just asking.

The ebooks market grew a lot, so hes earning a lot from it.

Sook-Hee rolled her tongue and leaned back in her seat. She was about to brag about her wealthy boyfriend, but a dark cloud was now brewing on her face at the unexpected news.

I see. Thats really great. Seems like the old saying that writers are always suffering is in the past now. Should I try writing a novel, too? Sook-Hee said lazily as she stretched herself. She then changed the subject and said, But novels aside, I have been busy dating recently. I dont even have time for my own hobby.

I saw your profile picture. He looks handsome.

Hes above average, I guess? I met him at a swing dance club and thought he looked good, and his family is quite well-off, too. His father runs an SME in the IT industry.

Thats great, congratulations. I should get the bouquet from you at your wedding when you get married then. Ha Jae-In chuckled.

However, Sook-Hee didnt look pleased. She couldnt show off fully after knowing Ha Jae-Guns success.

You dont have a boyfriend yet?

Me?

Um

So you

do

have one. What kind of person is he? What does he do? Sook-Hee pestered as if interrogating Ha Jae-In.

Ha Jae-In saw through Sook-Hees plan to compare their boyfriends and smiled vaguely.

Hmm?

What kind of person is he? Im curious.

Hes just an office worker.

Office worker? What company does he work in?

At a game company. She didnt want to reveal too much out of consideration for Nam Gyu-Ho.

Sook-Hee clicked her tongue, casting a pitiful look. Its tough working at game companies. I heard about it from my boyfriend since he works in the IT industry. They have to work really hard and overtime quite often, too.

Theres not a job in the world thats easy.

Of course, but Alright. So what if your boyfriend isnt rich? You must have a lot of money since your brother earns so much money.

Hohoho.

Sook-Hee covered her mouth, bursting into laughter, but Ha Jae-In felt disgusted. Ha Jae-In couldn't wait to part with Sook-Hee.

I enjoyed the meal. Let me pay for it.

No, you came all the way to Seoul, I should be paying for it.

Sook-Hee and Ha Jae-In left the restaurant. Sook-Hee pointed to a cafe across the street and asked, Do you want some coffee?

Im sorry, but its almost time for me to return to the academy. Ha Jae-In smiled bitterly.

Sook-Hee did not seem disappointed and nodded with a smile.

Cant help it then. Shall I send you off?

No, it wont take too long by subway.

Okay. Be careful on your way back, and see you at the alumni gathering. Bye.

Yeah. You should drive carefully, too. See you again, Sook-Hee.

After leaving Sook-hee, Ha Jae-In stopped by the pharmacy first. She bought herself a bottle of digestive medicine and then pulled out her phone while heading to the subway station.

After a short ringtone, Nam Gyu-Ho answered the call.

Youve ended already?

Yes, we had lunch and decided on the location for the alumni gathering.

If theres any issue with the venue for your alumni gathering, let me know. I can prepare a good venue for you.

No, its fine. Youre busy as it is.

Anyway, lets meet first. Where are you now? Ill go over.

Dont do that; why dont I go over to somewhere near your office?

Near our office?

Yes, I dont think its that far at all. I feel like staying out for a while for the first time in a long while, so Ill go to you if youre fine with that.

Sure, Im alright with it, but are you sure you wont be tired?

Its not that far off. Ill contact you again.

Ha Jae-In grinned after hanging up. She could somewhat imagine the look on Nam Gyu-Hos face. He seemed to look more like a boy as she got to know him more. Her steps quickened as she pa.s.sed the ticketing gates.

***

President, you cant keep traveling around alone. Please tell me where youre going, at the very least.

Youre worrying too much, Department Head Bae. Im just going to see my son for a bit, so why are you annoying me so much? Nam Gyu-Baek grumbled. He was currently in a hiking outfit and wore his cap low, covering his face.

He would always head to Nextion headquarters whenever he went out for a stroll these days. He was extremely worried for his son, who was dating a woman whose ident.i.ty was unknown to him.

Department Head Bae followed behind Nam Gyu-Baek with a troubled look.

There should be a lot of people who would recognize you on the streets, too.

Thats why I wore a bucket hat and a hiking suit.

Im worried about your health too.

Ah,

thats why Im going for walks as per the doctors instructions! Nam Gyu-Baek grumbled. He couldn't even buy a snack of his own free will with Department Head Bae around him. The man would always nag at him, saying that this and that was bad for his body. Most of Department Head Bae's words usually ended with

no.

After walking for a while, a pharmacy came into view. Nam Gyu-Baek found it timely and stopped in his tracks, saying to the man, Look, Im thirsty now, so get me a bottle of Buckas.

No, the man replied with determination and shook his head.

Nam Gyu-Baeks face distorted like a sc.r.a.pped car.

Are you saying youre not going to listen to my orders?

No, its because I know what youre thinking. I wont fall for the same trick twice.

Department Head Bae was referring to the incident a few weeks back. Back then, Nam Gyu-Baek had asked him to buy some bread and took the chance to run away from him.

Im really thirsty, and you know where Im headed, anyway.

Mm. Department Head Bae groaned and looked at the high-rise building over Nam Gyu-Baeks shouldersthe Nextion headquarters.

I understand. You must wait here for me.

Ill stay rooted here like a tree.

Department Head Bae ran toward the pharmacy. As soon as he crossed the automatic doors, Nam Gyu-Baek hurried and blended into the crowd on the streets. He was all smiles, looking innocent like a child.

Huff puff

, hes so easily tricked!

Nam Gyu-Baek finally stopped after running a distance. He grinned, feeling proud for shaking off Department Head Bae.

Ugh?!

Nam Gyu-Baek suddenly stopped in his tracks.

His smile vanished without a trace as he stiffened and started trembling violently. It was a seizure caused by cardiac infarction.

Ho, ohhh!

Nam Gyu-Baek collapsed to the ground. He lay flat on his back, looking up at the sky as his face turned as white as a sheet of paper.

Sir? Are you okay?!

A hand reached out to him out of the blue, supporting his head.

!

The face of an unfamiliar woman came into his view.

Are you okay? Someone! Call an ambulance! the woman yelled, kneeling on the ground. Are you having a heart attack? Do you have any medicine with you?

Nam Gyu-Baek couldn't reply to her. The woman hurriedly searched his clothes and discovered a bottle of medicine in his breast pocket. He then put the pill under his tongue.

What, whats happening?

Im not sure he collapsed out of the blue.

A crowd soon gathered around them.

Department Bae emerged through the crowd a while later.

Aigoo

, President! He turned pale and tossed away the bottle in hand. The woman kneeling by Nam Gyu-Baek was relieved to see him.

Hes having a heart attack, right? Ive given him some medicine, so he should be fine in a bit.

Thank you so much! How can something like this happen in a short period of time!

Department Head Bae blamed himself while calling his team members. He then supported Nam Gyu-Baek up and thanked the woman once more.

I would like to repay you for this. Please give me your contact number if you dont mind.

You dont have to. Its alright.

Your pants are dirty now, too. Oh, no, I should at least give you some money for laundry, but I dont have any cash with me

Its okay. Please be careful, Ill be going first.

The woman stood up and brushed her pants. She turned around and walked away.

Nam Gyu-Baek was still in shock as his pupils quivered, staring at the woman's departing figure. He had only caught a glimpse of the woman's visage, but her face was engraved on his mind.