Chapter 207: What? Dragon Rider? (13)

Why are you smiling to yourself? Did something good happen? Lee Soo-Hee asked, blinking her eyes rapidly curiously.

Ha Jae-Gun patted the empty seat on the sofa next to him, asking her to join him. As soon as Lee Soo-Hee put down the tray, Ha Jae-Gun asked, I should be fine appearing on

I Live Alone

, right?

Are you alright with it?

I joined when Do-Joon went on the show, and the producer told me that its not that difficult too. Ha Jae-Gun then took a brief glance at Kwon Tae-Won before whispering to her, Plus, its also your favorite variety show.

Dont think about that. You should decide based on what you think. The couples gazes they exchanged were filled with dense emotions.

Kwon Tae-Won smiled as he placed a wedge of apple into his mouth. There was also a period of time when he had a pa.s.sionate relations.h.i.+p with his wife, Dong-Mi.

Their love had cooled down a little, but he was still happy spending his life with Dong-Mi. Kwon Tae-Won suddenly missed his wife and decided that he had to eat out with her tonight.

President Kwon, Ill do it.

Pardon? Kwon Tae-Won put his thoughts for Dong-Mi aside and looked up in bewilderment.

What did you say?

I Live Alone

. Youll have to contact Producer Oh.

Ah, yes. Youve made a great decision. Kwon Tae-Won wrote a note on his phone and then picked up his outer coat. As he stood up, Ha Jae-Gun and Lee Soo-Hee followed suit.

Are you leaving already?

Im planning to drop by the variety department at MBS before heading home. Its almost time, anyway, so I should get going. Thanks for the lunch. Ha Jae-Gun left Lee Soo-Hee in the house and followed after Kwon Tae-Won. The two men continued their conversation while walking ever so slowly like sloths to the garage, which was just a short walk away.

President Kwon, I heard that youre moving soon?

Yes, the apartment were living in now is quite small since weve got two grown children and just a single bathroom, so its always a war in the mornings and evenings. Were moving to a new place with two bathrooms. Please do come for the housewarming.

Of course. But you arent moving too far out, right? Otherwise, I will go crazy without being able to have drinks with you whenever I want to.

I wont leave Guro, so dont worry about it. Kwon Tae-Won pressed the b.u.t.ton on his car keys, and the headlights flashed, unlocking the door. Before he opened the drivers door, he looked back at Ha Jae-Gun and said, Youre the greatest blessing in my life, Writer Ha.

Why are you saying this all of a sudden?

I have been thanking myself for my eagle eyes every morning recently. It was the greatest feat in my life to discover you.

It was all thanks to you that I lasted and got to where I am today, President Kwon. It was a really tough time.

It was the same for me. Kwon Tae-Wons eyes were soaked with tears of emotion. He looked at the detached house behind Ha Jae-Guns shoulders in awe. I initially thought that Star Books was my everything. I kept wondering what Id do if I quit that company, wondering who would take care of the writers whom I've been overseeing.

"My worries were like mountains weighing down on me. Those were dark times, so dark that I couldnt even see my own future.

The two turned silent for a moment amid the solemn atmosphere. The countless past hards.h.i.+ps flashed past their mind.

But its all in the past now! Kwon Tae-Won grinned brightly. That was also how Laugh Books was born. Thank you, Writer Ha.

Im thankful as well for always being my editor-in-chief ever since.

The both of them then decided to shake hands. Their heavy emotions traveled from their hands to each others hearts.

Ill be leaving now, then. Ill call you again later.

Okay, please be safe.

Ha Jae-Gun turned around as Kwon Tae-Wons car drove away. He found Lee Soo-Hee taking out the vacuum cleaner as soon as he stepped into the house. Why are you cleaning the house again?

We should at least clean every three days.

Every three days? Aren't you being a clean freak? Its enough to start the vacuum cleaner once a month.

Lee Soo-Hees jaws dropped at Ha Jae-Guns astonis.h.i.+ng words.

Ew,

how dare you say that. Stop saying weird things and drop by the office while I clean the house, Writer Ha.

Why the office?

Shouldnt you bring Rika and Nun-Sol back?

Oh

Okay.

Didnt you say Writer Kang and Writer Jang will be moving out soon as well? We should take care of them now since I'm back in Korea, too.

Okay, Ill go over and pick them up now. Ha Jae-Gun chuckled bitterly as he picked up his coat while silently hoping that Jung So-Mi, whom both Rika and Nun-Sol loved a lot, wasnt in the office.

The snowy outdoors made Ha Jae-Gun feel a s.h.i.+ver down his spine.

***

h.e.l.lo, Im Baek Sung-Hyun. Im 24 this year, and Im publis.h.i.+ng a modern fantasy novel on Munpiang. Pleased to meet you.

Im Han Jae-Hee. Im 22 this year, and I'm writing an urban fantasy novel. Nice to meet you.

Im Hw.a.n.g Bo-Hyuk. My surname isnt Hw.a.n.g Bo, but Hw.a.n.g, and my name is Bo-Hyuk. Im the same age as Writer Han Jae-Hee, and Im still working on my practice novel. Pleased to meet you.

Three new additions finished their introductions one after the other. Yang Hyun-Kyung stood upright before them like a training instructor. His sharp gaze then turned to the fourth and last lady joining the office.

I, I. The lady stammered, looking tense despite her cute and small build. She kept swallowing constantly, and both her hands were trembling like shaking aspen trees as they held onto her knees.

I-Im sorry. Can I introduce myself using my pen name

Im sorry, your voice is too low. Can you speak louder?

N-no Im 25 this year and working on a romance novel. My name is. She then s.h.i.+fted her gaze down again. She closed her eyes tightly as she struggled with her next words. My name is Jeon Bong-Yi. Jeon is my surname, and Bong-Yi is my name. Its not a one-character name; the

Yi

at the end is part of my name as well. Nice to meet you.

Oh, my, your name is so cute and pretty, Jang Eun-Young said with a smile from behind Yang Hyun-Kyung as she paused working on her novel.

Jeon Bong-Yi covered her cheeks, which turned red like a beetroot. I really struggle at self-introductions because of my name. I always felt like dying whenever I go to school at the start of every new semester.

Whats so embarra.s.sing with your name? Ms. Bong-Yi sounds cute, and it suits you. I hope we get along well.

Jeon Bong-Yi nodded with a shy smile. Jang Eun-Young winked at her and returned to focus on her work. Yang Hyun-Kyung then began his official tour of the place office.

As Ive mentioned earlier, my name is Yang Hyun-Kyung. I can also be considered one of the pioneer members of this office. In case youre aware, Ive also made my debut as the author of

Slater

, Yang Hyun-Kyung finished, and then he faced the window to clear his throat.

He had reluctantly undertaken the role of the discipline head from Kang Min-Ho, who was leaving the office soon. Yang Hyun-Kyung was sweating buckets of cold sweat as this role didnt fit his personality.

The most important thing when living with others is consideration for each other. As this isnt a personal s.p.a.ce, well be strictly sharing cleaning and meal prep duties amongst everyone here. Well, I have mentioned this in the email sent to all of you, right?

Yes. Baek Sung-Hyun quietly replied on behalf of the new tenants as the group of them looked at each other.

Yang Hyun-Kyung scratched his chin and continued with Nun-Sol curled up at his feet. Well be spending a month together first; this is a newly made rule, but if there are any writers here who object to any one of you staying after the first month, that writer will have to leave.

"If no one objects, then all of us will continue staying here together amicably.

Nun-Sol was observing the new tenants with s.h.i.+ning eyes as if it were an actual interviewer. Nun-Sol was so cute that Bong-Yi tried so hard to suppress the urge to reach out to the cat.

Just then, a melodious noise echoed from the door; someone was typing on the keypad outside. The door had yet to open, but Nun-Sol and Rika were already rus.h.i.+ng toward it.

Oh? Jae-Gun hyung, why are you here? Yang Hyun-Kyung asked with surprise painted over his face.

The four new writers were shocked at the mention of Ha Jae-Guns name and turned toward the door.

I came here to take a look. Everyones good, right? Ha Jae-Gun replied as he picked up both Rika and Nun-Sol.

Meanwhile, the new writers were s.h.i.+vering in place as if they had been thrown out into the cold. As rookie writers, they had definitely heard of Ha Jae-Gun before.

Despite knowing full well that this was Ha Jae-Guns office, they still felt tense at the first meeting.

They must be the new writers, Ha Jae-Gun spoke in a gentle tone.

The four of them stood up in a hurry and introduced themselves.

H-h-h.e.l.lo, Im Hw.a.n.g Bo-Hyuk.

Im Baek Sung-Hyun. Writer Ha Jae-Gunno, Im sorry. I joined after reading your novels, senior.

Ah,

Im extremely honored. Oh wait, my name is Han Jae-Hee. Yes, thats right, Im Han Jae-Hee.

They couldnt conceal their excitement. Jeon Bong-Yi was the only exception, as she stood calmly while keeping herself composed. Thankfully, Ha Jae-Gun did not ask for her name, although she still couldnt bring herself to say her name.

Im Ha Jae-Gun. I would sometimes come and spend a few days here to work on my novel, so I hope to get along with all of you.

Ha Jae-Gun shook hands with each of them before turning around. Jang Eun-Young gestured toward the kitchen and mouthed the word coffee at Ha Jae-Gun.

Ha Jae-Gun left Yang Hyun-Kyung and followed Jang Eun-Young to the kitchen. I dont see the others around.

You should know that Director Lee hasnt been around because of the filming for the drama for

Summer in My 20s

. Min-Ho hyung went out to view other houses, saying that he didnt like the ones he had seen before.

Of course, he should choose carefully since its going to be your newlywed home.

Well, its all thanks to you too, Writer Ha, that we have a lot more choices now, so its quite worrisome. Jang Eun-Young chuckled as she made a cup of coffee for Ha Jae-Gun.

As they sat across from each other, Ha Jae-Gun took over the cup and asked, What about Ms. So-Mi and Yeon-Woo?

Ms. So-Mi hasnt been coming here as often recently, maybe she has more work to deal with at Laugh Books?

Is that so?

And Yeon-Woo seems weird lately.

What about him? Ha Jae-Gun narrowed his eyes. He had been the most mindful of Lee Yeon-Woo. He knew that despite the bubbly personality he had, Lee Yeon-Woo had the most tender heart underneath.

Hes always in a daze. He still writes regularly and doesnt do anything else, but how can such a cheerful kid like him stop being playful all at once? Isnt it weird?

Thats definitely weird. Ive been busy these days. Did something happen while I wasnt around?

And hes been going somewhere often recently. He always says hes going out to get some fresh air, but only goes out every evening and returns late. There are times when he would stay out and only return the next morning.

Hmm

I see. Ha Jae-Gun nodded, holding a sip of coffee in his mouth. While they drank their coffee silently, Yang Hyun-Kyung came into the kitchen after finis.h.i.+ng his office tour for the new tenants.

Jae-Gun hyung, are we going to have a company dinner today?

Company dinner?

Weve got new writers joining us today. I was thinking of pa.s.sing up on it if youre not around, but now that youre here, Im asking out of curiosity.

Shall we? Its also my rest day today, Ha Jae-Gun mumbled as he thought of Lee Soo-Hee.

Although there wasnt a particular off day for writers, Lee Soo-Hee was an office employee. He couldn't let her clean the house alone while he enjoyed himself at the company dinner.

What do you think, Writer Jang?

Have you ever seen me reject a company dinner? Of course, Im in.

Yeon-Woo has to join as well, so Ill give him a call. Ha Jae-Gun stepped out into the corridor and called Lee Soo-Hee first. Since they were going to have a company dinner, he asked her to come to the office before calling Lee Yeon-Woo.

Why isnt he answering?

Ha Jae-Gun dialed once more, but Lee Yeon-Woo still did not pick up. The moment when he was about to send a message to Lee Yeon-Woo, a message came in from Lee Yeon-Woo first.

- Jae-Gun hyung, sorry, but Im currently back at home in Suwon. Im not available to answer your call, so Ill return your call later.

- Alright. Were going to have a company dinner tonight with the new writers who joined the office today, youre coming, right?

- Im not very sure, hyung. Ive got some family matters to settle. Ill let you know as soon as possible. Im really sorry.

- Dont be sorry. Okay, lets talk after youre done.

Ha Jae-Guns heart felt heavy as he put his phone back into his pocket. He then realized that something was up with Lee Yeon-Woo and couldnt shake off the ominous feeling in his mind as he shook his head.

That evening, Lee Yeon-Woo never turned up at the company dinner.

***

Aigoo

, thank you so much. Yes, yes, President Kwon. As expected, he agreed to do it because it was you.

Hahaha,

yes, yes. Ill make the necessary arrangements. Yes, Ill see you tomorrow.

Hahaha,

please enjoy your dinner. Producer Oh hung up the call, beaming.

With the call, Ha Jae-Guns appearance on

I Live Alone

had been fixed. They were talking about Ha Jae-Gun here, so even a verbal agreement was enough.

Did Mr. Ha Jae-Gun agree to come on the show? The a.s.sistant Director asked as he sat from across Producer Oh.

Producer Oh nodded and stood up with a stick of cigarette in his mouth.

What great timing. Now Im able to show off to Content Producer Bae. The last episode of the drama

Summer in My 20s

is coming to an end soon, after all

Producer Oh moved to the pantry and continued. But the problem is the guest

Even if we filmed once or twice at Mr. Has house and office, well still need a guest.

It shouldnt be too difficult to invite his family to appear on the show, but to pull in the numbers, well definitely need a popular guest on it.

I cant think of anyone else aside from Mr. Park Do-Joon from his connections.

Ah,

how about EBS Announcer Park Hye-Sang? a.s.sistant Director Ji asked, snapping his fingers.

Producer Oh frowned immediately and shook his head. Not her.

Huh? But why? They both appeared on another show a couple of times together, and they even know each other personally.

No means no. Lets think over it a little more. Maybe ask Park Do-Joon first. The two of them took out a second stick and fell into deep thought.

A while later, a.s.sistant Director Ji came up with another proposal,

Ah,

Producer-nim, how about AppleTs Lee Chae-Rin?

Lee Chae-Rin?

Oh,

yes. He knows her too, right?

Yes. She sang the OST for Gyeoja Bathhouse, and they seemed to be quite close when I saw them talking at the Baeksong Arts Awards. Plus, Lee Chae-Rin is a bookworm and a literary student. Itll look good on the show.

Nice. Well definitely get some interesting cuts. Give them a call later.

Producer Oh turned anxious as theres a new direction for them to work with.

a.s.sistant Director Ji quickly put out the second cigarette b.u.t.t and continued. But Producer-nim, I just remembered

Five Wheels.

What about it?

Mr. Ha should be aware that you are in charge of Five Wheels as well, right?

Maybe. I have mentioned it to him before.

Five Wheels

was another variety program that Producer Oh was in charge of. It was a long-standing popular talk show that invited various celebrities to show up.

Im not sure if Im overreacting, but.

Ah,

stop beating around the bush. What is it?

Chae Bo-Ra. We confirmed to have her as a guest on the show, right?

Oh yes, we did agree to put her on her show, but why. Producer Oh then trailed off, realizing why AD Ji had brought it up.

Do you really think Mr. Ha will pick on every word?

Who knows whats going on in his mind? We can't say for sure whether he's the type to hold grudges or not. Mr. Ha always looks calm on the outside, but have you ever seen his eyes up close? His gaze never wavers. Those eyes are exclusive to those who have gone through h.e.l.l.

Producer Oh clicked his tongue disapprovingly. What nonsense. Youve been reading too much webtoon that youre exaggerating everything.

No, I was just trying to do a better description. a.s.sistant Director Ji muttered, scratching the back of her head awkwardly.

Producer Ohs face turned serious once more, and he crossed his arms. He was lost in thoughts for a while, and then he finally mumbled, Yeah, we can't take risks.

Yes, I agree.

Okay, try rejecting her nicely, saying that we dont think itll be a good fit on the topic or concept for the week.

I understand.

The two of them then parted in opposite directions at the end of the corridor.

a.s.sistant Ji pulled out his phone to call Chae Bo-Ras manager.

J. Andie's Thoughts

Veela: Read "eat out with her tonight" as "eat her out tonight" HAHAHAHA. Well, I do agree that it's a great way to heat things up xDDDDD