Chapter 217: Laugh, Why Dont You (5)

Reporter Hyun, didnt you say youre in j.a.pan for an interview?

Yes, Im in f.u.kuoka right now. In fact, I had just received an email from our

maknae

at work.

Hyun Sung-Beom quickly continued without taking a breather.

Its about the incident where your ma.n.u.script was deleted.

My ma.n.u.script?

The ma.n.u.script for the drama

Market Place

. There are reports of witnesses standing up testifying that they had seen both Won Ji-Yeon and Chae Bo-Ra meeting at a cafe.

Mm,

I see. Ha Jae-Gun was slightly surprised at the unexpected news.

Conscious of himself affecting the other writers, Ha Jae-Gun stepped into the bedroom.

The part-timer working at the cafe was tight-lipped, but the customers were open to sharing. It wasnt detailed, but they overheard Chae Bo-Ra mentioning you in the conversation.

Is that so? What did they hear?

Um

Its alright. Please dont mind me and tell me the truth.

Um This was what they heard Chae Bo-Ra say to Won Ji-Yeon: Do you think Mr. Ha would look out for her, and that her agency writer, director and actors were in deep s.h.i.+t because of Mr. Ha, things like that.

Complex emotions flooded Ha Jae-Gun, and he plopped into a chair. It was now clearer to him that Chae Bo-Ra was the main cause of the incident.

Our

maknae

has also met with Won Ji-Yeon. She was happy to hear news of eyewitnesses standing up and even recalled how they looked like that day.

Seems like she was quite desperate as well. She must have been cornered after getting sued for defamation.

It had been a while since Park Do-Joon had remembered anything about Won Ji-Yeon. He had only introduced her to a law firm just to help Ha Jae-Gun in the first place. After realizing that there was no chance of winning the case, Park Do-Joon let the incident pa.s.s without lingering over it.

Hyun Sung-Beom continued

Shes not in a good condition right now. Her house was taken from her, and she's now working as a general manager at a

gos.h.i.+tel

[1] in Sinrim-dong, receiving 300,000 won a month. Well, if people manage a library, they dont usually cover your accommodation and food.

I see, Ha Jae-Gun said. From his perspective, Won Ji-Yeon wasnt worthy of his sympathy. She was just someone with nothing to her name but was still an opportunist like Chae Bo-Ra.

I apologize for bringing this up, but I thought I just had to tell you this.

Haha I understand.

I would love to help you in any way I can. Ill do everything I can, so please let me know.

A smile grew on Ha Jae-Guns face. He was grateful for Hyun Sung-Beoms concern despite being all the way in j.a.pan on a business trip.

I dont think thats anything I require your help for, but thank you so much for looking out for me. Theres really nothing in particular I want.

Is that so

I just thought nothing would actually be resolved, and things would only get noisier from there on. Thats how it seems to me.

Thats true.

Hyun Sung-Beoms short and intense sigh was heard through the line.

Its not easy to turn the tables with just one eyewitness appearing on the field. I feel like Ive just made you more unsettled instead.

No, no. Its related to me, after all, and Im grateful to hear this from you so quickly as well.

Ha Jae-Gun turned his chair toward the window and added, And just in case if youre going to turn this into an article, you dont have to be concerned about me.

Thank you, Mr. Ha. Ill have to talk to our

maknae

more about this once I return to Korea.

When are you returning? Let me buy you a meal.

I should be back in three or four days at the longest. Ill get a souvenir for you too.

After a few exchanges, Ha Jae-Gun hung up the call. Just then, a small commotion came from outside. Ha Jae-Gun stepped out, wondering who had arrived at the office, and spotted Kwon Tae-Won surrounded by the writers.

Ah, its President Kwon.

h.e.l.lo, Writer Ha. Kwon Tae-Won smiled brightly and approached Ha Jae-Gun. Following behind him was a man in possibly his thirties. This is our new employee at Laugh Books. Deputy Lee, please introduce yourself.

h.e.l.lo, Mr. Ha. I am Lee Chan-Sung. Lee Chan-Sung bowed a deep bow, showing his utmost respect. I have just joined Laugh Books, and I'm glad to meet you. I look forward to learning from you, and please take care of me.

I should be the one saying that. Ha Jae-Gun shook hands with the new employee and asked, You must have worked with another publisher before this, right?

Yes,

um

Lee Chan-Sung scratched his nose lightly while glancing around, then said, I was with Haetae Media for a while before coming over.

Hearing the words Haetae Media threw everyone else off, their eyes widening in an instant. Jeon Bong-Yis reaction was the most noticeable. Her teeth were chattering so much that she had to clench her jaws so tight while glaring intensely at Lee Chan-Sung.

He was from Haetae Media?

There was no way Jeon Bong-Yi could view the man without prejudice. Thankfully, she managed to receive her overdue royalties thanks to Ha Jae-Gun, otherwise, the discomfort she was feeling would have shown on her face.

Anyway, its nice to meet you, Ha Jae-Gun greeted the newcomer with spirit while observing Jeon Bong-Yi. Laugh Books is a really good company. Youll know immediately after seeing the President for the first time. Im not saying this because I have signed with them for

The Breath

.

Ha Jae-Gun made the group break out into chuckles.

Kwon Tae-Won waited for the laughter to subside, then said, Theres a lot of calls coming into the office because of you, Writer Ha.

Me? What kind of calls were they?

Theyre from writers who had signed contracts with Haetae Media before, saying that they managed to receive their overdue royalties thanks to you, and would like to get your contact details to thank you personally.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled an embarra.s.sed smile. Just who was the first to share this news on the internet? If it werent for the writers in the office, it would probably be one of the employees from Haetae Media, but there was no way of knowing the truth.

Kang Min-Ho chimed in, Have you seen the post that was circulating the internet with the t.i.tle: Dignity of Writer Ha Jae-Gun?

No, I havent. Theres such a post?

Look at this. Min-Ho searched for the post on his laptop and showed it to everyone else who gathered around him.

[I heard Writer Ha Jae-Gun putting his foot down, telling them not to take advantage of the poor writers, and that hell take the company down if they didnt pay the overdue royalties. Thats why Haetae Media reacted swiftly. So all the writers who have received their overdue royalties should thank Writer Ha.]

...

Ha Jae-Gun dropped his jaw, finding it absurd. Although there was some truth in it, most of the content in the post was exaggerated. The comments under that post were much more of an entertaining read.

- Miyal: Seems like theres a writer from his office who had published their novel with Haetae Media. Thats why he stepped up, isnt it?

- SweetKyeong-Jin: But didnt Ha Jae-Gun publish the Pezellon series with Haetae Media? Doesnt that mean hes on good terms with them?

- YooDong1: Nonsense;;; I heard from someone I know whos working there that their president and the department head had knelt before him;;;

- Jeriam: Upstairs, for real??? Woah, incredible kekeke

- WoodenHorse: Just what the heck is he??? Seems like the photo of Master Pizzas CEO kneeling before him in the past wasnt photoshopped /s.h.i.+ver

- SeoDam: Please tell me how I can join Writer Ha Jae-Guns office.

Wait, what absurd nonsense is this? Kneeling?

Thats how the internet is. But dont worry too much; there are almost no negative comments.

Ah,

seriously. How did this spread? Its not from our office, so that means it came from Haetae Media.

But itll be strange if the story leaked from one of them; wouldnt it be considered a team kill?

The writers chimed in one after the other, and the commotion grew. Lee Chan-Sung pretended to head to the toilet sneakily with sweat running down his back.

Thats why I shouldnt drink and go online!

Lee Chan-Sung washed his face with cold water so much that the skin on his face could almost come off. Either way, he didnt feel much regret since he had written it out of respect for Ha Jae-Gun in the first place. Lee Chan-Sung sneered at his face, which had turned red.

***

How can you still call yourself a manager?!

Im really sorry! She said she was tired and wanted to be alone, but suddenly! Chae Bo-Ras manager could not raise his head before the department head like a student getting punished, s.h.i.+vering in place.

You call that an excuse?! How could you leave her alone just because of that?! Go, leave now, punk!

Im sorry, sir. Ill fly over to f.u.kuoka right now and bring her back immediately. Chae Bo-Ras manager bowed repeatedly.

The department head was fuming so badly, with his hands on his hips and letting out a heavy sigh while looking at the ceiling. He knew Chae Bo-Ras character, so he couldnt put all the blame on her manager alone. Its such a crucial period now, that crazy brat!

They wouldnt have been this anxious if she had mentioned it early. Just what was her motive for flying to j.a.pan without any notice? Was it as per the one-liner message she had left for her manager?

Bzzt!

His phone rang in his pocket. It was a call that he had been waiting for, so he quickly answered it.

Yeah, did you find out?

I dont think its related to Director Cho Cheol-Won; he flew to Thailand to play golf.

Are you sure?

Yes. With See&Goods recent acquisition, things had been chaotic for him for a while. Ive seen photos of him there, too.

Alright, got it.

The department head hung up the call, tilting his head. He knew that Director Cho Cheol-Won from See&Good was Chae Bo-Ras sponsor. There had been several crises, and each time, the CEO and department head would use their power to control the media as Chae Bo-Ras marketability was quite significant.

Was it really just a vacation?

he wondered with slight relief. It was comforting to know that she did not accompany Director Cho to Thailand.

Keep calling her. The department head pointed at the manager. If she answers, make sure you figure out where she is, and then go over to bring her back. Do your job properly, punk. How else can you work here for the rest of your life?

Ill keep that in mind, sir. Ill do it right.

Dont be all words.

The manager was still trembling in fear. The department head felt apologetic inside and lowered his tone. Why are you skin and bones? Have you been eating regularly?

Y-yes sir.

The department head then stuffed a 100,000 won cash cheque into the managers pocket. Go have some good food.

Thank you.

Dont be intimidated after getting reprimanded, too. Stand up straight, punk. I know youre having a hard time, but its still your job, after all. You should manage your job well and try to resolve the issues.

Yes, I will keep that in mind. Im really sorry.

The department head patted the latters shoulder and left. All alone now, the manager whipped out his phone and dialed Chae Bo-Ras number. He made one, two, and a third call. It was on the fourth time after persistence when Chae Bo-Ra finally answered the phone.

Ah, what is it?

Bo-Ra, why are you doing this to me?

What did I do? I sent you a message saying that Im going to j.a.pan for a vacation, didnt I?

Im your manager You should let me know early so that we can discuss about it.

Whats there to discuss? Would I get cast if I discuss anything with you? Or will my commercial contracts get renewed? I cant kill time for too long by just doing yoga at home. Im on the verge of going crazy the past few days.

The president is fuming, and I just got reprimanded by the department head, too. Come back to Korea, Bo-Ra. Youre on a hiatus now; what if you get into trouble while youre out

A sharp snort from Bo-Ra interrupted him.

Why are you saying it like that? People will misunderstand and think that Im a troublemaker.

Ugh,

just in case I get into trouble, at least Im at a place where no one knows me! Ill hang out on my own and go back when its time, so dont call me! Bye!

Beep!

Bo-Ra! Bo-Ra! That b.i.t.c.h seriously! he cursed unconsciously. He suppressed the urge to smash his phone and dialed Chae Bo-Ras number once more. He roared like a beast when the phone informed him that Chae Bo-Ra's phone was turned off.

***

Reporter Hyun, arent you going to eat?

You can go ahead first. I still have something missing from the perfume interview, so Ill head back to the hotel first.

Youre so diligent wherever you are. Ill see you later back at the hotel then.

Okay. Dont get drunk on sake alone out there again. Hyun Sung-Beom parted ways with his junior and headed back to the hotel.

His footsteps were light as he traversed the streets of j.a.pan after doing good media coverage of the j.a.panese girl group with an upcoming concert in Korea. He could do a good write-up on it. Just as he stopped at the traffic light at a quiet intersection

Hmm?

Hyun Sung-Beom squinted. He looked across the street and saw a familiar-looking man in his mid-forties. Who is that? He looks strangely familiar.

The pedestrian light turned green. Hyun Sung-Beom stepped onto the crossroad, and as the distance between him and the familiar-looking man narrowed, he was able to get a clearer view of the mans face.

Ah! DongMyeong Networks!

Hyun Sung-Beom finally recalled and clapped his hand in exclamation.

DongMyeong Networks was a company that produces TV shows, specifically TV dramas. The man he saw was the companys CEO, Lee Dong-Myeong.

Why is he in j.a.pan? Should I say h.e.l.lo?

Hyun Sung-Beom had met the man a couple of times while visiting the broadcasting station. Seeing the man in casual attire got Hyun Sung-Beom thinking that he wasnt in j.a.pan on business. Hyun Sung-Beom pulled out his name card and approached Dong-Myeong.

Just then

Did I make you wait for a long time?

A woman entered his line of sight. Hyun Sung-Beom was so surprised to see the woman that he immediately hid in the crowd.

W-what is this?

The coquettish woman holding Dong-Myeongs hand tightly was someone he recognized. Dong-Myeong swatted her hand away lightly and looked around worriedly.

Hyun Sung-Beom gulped and opened the camera app on his phone. His reporter instinct had kicked in. He had to ponder over their relations.h.i.+p, but he had to take photos of them first. He pressed the capture b.u.t.ton on his phone incessantly, capturing dozens of photos in just a few seconds.

1. Otherwise, also known as gos.h.i.+wons are similar to off-campus dormitories with small private rooms, large enough to fit just a single bed, small desk, mini fridge, and maybe an ensuite bathroom. They were originally meant as a place for students to study for exams, but are also open for rent to people from all walks of life.