Chapter 222: People Are Important (1)

Welcome, Ms. Ye-Seul.

h.e.l.lo. Its been a while, oppa. Hong Ye-Seul smiled, sporting recently bleached hair. Her fluffy navy jacket and tight-fitting jeans were a familiar sight to Ha Jae-Gun. She didnt seem much different from before she made her debut as an actor.

Your hair is pretty today.

So what? My hair ends are a mess. They said its better to stand out during the movie promotions, said Hong Ye-Seul with a roll of her eyes. She was just wondering whom she would sit next to when Park Do-Joon stood up.

Ill just go take a quick puff, said Park Do-Joon.

I thought you quit smoking?

I began smoking again during the filming. You look like youre about to nag at me, so just stop, Park Do-Joon said and quickly escaped from the office.

Hong Ye-Seul took off her jacket and sat across from Ha Jae-Gun. She laid her jacket on her lap.

Ha Jae-Gun started, Im looking forward to the final product.

I did my best, but Im not sure how youll view it.

Director Yoon mentioned to me in pa.s.sing during our phone call, saying that it was above expectations.

Ah,

youre starting againyou're praising me again. Hong Ye-Seul grabbed her jacket and buried her face in it.

Her cute actions made Ha Jae-Gun smile, and he also felt somewhat relieved that he wouldn't have to worry about her anymore. She didn't look too good during their last meeting, after all.

Oppa, youre feeling relieved now, arent you? Hong Ye-Seul looked up and tossed him the question. She giggled mischievously as she watched Ha Jae-Gun flinch in surprise. Dont feel relieved. I didnt say I'll give up on you yet. Its not over until the end.

What kind of expression should he show to her? Hong Ye-Seul was fl.u.s.tered upon seeing Ha Jae-Guns face slowly turning serious. I was just joking! Im kidding. I really cant joke when youre around.

Ha Jae-Gun then broke into a laugh, shaking his head. The atmosphere was about to turn silent when Hong Ye-Seul suddenly slapped her knee and changed the topic.

Right, oppa. Yang Ying is really pretty. She really deserves the top actress t.i.tle."

Did you get closer to her during the filming?

Yes. The language barrier is there, but we can still communicate with hand signs. We also shopped and ate together. We even went swimming once. Standing with her was tough, though, as Im always getting compared to her.

You have your own charms, so dont think of it that way.

Youre going to eat with us today before leaving, right?

Of course. Its been a while since we met, so we should all eat together.

Before Ha Jae-Gun could continue, the office door opened, and Park Do-Joon returned. He was rubbing his hands together like crazy.

Its freaking cold outside. Lets just order food delivery today.

So thats why you came back so soon.

Oh right, Jae-Gun. Park Do-Joon plopped down next to Ha Jae-Gun and asked, I just thought of this, but is there any news about

Gyeoja Bathhouse

in America? Paramountain bought the license, right?

I havent heard anything from them yet.

I heard Hollywood held quite a number of licenses that haven't been produced into movies. But since they paid $1.8 million for

Gyeoja Bathhouse

, I thought they would begin production immediately.

Well, they will produce it someday.

Park Seok-Ji came back a few moments later. Thanks to Park Do-Joons whining about the freezing cold weather outside, the group decided to order Chinese food.

When is Director Yoon Tae-Sung coming in?

He should only be here sometime in the evening since he has something to discuss with the production company. Lets enjoy our meal.

Having the black bean noodles here is the most delicious.

The group talked for a while over some coffee after their meal. Their current topic was

Storm and Gale

.

Hey, Jae-Gun. How many audiences do you think we will hit in Korea?

Its a romance drama genre, so

hmm

I hope therell be at least two million. Am I being too greedy?

What? Only 2 million? Thats ridiculous. I think well hit 5 million.

Hong Ye-Seuls jaws dropped before she could even take a sip of her coffee. Park Seok-Ji chuckled and shook her head.

Why? Whats wrong with five million? Why are you laughing, Seok-Ji noona? If your post-edits are done well, I really think that we can hit five million audiences.

Alright, Do-Joon. Ill do my best.

Jae-Gun, youre laughing at me, too. What will you do if the movie hits five million? Do you want to bet a million?

Ha Jae-Gun looked down and laughed.

He was thinking of Hong Ye-Seul. She was looking forward to the movies success more than anyone else here. She had to be hoping for more people to watch the movie in the theaters, and she might be desperately hoping that one of them would be her mother.

***

I had fun. Cheer up, and please be careful of the flu, Ha Jae-Gun said as he made his way out.

Park Do-Joon followed him out, sending Ha Jae-Gun off. As they walked the short distance to the car park, they continued their conversation.

What are you doing this Sunday? I have some time, shall we do activities calling the couples? Lets ask Jung-Jin and his girlfriend along.

I want to do that, but I cant promise you until that day. Theres a district brisk walking compet.i.tion I have to partic.i.p.ate in.

Huh?

Why are you appearing in that all of a sudden?

Ha Jae-Gun sighed before replying. The head of the local district office announced on their promotional materials that Ill be making an appearance. He didnt ask for my permission beforehand, so I was quite taken aback.

How could he do that? You can choose not to appear then.

But they said there are people coming all the way here to partic.i.p.ate, so I just thought of partic.i.p.ating this time. I also wanted to take the chance to tell the person in charge to make sure nothing of this sort happens again in the future. You should go back now; were already at the car park.

Ill go back after seeing you drive away. Hey, should I go with you? With Chae-Rin?

Would Tae-Bong hyung even let you? Itll be worrisome if you catch the flu there.

Just as they arrived at the car park, the pair met a group of female high school students. The girls screamed and ran toward them.

Who did you see that made you girls run over so fast? If you ran over to us because of Jae-Gun, then go over there. Park Do-Joons joke made the girls burst into laughter.

Was it because of his familiarity shown on

Lets Watch A Movie

and

I Live Alone

? Hearing the girls call him oppa made Ha Jae-Gun feel shy and awkward.

So your closeness really isn't scripted.

Ah,

I feel like my heart is going to stop. Where are you going now?

Oppa, are you guys close with Ye-Seul unni, too? Im really looking forward to

Storm and Gale

. Its going to premiere soon, right?

Jae-Gun oppa, when will

Market Place

get published? Ive been waiting for it ever since you talked about it on the radio. I really love your novels.

The students took a number of photos before finally letting the men go on their way. As the girls left, they kept turning around to wave goodbye to both Park Do-Joon and Ha Jae-Gun.

Ms. Ye-Seul is really popular.

Shes the kind that even girls love. I just hope that bad rumors dont spread, Park Do-Joon mumbled as he waved back to the girls.

Ha Jae-Gun narrowed his eyes as he looked at Park Do-Joon. What rumors?

Theres actually been a rumor going around on the Internet. Park Do-Joon looked bitter. He paused for a moment to observe Ha Jae-Guns expression and then said, There are rumors of Hong Ye-Seul being a karaoke helper in the past.

....

It could be because she was close to Kim Na-Yeon. Im not sure where this rumor originated from, but thats how it is now. It might go away, too.

I hope it does. Ha Jae-Gun kept quiet. It was hard for him to add to the conversation since he knew about Hong Ye-Seuls past.

Come to think of it, your att.i.tude toward Ye-Seul is quite strange, too, Park Do-Joon remarked.

Me?

When we met with the people from Teencent Pictures, you recommended her to be the female lead. So I thought she held a special meaning in your heart.

I told you that it wasnt me back then.

Having a special meaning doesnt mean a non-platonic relations.h.i.+p. But now that I see you with her, you seem to be distancing yourself from Hong Ye-Seul.

Did it look like that?

Park Do-Joon nodded as he opened the car door for Ha Jae-Gun. Strangely, you're giving Hong Ye-Seul the cold shoulder whenever youre with her. You're smiling on the surface, but I can feel the coldness of your smile. Did something happen between the both of you?

Ha Jae-Gun had nothing to reply to Park Do-Joons question. Ha Jae-Gun could be said to be full of admiration for Park Do-Joons sharp eyes.

Did I say something wrong?

No, I was just wondering if I really acted that way.

Never mind, dont worry about it. Its cold out, so get going. Park Do-Joon pushed Ha Jae-Gun into his car.

Ha Jae-Gun started the engine and slowly drove out of the car park, with complex feelings growing in him. Park Do-Joons words were making rounds in his mind.

He desperately hoped that the bad things would turn into good things and the good things would turn into even better things. He hoped that Hong Ye-Seul would be filled with blessings while standing at the crossroads of her life.

***

It was six in the morning, and the world outside was still dark.

Finally!

Ha Jae-Gun finally put the last period on his work for the day and rested his fingers. He had just completed the latest short story for his collection,

Market Place

. He felt refreshed at the fact that he had managed to put an end to it earlier than expected.

I should send it to the editor-in-chief before I begin my revisions.

Ha Jae-Gun sent the ma.n.u.script to Oh Myung-Suk before leaving his desk. His entire body felt heavy like a huge stone was placed on his head the moment he stood up. Rika, curled up next to him by the table, followed after Ha Jae-Gun.

Meow.

Shhh

, Rika. Soo-Hee is still sleeping. The brisk walking compet.i.tion is today, so shell get worried if she knows that I stayed up the entire night.

Ha Jae-Gun carefully tiptoed his way, much lighter than Rika. He took out Seo Gun-Woos cup from the drawer and made himself a cup of coffee.

Phew. Thankfully, I have this cup with me.

The fatigue he had acc.u.mulated throughout the night disappeared without a trace. He felt as light as a feather after regaining his energy. Now, he felt like he could walk the entire city, not to mention the district.

Bzzt!

Yes, editor-in-chief. Youre awake already?

I dont usually sleep in. I called you right away after seeing the email you sent. Im surprised that youve finished the ma.n.u.script so soon.

You said you were looking forward to it, so I kind of rushed it. I hope youll like what you read.

I havent read it yet, but I think its good enough.

Ah,

aside from me, Content Producer Bae seemed to be looking forward to reading it as well. He kept asking for another script to show on the small screen after the success of

Summer in My 20s

.

Director Lee Eun-Ha did a great job in the directing. Shes amazing.

Mr. Ha, youre even better for recommending her and writing such a great novel. Now that

Market Place

has ended, shall we have lunch together?

Sorry, but I have a prior appointment today. Ill visit you sometime next week.

Alright. Ill read the ma.n.u.script today and give you a call afterward.

Have a great day, editor-in-chief. Ah, wait a minute. Ha Jae-Gun called out urgently when something came to mind. He was worried about Oh Myung-Suk and Chae Yoo-Jin. He didnt have anything in particular to ask about, so he ended up asking about their well-being.

Everything is going well, right?

Yes, thanks to your blessings.

A cheerful voice then came over the line in the next moment. Oh Myung-Suk understood the meaning behind Ha Jae-Guns question and added,

Its all thanks to you, Mr. Ha. Yoo-Jin and I were both truly happy these days.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled awkwardly as he stayed on the phone.

Ha Jae-Gun then realized that Lee Soo-Hee had already woken up. Before he could turn around, she came up behind him and gave him a hug.

***

[...News of Writer Ha Jae-Guns partic.i.p.ation in a local districts brisk walking compet.i.tion has been a hot topic recently. The event attracted over five times more people than usual. Most of them were Writer Ha Jae-Guns readers and fans?]

[Yes, thats right. If I were to throw a fastball here to complement this show, this event isnt one that Writer Ha Jae-Gun partic.i.p.ated in willingly.]

[Its not? Reporter Ju, what do you mean by that?]

[The employees at the district office announced it first since Writer Ha Jae-Guns name is well-known both locally and internationally. So with the elections ahead, the head of the district office.]

[So it was not based on pure intentions?]

[Well, Ha Jae-Gun is extremely popular right now. He has a good public image, and his works are pretty popular, too. He has been making great achievements overseas as well. He's pretty valuable now.]

[Are you talking about the political benefit?]

[Yeah. But since this is a live broadcast and there are still cases ongoing, Ill have to be careful of what I say. Hahaha.]

Is this Writer Ha Jae-Gun that famous? Nam Gyu-Baek mumbled as he sat in the backseat of the car.

Department Head Bae sitting in the front pa.s.senger seat, replied, Of course, sir. In addition to his novels, the games that Director Nam had created from his novels were huge hits as well. Theres

Oscars Dungeon

and even the PC game,

The Breath

, that had just begun development.

Have you read his novels?

Yes, I have read a couple of them. He's a good writer, and I like his stories.

Nam Gyu-Baek nodded silently as he looked out the window. They were on their way back after visiting Hwaseong Haenggung. Time would always pa.s.s quickly in Nam Gyu-Baek's eyes, especially when he was out with his chauffeur, Department Head Bae.

Do you have any of his novels to recommend to me?

Writer Has novels? Hmm. Department Head Bae thought for a while, then replied, I personally love

Foolish Woman

a lot.

Why is it t.i.tled that way?

Shall I call it an ironic t.i.tle? The female lead was so kind that she was labeled a foolish woman. In fact, he used his own sister as the motif.

Grab me a copy of it in the evening.

Yes, sir.

The word Suwon could be seen in the distance as he looked out the car window. Nam Gyu-Baek then recalled a certain woman and perked his ears.

Department Head Bae, lets drop by somewhere.

Pardon? Where are you referring to?

Were at Suwon, right? You still have that ladys name card, right? I think itll be good to visit her for a while.

Ah,

yes. I understand. Chauffeur Kim, lets go to this address here.

The address on the navigator was changed to Jae-In Academy. As they changed their destination, Department Head Bae asked, Shall I prepare a gift?

Buy something suitable in the vicinity later. She seemed quite burdened the last time. Nam Gyu-Baek rubbed his chin and added, Dont you think shell be a good match with Yoo Dong-Yoon?

Team Leader Yoo Dong-Yoon?

Ah,

come to think of it. Department Head Bae nodded in agreement.

Team leader Yoo was a staffer whom Nam Gyu-Baek cherished the most. The man was polite and gentle, with a flawless personality. Although he has a good character and is quite talented, the man, now in his forties, still hadnt found a good match.

I might end up being a matchmaker in this life.

Hahaha.

Were almost there, sir.

The car stopped in front of the sign that read Jae-In Academy. Pa.s.sers-by were staring as the chauffeur alighted from the luxury car and opened the door to the backseat.

Hmm? Nam Gyu-Baek frowned heavily.

A few meters ahead was a couple alighting from a minivan plastered with the words Jae-In Academy on it.

I never knew you were so good at driving, director.

Im good at everything I do. Shall I get a job as a driver at Jae-In Academy as well?

Please dont make jokes like that.

Im willing to work for you without receiving any salary as long as Ms. Jae-In is in the pa.s.senger seat beside me.

The couple was looking at each other amicably and laughing as they got out of the mini-van. Anyone could tell that they were a couple. The sight made Nam Gyu-Baek flip, and his bluish and reddish face looked like a dormant volcano that had just become active.