Chapter 98: Learn What You Dont Know (3)

After returning from the movie press conference, Ha Jae-Gun took off his uncomfortable suit and went for a shower.

As he was. .h.i.t by the hot water shower, Ha Jae-Gun recalled the day when the reunion was held last year. He had answered Park Jung-Jins call after waking up and took a cold shower before leaving the house in a hurry.

Ha Jae-Gun couldnt help but laugh at that memory.

A lot has changed since last year.

His one-room apartment was still the same, but many things had changed. Ha Jae-Gun could now enjoy hot water showers whenever he wanted, and he didnt have to worry about going out in loose clothes.

Ha Jae-Gun changed into a comfortable s.h.i.+rt, a pair of slacks, and loafers and headed out the door. He also didnt forget to wear the wrist.w.a.tch he had received as a gift.

There was an unprecedented spring in his steps as he headed toward the subway station.

The alumni gathering was held at the same bar as last yearPub Hippo in Sinchon.

Ha Jae-Gun looked up at the signboard upon arriving at the shop front and got lost in thoughts. He recalled leaving the gathering early with Park Jung-Jin last year in a gloomy mood, and he could still remember that they went for a second round on their own.

However, that wouldnt happen to him today. He resolved to stay until the end with his like-minded cla.s.smates, including Park Jung-Jin.

What are you doing standing out here? Park Jung-Jin tapped his back and appeared from behind him out of the blue.

Ha Jae-Gun flinched and turned around. You scared me. Hey, I told you my heart isnt that strong against jumpscares.

Hey, what is this feeling of deja vu? I think Ive seen this scene before.

Of course, you did the same to me last year.

Park Jung-Jin sn.i.g.g.e.red as he took out a stick of cigarette. Lets go in together after I puff this stick. Whats the time now?

Its just past seven, Ha Jae-Gun replied after looking at his wrist.w.a.tch.

With the cigarette stick in his mouth, Park Jung-Jins eyes were fixed on Ha Jae-Guns wrist.w.a.tch and asked, You bought a watch?

Huh?

Wow, its Tissot. I didnt expect you to choose such a humble brand when youre earning big bucks.

Is Tissot the brand of this watch?

You bought this without knowing what it is?

The writers at my office gave this to me as a gift.

Ah,

really?

Park Jung-Jin took a long deep puff of his cigarette and let out a huge cloud of white smoke before continuing. Tissot is the name of this watchs brand. Its a low-end luxury brand, but the quality is decent. The designs arent bad as well, so its quite popular.

Oh,

its a brand. How much does it cost?

I know of this model. I think it costs slightly over 900,000 won online.

What? How much again? Ha Jae-Gun was shocked.

Ha Jae-Gun thought that the watch would cost around 200,000 won at most, so he was stupefied to learn that the watch was that expensive.

This meant that Kang Min-Ho, Jang Eun-Young, and Yang Hyun-Kyung forked out 300,000 won each to get him this watch.

I had no idea its that expensive...

Why are you exaggerating when youre earning hundreds of millions every month?

The writers who gave this to me arent doing so well financially, so I feel guilty now that Ive heard the price.

They must have gifted this to you after knowing and realizing the value you have brought to them. Dont be guilty, and wear it proudly. Thats how you should repay them for the gift.

Park Jung-Jin took out a portable trash can and threw the cigarette b.u.t.t into it. As the pair turned around and was about to head into the restaurant, Lee Soo-Hee appeared behind them and greeted them with a bright smile.

Oh?

When did you get here?

For about thirty seconds? What were you guys talking about that you didnt even realize that I was behind you? Lee Soo-Hee shrugged.

Lee Soo-Hees laced s.h.i.+rt and flare skirt made her look brighter than ever. Suddenly Ha Jae-Gun felt sorry to see that spring was about to leave.

Have the others arrived yet? Lee Soo-Hee asked.

Not sure; we just arrived as well and havent gone in yet.

Lets go in, then. Lee Soo-Hee put herself between them and grabbed each of their arms. She took the lead and headed for the stairs that led to the restaurant.

The innermost part of the restaurant had a huge table, and around ten of their cla.s.smates were gathered there. As the three of them made eye contact with the group, everyone stopped their conversations and waved at them.

Park Jung-Jin and Ha Jae-Gun are definitely dating. Look, theyre together again.

As expected of Madam Cheon Hyo-Jin. Youre always quick when it comes to food.

Its been a while, Lee Soo-Hee. You werent here last year.

Yeah, its been a while. Something happened at work last year. As the uproarious greetings came to an end, the group s.h.i.+fted around to make seats for the group of three.

Lee Soo-Hee took her seat with the other ladies while Ha Jae-Gun and Park Jung-Jin sat together across from her.

Isnt Lee Soo-Hees skirt getting shorter? Park Jung-Jin whispered into Ha Jae-Guns ears.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled and casually turned to Lee Soo-Hee. He agreed with Park Jung-Jin. He could see that over half of her stocking-covered thighs were revealed despite her putting her legs together.

She has become bolder. It feels like shes got a change of mind.

What, change of mind?

Shes probably in the mindset of wanting to date right now.

Shut up and hand me the beer.

Jung-Mi held a pitcher in hand and walked over to Ha Jae-Gun, who was holding onto his gla.s.s.

Jae-Gun, let me pour you a drink.

Ah,

thank you. Let me pour you one as well.

Jung-Mi blushed as she watched Ha Jae-Gun fill her gla.s.s.

Thank you for taking a look at my novel. If you hadnt, I would have given up mid-way, she said.

I enjoyed your novel, and I even learned a lot from it. It was a win-win.

Im so glad that I went for the orientation. Your lecture was very touching, and I learned a lot from it. Jung-Mis eyes shone as she looked at Ha Jae-Gun seated next to her.

Lee Soo-Hees eyes shone sharply for a moment, but no one noticed it.

But hey, Jae-Gun. Just how popular have you become? asked one of the cla.s.smates.

With that, everyone turned to look at Ha Jae-Gun.

They all knew about Ha Jae-Guns success story.

Hes got a movie adaptation and even sold a million copies of his novel.

I heard hes even swept the fantasy genre market by storm. Your earnings from that market alone are humongous, right? Just how much are you earning per month?

Let us in on a little,

hmm? Hmm?

Have you met Do-Joon? And does Chae-Rin look much better in person? Or is she just more photogenic?

The questions were endless.

Ha Jae-Gun broke out into a cold sweat, but he still answered their questions to the best of his abilities. However, he felt embarra.s.sed and burdened as well. It was a gathering for everyone, so he didnt wish to be under the spotlight.

Guys, lets stop all the questions and have a toast, said Park Jung-Jin. He picked up his gla.s.s in an effort to change the topic upon seeing Ha Jae-Guns troubled face.

Ha Jae-Gun thanked his friend inwardly and followed suit.

Ha Jae-Guns phone rang.

Huh?

He froze at the name shown on the screen.

Park Jung-Jin peeked at Ha Jae-Guns screen and exclaimed unknowingly, Hey, is that AppleTs Chae-Rin?!

What? Really? Did AppleTs Chae-Rin call you?

Hey, Jae-Gun! Its my lifelong dream, so just let melet me speak to her on the phone for ten seconds! Please?

A huge commotion ensued, especially from the men at the table.

A couple of them were even shouting over each other like animals.

Ha Jae-Gun escaped and headed to the washroom to answer the call.

h.e.l.lo?

h.e.l.lo, Writer Ha. Are you busy?

Not really, Im actually at an alumni gathering.

Oh, so its true

Huh?

What did you just say?

Ah,

its nothing. You had the movie press conference earlier today, right? I wanted to call and ask about you since we havent called each other since exchanging numbers.

Hahaha,

I see

But its quite noisy where you are. Did a fight happen or something?

Its because of you

Because of me?

Ha Jae-Gun held his phone in his other hand and smiled. Everyone got excited after knowing that youre the one who called me. One of them even said that its his dream to talk to you, even if its just for ten seconds.

Oh my, how nice of them. Id love to, but my manager oppa is glaring at me with laser shooting out of his eyes right now.

You must be busy; please go ahead and focus on your work.

Im sorry. Please enjoy your alumni gathering.

Ha Jae-Gun hung up the phone and returned to the table, but he was shocked at the commotion. Some of the guys were already dancing along to AppleTs ch.o.r.eography.

Hey, Jae-Gun. What did Chae-Rin say? Why did she call you?

Um She just asked about the movie press conference.

She even calls to ask about things like that? It does not even concern her. Wait, are you dating her, perhaps?

No, thats ridiculous. Stop spouting nonsense.

You guys met during the TV show, right? Did you hold hands or kiss?

Just shut up already.

It took a while for the conversation to finally steer away from Chae-Rin.

Ha Jae-Gun clinked gla.s.ses with everyone and enjoyed his time.

Come to think of it, Myung-Hoon didnt appear today.

Oh Myung-Hoon suddenly came to his mind.

Ha Jae-Gun had really forgotten about Oh Myung-Hoon up until now. It took him a while to realize why the atmosphere at the gathering was so pleasant and enjoyable, and it was actually because Oh Myung-Hoon was missing.

Ha Jae-Gun drank more alcohol, and the same was true for Lee Soo-Hee.

Soo-Hee, arent you drinking a bit too fast today? Hyo-Jin asked with a face full of worry. Her worry was valid since Lee Soo-Hee had never once let go of her gla.s.s since she arrived here.

No. Im just enjoying myself, Its been a while since I drank. Lee Soo-Hee smiled with her eyes raised.

Hyo-Jin was frightened. She could see the coldness on Lee Soo-Hees face.

Good for you, Ha Jae-Gun! You must be ecstatic about getting a call from a popular girl group member. Look at that smug look on your face!

Despite thinking that Ha Jae-Gun wasnt the type to easily fall for any woman, jealousy grew in Lee Soo-Hee. The fact that the girl in question was a celebrity rather than an ordinary person triggered her even more.

Truth be told, Lee Soo-Hee had a lot to tell Ha Jae-Gun today, but it seemed that there wouldnt be any chance for her to do so.

Im getting hot I should step out for some air.

Lee Soo-Hee quietly picked up her bag and left the restaurant.

It was already quite dark when she stepped out.

Lee Soo-Hee stretched and took a deep breath beneath the brightly lit street.

What are you doing out here alone?

...?!

Lee Soo-Hees eyes widened.

She looked to the side and was astonished to find Ha Jae-Gun next to her.

Why did you come out?

I thought you were going to escape, so I followed you out.

Lee Soo-Hee looked down slightly and chuckled. I came out for some fresh air.

All right, lets enjoy some fresh air and head back together.

Im going to stay out here for a while, though.

Ill accompany you then.

The pair looked at the streets quietly and enjoyed the cool breeze.

After a few minutes, Lee Soo-Hee broke the ice. Actually, Ive got something to tell you today.

Hmm?

Yeah, its something about work But I think I should let you know next time. Now that youre the talk of the town, I dont feel like talking about it. Lee Soo-Hee smiled and stuck her tongue out playfully.

Ha Jae-Gun pondered over her words for a while before asking, Shall we leave?

How could we?

You said theres something you want to tell me. Im sure there are others wholl run soon as well. We can just tell Park Jung-Jin that were leaving.

Ha Jae-Gun was curious about what Lee Soo-Hee wanted to tell him.

Lee Soo-Hee gulped and asked carefully, Are you sure thats fine?

Yeah? Im tired of getting asked about Chae-Rin. I really want to leave now.

Ha Jae-Gun explained to Park Jung-Jin what happened and managed to shake off the others who had clung to him after their first round, leaving the group for the night.

Lee Soo-Hee had excused herself earlier, so she didnt have any difficulties leaving the group.

Hey, Jae-Gun, over here.

Ha Jae-Gun arrived at the pub where they had agreed to meet at.

Lee Soo-Hee was already waiting for him.

Ha Jae-Gun sat across from her and ordered alcohol and some snacks. Their conversation started with Ha Jae-Gun asking Lee Soo-Hee a question.

So what is it that you wanted to tell me?

Mm Im not sure where to start.

Lee Soo-Hee hesitated for a while before asking carefully. Are you busy recently?

Not really? Im not working on anything else other than a fantasy novel.

You wont mind if I ask you to write another game scenario for my company, right?

Ha Jae-Gun leaned back in surprise. Isnt it over? You didnt mention it anymore, so I thought it got axed..

Mm

This is for another project.

And isnt Oh Myung-Hoon working on it?

Lee Soo-Hee sighed. Something seemed to have gotten over him recently, and he has gotten diligent. Hes still bossy, and he doesnt really take in the opinions of other people, but hes still writing for us.

That doesnt sound too bad...

But the problem is that he keeps arguing with the planning director.

Arguing?

Our directors personality is much stronger than Myung-Hoons. In fact, hes smart and good at his job. But he has rejected Myung-Hoons scenario over ten times by now, saying that its not interesting.

Lee Soo-Hee took a sip from her gla.s.s and continued. Myung-Hoon thinks that hes being targeted, but the director is just a very straightforward person. Hell say things likeIts so boring and clichedthings like that. How can you expect Myung-Hoon to endure all of that?

Hmm,

I can already imagine it, Ha Jae-Gun muttered, nodding.

Lee Soo-Hee observed his reaction and asked cautiously, Id like to tell the director about you if youre ok with it This project is really huge, plus youre much more popular now compared to last year, too. We will definitely draft a contract that is more beneficial to you

Okay, Ha Jae-Gun replied unexpectedly, cutting Lee Soo-Hee off.

Ill do it since you asked. Call me again once youre ready to talk about the specifics.

Really?

It was a shame when the game I wrote a scenario for was axed. I havent been able to make progress in that field as well, and Ha Jae-Gun filled Lee Soo-Hees gla.s.s and smiled before saying. Youre giving me more money, so why would I refuse?

Lee Soo-Hees face flushed. She smiled and clinked gla.s.ses with Ha Jae-Gun.