Big Life

The ringtone went on for a while, but no one picked up.

Oh Myung-Suk dialed once more, but there was still no answer. He planned to drop a message if the call did not go through this time, but the call was finally answered.

— Hello?

“Hello, is this Mr. Ha Jae-Gun?”

— Yes, who is this?

“You should have spoken to one of my staff earlier. I’m the upcoming publication brand, Mysterium’s editor-in-chief, Oh Myung-Suk.”

Ha Jae-Gun’s soft sigh echoed from the other end of the line.

— Hello, but I thought I expressed myself clearly, so what is this about?

“I would like to apologize on behalf for the mistake my staff has made. He wasn’t familiar with his task, and he made a mistake in the way he approached you. I should have contacted you myself, I’m extremely sorry for that.”

“I would like to meet you personally. I understand that you’re currently busy working on the novel, but I’ll be extremely grateful if you can set some time aside to meet me. It’s fine even if it’s today, and you may decide on the location to meet.”

— I’ve mentioned it earlier as well, but there’s nothing else I can share with you even if I do meet you, editor-in-chief. Plus, you haven’t even read my draft yet.

“I’ll read it immediately, so if you can send it over. Even if I haven’t read it, I believe there’s much to talk about with regard to your new novel, I’ve read almost all of your works, you see.”

— Really?

“Yes, that’s right,” Oh Myung-Suk spoke calmly as he glanced at the time.

He wasn’t lying. Oh Myung-Suk was personally interested in Ha Jae-Gun, and he had been reading all of the latter’s novels up until now.

“I’ve read Foolish Woman, A 90s Kid,Storm and Gale, and The Breath, as well as all your other fantasy genre novels that you’ve published so far. That’s why I’m certain that we can share a conversation if we were to meet. What do you think?”

Silence followed after Oh Myung-Suk’s question. Oh Myung-Suk made himself a cup of coffee while waiting for a reply. His tongue moistened his lips, which had turned dry from the anxiety of waiting.

— All right.

Ha Jae-Gun’s reply broke the deafening silence. Oh Myung-Suk was finally able to breathe normally, and he finally smiled.

— You said that you’ve read all of my novels, and I’m very grateful for that. I’m looking forward to meeting you. When would be good?

“I’m fine with any time, even if it’s today.”

— Let’s meet today, then. I’m out at the library now, anyway.

“I’ll head over to where you’re at if you can tell me your location.”

— Hmm, I think it’s better if we meet somewhere near Guro station instead. It’s not that far from me. Is 7 p.m. good?

“Sure, Mr. Ha. I’ll see you in a bit. And would you be able to send me the draft of your novel?”

— Sure, I have a copy of it on my phone, so I’ll send it over right now.

Oh Myung-Suk gave Ha Jae-Gun his email address. Then, he said goodbye and hung up. He finished his coffee and accessed his inbox to find Ha Jae-Gun’s draft sitting there.

It was about 40,000 characters, which was equivalent to a quarter of a full-length novel.

‘It’s pretty well done…!’

Oh Myung-Suk’s hawk eyes dug deep into Ha Jae-Gun’s manuscript. Objectively speaking, there was little to no weird areas. The sentences were impeccable, and the story development and pace were outstanding.

‘I don’t think this is written after ideation.’

Oh Myung-Suk could determine if one had lumped all the unsure elements together to create an idea or if they had done their research while working on it.

And he could tell that Ha Jae-Gun had obviously done his research…

Tadadadak! Tak! Tadak!

Oh Myung-Suk started typing out his feedback while reading the draft. It had been a while since he felt like this, and it was a kind of thrill that he was sure would only come to him whenever he was in front of a decent writer’s manuscript.

***

“Ah, Mr. Ha. Would you like a glass?”

“Sorry, I’ve been focusing on writing recently, so I won’t be drinking with you today. Feel free to drink, though, Editor-in-chief.”

“I’m not fond of alcohol personally, so I’m good as well.”

Ha Jae-Gun and Oh Myung-Suk were at a restaurant selling army stew near Guro station.

Oh Myung-Suk swirled the ladle in the stew and said, “I find you incredible. I’ve been looking out for you ever since you won the grand and runner-up prizes at the Digital Literature Award. I’m extremely impressed by how you are able to write novels of varying genres and topics. I think you’re one of the very few writers who can do that across the entire industry.”

“I still have a lot to work on,” Ha Jae-Gun said humbly.

Oh Myung-Suk was good with words. He could clearly list all of Ha Jae-Gun’s novels, and he shared his opinions clearly. Ha Jae-Gun listened to Oh Myung-Suk intently and even wrote down notes diligently.

“I’m also looking forward to the mystery novel that you’re currently working on. It’s very appealing right off the bat, and the introduction and topic are unique as well—Ah, I’m sorry; please dig in.”

Oh Myung-Suk stopped himself from talking further and took a portion of the army stew for Ha Jae-Gun. They got so absorbed in the conversation that they hadn’t even picked up their chopsticks just yet.

“Please have some, too, Editor-in-chief.” Ha Jae-Gun took over the ladle and portioned some army stew for Oh Myung-Suk as well.

Was it because Oh Myung-Suk knew that Ha Jae-Gun and Oh Myung-Hoon were classmates? Oh Myung-Suk couldn’t help but compare Ha Jae-Gun with his own brother after looking at Ha Jae-Gun’s respectful demeanor.

“I can do it myself as well… Thank you.”

The two put their conversation on hold for a moment and started eating. When Oh Myung-Suk looked up for a moment for a breather, Ha Jae-Gun asked casually, “Are there any weak points?”

It was something that was on Ha Jae-Gun’s mind for the longest time.

In fact, he had agreed to this meeting because he wanted to listen to criticisms about his draft. He was curious about what the editor-in-chief from OongSung would have to say after reading his draft.

Ha Jae-Gun got even more desperate for Oh Myung-Suk’s opinion rather than the contract when he confirmed that the man had truly read all of his novels.

“As I’ve said, your novel is great overall.” Oh Myung-Suk took off his steaming glasses and continued. “I’m sure you’ll obtain great results if you keep writing as per your plans, but…”

Oh Myung-Suk paused momentarily and rummaged through his bag.

He then pulled out a printed A4 document. It was Ha Jae-Gun’s draft.

“The female student’s character is lackluster.”

Ha Jae-Gun snorted lightly and shook his head. He had been worrying over that same point while working on his novel, and Oh Myung-Suk had accurately pointed it out as well.

“There are three main female characters. The female student Lee Ye-Ji who got pregnant and committed suicide, her best friend Han Joo-Hee, and Kang So-Yeon, who is on bad terms with the two girls. Their roles are huge, but…”

Oh Myung-Suk smiled bitterly and handed Ha Jae-Gun the printed draft.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Ha. To be honest, the exterior is a woman, but the character lacks a lot of feminine aspects in terms of dialogue and behavior compared to Hye-Young in your last novel, Storm and Gale. The difference is too huge.”

“Sigh… Yes, I felt that way, too. Your comment has convinced me,” said Ha Jae-Gun with a bitter smile.

He couldn’t refute Oh Myung-Suk’s feedback.

The faces of two women flashed before his eyes. One was Da-Seul—the model of his character Hye-Young—and the other was Lee Soo-Hee, from whom he borrowed her emotions to complete the character.

Oh Myung-Suk continued. “And you can’t even change them to male characters, too, as it’ll change the story entirely. The scene where Joo-Hee consoles Ye-Ji—who wants to commit suicide before leaving for her trip to Osaka is important, but if you turn Joo-Hee into a male character, it won’t make sense anymore. I also think that the description of the Osaka trip is quite lacking.”

“I knew that would happen because I haven’t been to Osaka...”

“I believe you’ll overcome this.”

“Yeah, I will try my best. Thank you so much,” Ha Jae-Gun replied with utmost sincerity. He was grateful to Oh Myung-Suk, who had pointed out the weak points of his novel without hesitation, and he was glad the editor-in-chief didn’t waste his time.

‘He reminds me of President Kwon.’

Ha Jae-Gun still had no idea of Oh Myung-Suk’s personality, but Oh Myung-Suk felt like a great editor, at the very least because of his similarity to Kwon Tae-Won.

With that in mind, Ha Jae-Gun slowly got interested in Oh Myung-Suk.

~

‘Great attitude; he's a writer by nature.' Oh Myung-Suk also started looking at Ha Jae-Gun in a positive light.

Whether Ha Jae-Gun was diligently biting down important points during their conversation or drawing a clear line between himself and his novel while accepting the criticisms—they all reminded Oh Myung-Suk of his younger days.

"There’s still a lot of time, so please don’t be anxious and focus on writing your novel. If the contract is burdening you as well, I won’t push you about it as well. Feel free to contact me whenever you feel comfortable.”

“Okay.”

“Is there anything else you need assistance with?”

“Not at the moment…” Ha Jae-Gun scratched his cheek.

With that, Oh Myung-Suk said without hesitation, “If you need a place to focus on your writing, please let me know, and I will make arrangements for you. If you require additional materials for your research, we will definitely provide them as long as they’re from our company. If you need anything else from what I’ve mentioned, we’ll try our best to assist.”

Ha Jae-Gun held a sip of water in his mouth for a moment before drinking it. Then, he asked carefully, “Actually, there’s something I would like to ask.”

“Please speak.”

“Why are you going to such lengths for me?” Ha Jae-Gun looked Oh Myung-Suk in the eye and said, “I won’t be overly humble. I know that I’ve shown tremendous results when I’m still a newbie writer, but aren’t there countless other writers like me out there? I think you’re being a bit too considerate of me.”

Oh Myung-Suk smiled politely before.

He decided to speak his honest thoughts about Ha Jae-Gun.

“It’s because you’re a monstrous newbie writer,” he said.

“...?”

“You’ve shown great results across various genres, and that’s why we’ve labeled you that. I’m also certain that you’ll become the hot topic once again once your mystery novel is published.”

Oh Myung-Suk finally realized what kind of a writer and person Ha Jae-Gun was through this meeting tonight, and Oh Myung-Suk saw that it was best to be straightforward with Ha Jae-Gun.

Oh Myung-Suk added, “On top of that, you’re quite rare, so it’s easier to market you and your novel from our perspective. Mr. Ha Jae-Gun, you’re the ideal writer of every publisher out there, so there’s no way I’ll miss out on you.”

Oh Myung-Suk smiled selflessly, showing that it was the end of his response.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled shyly, evidently convinced by Oh Myung-Suk’s words.

He nodded silently instead of giving a reply.

There was a moment of silence before Ha Jae-Gun spoke once more, “Thank you for your honest opinions and feedback, I will use them as reference.”

“It wasn’t really feedback since the story itself is great, and I’m sure that the story will be an even greater story as long as the issue with the female characters is resolved.”

“I should book a trip to Japan soon. I shouldn’t be complacent and try to gloss things over.”

Oh Myung-Suk’s eyes shone at Ha Jae-Gun’s decision. “When are you planning to leave, and for how many days?”

“I’m thinking of staying for a week. It should be enough time for me to do my research. Perhaps I’ll arrange the trip soon. I’ll have to do some research since I haven’t really gone on an overseas trip ever since I flew to China with my family many years ago.”

“I see, will you be traveling alone?”

“Yes. I think it’s more comfortable for me to travel alone since I’ll be visiting quite a number of places, and I know a bit of the language as well.”

“I see… please excuse me for a moment.” Oh Myung-Suk pulled out his phone and dialed a number. The line went through, and Oh Myung-Suk said, “Yes, it’s me. Please help me search for a flight ticket to Osaka.”

Ha Jae-Gun was about to pick up a piece of the side dish, but he paused and looked up in shock. However, Oh Myung-Suk continued speaking on the phone despite Ha Jae-Gun’s reaction.

“It’s for a writer. He’ll be going for a week, and please find accommodation near Umeda station. Please try to get the earliest possible flight out. We’ll decide if we need a guide nearer to the date. Yes, yes, please.” Oh Myung-Suk finally ended the call.

He smiled brightly and spoke to the speechless Ha Jae-Gun like it was nothing. “I’m not sure why I hadn’t thought of this before. Please enjoy your trip, and I hope your novel turns out great.”

Ha Jae-Gun was too shocked to smile in return.

The man who said that he wouldn’t burden Ha Jae-Gun with the contract suddenly pulled a surprise on him.

Oh Myung-Suk’s smile lasted for quite a while.

***

“Why must I go to Osaka again? The marketing team should do something like this.”

Lee Soo-Hee was protesting with exhaustion written all over her face.

The game development director only replied bluntly, “You’re the only one with full knowledge of the game development’s progress and can even interpret. I’m not even asking for you to stay for three days. Just a day would do.”

Lee Soo-Hee very much wanted to reject this work trip. She was tired of having to fly to Japan every time for work, tired of taking flights, and tired of sleeping in unfamiliar hotel beds.

Bzzt!

Her phone buzzed, telling her that a message had arrived. Lee Soo-Hee’s face stiffened after reading the message, and her irritation instantly disappeared.

- Soo-Hee, I’ll be flying to Osaka next week to do some research and go on a holiday, do you have any tourist spots to recommend? I remember you said that you fly there often, right?

“Hmm? Team Leader Lee. You’ll go, right?”

“I have no other choice,” Lee Soo-Hee replied with reluctance in her voice as she put away her phone.

“As expected, you’re really the only person I can rely on here. Please take good care of the project.”

With that, the game development director left the meeting room with a relieved look.

Lee Soo-Hee took out her phone again and read Ha Jae-Gun’s message once again. She decided to put away the phone earlier because she was worried that other people would hear her pounding heart.