Big Life

— Mr. Ha, I’m contacting you from the Chinese Embassy in Korea. I left you a message because you didn’t answer your phone; I’ll be waiting for you to contact me.

Ha Jae-Gun stopped typing on his keyboard and frowned lightly. Why would the Chinese Embassy in Korea reach out to him? What would it be about?

Ha Jae-Gun didn’t take too long to think as a call from Oh Myung-Suk cin, which Ha Jae-Gun answered in a heartbeat.

“Yes, Editor-in-chief.”

— You've been stuck at hthese days; it must be hard on you.

“You sound happy, Editor-in-chief. It's not that tough or frustrating staying at home. It's nice to play with the cats and work on my s quietly.”

“Editor-in-chief, I'm really not giving you an excuse, but I need to begin with character development first. I don't have anything substantial to give you right now, even if I want to.”

— I'm just saying it. Just treat it as subtly urging you to start on the .

Ha Jae-Gun headed to the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee and said, “Actually, I often write better when you urge me, but this is about malice, so writing it is taking a toll on me.

— It's rare to see you whine, Mr. Ha. Maybe we can meet for drinks when you face writer's block?

“I'd love that. There are many instances when something just comes towhile we're talking about different things. Oh, right. Editor-in-chief.”

Ha Jae-Gun recalled the text message he had received a few minutes ago and changed the topic. “I received a message from the Chinese Embassy in Korea.”

— The Chinese Embassy? What did they say?

“I'm not sure what they want. It was an unknown number that called first, but I didn't answer since I've been receiving those annoying calls. It was after that when a text message cin.”

— Please wait while I check out what it is that they want.

“Could you do that? I'm sorry for making things difficult.”

— You don't have to say that. I'll hang up for now.

Ha Jae-Gun finished his cup of coffee, but Oh Myung-Suk had yet to give him a call. What was it that held him up on the phone for so long?

Growing uneasy, Ha Jae-Gun decided to flip through the gmagazine that Soo-Hee was reading while waiting for Oh Myung-Suk to call. It was almost thirty minutes later when Oh Myung-Suk called.

“Yes, Editor-in-chief.”

— Sorry for getting back to you now. I had a call with Teencent Pictures after the call with the Chinese Embassy, and then I had another call with the Deputy Minister of Culture. You've met the Deputy Minister of Culture at the awards ceremony, right?

Ha Jae-Gun's eyes widened as he put down the magazine in his hands.

“Teencent Pictures? And even the Deputy Minister of Culture?”

— It was an official request from the government in China. They hope to meet to discuss cultural exchanges between Korea and China. They will make an official announcement if Mr. Ha agrees to attend.

“A discussion of cultural exchanges between Korea and China? I don't understand.”

— They want to discuss its key story and production process. Of course, this is just an excuse on the surface; they have a hidden motive. Liu Bao, head of China's Central Publicity Department, will be visiting Korea, so they must be planning to ask something from you.

Oh Myung-Suk’s voice slowly sounded more excited as he continued his explanation. But it was a given, as the man he had just mentioned was equivalent to the Deputy PrMinister overseeing the Ministry of Culture in China. He was a high-ranking official in charge of external publicity, a project on the national level.

Oh Myung-Suk was proud and happy to know that someone that great had recognized Ha Jae-Gun's value and had reached out to them first.

Unlike Oh Myung-Suk, Ha Jae-Gun had no idea about the Central Publicity Department of China, so he couldn’t tell just how big of a deal it was.

Oh Myung-Suk continued.

“Within today?”

Ha Jae-Gun couldn't keep up with the speed of this conversation. Ha Jae-Gun held a pen in hand as he wedged his phone between his ear and shoulder, and then he began noting down what Oh Myung-Suk had shared.

He was afraid that he might forget everything they had talked about over the phone the moment he hung up, so he decided to take notes.

— They also mentioned that you are the key person in this event, and that was why you were the first person they approached respectfully.

— You don't have to; I will prepare everything else on my end. But, can I take it that you're agreeable to attending the said event?

— I definitely think this is a good thing for you.

Oh Myung-Suk replied without hesitation.

— You should have felt this after working with them and getting used to their working style. You should accept their offer if you want your work to take root in China securely.

“I understand. I agree, and I will leave the arrangements in your hands.” It didn't take him long to decide, as Oh Myung-Suk’s judgment had never once resulted in a bad outcome. As usual, Ha Jae-Gun had decided to put his trust in Oh Myung-Suk.

“But, Editor-in-chief, you mentioned that the head of the Central Publicity Department wants something from me. Just what is that?”

— I do have a few guesses, but I would like to keep them to myself at this point in time. Why don't you wait until the meeting is scheduled instead of hearing it fromnow?

“Okay, I will wait patiently then.”

The phone call ended with laughter. Ha Jae-Gun was lost in thoughts, staring into space. Whenever he took a step out into the larger world, he would always think of the past. The swas happening right now.

“When I first met you, I never thought that there would ca day when I would receive a call from the Chinese Embassy…” Ha Jae-Gun put Rika on his lap and stroked her gently.

It had been three years since they had met. As usual, she looked up at him with loving eyes.

“Rika, do you still remember when we used to stay in the small studio? That day when I first bought an air conditioner and had it installed in my room, I even bragged, asking if you knew what it was. I was so happy back then to the point that it felt like I had everything in the world, and I was happy that you were there with me.”

A call from an unknown number cin once more. Ha Jae-Gun snapped out of his emotional thoughts and reached for his phone. As there was a call about the Chinese Embassy earlier, he picked up the call this time.

“Hello?”

— Aigoo, Mr. Ha Jae-Gun. Hello, how have you been? I’m Baek Kyung-Jae, a civil servant from the district office’s general affairs department. Our head of the district office, Mr. Yang Beom-Shik, would like to meet you to further discuss the event, Night of Literary…

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I should be listening to this.” Ha Jae-Gun frowned, cutting the man off. How was it possible that all of their speech tone and style were the sin person and over the phone?

“I have clearly expressed my intention to reject the event before. I will not be participating in the event.”

— Mr. Ha Jae-Gun, our head of the district office, would like to invite you to the event to…

“I’m sorry, I’ll be hanging up as I’m busy.”

— W-wait! Mr. Ha!

Ha Jae-Gun hung up the call without hesitation. Rika and Nun-Sol followed after Ha Jae-Gun as he was about to head out to visit the Elder’s grave.

***

“The food served here is delicious, Director.”

“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have arranged for your alumni gathering here.”

“We are fully prepared such that we can even hold a press conference for it tomorrow. However, as there was a conflict in schedule with our competitors, there is a risk that our announcement will get buried and won't beca trending topic.

"We are currently planning to hold the press conference next month at the Plaza Hotel, but we will still be releasing news of the gtonight before midnight.”

“I understand.”

Nam Gyu-Ho nudged the plate over to Ha Jae-Gun’s side and said, “I hope you can drop by if you’re available, Mr. Ha. There will be quite a few questions asking about the settings and story.

"I think it'll be great if the original author answers such questions."

“The Chinese Embassy in Korea contacted me.”

“They contacted you, too, Director Nam?”

“We will find out more next week during the meeting. Will I be seeing you at the meeting as well, then, Director Nam?”

“It’s not confirmed yet, but I think so.”

Both their glasses were filled to the brim with alcohol once more. Silence enveloped them as their conversation took a short pause.

Taking the chance, Ha Jae-Gun asked, “Have you been practicing?”

“Practicing?”

“Streetfighter. You mentioned that you immediately got the machine for your company’s lounge that day.”

“Ah, yes.” Nam Gyu-Ho fixed his necktie, which didn’t even look crooked, and nodded. “I got the hang of it after playing it for a while. I managed to recover that feeling I had when I was back in middle school.

"I’m still a gdeveloper, after all. But honestly, I wasn't sober and was quite nervous that day as well,” The strong-prided Nam Gyu-Ho said seriously.New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet

Ha Jae-Gun barely suppressed his laughter and replied, “I’m looking forward to seeing how much better you are at the gnow. Please letknow when you would like to fight.”

“Shall we bet with the bill for round two tonight?”

“Sure, I will not shy away from a challenge.”

Nam Gyu-Ho excused himself as he picked up his phone. Reading the message that just cin, a smile suffused his lips.

Ha Jae-Gun knew at once that it was a message from his older sister.

“I just received a picture of my noona in a dress; she’s beautiful.”

Ha Jae-Gun smiled gently, looking down. Just then, something cto his mind, and he looked up. “Before that, there’s a favor I’d like to ask from you as well.”

“What is it?”

“Will you help me?”

“Of course. I’m Nam Gyu-Ho. Don’t you know that?” Nam Gyu-Ho opened his shoulders and patted his chest.

Ha Jae-Gun picked up the alcohol bottle and filled his glass, saying, “I would love for you to addressmore casually.”

“More… casually?”

“You’re going to get married to my older sister. Even now, there are times you addressas Writer Ha or Mr. Ha. I think it’s because you can't decide how to addressthat you can’t talk tocomfortably.”

Ha Jae-Gun raised his glass and requested a toast, adding, “Please callBrother-in-law.”

“I’d love to call you the same.”

The moment he heard Ha Jae-Gun’s words, a corner of Nam Gyu-Ho’s heart jumped violently. The overwhelming feeling made his breathing turn irregular and tickled his throat. His slightly opened lips were trembling.

“Yes? Brother-in-law.” Ha Jae-Gun sent another hit.

Nam Gyu-Ho was shocked. Moments later, he composed himself and raised his glass as well. “S-sure. But next time...”

“We mentioned it today, so let’s do it from now on.”

“What’s brother-in-law-nim. Please speak casually toas well.”

“Letjust drink first...” Nam Gyu-Ho emptied his glass in one shot.

Nam Gyu-Ho then loosened his necktie, saying that he was feeling hot with a flushed face. Ha Jae-Gun bit down on his teeth so hard just to hold in his laughter and protect his brother-in-law’s pride.

***

“Na-Yeon unni, I’m here!” Hong Ye-Seul yelled with enthusiasm as soon as she walked through the door. The sight of a 30-pyeong apartment, which was a space more than enough for two to live together, appeared before her.

“Welcback, our famous actress.”

“What? You’re cleaning again?” Hong Ye-Seul frowned as she stepped into the living room.

Kim Na-Yeon was on all fours, wiping the floor with a rag.

“I said not to clean. I’ll do it.”

“How would a famous actress have tto clean the house? It is my job as a parasite,” Kim Na-Yeon replied jokingly with a smile.

However, Hong Ye-Seul couldn’t muster a smile in response.

Hong Ye-Seul snatched the wet rag from Kim Na-Yeon’s hand and said with an angry tone, “Didn’t I tell you not to say that? You've helpeda lot before I got to where I am right now. You looked out for me, fed me, gavea place to sleep, and even helpedwith my acting during my most difficult times.”

“You don’t have to get all serious with a joke. Alright, fine. Just letfinish up.”

“Forget it. I’ll do the rest. I should get a vacuum cleaner when I’m back later. You’re going to fall ill if you just stay at hall day.”

“Just give it here.”

The two of them joined forces and soon finished cleaning the house. As they both sat on the sofa having coffee, Hong Ye-Seul started, “Unni, you should slowly get back into the scene.”

“No way...” Kim Na-Yeon smiled bitterly.

She had been living with Hong Ye-Seul since then.

“Are you still afraid?”

“There’s that but… I just think that my mind is weak. The job isn't really suitable for me, but...”

“But, what?”

Kim Na-Yeon looked down and slowly said, “I’d like to try out at a play.”

“A play?”

“I love acting. I don’t care about money; I just want to do sacting.”

Hong Ye-Seul’s eyes shone, and she held Kim Na-Yeon’s hand in hers.

“I’m all for it, unni.”

“Really…?”

“Yeah! It means that you’ll be stepping out there once again! I love it, just tellif you need something! Okay?”

Kim Na-Yeon’s nose tingled while looking at the overjoyed Hong Ye-Seul. Hong Ye-Seul was her beloved younger sister, and she had always been by her side. If it weren’t for Hong Ye-Seul, she would have already said farewell to this world.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Hong Ye-Seul caught the gist of the question and smiled. “The rumor aboutworking as a karaoke helper does not affectat all. I’m going to be brazen about it. I just have to stay confident, and such rumors will eventually die on their own.”

“You’re so cool, Hong Ye-Seul.”

“Wait, unni. I’ll pick up this call real quick.”

Hong Ye-Seul quickly ran for her bag. Her face brightened immediately when she saw the non the phone screen.