Chapter 241
Chapter 241
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 241
Chapter Title: Episode 78. Regarding Romantic Feelings (5)
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"Bom. There's something you need to know."
"What is it?"
"Someday, jealousy might trip you up."
In a certain forest, while listening to Bom's love advice, Ri-hwa had said that.
"Jealousy?"
"Yeah. Jealousy. It clouds the eyes. Plugs the ears. Muddies the mind. It's the most vicious force that breeds misunderstandings."
"Ah..."
"But here's the funny part. Jealousy isn't something I do. It's something pulled out of me by things that aren't me."
"So I can't control it."
"Exactly... No matter how much I warn about the dangers of jealousy, it's useless. Until you let it go yourself. But you can't let it go, can you?"
Bom nodded with a bitter expression.
"There was this one incident."
"Incident?"
When she told her about what happened with Yeoreum, Ri-hwa let out a heavy sigh.
"Oh dear, oh dear."
"No way around it, huh..."
"You can't help feeling jealous. It's because you like them."
Recalling her younger days, Ri-hwa paused for a moment before adding,
"Getting angry is natural, so you can't avoid it. Nor should you. But try to listen well. Look closely. That way, you can avoid mistakes."
"..."
"Got it? When jealousy hits, keep your eyes open. Your ears too."
Bom looked into the old woman's wrinkled eyes and nodded.
So she endured a little longer.
What's her deal?
That was the thought floating in Carrot Girl's head.
Her eyes had looked so gentle when she was slumped over. The pen name Broccoli suited her. If she were an animal, definitely a herbivore. Maybe a koala or a deer. That's what she'd thought.
But now that deer was pointing its antlers at her.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"..."
"Talking like that to someone trying to help from behind the scenes? I smiled and chatted with you, and you think I'm an easy mark?"
At that moment, Carrot Girl felt an incredibly bizarre sensation.
The bloodshot veins around Broccoli Writer's eyes vanished.
At the same time, her face returned to its usual gentle innocence. So innocent. So fragile. That expression...
"I'm sorry..."
"Sorry fixes everything?"
"I sincerely apologize. I was just so shocked by the movie mention..."
Something strange happened.
Strangely enough, Carrot Girl sensed a grotesque image welling up from Broccoli's eyes.
It was different from the image she'd felt looking at Yoo Ji-tae.
This one wasn't horror—it was romance.
The inspiration from Broccoli's eyes was the feeling of a princess whose kingdom had been stolen.
Is she acting like she's not jealous when she is? Looking deeper, it didn't seem that way.
She'd been involved in drama productions beyond just selling rights, even participating as a writer on set quite a few times.
If that's acting, she's Hollywood material.
"..."
It was probably the same principle as when she'd intensely felt the image of a tyrant watching Yoo Ji-tae. Yoo Ji-tae, who looked about 30, couldn't have been a tyrant somewhere in the past, so this girl's princess-heartbroken vibe was surely an illusion.
But as inspiration, it was plenty of fodder.
A whole book was already forming in her head.
"Hmph. Fine. I'll let it slide this time."
"Thank you."
"So what happened with Ji-tae?"
"Yes. And I'm curious what the movie thing means too."
Broccoli asked in a calm voice. Sincerely curious. Full of innocent interest.
If it's the emotion of a kingdom-stolen princess...
Jealousy...?
This fresh stimulus was exciting the mind of any mad writer. Carrot Girl decided to poke her a bit more.
"Since you're like a big sis, I'll talk casually. How do you write, Broccoli Writer?"
"...I write what comes to mind."
"Same as me, huh. I follow my inspirations. But lately, my head's been empty. Made me super sensitive. Then recently, I got this intense inspiration from Ji-tae."
"Ah..."
"So I asked to meet him for a bit. That's all."
"Ji-tae doesn't meet people easily..."
"Right? Yeah, he didn't want to at first."
"Then?"
"I added a condition. Said I'd help adapt your novel into a movie."
Her lips twitched then closed. Broccoli nodded calmly. Eyes a bit wider. Seemed flustered by big luck at first glance.
At the same time, her eyes trembled. In that instant, inspiration flashed by again.
Countless images flooding her mind. Now two books' worth. Jealousy? Didn't seem like it. The eye tremor was very brief. Carrot Girl brushed it off.
"So why? Got a problem?"
"No."
"What's your relationship with him? Lovers or something?"
"Family. Distant relatives."
Then Broccoli subtly asked,
"What did you do together?"
"What? Ate food. Wandered around in the evening."
"Like a date?"
"Kinda? A guy and girl meet for food, that's a date."
At that, Broccoli's eyes trembled again.
Inspiration surged once more.
Characters, events, backgrounds, dialogue—all lining up. Three books' worth now.
"But why are you so curious?"
"Just... Did you get good inspiration?"
"Oh yeah. Just looking at your Ji-tae like a still life was great. Brutish. Insensitive. Like a weary soldier somewhere. And yet inexplicable... First time feeling this."
"He's handsome, right?"
"Nah? If handsome did it, all pretty boys would be dead."
'Not really...' Broccoli chuckled, and Carrot Girl lightly laughed too, adding,
"But he is sexy."
The laughter cut off.
Jealousy? No, surprised expression. Gentle face intact. Calm breathing and gaze too.
"Do you like Ji-tae?"
If it's fondness, sure.
She could see why Nietzsche, Rilke, and Freud all hung on one woman. A muse stirs storms in the mind.
Just frustrating that he had such iron walls...
"...Honestly, yeah, I was tempted."
Broccoli said nothing much.
But even after the talk ended, her gaze lingered on Carrot Girl for a few seconds. Eyes trembling from the corners all the way to the laugh lines.
"Yes..."
That sight added inspiration for a fourth book.
These girls are nuts... Something in their bloodline?
She wanted to say more, but Bom had already turned her head and body away. Somehow, she couldn't speak.
As Carrot Girl felt regret,
the awards ceremony began.
The prepared performances concluded.
After a few grandfathers of horror literature gave speeches,
the main awards began.
— We will now announce the Silver Award winner. A work that captures both comedy and chills with stories of ghosts seen during an athlete's career. Ghosts of the Field!
— Author EvilNine, please come to the stage!
The author's pen name was called.
The winner received a trophy and a plaque with the prize money.
About a dozen authors received theirs in order from below.
Cameras swiveled, filming each recipient.
Finally, it was Bom's turn.
— We will now announce the Gold Award winner. A gut-wrenching tale of a vengeful spirit's revenge. A work of twist upon twist that leaves you breathless. Crime of the Dawn!
— Author Hair-Dyed Broccoli, please come to the stage!
'Oh. Here it comes, here it comes!' Gaeul and Winter pinched Yoo Ji-tae's arms from both sides.
Bom ascended the stage, received the trophy, greeted the committee, and stood at the mic.
— Are there black broccolis these days too?
Wahaha. Laughter erupted.
Red dress. Black hair suited her. It almost glowed.
Bom naturally began her acceptance speech.
The speech itself was standard. Honored to receive this prestigious award. Thank you. Worked hard. Will return with more good work, etc...
But Gaeul, listening, widened her eyes.
"Huh? Why's her speech like that?"
"Why."
"It's not her usual... Ah, already over."
The speech ended. Flashes popped. She elegantly curtsied, covering her chest.
"Then?"
"Basically, something about a horror freak at home. Teasing ajusshi. It was hilarious."
"Yeah?"
"It was so funny... Why skip it?"
Hmm? Gaeul scratched her chin like a monkey, puzzled.
Yoo Ji-tae looked at Bom's eyes.
Come to think of it, something odd.
Bom hadn't met his eyes even once.
After the awards, Yoo Ji-tae sent the kids home first.
There was an after-party. One guardian could attend.
Looking back, it was strange.
Had she ever not looked at him? Especially at an awards ceremony, of all things?
Bom sat at one end of the banquet hall chairs. Mingling with writers, sipping champagne.
Red dress under yellow lights. Bom below looked like a painting.
"Bom. Congrats."
When he approached and spoke, she glanced back with a smile.
"Thanks."
"Handled the speech without trembling too."
"Yeah. Thought I'd shake."
Now she was back to normal. Was it a misread?
Anyway, he had something prepared for this happy occasion.
"Bom."
"Yes."
"Got a gift."
This morning.
Kang Yun-gu, section chief of Hinarii Pictures, visited Yoo Ji-tae personally.
Hinarii Pictures was the world's most famous horror film production company—and distributor. Makers of mega-hits like Blue Day, Necklace, Homecoming.
Section Chief Kang said after reviewing the manuscript, it had solid movie potential. Internal approval was already in, and Carrot Girl's support opened the floodgates.
"What is it?"
"Oh. You came!"
Just then, Carrot Girl nearby spotted Yoo Ji-tae and approached with a sweet smile.
She naturally stood beside him.
"Spoiling it now? Darn, I accidentally spilled first."
She said that.
Words Bom didn't know, shared only between Yoo Ji-tae and Carrot Girl.
As Bom stared blankly at her, she pulled a paper envelope from her Hermès Birkin. It was an agency contract.
This spot had today's stars: Carrot Girl and lead Broccoli Writer. Naturally, other writers' gazes gathered.
Spoiled it already? Yoo Ji-tae felt a twinge of annoyance but handed Bom a business card anyway.
Bom stared expressionlessly at his hand.
"Hinarii Pictures. Right?"
"Yeah. Famous horror film company."
"Yes. This author recommended your novel to them. Reviewed it recently. Results came this morning. They'll help make it a movie."
Then Carrot Girl made a V-sign by her eye. 'This sis pulled strings.' She murmured.
"Her support got it started, but you earned it yourself. Company loved your manuscript."
"..."
"Take it. My gift."
Bom lifted her gaze from his hand to his eyes.
"..."