Chapter 119
Chapter 119
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 119
Chapter Title: Once Again, Writer
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"First, we'll start with *God of Martial Arts, Return* and gauge the response. If it goes well, we'll move on to other works."
"You're testing the waters."
"Yes. I don't see the need to rush things. Of course, I'll check with the other authors too."
"I have one question. You mentioned personal copies—does that mean you're focusing on collector's editions rather than hardcover?"
"That's right. Going hardcover would inevitably drive up the price."
He was aiming for premium quality without the high-end pricing of hardcovers.
That seemed to be the plan.
While upgrading the content with illustrations.
"I'm fine with that. More revenue streams are always good for me. Though I'd be a bit hurt if the number of applicants is lower than expected."
"Some platforms these days are talking about 10-year rentals, 50-year rentals, or even lifetime rentals, but I don't think those policies will last long. Policies can change anytime, after all. And there are definitely readers who value the tactile experience over convenience."
"True."
Even Woo Ji-hyun read on mobile for convenience, but he fundamentally preferred physical books.
He'd buy favorites as keepsakes and store them away.
Some still sealed, untouched.
"That's exactly the audience I'm targeting. And we'll quantify it to maximize utilization."
"You're a full-fledged businessman now."
"Hahaha. I've been thinking mostly about this stuff lately. It makes it hard to imagine going back to being an editor or planner. I don't even have the confidence I'd be as good as before."
"It's all just a phase. And if you did go back, you'd do great. Old habits die hard."
"You think so?"
Jo Jin-gu gave a faint smile.
He'd complained weakly, but if he set his mind to it, there was nothing he couldn't do.
"So, we're jumping right into execution?"
"Yes. Now that you've given the okay, we'll start taking applications. And we'll advertise it on our company website too."
"You're thinking of everything."
"Brand awareness will only get more important going forward. Plus, once the site's up and running, it'll build trust with amateurs. At least showing we're not some ghost company. Oh, and there's one more reason I wanted to meet you. That's also why I was so confident mentioning the 200 million earlier."
Woo Ji-hyun made an awkward face at the reappearance of that 200 million figure.
He was making decent money now, had his own place—even if it was a jeonse—and drove a sports car, one of his twenties dreams.
But talk like this still felt burdensome.
There was a reason people said those who'd handled money knew how to spend it wisely.
"Following Taiwan, we've gotten inquiries from Hong Kong and Singapore. Probably because they're in the same Chinese cultural sphere—they saw Taiwan's reaction and figured there's money to be made, so they're requesting meetings. And again, they'll come to us."
"Whoa."
"If the response is good there too, China might be next."
"China, huh."
Woo Ji-hyun's eyes sparkled.
The thought of his work being published in China—the homeland of wuxia—stirred a strange excitement in his chest.
But the biggest reason was something else.
"If it blows up in even one province, you could be a landlord, Author."
"That'd be the dream. But I hear the contract terms aren't great."
"Think of it as high-volume, low-margin."
"Fair enough, with that population."
No solid precedents yet, so speculation was tricky.
But from Woo Ji-hyun's perspective, it wasn't a loss.
If it worked in Taiwan, it could work in China.
"We haven't locked anything in yet, but I think we have a real shot in Hong Kong and Singapore. So keep your expectations high. I'll bring back the best possible results."
"Please take care of it again this time."
Given how Jo Jin-gu had looked out for him and handled things well so far, Woo Ji-hyun trusted him on this too.
Not blindly, though.
In a world where you couldn't fully trust family, 100% faith in others was impossible.
Especially after his past life's suffering from misplaced trust.
'One mistake's enough.'
Woo Ji-hyun gulped down his half-melted iced Americano, memories of the past surfacing.
Faint now, those echoes of his previous life.
* * *
The Kakao Page marketing department head smacked his lips as he closed the report.
The more he looked, the more regret gnawed at him.
"Hong Kong and Singapore are biting now too?"
"From what we've gathered, yes. And there's movement from China as well."
"What about Tencent?"
"They must be interested. Same cultural sphere, so they've likely deemed it viable."
The head smacked his lips again at Team 1 Leader's response.
The deeper he thought, the more it stung.
He regretted not pushing harder during the contract.
If he had, *God of Martial Arts, Return* would be under Kakao Page's control, just like *Solar Sculptor*.
"We raised a tiger cub."
"In hindsight, yeah."
"In hindsight. You trying to say they just got lucky with the timing?"
"Yes. It might only be working now. Trends shift faster these days. Sure, even clichéd material can hit if done right, but explosive reactions like this? Tough."
The head stroked his chin.
Team 1 Leader had a point.
But the regret lingered.
With the new year of 2015, Kakao Page was gearing up for overseas expansion.
'Specifically because of Kumiko in Japan.'
Kumiko's frightening growth had it poised to enter Taiwan and Korea.
Kakao Page's domestic position wasn't so shaky as to waver at a newcomer.
The issue was being a latecomer abroad.
Solid in Korea, but elsewhere? Different story.
"That's why it hurts more. Imagine going overseas with *Solar Sculptor* and *God of Martial Arts, Return*. One conquered Korea and works anywhere as game fantasy; the other hits in Chinese spheres as modern raid. Holding those two? Expansion would be a breeze."
"Definitely."
Team 1 Leader nodded vigorously.
He felt the same.
But *God of Martial Arts, Return* was a bus that had already left.
With their in-house webtoon team succeeding on the novel's adaptation, even Kakao Page was powerless.
"The CEO's getting antsy. You know what that means, Team 1 Leader."
"Of course. That's why we're holding endless meetings with the other team leaders to get the best outcome."
"Effort matters less than results. Tangible achievements are key."
"...We're all keeping that in mind."
Team 1 Leader answered haltingly.
He wanted to boast confidently about imminent success, but that was impossible.
No absolutes in any industry.
No one foresaw *God of Martial Arts, Return* exploding in Taiwan like this.
'If we had known, we'd have moved sooner.'
Word was, top publisher Manbai Publishing reached out directly.
They saw the pirated circulation and judged its potential.
Of course, after checking the prior deal with Frontier Management HQ.
Despite *Solar Sculptor*'s far greater Korean popularity, they went for *God of Martial Arts, Return*.
'Or maybe the art style didn't click.'
Objectively, *God of Martial Arts, Return*'s art quality outshone *Solar Sculptor*.
Claimed mass appeal choice, but Team 1 Leader saw it as a flop.
Meanwhile, *God of Martial Arts, Return* had its management building an in-house webtoon team, with sleek art.
Targeted at twenties and thirties over kids—and it paid off better.
"Team 1 Leader."
"Yes, sir."
"We can still fend off Kumiko's chase. Our Korean dominance is overwhelming, latecomer or not. And I believe this momentum carries overseas."
"I agree."
"So snag the overseas rights for *God of Martial Arts, Return*. Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore—we can't touch, but China and Japan? We take them."
Team 1 Leader's face hardened.
Current funds made it tough.
Pre-Manbai deal, he could've haggled with failure risk to slash the advance.
But now, with proven overseas success, Kakao Page was squarely in the weaker position.
"We'll do our best, but it might be difficult."
"We don't need margins."
"Pardon?"
"Use whatever funds it takes. Even at zero margin, securing position steadily is a win for us. Profit elsewhere. Match Frontier Management's terms as closely as possible."
Team 1 Leader's eyes flashed.
He grasped the implication instantly.
Possible because they already had a deal with Big Hit, *Solar Sculptor*'s management.
They held one solid card.
'Good thing it's not both works at once—that'd be messy.'
Team 1 Leader sighed inwardly in relief.
Simultaneous contracts could've sparked bidding wars.
But luckily, only Frontier Management to deal with.
"For the record, failure's not an option."
"I'll make it happen somehow."
"Good attitude. And I heard from Executive Director Oh that *God of Martial Arts, Return* Part 2 wrapped. If possible, grab the next work too. Don't let Naver Books snatch it."
"Yes."
"I trust you, Team 1 Leader."
Team 1 Leader subtly averted his burdensome boss's gaze as he replied.
He'd give his all, but 100% guarantees? Impossible.
The boss spoke like granting huge leeway, but from author or management view, the terms might not entice.