Chapter 12
Chapter 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Once Again, Writer
-----------------------------------------------------------------
An unexpected straight punch from his mother came flying in at that moment.
It was like probing with a jab before suddenly slamming in a straight.
Woo Ji-hyun couldn't respond right away.
-Why aren't you saying anything? Just say you have one or you don't.
“......I don't have one yet.”
-When did you get discharged, and you still don't?
“Because I haven't met anyone.”
-What's wrong with my son!
A thunderous roar exploded from the speaker.
Just as a hedgehog adores its own young, his mother was no different.
But reality was harsh.
“There's always a reason when there's nothing there. Thanks for your hard work. I'll call you next time.”
-Why so suddenly......
“Yeah, another call's coming in.”
Click!
Woo Ji-hyun pretended a new call had come in and ended the conversation naturally.
If he kept listening to her, it would truly never end.
He understood she was nagging out of worry for her son, but there were limits.
“This is enough.”
Listening further would just be endless repetition anyway.
It felt like running on a Möbius strip with no end.
That was why cutting it off at an appropriate point was best for both of them.
“Why is she so interested in my love life? I can handle it just fine......”
Woo Ji-hyun trailed off mid-sentence.
Thinking about it, in his 23 years, he'd never shown his mother any sign of dating.
Not a lifelong singleton, but he hadn't dated often either.
Sure, he'd partied hard before enlisting.
“......From Mom's perspective, it's natural to worry.”
Woo Ji-hyun muttered, stroking his chin.
He could see why she'd be concerned.
But it wasn't like he was avoiding dating because he didn't want to.
His standards were high, but reality couldn't keep up—that was why he was single.
“Gotta hit the gym hard. First, fix the clothes fit. That means shoulders and back for sure. Skin's on track with one pack a day, so it'll be better than last life. I started skincare too late back then.”
No wonder the term “grooming tribe” emerged later.
Care wasn't just for women—it was essential for men too.
Especially for men not blessed with looks.
“If you're handsome, you can skip it, but I'm nowhere near that category.”
He used to think he was decent enough.
Engaging in baseless self-praise.
But past thirty, he could face reality coldly.
For men, it was looks or talent.
Of course, exceptions existed.
But they were rare.
Bzzz! Bzzz!
As he steeled himself against harsh reality, his phone vibrated again.
He'd been about to start writing when it buzzed.
“Yes, Deputy Manager.”
Confirming the five letters “Jo Jin-gu Deputy Manager” on his slide phone screen, Woo Ji-hyun answered.
-I saw the upload. You started already.
“Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero's already handed over the final volumes anyway.”
-Still, aren't you pushing too hard without a break? Most people take a rest period, so I called out of concern.
“I don't want to lose this momentum. Plus, I'd like to move to a jeonse lease soon if possible. Monthly rent's a huge drain. But loans are tricky as a freelancer.”
For a 23-year-old discharged unemployed freelancer, loans weren't easy.
Jeonse loans existed, but without four major insurances, conditions were strict.
-True, freelancing makes loans inconvenient. Not impossible, but procedures are complex.
“Yeah, so I'm aiming to save up without a loan and go straight jeonse.”
-That's the best way. Oh, I read Asura Sword Emperor. Personally, I enjoyed it. It might divide tastes, but I think it'll be as popular as Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero.
“Glad to hear that. I was worried I'd have to scrap it after all that work.”
-Doesn't sound worried at all.
Jo Jin-gu let out a light chuckle.
Despite his modest words, confidence overflowed in his writing.
Not a mega-hit, but assuming it continued this way, it could sell as well as Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero.
Maybe even better, carrying its momentum.
“I was confident. But judgment belongs to the readers.”
-Exactly. No matter how good, if readers ignore it, it won't succeed. In that sense, enjoyment is key.
“Agreed. And since you went out of your way for full rights contract, I should write something that sells well. Can't burden the publisher.”
-I'm truly glad we signed you, Writer Woo Ji-hyun. You deliver manuscripts steadily and even drop a great new work like this......
Jo Jin-gu murmured in a moved tone.
If all writers were like Woo Ji-hyun, he'd have zero stress.
At the same time, he realized once more how brilliant his choice had been to send that note.
Though Woo Ji-hyun had made the final decision.
“Too early to say. Results will tell.”
-True, but from what I see, it won't fall short of Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero. Oh, right. I called for something specific.
“For me?”
-Yes. Obidio and Jeondaehyeop are buzzing over the Asura Sword Emperor serialization. Know anything about them?
Jo Jin-gu asked cautiously.
Writers whose mentals broke from their blunt reviews weren't few.
Some had even changed pennames after antagonizing them.
So he had to tread carefully.
“Not a member, but I keep tabs on trends.”
-Ah.
“No need to worry. I only pay mild attention.”
-Impressive. Not easy.
Considering Woo Ji-hyun's age, calling it steel mental was no exaggeration—Jo Jin-gu was genuinely awed.
He just didn't feel 23 at all.
“Accept what's worth accepting, ignore the rest. Getting shaken only hurts me.”
-Right. But humans struggle with that. Anyway, we'll send an official letter from the publisher to Obidio and Jeondaehyeop. They're worried about hiatus—no need.
“Cleanest approach.”
-Yes, called to inform you. And to check your mental, but seems unnecessary.
“I am low-maintenance.”
Woo Ji-hyun said calmly.
But to Jo Jin-gu, it didn't come off as arrogant.
More like stating plain fact.
-So I'm truly grateful. Come to Bucheon Station again when you have time? See the editor-in-chief this time, visit the publisher?
“I'll check schedule and call.”
-Haha. Got it. Waiting for your contact!
Ending the call with Jo Jin-gu, Woo Ji-hyun checked comments on Asura Sword Emperor.
As Jo Jin-gu feared, using the same name sparked worries of Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero hiatus—even before many chapters.
Tap tap tap!
He kindly replied that Barun Publishing had the final volumes.
Then a familiar nickname caught his eye.
Nephew: Cheers.
Bubble: Enjoyed it thoroughly.^^
Woo Ji-hyun smiled unwittingly.
Grateful readers who'd commented during his Munpia wuxia serialization, and later modern novels too.
Especially now-ish, during wuxia—they'd commented nearly every chapter, filling him with joy and thanks as he replied.
“Now, time to work.”
With today's upload done and tasks cleared, Woo Ji-hyun prepared to dive in earnestly.
Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero wrapped, now all-in on Asura Sword Emperor.
Sure, as a human, he felt some urge to rest post-finale, but future demanded running now.
Plus, bank deposits motivated him to shut up and write.
“Hm?”
Stretching lightly, loosening fingers, Woo Ji-hyun furrowed his brow.
Phone vibrating more than usual today.
Unknown number, but last four digits oddly familiar—he tilted his head.
“Hello?”
Some instinct said to answer, so he cautiously hit accept.
Ear to speaker.
-Hello? Is this Writer Woo Ji-hyun's phone?
“Yes.”
-Ah, hi! Writer, it's Seo Hee-jin!
Eyes blinking, phone to ear, Woo Ji-hyun puzzled.
Her cheerful voice aside, the name rang no bell.
Body 23, mind 40.
“Uh......”
-Don't tell me you forgot me? Even after discharge......
“Deputy Manager Seo, by chance?”
Racking his brain, he pulled a face from memory's edge.
Pre-enlistment memories vivid as yesterday for this body, not him.
Took time to recall Seo Hee-jin.
-Finally remembered, huh.
“Haha. Sorry. Been hectic since discharge.”
-You do seem active. Heard you finished Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero and started a new one?
“Yeah, but how'd you know?”
Woo Ji-hyun feigned ignorance.
He knew the industry's tight-knit, but acting too knowing would've been odd.
Few writers or publisher contacts he met.
-Everyone knows everyone one hop away, as you know. I'm still in the biz. Oh, I'm at Future Books now. Left Phil Media last year.
“Congrats.”
-Hoho. Not sure it's congratulations-worthy. You should get them, Writer Woo Ji-hyun. Heavenly Thunder Sword Hero's getting great reactions.
“Thanks.”
Woo Ji-hyun replied evenly.
No need to rebuff well-wishes.
Reason for contacting now, post-silence, was obvious.
But no need to make enemies.
-Oh, writers from Phil Media days are gathering in Bucheon. Free? Been too long—I'm leading it. Want to see you too. Last saw you at publisher on my vacation last year.
“When?”
His gaze shifted to the desk calendar.
No real schedule, but weekends easier.
-Aiming for November-ish. First gathering in ages, so maximizing turnout.
“I'll come. Text the date.”
Woo Ji-hyun answered readily.
Yet his eyes glinted with a strange light.