Chapter 125
Chapter 125
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 125
Chapter Title: Again, Writer
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Jo Jin-gu called out to Woo-ju, who rose from his seat without a hint of hesitation.
But Woo-ju didn’t even glance back despite the call.
He coldly walked out of Frontier Management’s office just like that.
“As expected, Big Hit’s president was right. They won’t even spare me a glance here. Hmph.”
Woo-ju grumbled to himself, recalling what Park Chan-hu, the Big Hit management representative he’d met earlier, had said.
He’d felt a bit of attachment, but in this moment, even that lingering affection vanished completely.
Along with it, he brushed off any regrets about Frontier Management.
Sure, the industry said Frontier Management was doing well, but that had nothing to do with him.
What mattered was himself, after all.
“If they’d just pushed me as hard as Woo Ji-hyun. Of course results like that would come out. If the company pushes you that much and you don’t succeed, that’d be the weird part.”
Woo-ju had been harboring resentment for a long time.
It felt like they were favoring certain writers too much.
And he wasn’t the only one who thought that way.
“You’re going to struggle a lot from now on. I won’t be the only writer leaving.”
He didn’t know the details, but he was aware that more than one or two places were targeting Frontier Management’s writers.
He’d picked up on it, knowingly or not, while hanging out with other writers.
If they all turned their backs, Frontier Management would be in real trouble for a while.
“That’s why you should’ve treated us better sooner!”
Woo-ju spat toward the building housing Frontier Management’s office.
Then, a refreshed expression crossed his face.
It was a minor act, but strangely, it eased some of the pent-up frustration.
“Well, it’s not like they’ll know even if I say it. Heh heh!”
Woo-ju chuckled as he thought of the other writers who would follow his lead in defecting.
At the same time, he recalled the contract terms Big Hit had offered once more.
“100 million. 100 million. Who’d have thought the day would come when I’d get eight figures as a signing bonus. And they’re covering all the installments too. How could I not leave? I’ve already written the manuscript all the way to the end anyway. Heh heh heh! What should I do first with 100 million? A car for a guy, right?”
Woo-ju walked toward the subway station with a dreamy expression.
Just imagining how to spend the 100 million made him feel like he was walking on clouds.
And what made his mood even better was that this 100 million was just the beginning.
It was an advance, so no income until it was paid off, but after that, more money would roll in.
“I can be like Woo Ji-hyun too. Earning over 500 million a year. Webtoon adaptations, overseas expansion, the works.”
Woo-ju’s eyes widened.
There was no rule saying the luck that had gone to Woo Ji-hyun couldn’t come to him.
Plus, while Woo Ji-hyun had Frontier Management, now he had Big Hit.
They’d promised full support for his new work upon signing, so Woo-ju grinned foolishly as he kept walking.
* * *
Ziiip!
As soon as noon passed, Woo Ji-hyun carefully unpacked the delivery that arrived at his home.
Worried the contents might get scratched, he didn’t even use a cutter knife and peeled off the tape gingerly.
Moments later, the box opened, revealing the item inside in all its beauty.
“Hoo.”
It wasn’t a hardcover, but Woo Ji-hyun let out a gasp of admiration at the surprisingly high-quality edition of God of Martial Arts, Return.
It looked far better made than he’d imagined.
God of Martial Arts, Return seemed too good for rental libraries—more suited for bookstore shelves—and Woo Ji-hyun nodded as he inspected the book closely.
He even flipped through to check the illustrations.
“As expected, color illustrations are the way to go. Black-and-white isn’t bad, but color gives that premium feel.”
These weren’t scenes pulled from the webtoon; they were hand-drawn with care, so Woo Ji-hyun smiled in satisfaction.
It was just one illustration per book, but the effort Lee Hye-seong and Lee Ji-seong had poured in was immense.
Of course, the siblings treated God of Martial Arts, Return almost like their own child, which made it possible.
“Shall I check the webtoon too?”
This publication included not just the novel but the webtoon as well.
Unlike the novel, the webtoon wasn’t finished yet, so they’d adjusted the volume to what was serialized so far—and it still made for a hefty set.
“Clean and well-printed.”
Unlike the novel with its illustrations, the webtoon was published just as it appeared on mobile.
So there was nothing particularly special about it.
“Except for this.”
As Woo Ji-hyun flipped through the book, he opened the last page.
There, instead of print, was a handwritten signature.
One he’d written himself, all day long.
“Whew. My arm nearly fell off doing these. If I hadn’t fallen for that ‘limited edition’ talk...”
Min A-rang had suggested adding signatures as an event perk, and Woo Ji-hyun had gone along without thinking.
He hadn’t anticipated this monstrous workload at all.
In the end, he’d spent the entire day signing every single book.
“Ugh...!”
Just recalling it made Woo Ji-hyun shudder.
He’d been clueless at first, but if he’d known, he never would’ve started.
And it meant he wouldn’t do it again even if asked.
“Still, knowing the readers will love it makes me proud.”
Even at the lowest price possible, a set was twenty volumes.
He knew not just anyone would order it, so Woo Ji-hyun felt grateful to those who had.
It meant they liked his writing enough to own it in book form.
“I remember when my first book came out with my name on it.”
The thrill of signing with the publisher had been nice, but back then, debuting hadn’t fully sunk in.
Just a stamp, no real change in life.
But when the physical book arrived and he held it in his hands, it was different.
The wave of emotion at that tangible moment, holding it, was still vivid and wonderful.
“That’s why aspiring writers prefer publishers over management firms.”
Woo Ji-hyun muttered, likening publishers to selling clubs in soccer terms.
He deeply understood their feelings.
Though he didn’t like when they resorted to unscrupulous methods.
“If only she could’ve been a good disciple—no, junior.”
Thinking of amateur and aspiring writers brought Im Seung-hye to mind, from a few days ago.
That night when she’d boldly thrown herself at him.
“MeToo blows up in a few years. No way. Not like I have feelings for Seung-hye anyway.”
Any regular guy would’ve played along when a woman came on that strong.
One-nights happened casually at clubs or bars in this world.
But Woo Ji-hyun knew MeToo was coming soon.
So he had to be cautious, extra cautious.
“The higher you climb, the harder the fall.”
He’d achieved the impossible miracle of regression and reached his dream position.
Woo Ji-hyun had no desire to crash back to rock bottom.
Plus, didn’t they say men should keep it in their pants?
“I probably should start dating, though.”
Being single made him seem even more open to advances, so Woo Ji-hyun pondered seriously.
At this point, he’d established himself enough to consider it.
Not that he’d date just anyone, of course.
As in his past life, his standards were high.
Ziiiing!
Taking a break to look over the delivered books, Woo Ji-hyun turned at the harsh vibration of his smartphone.
The screen showed “Bini.”
“Oh, Bini.”
-Oppa, busy right now?
“Nah, working but I can talk. What’s up?”
-Wow, straight to business. Am I that unimportant to you?
Bini said in mock offense.
Even for a top female idol calling, his response was too nonchalant.
Just stepping outside, she’d be swarmed by uncle fans—herself included.
“Not interested in another guy’s girl. Plus, Elder’s got a sneaky player vibe.”
-My oppa’s not like that!
“Really? Shows you his cool side only, huh.”
-No! Oppa’s really not a player!
“Then overly jealous it is.”
Woo Ji-hyun coolly corrected.
It was his take, but Bini might see it differently.
Arguing more would just be badmouthing a friend.
-Ah, I didn’t call to bicker with you.
“Right, right. Spill it.”
-Um, oppa...
“Yeah. You’ve got three minutes before I have to work.”
Woo Ji-hyun spoke like he was scolding a youngest sibling.
The age gap was about that much anyway.
Despite the relaxed vibe he created, Bini hesitated to speak.
-Video call might be better?
-We can say hi too. Gotta meet anyway—better to get familiar faces early?
“Huh?”
Woo Ji-hyun, leaning against the wall all stretched out, suddenly widened his eyes.
A different woman’s voice came from the speaker.
-No, say it first then ask. Why show faces out of nowhere?
-Curious. It’s the veiled Cain-nim, right?
‘Hmm?’
Woo Ji-hyun’s eyebrow twitched.
From the speaker conversation, he could guess why Bini called.
-Just ask if video’s okay.
-And his number while we’re at it...
-Ugh, seriously!
He could picture the scene just from listening.
Woo Ji-hyun couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Looking for a lyricist, huh? But didn’t you say next album’s after group activities?”
-Well, um...
-Hi! I’m Ha Yu-seon from PriOs!
-Yoon Mi-rae here!
Catching on, Bini stammered apologetically.
She felt bad breaking their prior agreement, words failing her.
Meanwhile, Ha Yu-seon and Yoon Mi-rae jumped in with greetings like they’d been waiting.
They knew another call might not be easy.
“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you. Cain here. PriOs fan personally.”
-Then, despite the imposition, could we ask a favor?
-Help us out, Cain oppa!
Even knowing it was lip service, Ha Yu-seon pressed on boldly.
Better to cut to the chase than explain tediously.
And that was the point of the call.
“Could you put Bini back on first?”
Woo Ji-hyun spoke calmly.
He needed the full story first.