Chapter 157
Translator: uly
Chapter: 157
Chapter Title: Again, as a Writer
Park Chan-hu, who had laid on all sorts of sweet talk promising full support, had completely flipped his stance.
No, he had done it once.
He had somehow gotten it through review on Kakao Page, the platform with the highest market share, and even put it in the free section while waiting.
He had secured a big banner spot too.
But the results were dismal.
Despite advertising on a major banner for the modern fantasy genre and throwing in 15 rental tickets to the gifting section, it had bombed completely.
So Park Chan-hu cut off all support as if it were nothing.
‘Whew….’
Unlike how he’d spoken as if success was guaranteed, he’d abandoned Woo-ju’s work without hesitation once it hit the flop route.
While claiming he had no other options himself.
‘He says he did his best, but what kind of best is that?’
Frontier Management hadn’t given him full support.
But they had a systematic setup that ensured steady sales.
Adjusting or avoiding terms unfavorable to the writer as much as possible.
Big Hit, however, didn’t have that foundation yet.
“Could we talk for a moment?”
“You mean now?”
“Yes.”
Woo-ju glanced around cautiously before speaking up.
He knew it was shameless, and that eyes were starting to gather.
But he was desperate.
If he stayed put just because of embarrassment, he might really wither away.
“Let’s go.”
“Huh? You’ll really do it?”
“Yes. We’re not at a point where we can’t even have a conversation, right?”
“R-Right.”
Woo-ju looked stunned at how readily Jo Jin-gu rose from his seat.
He’d expected more hesitation.
Considering the reckless thing he’d done.
But others seemed just as surprised.
“Oh?”
“President?”
“Hold our spots. I’ll talk with Writer Woo-ju and be back.”
Jo Jin-gu flashed a grin at Min A-rang and Yeom Tae-seong, who were wide-eyed like rabbits, then strode off without a second thought.
The two stared blankly.
“As expected, not just anyone can be president. That poker face.”
“Right? If it were me, I wouldn’t even glance their way, greeting or not.”
“But that’s how business works. No eternal enemies or allies in business.”
“That’s why I’m not getting into business. I don’t have the knack.”
“You do seem like the type, Min Deputy.”
Yeom Tae-seong nodded as if it made perfect sense.
He’d watched her for years, and Min A-rang just wasn’t the entrepreneurial type.
Maybe as a manager.
‘She’d handle middle management or VP level just fine, though.’
Yeom Tae-seong stroked his chin.
With the times being what they were, his ambitions were stirring lately.
If he could secure just one solid writer, he could make decent money—even if not on Frontier Management’s level.
The problem was too many variables.
‘Things might shake up soon anyway.’
It wasn’t too late timing-wise, but he lacked the guts to just charge ahead, so Yeom Tae-seong smacked his lips and scanned the room.
Looking for writers worth bringing in-house.
“You’ve become a full businessman now?”
“Yeah. Now anyone can see you’re a businessman. You used to look like a proper writer type.”
“He says he still plans to write. Just no time.”
Kim Jang-su spoke up while watching Gwak Cha-won energetically presenting from the podium, a rare sight.
But Kim Jang-su thought Gwak Cha-won suited business far better than writing.
Aptitude-wise too.
“He drinks like a fish.”
“Pretty much every day?”
“Ugh. I can’t handle that. I like drinking, but.”
“Drink in moderation. You’re almost thirty. Pouring it down like that’ll kill you for real.”
Kim Jang-su chuckled.
He wasn’t too worried despite the words, knowing Woo Ji-hyun managed himself impeccably.
“Of course. I don’t wanna cough blood and drop dead young.”
“You make bank, so eat the good stuff. Expensive means quality.”
“Words to live by. How’s your work going, hyung?”
“So-so? Same as always. Write, scrap. Write again, scrap.”
“Your editor must be a saint.”
Woo Ji-hyun meant it.
That level was a real illness.
It made him realize anew how many writers suffered from thinking their own work sucked.
“Well, I’m used to it now. Not a day or two, years of this.”
“True living bodhisattva.”
“They get my style. That’s why I don’t sign elsewhere. I’m slow, but sales are solid.”
“Respect.”
“And you out-earn me!”
Kim Jang-su jabbed Woo Ji-hyun’s side with his elbow.
The emotion behind it packed a punch.
Unbraced, it would’ve drawn a groan.
“Anyway, you prepped a ton.”
“They’re raffling prizes too. Latest Apple Entertainment tablet, premium whiskey, top-spec RG Electronics laptop.”
“Today’s spend must be massive.”
“Not to the point of strain, though.”
Not quite Frontier Management, but Q&D Management was doing well enough.
They nurtured rookies into a steady revenue base.
In a way, Woo Ji-hyun had contributed to that roster.
“They’re here!”
“Ooooh!”
“Tiramisu!”
Gwak Cha-won’s presentation wrapped successfully, and the promo video kicked off right away.
Not teasers dribbled out, but the full cut.
Plus director’s version unseen on FaceNote or Witty TV, so everyone watched rapt.
Fwaaah!
After comfortably viewing the solid 15-minute promo, the sudden blackout had folks peering around.
Wondering if power outage.
But then light exploded from the podium.
“Hello!”
“We’re Tiramisu, the sweet and savage girl group!”
Amid dazzling light, five girls in color-coded outfits appeared atop the stage.
Cheers erupted like never before.
Men roared till their throats gave out.
“Woooah!”
“Tiramisu!”
“They really came!”
Female writers and staff shook their heads at the men screaming loud enough to shake the building.
Age no bar, guys fixated solely on Tiramisu.
“We’ll perform our debut song!”
“Sing along!”
Brief greetings, then intro blasted loud from speakers.
Followed by bubbly dance.
Bouncy concept, the kind that naturally sparked dad smiles, uncle grins just watching.
“They said they got way prettier. Totally.”
“Even to me, they look different. Even with full makeup, the gap shows?”
“But they were cute from the start. Original stays flawless, right?”
“Yeah. But these kids are no joke. Fire in their eyes. Especially the ones from your promo vid—they’re total fanatics?”
“Prime of their youth.”
Unlike the other four, Woo Ji-hyun’s indifference drew a hollow laugh from Kim Jang-su.
He knew Lee Jang-hu too, and the age gap with Woo Ji-hyun was just a year.
“Only a year younger than you?”
“Well, yeah. Except the leader, they’re all minors. Don’t let the maturity fool you.”
“For real?”
“Yeah. Black thoughts’ll land you in cuffs.”
Woo Ji-hyun mimed handcuffs.
Clinking sounds from his mouth.
Nearby writers flinched.
“Long time no see, oppa!”
“Hm?”
“Why so startled? See a ghost?”
Tiramisu’s performance heated the open party like a concert hall.
But then a familiar voice whispered in Woo Ji-hyun’s ear.
“No, just surprised you called me suddenly.”
“That’s really it?”
“Of course. When have I lied to you?”
“True. You’re the type to say no outright if it’s a no.”
Woo Ji-hyun shrugged at Im Seung-hye, whom he hadn’t seen since their last encounter ages ago.
He waved to Ma Ye-eun and Eom Jung-ah beside her too.
“Both of you, long time. Heard about your debuts. Late, but congrats.”
“Thanks, oppa.”
“We debuted thanks to learning from you. Truly grateful.”
A bit awkward with Im Seung-hye, but not them.
So Woo Ji-hyun smiled softly, shaking his head.
“I just laid the basics. The effort was yours. Can’t claim credit. Basics are what anyone can give.”
“But those basics are crucial.”
“Exactly!”
“Glad you see it that way.”
Woo Ji-hyun grinned at their enthusiastic echo.
Even empty words felt nice.
Pride in their growth as proper writers too.
“I’ll succeed like you someday.”
“Different genre, but yeah.”
“You can. I did it—what’s stopping you?”
“Right?”
Their cautious ambitions brightened faces.
Worried Woo Ji-hyun might say it’s tough.
Unnecessary concern, it seemed.
“Of course. Dreams should be big. No matter gender.”
“Aja!”
“We’ll treat you next time. Debut celebration on us.”
“Feels off eating off your debut cash. Wait till you’re older, bigger success. Or treat me to meat when I’m down.”
The two giggled at Woo Ji-hyun’s words.
Unlikely he’d ever struggle, in their eyes.
If anything, keep surging ahead like now.
“Will that day come?”
“Life’s unpredictable. Show’s ending. Grab seats.”
“Yes!”
He gestured to seats as the song neared close.
Plenty empty—spacious venue.
“See ya later!”
“Yeah.”
Woo Ji-hyun waved back at his protégé-like juniors bowing out with final greetings.
But soon as they left, another approached.
“Long time, Writer-nim!”
“Manager Nam.”
Tiramisu’s manager, Nam Hee-gyu, approached smiling.
Jo Jin-gu, who’d come to the emergency stairs to escape the din, turned.
Woo-ju stood there, looking thoroughly cowed.
“We can talk quietly here. Or the cafe downstairs if uncomfortable.”
“No need for the cafe.”
“Then speak.”