Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Again, as a Writer
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There were plenty of novels left for him to write going forward.
He could write ones he hadn’t touched in his previous life, like *Blood Link* or *Lord of Blood 축혈*, or remake ones he had written, like *Nine Thousand Demon Gods*.
But that wasn’t the best approach.
Which was why Woo Ji-hyun was mulling over two different ideas.
“The problem is that neither feels quite right for the timing.”
Tap. Tap. Tap.
After more than twenty years of writing, what Woo Ji-hyun had come to realize was that no material was truly unworkable.
The key was whether you wrote it in an engaging way or not.
Even the most clichéd premise became a masterpiece in the hands of a skilled writer, worthy of acclaim. Even the most novel and unique concept turned into a flop or trash if the writing fell flat.
So Woo Ji-hyun deliberated.
Not over the material itself, but over whether he had the chops to pull it off.
“Hmm.”
Of course, there were other options.
He could always take a break and write something lighter in the meantime.
Something around ten volumes could be wrapped up in five months at the latest.
But the reason Woo Ji-hyun was hesitating came down to his instincts.
“You can’t ignore the senses of an active writer. Especially since I’m one of the top performers out there.”
Woo Ji-hyun never considered himself a breakout star, a special-grade talent, or an S-Rank writer.
He was more weathered than that, in a good way.
That was precisely why he felt the need to approach this strategically.
“Timing and luck can make anyone hit it big in this industry. No reason I can’t be next.”
In the print market, experience took precedence.
Previous sales performance mattered almost as much, of course.
But the paid serialization market was different.
It was all about entertainment value.
Pure and simple.
“My start came from the e-book market opening the door. Now it’s my turn to charge ahead.”
In his previous life, he’d let this golden opportunity slip right by.
No one could predict the future back then, and even though he could have taken the plunge, he hadn’t.
This time was different.
Bzzz! Bzzz!
As Woo Ji-hyun’s eyes gleamed at the thought of the sweet profits from the upcoming paid serialization market, his smartphone vibrated.
The phone next to his keyboard lit up with an incoming call.
“Yes, Department Head.”
-Hello, Writer. Jo Jin-gu speaking. Are you free to talk right now?
“Yes.”
-Haha, I have something I’d like to ask you about, Woo Ji-hyun. It’s a bit urgent, too.
A flicker of surprise crossed Woo Ji-hyun’s face.
In over three years of working together, Jo Jin-gu had never once called anything urgent.
Usually, his editor Min A-rang handled contact unless it was about scheduling a meeting.
“Urgent?”
-You know Cocoa Group, right?
“Yeah, the company behind CocoaTalk, the app I use every day.”
-They’re launching a platform. Official name’s Kakao Page.
Woo Ji-hyun’s eyes sparkled.
It was launching right on schedule, just as he’d anticipated.
But what came next was way off his predictions.
-Kakao Page just reached out. Specifically naming you, Woo Ji-hyun.
“Me?”
-Yeah. They asked if you’d consider serializing your works from our publishing house on Kakao Page, *Blood Link* included.
“Serializing? Is that even possible?”
The unexpected offer made Woo Ji-hyun blurt out a reflexive question.
But the nuance must have struck Jo Jin-gu oddly.
-Is serializing on a platform strange?
“No, no. My mistake for a second. Platforms are obviously for serialization. If anything, Ready Books is a bit behind the curve.”
-Exactly. Ready Books is just e-book sales and rentals. Cocoa Group’s probably rushing because of Naver. They’re recruiting writers aggressively, too.
Woo Ji-hyun’s face lit up with emotion at Jo Jin-gu’s words.
This meant he’d risen high enough to catch Cocoa Group’s eye.
In a way, it was validation.
“Wild. Never thought I’d get an offer like this.”
-It’s only natural. If I were at Cocoa Group, I’d have targeted you too. No one else in the market is making waves like you right now. And your sales? Untouchable. *Blood Link* has no issues for serialization, but that’s why I’m calling—there’s another snag.
“Another issue?”
-Not sure where they heard it, but they know *Blood Link* is complete. They brought up your next work, but as you know, it’s not under contract with us yet.
“Ah.”
Woo Ji-hyun nodded, phone pressed to his ear.
Now he understood why Jo Jin-gu had called so urgently.
-So I wanted to discuss that. Ideally in person, and I’ll bring the contract!
“Hahaha. Whenever works for you? I’m free this week. Just prepping right now.”
Jo Jin-gu had emphasized “contract” with extra weight.
Not that he’d sulk if they didn’t sign, of course.
-How about tomorrow afternoon? Around 4 PM. We can go over things, discuss, and grab dinner.
“That works for me, but will it for you, Department Head?”
-I’m good. Meetings are part of the job. Especially with you, Woo Ji-hyun. My boss’ll probably kick me out the door himself once I report it.
“Then tomorrow afternoon it is.”
-Been a while since we came to you. Near your place?
He really seemed pressed, offering to come to Woo Ji-hyun’s neighborhood. A chuckle escaped him.
He was playing it cool, but clearly flustered.
“Let’s meet at Bucheon Station. My place isn’t the easiest for Seoul trips.”
-Got it. See you tomorrow at 4.
“Yes.”
Woo Ji-hyun set down his phone after hanging up.
He pulled out two sheets of A4 paper from his desk.
“Kakao Page serialization, huh.”
He murmured quietly.
Truth be told, it wouldn’t be his first time on Kakao Page.
He’d serialized there multiple times in his previous life.
Just never made it into the early wave.
“This time, I’ll join the mainstream. Make some real money while I’m at it.”
Woo Ji-hyun grinned slyly as he jotted down the titles of novels he’d been mulling over on the two sheets.
He’d made decent cash so far, but it was nothing compared to what lay ahead.
Especially against top-tier writers’ earnings—it was a drop in the bucket.
Which was why he kept chuckling to himself as he filled the pages.
* * *
Naver HQ’s webnovel division was buzzing from the morning.
As a brand-new department, systems weren’t fully in place yet, adding to the chaos, but the real culprit was the sheer volume of work.
“Deputy Jo, you checking all the incoming manuscripts?”
“Yes, reading every one from recommended writers as they come in.”
“Anything good?”
“Eh. Nothing really up to company standards.”
The man called Deputy Jo shook his head.
Plenty of manuscripts flooded in from everywhere, but few passed muster.
“Really? These are from somewhat known writers, aren’t they?”
“Some are entertaining, sure. But not many.”
“Well, we’ve got time. Flag anything decent for now. Oh, how’s the S-Rank recruitment going?”
“Contracts are smooth. The HQ name helps. But filling the slots won’t be easy. Lots are tied to publishers.”
The man in his mid-thirties smacked his lips.
A top-heavy lineup would draw readers far better.
“Still, lure them in however you can. Nothing’s impossible in Korea. Sweet-talk them if you have to.”
“Got it, Team Leader.”
“And filter out anyone below par. Don’t waste resources there.”
“But what if there’s a diamond in the rough?”
Deputy Jo ventured carefully.
Big names built the roster, but discovering new talent was just as crucial.
Veterans pulled in fresh readers; rookies built depth.
Plus, they brought fresh genres and variety.
That’s why Deputy Jo squeezed in time to review unknowns and newbies.
“Diamonds can wait till serialization stabilizes. More readers mean more applicants. Don’t waste time on junk.”
“Understood.”
“Don’t take it personally. It’s about focus. Not saying never—just prioritize.”
“I get it.”
Deputy Jo nodded at his coaxing team leader.
It made sense from the company’s view.
Short-term, visible results kept the higher-ups happy.
“Still, hold onto anything promising. We might need fillers later.”
“Yes.”
“Good luck.”
The team leader waved as he walked off.
Toward the break room, by the looks of it.
Deputy Jo glanced at him, then back to his monitor.
Click.
Soon, the pile of manuscripts started dumping into the trash.
His expression hardened.
* * *
Ding!
Woo Ji-hyun pushed open the now-familiar café door and stepped inside.
It was that awkward time between lunch and dinner, so the place was quiet.
“Writer!”
“Oppa!”
He’d barely started up the stairs to the second floor when voices called out.
Not even fully up yet, still on the steps.
“You beat me here, as expected.”
“Perfect timing on my end. Haha.”
“Hello, Woo Ji-hyun. I’m Yeom Tae-seong.”
As he greeted the hand-extended Jo Jin-gu, a man seated nearby stood.
Slim build, glasses. He bowed politely the moment their eyes met.
“Ah, yes. First time meeting.”
“Haha. I’ve been dying to meet you. You’re controversial not just among writers, but planners too.”
Woo Ji-hyun chuckled and nodded as Yeom Tae-seong handed over a business card with easy confidence.
He got the implication instantly.
“This guy was my deputy back at Barun Publishing. Just joined Linus Publishing, insisted on tagging along to meet you.”
“Honored. Three of you coming out here just for me.”
“You’re that important to our publishing house.”
“And on that note, about contracting your next work…”
Yeom Tae-seong smoothly backed Jo Jin-gu up, like a true protégé.
Half earnest, half joking.