Chapter 93
Chapter 93
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: Once Again, Writer
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"Yes, storytelling is subtly important. Otherwise, you have to push through with pure character appeal. In a way, it's similar to what we do."
"You can even spot that? You've really grown up."
"Hahaha."
Woo Ji-hyun laughed awkwardly.
It had now been eight years since his debut.
He could confidently call himself a mid-tier veteran writer.
"If our agency's writers could perform even half as well as you, I'd have no regrets."
"You never know what the future holds, hyung-nim. No one could have predicted I'd do this well either."
"You put in tremendous effort. Write at your own pace, and the money will follow. Even if the quality dips a bit, as long as you keep producing. Plus, the market's way better now than during the rental shop days. It's incredibly favorable for fast writers."
"You're right."
That was exactly why he'd written like a madman—knowing this was coming.
All while embedding his identity into the process.
In today's world, writing well was a given; promotion came next.
"But the problem is those mediocre guys acting all high and mighty after one flash of success. Then they crash and burn. Lose that beginner's mindset, and of course their follow-ups flop."
"They might be overthinking it. Hard not to feel the pressure from their previous hit."
"Pros have to push through that. Unless you're a genius, you can't hit home runs every time. Life has its ups and downs. What I'm saying is, most of them don't even try to get back up—they just sprawl out."
"Can't argue with that."
Woo Ji-hyun wasn't surprised.
He'd seen it countless times in his past life.
Humans were endlessly greedy, doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
Even those who made comebacks rarely showed humility.
Like a Möbius strip, the cycle repeated.
'But some do snap out of it eventually.'
Kwak Cha-won's words rang true.
Still, hasty generalizations were risky.
And in Woo Ji-hyun's view, Q&D Management's roster held its own against any other agency.
In sheer numbers, they were top-tier among managements.
'They just weren't utilizing those resources and that environment properly.'
That was the real pity.
They weren't short on top writers.
Nor were they overrun with raw rookies.
Yet somehow, they failed to leverage their talent pool.
"That's why we should've scouted you no matter what. If we'd signed your next work when we founded the company in 2012, everything from Linus would've come our way. Especially Maestro on the Field. Man, I hear Linus's president is tearing his hair out over that one."
"Linus Publishing's president?"
"Yeah. Apparently, Kakao Page was planning to adapt Maestro on the Field into a webtoon. Back when they were hot off Lee Woo-hyung's buzz. Soccer manga tankobon sell plenty, so they figured Kakao Page had a shot too. But then they suddenly scrapped it."
"Oh, now that you mention it, I vaguely remember. I offhandedly told our president two projects would be too much. Honestly, just God of Martial Arts, Return is killing me already. Frontier Management and I are both new to this, so we're fumbling through trial and error. Adding another one would've been..."
Woo Ji-hyun trailed off, his face paling.
The mere thought was horrifying.
Simultaneously webtoonizing two works? He'd have dreamed of writing.
"But Linus's president sees it differently. After Solar Sculptor, Maestro on the Field is their most famous novel. Thing is, he had to let it go—no webtoon infrastructure at all. Not like Frontier Management building their own team. And one-offs don't make financial sense."
"There's uncertainty too. Buzz doesn't guarantee success."
"Exactly. So they're watching closely. Us too."
"I figure everyone's doing the same."
Linus Publishing and Q&D Management weren't the only ones playing it safe.
With One Source Multi Use on everyone's mind, they all knew webtoons were inevitable.
Managements were especially keen—more than print publishers.
"On that note, how's it looking? Think it'll do well?"
*Pour.*
Kwak Cha-won refilled their empty soju glasses, asking in a subtle tone.
He wasn't showing it, but this webtoon adaptation was huge for genre literature.
A strong start would pave the way for seconds and thirds.
"I think it's turning out fine. Results will tell, though."
"Yeah? You think you can compete with Naver?"
"Hard to catch up right away, but with steady prep over time? Plenty of potential. We already overtook Kakao Page once—second time shouldn't be tougher."
"Circumstances are different now. Naver botched their webnovel paid serialization and now they're sharpening their knives. Webtoons are split between Naver and Daum too. Daum won't sit idle either."
"I'm not up on sales or recruitment details."
Woo Ji-hyun shrugged.
As a writer, he didn't know the nitty-gritty.
Nor was it his concern.
"Fair enough. Oh, right—Hyun-jung quit."
"It came to that, huh."
"If that incident left you upset or bitter, say the word. We can record it. I don't mind recordings."
"I'm not doing that. He just gave me bad vibes, that's all. No hard feelings. If I was uncomfortable, I wouldn't be here."
Kwak Cha-won grinned.
He occasionally tossed out praise like this, and it always lifted Woo Ji-hyun's spirits.
But he kept his inner thoughts to himself.
"You come off humble, but there's this weird arrogance."
"Too humble or polite, and people take you for a pushover."
"True. In that sense, you're handling it perfectly."
"Thanks."
They downed another round just as the grilled intestines arrived.
Then an extra dish came out.
A plate piled with fresh mantis shrimp, in season.
"On the house."
"As expected! Tell the president thanks."
"Hoho! Will do!"
The freebie—proof of their regular status—brightened Kwak Cha-won's face instantly.
Not expensive, but these little gestures felt like gifts to him.
"By the way, where'd that hyung land? Feels like I should know."
"Heard he's meeting Big Hit's rep often. Snooping around Munpia too."
"I thought they weren't on good terms since Rubin Media days. Guess survival trumps grudges."
"Exactly. After all that trash-talking Big Hit's rep, he goes crawling back when he needs something."
Kwak Cha-won finished and subtly eyed Woo Ji-hyun.
He was barely acquaintances with Gong Hyun-jung, yet knew the details.
For someone who didn't socialize much.
"How about you lately, hyung-nim? Seems like things are going great. Seong-pil's killing it, and Gi-deok hyung's managing on-schedule somehow."
"They've settled in. Not Frontier Management levels, but."
"Nah, you're underselling it."
"It's true. So we're prepping a big move. Like other agencies. Hey, Ji-hyun. Got a favor to ask."
"Go ahead."
Woo Ji-hyun spoke as Kwak Cha-won broached the topic cautiously—uncharacteristic for him.
No harm in hearing him out.
He wasn't the type to hold grudges over refusals anyway.
"We're starting a rookie training program. Academy-style, taking in students to nurture. Scouting has limits. Contracts are tough too. But the upsides are huge—the plan's well underway. Lee Gi-seok's heading it."
"Sounds smart. I hear other agencies are raising baby writers too."
"Poaching will get harder. Companies won't let go easy."
"So, you want me to lecture?"
"Yep. You're the hottest writer right now. Not too old. Plus, you defy the stereotypes."
Kwak Cha-won scanned Woo Ji-hyun from head to toe.
Short, stocky, horn-rimmed glasses—the antithesis of public preconceptions.
And Woo Ji-hyun wasn't just any webnovel writer.
He was the success story driving a luxury sports car.
"Definitely breaks the mold. But I'm not the only one."
"True. But they're the minority. Gi-seok's not heading it for nothing. He volunteered, but his face is perfect for the role—good credentials too."
"Fair."
"So I want you as one of the instructors. I know your worth—no lowballing the pay."
Kwak Cha-won stated firmly.
No matter how close, he wouldn't cheap out.
He respected Woo Ji-hyun as a person, beyond his status.
Writing paid better per hour anyway—he wouldn't pressure.
"Pay's not the issue. Time is. With serialization ongoing."
"Right. That's why I'm asking carefully—I know you're busy. But it could be great experience as a writer. I see you lecturing more down the line."
"I'm only twenty-eight."
"Age doesn't matter. Success does. And agencies love the young ones."
Despite Kwak Cha-won's words, Woo Ji-hyun hesitated.
He lacked confidence he'd do well.
"Hmm."
"We're planning three months for the course. Just whenever you're free? Too much?"