Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: The Lecturer Offer
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Seeing Woo Ji-hyun lost in thought, Kwak Cha-won cautiously continued.
The fact that he hadn’t flat-out refused meant there was still some room for consideration.
Besides, the stronger the lineup of instructors, the better.
It would make recruiting students that much easier.
“It’s something I’ve never even considered before, so I’m a bit taken aback. I keep wondering if I could really pull it off.”
“Even just sharing your experiences so far would be invaluable advice for the students—real blood and guts stuff.”
“But knowing how to write well and teaching others are two different things. I don’t even think I’m at that level.”
He had his own philosophy when it came to writing.
He knew what kind of writing he needed to produce.
The problem was explaining it all in detail, which was incredibly tough.
Writing wasn’t like math, where answers came out clear and precise.
“I think you’d do great. Sure, you might be a little rough around the edges at first, but you’d pick it up quick. And why wouldn’t you be at that level? If you can’t do it, there aren’t many writers who could. Especially in their twenties or thirties? Total wipeout.”
“You’re really putting me on a pedestal today.”
“It’s not flattery. Look at the numbers—no one in your league. Not even one writer in our company outsells you. And it’s the same at other agencies. Even combining all the publishers, you couldn’t fill five fingers.”
Kwak Cha-won declared it confidently.
It wasn’t bootlicking; it was stone-cold reality.
Numbers and figures never lied.
“I’ve got the qualifications, but I lack the confidence. Teaching influences other people, after all.”
“That’s where you’ll learn and feel new things. There’s that old saying—teach to learn yourself. Through communicating, you might recall things you hadn’t noticed or even thought of. I see it as a positive influence both ways.”
Kwak Cha-won spoke with a resolute expression.
There was one more thing he wanted to add, but he held back.
She was already burdened enough; dropping that final bombshell would just make it worse.
And Kwak Cha-won had more than this up his sleeve.
He had an even sweeter bait prepared.
“You’re right, there’d be gains for sure.”
“And it’s not set in stone yet, but our company’s got something in the works. You can’t tell a soul about this?”
“Then you don’t have to say it.”
“Wish I could hold back, but I have to dangle this carrot to reel you in.”
Woo Ji-hyun couldn’t help but chuckle.
He was brutally honest.
But that was Kwak Cha-won’s charm.
Once he trusted someone, he stuck with them to the end.
“Aren’t you being too straightforward?”
“I figure this is the only way to keep hold of you, Mr. Big-Shot Woo Ji-hyun.”
“Ugh, gives me chills, hyung.”
“What? Doesn’t it feel good?”
“I’d rather keep flying high like this than crash straight down.”
Lately, Woo Ji-hyun’s dream was to hold steady at this level without crumbling, for as long as possible.
Sure, he’d hit a downturn eventually.
This industry didn’t have a set retirement age.
That’s why Woo Ji-hyun wanted to cling to this spot as long as he could.
‘At least until I become a landlord above the Creator.’
He’d stepped into the dream salary of nine figures, but the joy was fleeting.
Another thirst called ambition had come knocking.
“Sometimes I wonder if you’re really in your twenties. Most would be drowning in success high, flailing around, but you’re eyeing the distant future. That’s not a twenties worldview.”
“Blame it on my dirt spoon roots.”
“That’s what makes it even more impressive. Self-made success like yours isn’t easy. Especially that PorX—I’m jealous as hell. Me? Pushing forty, and I can’t even dream of a sports car. I’d just look pathetic.”
“But you’ve gotta live doing what you want, right?”
Humans couldn’t totally ignore others’ eyes.
But Woo Ji-hyun personally thought there was no need to obsess over it.
In the end, what mattered was yourself, not them.
“I know that’s right, but it ain’t easy. Especially with a family.”
“Yeah, that’s the biggest factor.”
“Which is why you should be dating up a storm right now. Twenties, nine-figure salary, decent looks. Not dating would be the weird part. No way you’re not getting hits.”
“Hahaha.”
Woo Ji-hyun recalled his Instagram followers exploding out of nowhere.
Along with forgotten classmates reaching out.
Some were female classmates straight-up asking to meet.
“But even if they come knocking, they’re just civilians. Remember what I said? Our company’s prepping something. That’s why there’s a shoot next spring—with idol trainees.”
“Hm?”
“What? Why the shock already? I haven’t even gotten to the point.”
“Haha. Just surprised to hear idol trainees. Guess I’m hitting that age—girl idols look wholesome now. Next thing I know, I’m clapping and smiling like an uncle.”
Kwak Cha-won gave a faintly pitying look at Woo Ji-hyun describing his slide into uncle-fan territory.
Clubs, nights—he was prime partying age, yet somehow turning into a full-on ajusshi.
Uncle fan was just code for ajusshi, after all.
Though the guys themselves would never admit it.
“You can’t start that yet. Live the twenties to the fullest. Two years from now, that front digit changes.”
“Thirty didn’t feel that different. Only the sensitive ones obsess over the number.”
“Wait ’til December at twenty-nine; it’ll hit different. Anyway, for next year’s shoot, we’re thinking of bringing some writers along. For promo footage. Trainees alone would make a good visual, but tossing in some stylish writers? Even better. Readers might enjoy seeing authors up close.”
“And one of those spots is mine, right?”
“Exactly. With the caveat you keep your current physique till shoot day.”
Writers with low activity levels could balloon up fast when deep in writing.
That’s why Kwak Cha-won pointed it out directly.
Though given Woo Ji-hyun’s usual self-care, it was unlikely.
“What’s the lineup like?”
“You’re my number one pick.”
“Not confirmed, obviously?”
“Of course not.”
Kwak Cha-won smiled meaningfully.
It was a short reply, but Woo Ji-hyun read the intent loud and clear.
No, it’d be weirder if he didn’t.
“But I can’t commit for sure. I’ve got my schedule too. Five days a week? No way.”
“Hey, I’ve got shame. Not asking you daily with your rates. And you’re not on break. What I want is once. Once a week. Shouldn’t burden you.”
“That much seems doable.”
Bucheon wasn’t too far.
Plus, he’d kinda wanted to try lecturing once.
It wasn’t an everyday experience.
“Promise?”
“I’ll think positively for now. Things are fine today, but who knows by then. Personally, though, if it doesn’t hurt you, I’d like to give it a shot.”
“Good enough.”
Not a firm yes, but Kwak Cha-won smiled anyway.
It was plenty for him.
If anything, the caution made him trust Woo Ji-hyun more.
“And the shoot next year—no firm yes there either. Need at least a month before to commit properly.”
“Naturally. I get it. You’re swamped; I know. Hell, I’m grateful you’re even considering. Sudden pitch and all.”
“It helps me too, right? That’s why you brought it up.”
“Spot on. Haha!”
Kwak Cha-won beamed, satisfied at Woo Ji-hyun reading his mind like a ghost.
Dumb ones wouldn’t get it even if spelled out; Woo Ji-hyun was the opposite.
“Still, no overdoing the drinks tonight. Eighth day straight, right?”
“I’m good, good. Booze that hits right leaves no hangover.”
“Somehow I see you zombie-ing into work tomorrow morning.”
“Afternoon’s fine. Kids know I’ve been grinding. Plus, house is right nearby—what’s to worry?”
Kwak Cha-won raised his glass like no sweat.
And the hardcore binge began.
Talks done, he started slamming drinks at his signature breakneck speed.
‘Whoa, this ain’t good.’
Woo Ji-hyun’s pupils shook at Kwak Cha-won’s terrifying pace.
But in a blink, he’d downed a hefty amount himself.
* * *
Vroooom!
On a fine autumn day, a hardtop convertible sports car pulled up near Eulwangni Beach.
Heads turned from scattered groups.
Rare ride sparked curiosity in every eye.
“Whoa~! Awesome! Feels like my chest cracked open.”
“But it’s poop water.”
“Hey, come on! Was feeling great.”
“Just stating facts.”
Woo Ji-hyun shrugged.
Too muddy for beach romance.
Mud-choked waves sloshing—no poetry there.
The open view was killer, though.
“Oppa’s so dry emotionally. Not writer-like. Romance pops in your books, but IRL? Ice cold.”
“That’s my skill. Hiding my true self like a pro.”
“Being pro in useless ways ain’t a flex.”
“What?”
Woo Ji-hyun furrowed his brow at Min A-rang’s mutter.
Instinct screamed it wasn’t good for him.
“Nah, nothing. So, what’s up? Racing down to the beach like that.”
“You’ve been grinding hard. Novel, webtoon—know you carried a ton. Newbie joined, total chaos.”
“……Did I mess up somehow? You’re being too sweet; it’s creepy.”
“Object to some care?”
Woo Ji-hyun looked exasperated.
Her wariness cracked him up.
“You’re not usually like this?”
“I’m no cold-blood. Hot blood here too.”
“Human, sure. Hot blood? Doubt it. But oppa. You and Ji-seong texting at night too, huh?”