Chapter 158
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 158
Chapter Title: Consulting at the Novel Academy
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Quitting time.
Emerging from exit 4 at Seonjeongneung Station, I grumbled softly amid the surging crowd jostling me every which way.
"Ugh, I should've woken up earlier."
Part of it was complacency since the place wasn't far from home or Cheongdam-dong, and part of it was that after finishing my shift at the convenience store, Oh Hana and Yoon Sua had sucked me dry the moment I got back.
Whatever the case, this was the earliest I could manage after jumping out of bed and rushing over.
So, enough grumbling. It wouldn't change a thing.
[6:14 PM]
It was quitting time, but also just before I had to head to the convenience store for my shift.
'Not much wiggle room here.'
Checking the time, I set off toward my destination without a break.
「Step, step, step」
Blending in with the commuters walking side by side, I felt an unexpected sense of stability and belonging. If this was just walking among them, how incredible would it feel to actually work at a company?
No, what would it really be like?
'Ah, if there's a company dinner, will they pay overtime for staying late? Don't bother with that crap. Just give us the money instead of wasting it on dinners. I really fucking hate them.'
They say kids these days all talk like that... Hmm, but that feels off to me.
Am I not one of them? And my friends?
Even among the friends who got jobs two years ago, some weren't thrilled about dinners or company events, but none outright said stuff like that. Their true feelings? No clue.
Wait, they're younger than me and already employed? Damn, jealous.
"Hoo!"
Even so, with the second half of the year job-hunting season approaching fast, just thinking about employment made a heavy sigh escape me, like my chest was being crushed.
Is it because of my situation? Working might change my mind, but right now, images of new hire training, seminars, onboarding, workshops, sports days, and team dinners flood in... and strangely, a bit of anticipation bubbles up in my heart.
Complaining about that stuff only works if you have a job in the first place, damn it.
Some people are losing their minds just to land one.
'And even that's not enough—they're flipping out over more bullshit on top of it. Legendary.'
Muttering that inwardly, I looked up at the sign overhead.
[Novel Pictures Art/Novel Academy 4F, 5F]
In moments like this, Seoul really lives up to its reputation.
Academies like this are rare back in Busan, but here, they're everywhere you look.
I'd checked the website, reviews, distance from home—everything—and picked this place after much deliberation.
Especially after a quick phone consultation; their friendliness really won me over. Maybe it's from dealing with so many psychos at the convenience store gig. Either way, kindness is king these days.
"Um, mister... could you move aside a bit...?"
"Ah, sorry."
I apologized lightly and paced around.
Not sure how many times I'd hesitated at the building entrance about going in.
Once inside, it'd be face-to-face with whoever I spoke to this morning—or someone else—and a long consultation. The thought of sitting through it and bailing felt off somehow.
Beyond that, I couldn't even remember the last time I'd attended an academy, which made stepping in even harder.
'Not something to decide lightly.'
I'd come on impulse thanks to Oh Hanam's unexpected donation, but as I mentioned, I was already swamped just focusing on my own job hunt.
Would attending here actually help Han Aebom right now? No clue. I couldn't waste time lightly.
At least my time wasn't gold, but hers sure as hell was.
'That girl's time is priceless! Priceless!'
How many times had Han Seyong drilled that into me? It popped into my head like yesterday just closing my eyes.
"Hm."
I let out a soft groan, staring into space.
The pretty sunset dipping west was the only reminder it was rush hour.
Yeah, fuck it. Truth be told, I was hoping for a quest to pop up.
The system had never steered me wrong before.
Maybe it'd ding and flash a message telling me if this choice was right or wrong.
'I won't rely on it this time... damn it, screw this.'
It was beyond tiresome now—straight-up annoying. But unavoidable too.
Humans fear uncertain futures, right? If something hands you a clear answer, isn't ignoring it weirder? I'm no great like Han Aebom or Oh Hanam...
'Just go in. Worst case, consult and bounce.'
After chewing my lip a few times, I stepped inside, not wanting to waste the trip. I'd moved first and thought later, as usual.
Hesitant types like me end up overthinking and doing nothing half the time.
In that way, Oh Hana's better than me. Just as dumb, but her action game is on point.
「Ding!」
I rode the elevator to the fourth floor. Unlike the creaky old thing, the entrance gleamed with marble—clean and impressive.
"Whoa."
Quietly impressed, I thought the tuition would be steep.
'Whatever, it's free money.'
Brushing it off, I stepped out casually, only to lock eyes with the woman at the counter, her employee badge around her neck. Like a hawk spotting prey?
That's the vibe.
'Really wanna turn back.'
I'd figured after a year and a half at the store, facing people wouldn't faze me anymore.
My mistake. Work was totally different.
Now that I thought about it, I'd bought clothes in-store maybe fewer than ten times in my life.
「Whirr!」
"Oh my, welcome! Mind if I ask what field interests you?"
The automatic doors barely parted before the counselor rushed over, sticking close. My eyes darted involuntarily.
'Eh? Oppa! If you knew it'd be like this, you should've just asked me to come with!'
「Flinch!」
Imagining Oh Hana's words calmed my nerves instantly. Couldn't look pathetic in front of a girl I liked as a guy.
"Uh, I came for a consultation about novels. Possible?"
"Of course."
She didn't seem pushy or condescending from the start. I was just psyching myself out, acting like an idiot.
"Shall we chat over here?"
"Sure."
Table one had someone deep in serious talk.
Her voice sounded familiar—probably the one I'd called this morning. Soothing, reassuring tone?
I'd pictured someone young, but nope—older, experienced.
That said...
"Ah, would you prefer Counselor Han Yanghui at that table? She handles most calls, so people often request her."
"No."
I shut it down quick.
[Counselor, Song Ayoung]
She was overwhelmingly prettier.
*
"Hold on a sec."
Song Ayoung dashed off again, returning with pamphlets and leaflets clutched to her chest. She slid a pamphlet my way first.
"As you can see, we cover pure literature, popular fiction, and web novels—everything. Have you decided on one yet?"
"No, not yet."
"Then, are you familiar with these three?"
"Uh... I've heard of them, but honestly, not in detail."
Web novels, maybe, from occasional binges? Even then, just buying a few episodes when webtoons hooked me.
"Hmm, in that case."
She pondered briefly.
"Could you tell me what brought you here—what's your goal?"
Pretty eyes, nice voice.
...Focus.
I snapped to and vaguely explained Han Aebom's situation.
She'd written novels earning real recognition—or self-satisfying results—and I wanted to help her achieve that fast, but knew zilch about how.
"Wow, that's amazing."
"Pardon?"
After hearing me out, Song Ayoung clasped her hands in awe. A bit like Oh Hana—great listener, expressive... Popular with guys, and cute too.
"Might be rude, but girlfriend? Or aiming to be?"
"Ah... girlfriend."
Technically, my second.
"Knew it! That's so sweet. A boyfriend going to classes for his girl? I'd love that. She'll be thrilled when she finds out."
"R-Really?"
Never crossed my mind. Just wanted to help...
Maybe?
Scratching my head awkwardly, she cleared her throat lightly, regaining composure after getting too excited.
"Ahem, got carried away. Before I explain, a few more questions."
"Sure."
"How long has your girlfriend been writing?"
"Mm, early this year. Not long."
"I see."
She sighed softly.
"Straight talk: Not impossible, but from my years in this biz... Pure and popular lit? Like winning lotto twice in a row."
A bit harsh?
"That bad?"
"In my view, yeah. ...How to put it. This 'author' world—excluding web novels—prizes pure/popular lit. Popular's lighter than pure, but still leans traditional. Without solid foundations or steady buildup..."
Her summary: For bestsellers or Han Seyong-approved feats in pure/popular lit, her writing needed to leap off the page alive.
Impossible, basically.
Not zero percent, but slim odds.
'If so... Han Seyong could turn a kid's scribbles into a bestseller on a whim.'
If true, it hit hard how crucial backing was in Korea... Made my struggles feel pointless, sapping my energy.
Misreading my reaction as defeat, she blurted urgently.
"Not impossible! Save the good news for later."
"Right."
Meeting her eyes, she beamed her sales smile and handed over a leaflet.
"What I mentioned? Possible in web novels!"
Her voice brimmed with conviction.
As if pleading, trust me.