Chapter 200.

What? Dragon Rider? (6)   “They’ve really put in tremendous effort and sincerity in the comments.

I’m astonished.” Ha Jae-Gun replied as he looked down at Rika, making eye contact.

His nose scrunched emotionally at the American editor’s review that traveled from across the ocean.

Although he knew nothing much about Open House, it didn’t matter much to him now.

He was only deeply grateful to them for reminding him what was more important to a writer than the royalties.

— I was quite surprised as well.

Um...

I’m not sure how much you’ve heard from President Kwon, but Open House is a...

“A small-sized company?” — Compared to Knobble and Scholastic, they are around a thirtieth of those companies' size, and their sales last year were a little short of $60 million.

It’s not a small amount, but it's not that big either.

Chae Yoo-Jin let out a short sigh and continued, — And there’s one other thing.

I didn’t send the proposal to Open House first.

“Who did...?”

— If it wasn’t me, then there’s one and only answer.

They contacted me first.

They expressed huge interest in The Breath.

I had a call with their editor-in-chief, and he was extremely passionate about signing The Breath.

I was really surprised.

“What are your opinions on this, Ms.

Yoo-Jin?” Ha Jae-Gun asked.

He stood up from his seat and headed to the coffeemaker.

Rika and Nun-Sol followed and flanked him like his personal bodyguards.

“They are a publishing company that you, as an agent, haven’t put into your consideration after all.

But you still sent me their proposal after they contacted you first.

I would like to know what made you decide to do this.” — That...

“Are you viewing them positively?” Ha Jae-Gun asked, seemingly certain of Chae Yoo-Jin’s thoughts.

Chae Yoo-Jin let out a soft sigh over the phone.

— In certain ways, yes.

Open House is a publishing company that I personally like.

They typically release paperback books, and they have many interesting books in their library.

They take in all kinds of genres, from fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and even horror.

“I see.” — It might be a buck-passing of responsibility.

Normally, I will filter out publishers whom I’m still sitting on the fence on, but I couldn’t do that with Open House.

So I wanted to hear from both you and President Kwon...

“I understand.

You don’t have to explain further.” Ha Jae-Gun returned to his seat with a hot cup of coffee.

A new email address was added to his contact book, with the name Open House.

*** “Why don’t you open tender for a price you are comfortable with, Writer Ha?” “Tender?” “Yes, since the competition will be quite fierce.

There’s not only Knobble and Scholastic; there’s also other publishing brands affiliated with Wizardry Pictures sending their proposals trying to produce movies as well.

"We would also be able to obtain better conditions from them instead of what they have offered to us individually.” “Hmm...” Two men sat across from each other at a table facing the window of a cafe located along the streets of the city center lined with old trees.

Kwon Tae-Won and Ha Jae-Gun wore worried looks as if they had agreed to look worried beforehand.

They were here to discuss Open House's offer.

“To be honest, I thought President Kwon would agree to this.” Ha Jae-Gun rubbed his hands.

There was heating within the cafe, but it was taking a while for his body to warm up as they had just entered the cafe.

“I would fantasize about such things as a writer, but...

I felt their sincerity while reading their proposal.

It'll be slightly foolish to say it this way, but that’s how I felt.” Ha Jae-Gun looked down and mumbled, “It’s like when I first met you.” “...” “You recognized my work.

Despite my work being a mess and not making it up into the ranks at all, you said you liked my work because of how honest it was and proposed to work on it together...

I’ve said this countless times, but I was so touched that day that I cried alone at home.” “Uh, Writer Ha...” Kwon Tae-Won groaned lightly as he took off his glasses.

He massaged his eyes and temples thoroughly for a while before putting his glasses back on.

With an earnest tone, he said, "Your situation has changed a lot since then." "Changed?" "You've long escaped from the anxiety of wondering if your next would sell 2,000 copies.

You're now at the stage of deciding the next steps for your and how many copies should be in the first print; which countries should you go ahead and release your in first, or should you do a movie or drama adaptation first?" “President Kwon, I’m not referring to that...” “I understand what you’re talking about; that’s why I’m telling you this,” Kwon Tae-Won said with an unusually firm tone.

“I’ve worked with you for the longest and across the most number of your s, Writer Ha.

How would I not know your feelings?” Ha Jae-Gun sucked on his straw silently.

He was enjoying his favorite iced coffee despite the cold weather outside.

“Let’s assume that you’ve written a new fantasy under your pseudonym Poongchun-Yoo.

And you’re with a small publishing firm like HaeTae Media back when you were still a rookie.

Will you be willing to sign your next with them?” “If their editor-in-chief is someone like you, I’ll do it,” Ha Jae-Gun replied without hesitation.

After a while, Oh Tae-Jin pulled the ashtray at the end of the table to him.

He put out the cigarette after a few puffs and said, “You don’t have to be so worried.

I just have to edit it again.” “Cheer up, Father,” Oh Myung-Suk consoled while massaging his father’s shoulders lightly.

Oh Tae-Jin put his hand on Oh Myung-Suk’s hand.

As always, his father’s touch felt reliable and warm.

‘I should tell him next time.’ Oh Myung-Suk knew he couldn’t bring up Chae Yoo-Jin at this time.

He slowly withdrew his hand and bowed, “Please rest early, Father.

I will be heading back to my room now.” “Okay, you should rest early, too—Ah, Myung-Suk!” Oh Myung-Suk stopped in his tracks and turned around.

“Is there anything else, father?” “I’ve totally forgotten about it because I was preoccupied with my .

You remember the youngest daughter of President Kim from Daemyung Group?” “...” No reply came from Oh Myung-Suk, but he knew the individual his father was referring to, and he also knew what his father was getting at.

“I’ll be straightforward; meet her once.” “Father, I still...” “How dare you say that at your age? I can’t wait for you any longer.

You’re the eldest son, and you will succeed the OongSung Group in the future.” “I know that, but I’m not prepared—” “I’ve already arranged a meeting for you,” Oh Tae-Jin said, waving his hand in dismissal.

Oh Myung-Suk’s eyes were slowly losing focus.

“...I can’t.” Those two words broke the silence and pervaded the dark study.

“I...

can’t do that, Father.” “WHY?!” Oh Tae-Jin stood up in anger.

He strode to Oh Myung-Suk and pointed a finger at Oh Myung-Suk’s face.

“Why not?! Tell me why! I’ll listen, so tell me why! But if your reason is what I have in mind, then return to your room immediately!” “Father...!” Oh Tae-Jin’s lips were trembling in anger.

He growled deeply, “I’ve only slapped you once throughout your entire life! Don’t make me do it again for the same reason! Do you understand?!” “...” “Why aren’t you answering me?! Yes or no!” “Father, I mean it, I really love Yoo-...” Slap! Oh Myung-Suk’s glasses flew off his face.

His head had jerked to the side, and his cheek burned red.

“I don’t want to hear it, leave!” Oh Tae-Jin pointed to the door.

Oh Myung-Suk bit his lips and bowed deeply in silence.

Oh Myung-Suk staggered to pick up his glasses as tears started dripping down Oh Tae-Jin’s eyes.

Creaaak.

Oh Myung-Suk did not return to his room but toward the living room.

There was no way he could sleep without the help of alcohol tonight.

As he turned the corner in the hallway and entered the living room, he saw Oh Myung-Hoon.

“...” “...” The brothers looked at each other for a while in silence.

Oh Myung-Hoon looked away first.

Oh Myung-Suk pulled out a bottle of tequila and a glass from the cupboard and asked, “Did you hear it from here?” “What do you think?” Oh Myung-Hoon responded, and then he took a sip of his vodka in hand.

“I can probably hear his voice even in New York.” “Father has always been so loud.” Oh Myung-Suk took a seat across from Oh Myung-Hoon on the sofa.

While Oh Myung-Suk was pondering what to talk about with his brother, Oh Myung-Hoon asked casually, “I won’t give up if I were you.”

“...What?” “If you love her so much, shouldn’t you win her and get father’s blessings at all costs? Yoo-Jin noona loves you, too.

What’s wrong with being barren? You guys can always adopt a child to resolve the issue.” “Let’s not talk about this now.” Oh Myung-Suk drank his tequila straight.

Oh Myung-Hoon snorted and stood up.

“Do whatever you want.

I’m not going to live like you did.” “Really?” “Pull yourself together.

Otherwise, I’m going to inherit the OongSung Group at this rate.

Bye,” Oh Myung-Hoon said coldly.

As soon as Oh Myung-Hoon disappeared up the stairs to the second floor, Oh Myung-Suk mumbled quietly to himself, “I’d love that to happen...” The brown liquid gushed and filled the glass.

Oh Myung-Suk leaned backward and downed the entire glass down his throat.

Chae Yoo-Jin’s face surfaced in his mind as the fragrance of the strong alcohol wafted in the air.

He reached out with his hand, but he couldn’t touch her face at all.