Chapter 207.

What? Dragon Rider? (13)   “Why are you smiling to yourself? Did something good happen?” Lee Soo-Hee asked, blinking her eyes rapidly curiously.

Ha Jae-Gun patted the empty seat on the sofa next to him, asking her to join him.

As soon as Lee Soo-Hee put down the tray, Ha Jae-Gun asked, “I should be fine appearing on I Live Alone, right?” “Are you alright with it?” “I joined when Do-Joon went on the show, and the producer told me that it’s not that difficult too.” Ha Jae-Gun then took a brief glance at Kwon Tae-Won before whispering to her, “Plus, it’s also your favorite variety show.” “Don’t think about that.

You should decide based on what you think.” The couple’s gazes they exchanged were filled with dense emotions.

Kwon Tae-Won smiled as he placed a wedge of apple into his mouth.

There was also a period of time when he had a passionate relationship with his wife, Dong-Mi.

Their love had cooled down a little, but he was still happy spending his life with Dong-Mi.

Kwon Tae-Won suddenly missed his wife and decided that he had to eat out with her tonight.

“President Kwon, I’ll do it.” “Pardon?” Kwon Tae-Won put his thoughts for Dong-Mi aside and looked up in bewilderment.

“What did you say?” “I Live Alone.

You’ll have to contact Producer Oh.” “Ah, yes.

You’ve made a great decision.” Kwon Tae-Won wrote a note on his phone and then picked up his outer coat.

As he stood up, Ha Jae-Gun and Lee Soo-Hee followed suit.

“Are you leaving already?” “I’m planning to drop by the variety department at MBS before heading home.

It’s almost time, anyway, so I should get going.

Thanks for the lunch.” Ha Jae-Gun left Lee Soo-Hee in the house and followed after Kwon Tae-Won.

The two men continued their conversation while walking ever so slowly like sloths to the garage, which was just a short walk away.

“President Kwon, I heard that you’re moving soon?” “Yes, the apartment we’re living in now is quite small since we’ve got two grown children and just a single bathroom, so it’s always a war in the mornings and evenings.

We’re moving to a new place with two bathrooms.

Please do come for the housewarming.” “Of course.

But you aren’t moving too far out, right? Otherwise, I will go crazy without being able to have drinks with you whenever I want to.” “I won’t leave Guro, so don’t worry about it.” Kwon Tae-Won pressed the button on his car keys, and the headlights flashed, unlocking the door.

Before he opened the driver’s door, he looked back at Ha Jae-Gun and said, “You’re the greatest blessing in my life, Writer Ha.” “Why are you saying this all of a sudden?” “I have been thanking myself for my eagle eyes every morning recently.

It was the greatest feat in my life to discover you.” “It was all thanks to you that I lasted and got to where I am today, President Kwon.

It was a really tough time.” “It was the same for me.” Kwon Tae-Won’s eyes were soaked with tears of emotion.

He looked at the detached house behind Ha Jae-Gun’s shoulders in awe.

“I initially thought that Star Books was my everything.

I kept wondering what I’d do if I quit that company, wondering who would take care of the writers whom I've been overseeing.

"My worries were like mountains weighing down on me.

Those were dark times, so dark that I couldn’t even see my own future.” The two turned silent for a moment amid the solemn atmosphere.

The countless past hardships flashed past their mind.

“But it’s all in the past now!” Kwon Tae-Won grinned brightly.

“That was also how Laugh Books was born.

Thank you, Writer Ha.” “I’m thankful as well for always being my editor-in-chief ever since.” The both of them then decided to shake hands.

Their heavy emotions traveled from their hands to each other’s hearts.

“I’ll be leaving now, then.

I’ll call you again later.” “Okay, please be safe.” Ha Jae-Gun turned around as Kwon Tae-Won’s car drove away.

He found Lee Soo-Hee taking out the vacuum cleaner as soon as he stepped into the house.

“Why are you cleaning the house again?” “We should at least clean every three days.” “Every three days? Aren't you being a clean freak? It’s enough to start the vacuum cleaner once a month.” Lee Soo-Hee’s jaws dropped at Ha Jae-Gun’s astonishing words.

“Ew, how dare you say that.

Stop saying weird things and drop by the office while I clean the house, Writer Ha.” “Why the office?” “Shouldn’t you bring Rika and Nun-Sol back?” “Oh...

Okay.” “Didn’t you say Writer Kang and Writer Jang will be moving out soon as well? We should take care of them now since I'm back in Korea, too.” “Okay, I’ll go over and pick them up now.” Ha Jae-Gun chuckled bitterly as he picked up his coat while silently hoping that Jung So-Mi, whom both Rika and Nun-Sol loved a lot, wasn’t in the office.

The snowy outdoors made Ha Jae-Gun feel a shiver down his spine.

*** “Hello, I’m Baek Sung-Hyun.

I’m 24 this year, and I’m publishing a modern fantasy on Munpiang.

Pleased to meet you.” “I’m Han Jae-Hee.

I’m 22 this year, and I'm writing an urban fantasy .

Nice to meet you.” “I’m Hwang Bo-Hyuk.

My surname isn’t Hwang Bo, but Hwang, and my name is Bo-Hyuk.

I’m the same age as Writer Han Jae-Hee, and I’m still working on my practice .

Pleased to meet you.” Three new additions finished their introductions one after the other.

Yang Hyun-Kyung stood upright before them like a training instructor.

His sharp gaze then turned to the fourth and last lady joining the office.

“I, I....” The lady stammered, looking tense despite her cute and small build.

She kept swallowing constantly, and both her hands were trembling like shaking aspen trees as they held onto her knees.

“I-I’m sorry.

Can I introduce myself using my pen name...” - Alright.

We’re going to have a company dinner tonight with the new writers who joined the office today, you’re coming, right? - I’m not very sure, hyung.

I’ve got some family matters to settle.

I’ll let you know as soon as possible.

I’m really sorry.

- Don’t be sorry.

Okay, let’s talk after you’re done.

Ha Jae-Gun’s heart felt heavy as he put his phone back into his pocket.

He then realized that something was up with Lee Yeon-Woo and couldn’t shake off the ominous feeling in his mind as he shook his head.

That evening, Lee Yeon-Woo never turned up at the company dinner.

*** “Aigoo, thank you so much.

Yes, yes, President Kwon.

As expected, he agreed to do it because it was you.

Hahaha, yes, yes.

I’ll make the necessary arrangements.

Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.

Hahaha, please enjoy your dinner.” Producer Oh hung up the call, beaming.

With the call, Ha Jae-Gun’s appearance on I Live Alone had been fixed.

They were talking about Ha Jae-Gun here, so even a verbal agreement was enough.

“Did Mr.

Ha Jae-Gun agree to come on the show?” The Assistant Director asked as he sat from across Producer Oh.

Producer Oh nodded and stood up with a stick of cigarette in his mouth.

“What great timing.

Now I’m able to show off to Content Producer Bae.

The last episode of the drama Summer in My 20s is coming to an end soon, after all” Producer Oh moved to the pantry and continued.

“But the problem is the guest...” “Even if we filmed once or twice at Mr.

Ha’s house and office, we’ll still need a guest.” “It shouldn’t be too difficult to invite his family to appear on the show, but to pull in the numbers, we’ll definitely need a popular guest on it.” “I can’t think of anyone else aside from Mr.

Park Do-Joon from his connections.

Ah, how about EBS Announcer Park Hye-Sang?” Assistant Director Ji asked, snapping his fingers.

Producer Oh frowned immediately and shook his head.

“Not her.” “Huh? But why? They both appeared on another show a couple of times together, and they even know each other personally.” “No means no.

Let’s think over it a little more.

Maybe ask Park Do-Joon first....” The two of them took out a second stick and fell into deep thought.

A while later, Assistant Director Ji came up with another proposal, “Ah, Producer-nim, how about AppleT’s Lee Chae-Rin?” “Lee Chae-Rin? Oh, yes.

He knows her too, right?” “Yes.

She sang the OST for Gyeoja Bathhouse, and they seemed to be quite close when I saw them talking at the Baeksong Arts Awards.

Plus, Lee Chae-Rin is a bookworm and a literary student.

It’ll look good on the show.” “Nice.

We’ll definitely get some interesting cuts.

Give them a call later.” Producer Oh turned anxious as there’s a new direction for them to work with.

Assistant Director Ji quickly put out the second cigarette butt and continued.

“But Producer-nim, I just remembered Five Wheels.” “What about it?” “Mr.

Ha should be aware that you are in charge of Five Wheels as well, right?” “Maybe.

I have mentioned it to him before.” Five Wheels was another variety program that Producer Oh was in charge of.

It was a long-standing popular talk show that invited various celebrities to show up.

“I’m not sure if I’m overreacting, but....” “Ah, stop beating around the bush.

What is it?” “Chae Bo-Ra.

We confirmed to have her as a guest on the show, right?” “Oh yes, we did agree to put her on her show, but why....” Producer Oh then trailed off, realizing why AD Ji had brought it up.

“Do you really think Mr.

Ha will pick on every word?” “Who knows what’s going on in his mind? We can't say for sure whether he's the type to hold grudges or not.

Mr.

Ha always looks calm on the outside, but have you ever seen his eyes up close? His gaze never wavers.

Those eyes are exclusive to those who have gone through hell.” Producer Oh clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“What nonsense.

You’ve been reading too much webtoon that you’re exaggerating everything.” “No, I was just trying to do a better description....” Assistant Director Ji muttered, scratching the back of her head awkwardly.

Producer Oh’s face turned serious once more, and he crossed his arms.

He was lost in thoughts for a while, and then he finally mumbled, “Yeah, we can't take risks.” “Yes, I agree.” “Okay, try rejecting her nicely, saying that we don’t think it’ll be a good fit on the topic or concept for the week.” “I understand.” The two of them then parted in opposite directions at the end of the corridor.

Assistant Ji pulled out his phone to call Chae Bo-Ra’s manager.