Chapter 74 (1/1)

Chapter 74

Translated by: ShawnSuh Edited by: SootyOwl ”Nothing's sadder than not having enough to eat,” said Yun Seo . ”She always says that when she cooks . ” ”I agree . There's nothing sadder . ” Juho was able to relate to her as he reminisced about his old days when he had to rely on soup kitchen rations for survival . He knew the sadness in watching another person eating while he himself had been starving . ”Huh… I was under the impression that you grew up in a wealthy family,” Geun Woo said . ”I do get that a lot,” Juho answered . ”Here, why don't you have some more peppers?” In the end, Juho finally took a bite . After dinner, he went out to the backyard and sat on the wooden bench . ”What are you doing?” Joon Soon asked . ”I'm watching the ants . ” Before his feet, there were ants lined up to return to their nest . As if they had understood what Juho and Joon Soo were talking about, they stopped for a brief moment . Juho moved his foot aside to let them through . ”Did you get enough to eat?” Juho nodded as he thought about the generous portions . ”Of course . It was delicious . I don't think I can eat another bite . ” ”Uh-oh! That's not good . Mrs . Baek is about to bring out the desserts . The portions are probably going to be just as generous . ” ”Hm . ” He really was in trouble, but he rubbed his belly . 'Would I be able to eat more?' As he counted his blessings, Joon Soo said, ”I'm actually pretty full too . Would you like to look around the house? We might as well get some steps in . ” ”The house?” Juho got up instead of giving an answer . Since he didn't have anything better to do, he followed Joon Soo's lead . Walking past the cla.s.sroom where he had talked to Joon Soo and Geun Woo, he was met with two rooms to either side of him . ”The rooms used to be for lodging, but we use it as studios now . ” ”So, this is where you write?” ”Yep . It helps me focus . I asked for it as a favor from Mrs . Baek . By the way, Geun Woo is using the other room . ” He opened the door . As it opened quietly, the first thing that came into Juho's view was countless poems that covered the entire room . ”You must like poetry . ” They seemed beautiful even from a glance . He looked around the room . There was a desk and, on top of it, papers . Laptops, books and traces of research were scattered throughout the room . Surprisingly, there was also a bottle of alcohol . He hadn't seemed like the type to enjoy drinking . While Juho wondered curiously, Joon Soo said, ”It's a hobby of mine . I recite them from time to time too . ” Juho took his eyes off the bottle and slowly walked toward the wall . There was another poem there . ”It's in Chinese characters, so you might not be able to read it . Would you like a copy of the translation?” ”Oh, no . It's fine . ” Joon Soo stopped abruptly . He hadn't expected that Juho would decline, but Juho said as he looked at him, ”A jar of wine amid the flowers, without anyone knowing, I drink in solitude . ” Joon Soo's slightly droopy eyes widened gradually . ”I raise my gla.s.s to the moon, there are three including my shadow . The moon doesn't know how to drink, and my shadow follows everything I do in vain,” Juho read out loud . ”You know how to read Chinese?” ”I'm interested in language . ” ”I'm impressed . ” Juho asked as he looked at the poem, ”I'm seeing a lot of Li Taibo's works . ” Li Taibo had been a legendary figure in the poetry world, and there were a number of his poems in Joon Soo's room . Juho had also liked the poem that he'd just read . ”I'm a fan . It's been a goal of mine to be a poet . ” Juho was caught by surprise, then . He had never known that Joon Soo wanted to be a poet . That was when he understood why Joon Soo had a bottle of alcohol in his room . If his role model was Li Taibo, it made sense that Joon Soo liked to drink . After all, Li Taibo was known for his love of liquor . Juho asked the novelist before his eyes, ”So, what made you become a novelist?” ”It wasn't for me, being a poet . ” Juho became curious as to what had made Joon Soo move on from poetry and switch over to novels . Seeing the curiosity in Juho's eyes, he willingly explained, ”I never enjoyed the taste of alcohol . ” ”Then, what's the bottle for? Is it for viewing purposes?” ”You could say that . It's closer to being data than what it actually is,” he said as he poured it into a stubby gla.s.s . It was clear . He tapped the gla.s.s with his fingers two more times . ”I started writing because of poetry . I fell in love with its beauty, so I wanted to be a poet . ” He calmly shared his past dreams . ”You didn't become a poet just because you didn't like the taste of alcohol, right?” Juho asked with his eyes on the gla.s.s in Joon Soo's hand . 'That's right,” he said as he raised the gla.s.s . The moonlight shone onto the gla.s.s and made it sparkle . The sun had already set, and the moon had come up . It was lighting the world that had grown dark . Juho had spent quite some time in that house . ”In other words, I didn't have the skill . ” ”But you write so beautifully now . Is there a difference between poetry and novels?” ”Of course!” he answered as he kept his eyes fixed on the gla.s.s . ”I'm sure you understand what it feels like when you finish your story for the first time . ” ”I do . ” Juho was a writer himself, and he knew what that felt like . It almost felt like everything was swept away as if he'd broken a window . Perhaps he would be able to replicate that feeling if he were to shout for about three days . He had put in everything he had . Like flowing down the river, he had let everything go in the current . More so than emptiness, he felt joy . ”It felt like I spent every bit of what I had . ” ”That sounds right . I felt the same . It kind of feels like this…” He brought the gla.s.s to his mouth . As the wine flowed down his throat, Joon Soo shook the gla.s.s three times . The gla.s.s emptied, with nothing remaining in it . ”What happens next?” Joon Soo asked . ”You gotta fill it back up,” answered Juho . ”That's right,” answered Joon Soo as he filled his gla.s.s back up . The wine sparkled in the moonlight once again . ”You know, I just never got into this . ” He had had his first taste of alcohol . Once the gla.s.s was empty, he had filled it back up . However, he didn't want to drink it . ”Then?” Juho asked . ”I wanted something completely different . That burning sensation in my throat was more than enough . Once I felt that, I was content . I didn't want to repeat it . To me, wine was a poem . ” He brought the gla.s.s to his mouth once again . The wine flowed into it, and the gla.s.s emptied once again . Juho recited another pa.s.sage from the same poem he had read, ”If the sky hadn't the appreciation for wine, there would have been one less star at night . ” (TL's note: there seems to have been a belief in China that one of the stars was responsible for wine and anything related to it . ) ”If the land hadn't the appreciation for wine, there would have been one less well to drink from,” continued Joon Soo . (TL's note: The poem seems to be referring to the well either as a figure of speech for ample amount of wine or the city of Jiuquan, which the letters translate to 'well of wine . ') ”So, what else do you want to do instead of filling up your gla.s.s?” With a mischievous face, he flung open the window . The expression didn't fit his usual friendly appearance . A gust of wind rushed into the room and blew against the poems on the walls . 'What did he want more than poetry?' ”Like this,” answered Joon Soo as he hurled the gla.s.s out the window onto the backyard . It landed not too far from the wooden bench . Then, he reached out his hand and grabbed a leaf from a nearby branch and put it into his mouth . ”To go out looking for something weird and unconventional . ” He was pursuing a new flavor . Rather than remembering the first taste of wine, he preferred chewing on meat and vegetables . ”You'll find yourself chewing on rocks at that rate . ” ”Don't worry . I have strong teeth . ” He'd been born to be a novelist . Without the tenacity of being able to chew on a pebble, an author would not be able to survive the challenges of his craft . ”Although I still have a long way to go as a novelist . ” ”I've been enjoying your work quite a bit . ” ”I appreciate that . My new book is coming out this month . I'll send over a copy . ” ”Is that so? I didn't know! Congratulations!” ”I have a good feeling this time . It's my ninth novel since the debuting t.i.tle,” said Joon Soo playfully . Ninth . In his theory of luck, it made sense . ”Sounds like it'll do well . ” ”Right?” ”Although, I regret to inform you that my book is coming out soon . ” ”Ah, b.u.mmer,” said Joon Soo as his smile turned to a sad face . As Juho looked at his face, he realized something about Joon Soo . His beautiful, elegant style had come from his past goal of being a poet . Maybe was able to write like a poet because of his memory of tasting wine for the first time rather than being lucky . When they returned to the wooden bench, they had an awkward laugh at the sight of all the desserts she had brought out . Juho headed to the park for his late evening exercise . Jogging had to have been a big help . He hadn't been running out of breath as easily as of late, and he felt great after sweating . Its refres.h.i.+ng sensation had a lot in common with the sensation of finis.h.i.+ng a story for the first time . He ran past familiar sceneries for a while . As he reached the vending machine at the resting area, his phone rang in his pocket . He checked it after purchasing a drink . It was a text message from Seo Kw.a.n.g . It was the time and place for the gathering between the club members . The following day, the club members would be coming together for the first time since the beginning of summer break . The place was Seo Kw.a.n.g's house - in other words, a book store . After writing back with a brief response, he continued running . --- ”Whew, it's getting warm . ” It had been a hot day . By the time Juho arrived at Seo Kw.a.n.g's bookstore, all the club members were already there . It was the same place where Juho had counseled Seo Kw.a.n.g about his first love . Before walking over to join them, Juho stopped to greet Seo Kw.a.n.g's mother . ”h.e.l.lo, Mrs . Kim . ” ”You're back! Would you like anything to drink?” She welcomed him gladly . Seo Kw.a.n.g must have taken on after his mother . After a brief look at the menu, Juho said, ”I'll have an iced tea, please . ” ”You got it . Go join your friends!” ”Yes, ma'am . ” When he joined the club members, they were already eating and drinking . ”I didn't think I was late . ” ”I'd never been here, so I left early just in case, but it turns out it's pretty close to where I live,” said Sun Hwa . Bom nodded in agreement . They must have come together . ”Baron? How about you?” ”I came right after the contest, so I ended up getting here early . ” He had come from the sketching contest, but he didn't seem even a little bit tired . His endurance was admirable . When Juho took his seat, everyone sat exactly the same way as they did in the science room . Bom was opposite to him, and Seo Kw.a.n.g was beside him . Sun Hwa sat diagonally from him, and Baron on the opposite side . It had been a while . ”So how have you guys been?”

Translated by: ShawnSuh Edited by: SootyOwl Nothings sadder than not having enough to eat, said Yun Seo . She always says that when she cooks . I agree . Theres nothing sadder . Juho was able to relate to her as he reminisced about his old days when he had to rely on soup kitchen rations for survival . He knew the sadness in watching another person eating while he himself had been starving . Huh… I was under the impression that you grew up in a wealthy family, Geun Woo said . I do get that a lot, Juho answered . Here, why dont you have some more peppers? In the end, Juho finally took a bite . After dinner, he went out to the backyard and sat on the wooden bench . What are you doing? Joon Soon asked . Im watching the ants . Before his feet, there were ants lined up to return to their nest . As if they had understood what Juho and Joon Soo were talking about, they stopped for a brief moment . Juho moved his foot aside to let them through . Did you get enough to eat? Juho nodded as he thought about the generous portions . Of course . It was delicious . I dont think I can eat another bite . Uh-oh! Thats not good . Mrs . Baek is about to bring out the desserts . The portions are probably going to be just as generous . Hm . He really was in trouble, but he rubbed his belly . Would I be able to eat more? As he counted his blessings, Joon Soo said, Im actually pretty full too . Would you like to look around the house? We might as well get some steps in . The house? Juho got up instead of giving an answer . Since he didnt have anything better to do, he followed Joon Soos lead . Walking past the cla.s.sroom where he had talked to Joon Soo and Geun Woo, he was met with two rooms to either side of him . The rooms used to be for lodging, but we use it as studios now . So, this is where you write? Yep . It helps me focus . I asked for it as a favor from Mrs . Baek . By the way, Geun Woo is using the other room . He opened the door . As it opened quietly, the first thing that came into Juhos view was countless poems that covered the entire room . You must like poetry . They seemed beautiful even from a glance . He looked around the room . There was a desk and, on top of it, papers . Laptops, books and traces of research were scattered throughout the room . Surprisingly, there was also a bottle of alcohol . He hadnt seemed like the type to enjoy drinking . While Juho wondered curiously, Joon Soo said, Its a hobby of mine . I recite them from time to time too . Juho took his eyes off the bottle and slowly walked toward the wall . There was another poem there . Its in Chinese characters, so you might not be able to read it . Would you like a copy of the translation? Oh, no . Its fine . Joon Soo stopped abruptly . He hadnt expected that Juho would decline, but Juho said as he looked at him, A jar of wine amid the flowers, without anyone knowing, I drink in solitude . Joon Soos slightly droopy eyes widened gradually . I raise my gla.s.s to the moon, there are three including my shadow . The moon doesnt know how to drink, and my shadow follows everything I do in vain, Juho read out loud . You know how to read Chinese? Im interested in language . Im impressed . Juho asked as he looked at the poem, Im seeing a lot of Li Taibos works . Li Taibo had been a legendary figure in the poetry world, and there were a number of his poems in Joon Soos room . Juho had also liked the poem that hed just read . Im a fan . Its been a goal of mine to be a poet . Juho was caught by surprise, then . He had never known that Joon Soo wanted to be a poet . That was when he understood why Joon Soo had a bottle of alcohol in his room . If his role model was Li Taibo, it made sense that Joon Soo liked to drink . After all, Li Taibo was known for his love of liquor . Juho asked the novelist before his eyes, So, what made you become a novelist? It wasnt for me, being a poet . Juho became curious as to what had made Joon Soo move on from poetry and switch over to novels . Seeing the curiosity in Juhos eyes, he willingly explained, I never enjoyed the taste of alcohol . Then, whats the bottle for? Is it for viewing purposes? You could say that . Its closer to being data than what it actually is, he said as he poured it into a stubby gla.s.s . It was clear . He tapped the gla.s.s with his fingers two more times . I started writing because of poetry . I fell in love with its beauty, so I wanted to be a poet . He calmly shared his past dreams . You didnt become a poet just because you didnt like the taste of alcohol, right? Juho asked with his eyes on the gla.s.s in Joon Soos hand . Thats right, he said as he raised the gla.s.s . The moonlight shone onto the gla.s.s and made it sparkle . The sun had already set, and the moon had come up . It was lighting the world that had grown dark . Juho had spent quite some time in that house . In other words, I didnt have the skill . But you write so beautifully now . Is there a difference between poetry and novels? Of course! he answered as he kept his eyes fixed on the gla.s.s . Im sure you understand what it feels like when you finish your story for the first time . I do . Juho was a writer himself, and he knew what that felt like . It almost felt like everything was swept away as if hed broken a window . Perhaps he would be able to replicate that feeling if he were to shout for about three days . He had put in everything he had . Like flowing down the river, he had let everything go in the current . More so than emptiness, he felt joy . It felt like I spent every bit of what I had . That sounds right . I felt the same . It kind of feels like this… He brought the gla.s.s to his mouth . As the wine flowed down his throat, Joon Soo shook the gla.s.s three times . The gla.s.s emptied, with nothing remaining in it . What happens next? Joon Soo asked . You gotta fill it back up, answered Juho . Thats right, answered Joon Soo as he filled his gla.s.s back up . The wine sparkled in the moonlight once again . You know, I just never got into this . He had had his first taste of alcohol . Once the gla.s.s was empty, he had filled it back up . However, he didnt want to drink it . Then? Juho asked . I wanted something completely different . That burning sensation in my throat was more than enough . Once I felt that, I was content . I didnt want to repeat it . To me, wine was a poem . He brought the gla.s.s to his mouth once again . The wine flowed into it, and the gla.s.s emptied once again . Juho recited another pa.s.sage from the same poem he had read, If the sky hadnt the appreciation for wine, there would have been one less star at night . (TLs note: there seems to have been a belief in China that one of the stars was responsible for wine and anything related to it . ) If the land hadnt the appreciation for wine, there would have been one less well to drink from, continued Joon Soo . (TLs note: The poem seems to be referring to the well either as a figure of speech for ample amount of wine or the city of Jiuquan, which the letters translate to well of wine . ) So, what else do you want to do instead of filling up your gla.s.s? With a mischievous face, he flung open the window . The expression didnt fit his usual friendly appearance . A gust of wind rushed into the room and blew against the poems on the walls . What did he want more than poetry? Like this, answered Joon Soo as he hurled the gla.s.s out the window onto the backyard . It landed not too far from the wooden bench . Then, he reached out his hand and grabbed a leaf from a nearby branch and put it into his mouth . To go out looking for something weird and unconventional . He was pursuing a new flavor . Rather than remembering the first taste of wine, he preferred chewing on meat and vegetables . Youll find yourself chewing on rocks at that rate . Dont worry . I have strong teeth . Hed been born to be a novelist . Without the tenacity of being able to chew on a pebble, an author would not be able to survive the challenges of his craft . Although I still have a long way to go as a novelist . Ive been enjoying your work quite a bit . I appreciate that . My new book is coming out this month . Ill send over a copy . Is that so? I didnt know! Congratulations! I have a good feeling this time . Its my ninth novel since the debuting t.i.tle, said Joon Soo playfully . Ninth . In his theory of luck, it made sense . Sounds like itll do well . Right? Although, I regret to inform you that my book is coming out soon . Ah, b.u.mmer, said Joon Soo as his smile turned to a sad face . As Juho looked at his face, he realized something about Joon Soo . His beautiful, elegant style had come from his past goal of being a poet . Maybe was able to write like a poet because of his memory of tasting wine for the first time rather than being lucky . When they returned to the wooden bench, they had an awkward laugh at the sight of all the desserts she had brought out . Juho headed to the park for his late evening exercise . Jogging had to have been a big help . He hadnt been running out of breath as easily as of late, and he felt great after sweating . Its refres.h.i.+ng sensation had a lot in common with the sensation of finis.h.i.+ng a story for the first time . He ran past familiar sceneries for a while . As he reached the vending machine at the resting area, his phone rang in his pocket . He checked it after purchasing a drink . It was a text message from Seo Kw.a.n.g . It was the time and place for the gathering between the club members . The following day, the club members would be coming together for the first time since the beginning of summer break . The place was Seo Kw.a.n.gs house - in other words, a book store . After writing back with a brief response, he continued running . --- Whew, its getting warm . It had been a hot day . By the time Juho arrived at Seo Kw.a.n.gs bookstore, all the club members were already there . It was the same place where Juho had counseled Seo Kw.a.n.g about his first love . Before walking over to join them, Juho stopped to greet Seo Kw.a.n.gs mother . h.e.l.lo, Mrs . Kim . Youre back! Would you like anything to drink? She welcomed him gladly . Seo Kw.a.n.g must have taken on after his mother . After a brief look at the menu, Juho said, Ill have an iced tea, please . You got it . Go join your friends! Yes, maam . When he joined the club members, they were already eating and drinking . I didnt think I was late . Id never been here, so I left early just in case, but it turns out its pretty close to where I live, said Sun Hwa . Bom nodded in agreement . They must have come together . Baron? How about you? I came right after the contest, so I ended up getting here early . He had come from the sketching contest, but he didnt seem even a little bit tired . His endurance was admirable . When Juho took his seat, everyone sat exactly the same way as they did in the science room . Bom was opposite to him, and Seo Kw.a.n.g was beside him . Sun Hwa sat diagonally from him, and Baron on the opposite side . It had been a while . So how have you guys been?