Chapter 110 (1/1)

Chapter 110

Translated by: ShawnSuh Edited by: SootyOwl ”That's how we got close, by going out together . ” At that moment, Juho realized that there had been no commonality between the three authors, and he became curious about the outing she had referred to . ”We might call it an 'outing,' but it's nothing all that special . ” ”We just get together and talk . That's really it . ” ”Almost like a hang out . ” Seeing how they each chimed in, Seo Joong and Mideum had to be part of the outing group . Juho listened quietly . ”It's a small gathering of authors, eating and talking . No more than three people in most cases . ” ”That's quite a few . ” ”We rarely have everyone come out . They each have their own lifestyles . ” It made sense . Some authors preferred to write in the evening while some woke up regularly at 6:00 p . m . ”So, who's part of the group?” ”Let's see… First of all, there's the three of us,” said Dae Soo as she drew a circle with her finger around Seo Joong and Mideum . ”Dong Gil . Oh, you said you knew Mrs . Baek, right? Quite a few of her pupils come out too, like Joon Soo, and Geun Woo, who's on the rise as of late,” Dae Soo said with a satisfied smile . She seemed happy about the fact that Juho knew Joon Soo and Geun Woo . ”That's perfect! You won't feel awkward then . We also have a hermit who lives in the mountains and a know-it-all sn.o.b, but neither of them would go around telling people about you . If anything, they'd be more than willing to keep it a secret . ” ”I'm not too worried about that . ” Juho was already familiar with those people because they were authors of the same generation ”So, how did you all end up getting together?” ”It wasn't anything dramatic . We just got connected through each other . You know, someone who knows a guy who also knew a guy . ” It sounded rather charming . ”Sometimes we inspire each other as we chat . We're generally in better moods afterward, so that's one of the reasons why we meet . We also get to talk about each other's works . ” ”When do you guys usually meet?' ”That's TBD,” said Dae Soo . ”Who makes the decision?” ”Dae Soo is usually the one organizing everything . She's the eldest,” Seo Joong said . It sounded quite interesting . The conversation so far had also been rather enjoyable in many aspects . They all spoke a similar language and were able to identify with one another in many ways . It started to make sense to Juho how come such free-spirited people like authors would go to such a gathering . ”Sounds great . Please let me know next week . ” With that, Juho left his phone number with Dae Soo . --- Since then, Juho wrote like usual . He worked on his short story at school and on his novel at home . The process had been rather peaceful, yet consistent . Just as one didn't think about having to breathe, he also wrote every single day without recognizing that he was writing . Just like that, time pa.s.sed, and the seasons changed . 'Grains of Sand' had gone through nearly twenty revisions . By the time Juho felt content with how the short story had turned out, he finished the novel . The time had come for him to submit his ma.n.u.script to a publis.h.i.+ng company . Sitting in front of his computer, Juho logged into the website of a company that he had been keeping his eye on . The cover image of one of their major works came into view . 'Behind the Curtains,' it was the fifth book of the Dr . Dong series, and it was the very company that Mideum was working with, Dong Baek Publis.h.i.+ng Company . In addition to translating a number of books from overseas, they specialized in literature and humanity-related books . Moving his cursor, Juho clicked on the link for the instructions on submitting a ma.n.u.script . Written in order, the instructions were not very long . Although it was his first time following the general procedure, he was able to do it without difficulty . All it took was for him to send the appropriate department an email and send a hard copy of his ma.n.u.script by mail . The ma.n.u.script had to be a duplicate copy, while the email had to include the author's address, phone number, and synopsis of the book . Without hesitation, Juho typed out an overall synopsis for his book . Though it wasn't anything challenging, his hand suddenly stopped . ”t.i.tle and author . ” He had to think about the a t.i.tle for his book and a name he wanted to publish the book under . 'OK . First, an alias . ' The name ”Yun Woo” was the result of taking his last name and putting it next to the protagonist of 'The Trace of a Bird . ' The name of the protagonist in his new novel was 'One . ' 'One Woo? No, that sounds odd . What else is there? Unchanging . Adventure . A story about G.o.d . Mythology . Immortality . Eternal life . Forever . ' 'Won Yi Young . ' Just like when he came up with the name 'Yun Woo,' it took him less than a minute to come up with another alias . (TL's Note: Last name comes before first name in Korea, which would make the name 'Young Won Yi . ' Young Won sounds like the Korean word for ”forever . ”) Next, the t.i.tle . 't.i.tle, t.i.tle . How should I name it?' As Juho looked around the room, his eyes were met with the pages of the characters in the languages he had created . ”G.o.d . ” There was no way to explain the world Juho had created without the existence of G.o.d . It was the objective of the protagonist and his companions, as well as the representation of the book's theme . ”Language . ” Language was also a crucial element of the book . After all, it was Juho's gift for the new protagonist, 'One . ' On the computer, he tried combining the two core elements of the book . At the center of the letters written side by side, there was the language spoken by G.o.d . ”The Language of G.o.d . ” Because authors had the freedom to change the t.i.tle whenever they wanted, he didn't have to spent too much time and energy contemplating it . Besides, it sounded rather charming as it was . Once he wrote the t.i.tle of his book, the preparatory process came to an end . In order to avoid leaving anything out, Juho read through the instructions again . 'Would it work out?' Juho thought as he looked at the screen . There was no way to know how a publis.h.i.+ng company would judge his work without the name 'Yun Woo . ' While he was excited, he also felt anxious . Yet, he didn't lose courage . After looking at his work for a brief time, he decided to submit his ma.n.u.script to multiple publis.h.i.+ng companies . After all, nothing was certain . Having submitted to eight different companies, Juho turned off his computer . * ”Sir?” Jang Mi called for her boss as he read something intently while leaning against his desk . It was one of the countless submissions spread throughout his office . Jang Mi Hong was the editor-in-chief at Dong Baek Publis.h.i.+ng Company . Overwhelmed with work, she too had been putting off reading the ma.n.u.script submissions . She carefully studied the serious expression of her boss' face . ”Um… Sir?” ”Huh?” the man answered . He was the founding president of the company . Like many who found him difficult to read, the editor-in-chief often found herself confused about him despite interacting with him on regular basis . Even at that moment, she was clueless about what to make of the expression of her boss' face . ”Did you have anything to say?” asked Jang Mi . ”Why do you ask?” The president asked half-heartedly, his eyes still fixed on the ma.n.u.script in his hand . ”You've been reading something without even moving a muscle, so I was just curious . ” As she sighed internally, her nose piercing dangled back and forth . With her boss' permission, she had made the bold decision to get her nose pierced . Though she was often made fun of for looking like a cow, her pierced nose was her pride . ”Have you read this yet, Jang Mi?” asked the president . Of course, Jang Mi shook her head and added an explanation, ”I was planning on getting to it sometime tomorrow . ” ”This is great!” said the president as if he hadn't even heard her response . At his abrupt answers, she fixed her eyes on the pages of ma.n.u.script in his hand . ”Is it any good?” ”Yeah . The writer left the introduction empty, which means he's a rookie, right?” ”Probably . ” ”It's odd . No matter how I look at it, I don't think this is his first time writing . ” 'I wonder what's making him say all those things?' With her curiosity getting the best of her, she moved forward to get a glimpse of the ma.n.u.script . ”Won Yi Young?” ”Don't think I've ever heard of it . Have you?” he asked . ”Not at all . He has a unique name . ” ”He has a unique style too . ” ”Really?' ”Yeah . ” ”In what sense?” He flipped to the first page and handed the ma.n.u.script to Jang Mi . ”Right off the bat, the first character to appear is an imbecile . ” ”An imbecile?” she asked wearing a puzzled look . ”A so-called neighborhood fool . She doesn't even know when people are talking trash about her . Right off the bat . Before the book even introduces its world . It's different, but it's not bad . ” ”It's not? That's so random! Ask anybody, and they'll tell you the same thing!” ”It has a very defined plot development . That must be what's making it less jarring . You can really see the writer's ability . ” ”Are you sure you're not digging too deep into your thoughts?” ”Read it yourself . ” Jang Mi read through the overall story, a party of four who goes on a journey in search of G.o.d . It was rather simple . 'What's he so intrigued about?' The fact that they were a.n.a.lyzing a ma.n.u.script showed how immersive it was . Seeing how much interest her boss was showing, Jang Mi started to have a good feeling . ”Read it within the next couple of days and get a hold of the author . He might have submitted it to other companies, so make it quick . ” ”Yes, sir,” she said determinedly . She started reading through the ma.n.u.script as soon as lunch time began . While eating with one hand, she held the ma.n.u.script on the other, reading . Eventually, she held the pages with both of her hands . ”Jang Mi?” Mr . So of the Planning Department had called for her the same way she had called for her boss . ”Huh?” ”Lunch is over . Aren't you coming?” Although lunch hour had been over, she had barely eaten half of her food . She had yet to read the whole ma.n.u.script, but she had a good feeling about it . ”Mr . So . ” ”Yeah?” he answered, wearing a puzzled look . His eyes were fixed on her nose . A round piercing hung from it like the nose ring of a cow . He had witnessed her hiding it in her nose in several official occasions . ”I think we have a big one . ” Mr . So immediately understood her . She was referring to a ma.n.u.script that had potential . ”What is it?” ”It's called 'The Language of G.o.d . ' There's nothing that falls short . What's really jaw-dropping though is the style . I've never heard of the author, but I'm starting to doubt he's a rookie . ” ”That good, huh?” ”Especially this intro . I'm just in love with it . ” ”Mind if I take a look at it?” ”I'll hand it to you once I finish reading it at home tonight . I think I need to act quick . We can't afford to lose this author to another company . ” Though she started growing antsy, she couldn't contact the author without having read through the entire ma.n.u.script . With his eyes sparkling with curiosity, Mr . So stared at the ma.n.u.script in her hands . ”I better get going . Enjoy the rest of your lunch . ” ”OK, I'll catch up with you shortly . ” While forcefully shoving food down her mouth, Jang Mi didn't take her eyes off of the pages . There was still a pile of things she that needed to do: proofreading, organizing a reprint of a recent import, a stack of paperwork for the Planning Department, and coming up with a commercial slogan . ”Wonder what he's like?” While curious, her mind was occupied by the thought of getting to the author before anyone else . * ”Ugh, My ear!” Rubbing his ear annoyedly, Juho fixed his eyes on the pages in front of him . He was reading through the ma.n.u.script of 'The Language of G.o.d . ' In the beginning, there was a character who Juho was inspired to create after meeting Dae Soo and Mideum . Despite being an adult, he was often mocked and ridiculed by children . Though referred to as 'Bird,' only the protagonist called him by that name . He was the only friend he had had as a student . As someone who was suffering a bad case of misanthropy, 'Bird' was the perfect person to talk to . After finis.h.i.+ng his education and getting a job, One ended up taking care of his friend . 'Bird' allowed the protagonist, One, to be able to look at mythology from a different angle . Also, he played a crucial role in One setting a major goal . Having decoded the mythology with Bird's help, One decided to leave his friend behind and go on a journey in search of G.o.d with three schoolmates who didn't even know each other's names beforehand . The beginning of their journey was rather insignificant, perhaps impulsive even . Each individual had their own agenda for meeting G.o.d . With such seemingly insignificant reasons, they embarked on a grand journey that involved crossing the mountains and the sea .

Translated by: ShawnSuh Edited by: SootyOwl Thats how we got close, by going out together . At that moment, Juho realized that there had been no commonality between the three authors, and he became curious about the outing she had referred to . We might call it an outing, but its nothing all that special . We just get together and talk . Thats really it . Almost like a hang out . Seeing how they each chimed in, Seo Joong and Mideum had to be part of the outing group . Juho listened quietly . Its a small gathering of authors, eating and talking . No more than three people in most cases . Thats quite a few . We rarely have everyone come out . They each have their own lifestyles . It made sense . Some authors preferred to write in the evening while some woke up regularly at 6:00 p . m . So, whos part of the group? Lets see… First of all, theres the three of us, said Dae Soo as she drew a circle with her finger around Seo Joong and Mideum . Dong Gil . Oh, you said you knew Mrs . Baek, right? Quite a few of her pupils come out too, like Joon Soo, and Geun Woo, whos on the rise as of late, Dae Soo said with a satisfied smile . She seemed happy about the fact that Juho knew Joon Soo and Geun Woo . Thats perfect! You wont feel awkward then . We also have a hermit who lives in the mountains and a know-it-all sn.o.b, but neither of them would go around telling people about you . If anything, theyd be more than willing to keep it a secret . Im not too worried about that . Juho was already familiar with those people because they were authors of the same generation So, how did you all end up getting together? It wasnt anything dramatic . We just got connected through each other . You know, someone who knows a guy who also knew a guy . It sounded rather charming . Sometimes we inspire each other as we chat . Were generally in better moods afterward, so thats one of the reasons why we meet . We also get to talk about each others works . When do you guys usually meet? Thats TBD, said Dae Soo . Who makes the decision? Dae Soo is usually the one organizing everything . Shes the eldest, Seo Joong said . It sounded quite interesting . The conversation so far had also been rather enjoyable in many aspects . They all spoke a similar language and were able to identify with one another in many ways . It started to make sense to Juho how come such free-spirited people like authors would go to such a gathering . Sounds great . Please let me know next week . With that, Juho left his phone number with Dae Soo . --- Since then, Juho wrote like usual . He worked on his short story at school and on his novel at home . The process had been rather peaceful, yet consistent . Just as one didnt think about having to breathe, he also wrote every single day without recognizing that he was writing . Just like that, time pa.s.sed, and the seasons changed . Grains of Sand had gone through nearly twenty revisions . By the time Juho felt content with how the short story had turned out, he finished the novel . The time had come for him to submit his ma.n.u.script to a publis.h.i.+ng company . Sitting in front of his computer, Juho logged into the website of a company that he had been keeping his eye on . The cover image of one of their major works came into view . Behind the Curtains, it was the fifth book of the Dr . Dong series, and it was the very company that Mideum was working with, Dong Baek Publis.h.i.+ng Company . In addition to translating a number of books from overseas, they specialized in literature and humanity-related books . Moving his cursor, Juho clicked on the link for the instructions on submitting a ma.n.u.script . Written in order, the instructions were not very long . Although it was his first time following the general procedure, he was able to do it without difficulty . All it took was for him to send the appropriate department an email and send a hard copy of his ma.n.u.script by mail . The ma.n.u.script had to be a duplicate copy, while the email had to include the authors address, phone number, and synopsis of the book . Without hesitation, Juho typed out an overall synopsis for his book . Though it wasnt anything challenging, his hand suddenly stopped . t.i.tle and author . He had to think about the a t.i.tle for his book and a name he wanted to publish the book under . OK . First, an alias . The name Yun Woo was the result of taking his last name and putting it next to the protagonist of The Trace of a Bird . The name of the protagonist in his new novel was One . One Woo? No, that sounds odd . What else is there? Unchanging . Adventure . A story about G.o.d . Mythology . Immortality . Eternal life . Forever . Won Yi Young . Just like when he came up with the name Yun Woo, it took him less than a minute to come up with another alias . (TLs Note: Last name comes before first name in Korea, which would make the name Young Won Yi . Young Won sounds like the Korean word for forever . ) Next, the t.i.tle . t.i.tle, t.i.tle . How should I name it? As Juho looked around the room, his eyes were met with the pages of the characters in the languages he had created . G.o.d . There was no way to explain the world Juho had created without the existence of G.o.d . It was the objective of the protagonist and his companions, as well as the representation of the books theme . Language . Language was also a crucial element of the book . After all, it was Juhos gift for the new protagonist, One . On the computer, he tried combining the two core elements of the book . At the center of the letters written side by side, there was the language spoken by G.o.d . The Language of G.o.d . Because authors had the freedom to change the t.i.tle whenever they wanted, he didnt have to spent too much time and energy contemplating it . Besides, it sounded rather charming as it was . Once he wrote the t.i.tle of his book, the preparatory process came to an end . In order to avoid leaving anything out, Juho read through the instructions again . Would it work out? Juho thought as he looked at the screen . There was no way to know how a publis.h.i.+ng company would judge his work without the name Yun Woo . While he was excited, he also felt anxious . Yet, he didnt lose courage . After looking at his work for a brief time, he decided to submit his ma.n.u.script to multiple publis.h.i.+ng companies . After all, nothing was certain . Having submitted to eight different companies, Juho turned off his computer . * Sir? Jang Mi called for her boss as he read something intently while leaning against his desk . It was one of the countless submissions spread throughout his office . Jang Mi Hong was the editor-in-chief at Dong Baek Publis.h.i.+ng Company . Overwhelmed with work, she too had been putting off reading the ma.n.u.script submissions . She carefully studied the serious expression of her boss face . Um… Sir? Huh? the man answered . He was the founding president of the company . Like many who found him difficult to read, the editor-in-chief often found herself confused about him despite interacting with him on regular basis . Even at that moment, she was clueless about what to make of the expression of her boss face . Did you have anything to say? asked Jang Mi . Why do you ask? The president asked half-heartedly, his eyes still fixed on the ma.n.u.script in his hand . Youve been reading something without even moving a muscle, so I was just curious . As she sighed internally, her nose piercing dangled back and forth . With her boss permission, she had made the bold decision to get her nose pierced . Though she was often made fun of for looking like a cow, her pierced nose was her pride . Have you read this yet, Jang Mi? asked the president . Of course, Jang Mi shook her head and added an explanation, I was planning on getting to it sometime tomorrow . This is great! said the president as if he hadnt even heard her response . At his abrupt answers, she fixed her eyes on the pages of ma.n.u.script in his hand . Is it any good? Yeah . The writer left the introduction empty, which means hes a rookie, right? Probably . Its odd . No matter how I look at it, I dont think this is his first time writing . I wonder whats making him say all those things? With her curiosity getting the best of her, she moved forward to get a glimpse of the ma.n.u.script . Won Yi Young? Dont think Ive ever heard of it . Have you? he asked . Not at all . He has a unique name . He has a unique style too . Really? Yeah . In what sense? He flipped to the first page and handed the ma.n.u.script to Jang Mi . Right off the bat, the first character to appear is an imbecile . An imbecile? she asked wearing a puzzled look . A so-called neighborhood fool . She doesnt even know when people are talking trash about her . Right off the bat . Before the book even introduces its world . Its different, but its not bad . Its not? Thats so random! Ask anybody, and theyll tell you the same thing! It has a very defined plot development . That must be whats making it less jarring . You can really see the writers ability . Are you sure youre not digging too deep into your thoughts? Read it yourself . Jang Mi read through the overall story, a party of four who goes on a journey in search of G.o.d . It was rather simple . Whats he so intrigued about? The fact that they were a.n.a.lyzing a ma.n.u.script showed how immersive it was . Seeing how much interest her boss was showing, Jang Mi started to have a good feeling . Read it within the next couple of days and get a hold of the author . He might have submitted it to other companies, so make it quick . Yes, sir, she said determinedly . She started reading through the ma.n.u.script as soon as lunch time began . While eating with one hand, she held the ma.n.u.script on the other, reading . Eventually, she held the pages with both of her hands . Jang Mi? Mr . So of the Planning Department had called for her the same way she had called for her boss . Huh? Lunch is over . Arent you coming? Although lunch hour had been over, she had barely eaten half of her food . She had yet to read the whole ma.n.u.script, but she had a good feeling about it . Mr . So . Yeah? he answered, wearing a puzzled look . His eyes were fixed on her nose . A round piercing hung from it like the nose ring of a cow . He had witnessed her hiding it in her nose in several official occasions . I think we have a big one . Mr . So immediately understood her . She was referring to a ma.n.u.script that had potential . What is it? Its called The Language of G.o.d . Theres nothing that falls short . Whats really jaw-dropping though is the style . Ive never heard of the author, but Im starting to doubt hes a rookie . That good, huh? Especially this intro . Im just in love with it . Mind if I take a look at it? Ill hand it to you once I finish reading it at home tonight . I think I need to act quick . We cant afford to lose this author to another company . Though she started growing antsy, she couldnt contact the author without having read through the entire ma.n.u.script . With his eyes sparkling with curiosity, Mr . So stared at the ma.n.u.script in her hands . I better get going . Enjoy the rest of your lunch . OK, Ill catch up with you shortly . While forcefully shoving food down her mouth, Jang Mi didnt take her eyes off of the pages . There was still a pile of things she that needed to do: proofreading, organizing a reprint of a recent import, a stack of paperwork for the Planning Department, and coming up with a commercial slogan . Wonder what hes like? While curious, her mind was occupied by the thought of getting to the author before anyone else . * Ugh, My ear! Rubbing his ear annoyedly, Juho fixed his eyes on the pages in front of him . He was reading through the ma.n.u.script of The Language of G.o.d . In the beginning, there was a character who Juho was inspired to create after meeting Dae Soo and Mideum . Despite being an adult, he was often mocked and ridiculed by children . Though referred to as Bird, only the protagonist called him by that name . He was the only friend he had had as a student . As someone who was suffering a bad case of misanthropy, Bird was the perfect person to talk to . After finis.h.i.+ng his education and getting a job, One ended up taking care of his friend . Bird allowed the protagonist, One, to be able to look at mythology from a different angle . Also, he played a crucial role in One setting a major goal . Having decoded the mythology with Birds help, One decided to leave his friend behind and go on a journey in search of G.o.d with three schoolmates who didnt even know each others names beforehand . The beginning of their journey was rather insignificant, perhaps impulsive even . Each individual had their own agenda for meeting G.o.d . With such seemingly insignificant reasons, they embarked on a grand journey that involved crossing the mountains and the sea .