Chapter 36 (1/2)

Chapter 36 – What is Important

“Exclusive?”

“Yes, exclusive. It’s not a project, but a contract with Writer Ha.”

Jaegun’s gaze slowly dropped down.

Jaegun was thinking. He’s grown enough to get an exclusive contract. And from a company that came in the top three in the domestic genre market.

If he became a exclusive writer, he wouldn’t be able to publish anything for the other companies.

Only with the company that he contracted with.

But he would have a salary that came in intervally like a regular worker. He could expect better treatment and sponsors because he was an exclusive writer.

‘However…’

Jaegun had been jealous of the exclusive writers of StarBooks before.

They were best-selling writers so they had the requirements to sign as exclusive writers. There were companies that only did exclusive contracts, but they were few and far between.

Jaegun has seen StarBook’s exclusive writers before and they looked complacent even thought they couldn’t write. It was because of their salary. Because they couldn’t write, they went on vacation internationally, shopping, etc. All of this can be seen by SNS.

“I know this is an idea that requires some thought.”

Tewon said opening a new bottle.

“Think slowly. You don’t have to decide right now.”

Jaegun took the bottle and poured one to Tewon and Somii as well. As they toasted again, Jaegun said clearly.

“I will decide now.”

Tewon and Somii stopped at that position. Jaegun one-shotted a drink and put in down on the table.

“I’m thankful for the offer but I don’t think I can do an exclusive contract.”

“I see.”

“I can’t contract myself to write. I want to live life like I did- writing freely.”

Tewon bitterly smiled. He knew that this would happen. A weird emotion of happiness and disappointed at the same time came in.

“I know you’re doing the right thing, I’ll cheer you on.”

Somii who was beside him looked at Tewon.

Is this really it? No more persuasion or arguments? What is he going to say to the representative when he gets back?

Jaegun took some lettuce. With a piece of sas.h.i.+mi on top of the lettuce, he continued.

“I have never been a writer for StarBook.”

“Yes?”

Looking at Tewon, Jaegun was smiling.

“I have always had a contract with you. Our relations.h.i.+p is gonna continue as long as I can keep it.”

“I’m flattered. I did nothing.”

“What are you talking about. Don’t say it’s tiring and push me out.”

Somii understood as these two people were talking.

They were being considerate of each other. It was because of the writer-editor bond that they couldn’t say anything else, from their eyes, both of them understood each other.

“You should eat this when it’s fresh. Get faster.”

“I am eating busily. You and Somii eat as well. I’ve been watching but you guys haven’t been eating.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll eat, writer.”

There were no further discussions about work.

For 2 hours, these three people talked about small things in life or about the writing world. A dish of sas.h.i.+mi ended and the fish stew was almost empty.

“I’ve ate well.”:

“No, it’s because of you that we ate well.”

Tewon smiled as he swiped the company card.

As they left the restaurant, a cool air hit the three people. It was almost past 9.

“Ah, I didn’t contract with you because we were too busy.”

Tewon snapped his fingers.

It was about the sequel contract. He forgot all about it.

“We can do it right now. Let’s have some coffee at a cafe. I’ll buy the coffee.

Jaegun pointed towards the cafe across the street.

Tewon looked at his watch nonplussed. Actually he had no time. He had to have a short meeting from 9:30 with a writer. A editor’s life is always this complex.

“I’ll take him in and sign it with him.”

Somii, knowing his schedule, said. It wasn’t a hard thing because the terms were already laid out.

“Ah, Writer Ha, I’m sorry. I need to go somewhere.”

“No, do go your work. I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, Writer, Somii, here, the contract.”

Tewon took out a contract from his bag and gave it to Somii.

“Then I’ll be going now. Writer, take care. Somii, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, you can go now.”

Tewon went with hurried footsteps.

Jaegun and Somii went to the cafe across the street.

“What do you want, writer?”

“I’ll buy, what do you want Somii?”

“No, I can buy it with my company card.”

“Don’t lie, the editor took it, and I want to buy it. Coffee at least,

Jaegun asked while looking at the menu. Somii looked at the menu and answered.

“Then I’ll take a coffee mocha.”

“Give me a ice americano and a cafe mocha.”

There were no customers so it came out fast.

Jaegun and Somii went into a corner and sat together.

“Let’s decide on a t.i.tle.”

With the contract on the table, Somii said. Jaegun put his hand and took the pen.

“I’ll just give it a temporary name.”

Somii quickly put the terms in the contract and Jaegun confirmed each of the terms and signed. Therefore, the contract as quickly signed.