375 An Elusive Moon 6 (2/2)
”The ending is what makes this book what it is! You never fail to impress me, Mr. Woo,” the editor said, holding the edited version of the manuscript in his hands with a bright smile. Having a feeble appearance to begin with, the smile on his face made him look even more innocent.
Staring intently at his face, Juho said, ”All thanks to you.” At which point, the editor's cheeks flushed bright red.
”Your writing never ceases to amaze me, Mr. Woo. It's truly an honor to be working with you,” the editor said. Juho remembered hearing the same remark when they had first met. As they were being introduced to each other, the editor-in-chief had said, ”He reads your books the most out of the entire editing department. Eventually, he'll follow in my footsteps as editor-in-chief.”
Back then, the editor had sweated profusely. Although appearing calm, the sweat had indicated to the young author that the editor had been trying as hard as he could to remain that way.
”I've read 'The Crow.'”
”Right.”
”I was... overwhelmed,” the editor had said, covering his mouth. At which, Juho had chuckled awkwardly. Then, after explaining the strength and charm of the book bashfully, the editor had asked, ”I assume that there are some changes you'd like to make?”
From then on, the two had gotten into a heated debate, which had been very exhausting. It had been as if the editor had learned from the editor-in-chief himself. Because of that, Juho had found himself having no time to work on the white book. Having finished revising the manuscript for 'The Crow,' Juho let out a deep sigh. 'NOW, I can focus on Mr. Kang.' At that moment...
”So, are you planning on going back to Mr. Kang's manuscript?” the editor asked out of nowhere. However, Juho remained unfazed, as it wasn't entirely unusual for the editor to bring up that subject. The fact that Juho was working on Wol's unfinished book was already widespread news. As the young author nodded, the editor said, ”Well, if you need any help, please don't hesitate to call me.”
”Actually, the chief asked me personally to show him the manuscript once it's finished,” Juho replied with a smile.
Then, looking toward Juho with sincerity, the editor wiped the sweat off his upper lip and said bashfully, ”I just don't have the guts to ask for a favor like that. So, are you planning on showing it to the chief?”
”No. I haven't even started on it yet. I can't make any promises just yet.”
At that, as if the answer had left him wanting more, the editor rubbed the back of his neck and said, ”Break a leg, Mr. Woo.”
With that, as Juho rose from his seat, the editor offered to give him a ride, which Juho accepted. Juho waited for his editor in the underground parking lot. As several cars went past him, Juho stood with his arms crossed, lost in thoughts about the white book. Then, noticing the moon in the still-blue sky, Juho stared at it dazedly. At that moment, a car came to an abrupt stop nearby. When Juho looked ahead, he saw somebody familiar getting out of the car in a hurry.
”Mr. Woo?”
He was a reporter who had interviewed Juho at one point. Remembering getting bombarded with questions by him, Juho sensed trouble, sighing internally and thinking, 'Of all people…'
”What brings you here?”
”I'm here on work-related business,” Juho replied briefly. Nevertheless, the reporter still seemed happy to see the young author. Naturally updating Juho on how his life had been, the reporter started to investigate. At which point, the author realized that it was too late to run.
”That reminds me! I was shocked when I heard about Mr. Wol's unfinished book! I didn't even know such a thing existed.”
”Me neither,” Juho said. Whenever he would take a step back, the reporter would follow him even closer.
”When I heard that you were working on it, though, I just couldn't contain myself.”
”Thank you,” Juho said, trying to be sparing with his words, waiting desperately for his editor's car to arrive.
”Are you working on it right now?”
”No, not yet.”
”Have you always been a fan of Wol Kang?”
”How can one not be?”
”Well, it's just that you've never mentioned his name before.”
Juho forced himself to answer the reporter, resisting the urge to sigh. However, the reporter didn't let up.
”How was it staying with Mr. Lim? I've been very curious about that.”
”There's not much to be curious about. He invited me, and I went.”
”C' mon, Mr. Woo. Every reporter knows how Mr. Lim can be. He's notorious for not taking visitors.”
”I think you might be better off asking Mr. Lim himself,” Juho said in an attempt to deflect the reporter's attention away from him. However, the reporter didn't budge, determined to focus on Juho.
”How'd you feel when you were invited?”
”... I was glad. Wait, is this an interview? In that case, I'd much rather meet in an official capacity.”
”Well, not necessarily. But, are you saying yes to a potential interview?”
”Not necessarily. As you're already aware, I have work to do.”
”It'll be just a minute, Mr. Woo. I won't publish anything.”
”As it should be. Especially if you wanna interview me in the future,” Juho said with a smile, and the reporter smiled as well, asking, ”I assume that you've already read the book?”
”Of course.”
Suddenly, the reporter asked desperately, ”Could you please tell me what it's about? I'm a huge fan of Wol Kang. He was my hero growing up.”
With the corner of his mouth turned up, Juho replied, ”I don't think so.”
At that moment, a car arrived, and Juho turned toward it. As Juho started walking toward it, he felt a hand clasp his shoulder, which was followed by a voice that said, ”One last thing, Mr. Woo.”
”Yes?”
”Isn't it a lot of pressure?”
”What is?” Juho asked, playing coy, and the reporter clarified himself, ”Finishing the job left behind by a dead author.”
Then, as if having caught on to the situation, the driver started to honk, which reverberated through the parking lot. Looking into the air for a brief moment, Juho replied, ”Well, I had the urge to do it. What can I do?”
With a brief goodbye, Juho got in the car and left. Meanwhile, standing in place, the reporter stared at where the author had been standing.