Big Life

Chapter 196. What? Dragon Rider? (2)

— Hello, Director. I just read the text message you sent. Are you in the office?

“Yes, I’m having a cup of coffee in the pantry,” Nam Gyu-Ho replied as he checked himself out in the reflection on the glass window. He tended to act as if Ha Jae-In was in front of him whenever they talked on the phone.

— Have you had breakfast? You didn’t just have a cup of milk for breakfast, right?

“I’m an obedient man. I had proper food.”

— That’s good.

Ha Jae-In’s refreshing giggle traveled to his ears, and Nam Gyu-Ho shrugged his shoulders proudly. Ha Jae-In’s simple words were far better than the praises his father gave him at work.

“How about you, Ms. Jae-In? Have you had breakfast?"

— Yes, I did. I'm about to prepare to head out.

"You're going to the academy this early?"

— No. There's something I have to attend in Seoul. I'm meeting a friend about my high school alumni meeting.

Nam Gyu-Ho's eyes widened when he heard the word Seoul.

"Really? You should be having lunch with your friend, so if you have time, would you like to have coffee with me?"

— Are you sure? I'm fine with having coffee, but you should be busy....

"Don't worry about me, and give me a call later."

— Alright, I'll meet my friend first and give you an update later.

"I'll be waiting."

— Of course.

Nam Gyu-Ho hung up the call and whistled on his way to the washroom. Nam Gyu-Ho raised his nose in the air as he scanned his outfit in the mirror. Had he known he was going to meet Ha Jae-In today, he would have paid more attention to his outfit today.

Bzzt!

Just then, a message came in.

Nam Gyu-Ho was about to wash his hands when he picked up his phone to check the message, and his eyes widened at its content.

It was a message from Ha Jae-Gun.

- Hello, director. How have you been? Oscar’s Dungeon has been doing well, thanks to you, so I would like to treat you to dinner. Please let me know when you would be available.

‘Hmm...?’

Nam Gyu-Ho tilted his head curiously. Did Ha Jae-Gun really want to meet him because of Oscar’s Dungeon? Ha Jae-Gun had to know that he was dating the former's sister, Ha Jae-In.

‘Ah, it’s kind of awkward to meet him right now.’

Nam Gyu-Ho was afraid of meeting Ha Jae-Gun at this period in time, as he hadn’t persuaded his father just yet. If Ha Jae-In was brought up in their conversation over dinner, there was no way he could give him a satisfactory answer.

- Thank you for your words. I will contact you again as soon as possible.

Nam Gyu-Ho returned a short reply after much consideration. He would have returned with a call on normal days, but that was too much for him now. His face was darkened with anxiety as he left the washroom.

***

“It’s been a while, Jae-In. Why haven’t you changed a single bit? You haven't put on any weight, you still look the same as when you were a student.”

“What? I put on makeup today, covering my wrinkles. You’re the one who still looks like a university student.” Ha Jae-In held Sook-Hee’s hands, whom she hadn’t met in years.

Sook-Hee was Ha Jae-In’s classmate back in her third year of high school. They were always seen together but not considered the closest of friends. Sook-Hee was always green with envy and loved showing off, so Ha Jae-In always kept a distance from her.

“It’s nice to see you. How are we the only ones who are free to meet?”

“I know, right? Most of them must be busy taking care of children after getting married. Let’s decide on what to have for lunch first.”

The two of them headed to a restaurant nearby and discussed their alumni meeting. After deciding on a date and place, the two of them continued their conversation, sharing information about their lives.

“I heard your brother is doing really well these days. He was so popular when I looked him up on the internet. Hollywood even purchased the license to his works.”

“Yeah, things just worked out for him since he works hard.” Ha Jae-In replied briefly.

If Sook-Hee were her close friend, Ha Jae-In would have been excited bragging about Ha Jae-Gun, but Ha Jae-In knew that Sook-Hee had always been the epitome of jealousy.

“Tsk, bitch. Pretending to be calm when you’re actually happy about it.”

“It’s not like that.”

“How much does he earn? Did he earn around 10 billion won?” Sook-Hee questioned repeatedly.

Ha Jae-In only smiled awkwardly and gave a light nod.

Sook-Hee was shocked, and her jaw dropped. “Really? He really earned 10 billion won?”

“Why do you keep asking that?”

“Wait, what has he been writing that allowed him to earn so much? I was just asking.”

“The ebooks market grew a lot, so he’s earning a lot from it.”

Sook-Hee rolled her tongue and leaned back in her seat. She was about to brag about her wealthy boyfriend, but a dark cloud was now brewing on her face at the unexpected news.

“I see. That’s really great. Seems like the old saying that writers are always suffering is in the past now. Should I try writing a novel, too?” Sook-Hee said lazily as she stretched herself. She then changed the subject and said, “But novels aside, I have been busy dating recently. I don’t even have time for my own hobby.”

“I saw your profile picture. He looks handsome.”

“He’s above average, I guess? I met him at a swing dance club and thought he looked good, and his family is quite well-off, too. His father runs an SME in the IT industry.”

“That’s great, congratulations. I should get the bouquet from you at your wedding when you get married then.” Ha Jae-In chuckled.

However, Sook-Hee didn’t look pleased. She couldn’t show off fully after knowing Ha Jae-Gun’s success.

“You don’t have a boyfriend yet?”

“Me? Um...”

“So you do have one. What kind of person is he? What does he do?” Sook-Hee pestered as if interrogating Ha Jae-In.

Ha Jae-In saw through Sook-Hee’s plan to compare their boyfriends and smiled vaguely.

“Hmm? What kind of person is he? I’m curious.”

“He’s just... an office worker.”

“Office worker? What company does he work in?”

“At a game company.” She didn’t want to reveal too much out of consideration for Nam Gyu-Ho.

Sook-Hee clicked her tongue, casting a pitiful look. “It’s tough working at game companies. I heard about it from my boyfriend since he works in the IT industry. They have to work really hard and overtime quite often, too.”

“There’s not a job in the world that’s easy.”

“Of course, but... Alright. So what if your boyfriend isn’t rich? You must have a lot of money since your brother earns so much money. Hohoho.”

Sook-Hee covered her mouth, bursting into laughter, but Ha Jae-In felt disgusted. Ha Jae-In couldn't wait to part with Sook-Hee.

“I enjoyed the meal. Let me pay for it.”

“No, you came all the way to Seoul, I should be paying for it.”

Sook-Hee and Ha Jae-In left the restaurant. Sook-Hee pointed to a cafe across the street and asked, “Do you want some coffee?”

“I’m sorry, but it’s almost time for me to return to the academy.” Ha Jae-In smiled bitterly.

Sook-Hee did not seem disappointed and nodded with a smile.

“Can’t help it then. Shall I send you off?”

“No, it won’t take too long by subway.”

“Okay. Be careful on your way back, and see you at the alumni gathering. Bye.”

“Yeah. You should drive carefully, too. See you again, Sook-Hee.”

After leaving Sook-hee, Ha Jae-In stopped by the pharmacy first. She bought herself a bottle of digestive medicine and then pulled out her phone while heading to the subway station.

After a short ringtone, Nam Gyu-Ho answered the call.

— You’ve ended already?

“Yes, we had lunch and decided on the location for the alumni gathering.”

— If there’s any issue with the venue for your alumni gathering, let me know. I can prepare a good venue for you.

“No, it’s fine. You’re busy as it is....”

— Anyway, let’s meet first. Where are you now? I’ll go over.

“Don’t do that; why don’t I go over to somewhere near your office?”

— Near our office...?

“Yes, I don’t think it’s that far at all. I feel like staying out for a while for the first time in a long while, so I’ll go to you if you’re fine with that.”

— Sure, I’m alright with it, but... are you sure you won’t be tired?

“It’s not that far off. I’ll contact you again.”

Ha Jae-In grinned after hanging up. She could somewhat imagine the look on Nam Gyu-Ho’s face. He seemed to look more like a boy as she got to know him more. Her steps quickened as she passed the ticketing gates.

***

“President, you can’t keep traveling around alone. Please tell me where you’re going, at the very least.”

“You’re worrying too much, Department Head Bae. I’m just going to see my son for a bit, so why are you annoying me so much?” Nam Gyu-Baek grumbled. He was currently in a hiking outfit and wore his cap low, covering his face.

He would always head to Nextion headquarters whenever he went out for a stroll these days. He was extremely worried for his son, who was dating a woman whose identity was unknown to him.

Department Head Bae followed behind Nam Gyu-Baek with a troubled look.

“There should be a lot of people who would recognize you on the streets, too....”

“That’s why I wore a bucket hat and a hiking suit.”

“I’m worried about your health too....”

“Ah, that’s why I’m going for walks as per the doctor’s instructions!” Nam Gyu-Baek grumbled. He couldn't even buy a snack of his own free will with Department Head Bae around him. The man would always nag at him, saying that this and that was bad for his body. Most of Department Head Bae's words usually ended with no.

After walking for a while, a pharmacy came into view. Nam Gyu-Baek found it timely and stopped in his tracks, saying to the man, “Look, I’m thirsty now, so get me a bottle of Buckas.”

“No,” the man replied with determination and shook his head.

Nam Gyu-Baek’s face distorted like a scrapped car.

“Are you saying you’re not going to listen to my orders?”

“No, it’s because I know what you’re thinking. I won’t fall for the same trick twice.”

Department Head Bae was referring to the incident a few weeks back. Back then, Nam Gyu-Baek had asked him to buy some bread and took the chance to run away from him.

“I’m really thirsty, and you know where I’m headed, anyway.”

“Mm....” Department Head Bae groaned and looked at the high-rise building over Nam Gyu-Baek’s shoulders—the Nextion headquarters.

“I understand. You must wait here for me.”

“I’ll stay rooted here like a tree.”

Department Head Bae ran toward the pharmacy. As soon as he crossed the automatic doors, Nam Gyu-Baek hurried and blended into the crowd on the streets. He was all smiles, looking innocent like a child.

“Huff puff, he’s so easily tricked...!”

Nam Gyu-Baek finally stopped after running a distance. He grinned, feeling proud for shaking off Department Head Bae.

‘Ugh...?!’ Nam Gyu-Baek suddenly stopped in his tracks.

His smile vanished without a trace as he stiffened and started trembling violently. It was a seizure caused by cardiac infarction.

“Ho, ohhh...!” Nam Gyu-Baek collapsed to the ground. He lay flat on his back, looking up at the sky as his face turned as white as a sheet of paper.

“Sir? Are you okay?!”

A hand reached out to him out of the blue, supporting his head.

“...!”

The face of an unfamiliar woman came into his view.

“Are you okay? Someone! Call an ambulance!” the woman yelled, kneeling on the ground. “Are you having a heart attack? Do you have any medicine with you?”

Nam Gyu-Baek couldn't reply to her. The woman hurriedly searched his clothes and discovered a bottle of medicine in his breast pocket. He then put the pill under his tongue.

“What, what’s happening?”

“I’m not sure... he collapsed out of the blue.”

A crowd soon gathered around them.

Department Bae emerged through the crowd a while later.

“Aigoo, President!” He turned pale and tossed away the bottle in hand. The woman kneeling by Nam Gyu-Baek was relieved to see him.

“He’s having a heart attack, right? I’ve given him some medicine, so he should be fine in a bit.”

“Thank you so much...! How can something like this happen in a short period of time...!”

Department Head Bae blamed himself while calling his team members. He then supported Nam Gyu-Baek up and thanked the woman once more.

“I would like to repay you for this. Please give me your contact number if you don’t mind.”

“You don’t have to. It’s alright.”

“Your pants are dirty now, too. Oh, no, I should at least give you some money for laundry, but I don’t have any cash with me...”

“It’s okay. Please be careful, I’ll be going first.”

The woman stood up and brushed her pants. She turned around and walked away.

Nam Gyu-Baek was still in shock as his pupils quivered, staring at the woman's departing figure. He had only caught a glimpse of the woman's visage, but her face was engraved on his mind.