Big Life

Chapter 223. People Are Important (2)

“Ah... sir?” Ha Jae-In recognized the older man and smiled with surprise on her face. She could still remember how they had met coincidentally on the street and how she had given him her business card last time.

She never imagined that he would come looking for her, as she had been busy recently and had totally forgotten about that encounter until now.

“Hello, sir. How are you? Are you feeling better?” Ha Jae-In asked in a sweet tone, but her smile disappeared when she saw the anger in Nam Gyu-Baek's smile.

“Um...?” Ha Jae-In trailed off as she was embroiled in the perplexed atmosphere. She followed Nam Gyu-Baek's gaze and turned to the person standing beside her. And, of course, the man with her was none other than Nam Gyu-Ho.

“... Director?” A shiver went down her spine.

Nam Gyu-Ho—the epitome of calmness—was trembling. His eyes grew so wide as if he had witnessed something he wasn't supposed to see. Even his jaws dropped, and his breathing turned irregular.

“F-father....” the word that Nam Gyu-Ho uttered was mixed with a low groan.

Ha Jae-In doubted her ears for that moment, wondering if she had misheard what Nam Gyu-Ho had just muttered. The nice old man whom she had saved was Nam Gyu-Ho’s father?

Half of the light in her eyes had gone out, and the surrounding sounds were fully blocked out. She was so surprised to the point that her insides cringed, but Ha Jae-In could not even move a single muscle.

“Father... why are you... here?” Nam Gyu-Ho managed to ask as he took a step forward.

However, there was no answer from his father. Nam Gyu-Baek’s bloodshot eyes alternated between his own son and the woman to whom he was indebted before turning away.

“Father...!”

“Let’s talk at home. Department Head Bae, let’s go.”

“Ah, yes!” Nam Gyu-Baek got into the backseat of his car. Department Head Bae greeted Nam Gyu-Ho before getting into the car and driving off.

Nam Gyu-Ho could not even say a single word more and could only watch the car drive off in the distance.

“Director....” Ha Jae-In was the first who came to her senses. It wasn’t summer yet, but her body was drenched in sweat.

“Director, are you alright?”

Nam Gyu-Ho did not hear Ha Jae-In’s question. Nam Gyu-Ho watched the car driving away like a soulless person. It was only when Ha Jae-In touched his shoulder that he flinched and came back to his senses.

“That was your father, right?”

Nam Gyu-Ho wiped the sweat off his forehead and nodded. He was about to straighten himself up when he stumbled and lost his balance. Thankfully, Ha Jae-In caught him in time.

“Do you know my father?”

“I should have told you this earlier, but when I went to Seoul for my alumni gathering....” Ha Jae-In then recounted her encounter with Nam Gyu-Baek.

Nam Gyu-Ho rubbed his face as if washing them but without water. He had definitely heard of this story before, but who would have thought that the elderly man was his father?

“Ms. Ha Jae-In.”

“Yes, Director.”

“I’m sorry, but I think I’ll need to leave for now.”

Ha Jae-In bit her lips and nodded. They weren't in the mood to continue hanging out.

“What will you do?” Ha Jae-In’s question implied several things.

Nam Gyu-Ho smiled faintly, knowing full well the meaning behind her question. He grabbed her shoulders and said, “I’m sorry for making you worry.”

“Director...”

“Everything will be fine.” Nam Gyu-Ho hugged her briefly and turned around.

Ha Jae-In stood rooted on the spot, feeling pity for Nam Gyu-Ho as she watched him leave. She reached out her hand toward him, but she couldn't touch him.

***

On that same evening, the father and son pair met at the study.

“Just know that I’ll talk to Chairman Han from HwangYeong Pharmaceuticals.”

“Father...!”

“Another year has passed, and you’ve grown a year older. Chairman Han’s second daughter is a nice girl. Don’t say anything else, and just meet her.”

“No, I can’t do that.” Nam Gyu-Ho shook his head firmly.

Nam Gyu-Baek’s fists clenched tightly, and he slammed his fists on his armchair.

“You’re my only son and successor to the company!”

“And would I not know that? What I’m curious about is your standard to choose your one and only daughter-in-law. Just what is the reason that you allow Chairman Han’s second daughter and not Ms. Ha Jae-In?!”

“You're already so old; how dare you say such immature stuff!”

Standing outside the study was Department Head Bae, whose face was white as paper. He had come with the book in hand, which Nam Gyu-Baek had asked for earlier, but he couldn’t bring himself to knock on the door. Although there were ups and downs throughout the fifteen years he had worked with Nam Gyu-Baek, this issue was different than any other issues he had encountered before.

There were signs that this issue could sour the father and son relationship.

“Father, please just meet her properly for once.” Nam Gyu-Ho pleaded. “Ms. Ha Jae-In is a really nice lady. You’ll know since you’ve met her already. She’s pretty and is even kind-hearted, too.”

“I don't wish to hear any further.” Nam Gyu-Baek waved his son off.

However, Nam Gyu-Ho didn't stop.

“The environment she was brought up in wasn’t good; that’s why she couldn’t shine to her fullest potential. However, she’s a wise and considerate woman; I learn something new from her every time I meet her. She’s helpful in my line of work; she even comforts me on a daily basis.”

“I don’t want to hear any more of that!” Nam Gyu-Baek yelled. He then grimaced and placed a hand on his chest.

Nam Gyu-Ho instantly forgot about their argument and turned pale as he approached his father. “Are you alright, father?”

“Ughh, it’s nothing.”

“The doctor said that you can’t be agitated.”

“You’re agitating me!”

Nam Gyu-Ho hurried over to the water dispenser and got his father a cup of water. Nam Gyu-Baek downed half the cup and sat back down on the chair. While Nam Gyu-Baek took a breather, Nam Gyu-Ho waited quietly as silence filled the room.

“I know that too.” Nam Gyu-Baek finally spoke after a while. “I've known that she’s a nice woman ever since the first time I met her.”

It was a positive sign. Hope began rising from deep within Nam Gyu-Ho’s heart. That was before hearing what his father’s next words were.

“But that’s just it. She’s too different from you. She’s an ordinary woman who grew up in an ordinary family. There’s a limit to how much she could aid you while you lead the company.”

“As I’ve said earlier, she will do a good job helping me out.”

“I’m tired now. I don’t want to talk anymore.” Nam Gyu-Baek closed his eyes, seemingly in pain, as he leaned back into his chair.

Nam Gyu-Ho turned his gaze to the side. He was resentful toward his father for refusing to accept the woman he loved, yet he was also heartbroken to see his father getting weaker and weaker. He found it tough to look his weakened father in the eye.

“I will not have a change of heart,” Nam Gyu-Ho replied with determination as he looked at the floor. “Just as how you’ve met Mother.”

“...”

“Please rest early. I’ll go and rest as well.” Nam Gyu-Ho then left the study.

Now left all alone, Nam Gyu-Baek opened his eyes and began clicking his tongue.

“Huh, this isn’t working either.”

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

Department Head Bae opened the door and entered the study. He held out the book in hand politely and said, “This is Writer Ha Jae-Gun’s novel that I mentioned earlier in the day.”

“Ah, right. Thank you. You can leave it there.”

Department Head Bae left the book on the table. Seeing the book cover’s title, Foolish Woman, Nam Gyu-Baek asked, “Have you seen it?”

“Pardon? Ah, yes. I have read this book a few times.”

“No, not the book. That punk.” Nam Gyu-Baek pointed at the wall in the direction of Nam Gyu-Ho’s room. “I am actually quite surprised to see him so passionate and adamant about a girl he likes. What do you think about it?”

“I don’t think I’m in the place to voice out my opinion....”

“Just say it.”

“I think he’s sincerely in love with her.” the man faked a cough after saying it.

Nam Gyu-Baek rested his chin on his hand was lost in thoughts. He was recalling how his son looked earlier when they met coincidentally; it had been a long time since he saw such a joyous expression on his son.

‘Honey, what should I do? I can’t think of what I should do for our son without you around.’ The urge to drink came to him as he thought of his late wife.

Knowing that Department Head Bae wouldn’t allow him to drink, Nam Gyu-Baek couldn't bring it up. However, he didn’t feel like he would fall asleep anytime soon. It was a pity that he couldn't drink when tonight was bound to be a long night.

***

- I have just sent over the revised manuscript for Market Place. Please take a look and contact me afterward.

Ha Jae-Gun dropped Oh Myung-Suk a message and turned to his laptop to send an email. He was writing to Editor-in-chief Eden Cooper from Open House to inform the man that the English publication version of The Breath was currently at volume 3.

“Alright, I've bought myself some extra time,” Ha Jae-Gun muttered and opened Word. On his to-do list were The Breath, Market Place, Human’s Malice, and song lyric writing. Ha Jae-Gun plugged in his earphones and clicked on the hyperlink for a guide to song lyric writing. It was currently the most urgent task he had on hand, as Lee Chae-Rin and Han Yu-Na would sing it as their duet track for their upcoming unit debut.

Of course, Ha Jae-Gun had also received the instrumental track. The strong beats were part of an electronic dance track. He liked the loneliness felt in the music that could accompany one as they sped along the roads at night. Ha Jae-Gun got familiar with the melody after listening to it on repeat.

Tadadadak! Tadak! Tadadak!

The white document slowly filled up with sentences. The topic of this song lyric was city. It wasn't Ha Jae-Gun's idea; the song was composed with that concept in mind.

‘Let’s write a story matching the mood of this music.... I have to immerse myself in the song and create a fitting story for it. Then I can edit it into song lyrics fitting for the track.’

Aside from the main topic, Ha Jae-Gun also included a subtopic in the lyrics: speed.

He was trying to write a story about the day in a fast-moving city while depicting the emotions coming out from it.

‘This isn't enough.’ Ha Jae-Gun paused after working continuously for over two hours, then looked through the lines scrawled over the screen.

What else was left if I lived busily on a daily basis?

What were my dreams when I was younger?

What would be my most dazzling moment?

‘Ah, it feels boring. I need another emotion in here....’

Bzzt!

Ha Jae-Gun's phone left on his phone vibrated. Feeling the vibration, Ha Jae-Gun took off his earphones and reached for his phone. He answered the call with a smile upon seeing Ha Jae-In's name on the caller ID.

“What made our beautiful noona call so early in the evening?”

— I just wanted to call to check on you. Are you busy?

“No, I'm good. I was about to rest for the day.” Ha Jae-Gun wedged the phone between his ear and shoulder. Hearing Ha Jae-Gun's yawn, Ha Jae-In couldn't help but speak.

— You sound tired; we can't do anything tonight, then.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

— I actually called to have a drink with my famous younger brother.

Ha Jae-Gun instantly grew worried. Ha Jae-In wasn't one to initiate having drinks on a normal day. Something happy or sad had to have happened for her to suggest having drinks first.

“Okay, I'll prepare to head out now.” Ha Jae-Gun did not bother asking her what had happened and immediately headed toward the bathroom, saying, “I won't take over an hour. Where do you want to go?”

— Will you really be fine? Aren't you tired?

“No, I had a good sleep, so don't worry. I'll head over to Suwon first, so you can get ready in the meantime.”

Roughly an hour later, Ha Jae-Gun and Ha Jae-In arrived at a sashimi restaurant near their parent's house in Suwon and made a toast.

“Ah, that feels great.”

“But why do you look so sad?”

Ha Jae-Gun took a slice of sashimi and placed it on Ha Jae-In's plate as he asked, “What happened?”

“Hmm, why?”

“You're not the kind to go looking for alcohol, so I found it weird.”

“What do you mean weird? There are times when I feel like having drinks, too. Let me pour you a glass. Here.”

Ha Jae-Gun observed Ha Jae-In’s face as she poured him a glass. The unusual atmosphere bothered him.

“Right, how is your lyric writing going?”

“I'm not sure. I had considered doing this in the past, but it's really difficult. It's really not easy to write song lyrics that are addictive.”

Ha Jae-Gun pulled out his phone and asked, “Do you want to see what I've done so far?”

“Sure, if you have it with you.”

“I'm still writing the story behind the song, so it's all incoherent.”

Ha Jae-In took his phone and began reading its content. After a while, she looked up and began to give her opinion while drawing a circle in the air, “I like how you depicted the fast-moving city, but aren't there a lot of such songs in the current market?”

“That's right. That's why I hope there's something better I could come up with to differentiate from the others. What other emotions should I add here?” Ha Jae-Gun asked as he looked down at the table. The table full of alcohol and snacks brought a thought to his mind.

“Oh, there's that too.”

“What?”

“The exhausted city people after a full day of work drinking or receiving comfort from kind-hearted people.”

Ha Jae-In snapped her fingers and added, “That's a given. Not only me, but everyone else lives similar lives, so they'll find it relatable. How about writing the lyrics from a contemplating perspective? Wouldn't that be good?”

“Oh, something just came to mind. Goodness, noona, you're my savior.”

“As if I haven't been of any help to you until now. Wanna die?” Ha Jae-In raised her fists in a mildly threatening manner.

Excited at the newfound emotion, Ha Jae-Gun pulled out his pen and began noting down on his notepad. The emotion that would not come to him when he was banging his head over at home began pouring out before his sister.

Ha Jae-Gun finally looked up after a while of writing on his notepad.

“All right, noona. I think with this...” he trailed off. The sight that greeted him rendered him speechless. Ha Jae-In was looking out the window with eyes full of tears.