Chapter 9 : Sixteen-Year-Old Writer

Evening had come. Since it was Wednesday, Mom and Dad finished work early and came home.

Family Day.

Once a week, office workers left early on Wednesdays without overtime to spend dinner time with their families.

“Dad, Mom. I have something to tell you after dinner.”

I picked up the eggs and carefully moved them to my bowl, breaking them in half as I cautiously began speaking. I approached this sudden announcement as delicately as possible, not wanting to spoil the meal’s atmosphere.

“Is it about your work?”

Dad asked while chewing his food. The radish kimchi soup was so refreshing.

“Uh...”

“Alright, understood.”

After that, we ate quietly. About ten minutes later, dinner was finished. Dad got up from his seat and went into the bedroom.

“Dishwashing later. I want to hear what our son has to say.”

“That’s what I was about to say. Stay there.”

The two of them, both born in ’64, were the same zodiac year—dragon—and had been living together like close friends. Occasionally, they argued over curfew issues, but that was something any household could overcome. Over the years, their harmony had only deepened.

Mom, having tidied up the living room, came into the bedroom and took a seat.

“Today, we received a contract proposal from the ‘Faith Publishing’ company.”

She explained the contents of the email from the publisher in detail, mentioning the exact name.

“What? A contract proposal from a publisher?”

“Seung Hyun, is this for real?”

As expected, both of them looked very surprised.

“Heh heh,”

A smile of surprise escaped from Dad’s mouth. It was a natural reaction given it had been less than a month since I said I wanted to become a writer.

“Is it not a scam?”

Because publishing contracts were rare, they seemed worried it might be a scam. They must have seen many news stories about exploitative contracts in the entertainment industry.

Actually, there were many fraudulent publishers at the time.

“It’s not a scam. It’s from the Faith Publishing Group, a subsidiary. You know Dragon Braja, right? That publisher.”

Even if Mom didn’t know, Dad would. Since he loved martial arts and fantasy novels, he couldn’t not know. Even now, a stack of Dragon Braja novels sat piled up in one corner of the room.

“So, they contacted you saying they want to sign a contract with that publisher???"

Thanks to the recognition I had gained, explaining it was easy. Dad set aside his worries but couldn’t hide his surprise.

Although part of me wanted to check other options, at this moment, signing with a well-known publisher felt trustworthy.

It was also easier to explain.

“It came via email, so I can show it to you right away.”

A faint smile appeared. I could feel my parents’ emotions. I would have been just as surprised if my own minor child suddenly stood at the doorstep of a dream.

“Heh heh heh, what about the contract?”

Dad tried to control his surprise and asked the important part.

“You’ll be able to see it at the meeting.”

Hmm.

“As for contract terms, the first print usually starts at 3,000 to 5,000 copies. Famous authors can reach 10,000 copies. Usually, it’s one or two volumes released simultaneously. On average, it starts with about 6,000 to 10,000 copies.”

I briefly explained the overall publishing market. I also included information about treatment for rookie writers and contract duration. They listened quietly.

The royalty rate was usually around 6%. The book price ranged from 2,000 to 8,000 won per copy. Printing 10,000 copies could generate around 4.8 million won in revenue. With reprints, earnings could increase.

After hearing all this, both of them looked dazed. They seemed at a loss for words. They were surprised that I knew so much about the publishing market and had even calculated the actual income.

“You were truly sincere.”

Dad expressed genuine admiration. While kids my age were busy with video games or mini-cars, I was already preparing for entering society.

It was no wonder they were surprised.

I unconsciously tensed my shoulders.

“I told you, right? I only asked for a one-year chance.”

I felt I could say it now. Though it might be a bit early, I judged this was enough.

It wasn’t a huge income, but earning money as a middle schooler meant a lot.

Especially at this time, the barrier to becoming a writer was very high. Being recognized and debuting under a publisher in this environment was proof of talent.

“I know. Surely, you’re confident you won’t give up halfway?”

Dad’s lips, which had been silent, finally spoke. His voice was laced with apology, concern, and worry.

“This is the path I chose.”

If not this path, nothing else would remain for me. Besides, I have no other way to live.

“I have enough confidence to overcome it.”

Before the time loop, I lived stubbornly for three years. I didn’t care about work-life balance or even think about romance. I focused solely on writing.

I gave up what I wanted to eat or wear. That was how I lived.

Would I give up just because it’s hard?

For me, writing was life itself and a necessity.

“You really have changed a lot.”

“I’ll definitely succeed and make you proud.”

And Dahye’s dream. I will definitely make it come true.

I met their gazes, tensed my neck, and showed confidence.

“Ha, you’re still far from making us proud. Just be careful not to mess up. I won’t interfere with your work anymore. I can’t help, but... I’ll support you. I believe you’ll do well.”

Dad’s shoulders relaxed.

The time limit was lifted.

“Thank you. I’ll work really hard.”

“Ha ha ha, good, good. By the way, Seung Hyun’s mom, we can’t let such a good day pass without a drink. How about a toast with Dad?”

Dad asked with a gentle tone.

The mood brightened. He seemed to be in a great mood.

“This man is crazy! Our kid’s only sixteen.”

Mom immediately launched a sliding tackle.

“Hey, we drank too.”

Dad openly revealed stories from their youth without a filter.

“This man really! There’s nothing he won’t say in front of a kid.”

Mom’s spanking followed sharply.

“Ah!”

Dad’s playful complaints came next.

“I’ll pour for you. I’ll just drink juice with Dahye.”

“Ha ha ha, great. Okay, Seung Hyun’s mom, chicken and a drink.”

“Ugh, anyway, UCP is...!”

Mom said this while already putting a hands-free phone to her ear.

A big smile spread across her face.

She’s someone whose words and actions don’t always match.

“Wow, chicken!”

Dahye cheered happily at the news of chicken. Even after eating so much food, girls apparently always have room for snacks.

While waiting for the chicken to arrive, I sent an email to the publisher.

“Just one change, and so much has changed.”

Listening to the lively chatter from the living room, I wondered why we couldn’t do this before.

My heart felt very warm.

It was a time that made me realize how important my role was.

“To my son’s big success!”

“To success!”

That evening, our family celebrated the writing contract with chicken and beer and cola party. The glasses clinked in midair, making a clear ringing sound.

The party continued without stopping, full of warmth.

---

Three or four days later, Sunday arrived.

From the morning, our house was lively.

“Seung Hyun, does this outfit look okay? Mom, what do you think?”

Especially Mom put in her all-out effort.

She pulled her long hair up high into a bun.

Wearing that red dress, she would have shone even on the Busan International Film Festival red carpet.

Mom’s all-out effort continued and escalated.

“Now that I think about it, all your clothes are old.”

Suddenly, it struck me how all Mom’s clothes were old.

She had no time to take care of herself, busy caring for me and my younger sibling.

There were so many things I wanted to change.

“Mom, you look the most beautiful today.”

I hid my inner feelings but smiled brightly and gave a thumbs-up.

Since our Mom really is the most beautiful, I’d show it to the world.

“Not on other days?”

“Each day has its own kind of beauty. The days before yesterday and yesterday, you looked the most beautiful while cooking. But today, I fell for your pretty smile.”

Even without dressing up much, Mom’s beautiful face never faded.

“Hoho, now you’re officially a writer, right? Son, Dad really needs to learn how to talk to you.”

Mom shot a sharp glance at Dad.

Ignoring it, Dad put on his necktie.

“Alright, let’s go. Shall we take our princess too?”

Though he heard Mom, Dad pretended not to and went outside while taking care of my younger sibling.

I admired that attitude.

A small smile escaped me.

“Well, they really are hopeless.”

Watching the two of them bickering behind my sibling, I headed toward the meeting place.

This is what happiness must be.

---

“Are you really okay with us sitting here?”

We entered an upscale traditional Korean restaurant. Mom looked around worriedly.

At a glance, the restaurant screamed “expensive.” Having lived far from such fancy places except for weddings, we felt intimidated.

Let’s invite them here often from now on.

“Mom, we’re not paying anyway. It’ll be billed to the company. This is a company that will make money from my work.”

For now, we were the client in the contract.

I swallowed the last sentence.

“Heh heh... well, you’re the only one, son.”

Mom held Dahye’s hand tightly and moved to the room where the staff led us.

Two people had already arrived and were waiting.

“Nice to meet you. Writer. I am Taekwon from Faith 00.”

“I am Oh Jo-seon, the representative I mentioned in the email.”

They introduced themselves to Dad, who seemed to mistake me for the writer. I had to hold back laughter.

“Heh heh, seems like there’s a misunderstanding. The writer is not me but my son.”

Dad looked at me proudly with a satisfied gaze. One eye winked slightly.

“Uh...”

The two men’s surprised gazes turned toward me. Their expressions clearly showed what they were thinking.

“I am the writer, Bi Hyun-il. Nice to meet you.”

Clarifying my identity, I stepped forward and lightly bowed at the waist.

Their surprised faces bloomed with smiles.

It was a feeling I had never experienced before in any past life.

Indeed, everything had to be based on results.

I looked forward to what contract terms would come from those faces.