Big Life

“Yeah, I just left and met Tae-Bong hyung and Do-Joon too. Don’t come back home when I’m not around and spend time with your parents instead. Yeah, I just said the obvious. I’ll call you again once I touch down.” Putting down the phone, Ha Jae-Gun sighed anxiously.

Seated next to Ha Jae-Gun was Park Do-Joon, who began laughing. He elbowed Ha Jae-Gun lightly and teased, “You’re pained to be away from Soo-Hee for the next few days, right?”

“Not that. She could have taken a few days of leave to go with me, but she said no, saying that it’s tough for her to be away because of The Breath Online,” Ha Jae-Gun said in a low voice so that his parents behind wouldn’t be able to hear him.

The six of them sat in a spacious van: Ha Jae-Gun, Myung-Ja, Ha Suk-Jae, Park Do-Joon, Woo Tae-Bong, and his road manager. Their destination was the airport, as they were flying to China.

“Auntie, Uncle. Did you forget anything or feel uncomfortable anywhere?”

“We took everything. But this Teenceent Pictures, aren’t we overly indebted to them? We could have just gone over quietly without all this fuss.”

Park Do-Joon chuckled at Ha Suk-Jae’s words and said, “Gosh, Uncle. Jae-Gun has done so much for them, so you don’t have to worry about it at all. Jae-Gun is getting all this treatment because he deserves it, and they don’t want to lose him.”

After reassuring the old couple, Park Do-Joon turned to look at Ha Jae-Gun and said, “Thanks to Jae-Gun, it’s my first time taking a private jet from Teencent Pictures.”

“It’s your first time, too?”

“Yeah. I’ve taken chartered flights countless times, but it’s my first time on a private jet.”

As soon as they arrived at the airport, the procedure of going through check-in and immigration was different as well. A separate desk was allocated for VIPs, and of course, there was also a separate gate for private jets. Ha Jae-Gun and his party boarded the private jet smoothly under the guidance of a staff sent by Teencent Pictures.

“My gosh, so this is what a private jet looks like...!” Myung-Ja exclaimed as soon as she boarded the plane. She had been quiet the whole time due to nervousness, but she could no longer hold herself back after seeing the luxurious interior.

“I can show you around the interior of the plane before we take off if you’d like to.”

“Aigoo, thank you. It’s fine. I’m sorry for being silly.”

The captain and crew members greeted them politely before the takeoff. Every one of them could speak Korean; Lin Minhong had probably arranged for this in consideration of the entourage.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled and thanked him quietly. The plane taxied for a while, and then it picked up speed on the runway before taking off entirely. As soon as the plane regained stability, the crew asked both Myung-Ja and Ha Suk-Jae if they would like to take a look around the plane. Ha Suk-Jae did not reply, while Myung-Ja observed Ha Jae-Gun’s expression.

“Please go ahead. I have some things to talk to Do-Joon about.”

“Ohoho, shall we then? Please guide us. Honey, let’s go.”

“Gosh, why must you insist on this...” Ha Suk-Jae pretended to yield and followed behind Myung-Ja.

Ha Jae-Gun smiled as he watched their backs, happy to see his parents enjoying themselves.

“I heard there’s a lounge in here, too.”

“Really?”

“There are well-equipped shower facilities and guest rooms, too. Though it’s a pity that we won’t get to use it since China isn’t that far away.” Park Do-Joon scratched his lightly scruffy beard and added, “Private jets are good, and I get to take one of the five that is available in Korea all thanks to you, Ha Jae-Gun.”

“What do you mean by thanks to me? They sent us on it because a top star is here.”

“You don't have to save my face by saying that. Anyway, this is so much better than the first class. There were too many arrogant bums there.”

“I didn’t feel that way since I don't really go on a first-class flight that often.”

“They demand to have the ramyun served up again because it’s tasteless, throw the hot towels at the crew asking why it’s so hot. Even I feel embarrassed for them. Why are they acting so cocky toward the flight attendants?

"Had the flight attendants committed some crime toward them? And not all of them pay for first class out of their own pockets.”

Woo Tae-Bong turned around from the row in front and chimed in, “Do-Joon almost got into trouble once because of it, Writer Ha. We took a first-class flight once on the way to the filming for Storm and Gale. If it hadn't been for the fact that I was there, he would have been detained for assault.”

“Hahaha, no way. He’s much more cautious than he speaks.”

“Cautious? I think you're the only person in this world who would look at Do-Joon in such a good light.”

“Hyung, why are you picking up a fight when you get to experience taking a private jet?”

“No, forget it. I shouldn’t be talking. Sigh.”

“What do you mean by that? You should say it all out, why stop halfway? Do you feel great that I look bad in front of Jae-Gun?” Park Do-Joon was furious, but Woo Tae-Bong covered his ears.

Ha Jae-Gun burst out into laughter as he could not hold it in any further. Thankfully, there was no one else around.

***

The private jet soon arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport. The crew approached and presented gifts to both Park Do-Joon and Ha Jae-Gun as soon as they landed. They were beautifully packed snacks and letters.

“Ah, thank you so much. I will enjoy it.” Ha Jae-Gun was touched, seeing that the gifts were prepared in advance.

The flight attendants still performed their roles perfectly without being distracted while smiling shyly.

“Hmm?” Park Do-Joon squinted suddenly as he looked out the window.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s too far from the airport. Why did they stop in the middle of nowhere beside the runway?”

However, Park Do-Joon’s question was quickly resolved. The door opened and showed Lin Minhong standing at the end of the stairway. Ha Jae-Gun grinned upon seeing Lin Minhong welcoming them with open arms.

“Department Head Lin Minhong, why did you come all the way here? I thought we’d meet at the gate. You surprised me.”

“You're a VIP guest of both Teencent Pictures and China. Of course, I should come here to welcome you. Welcome to Beijing, Mr. Ha.” Lin Minhong then greeted the rest of the entourage after Ha Jae-Gun.

Two large black sedans were parked behind him, and their drivers were dressed in black suits as well, their hands gathered in front.

“Come, let’s get in the car.”

“Get in...?” Ha Jae-Gun was stupefied. Park Do-Joon was surprised, too.

“Yes, you must be tired, so I’ll be sending you straight to the hotel first.”

“Wait, Department Head Lin. The immigration...” Ha Jae-Gun thought Lin Minhong had made a mistake due to exhaustion. Wasn’t it natural to go through immigration procedures after touching down? Now that he thought about it, it was weird to see Lin Minhong at the runway instead of at the gate.

Lin Minhong smiled and said, “We’ve made the arrangements and settled everything on our side. Forget about the accommodation and hop into the car first.”

“...”

Ha Jae-Gun and his party had no more words and divided themselves into two parties before getting into the sedans. Myung-Ja and Ha Suk-Jae followed Woo Tae-Bong’s guidance and took the nearest car, while Ha Jae-Gun and Park Do-Joon took the one behind. As the car drove off, Park Do-Joon could no longer suppress his curiosity and asked, “Department Head Lin Minhong, how is this possible?”

“What do you mean?”

“Jae-Gun and I are both normal citizens, and we’re not visiting China under any diplomatic authority, so how is it possible for us to enter the country with a free pass? I don’t understand any of this.”

Before Lin Minhong could answer, Park Do-Joon added, “At first, I thought it was CEO Mao Yen providing us with convenience. Now I’m not sure if I’m being disrespectful, but shouldn’t this be a difficult thing for her to deal with as well? At least, that’s what my common sense is telling me.”

Ha Jae-Gun nodded silently beside Park Do-Joon. He had found everything that had just happened to be quite strange, and he was thankful to Park Do-Joon for asking first.

Lin Minhong’s lips moved slightly with hesitation, and then he finally replied, “There’s someone who loves Mr. Ha’s novels.”

“My novels?”

“Yes. I think it’d be best if you could think of this as that person’s small gesture shown toward Mr. Ha. I know nothing more about that person, so please understand that I can no longer resolve your curiosity. You might be able to hear it from CEO Mao Yen personally later.”

Lin Minhong wrapped up his answer in a polite but indirect manner, making Park Do-Joon and Ha Jae-Gun unable to ask any further.

However, Ha Jae-Gun could feel it under his skin—a certain someone was waiting for him at the end of this road here in China.

***

At the same time...

“Why are they not here yet?”

“Are you sure they’re coming today? Are you sure we did not get pranked?”

The airport was filled with a large crowd of reporters from the entertainment department. They heard the news of Ha Jae-Gun and Park Do-Joon visiting China and were waiting outside the exclusive gate as well as the main passageway. And there was a man in his 60s standing in the middle of the obstructed passageway.

“Hmm, what’s all this?” The man frowned as he passed the gate. He was Assemblyman Kwon Sung-Deuk.

He stared at the huge crowd of reporters and chuckled. “Hohoho, how did they know that I was visiting China today...”

Kwon Sung-Deuk couldn’t hide the joy in him and grinned, showing off his yellow teeth. He was here in China on unofficial business, wanting to meet a certain someone in private. He was unsure how the reporters had found out about his visit and why they had come all the way here to greet him, so Kwon Sung-Deuk could only shrug.

“Hey, Aide.”

His aide following behind him leaned forward and whispered, “Yes, Assemblyman?"

Kwon Sung-Deuk stood proudly and put on airs as he said, “Do you know what’s good about being an Assemblyman? This is why I’m part of the national prestige.”

“Hahaha, yes, Assemblyman. This is all because of you.”

“I think they haven’t noticed me. Since it’s come to this, let’s help them a bit. Let’s go.”

Kwon Sung-Deuk grabbed his aide and walked toward the reporters. However, none of the reporters showed any interest in him as he got closer to them.

“Hmm...?” Kwon Sung-Deuk felt something off and stopped in his tracks. No reporter had recognized him. Kwon Sung-Deuk had no idea that they were all reporters from the entertainment department, so they basically had zero interest in politicians.

Just then...

“Hey, hey! It’s done, done! Let’s go!” a reporter yelled to his colleague.

Kwon Sung-Deuk turned to the voice. “Done?”

“They left straight from the plane without going through immigration. Let’s head to the hotel, quick!”

“What? Really? Ah, fuck.” The reporters grumbled as they scrambled to leave.

Kwon Sung-Deuk stood dumbfounded amidst the receding wave of reporters.

‘Wait, here is the fourth-term Assemblyman passing through the immigration, so which great punk is it who passed using the free pass?’ It didn’t take long for his question to be answered, as a reporter passing him said, “I guess Writer Ha Jae-Gun has really outdone himself.”

“Yeah, isn’t this considered state-level VIP treatment? Although this is only possible because it’s China.”

“...?!” Kwon Sung-Deuk was so horrified at what he heard that he unknowingly dropped the handkerchief in his hands. There was only one person he knew by the name of Ha Jae-Gun.

‘Ha... Jae-Gun? Did they just say Ha Jae-Gun...?’ Kwon Sung-Deuk’s face contorted like a piece of used tissue. He felt the changes in his expression, but he couldn’t conceal it at all. The feeling of humiliation rose from his toes and up to his head, making him tremble in anger.

“Ah, what is this? Move it, Uncle.”

“Ugh!” Annoyed, the two reporters shoved Kwon Sung-Deuk and ran away. His aide managed to catch him before he fell.

“W-what, how...!” Kwon Sung-Deuk glared back at his aide, gnashing his teeth. His aide, who hadn't done anything wrong, looked down in fear. “How come Ha Jae-Gun is receiving such a high level of treatment...?! He's the Ha Jae-Gun I know, right? Who did he come to meet in China?! I’m here taking the normal route like most ordinary people, so how come that piece of scrap isn't doing the same thing as me?!”

“I-I’m not sure either...”

Hot steam escaped from Kwon Sung-Deuk’s nostrils like smoke coming from a furnace. His mood was ruined the moment he set foot in China, and it was all Ha Jae-Gun's fault. It took quite a while for him to calm down and walk away.

“Damn it! Hurry up and lead the way.”

“Yes, yes, Assemblyman. Where shall we”

The question made Kwon Sung-Deuk flip. “Why are you always asking stupid questions every single time?! We’re here to meet Wu Dawang! So let’s go to Hotel Wang Fu Jing!”

“I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry, sir!”

Kwon Sung-Deuk got into a car, and the car immediately drove off, making a beeline for Hotel Wang Fu Jing. Kwon Sung-Deuk was just almost halfway to his destination, but Ha Jae-Gun and his party had already unpacked and were heading downstairs for a leisurely meal.

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