Chapter 10

x 10

Who the heck is Alcohol Fairy?

Almost no one knows that Jihoon works at a publishing company while being an author. Only Yoon Eun-Isul and Kim Tae-Wan know about it.

Even his close friend, author Lee Kyung-Hoon, and other genre novelists were unaware that he was a publishing company employee.

He didn't particularly want to tell anyone, and the hiring process was a bit sudden, so he missed the chance to mention it.

He thought it wouldn't be too late to mention it after his regular employment conversion.

"Would you like anything? Coffee? I'll buy it."

"Yes, iced, please."

Jihoon didn't refuse. Since he was on a business trip, he would use the company card anyway. PD Choi Jung-Min went to the counter to buy the coffee, adding a slice of cheese cake.

"I'll enjoy it."

"Don't mention it. I'm sorry for the poor hospitality. Next time, I'll treat you to a proper meal."

You don't have to do this. It's nice to be treated, but it's a bit overwhelming.

"A cup of coffee is enough. You even brought cake; this is more than enough."

"Anyway, it's really nice to meet you in person. It's also quite surprising. I've heard a lot about you, but I was curious about what kind of person you are. Hahaha."

Jihoon felt the same way. He never expected to meet an industry insider today.

The two started talking. They didn't start with his works right away. They talked about the reasons he started writing and some personal matters.

PD Choi Jung-Min spoke calmly and naturally, seeming like someone who considers others as much as he leaves a good impression.

The coffee was more than half gone, and Jihoon thought it was time to get to the point. He couldn't spend all day here.

He had to proofread and upload the final chapter of "The Dignity of the Lord" tonight.

"I called author Lee Kyung-Hoon earlier, and he said that the Noble side asked for your contact information first. I thought you recommended me."

"No, actually, our publishing company has been keeping an eye on you for a long time."

"On me?"

This was the first time he heard such a thing. Keeping an eye on him for a long time? Jihoon had a puzzled look. He didn't have any bestsellers.

"Please don't misunderstand. I'm not just saying this out of politeness. I'm not trying to make a deal with you either."

"Is that so?"

"To be honest..."

PD Choi Jung-Min placed his clasped hands on the table and spoke calmly, looking straight at Jihoon.

"Actually, I've read all of your works, from 'The Spirit of the Sword' to your latest one. In other words, I'm a fan of yours."

"Really?"

He didn't know about the other works, but reading 'The Spirit of the Sword' made him believe it. 'The Spirit of the Sword' was a free serial that was completed and made private.

In other words, the person in front of him really knew a lot about him.

"Do I need to lie about this? Hahaha."

"It's just that it's so surprising. I've never met anyone who read 'The Spirit of the Sword' before, except for the people around me."

"It was a really fresh work."

PD Choi Jung-Min sipped his coffee with a relaxed smile. It didn't seem like a lie, but it was hard to believe right away. A fan of a non-A-class author?

Then, a possibility came to mind.

"May I ask what nickname you use on Dalsegyeong?"

"I don't really use one, but I do have an ID with my real name."

"I see."

He asked because he wondered if the person was 'Alcohol Fairy.' But if he used his real name as his ID, he wasn't Alcohol Fairy.

Who the heck is Alcohol Fairy?

"What part of my work did you like? I'm a bit awkward, not having any bestsellers, so it's a bit overwhelming to hear such nice words."

"Hmm. I can understand that. I used to write, though I don't anymore, so I can understand your position. The biggest strength I see in you is your portrayal of people."

"Portrayal of people?"

PD Choi Jung-Min nodded. His gaze never left Jihoon's eyes.

"It's a common thread in your writing. Your stories have a human touch. Ultimately, the readers are people too. I believe this empathy will shine someday."

It was an unexpected compliment. A human touch and empathy?

'Now that I think about it, Eun-Isul mentioned something similar before...'

Jihoon didn't think it was his strength. In the genre novel world, where instant works set trends, he considered it a weakness.

Human stories are ultimately slow-paced, everyday, and boring.

Seeing Jihoon ponder, PD Choi Jung-Min spoke again.

"Of course, you might think it's a weakness. But readers are numerous and diverse. The results can vary depending on how you market it."

"If I were to sign a contract, what would you do?"

"I recommend changing your serial platform. Dalsegyeong isn't a good fit for you."

The answer came without hesitation.

But it was something Jihoon had thought about before. Each platform has different reader demographics, and he didn't think his writing style matched well.

"You should switch to GreenBooks and start a formal serial there to build your reputation. Fortunately, you have quite a few works, so there will be a synergy effect."

"Is it possible to get a formal serial on GreenBooks?"

"I can't say it's 100% possible, but I'll do my best."

PD Choi Jung-Min smiled warmly. He spoke honestly.

GreenBooks is a web novel and webtoon platform operated by the largest domestic portal site, GreenWeb. Formal serials there are published for free with guaranteed royalties.

While the exclusive format doesn't bring in much revenue, it offers the advantage of stable earnings. Additionally, with a large backlog, you can expect additional income.

It was a dream for many new authors.

"But I have a different opinion. It's rare for a work that failed on Dalsegyeong to succeed on another platform."

"Of course, that's true, but exceptions always happen. And I will create that exception, together with you."

PD Choi Jung-Min's smile was full of confidence.

**

Jihoon opened the door of the used bookstore. He turned on the lights and ventilated the room. Then, he threw the document envelope on the study desk and leaned back in the chair.

'That was a tough day...'

It was clearly Saturday, but it felt like a weekday. Was it because of meeting PD Choi Jung-Min? It felt like he had just returned from an external meeting.

Jihoon sighed and took out the contract from the envelope.

It was the standard contract from Noble. He turned on the desk lamp and carefully read through it.

'There are no toxic clauses, and it's a clean contract. The profit-sharing ratio is also good.'

After reviewing the contract, Jihoon put it back in the envelope.

While the conditions weren't significantly different from his current publisher, Fantasy Culture, PD Choi Jung-Min's passion and interest in him swayed his heart.

Most importantly,

'Grandpa's book said it. You can't know if it was an opportunity unless you try it yourself.'

In the end, Jihoon's heart leaned towards signing with Noble.

But he didn't give an immediate answer. Signing right away would risk losing control. It's better to maintain a healthy tension with the publisher.

'Now, let's proofread and upload the final chapter.'

Checking the time, Jihoon's hands moved faster. He cleared the contract documents and started proofreading the final chapter of "The Dignity of the Lord."

He didn't like the ending, so he changed the structure and added a short epilogue.

'I prefer a closed ending to an open one. Let's clearly show that the protagonist lives a happy life.'

After a while, he finished the work and uploaded the final chapter to the Dalsegyeong serial page. He left a comment.

- It's a bittersweet feeling. Thank you to all the readers who have read "The Dignity of the Lord" so far. I'll see you in the next work^^

Jihoon stretched after posting the final chapter.

'Finally, it's done!'

It takes about a year to complete a long novel. Popular novels often run for more than two years.

This time, it was a six-volume series, so it took less than a year, but it was still a significant amount of time.

Jihoon smiled. Like a mountaineer who has reached the summit, he felt joy and satisfaction.

The market response was minimal, but he felt good. It was like a blockage had been cleared, and his chest felt relieved. Another work was added to his career.

Jihoon habitually refreshed the work page.

An alarm popped up with a comment.

Alcohol Fairy: Finally, it's done! You've worked really hard, author >_ I'm a bit sad, but I'm really looking forward to your next work^^ Hang in there!

Jihoon's lips curved into a fatherly smile. He clicked on the Alcohol Fairy ID and sent a gold gift with a short thank-you note.

Wooh!

His phone vibrated. It was a message from Tae-Wan.

ChickenMan: Finished ㅊㅋㅊㅋ! We should have a drink to celebrate? Party gozua!

Jihoon chuckled. On one hand, he was glad to receive the first congratulations from him.

Me: I just uploaded the final chapter, and you already saw it?

ChickenMan: ㅇㅇ I set an alarm

Me: That's fast. Are you Alcohol Fairy?

ChickenMan: What do you think if I used that ID?

Me: I'd throw up

ChickenMan: Exactly. I can't make my buddy throw up ㅋㅋㅋ

Alcohol Fairy wasn't Tae-Wan either. Who could it be? He was curious but thought it would be good to have a completion party.

Me: I'll ask Eun-Isul.

Tae-Wan didn't reply. He probably had a lot of customers today. It was a common occurrence, so Jihoon ignored it and took a short nap.

He dozed off and a considerable amount of time passed.

Ding!

A clear bell rang. The door of the used bookstore opened. He had hung a bell on the door a while ago, just in case a customer came.

Jihoon opened his eyes groggily.

"Oh. Our author is tired? You were sleeping. You said you'd ask about the party, but you didn't."

"Huh?"

Jihoon was surprised.

The visitors were people he knew well. Eun-Isul and Tae-Wan were standing there, each holding a bag and smiling.

The air was filled with the sweet and savory smell of chicken. It seemed they brought chicken and drinks.

Eun-Isul shook the bag.

"Get up. We need to have a completion party?"