Big Life

Chapter 171. Let’s Meet At Home (2)

“Bo-Ra! Bo-Ra!”

“Don’t call me, leave me alone!”

Bo-Ra swung her handbag violently. Her manager rubbed his shoulders when he was hit by her bag and said in a begging tone, “Where are you going? There’s a meeting for the photo shoot with Maximum.”

“It’s my photoshoot, I’ll do whatever I want with it! I’m about to explode, so don’t step on my toes!”

“Bo-Ra!”

Bo-Ra ignored her manager’s calls and got on the elevator. She had just received news that she wouldn’t be given a spot on Ha Jae-Gun’s TV drama, which was based on his upcoming novel.

She was so furious that she wanted to destroy everything in line of sight.

“Unni! Come on out if you’re free now! What do you mean why? Let’s have drinks. You can ask what happened later when you come. Come to Rodeo Lavatte.”

Vroom!

Bo-Ra got in the car and started the engine, hitting the road immediately. A frightened passerby retreated to avoid the oncoming speeding car. Bo-Ra soon arrived in Apgujeong, and she parked on the side of a building.

The bar beside the cafe was her destination.

“Oh my, Ms. Bo-Ra. Welcome.”

The Moroccan-style bar was one that she frequented, and its owner greeted her with a friendly smile.

It was one of the many bars that celebrities frequented, as their tables were divided by walls and curtains. The walls at the entrance were filled with frames bearing the signatures of those celebrities.

“I’ll have a Bombay Sapphire. Give me some light snacks, too.”

“Is there anyone else joining you?”

“Yu-Na unni will be joining me.”

“All right, I’ll prepare your order accordingly.”

A server soon served up her order. Bo-Ra downed the glass of gin without adding any ice to it. Soon, her stomach felt like it was burning from the hard liquor.

“What’s wrong? Why are you drinking it straight?” The moment Bo-Ra was about to drink her second glass, Yu-Na walked through the curtains.

Yu-Na was also under ICU Entertainment and was twenty-two years old, which meant she was older than Bo-Ra by two years. She was currently preparing for her debut with a girl group, which was scheduled to debut in the coming winter.

“I heard about it briefly on the way here. It’s about that three-part drama series, right?”

“Unni, I’m so upset that I’m going crazy now. How can he leave me out...! Is our president crazy or what?!” Bo-Ra yelled at the top of her lungs.

Bo-Ra had been feeling quite anxious these days.

Ever since the controversy about her acting skills in Summer in My 20s, casting calls for her had been dropping day by day. Nowadays, her only work was to appear on entertainment shows as part of non-main panels or photo shoots with magazines.

“Those newbies are climbing their way up, but why isn’t the president helping me?! I did my best! I sacrificed both my body and heart into this, and yet this is all I get?!”

“I guess all of them can’t see the effort you put in. Cheer up, Bo-Ra,” Yu-Na consoled as she added ice to her glass.

However, she thought Bo-Ra deserved it. Yu-Na had always disliked how Bo-Ra acted however she liked without considering others’ circumstances. If Yu-Na hadn’t borrowed money from Bo-Ra, she wouldn’t be here wasting her time now.

“It’s just a three-part drama, anyway. A better opportunity will definitely come along. Both the director and president must have their own plans, too.”

“How can you still say that after watching Like Her Cradle? After that foxy bitch got the lead role for that, she’s already earned four commercial deals! It’s a totally different problem from the one-act play Drama City! Think before you speak!”

“S-sorry. Bo-Ra... I just...”

“Why is there not a single useful person around me? Ah, forget it. Just pour me my drink already.”

Yu-Na filled the glass with gin and handed it to Bo-Ra.

Glug glug.

After emptying the glass, Bo-Ra’s face contorted, and she started whining again. “What should I do, seriously? I’ve done so much from head to toe, yet I can’t even get a proper chance. I'm only wasting time here. I hate everything, I want to kill everyone.” Bo-Ra put both arms on the table and buried her face in her hands.

Yu-Na could not understand why Bo-Ra was wasting her time here and ignoring the root of her problem.

‘She should just work on her acting instead of spending her time at clubs and bars. I wouldn’t cast you if I were the producer, girl.’ Yu-Na clicked her tongue silently.

At that moment, Bo-Ra looked up. Yu-Na flinched slightly, afraid that her inner thoughts were revealed the moment their eyes met.

“I’m going to the washroom.”

“Ah, s-sure. I’ll go with you.”

Yu-Na secretly let out a sigh of relief and stood up. While Bo-Ra was using the washroom, Yu-na washed her hands and stepped outside to wait for the latter.

‘There’s no way she would go to the washroom only once alone...!’

Just then, a man walked past Yu-Na as she was grumbling to herself. The somewhat familiar-looking face made her wonder where she had seen him before. The man then turned a corner in the hallway and disappeared out of sight.

“Who is that? He looks familiar...”

“Why are you mumbling to yourself?” Bo-Ra asked as she came up from behind.

Yu-Na was caught off-guard and turned around, smiling shyly. “Oh, you’re done? I just saw a man earlier and thought he looked familiar.”

“Is he a celebrity?”

“No, he didn’t look like one...”

“Ah, whatever. Let’s go.”

Bo-Ra’s whining continued as soon as they returned back to their table. After a long talk and glaring into the air with those venomous eyes, her hatred was directed at just one person.

“Could it be Ha Jae-Gun pulling the strings?”

“Ha Jae-Gun? Ah, that writer? Have you met him before?” It was the first time Yu-Na showed interest in him. She had heard of the name Ha Jae-Gun as well. Not only that, but her agency and MBS had partnered to co-produce the three-part drama series based on his novel.

“I met him coincidentally near Park Seok-Ji’s editing office. But he’s quite arrogant, that man.”

“Why? Did something bad happen?”

“Ah, I don’t know. Anyway, he’s just gained some fame and yet already has his head in the clouds, it’s disgusting. He couldn’t even look me right in the eye during the movie production briefing for Summer in My 20s.” Bo-Ra spat coldly.

Yu-Na guessed that her description of Ha Jae-Gun was a bunch of nonsense. Regardless of what had happened, she believed that Ha Jae-Gun hadn't done anything wrong.

“How come Do-Joon Oppa is friends with such a person? I really can’t understand him. Thinking back, I think Do-Joon is also the same kind of person. He didn’t even answer any of my calls and ignored all my messages. Do-Joon and Jae-Gun are both trash.”

Right after Bo-Ra said all those, Yu-Na recalled the man whom she had seen in the washroom earlier.

“Ah, so that’s him...”

“What? Who?”

“Didn’t I say the guy I saw outside the washroom looked familiar? Now that I think about it, I think it was Do-Joon Oppa’s manager.”

“Tae-Bong Oppa? Really?” Bo-Ra’s eyes widened instantly.

If Tae-Bong were here, Park Do-Joon had to be here with him as well.

“Where did he go? Did he leave already?”

“No, I think he went into a purple room after coming out from the washroom.”

Bo-Ra looked up and scanned the bar. Soon, a knowing smile spread across her face.

“Unni, wait here for a while.”

“You’re going to find him?”

“If I’m not back in twenty minutes, you can finish the drinks and leave. Just think of it as I’m clinging to Do-Joon Oppa. Huhu.”

Bo-Ra's furious expression just now while cursing Park Do-Joon had vanished without a trace. Her face was now full of excitement as she passed through the curtains.

Meanwhile, Yu-Na let out a long sigh as she was left all alone. She started to get worried about the bill someone had to pay.

‘Is it over here?’

Bo-Ra stood outside the curtain of another table, listening intently to the voices, and one of them was definitely Park Do-Joon. She quickly straightened her dress and gently lifted the curtains.

“Oh my, I’m sorry. I thought this was my table...!” Bo-Ra smiled shyly.

Despite that, her eyes quickly scanned the table, spotting Park Do-Joon on one side of the table. Woo Tae-Bong was sitting across from him.

“Oh? Do-Joon Oppa?”

“...?”

Park Do-Joon was taken aback when their eyes met. However, Bo-Ra disregarded his reaction and slipped to sit next to him and said, “What are you doing here, Oppa? Ah, it’s nice to see you here. Hello, Tae-Bong Oppa. Are both of you here for drinks?”

No one had asked her, but Bo-Ra began filling glasses with ice and pouring alcohol into them. As she handed the glasses to the speechless Park Do-Joon and Tae-Bong, she giggled.

“Are there only both of you here? I would love to join you guys.”

“We have others joining us. We’re waiting for them,” Woo Tae-Bong replied instead of the visibly irritated Park Do-Joon.

Woo Tae-Bong hoped that Bo-Ra would take the hint and leave on her own, but unfortunately, it was in vain.

“Do-Joon Oppa, I’m really sad today. I got rejected for the three-part drama series The Market and Its People. Can you console me?”

“...”

“Hmm? Oppa, let’s just have a toast. Okay?” Bo-Ra said earnestly, raising the glass.

Park Do-Joon sighed reluctantly and clinked glasses with her. “Drink this and leave. I really am waiting for someone.”

“Who is it? Do I know them?”

Park Do-Joon only remained silent.

Bo-Ra didn't back down. “Do-Joon Oppa, can you please put in some good words for me in front of Jae-Gun Oppa? I really want to act in that drama. You guys are close friends, right?”

“...”

“Please, Oppa. Please? Please help out this cute little sister. We’re not just acquaintances, right? Or maybe you can arrange a meeting for me with Jae-Gun Oppa? I want to clear up the air if he has misunderstood something about me. I’ll do everything you say if things go well.”

“There’s nothing I want from you.”

Clack.

Park Do-Joon put down his glass with a sound. Knowing that Bo-Ra had just turned twenty, Park Do-Joon did his best to hold back everything he wanted to say.

“It’s no use telling me all this. If you aren’t going to drink, just go.”

“Do-Joon Oppa...! Please~? Don’t give me the cold shoulder.” Bo-Ra hugged Park Do-Joon’s arm.

Meanwhile, Woo Tae-Bong rolled his eyes. Park Do-Joon always loved playing fair games. As his manager, he knew how angry Park Do-Joon was at Bo-Ra’s behavior at the moment.

“You’re a fool.”

“...Oppa?”

“You really don’t know why you’re being ignored?” Park Do-Joon shoved her hands off of himself. He glared at Bo-Ra, his cheeks visibly trembling in anger.

“If Jae-Gun pushed you away, he definitely has his own reasons for doing so. Your disgusting personality and bad acting can’t even be compared to elementary students.”

“W-what...?!” Bo-Ra turned pale as paper. She knew that Park Do-Joon was quite rough, but never had she witnessed this side of him before.

“If you could sell your smile to others, you might as well train to be a real actor. I think you just need that right now.” Park Do-Joon said his piece and looked away.

Hot tears welled up in Bo-Ra’s eyes, and huge drops of them fell onto the tabletop.

In spite of that, Park Do-Joon shook his hand dismissively. “Sorry, but I’m expecting someone. So go cry somewhere else.”

Bo-Ra stumbled and left the table.

Click clack, click clack.

It was only after her footsteps had grown distant that Woo Tae-Bong asked anxiously, “Do-Joon, weren't you a bit too harsh on her?”

“Harsh? I held back like ninety-nine percent of my rant.”

Park Do-Joon filled Woo Tae-Bong’s empty glass and continued, “Hyung, how can you say that when you know her so well?”

“That’s why I said you were harsh. People like her are human dynamites. There’s no knowing when they will explode and bring damage to you.”

“You’re always full of worries. Just drink.”

“You’re just too calm, Do-Joon.”

Roughly ten minutes later, the person whom they had been waiting for finally arrived.

Ha Jae-Gun sat down next to Woo Tae-Bong and apologized, “Sorry for being late. The road was quite congested.”

“Don’t be. I’m the one who called you out here out of the blue, so it’s natural that I should be the one waiting for you. Here, have a glass.”

“Anyway, did something happen? What's up with the serious look?”

“We were just bored while waiting for you. Have a drink, and let’s talk about the exciting stuff, lighten the atmosphere a bit.” Park Do-Joon then signaled at Woo Tae-Bong with his gaze.

He didn’t want to ruin the pleasant night with his friend whom he hadn't met in so long by talking about Bo-Ra. Having made up his mind, the three raised their glasses high for a toast.

***

— Sorry, Director Lee. The investors are looking the other way. I really have no choice.

“...Yes, I understand. I know how things work around here.”

— We’re not abandoning the scenario. We’ll keep it, and who knows, there might be a use for it someday. Oh, Director Lee. I’ve something on, so I’ll need to hang up first. Let’s have some drinks when I’m available.

“I understand. Have a good day.”

Lee Eun-Ha was lost in thought and sat in a daze after hanging up the call. She would have continued standing behind the bathroom door if the sound of the door behind her hadn’t pulled her back to reality.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I thought no one was in here,” Jung So-Mi said.

Lee Eun-Ha smiled wryly and shook her head before walking past Jung So-Mi.

“Are you feeling unwell somewhere, Director Lee?”

“No...” Lee Eun-Ha replied meekly. The title director felt burdensome and painful in her ears. When she returned to her workstation, a scenario labeled trashed was waiting for her.

She was still capable of getting a down payment at the very least, but this time, she didn't even manage to get into the contract-signing phase before her scenario was axed.

“I’m going to walk outside...” Lee Eun-Ha put behind the worried looks from the others and left the office. She didn’t have anywhere else to go in particular, so she began walking aimlessly. The cold wind at the end of summer pummeled her.

‘Maybe I should just stop here now.’

The thought that she had done more than enough struck her right in the chest.

Yoon Tae-Sung and Ha Jae-Gun's help had allowed her to live as a director a bit longer, but now, it seemed impossible for her to go any further. In addition, she no longer had the energy to go any further. She had done everything within her means, including burning her own soul just to fulfill her dreams.

Unfortunately, the result was just a promise of a drink.

‘Tae-Sung, I’m sorry, but this is the furthest I can go.’

Just then, a bank appeared before her.

As if being bewitched, Lee Eun-Ha headed toward it. She wanted to return the money that Yoon Tae-Sung gave her as her daily expenses. She had already decided to stop her career in the film industry, so she could no longer use his money.

She decided to return to her hometown. This would be the end of her bitter dream. She would return to a place where no one knew her, and then she would spend the rest of her life quietly.

Tears soon filled Lee Eun-Ha’s eyes, and the ATM screen before her turned blurry.

Bzzt!

Lee Eun-Ha’s phone rang in her pocket. She didn’t want to answer it, but it wouldn't stop vibrating. Lee Eun-Ha put her ATM card away and answered the call, “Hello?”

— Hello, is this Director Lee Eun-Ha? I’m Department Head Lee Kyeong-Hwan from ICU Entertainment.

Light shone in Lee Eun-Ha’s eyes. Yoon Tae-Sung’s words, which she had engraved in her heart, suddenly echoed in her ears. Opportunities would come to those who were prepared.

— ...As you do not have enough experience, we’d like to ask you to be the co-director of our drama to sign with ICU as a freelancer. Hello? Director Lee Eun-Ha?

“Yes, yes... I am... listening...” Her tears fell uncontrollably. Lee Eun-Ha left the ATM and ran back to the office. She cried all the way back without slowing down as the remorse from her past flashed before her eyes.

“Where did you go?” Ha Jae-Gun asked as soon as she opened the door to the office.

Lee Eun-Ha bit her lips and strode over to him.

“I was about to call you because I have something to tell you—"

Ha Jae-Gun couldn't finish his sentence.

Lee Eun-Ha hugged him and started sobbing. “Thank you...! Thank you, thank you so much! Heuk...!”

“You don’t have to thank me. You got it because of your own ability, Director Lee. Wow, you’re more of a crybaby than I thought.”

Lee Eun-Ha continued to cry, leaving Ha Jae-Gun standing straight and stiffly like a tree. Meanwhile, Jung So-Mi standing in a far corner of the office secretly dabbed at her tearful eyes.