Kiss the Scumbag-Chapter 107

The surrounding area was mostly quiet, with only occasional soft noises. The tables were spaced far apart, and gentle music played, so there was no need to worry about their conversation leaking out. The waiter was polite, and the atmosphere pleasant, but Yujin was completely stiffened. The restaurant looked quite expensive at a glance, and the distinguished appearance of the guests intimidated him, but above all, the man sitting opposite made him even more nervous.

What kind of talk would come up?

He had no idea. He had dared not even imagine it before coming here, yet his expectations kept rising. Could meeting in a place like this mean a positive proposal? The email only said he wanted to talk about Yujin’s writing. Eager to hear, Yujin couldn’t bring himself to urge the man, so he merely sipped his wine awkwardly. Whether aware or not of Yujin’s thoughts, the editor maintained his smile and began to speak.

“Was it difficult for you to come all the way here? Some say it’s hard to find.”

“Ah, no... It was fine.”

Fortunately, the mansion’s driver knew this place. Maybe Winston had come here too.

Had he come with Evelyn?

The thought suddenly crossed Yujin’s mind, but he quickly shook his head. What am I thinking? Even if that were true, it has nothing to do with me.

After taking another sip of wine and putting the glass down, the waiter arrived with the first dish. After explaining the ingredients and dish, he left. The editor smiled gently and encouraged Yujin to eat.

“The food here has a very good reputation. I hope you enjoy it.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yujin nodded absentmindedly and cut into the beautifully presented scallop dish, eating it. It seemed they planned to discuss work after the meal. This was his first time at such a place, and Yujin could not predict how things would unfold.

“I read the manuscript you sent. How did you come to create that story?”

Around the middle of the meal, the editor finally brought up work. Clearing his throat hastily, Yujin answered.

“I tell my child stories every night, and then I thought I’d try putting them into writing.”

At first, they had no money for picture books, so he told stories based on memory. As the material ran out, he began inventing stories and even felt tempted to submit them for publication. Summarizing roughly, the editor stopped cutting his steak and looked at Yujin.

“This is your first piece of writing?”

“Yes... yes.”

Startled, Yujin stammered as the editor briefly fell silent, seemingly lost in thought. Yujin grew uneasy and glanced anxiously. Had he said something wrong? Did the editor think it was a mess because it was his first try? What should I have said—thought more before answering?

“Did you only send this manuscript to our publishing company?”

After the course, when they each had dessert and coffee before them, the editor spoke again. Yujin hesitated but, lacking any better diplomatic skill, simply answered honestly.

“I sent it to about four places... but only Grant Publishing replied.”

“You sent the emails simultaneously?”

“Yes.”

Yujin agreed meekly.

“I kept checking my mail but got no reply, so I was giving up.”

He remembered the last time he checked was the day he heard of Harold’s death and hurriedly boarded the train with his child to attend the will’s opening. He recalled stopping by a nearby internet café while holding a still-drowsy Angela to check emails, and a strange feeling came over him.

“That’s fortunate. Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean it like that...”

The editor quickly tried to smooth things over, but Yujin grew curious instead. What did he mean by that? He wanted to ask but didn’t want to trouble him, so stayed quiet. Clearing his throat awkwardly, the editor smiled sheepishly.

“I meant we’re glad we didn’t miss the chance. And that we’re the only ones who recognized this work.”

Something told Yujin the main point was about to come. Instinctively tense, he listened carefully as the editor finally said what he had been waiting to say.

“Mr. Yujin Seol, we would like to officially publish Juliana’s Garden at our publishing company. Will you sign a contract with us?”

Yujin was so shocked he dropped his dessert fork.

“Daddy!”

Looking down at the approaching car, Angela immediately ran down the stairs and into Yujin’s arms.

“Daddy, where did you go? Leaving me all alone! I was so lonely.”

“I’m sorry, Angie. Did you wait long? Were you scared?”

Kissing her cheek, he asked, and the child shook her head tightly hugging Yujin’s neck.

“No, Daddy, I believed you wouldn’t leave me. So I wasn’t scared at all.”

Her voice full of trust made Yujin smile naturally, and he rubbed his lips all over her cheeks.

“Of course. Daddy can’t live without Angie.”

“Ticklish, stop it!”

Laughing, his daughter giggled as Yujin kept tickling her. Thinking of how she’d been playing alone all day gave him guilt, but at the same time, he was still in disbelief.

I’m actually getting published.

Of course, he had hoped this when sending the manuscript but never thought it would become real. That wasn’t all. The editor even offered him a contract advance of a thousand dollars.

“But Juliana’s Garden must be published only by our company. In a way, this is our way of tying your hands.”

To the stunned Yujin, he continued with a bitter smile.

“Actually, we should be offering more, but since our company is small, this is a very generous offer on our part. Even if other companies contact you, please be sure to sign with us. We will work hard to sell your book.”

Seeing his eager apology, Yujin shook his head embarrassed.

“No, no, a thousand dollars is a lot...”

Besides, this was the only company that had made an offer anyway. Yujin wasn’t in a position to haggle, so he couldn’t believe such generous terms. Still, there were only two conditions. One was that they’d like him to revise a few scenes, but he could refuse if he wished. That was Yujin’s choice, but the other was mandatory.

“Let’s change the title. This one is too ordinary.”

He spoke firmly and even said they would shortlist some titles after a meeting. Yujin saw no reason to refuse and said he would consider other titles too. The meeting ended pleasantly.

I can’t believe it.

Yujin was dazed, as if still dreaming. He had pinched his cheek or thigh more times than he could count. It hurt, so it must be real.

Returning to his room to take a shower, he checked the business card he’d received. On the small rectangular card, Grant’s name and the publishing company’s name were clearly printed.

No doubt about it.

Yujin covered his mouth with both hands and silently screamed.

Winston came home at the usual time on another day. Yujin, who was washing and preparing to put the child to bed, came out of the room to greet him.

“Welcome back.”

Winston nodded briefly as usual and entered the room. Their routine was to eat dinner together after Winston finished showering. Yujin laid Angela in bed and stroked her hair.

“Sleep well, Angie.”

“You too, Daddy. Good night.”

Angela obediently said good night and closed her eyes. Yujin looked down at her for a moment, then got up, turned off the lamp, and left the room.

What should I do?

Closing the door behind him, Yujin hesitated briefly and glanced toward Winston’s room. Should he tell him about today? Probably yes.

Why bother?

Winston wouldn’t be curious. And he had no obligation to tell him everything.

...but.

They had promised a truce. The atmosphere recently wasn’t bad, and making secrets might cause trouble later, so it would be better to be honest.

We have to start by building trust. We don’t have that between us.

Remembering Winston’s words, Yujin took a deep breath. To do that, nothing could be hidden.

...hidden things.

Yujin suddenly recalled a forgotten memory. Should he tell him that he couldn’t have children? Winston didn’t even suspect Angela was his. He just needed to insist Angela was Harold’s child. Surely Winston wouldn’t exhume Harold’s corpse for a DNA test.

Yujin swallowed dryly.

Maybe this is the opportunity.

Though conflicted by the sudden situation, he soon steadied himself and raised his head. There was no reason to stay here any longer. He # Nоvеlight # had already received a check for a thousand dollars as a contract advance, and he had heard he could get some royalties in advance after signing. That would cover his immediate living expenses.

If Winston’s reaction was different from before...

Recently, Yujin had glimpsed a small hope in their daily life. With such great luck arriving, maybe more would follow.

Yujin knocked lightly on the door. After a moment, Winston, sitting on the sofa, looked toward him. Yujin took another deep breath and exhaled, then entered. Closing the door behind him, a strange tension instantly filled the room. Yujin stood there, simply looking at Winston’s face.