Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Yeongguk, are you trembling?

Song Jeongseok asks in a low voice. Thinking back to the Song Jeongseok of my past life, I couldnt help but laugh, but now it was inevitable. He had lived his entire life as a minor character. It was his first time to receive so many spotlights, let alone walking on a red carpet. On top of that, all the journalists attention was focused on us since we had arrived in a small cargo truck, making him even more nervous.

Yes, Im extremely nervous. Are you okay, Taeseop-hyung?

Gulp.

It was a pointless question, considering how his throat trembled. After all, what difference would there be for Choi Taeseop? He was just a young man who recently graduated from college. His eyes had been shaking ever so slightly since he set foot on the red carpet, and now he seemed to be on the verge of convulsion. As they moved on to the photo line, the trembling intensified.

Could you briefly tell us about your indie film, To Jiwhan?

Jang Yeongguk, we know this is your first leading role in a film. What are the differences between this and the dramas youve appeared in?

We imagine you must have faced many difficulties while preparing for this indie film. How does it feel to have it selected as the opening film for the Busan International Film Festival?

Faced with countless questions from journalists, the two actors faces turned pale as if they were about to faint.

Is there anyone who can answer?

At this point, I had no choice but to step up.

Everyone seems a bit seasick from the long car ride. Isnt that right, hyungs?

Uh, yes.

Alright! In place of our director, Ill answer! To Jiwhan is like a portrait of our childhood! If the name of a friend that has a place in your memories comes to mind, the film will leave a deep impression!

Then, could you express To Jiwhan in one sentence for those watching on TV right now?

This guy was persistent. Song Jeongseok and Choi Taeseop were at a loss for words. Just because someone is an actor or director doesnt mean they are good at speaking in public. National MCs dont start out being good at hosting events. The more experience and cunning they become, the more their wit improves. Just like me now.

My friend! I miss you!

Unlike the playful photo line, the opening film screening began with a solemn atmosphere. Not only filmmakers from all over the world but also many ordinary people were in attendance. Unusually for an indie film, it was even translated into English with subtitles.

My heart was pounding.

Seeing your first work on the big screen was like experiencing the birth of life. It was the same for Choi Taeseop and Song Jeongseok. They had left behind the tension of the photo line, and now they were focused on the film. What thoughts crossed their minds as they watched the film they directed and starred in?

- Ajeossi, why is my friend still fourteen?

With the protagonists monologue at the end, the film ended. Being a directors cut, it had a longer running time for an indie film, but no one left their seats. At that moment, no one could find words in the darkness of the screen.

Clap!

As if a calm ripple turned into a huge wave, the audience began to rise from their seats one by one, giving a standing ovation with claps following someones lead. Choi Taeseop was overcome with emotion, and his shoulders shook. Song Jeongseok was no different. They received applause from filmmakers all around the world. The excitement of that day would surely never be forgotten until the day they left this world. It would become the cornerstone of the films they would face in the future and a reminder of their original intentions. Thats when it happened.

Why did it feel so stinging?

The back of my head was tingling. Just as I was about to turn my head, an old man sitting at the judges table was staring daggers at me. As I met his gaze, my body froze. It was as if time had stopped.

* * *

Baekho (White Tiger).

With his fluttering gray hair, white eyebrows, and majestic appearance, the image of a white-haired tiger naturally comes to mind. I didnt know how I ended up here. It was definitely after the screening of the opening film had ended. A staff member of the festival hurriedly found me and led me somewhere. Someone wanted to talk to me, they said.

Son of Namhang, Yeongguk!

Even the store name was fancy. Fortunately, my mother obtained a small store in Namhang Market. It was thanks to the promised down payment from CEO Kim Seonghwan and the help of neighboring merchants. Everyone helped my mother find a store as if it was their own business. No jealousy or envy could be found. Instead, more people were grateful that the market was crowded every day because of her son.

Yeongguk, when you go to Seoul, you must do well. Dont accept anything from strangers, alright?

Ah, dont worry about Yeongguk so much, mother! Yeongguk is smarter than our Seok, who went to the army! Hell do just fine on his own!

Thats right! Its as if hes going to the army! Hes just going up there for the winter break! Im worried that Yeongguk might become a great actor, and then he wont recognize me!

Of course not! If he doesnt recognize the ajummas of Yeongdo, hes not even human!

My mothers store sometimes became a hangout for the ajummas and a place for tourists who came to buy fish to look. Thanks to our unique entrance at the film festival, it became widely known. As To Jihwan was exceptionally screened in theaters nationwide, the number of people visiting Namhang increased daily.

Mom, should I help you?

Im fine. I can do it by myself now!

It wasnt a lie. My mother was now skilled not only in business but also in handling fish. With so many good people around her, I felt a little relieved. At that moment, the warm sunlight penetrated the winter wind and shone down. I looked up at the sun.

A flock of migratory birds crossing the sky signaled the approaching winter.

* * *

A columbarium[1] is a place where one lives with longing. After holding on to the shadow of the departed and shedding a torrent of tears, all that remains is a small box containing a handful of ashes. In a place where numerous emotions intersect, Choi Taeseop knelt down and looked at his friend.

Jihwan.

When they were young, the columbarium that was clearly visible in front of his eyes was now only barely within reach when he bent his knees. Last fall, things were really busy. After an indie film was screened at the Busan International Film Festival, To Jihwan was shown nationwide.

Do you remember when we first met at the hospital? I was crying because I didnt want to get a shot, and you gave me some snacks, saying that a boy shouldnt cry over something like that. Back then, I thought you were older than me. And when we played marbles on the hospital rooftop, you let me win a lot. You thought I didnt know you did that because I was a crybaby?

Choi Taeseop was reciting memories to his long-time friend.

When I said I wanted to write movie scripts when I grow up, you said, Lets go see your movie together when its released.'

Although it was a monologue echoing in the void, his friend was undoubtedly listening. His friend, who had become eternally fourteen years old with the passage of time. Choi Taeseop, sitting in front of his friend, kept talking. He proudly showed him something. It was the award he received at the Busan International Film Festival.

Can you see this? I borrowed your name a little. If you have any complaints, come and talk to me directly. Ill pay you back with interest. So at least visit me in my dreams, man.

My friend.

Choi Taeseops footsteps were light as he walked out of the columbarium. Although the winter wind blew through his coat, it wasnt cold. On the contrary, his chest was full of warmth. Under the warm sunlight, Choi Taeseop looked up. The boy who had allowed him to fully remember his friends image, he couldnt begin to express his gratitude to him.

He said he was going to Seoul.

Just as the saying goes, Horses to Jeju, people to Seoul,[2] the boy was also heading to Seoul. He would also again pursue his dream of becoming a scriptwriter in Seoul. He didnt know when it would be, but he wanted to have the boy bring to life his script once more.

As if reading his heart, a nameless bird crossing the sky responded. It made a large turn as if answering him.

[1] A columbarium is a structure that houses urns containing cremated remains.

[2] , , which literally translates to Horses to Jeju, people to Seoul, is used to express the idea that people should go where they can best thrive or succeed. Jeju Island has a native horse breed called Jeju horse.

Love the series? Share your thoughts on Novel Updates by rating and reviewing it now!

We invite you to fill out this survey so we can better understand our readers' experiences and preferences, thereby helping us enhance your journey with our website.

Ready to be a hero? Commission more chapters for everyone to relish (beyond the regular releases), get cool credit, and turbo-charge our translation speed - it's all part of the fun!