EPISODE 02
Lee Seol takes a basket of books from her van and carries it into her store.
(After Lee Seol brings in several baskets.)
Lee Seol places the basket of books on the floor, Pfff... puffs, then exits.
Ji-Hoon idly surveys the baskets, the shelves, the tables.
Lee Seol returns carrying a heavy basket, exhausted.
Bompf!! She accidentally bumps Ji-Hoon on the back.
| - | Yah! Be careful! You almost broke my vertebral column! |
| - | (shout of effort) HAN!! (Pof!, drops the basket in the middle of the room) |
|
| - | This makes ~no sense!! WHY ~are you putting ~these baskets ~in the middle of the room?! (points to the shelves) When you need to store them there! |
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| - | (weary) Because I've got loooots of other baskets to bring back! |
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| - | And WHY ~you put them on the floor ~when there are tables. (points to a table) SO, if I understand your logic... You intend to DESTROY YOUR VERTEBRAL COLUMN by putting the books on the shelves FROM THE FLOOR, rather than having them at the right level FROM A TABLE... Aigoo... Aigoo-Aigoo... Aigoooooo... |
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| - | (cold) What are you doing, now?!! |
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| - | (so obvious) Can't you see?! I'm helping you! |
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| - | (tense) You're NOT HELPING ME! You're just another bulky object! |
| - | (from the doorway) You need help?! |
|
| - | !! |
|
| - | !! |
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| - | (unhoped for) Yes!! I really need help. |
|
| - | (offended) What ingratitude. |
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| - | In that case, it was a good idea to bring... (rummages in his bag) |
|
| - | ??? |
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| - | ... This! (takes out a wooden stand and places it on a table) |
|
| - | Huh? |
|
| (plants incense sticks on the stand and lights them) |
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| - | ... ??! (bad omen) |
Incense smoke rises. Kyu-Hyung waves his hands to disperse it around the room.
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| - | (sniffs incense) snfff... (smiles) That helps, doesn't it? |
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| - | ... (pleads with eyes, "I need real help") |
|
| - | And now, BACK TO WORK!!! |
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| - | Oowaah... (relief!) |
Kyu-Hyung pulls out a Shaman's bell scepter and strolls into the room.
Gling-Gling! Gling-Gling! He swings his scepter at the shelves.
|
| - | Vengeful soul, Kyu-Hyung asks you to accept Lee Seol as a friend. |
|
| - | ... !!! (fooled) |
Gling-Gling! Gling-Gling! He swings his sceptre at the window.
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| - | Kyu-Hyung orders the evil spirits to leave you in peace. Begone demons, begone spectres of the past. |
|
| (desperate) |
| ~ | (from the entrance) Where do I put this?! |
|
| - | ??! |
|
| (waits carrying a big basket of books, muscles bulging!) |
|
| - | ... !!! (blissful smile, "he's my savior") |
(After bringing in most of the baskets.)
Esom, sweating, quickly places a basket on a stack of two. Then exits immediately.
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| - | (to Esom) Yah! I told you not to stack more than two! You want to crush the books underneath?! |
Lee Seol, sweating, sets down a basket, then holds her aching loins.
Gling-Gling! Gling-Gling! Kyu-Hyung strikes the air with his sceptre.
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| - | (to Kyu-Hyung) Yah! Go "Gling-Gling" over there! (points to a cupboard) It's the kind of place where ghosts would hide if they existed. Tsssk! I shouldn't have to teach you your useless job, old chap. |
(After bringing in all the baskets.)
Lee Seol, hot and sweaty, surveys...
... the mound of book baskets, empty shelves and tables.
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| - | Here's my idea! We could put the baskets on the tables. It would be more convenient, to put the books on the shelves! |
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| - | (scandalized) YOUR idea?!!! |
Lee Seol crouches down and grabs a heavy basket.
Ouch! Impossible to lift. Too heavy and she's too exhausted.
SLOW MOTION:
Lee Seol sees two powerful hands tattooed with flowers grab the basket...
... coming from behind her: Esom crouched down and stuck to her back!!!
|
| - | hOh! (excited in a flash) |
|
| - | hMmh... Watch your back. |
Muscles in action, Esom lifts the basket, as if she were lifting it too.
(?!) They take a few ridiculous, synchronized steps, then...
... Esom places the basket on the table, but... remains glued to her, motionless.
(?!!) Lee Seol, eyes wide open, feels like...
Wobbly with emotion, she puts her hands on the table in fear of collapsing.
As they stick together, sweating, exalting their natural perfumes...
|
| - | What's more exhilarating than a woman's scent... ? (takes a book from the basket) |
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| - | (exhales deeply) hhhh... (his beautiful deep voice makes her crack) |
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| - | snfff... (sniffs the book) ... The scent of a book. |
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| - | (mesmerized) snfff... (sniffs his scent) |
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| - | (puts the book down) And what's more exhilarating than the scent of a book? |
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| (eyes pleading him with desire) |
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| - | (slides his nose against her neck) snfff... (sniffs her) The scent of a woman who loves books... |
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| (loses control, overwhelmed by sensuality) |
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| - | ... hhhm... BECAUSE... |
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| - | (panting) hhh-Because... hhh-what...? (bites her lip in pleasure) |
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| - | Because she achieves ultimate pleasure through the power of words. |
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| - | (orgasmic moan) hoOmm-Gnnhiiihh... |
SPAF! SPAF! SPAF! Furious, Ji-Hoon bangs the book on the table!!!
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| - | Ooh! (withdraws her hands before having them squashed) |
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| - | (jealous) What the hell are we playing at here?!! (SPAF! hits with the book) Is this a movie set?!! (SPAF!) What kind of movie is this?!! (SPAF!) What are you gonna do against that damn table?!!! (SPAF! SPAF! SPAF!) |
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| - | (separates from her) mh-Aahh, just a little poetry. |
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| : | (hand on forehead) Take it easy, Lee Seol. A guy like that already has every woman of Seoul in his bed. |
Gling-Gling! Gling-Gling! Kyu-Hyung waves his sceptre at Esom.
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| - | (jealous) ooOOOh, Kyu-Hyung feels a VERY bad spirit here. Lustful, perverse, impure, libidinous, debauched, obsessed, vicious, concupiscent, salacious, depraved, bestial. |
|
| - | mh-Oohh, I took a vow of chastity three years ago. |
Gling-Gling! Gling-Gling! Kyu-Hyung waves his scepter at Lee Seol.
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| - | And here, it's WORSE!!! Kyu-Hyung feels an abyss! YES, an abyss that engulfs men by MULTITUDES. An abyss without limits, without shame, haunted by the enticing songs of sirens and the moans of insatiable nymphomaniac nymphs. |
|
| - | Hardly the portrait of a drama heroine! |
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| - | (decomposed, waves "no" with her arms) No, no! I'm not like that! I'm not! Not at all! |
|
| (stares at her, unconvinced) |
|
| (stares at her, unconvinced) |
|
| (stares at her, unconvinced) |
|
| (sad dog eyes, "please believe me") |
Lee Seol arranges the books on the shelves, but this time...
... Ji-Hoon, Kyu-Hyung and Esom help her, and shelve the books too.
|
| ~ | This is how I set up my bookstore. With the help of these three men. |
On the storefront, the name of the store: "Heart-Soothing Books".
Lee Seol is daydreaming, elbow on the counter, holding her cheek.
She doesn't notice a customer approaching, with a book in his hand.
|
| ~ | Ji-Hoon, Kyu-Hyung and Esom. Three handsome men. Which one attracts me the most, once I get used to their weird personalities? |
She closes her eyes with a voluptuous smile.
In bed, under the sheets, Esom stands over Lee Seol. Longing looks.
They are naked, making love. (out of modesty, we only see the upper torso)
Esom gives her regular kisses, as she moans, at the height of pleasure.
Suddenly-- Lee Seol, ?!!, feels something strange.
Ziiip! The bed tilts 90° and retracts into the wall, engulfing them!!
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| - | AaAaAaaah!!! (frightened out of her wits) |
Paf! Paf! Paf! Paf! Paf! She slaps herself.
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| - | I'm not in love. I'm not in love! It's my hormones at work. Just hormones! |
She looks down, dejected, paying no attention to her surroundings.
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| - | These three men are driving me crazy. (remembers the days before...) |
At the counter, Ji-Hoon reads a sci-fi book in English: "Ubik" by "Philip K. Dick".
|
| ~ | Kim Ji-Hoon, bar-restaurant manager. Reads science fiction and dystopian stories. |
Dling! Entrance bell. Lee Seol enters the restaurant, smiling.
|
| - | !!! (notices her, puts down his book without marking the page) |
|
| - | (shyly) I was curious to try your cooking. |
|
| (serious, goes to face her) |
|
| - | ... ?? |
|
| (gradually... a big smile!) |
|
| - | ... !! (charmed, first time she sees him smile) |
Clac! Ji-Hoon gestures broadly to invite her in.
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| - | (shouts) Gyu-Jin!! Prepare the VIP table! |
| - | (from the back of the room, jaded) Yeh yeh yeh... |
¤ Ji-Hoon bursts into the kitchen.
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| - | Abeoji!!! Prepare your best dish!! (leaves) |
| - | (shouts) Yah! Did you invite your fiancée or what?! And where are my second cooks?! |
¤ Ji-Hoon returns to the main room.
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| ~ | (from the kitchen) Invite your fiancée to another restaurant! I've got enough work already! |
|
| (embarrassed) |
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| - | (hands shake "no") AaAah, don't mind him, he's senile. |
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| ~ | YAH! I heard you, YOU LITTLE DICK!!! |
¤ Lee Seol is seated. Candlestick, champagne bucket. Worthy of a 5-star!
Ji-Hoon does the serving himself!!! Brings a dish of "coquilles Saint-Jacques" (expensive).
He sets it down with the elegant gesture of a great restaurateur, then adjusts the cutlery.
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| - | (apprehensive about the price) It's wonderful, but-- |
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| - | (anticipates, doesn't want her to feel ashamed) Wait!!! This is your first time here, isn't it?! |
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| - | (?!) ... Yes ? |
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| - | In that case, it's on the house! Uh... hum! My restaurant's custom for new customers. |
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| - | (passing behind) Heol! What a joke... |
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| - | (pretending not to have heard) Aaah, yes... The first time... On the house, yeh. |
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| - | (takes bottle of champagne) Champagne? |
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| - | (on cloud nine) ..... Yes ? |
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| (fills her glass with class, like a sommelier) |
|
| - | ....... (admires him, in awe) |
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| - | Okay, he's a handsome guy, but he was supposed to be a jerk!! Why did he become the ultimate gentleman? Why's he so charming? |
A door stamped with Buddhist symbols leads to the shamanic cabinet.
Kyu-Hyung is reading a book of cosmic horror: "Divinations of the Deep" by "Matt Cardin".
|
| ~ | Park Kyu-Hyung, antique dealer and shaman. Reads horror books, esoterica and other psycho stuff. |
Flinflinflin... Tinsel curtain waving. Lee Seol enters the store, smiling.
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| - | (puts down his book without marking the page) Lee Seol. |
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| - | (shyly) I was just passing by, so I might as well say hello. |
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| - | You were right. How's your store going? No problems? |
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| - | Just fine! (curious, looks inside) |
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| - | ... How do you like it? |
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| - | A bit scary. |
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| - | I can find you some things that aren't scary. (goes to rummage in the store) |
Kyu-Hyung returns with an antique bookholder, with a slim, elegant design.
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| - | On this, you can place an open book. The book you want to be the most important for your customers. And the page you'd like them to read. |
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| - | (unexpected) Oh... Yes ? |
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| - | Think about it. You do more than sell books. Your store needs an atmosphere. A unique psychic universe, yours. If people like your store, it means they like you. |
|
| - | ..... (impressed) |
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| - | (puts the bookholder in her hands) I'm offering it to you. |
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| - | (too late to refuse) But... It's too much... An object of this value?! |
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| - | You can buy me other things. Besides... It's not that important. How could I make a living selling antiques only? It doesn't sell well. |
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| - | So... that's why you're a shaman? And uh... Does it pay much? |
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| - | Much more than you can imagine. People in our rational era need that. |
|
| - | But... do you believe in these superstitions? Ghost stories, curses. |
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| - | If I believed in them summarily, I wouldn't be a good shaman. |
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| - | (??!) ... So... If these are all lies to you... You're... (afraid to offend) dishonest with your customers? |
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| - | I'm honest. I just use these as symbols and rituals... ... to reveal an authentic truth. The one my customers need. |
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| - | ("strange") So you're just... a kind of psychologist? |
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| - | Let's say... There's some truth to superstition. The human psyche is connected to a larger psychic ocean, that of the world and myths. |
|
| - | ..... (ponders this) |
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| - | Have you ever experienced coincidences? |
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| - | (!!!) ... (touched, too serious for her to detail) Yes... Yes, I have. It makes you feel like... going crazy. |
|
| - | No need to. It's just a natural process, nothing so extraordinary. Just a nature that we understand less well than scientific reality. |
|
| - | Wow... I really needed to hear that. |
|
| - | (smiles) You see? I've done my job well as a shaman. I just didn't need to use any subterfuge because you're uncommonly spiritual. |
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| - | (an ancient tension easing) Ah... Aah ah... Yes...... (captured by his smile) |
|
| - | Okay, he's a handsome guy, but he was supposed to be a clown!!! And now he's got a depth that overwhelms me. Why is he so magnetic? |
Floral ornaments, chrysanthemum, prunus, mugwort, lotus, etc.
Low tables, a few customers, a bookcase, teapots.
And a modern area where Zzziiii..., Esom tattoos an angel on a man's shoulder...
A burly GANGSTER (40s), enduring the pain by drinking tea.
On a sideboard, the poem book : "Les fleurs du mal" (Flowers of evil) by "Charles Baudelaire". In French!
|
| ~ | Esom, owner of a tea and tattoo salon. Reads poetry, fairy tales and other literary curiosities. |
Zafff! Lee Seol slides open the front door.
|
| - | !!! (sees her, puts down tattoo stylus) (to the gangster) If you'll excuse me for two minutes. |
| - | It would be criminal to keep such a pretty doll waiting. (rounding his mouth, as if whistling) |
Esom goes over to her, while she admires him.
|
| : | Wow! This guy's drop-dead gorgeous. |
She wanted to say something, but couldn't, until he's facing her.
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| - | It wasn't... I didn't want to disturb you. |
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| - | hMmh... I told you I was offering you a cup of tea. I can't keep you waiting. |
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| - | (too excited, loses her temper) Aaah... It's... Yes... Seen like that... Ah-ah! Let's not let the tea get cold... Hum. |
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| - | hham... Please, take a seat. (points to a table next to the tattoo station) |
She sits down quickly, while he goes to a workbench to prepare the tea.
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| : | Aish-Aish-Aish! I've demoted to middle schooler. |
|
| (looks at her, amused) |
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| : | (looks at him, disconcerted pout) Is it so apparent that this guy turns me on? |
Esom returns with a tea tray, which he places on the table.
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| - | Magnolia kobus tea. I hope you like it. (Known virtues: enhances concentration and dispels confusion) |
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| - | Oooh, I'm not picky, I drink anything, I eat anything, I read anything and... ... ayaah.... I say anything. |
|
| - | Aigoooo... |
Zzziiii... Esom continues tattooing the gangster.
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| - | (sips tea) ... I should have come when you were less busy. |
|
| - | Yah, pretend I'm not here, lovebirds. |
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| - | ("ouch, so embarrassing... and what can I say?") (looks at his tattoos) So, you like flowers. |
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| - | mMh-Mh. I specialize in flower tea. |
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| - | (evaporated) Aaah... that explains this... (points to murals) ... or that. (points to his tattoos) |
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| - | (senses she doesn't dare ask) Isn't that extreme, for a simple love of flowers? |
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| - | Love is extreme. |
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| - | (his pupils dilate, touched!) ... If you're curious, just ask. |
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| - | I understand that love for one person is extreme. But for something else... plants, flowers?! |
|
| - | Or books? |
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| - | (her pupils dilate, touched!) Then I understand... There's another reason. A hidden reason why a man tattoos his whole body. |
|
| - | Why do you think people want tattoos? |
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| - | Because they have a conviction they want to wear on their skin. |
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| - | (amused) hAhem... That's because they do NOT have that conviction. But they desperately need it. So, in order not to forget it, because they've often betrayed it, and that conviction isn't etched in their hearts, they have to etch it on their flesh. |
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| - | ..... (dismayed by this revelation) |
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| (didn't know, becomes overwhelmed with regret) |
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| - | And love is a conviction... |
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| - | I was serious when I said I had taken a vow of chastity. There are mistakes from the past that can't be repaired any other way. I'm waiting for the day when what's etched on my flesh can be etched in my heart. A day I hope will come soon. |
They gaze at each other, saying nothing more...
|
| - | ........ (intense eyes, overwhelmed and irresistibly attracted) |
|
| - | Okay, he's the ultimate flower boy, but he was supposed to be a womanizer!!! And now he's a serious guy. The only problem: how do I have time to fall in love? It's obvious that I won't be able to resist a carnal relationship before then. If it doesn't come from him, it'll come from me. And that could sabotage everything! |
She stares into space and... realizes...
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| - | Wait, wait, wait. Why do I say such stupid things? (remembers...) |
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| - | YES, an abyss that engulfs men by MULTITUDES. An abyss without limits, without shame, haunted by the enticing songs of sirens and the moans of insatiable nymphomaniac nymphs. |
|
| - | (panics, realizes) So it's true? I'm lecherous? A man pit? A sex maniac? I was a lust-hungry girl without knowing it and now I have to indulge my desires without any sense of restraint?! |
From the moment she woke up (after the dream with Esom), Lee Seol hasn't seen...
The CUSTOMER (30s), a handsome man waiting at the counter to pay for his book.
| - | Miss, your intimate life is thrilling, but excessively long. |
|
| - | !!!!! (dumbfounded) |
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| - | Now, either let me pay for my book, or add me to your list. |
|
| (so ashamed she wishes she were an ant...) |
Lee Seol flips the sign at the entrance from "Open" to "Closed".
She turns around, and in the room are only Ji-Hoon, Kyu-Hyung and Esom.
|
| ~ | And this is the moment we started the book club. |
They look at her without intention, waiting from her the next step.
|
| ~ | Although obviously, not to brag... |
But there's an awkward, sweaty atmosphere because of Lee Seol.
She's aroused by the presence of the three attractive men.
|
| ~ | ... these three men are clearly more interested in me than in books. |
Lee Seol begins a show of ridiculous grimaces, illustrating her thoughts... (which they don't hear)
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| : | So... here we are. You three here... with me... ALONE. ~ah-ah-ah. |
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| - | ... ?! (serious) |
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| : | Nooo, I'm not that kind of girl... please, no dubious intentions. |
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| - | ... ?! ("what a freak...") |
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| : | We're not here for some kind of... weird group practice! |
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| - | ... ?! ("why is she so weird?") |
She finishes her antics and--
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| - | (heavy sigh) Hhhha... It's this way. (points to a door at the back) |
She strides towards the door, wincing shamefully, "forget this moment forever".
Cozy atmosphere. Warm wood walls. Bookcase. Vintage coffee machine and fridge.
A round table surrounded by soft leather armchairs, where the four of them are sitting.
|
| - | At each session, one of us suggests a book. We read it, and discuss it at the next session. |
|
| - | How often are the sessions? |
|
| - | Oooh, no stress! Every two months. |
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| - | (Clac! stands up curtly, catastrophized) Oh my gosh, a post-apocalyptic situation! The torturers of a totalitarian future have surgically lobotomized you. And since then, you're only able to read one word per hour?!! |
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| - | ......!! |
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| - | (to Ji-Hoon) What do you suggest? |
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| - | (Splof! falls back in the armchair) Tuesday, Friday, Sunday. |
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| - | Whaaaat?!! How can I have time? I remind you that I work, I run a store! |
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| - | Pleaaaase... You don't jerk off all day. Stuck behind your counter, yawning. |
|
| - | !! (offended) |
|
| - | Ahamm... We need to (in French) "couper la poire en deux" (cut the pear in two). Between the two extremes, let's choose one session a week. |
|
| (briefly closes eyes and mimes a kiss) |
|
| - | ... !! (looks at her disapprovingly, jealous) |
Ye-Ri at her reception desk, concentrating on the computer.
She doesn't notice, coming from behind her...
... a man's hand, covering her hand holding the computer mouse!
| - | (??!) ... (turns her head and sees...) |
| - | Just two seconds to check one of your files. |
Manager Hwang moves Ye-Ri's hand, the mouse with it.
He's glued to her, moving his head next to hers.
|
| (embarrassed by the proximity) |
After finding the folder, "Clic!", he presses Ye-Ri's finger, to click the mouse.
|
| (looks at his finger, feels it's cringe) |
|
| - | (lets go of her hand and unglues from her) The photocopy of the customer's ID card? |
|
| - | (worried, looks at computer) ID card... |
Salary slips, guarantor's letter, bank details, but... no ID card!
|
| (looks at her disapprovingly) |
|
| - | (stressed, thoughtful) .... (remembers) Oh!! Yes, I've got it. |
She rummages through a folder on her desk and pulls out the photocopy.
|
| - | (guilty) Sorry, I haven't had time to scan it yet. |
|
| - | Clerk Han, a friendly word of advice... ... Never wait to update supporting documents. |
|
| - | (bends head a few times) Yes, yes, I'll do that, Manager Hwang. |
|
| - | (smiles benevolently) Relax, it's normal when you're starting out. You'll can always rely on my help. |
|
| - | (bends head a few times) Thank you, thank you, Manager Hwang. |
|
| (scans her bodice, while she doesn't look at him) |
Close-up of a nurse's bodice as she leaves the room.
Gong Yu is awake. Bandage, IV, but no breathing tube.
Secretary Do stands at his bedside. Stares at him sternly.
| - | I know what you want to tell me. |
| - | ..... |
|
| - | "President Gong, don't ever do that again". |
|
| - | ... |
|
| - | I'm right, aren't I? |
|
| - | President Gong, too many people are your responsibility. |
|
| - | (cynical sneer) So I'm selfish... Is that it? |
|
| - | If you can't live for yourself, live for them. |
|
| - | And for you, Secretary Do? |
|
| - | I'm the one who lives for you. |
|
| - | (disillusioned) ... Because you promised my father. |
|
| - | Because I want to. |
|
| (looks sadly at him, "the only person I trust") |
From afar: Ye-Ri at her reception desk, holding a file.
She obsequiously says good-bye to a customer.
Manager Jang watches from a distance, uncompromising as usual.
|
| - | (raises fist in victory) ... YES!! |
| - | (?!) ... (intrigued, goes to Ye-Ri's desk) |
|
| (happy, blissful smile... when--) |
|
| (swaf!, roughly snatches the file from Ye-Ri's hands) |
|
| - | (?!!) ..... Manager Jang... |
|
| (looks at the file, increasingly intrigued) |
|
| (anxious, "what if there's a mistake?") |
|
| - | (impressed) A file transfer?! |
|
| - | Yes, Manager Jang. This customer wanted a property on Gangnam. |
|
| - | (sternly) Then why didn't you send him to the Gangnam agency? |
|
| - | (afraid of having screwed up, "as well tell the truth") I understood that he was in a hurry, that... that... He didn't want a tedious procedure, or to waste his time going somewhere else. |
|
| - | You did right. |
|
| - | ... ?! (unexpected) |
|
| - | (slack! stiffens the file with a flick of the wrist) A transfer procedure is unusual and difficult. But you've done well. |
|
| (proud, wanting to hug her) |
|
| (stern, throws the file on the desk and leaves) |
|
| : | (watches her leave) Manager Jang is not a woman you become friends with. |
Ye-Ri leaves the agency. Workday's over!
|
| ~ | She's the head manager and has to keep her distance from everyone. |
Leaning against the counter, Lee Seol yawns.
Dunnn... Entrance bell, a customer enters.
|
| - | ... !!! (sees...) |
|
| - | (smiles) I promised I'd come. |
Later... Lee Seol rummages on a shelf, while...
|
| (looks at the store, feels so good here) |
Yes, the store is well decorated. Thanks to Kyu-Hyung's antiques, it has a SOUL.
|
| - | Found it! (turns around and holds up "Emma" by "Jane Austen") |
|
| - | .... ?! (smiles) |
|
| - | (joins her and gives her the book) Do you like romance, Unnie? |
|
| - | (too shy to admit it) Aaah... I was just curious because... ... Uuuh... I'm not used to older authors. |
|
| - | (enthusiastic) KRrrhh... It's much better than recent authors. What's more, it's - her - work - the most accomplished... !! |
|
| - | ("quick, a diversion") And you, Lee Seol, what style do you like? |
|
| - | OoOoh... EVERYTHING!!! How else could I advise customers? |
|
| - | (?!!) ... Really? You like all the books? |
|
| - | Yes! ... Or... let's say... Everything except detective novels. |
|
| - | ... ?!! (asks her more with eyes) |
|
| - | Arf... It's so boring, always the same thing. |
|
| - | Even Sherlock Holmes??! |
|
| - | ("off topic") Ah no! Sherlock Holmes is good. Let's say... EVERYTHING but Sherlock Holmes! |
|
| - | (laughing) Ah ah ah! |
|
| - | (laughing) Ah ah ah! |
(One week later.)
Lighted bars, late-nighters, then...
... we approach Lee Seol's closed shop.
On the table, Esom places three copies (in French) of : "Une vie" (A life) by "Guy de Maupassant".
|
| - | ... ?! (picks up a copy) (flips through) Wait, it's written in French? |
|
| - | (doubtful) ... Mmmh... Yes ? |
|
| - | (Clac! stands up curtly, agitated) This is tooootally beyond me! You buy three copies, without even knowing if we speak French! ~My friend, ~my dear friend, (extends his palm towards Esom) give me your dough directly instead of squandering it so foolishly! |
|
| - | (???, "hardly believable") ... ahem... I thought it was obvious? French is the language of literature par excellence. |
|
| - | We could buy copies translated into Korean? |
|
| - | ("disgusting") mmEWrk, no, no. Guy de Maupassant is an impressionist of words. His style relies on the very sound of syllables to suggest sensation. Translation is the murder of his art. |
|
| - | (Splof! drops into the armchair) And there we are... A week wasted! |
|
| : | Wow! He's really serious about literature. |
PRELAP: BRZZ... Sound of a smartphone vibrating.
On Ye-Ri's desk, BRZZ... her smartphone vibrates, displaying "Professor Choi".
|
| - | ?!! (worried, picks up) (listen) ....... Yes, hello Professor Choi. |
As Professor Choi talks to her, Ye-Ri becomes increasingly alarmed...
She puts her hand over her mouth, her tears flowing. Bad news.
Clic. She hangs up, emotionally devastated for a few moments...
Ye-Ri shakes her head erratically, "I've got to go, leave work". Problem.
Her gaze catches Manager Jang and Manager Hwang at the agency entrance.
They're chatting away, examining a building model.
Near the architectural model.
|
| - | How many shares reserved for rental, once construction is complete? |
|
| - | (assesses) Mmmh... Up to 50%. That's an acceptable risk for long-term profits. |
|
| - | (just arrived) Excuse me, Manager Jang. |
|
| (?!, surprised by Ye-Ri's condition) |
|
| (ravaged, make-up undone by tears) |
|
| (examines Ye-Ri's condition, "interesting") |
|
| - | Yes? |
|
| - | (lowers her head, terribly anxious) I have an emergency and have to leave early today. |
|
| - | (empathetic) What's happened to put you in such a condition? |
|
| - | (devastated) My daughter... She has myocarditis and... and... (bursts into tears) Boo hoo hoo... She's just had a heart attack! |
|
| - | (?!!!) ... Oooh... Poor child. Don't stay here. Go and look after your daughter. |
|
| - | (shouts with a sob) Thank you Manager Jang!! (runs off) |
|
| (watches her go, "very interesting") |
Ye-Ri looks at her daughter, crying, next to Professor Choi...
Ye-Won is unconscious, with a breathing mask, in addition to the intravenous.
| - | An operation is possible, but at her age, I'd rather not. |
|
| - | So what can we do? |
|
| - | Prolonged hospitalisation, with appropriate treatment. Thrombolysis in case of blood clots, and anti-platelet agents on a regular basis. |
|
| - | Whatever you want, as long as she survives. |
|
| - | Only... It's expensive. Health insurance won't cover everything. ... You'll have to pay a lot. |
|
| - | (weighs on her chest) I'll pay whatever it takes. I've got a job now... ... A REAL job that pays more than my previous jobs on the sly. |
(One week later.)
A few revellers pass by Lee Seol's shop, which is closed.
The quartet sitting in the armchairs.
|
| - | I had thought of a collection of horrific tales. But I prefer to start with something positive. |
Kyu-Hyung puts down three copies of : "The Way of Non-Attachment" by Dhiravamsa.
|
| - | Not really literature, sorry. |
Ji-Hoon picks up his book and reads the cover, suspiciously.
There's a subtitle: "practice of deep meditation".
|
| - | (misspells the name) Dih-vra-sam-va, "deep meditation practice"... ~ooh, I see... Personal development... (amused) ~The kind of new-age stuff! Once you've read that, ~you're vegan, ~you talk to trees, ~and you drink your own piss. kAh ah ah!!! |
|
| - | (peaceful, amused by the caricature) I think it's an important book, spiritually speaking. |
|
| - | (picks up his book) Sounds interesting. |
|
| - | (picks up her book) Yes, very interesting indeed. |
|
| - | mmh-mmh-mmh, it's "maybe" interesting. |
Ye-Ri at her reception desk, sorting through some papers, when...
... Manager Hwang comes up beside her, holding a document.
He puts his hand on her shoulder and puts the document in front of her eyes.
|
| (?!!, disturbed by the hand) |
|
| - | Clerk Han. (smiles) Guess what it is. |
|
| - | (looks at her shoulder, at him, at the document) (reads) ...... It looks like a list of properties for rent? |
|
| - | That's right, Clerk Han. They're new, not in the database yet. |
|
| - | ... ??! ("and?") |
|
| (wraps her other shoulder with his hand) |
|
| - | ??!! (feels this is inappropriate) |
|
| - | (brings his face close to hers, smiling) That means you have exclusivity. You have two days to do business with this. Only you! |
|
| - | ... But why me? Why do you-- |
|
| - | (squeezes her shoulder, fingers in flesh) Just a favour. You can thank me later. |
|
| (tormented, looks at her shoulder, then at him) |
|
| - | (smiles excessively) Kkkh! (winks, then leaves) |
|
| : | (watches him go, feeling soiled) Should I tell Manager Jang? |
Seen from a distance, Manager Jang chats with Professor Kim in the courtyard.
From the window on the 10th floor, Gong Yu sees below:
Professor Kim talking to Manager Jang on the forecourt.
His bandages are off, and he's using a crutch to stand.
Suddenly-- zzZZzznnnn... A throbbing pain in his head. Vertigo.
|
| - | (groans) Arrhh... (face contracted, massages forehead) |
| - | Of course, he's suffering from this chronic lack of sleep and is more irritable than average, but it's less serious than expected. |
|
| - | (doesn't believe it) I know him. He's the type to hide it. He doesn't like to show his weaknesses. |
|
| - | But the analysis are good. He will soon be released. |
Behind the windows, it's raining outside...
On the counter, a crime novel: "The Black Dahlia", by "James Ellroy".
|
| - | That'll be 8,400 won. |
|
| - | (takes the money out of his wallet) You don't have much choice in the detective genre, but I always come here because I like your store. |
|
| ("loyal customer and... handsome guy") |
|
| - | (hands her the money) Really, I love your store! |
|
| - | If people like your store, it means they like you. |
|
| : | (dumbly admires him without taking the money) Waaah, he looks like the actor from "Goblin". Should I add him to my list? |
|
| - | Hum. (Paf! puts the money on the counter) |
|
| - | Oh!! (comes out of trance, gives him the book) |
|
| - | (smiles) Watch out for seepages. |
|
| - | ... !!! (big eyes, understands a salacious allusion) |
|
| - | ??! ("she has not even imagined...") Hum. (serious) I'm talking about water seepage, in case of heavy rain. |
|
| - | (!!!) ... Oooh... Aaah... Yes, yes, of course... ~ah-ah-ah... (ridiculous) Hey- (raises hands) Anyway, there's not really any other kind of seepage. |
|
| - | ("that girl, really!") Sometimes, people had their cellars flooded, in this neighbourhood. |
|
| - | (had forgotten, realises) ... Oooh, but it's true?! ... I've got a cellar?! |
The cellar is dark when Clic-zzzt, the neon light turns on.
Lee Seol comes down the stairs and enters.
(?) She examines the place. First time here.
Nothing but two shelves and an empty cupboard, but on the floor...
... clear marks, like boxes that were stored and then removed.
|
| - | ?! (sees something intriguing) |
Under the cupboard... the edge of an old red book sticks out.
Lee Seol picks up the book, looks at the cover (which we don't see) and--
|
| - | ... !!! (scared) |
With a trembling hand, she opens the first page and--
|
| - | ...... !!!!! (eyes bulging, emotional peak) |
On the corner of the page, calligraphic handwriting: "My heart is yours".
She knows this book!
|
| - | Have you ever experienced coincidences? |
Her expression darkens, her tormented eyes wander like...
... "By what coincidence?", "Impossible", "But I have to accept, it's here!".
|
| : | (lost) What crazy circumstances could lead to this? Is this real or... Am I missing something...?! |
Lee Seol, petrified in disbelief, holding an ancient red book...
... of which we only see the unwritten back, and...