438 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"Hehehe." Despite it being morning, Jegal Hyang found herself unable to contain her feelings while lying in bed, reminiscing about her rare outing with Kang Yoon-ho from yesterday. "It was so wonderful!" I want to spend more alone time with Kang Yoon-ho. But what if he rejects me? I agonized for days, but the time we spent was so blissful that I can't understand why I was so worried. She recalled the time she had entered a bookstore to buy a book. A couple was exhibiting their affection openly at a counter, indifferent to the stares of others. How uncomfortable she had felt witnessing their shameless acts. I wish they had done that somewhere else. She hadn't the courage to voice her thoughts. If she had approached them to pay during their display, who knows what kind of looks she'd have received. She had to glance over, both envious and pained, until their public affection had ended. Yesterday, she was the one doing it. "I can't believe I was lingering at the counter with Kang Yoon-ho! Even thinking about it now makes my heart ache." There was no way to describe the feeling of receiving compliments from strangers. And with Kang Yoon-ho beside her, firmly attached, looking at her with trusting eyes... it felt almost dangerously exhilarating for her heart. "Maybe the truth is, now that I've lingered at the counter too, I'm actually a well-sought-after woman? Hehe." In truth, she had not lingered at the counter; she had only eavesdropped while hiding. But that detail was not of concern to Jegal Hyang. With her lips spreading into a wide grin that she suppressed with her fingertips, she uttered, "Kang Yoon-ho... his hands were so dependable." She looked intently at her own hand, the one that had held Kang Yoon-ho's yesterday. His hand was large enough to cover hers completely; it was solid and dependable. Additionally, his fingers bore calluses distinct to a writer like hers but were somehow even more attractive. She had held that hand from the departure until they reached the restaurant. People were watching, she could feel it. But how could she let go? The memory made her heart race again. Jegal Hyang got out of bed and unfolded her fan after a long time. "Monopoly is the best! Kang Yoon-ho is the best! I love having the monopoly! Thank you, Ha-yeon!" Dancing alone with her fan was indispensable when she was in the highest of spirits. She intended to dance gleefully until her giddy heart soared into the air with the fan. "Miss Jegal, someone from Man Geum Jeon Ju has arrived... Miss Jegal?" "The best! This is so awes— huh?!" If only she hadn't met eyes with Kang Yoon-ho through the open door. With a beet-red face, Kang Yoon-ho had to coax Jegal Hyang, who was trying to hide hastily in a box. *** “Ugh.” Though I led Miss Jegal into the living room to greet her guest, she couldn't raise her head. "Miss Jegal, it's alright. Don't worry about it." Why was she dancing with the fan? Better not show too much curiosity. Miss Jegal, stop eyeing the box. Feigning indifference, I addressed Miss Jegal, who appeared eager to hide somewhere and muttered with a sulky expression: "Urgh, words that straddle indifference and concern are even more torturing." Miss Jegal seemed on the verge of despair. There's a way to handle this. Smiling softly to show it was all in good humor, I watched her with an encouraging expression. "It’s fine. That's just part of your charm, Miss Jegal." Infinite positivity strategy! Miss Jegal cast a puzzled look, as if doubting her ears but slowly peeked up at me. Seriously. If she were family, I might've quipped, "What a performance!" But who would dislike a beauty like Miss Jegal enjoying some fan dance? As my expression appeared sincere, her tense demeanor melted away. "Ah! Is that really so? Hehe." "Ahem." An awkward cough abruptly cut between our shared moment, slicing through the strange atmosphere. "Oh, I'm sorry. I've strayed too far with the guest waiting." Startled, I apologized to the person sent by Man Geum Jeon Ju. It was Jeon Woon-yeop, the son of the head of Man Geum Jeon Ju, whom I'd encountered when establishing the Dasagak branch. "It's alright. It seems like your bond has grown stronger." Jeon Woon-yeop smiled awkwardly at me, reminiscent of how someone might feel dining with a couple engrossed in their own world. It's the infinite positivity strategy, you see. It's not like I imagined some theatrical level of rapport. "You wanted to see the business operations?" Rather than making excuses that wouldn’t work, I quickly reminded myself of the reason for Jeon Woon-yeop's visit. "Yes, I'm interested in seeing how the business is run." “Did Man Geum Jeon Ju tell you to do this?” Man Geum Jeon Ju. Jang Noya. He had tasked me with a trial using the debts of the Dasagak branch as leverage. There could be only one reason why someone from Man Geum Jeon Ju suddenly appeared. I asked Jeon Woon-yeop with a serious expression. "Yes, he instructed me to inspect to ensure it's properly operated beyond just the documentation." Jeon Woon-yeop nodded in affirmation. "It's a bit sudden. Was there something lacking in the business report?" I wondered if there was anything suspect in the paperwork. I had reviewed it thoroughly to avoid any faults. I turned my gaze to Miss Jegal as if seeking her agreement. "We stayed up all night drafting those, so..." She responded cautiously, seemingly as puzzled as I was. Why bother a well-managed young person? Couldn’t he rest in a pleasant, serene place if he's free? Suppressing my displeasure, I focused on Jeon Woon-yeop, who then said something unexpected. "This is merely a confirmation process. If Man Geum Jeon Ju is satisfied, this will be your final report, and no further business reports will be required." "Are you suggesting the trial is about to conclude?" Indeed, he’s truly Jang Noya. He wasn't appointed head of Man Geum Jeon Ju for nothing. Plus, passing the trial means the debt will be fully forgiven. A notable figure from Hubei Province indeed. Being the maternal grandfather of the kind-hearted and beautiful Jegal Hyang. "Only if you succeed in satisfying Man Geum Jeon Ju, that is." "..." Right. That reminds me, he was that despicable Jeon Gil-san's grandfather. "Just like a company executive coming back after a long holiday. I don't want to meet him, but it seems inevitable." This was unexpected. I thought he'd keep dangling us forever, but hearing that there's a set timeline makes it different. "Of course, I know it's sudden. But this kind of surprise visit is necessary..." "That's fortunate." The possibility of ending my trial with Man Geum Jeon Ju lifted my spirits as I energetically rose from my seat. "Sorry?" "Since there's something apt to show you today, you should come along." Today was perfect for showcasing how the business operated. --- "The chairman's carriage is here! Inform the store owner right away!" "Where is this?" Jeon Woon-yeop stepped down from the carriage, looking around as if surprised by our chosen destination. "This is a new branch of the Ungi Inn. It's opening tomorrow, so I thought it best to explain at this quiet new venue." Explaining in a bustling inn is noisy and disrupts business. Although the opening of a new location added to our recent busy schedule, luck was on our side at an unlikely spot. "I see." "Of course, we'll just do the briefing here. Later, we'll visit the branches to show the actual operations." "Chairman, you've arrived!" As I approached the establishment, a middle-aged man with a cheerful face came out to greet us. "Mr. Choi! You’re looking the part now. Anyone can see you're the store owner." The man was Mr. Choi, the new inn's proprietor. "Haha! I'm embarrassed. It's not really mine. This belongs to the whole hometown association, thanks to you. Just a while ago, I couldn't even imagine this." Mr. Choi, overwhelmed with emotion, looked up at his inn repeatedly, as if he could cry at any moment. "Congratulations once again. May I tour the place with my guest?" "If they're your guest, they're mine too. I'll prepare a meal." Mr. Choi laughed heartily, gesturing us inside. "We've already eaten, no need to trouble yourself." "Can't let the chairman leave without sharing a meal — the association would call me a calf if I did. Let me serve you right after your tour." "Understood. Let's take a look around with our guest first." I really can't go anywhere without filling up. I considered refusing more firmly, but I nodded and entered the inn. --- "Chairman, you've arrived!" Inside, young employees were gathered around a large map. "How's the preparation going for the opening?" "They're memorizing the surroundings! We plan to let the kids explore later to get familiar with the area." So, that's what the map's about. "Right. It's hardest when you're new to an area. Better to prepare in advance. Work hard." "Yes, sir! We'll ensure everything runs smoothly." "Please follow me. I'll show you the side with the Ki-Osu-Gu." "And who are they?" Jeon Woon-yeop turned back to question the identity of the employees. "They're the delivery staff." "Oh! So these are the ones trained in lightness skills. It’s my first time seeing them in action, as we don’t have an Ungi Inn near where I live." "Is that so? We’d better expand the business soon. You'll get your hot meals delivered swiftly." "I’ll make sure to order someday. But if the delivery staff are using lightness skills, aren't their martial arts skills quite advanced?" "It's called 'Dalbae Shinbo.' It allows for light-footed movement even with minimal inner energy, although it consumes energy quickly. It's insufficient for typical agility skills but perfect for delivery staff." "Since they have martial arts training, don't they find being delivery workers unsatisfying?" Jeon Woon-yeop's gaze sharpened. Is he implying that since they know martial arts, they'll quit soon? That my business looks promising but might not last long? Is he questioning the viability of the business? He claimed this was just a routine check. Looks like he's conducting a thorough inspection after all. "That's a good observation. However, most of the delivery staff have only basic martial prowess. They haven’t learned other skills, or at best, they are of third-rate level. The pay is quite good too, so considering a switch isn't easy." "Indeed... It sounds like a third-rate martial art at first, yet it's optimal for delivery staff." The woman who developed 'Dalbae Shinbo' is a genius who can walk on water. She reworked this martial art with great care. She might be upset to hear it belittled. "While one delivery person recuperates their inner strength after a trip, another departs. As a result, deliveries are never late." Our delivery workers use inner energy instead of motorbikes. The best part is, no need to calculate per liter as they recharge naturally. "The franchising business model is quite intriguing. It’s akin to a small sect leader, but wouldn't it be easy for the leader to lose influence, given there’s no master-subordinate relationship?" Implying that now they might follow your directive, but once they earn money, they might cut ties. Present profit doesn’t ensure future gain, does it? Similar to his earlier questions. "Just monopolize the key elements." "And what are those?" "I monopolize the supply of trained messengers. Also, the delivery staff are considered part of the branches but belong to the main headquarters. Without these two, it’s impossible to maintain the store, ensuring I don’t lose influence." "Monopolizing the two most critical aspects of business; it's like how silk can be woven anywhere, but only Sichuan silkworms produce the raw silk for brocade." "Exactly." Not just anybody’s son. I appreciate your quick understanding. "I heard you use other methods to turn a profit." "Look, the supply cart is arriving." I gestured towards the approaching cart as seen from the window. "A cart?" "We purchase food ingredients in bulk under the main branch’s name at a lower cost and then sell them with a margin. Franchises need not shop separately, and we become an inn providing consistent quality. By supplying materials in bulk, it’s also easy to track each branch’s revenue." "Handling sourcing that way..." “With exclusive rights, you can add profit in various places.” I subtly mentioned sources of revenue like interior renovation fees and monthly franchise payments. “I thought you were just a middleman, but this is a business model I've never seen before. Did you come up with this entirely on your own?” Jeon Woon-yeop couldn’t hide his astonishment as he looked at me. This franchise method is something I've pioneered in this world. There’s no need to boast to someone merely sent for inspection. Why emphasize what's already apparent to them? “Is there truly anything new under the heavens? I merely found a way to utilize what was at hand.” I deliberately showed a humble demeanor. Always exhibit the image of a merchant who makes the best of every situation. Someday it might get back to Man Geum Jeon Ju as a favorable trait. “As expected of Man Geum Jeon Ju's...” “Pardon?” “Oh, nothing. Man Geum Jeon Ju just wanted a few additional things checked.” Jeon Woon-yeop gave an awkward smile before changing the subject. “What sorts of things?” “He wants to observe how you manage people, given the growth in scale.” Not the business model, but the management of people? I turned with a confident expression. “Please, follow me.” Because there is something I can show.