452 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

**EP.452 The Second Test - Part 6** "If you attempt to flee hastily, you might be caught. Sam Angeom is cornered." How could Sam Angeom be stripped of the option to flee entirely? There are no warriors from Mangumjeonjang at the harbor searching for Sam Angeom. However, the truth isn’t as important as making it believable. If the people I ordered to do so say there are people from Mangumjeonjang at the harbor, then they are there. Sam Angeom wouldn't dare venture to the harbor, staking his neck on it. "Getting caught means it's over. Do you think they'll just take the promissory note from him? They'll make him pay dearly for daring to see Mangumjeonjang as a mere purse." The options for Sam Angeom are dwindling. "He could just hide without spending any money." "Even just breathing increases the interest he has to pay. It's wiser to pin hopes on someone reliable to grow his money while the situation is still manageable." Since I've eliminated the choice of running away, the best option left for Sam Angeom is me. "You think he’ll just take money meant for investment and pay off his debts?" I chuckled at Jeon Gil San’s remark. "What can he do? He has no way of knowing my true intentions. Besides, it looks good too. It was a misunderstanding. I'm in the middle of a business. I’ll pay the interest. Please wait a bit for the principal. Even if there's no chance, it gives him hope to at least state his case." "A runaway failing to meet a principal due date... no excuse would likely get through." Spot on. Without the promissory note, any excuses would only work when people from Mangumjeonjang come calling. It would only work if he calmly returns the principal and the interest together. If he ends up using it for investment and only offers the interest, they'll demand the principal back right away. "Hoping is free. Even if he doesn’t hope, discreet asset hiding works too. If he invests secretly, even after enduring hardships from Mangumjeonjang, he’ll still have money. The problem is there aren’t many trustworthy people in this world to safely hide one's money." I raised my head and met Jeon Gil San’s eyes, which were looking at me incredulously. “You've just met someone trustworthy.” "Purely by coincidence." We both let out a hollow laugh. Truly an incredible coincidence. If it weren’t orchestrated by someone, it would make one believe even if the sky falls, there’s a way out. "Crazy. I can’t believe you've created this entire situation from start to finish." "Isn’t taking someone else’s money considered the hardest thing in the world?" Trying to take money from someone who's already run off with someone else’s is naturally harder. I rose from my seat in Jeon Gil San’s tavern office. "Where are you going?" "To become a trustworthy person. Hey, I'll come back to your establishment later. Memorize this piece of paper meanwhile." “Trustworthy person? What's this about?” "I'm still not the kind of individual to whom one would entrust life-defining money. So, I need some groundwork." Even if I’ve ensured he can’t escape, even if I’ve become the best option, it’s still not enough. Sam Angeom Jo Cheol’s money is something he brought forth, risking his life. It isn't enough to be the kind of person he'd spontaneously entrust that money to. Could he entrust his money to his hometown brother? If he loses this money, his life would be over as he knows it. No matter if it's the best option, is it truly okay to trust him? Is there a way to offer certainty to the other party? I believed there was. --- “Brother, something on your mind? You quite let that fish get away with the bait.” Sam Angeom Jo Cheol couldn't focus properly the entire way to the fishing spot. With the net closing in around him, it’s natural for his heart to be restless. Though I was aware, I inquired out of seeming concern. “No, just had something to think about. By the way, I was a bit late today.” Trying to mask his anxiety, Sam Angeom mentioned my lateness to our agreed meeting time. “That’s because, I was stopping by the harbor for work, and those people from Mangumjeonjang were pestering me.” Since he barely dispelled his worry, let's see him pick it up again. Hearing it from his hometown brother only adds to the burden. “That... that happened?” As if afraid someone might see him, Sam Angeom nervously pushed his hat down. “Wow! A great carp! Looks like I’m taking all your fishing luck today, brother.” I exclaimed cheerfully after reeling in a large carp. “Well, it's not luck, just lack of skills on my part. I'm just starting to try out fishing since coming to Mohan, hence not very adept.” “Indeed, brother! I’ve heard it’s harder to take up new hobbies as you age. Your constant challenge-seeking is admirable.” Moo Seochon Gae Ddong Yi respects the elder no matter the situation. So quickly hand over the money. As I praised Sam Angeom with even the smallest words, a smile spread on Jo Cheol’s lips. “Thanks for saying so. Even as a beginner, you seem to have a knack for fishing, Brother.” “I, too, picked up fishing as a hobby here, seems I am better at it than expected.” Truth be told, it was for survival. Wandering like a beggar in Zhongyuan, I had to catch fish for the hunger pangs sometimes. Nevertheless, it suited me quite well. Find what's catchable, lay out the bait that fish desire, and wait until it moves as you intend before reeling it in. From a diligent office-worker and web novelist to becoming a fisher of people, it taught me a lot. “Brother, are you searching for something?” Looking for a way to make Sam Angeom trust me. He was supposed to show up by midday. It's about time. Why aren't they here yet? I kept looking around intently regardless of Sam Angeom's puzzled expression. "It's... Oh?! Is that not Officer Kang?" Waiting often involves significant patience until the desired catch appears. Finally, the awaited fish showed up. “Oh. Inspector Kang? What brings you here?” The person I awaited was Jeong Mun Won, a future close aide to the Imperial Princess and someone I had interacted with over the MuYoung Shin Incident. “Here to try some fishing! Do you enjoy fishing, inspector?” I asked Jeong Mun Won with surprise, like someone who unexpectedly discovered a co-worker with the same hobby. Though it might seem serendipitous, I had actually gathered intelligence earlier that he'd been frequenting the fishing spot, so I was simply waiting for him. “Haha. So that's how it is. And the fellow next to you is…?” Perhaps he was hesitant to discuss his hobbies with a stranger, for Inspector Jeong Mun Won gestured for me to introduce Jo Cheol. “This is my respected elder from my hometown, Sam Angeom Jo Cheol. Brother, this is Inspector Jeong Mun Won, whom I hold in high regard.” “A—an Inspector?” Jo Cheol stared at Jeong Mun Won with wide eyes of surprise. His reaction was understandable, given Jeong Mun Won was entrusted with investigating corruption among officials and even holds a position appointed directly by the Emperor, despite its low rank. “Saying you hold me in high regard makes me feel uneasy between us, you know.” Jeong Mun Won narrowed his eyes and responded to me in a mockingly hurt tone. “Haha.” “You have quite the younger sibling. He's a detective I particularly favor.” Maybe it was because he owed me a favor. Jeong Mun Won laughed and praised me when I introduced Jo Cheol as my elder brother. “A detective?” “He worked briefly in this position.” He had been a detective dealing with the Mu Young Shin incident. With Mu Young Shin's sudden disappearance from Mohan, there was no reason, nor anyone urging him, to continue as a detective. “His reputation as a detective in Mohan is unparalleled. I wish he would keep working under me, but it's challenging.” “Hahaha. You can keep flattering me, but I prefer doing business.” Have you yet to give up on that? No matter how much you say, the detective’s path isn’t a flower path for me; it's more akin to walking through fire. The atmosphere was light and friendly as I bantered with the inspector, achieving exactly what I intended—a distinct expression of shock from Jo Cheol that he couldn’t easily hide. “To think, with a prestigious Inspector….” A good response. How does one build trust in a short time? A brotherly bond from one's hometown can make for a friendly connection, yet entrusting life-defining money to a brother met after so many years is no easy task. Trust accumulates with the passing of years. To build trust that cuts beyond the years? 'You borrow someone else's prestige.' It's not for nothing that conmen claim to be friends with celebrities or close allies with politicians. Being known as an associate of renowned figures can easily create the false perception of trustworthiness. I decided to deploy the most verified method out there. 'Kang Yoonho, who is trusted by an Inspector trusted by the Emperor?' Can anyone not trust me? I aimed to turn Sam Angeom Jo Cheol’s stunned disbelief into confidence and trust. Engaging in casual conversation with the inspector gave time for Jo Cheol's shock to dissipate. “If you ever wish to contribute to the country, do not hesitate to say so. By the way, that thing in the bucket, could it be… a carp?” Jeong Mun Won, who had been eyeing the elongated carp, inquired with a hint of curiosity. “I caught a dragon king here.” “Would you part with it if I provided compensation?” “Haha. What compensation is necessary between us? It’s yours.” Does the Inspector have a fondness for carp? I don't care much for its earthy taste myself. Perhaps he intends to impress someone by preserving a fish print or something, given its considerable size. No matter the reason, it becomes an opportunity to show closeness with the Inspector by gifting. “Indeed, you never cease to amaze! Thank you!” Jeong Mun Won genuinely seemed grateful, patting me on the shoulder. “I shall take my leave now. If ever you need me, do reach out anytime.” “…Alright. I might call upon you someday.” Being merely out for a midday break, the Inspector bid farewell with a pleasant smile and departed the way he came. “Shall we go, Brother?” I had finished accomplishing my task. As I turned towards the carriage I had been waiting by, Jo Cheol addressed me. “Kang Brother, I didn't realize you had such connections. Being this close with an Inspector directly appointed by Imperial decree.” Just as intended, the way Jo Cheol looked at me had distinctly changed. “If Brother also sees me this way, I might just fly away. Haha. Let’s go for a meal, shall we?” The work to establish trust was just beginning. —— “Leader! What brings you here?” Upon entering Jeon Gil San's tavern, I was greeted warmly by the members of the Homecoming Association working there. “Is everything going well? Nothing troublesome?” “Well, my wife is nearing her due date.” “Is that so? Must be tough. Make sure you head straight home after work, no excuses.” “True! This fellow here goes directly home after work these days!” “Hahaha!” Bidding a light greeting, I led a baffled Sam Angeom further into the tavern. “A Leader? Now that I think of it, even at the inn where I was staying, they referred to you as a Leader.” “Oh dear, I forgot to mention. I am leading the Joseon Homecoming Association in Mohan.” “Joseon Homecoming Association, is that…?” “We're often looked down upon among Zhongyuan folks, so we must support and uplift each other as compatriots.” Leader of the Joseon Homecoming Association. If I borrowed authority from others to flaunt trust, showing my own authority was next. Regardless of how trivial the position might seem, increasing the scope of authority changes the narrative. “Are you saying my Brother is leading all those from Joseon in Mohan?” If I am the Leader whom all the Joseon people in Mohan follow, then it becomes evidence of me being a trustworthy person. Sam Angeom scrutinized me with an incredulous expression. Surprised? Well, it's far from over. Without letting Jo Cheol have a moment to collect himself, I signaled to a helper waiting eagerly from afar. “Are you here, brother-in-law?” Jeon Gil San approached me with a pleased look. This guy... While he might be close enough to fool even the sage, his twitching lips gave him away. Watch your face. “Yes, we’re here.” “But the proprietor isn’t even from Joseon…?” Apparently, Jo Cheol wasn't aware I didn't only grant franchises to people from Joseon. He gave me a quizzical look. “Is this the much-talked-about elder brother?” Jeon Gil San inquired, casting a glance at Jo Cheol. “Yes. This is Brother Jo Cheol. And this is…” “This rascal's brother-in-law.” “Brother-in-law? Were you married?” “The ceremony is yet to occur.” “Indeed, my brother-in-law must be quite busy. I keep urging a visit to Yongsan.” It doesn't feel awkward. Jeon Gil San perfectly delivered the lines I had prepared for him. Upon hearing the mention of Yongsan, Sam Angeom's expression changed drastically. Naturally, for there was only one group in this martial world linked to Yongsan. "Y-Yongsan...? Is it possible that your bride is from...?" "Haha. Well, about that..." I turned my gaze aside, feigning embarrassment. Hey, Jeon Gil San, now’s the time. It has double the impact when someone else says it. Catching my glance, Jeon Gil San realized it was his cue to speak. "Did my brother-in-law not tell you? He's marrying the daughter of the Jegal family, my maternal cousin." “Gasp.” Sam Angeom looked at me, astounded, as if he'd lost his breath. “Haha. Staring like that won't bring you anything. Come on, let's go have a meal.” Building trust by borrowing the authority of others. There is no martial artist in Hubei who does not know of the Jegal family's might. The brother standing before me is connected to the Jegal family through marriage. At this moment, I filled every blank space on the trustworthy chart. ——— “I'm discovering a new side of you today, brother.” Sam Angeom remarked, still unable to completely mask his surprise. “It's really nothing much.” “A Leader of the Joseon Homecoming Association, favored by an Inspector, and marrying into the Jegal family. It makes me feel ashamed of my previous boastfulness.” “Brother, it’s because you paved the way ahead that I’m even here. I aspired to be like Brother Cheol, striving to live diligently. I recite it daily, and that’s why I’m here. Truth be told, if Brother Cheol hadn't made a name for himself, I would’ve been a mere beggar from Moo Seochon.” Even though I have to be someone trustworthy enough for Brother to entrust all his money to, I still hold him in the highest respect. Naturally, I lifted up Sam Angeom. “...If that's how you truly feel, I'm grateful.” Jo Cheol nodded, his face touched. It seems the time is ripe. “Leader!” At my prearranged signal, a fellow Joseon man dashed toward me looking distressed. “Who told you to interrupt when I’m having a meal?” “Leader, truly! You must buy that tavern building!” “We agreed to drop the subject, didn’t we?” I replied, furrowing my brow. “Leader! It's a shame, really! Just purchasing that tavern would let you sleep with a bag of money as a pillow!” “I’ve just opened another franchise. I’m stretched too thin to contribute more to the fund.” “Leader…!” “Brother, what's all this about?” The sound of casting a lure for Sam Angeom to bite. I waved my hand dismissively, indicating it wasn't worth his concern, and poured another drink. “It’s nothing, don’t worry. Let’s just enjoy our meal.” “Leader, it’s a quick-sale opportunity! A prime location! With moderately wealthy patrons! Just acquiring the tavern would have you earning so much you couldn’t count!” “A business opportunity, is it?” I could feel the stir at the lure. “No matter how promising the opportunity, things are often about timing and fate. Even though I tell him not to carry regrets over missed opportunities, he still gets like this.” It’s a nibble. Time to reel it in smoothly. “Leader! You must find some way to raise funds!” “Tsk tsk!” With enough patience... “Brother.” “Yes?” “Could I hear more about this tavern story?” The fish would take the bait.