453 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.453 Second Test - 7 "Hyung-nim, suddenly talking about a guest house... why?" You mustn't let the fish suspect a thing. I fixed a startled gaze on Jo Cheol of Sam An Geom, as if I'd just heard something utterly unexpected. Sam An Geom, perhaps embarrassed at abruptly veering into business matters, coughed awkwardly before speaking. "Er-hem. You see... I'm at an age where I should consider my retirement. I think it would be good to buy a guest house." I understand. After all, people typically think about retirement, get into business, and invest in real estate. The problem with Sam An Geom is that he wants to do it with someone else's money. In Jo Cheol's eyes, there was the distinct excitement of someone who'd stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity. However, this excitement hadn't burst into a full blaze yet. ‘Don't shove the contract in his face just yet.’ A small spark will extinguish if you blow too hard on it. "Aww, Hyung-nim. Don't do it. Business is not something for just anyone." Rather than egging on the fish, let's first animate the bait a bit. Stoke the embers to nurture its enthusiasm. I dismissed the idea, advising him in the weary voice of a sufferer burdened with entrepreneurial woes. "Isn't it just tagging along with the promising venture that the Gang Dong Saeng is managing? How hard could it be?" "The thing is, it involves dealing with people. You're someone who can command dead silence from martial artists with just a cough, Hyung-nim. I can't imagine you'd want to deal with all sorts of difficult customers." I pressed a finger to my forehead, shaking my head as though the very thought seemed like a headache. A perhaps reasonable argument, but one filled with flaws for an already kindled fire. "Do you think I was always a master of the ages? There was a time I risked my neck just to get a meal, swinging swords." The fire eagerly fed on his words, burning brighter. "If you go into the food delivery business, you'd be working under me. I couldn't possibly... I mean, I can't do that." I crossed my arms and shook my head, appearing as if the mere idea was difficult to grasp. "The essence of a ronin is to bow to even a fresh greenhorn if the price is right. Why wouldn't you and I see eye to eye on this matter?" "Hyung-nim, it seems like you're tempted by a good opportunity, but let me speak as your younger brother. This isn't a small amount of money, and it's something you've never done before. If you're truly interested, you should take your time and think it over leisurely." I quickly quenched Sam An Geom's awakened enthusiasm and pushed him back. “Hmm...” Yet, rather than dying down, his desire flared ever more eagerly. ‘Time to throw in the prepared logs.’ The moment had arrived. I discreetly sent the prearranged signal. "Brother-in-law, what’s got you so worked up in chatter?" Jeon Gil San had been waiting for the cue; he brought over a tray with drinks himself and set it on the table. "Hyung-nim, such fine liquor... There's no need for that." "With my brother-in-law visiting with his heralded hometown older brother, shouldn't I offer this much? So, is it all about the guest house?" "Haha. It's such a desirable spot that it's a hot topic." I subtly turned the bottle so Jeon Gil San could see the front label. Cue for Plan B. Let's go. "Give it to me. Why must it go to the Chosun Migrants' Association? I'll sweeten the deal. Let's open a third location while we’re at it." “…Third?” Sam An Geom Jo Cheol looked at me, puzzled. "Hyung-nim, there are two Jeon Gil San locations in Wuxian. This is the first store." "Thanks to my brother-in-law, I've launched into a business venture I never imagined I'd be into—considering opening a second, possibly a third branch." "Gang Dong Saeng..." If he can, why can't I? Are you discriminating against me now? Even willing to splurge a premium price for such a captivating guest house. I could tell by his gaze without reading his mind. "Gil San hyung-nim, I was barely holding him back..." "What? Did I do something wrong?" I grumbled as if blaming him, and Jeon Gil San feigned ignorance. It was a bit awkward but fitting for the situation at hand. "A place praised by everyone. I'd like to see it for myself sometime." "Haa. The location is really prime... But I'm really against you getting into business, hyung-nim." "I've relied on my eyes and instincts to survive in this perilous jianghu. My instincts scream I must pursue this path." Save that instinct for the jianghu. I sighed a genuine, heavy sigh of reluctance before opening my mouth again. "The guest house will be empty tomorrow. Why don't you take a look then, and please continue to contemplate it." "I'll see it tomorrow." Despite my persuasion, there was not a hint of doubt in Sam An Geom's voice. —— "There’s no way he'll hesitate." If you tell people not to do something, they often want to do it more. I reflected on the events of the day while in the mansion's study. "Why didn't you jump at it? You could have had him sign the contract right away." Jeon Gil San settled into my study as if it were natural and asked with curiosity. "Free will is crucial." "Free will?" "If they play along on a stage I've set, that's ideal. But some eventually realize—wait, why am I moving forward when I didn't budge? Something feels off, and they're prompted to look around. Why am I buying this guest house? The moment they question, the act collapses." "Doesn't that mean you should have expedited things instead?" "No, quite the opposite. It’s about creating focus. When the finish line is alluring right ahead, this fellow interferes. People lose the time to glance around. They're nudged forward but think it’s of their own volition. I'm running by my will. I want to run more. They lose sight of everything and fixate on the finish line." The finish line I've set, that is. "So giving him a day was all to..." "Make him desperately want to sign the contract. So that the interest will be repaid." In Sam An Geom's mind, he’d already begun envisioning himself living a second life. "Interest? Wasn't Sam An Geom just holding a promissory note?" "I found out that when Hoga Jang went bankrupt, he pilfered the estate's treasures and ran away." Quite the resourceful gentleman. "So, you're planning to strip him of everything under the guise of an investment. You’re a frightening fellow..." "Gotta try. Anyway, good work today." Surprised at my straightforward praise, Jeon Gil San blinked with wide eyes, then slyly smirked. "See? Didn't I do well? I think I've got a knack for this." "It wasn't bad. Why are you hanging around so often these days? Aren’t you working?" Seems like he’s started tagging along whenever I naturally head home. "Would you miss out on a front-row seat watching such an entertaining situation? Outsmarting a master... that's not something you see every day." Stop sticking your interested face in my space. You're just loafing around. "At the very least, get your paperwork done." "You've shoved everything onto Hyang Yi!" Jeon Gil San glanced at Jegal So Jeo, diligently handling documents in the corner for me, then gave me a look asking if I had even an ounce of conscience. How sneaky to use facts against me. Jegal So Jeo is giving me subtle glances now. I feel guilty. I could apologize to Jegal So Jeo a hundred times over, but I can’t let Jeon Gil San win this one. Standing proudly behind Jegal So Jeo, I declared, "She's my Jegal So Jeo." We've promised our futures to each other! “…….” I'm sorry. Please don’t look at me like that. Even I feel trashy after saying it. "Heheh." Jegal So Jeo covered her mouth, smiling softly at her cousin’s bewilderment. "Hyang Yi, say something to make him work." "Ah, well... If it’s what Kang Gong-Ja wants, then it’s fineeee." Light seemed to shine from behind Jegal So Jeo! "Jegal So Jeo... is there anything you need help with? I’ll lend a hand immediately." Time for a finishing blow so Jeon Gil San doesn’t pester any further. Although he seems a bit irresponsible, once Jegal So Jeo says she'd handle everything, it's over. As I awaited Jegal So Jeo's answer, she cautiously averted her gaze and spoke. "Actually... you're really behind on your work." Ah. "S-Sorry." "Pfft!" Don't laugh at me, you jerk. —— "Little brother, you've arrived!" The next day. Sam An Geom, seemingly impatient, arrived earlier than our agreed meeting time and was pacing outside the guest house. "Hyung-nim, you’ve been waiting! Man Sik will explain the guest house details, he works under me." "I'm Man Sik! Pleased to meet you!" Normally, it would be better if I explained, but now my role is to discourage Sam An Geom. In such times, backup is essential to fan the flames. "Pleasure to meet you." I led a more expectant-looking Sam An Geom into the guest house. "This location is... to the north lies a residential area for men searching for jobs in Wuxian. To the southwest, workplaces cluster, while the south heads towards the port, allowing travelers through Wuxian to rest at this guest house. That’s what it is." Man Sik began the tour beside Sam An Geom, elaborating on everything step by step. "Indeed, it stands at the junction of three paths." "Do men cook at home? Nowadays, they order in. And on the way back from work? This guest house is waiting for them. They eat after work? What else?" "Of course, they’d want a drink." "Exactly. Craving a drink, it’s perfect for alcohol sales here. For those from the port looking for affordable lodging, they find guestrooms right here." "Sounds appealing just from hearing about it." Man Sik, who once acted as a steward, executed my instructions well. He could probably become a successful businessman right away. He's effectively stirring up excitement. As my eyes met Man Sik’s from afar, I nodded. Now, lead him to the top floor. Man Sik naturally moved to the top floor and opened a window. "Listening isn’t enough. Come up and take a look outside. The trifurcated path lies before you. Over there’s the Azure Dragon! Here’s the White Tiger! That could very well be the Vermilion Bird! Honestly, if the innkeeper hadn't been consumed by gambling, this place would have fed their descendants for three generations!" Sam An Geom gaped out the window in speechless awe. 'All it takes is a view from the top floor.' Why else do those with power sit in high places? Looking down from above, it gives one a sense that everything is theirs. A guest house at the crossroad. Add in a business sure to succeed. Jo Cheol savors the triumph at the peak. "Little brother, how much would it take to run a business from this guest house?" Sam An Geom at the summit asked, his voice trembling slightly. "…There’s a more economical option and a typical option." Speaking as if unable to win over my insistence, I answered cautiously. "Two ways?" "One, join the Chosun Migrants' Association's rotary system. Once you join, it’s just about your turn, though it takes some time. But you’d enjoy various conveniences and benefits to open at a relatively low cost." "My, a rotary system? I haven't heard that in a while. But doesn’t it take a long time if it's just about your turn?" "You’d have to wait 10 years." "10 years? I can't do that!" "Then, like my brother-in-law, you cover all the costs completely." From purchasing the guest house, franchise fees, to equipment rental. I produced documents listing a myriad of expenses. "Isn't this excessive?!" "Haha. This is the provincial capital of Hubei, Wuxian. Would I have given up here for nothing?" It’s the capital of Hubei, with excellent location on top of that. Do you think you can start a business with just a few pennies? I laughed away Sam An Geom's suspicion that I might be inflating the price. "Still, it’s too steep..." That’s right. It's because I'm making him repay the principal with interest. "I think so too." "Eh?" No need to insist otherwise. As I nodded casually, Jo Cheol looked at me, caught by surprise. "This is just for viewing. While it's truly a prime location and an affordable chance to purchase the guest house, perhaps it just isn't meant to be. If there's no urgency, you can take your time and explore other ventures." Of course, Sam An Geom is anything but patient! Affordable yet excessive. Because it's in Wuxian. A location that can sustain three generations. It's a great guest house but not the right fit. I expressed a subtle note of regret, like someone who has no intention of taking his money. “Hmm...” Why does it feel even more disappointing when he agrees? It's evidently a prime spot. A location worth acquiring even with over-investment. Sam An Geom is wavering. He wants to seize the bait before him but hesitates in the final moment. What Jo Cheol needed was a final nudge. I gestured to Man Sik for the finishing touch. "Shall we contact the brother-in-law's family and have them come over?" "Yes, let's handle everything in one go today. Tell them to come...” “No need for that.” “Hyung-nim?” “I’ll buy this opportunity with my money.” Eventually, Sam An Geom took the bait. ——— "We decided to seal the deal in two days." He plans to liquidate his treasures for a lump sum payment. I pointed him toward a buyer for his goods. “Really… will it succeed?” “Seems like it's almost settled.” I spoke nonchalantly but sighed quietly inside. It's not an easy feat. “…….” Why does Jegal So Jeo look so troubled? “Jegal So Jeo, is there something bothering you?” “N-no, it’s just…” She looked like she wanted to say something but was holding back. After living together for months, I could tell from her expression that something was up. "I'm listening. Please, share whatever's on your mind." I turned to Jegal So Jeo, ready to hear her out, and her lips opened cautiously. “I'm worried about what will happen when Sam An Geom finds out about the promissory note being taken away.” Her eyes were filled with concern for me. “Ah! Right? What are you going to do after using the investment to settle the debt? Sam An Geom might be furious.” She’s right. Even after settling the debt, there will likely be personal grievances left behind. But. “It’s fine.” I don’t care. “What do you mean, it’s fine? Should we call in some reinforcements from Mang Geum Jeon Eo to ensure he doesn't retaliate? Since your grandfather doesn’t involve himself in debt collection anymore, he might help if it’s seen as a finished issue.” I smiled at the two, who were looking at me with worried eyes. "I’ve already made preparations."