456 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.456 The Second Trial - 10 Sam An Geom Jo Cheol. He wasn't one of the strongest martial artists in the Hubei Province. However, those in the martial arts world who heard his moniker, Sam An Geom, would wonder if he was referring to a wandering swordsman—an adept martial artist nonetheless. If compared to soccer, he wasn't a player who grew up in a prestigious youth team overseas and debuted directly into a renowned club to succeed. Instead, he was akin to a player who built a solid record from scratch by running around the muddy school fields, qualifying instantly as a game-changer for the Korean first-division league. To someone like me, who runs a bookstore alongside a delivery food shop and manages a casual soccer club, hiring someone like Sam An Geom Jo Cheol was near impossible. And now, Sam An Geom was an asset placed right in front of me. I had no intention of letting this opportunity slip. ‘I fished him out of the water and took his bundle. The plan is to get him to sign the contract while he's still disoriented.’ One way to borrow martial strength was to ask the Western Exchange Office for help, but then I'd have to consider my relationship with the Tang family, not to mention showing some sincerity to the exchange office. In such a case, drawing Sam An Geom to my side during this opportunity would be more advantageous. “A proposal for me?” Sam An Geom asked me with a look yet to escape dejection. “Sir, do you have anywhere specific you need to go?” “Where would a wanderer have a place to go? The manor where I found refuge is ruined, and I have no money. I have no choice but to roam for food like I did in the past.” Perhaps it was the realization that starting anew past the age of forty weighed on him. Jo Cheol let out a heavy sigh with a bitter expression on his face. “How about settling into a new homeland?” “In Wuhan?” “Yes. How about joining the Korean Compatriots Club?” Before presenting a contract, I decided to probe Jo Cheol’s sentiment, given he had no place to go. “Wuhan is the place where top players in Hubei flock first. I appreciate the offer, but this town has little sustenance for a rootless vagrant.” Makes sense. Whether trying to open a martial arts school after training in a prestigious sect, establishing an escort agency, or starting a business, it's Wuhan. As a city where logistics and people gather and substantial amounts of money flow, the competition is inevitably fierce. Like a decently known player transferring to a country’s pro team that offers lots of money, despite the league's low level toward the end of his career, it would be more beneficial for Sam An Geom to settle in a modest county rather than compete in Wuhan, which diminished his competitiveness. But then again. “What if there's a place that desperately needs you, Sam An Geom?” I was not about to abandon the contract just because of a single refusal. “Me?” Sam An Geom looked at me with an expression asking what I meant. “Il-gu! Come here!” Before Sam An Geom could leave the negotiating table, I had to present the terms. I called for the Ilgu Brothers, waiting in the corner. “Yes, brother!!!” Ilgu Brothers seemed to forget my insistence on addressing me as 'Sir Chairman' as they energetically shouted and ran over. “Unfamiliar faces.” “They're the Ilgu Brothers. From left to right: Choi Il-gu, Yi-gu, Sam-gu.” These are the forwards of the Korean casual soccer club I lead. A reliable force I could always count on, introduced before Sam An Geom. “Hello, Sir Sam An Geom! We've heard a lot about you!!!” “What an impressive voice. The sturdy frames suggest they've trained in martial arts. Why introduce these kids?” The necessary individuals were gathered at the negotiation table. I proceeded to delve into the main point. “The Korean Compatriots Club is planning to open a gambling den soon.” A gambling den seized from the obliterated Domun, which I entrusted to the Ilgu Brothers, was set to open. “A gambling den...?” “Yes. It's quite a large operation, even by Wuhan standards.” “Brother, don’t do it.” As I spoke with subtle pride, Sam An Geom poured cold water on me with a stern expression. “What?” “You saved my life, so let me give you a piece of advice. It's true that it's not easy for those with black hair to make money. But operating a gambling den isn't the way. The Hao-men will never overlook it. They'll harass you relentlessly with dirty, despicable tactics, and your people might end up bleeding.” “Brother.” “Listen to me. There's a reason they're known as the demon sect. They're more vicious than even wanderers. Do you think they'd stand by while someone snatches their livelihood away?” There was a gentle warning and concern mixed in Sam An Geom's voice. Indeed, a gambling den, regardless of the era, is bound to encounter ugly scenes. That’s why, after much contemplation, I decided to entrust the gambling den to the battle-hardened Ilgu Brothers. Jo Cheol Hyung. I appreciate your concern. However. “I have already secured permission from the Hao-men's lord.” “...What? How?!” I didn't bother to mention that the lord of Hao-men was my lover. There was no need to reveal that detail to the surprised Jo Cheol. “We acquired it with no major issues. In fact, if anyone dares to disrupt our operations, the Hao-men certainly won't sit idly by.” “Haha... It's hard to gauge how far your connections extend, brother.” Sam An Geom let out a chuckle at the unbelievable yet seemingly truthful situation. Alright. We've confirmed the conditions of our new team. Shall we present the contract? “Brother Cheol, here's the thing. Our Korean Compatriots Club...” “I will decline.” Before I could even bring out the contract, the refusal was curt. “What?” “You’re asking me to become the sword of the Korean Compatriots Club, aren't you? I must decline.” “Could you let me know why?” Despite the reputation, a gambling den isn't a bad workplace at all. As a newly established place, it has good facilities, a pantry, and if you insist, we can even install a cot for your accommodation. After the first year, we can provide an extra vacation day every half-year. Of course, it would need approval, signed by the chairman's seal. “The offer is indeed attractive. Settling in Wuhan is appealing, and for a mere gambling den, I reckon my sword would be required rarely, only a handful of times annually. Occasionally assisting when the Korean Compatriots Club needs strength, that appears to be what you desire, no?” Indeed, a journeyman wanderer from the martial arts world. As someone who frequently changes teams, a vagrant is quite shrewd when it comes to contracts. "Precisely. Even so, could you tell me why you’re declining?" The working conditions themselves seem decent. Why on earth would he refuse? As I waited with curiosity for Sam An Geom’s words, Jo Cheol seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking. “...I fear it's insufficient to secure my retirement.” Sam An Geom's reasoning was simple. “Retirement, you say?” “I’ve become penniless. I need to earn diligently for the next 10 years. Can a single gambling den in Wuhan ensure my retirement?” “...” Technically speaking, the gambling den run by the Ilgu Brothers is owned by the concubine of Hao-men's lord. Although the revenue from Wuhan's gambling den would be substantial, after covering operating expenses, bribes, and tributes, there wouldn’t be much left to give to Sam An Geom. Who knows how much he had gleaned, but his words implied he’d rather seek a place that pays well, even at the risk of his life. “I shall take my leave. If fate allows, we may cross paths again.” “You're leaving without even inquiring about the terms?” Certainly, Sam An Geom’s thoughts were sound. A logical conclusion from the perspective of an experienced wanderer. But still. “You mentioned it, didn't you? A single gambling den cannot ensure my retirement...” “Even if this inn were the signing bonus?” I didn’t bring the contract for nothing. “...What?” Sam An Geom, who had started to rise, halted in his tracks. “The contract period is 10 years. Although the full ownership will transfer in 10 years, you can start your business in just a few days.” For someone who recently lost everything, offering what they most desired in hand. No matter how firmly they intended to refuse, it’s an offer that compels them to reconsider. “Was this inn merely bait to lure me in?” “I told you, everything except the nonsense was true.” With a confident smile, I aimed to downplay the scale of my past falsehoods. The truth is, I only masked past events because of the Korean Compatriots Club's request; everything else is genuine. “Are you really giving me this inn?” Sam An Geom looked around the inn with disbelief. “As you mentioned, we can't offer large sums. But at this crucial time, we're the only ones who can get you a prime property like this inn.” There isn't too much money to refuse me. Contracts aren't solely about money. Identifying what the other party desires most is key. In doing so, you can stir their greed and tap into their needs. So, what remains is to whisper. An offer too good to refuse. “Ha.” “You'll become an innkeeper immediately. Why spend ten years preparing for retirement when you can simply stretch occasionally when urgent issues arise and prepare for your second life?” You were planning to leave the martial arts world and start anew, right? Our Korean Compatriots Club isn’t looking for fierce battles of life and death; we just need the esteemed name of Sam An Geom to deter the riffraff. Like a home shopping advertisement, I whispered only enticing words. If you sign now, you become an innkeeper instantly. All the business profits go to Jo Cheol. Start preparing for retirement right now. If you need assistance, just call. It’s the sort of offer that makes you nod your head, caught up in the allure. “Is that your way?” Sam An Geom surveyed the spacious inn, then smiled wryly at me. I had a feeling that just a little more would convince him. Yet, there remained a strange distance. I had presented all the conditions I could offer, but was it still not enough? “It’s the way of the Korean Compatriots Club.” Then there's a way. “The way of the Korean Compatriots Club?” I turned my body to point at the Koreans. Despite their harsh lives, the villagers who had rallied to help a hometown brother in peril were watching us. “Alone, each may be oppressed, but together we are strong. Thanks to the Korean Compatriots Club, you'll have an inn to use as a retirement fund, and the Ilgu Brothers get a respected big brother to handle troublemakers swiftly. As for me, well… I gain another franchisee. Isn't everyone winning here?” I touched on Sam An Geom’s sense of obligation, appealing to his humanity. Sam An Geom. You owe the Korean Compatriots Club your life. Settle in Wuhan, and let’s thrive together. While claiming all sides win, subtly, I continued to evoke a sense of recognition and indebtedness. “Everyone wins, everyone wins, you say.” I cautiously extended the contract to a hesitating Jo Cheol, speaking with genuine affection as if looking at an older brother from my hometown. “Will you become the sword of the Korean Compatriots Club?” Jo Cheol stared at the contract for a while. A contract enabling Sam An Geom Jo Cheol to embark on a second journey in life. A contract that would bring ten years’ future closer. Eventually, he chuckled as if he couldn’t win against it. “...Once I open, I’ll need to slaughter a pig for the first time in over a decade.” “I’ll be sure to drop by for a bowl of soup.”