473 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.473 Paper Mill - 7 The protest of the paper mill workers was intensifying by the minute. "Workers of Mu-Han, unite!" "Raise the red banner high! We will die under this shadow!" "We will not become slaves! Negotiation or death!" "Though they may own the means of production, they will never own us!" "Unite! Struggle! Join the union!" They’re chanting just as they were instructed. How satisfying. "Mr. Gang Pokwae, is it really right to just leave this as it is?" Hearing the hundreds of people threateningly protesting, perhaps eager to kill, one of the officers asked in a trembling voice. "Leave them be. Are they wielding swords? Carrying spears? All they’re doing is beating drums, waving flags, and shouting. Even if someone orders you to suppress them, don’t listen. Report to me. Understood?" "Understood!" The protestors represent a crucial card for negotiation with Zhuzhudaein. We can't let go of our hand before the game begins. After repeatedly emphasizing that the ultimate responsibility of this situation lies with Gang Yunho, I returned to the mansion. ----- "Was it alright to spill the beans to Oupodu?" I wondered if there would be any response from Zhuzhudaein. As I sat on the living room chair, anticipating the other side's reaction, Jeon Gilsan asked with concern, munching on snacks. "Why wouldn't I give a response if the sword is moving on its own?" "What?" "The tool is acting on its own, which should never happen. After investigating, I found that it was actually a butcher wielding the sword. A butcher known for slaying cattle expertly. Something was strange, though. There were no cattle around. Only then did the pig realize, 'Ah, my turn is next.'" "What are you talking about? Explain it so I can understand." Jeon Gilsan tilted his head in confusion, and Jegal Sojeo, quietly watching our exchange, chimed in. "The, the sword is Mr. Gang, the butcher is the Watchdog Commander. The cattle are the Zhifadain, and the pig is Zhuzhudaein." Jegal Sojeo is correct. I’d love to stamp a “well done” on her hand for it. Clapping gently, I glanced at the man across as if chiding a failing student for not solving such a simple problem. "You always talk in ways only the two of you understand. Well, you two will get along well. I’m envious. Truly." "Heh." Despite considering chiding him for sulking over such a minor thing, Jegal Sojeo’s smiling face made me relent. "For the scale of solo actions by Pokwae, it's too big, isn’t it? The truth must be that the Watchdog Commander was behind him. Zhuzhudaein will realize and feel immense pressure." Even if rumors spread that I wanted my money back from Zhuzhudaein, he wouldn’t have believed it. A mere lowly constable dares ask for money back? Handle him. He would have laughed it off, and the issue would be closed. Only by giving a valid reason, like the Watchdog Commander’s involvement, could one barely justify my actions. "If Zhuzhudaein wants to live, he must meet the Watchdog Commander. There's no reason for him to meet you, right?" "The butcher isn’t someone you can reason with, so he'll try to engage with the sword, won't he? Eventually, they'll try to make me their target for persuasion." Upon assuming the position, the opposing party immediately threw the governor behind bars. Do you think they would even bother chatting with a mere market-level man? Jeon Gilsan nodded in understanding. "Ah! So, you’re planning to pin all the blame on the Watchdog Commander and to pretend to be innocent while sipping the honeyed offer from Zhuzhudaein." "Hand over the honeyed jar, not just the honeyed drink, for it to be a profitable deal." All of this was orchestrated by the Watchdog Commander. But I'm the only one who can stop him. Naturally, my value soars. “Who would have thought someone like this would appear... But is there any chance?” "It's currently suicidal to confront the Watchdog Commander, right? If he doesn’t want to sit next to Zhifadain in prison, he’ll do as expected. He must come!" The issue was how quickly they would respond. Didn’t Oupodu meet with Zhuzhudaein right away? It's been a day, and still no reaction. "Mr. Kang!" Suddenly, a hurried voice interrupted my thoughts. "What is it?" "Zhuzhudaein has sent someone!" Thankfully, it didn’t take as long as I feared. ——— “It’s an honor to meet you, Zhuzhudaein. I’m Gang Yunho, working as constable.” In the grandest brothel of Mu-Han, I kneeled before Zhuzhudaein, who was seated and sipping wine poured by a courtesan, and greeted him deferentially. “So, you are the infamous constable Gang Yunho. Nice to meet you.” Though I’d heard from the Watchdog Commander about his vast wealth amassed illicitly. From his nickname Gujuk, I imagined him as a slender bamboo-like figure, but he should rather be called Gudon (Bamboo Pig). Roll him sideways down a slope, and he'd tumble like a rolling barrel. “It’s an unworthy fame, and for you to remember it, Zhuzhudaein, is an absolute honor!” I expressed my admiration like a fan elated that their favorite actor remembered their name. "An unworthy fame… Even if half of what I heard is true, it seems the other constables in Mu-Han are slacking off.” "It merely became a headline because I did my utmost. Every constable in Mu-Han fulfills their duty for the nation.” Perhaps because I staunchly defended my fellow constables, a smile crept onto the ample cheeks of Gujuk. “There’s more depth to you than I expected from such a boastful constable. A rare young man of profound character!” “Thank you.” It seems my first impression has passed. Now, I’ll need to cunningly maneuver Zhuzhudaein into repaying the debt borrowed from Mankeumjeonjang. There was one small issue. ‘Why had it to be Hwawollu?’ Of all places, it turned out to be at Gimunhyangju’s brothel. Although Hwawollu is famous for being the finest brothel in Mu-Han, it feels like accompanying a friend to a restaurant only to find out it’s run by your uncle. It's a relief Gimunhyangju is absent for now, but... Hopefully, she won’t scold me for being at a brothel later on. Despite the promise not to frequent such places, this is an unavoidable work situation. While sighing inwardly, the door opened, and along with a tantalizing fragrance, a familiar face approached. "Kang Pokwae, are you feeling better now? Maehyang was longing for the day you'd visit again." The woman who approached, Maehyang, is one of the most popular courtesans in Mu-Han, someone I was uncomfortable meeting again due to certain events. "Do you know her?" "Just acquaintances from work." "Oh, you're so heartless. Maehyang never once forgot about you, Kang." She glanced at me with a feigned sense of being wronged, then flashed a smile that would make any man's heart race. I, however, remained unmoved. Trying to charm me with just a face? Jegal Sojeo with her adorably messy expression was far prettier when caught sneaking a late-night snack. "Ho." "Zhuzhudaein, would you grant Maehyang the honor of entertaining Kang this evening?" With a lively expression, Maehyang approached me but asked Zhuzhudaein politely. "Go ahead. Entertain him with all your heart. Sit.” I didn’t need this. I'd like to have a choice too, please. But to avoid ruining the atmosphere, I took a seat. "Kang Pokwae, allow Maehyang to serve you a drink." "No thank you. Wait...!" In trying to refuse the drink, I accidentally knocked over the bottle Maehyang was holding. Oh no, her clothing is soaked in wine. I can't exactly help her. Feeling troubled, I hesitated. "Oh my, if you need something from up top, just ask." "Pardon?" Maehyang started adjusting her neckline. Why pull on the inner fabric? I might have a grip on the lower part, but I never thought I needed anything from above. Why is this happening? 'Is this an attempt to make me lower my guard?' Right. This meeting is for negotiations. Are they really trying to distract me with a woman before even starting negotiations? I snapped back to reality. Something was off about the overly eager Maehyang. This is horrifying, Zhuzhudaein! Not just anyone could devise this sort of plan. Focus, Kang Yunho. Remember, Jegal Sojeo is waiting for you at home. Gilsan, who almost tagged along, is waiting too. "You have a naivety that doesn’t match your looks." Zhuzhudaein chuckled at my response. "Having lived engrossed in work, I'm unfamiliar with such situations." I deliberately bowed my head shyly, trying to appear like a naive young man unfamiliar with these settings. While partially true, I also needed to portray an image of a youth swept into political battles in the course of earnest work for the sake of these negotiations. "I heard you jumped from a building into the Yangtze at night in pursuit of the real culprit behind the counterfeit Martial Arts Supreme Leader incident. They say the precinct buzzed, calling you the epitome of a constable." Preparing to grease the wheels before entering negotiations? Zhuzhudaein nodded approvingly as he recounted the recent heroic acts of the renowned constable, Kang Yunho. "I'm embarrassed. Climbing the evidence trail, only to find a mere imitator instead of the real thing. It's truly regrettable." I bit my lower lip as if genuinely lamenting a missed opportunity. "With the counterfeit gone, hasn't the real one vanished too? Surely, thanks to your efforts, the Martial Arts Supreme Leader is moving cautiously now." "You flatter me." "Flattery? I've merely stated what everyone in Mu-Han knows to be true. How could that be called flattery?" "Indeed, Mr. Kang! You're exceptional!" It's flattery alright. 'This isn't the real story.' After the Hao Mun's internal conflict, the manner in which to handle the incident with so many victims and complexities emerged after much deliberation by our leaders, resulting in the decision to boost Kang Pokwae’s reputation. 'To think Zhuzhudaein knew. Hao Mun certainly pulled off a master stroke.' Hao Mun’s conflict morphed into Kang Pokwae’s heroics in a campaign to root out criminals, portrayed as if Kang, with help from martial artists, vanquished the vile criminals. The leaders, apologetically, requested it of me. 'A coup against criminals being credited entirely to me? You could hear my fame rising; there was no way I'd refuse.' Thanks to this maneuver, stories of Kang Pokwae heroically diving from rooftops to apprehend suspects amidst the tides of the Yangtze circulated. "Such a humble constable. Truly, the model of a constable!" Everyone gains from this orchestrated publicity. I merely maintained a modest smile for Zhuzhudaein exuberantly believing in Hao Mun’s fabricated praises.