Chapter 217 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 217 - New Employee - 3 "Im Ha Yeon, why is this woman always everywhere I go?" How many times within a few days have we crossed paths in this vast world of papers(Uichang)? I feel like I'm a desperate detective wanting to catch a thief who prays for righteously do robbery every day, or a producer who manages the daily routine of an idol girl, yet she is neither. "What brings you to Uichang literature club?" I diverted my thoughts and thought if this woman might be a stalker. Useless thoughts, to be honest. "What does it have to do with you?." It seemed like Im Ha Yeon was hiding something in a corner of her body, as if there was something she shouldn't reveal. It's similar to announcing a diet but getting caught taking food out of the fridge at midnight and hiding it in a corner. It looks like paper, maybe paperwork. What is it? "This lady came to submit an application for the rookie writer event, but it was rejected because the submission deadline had passed." The bodyguard responded visibly annoyed at her. "Ugh!" "Miss Ha Yeon applied for the rookie writer event?" I looked at Im Ha Yeon, Who was glaring at the guard as if asking why she was speaking to this man. It seems she hid the application form. But why? ‘This is the first time that Muyeongsintu has been established as a writer.’ Although she's known to the public as a courtesan her true identity is none other than Muyeongsintu! If I had to sum up her catchphrase, it would be that. But, I have never seen her as a writer and Muyeongsintu at the same time. "There are still a few days left for rookie writer event submissions." Hwang Seo Saeng's brother looked puzzled when he spoke to the Guard. "Yes, I know! The submission deadline is still a few days away!" Im Ha Yeon vigorously defended her position in response to the bodyguard, seemingly gaining an unexpected ally. "Yes, but not for you." "Why?!" "What's the meaning of this?" I couldn't help but intervene. Is there a rule about thieves or girls not being eligible? "Where does Miss live now?" The security guard asked Im Ha Yeon, instead of replying. "At an inn." "Exactly where do you live?" Im Ha-yeon glanced at me in response to the security guard's question, then avoided eye contact and opened her mouth with an embarrassed expression. "Do I have to be specific? I am staying at a place called Cheongryu Inn, in the cheapest room. They don't provide breakfast so I am eating only floor dumplings at an even cheaper inn…." It reminds me of the challenging times. You're also struggling to survive. "I'm asking where you live, not where you're staying. You said earlier that you are not from Uichang. Therefore, you must have a hometown." "Um... Well…" Im Ha Yeon hesitated to answer. She couldn't reveal it, being a runaway courtesan "The submission deadline is indeed in a few days. However, it's a short process for Uichang residents. People from other places had to submit yesterday." "That can't be…" Im Ha Yeon looked as if her world had collapsed, like someone who studied hard for civil service but then lost a year because she forgot to register for the civil service exam. "Yes, it is true. If you are not from Uichang, you had to submit before yesterday." Hwang Seo Saeng's brother confirmed with a decisive blow. "I didn't hear that. How could it be?" "It's not possible." "I… I have no other option. Please. Yes?" With an earnest but vulnerable expression, Im Ha Yeon approached the bodyguard. "Ahem! Your face is too close. And it's not allowed!" The bodyguard, perhaps a man, blushed and took a step back as Im Ha Yeon approached him with a compelling look. "I came to Uichang with only this in mind. Please. How can it not work?" Ha-yeon Lim approached the guard warrior with a face that looked as if it would collapse if she were poked. “Keu, keuhm! Your face is too close. And no!” The escort warrior may have been a man, but when the beautiful woman approached him with an eager look on his face, his face turned red and he took a step back. “I came to Uichang just looking at this. please. “How could it not?” Was this event the reason she headed from Usan to Uichang? I saw Im Ha-yeon desperately looking through the door blocked by the guard with a tearful expression on her face. I feel sorry for her, but should I really help her? Since she refused my help last time, shouldn't I ignore her? I was lost in thought for a moment, but I came to one conclusion. It's not a difficult problem for me to solve. Also she's a candidate for the real heroine. She has vouched for my identity, so let me help you one more time. ********* Ruined. Im Ha-yeon lowered her head in frustration. Where did it go wrong? Where did I see it wrong? She was tempted to make excuses to herself, but she soon gave up. Even so, She must take full responsibility herself. She never thought her only hope would be challenged like this. What should I do now? Should I go back to the Usan? She would be treated harshly for being a runaway courtesan? Then stealing? She hated it. She came to Uichang to become a writer, not to become a new martial artist. But how could she become a writer? There is no way.Then back to the Usan? no. Im Ha-yeon couldn't think of a clear solution, so her thoughts kept spinning. She broke free from the never-ending wheel of thoughts and immediately turned her gaze to Kang Yun-ho. Why would you show such an ugly side in front of that man? In her mind, her misery grew. Wouldn't it be wise to ask the man for help? The thought emerged in her mind. As Mr. Kwak said, she should leave a good impression on the man to get her book published. No. He's a barbarian. I shouldn't seek any more help from him. Before Im Ha Yeon could weaken her determination, the man she least wanted help from reached out a helping hand again. "She lives in Uichang Daseogak." Im Ha Yeon swiftly turned her head at the man's words. "You?!" "She's not an outsider, She's a resident of Uichang Daseogak." Ignoring Im Ha Yeon's disapproving gaze, Kang Yoonho informed the security guard. "Manager Kang, I understand having sympathy for a beautiful lady, but it is not a matter that should be casually solved by vouching for someone whose outsider status is clear." Is it over? Im Ha Yeon considered asking once more, but she decided to observe how Kang Yoonho would respond. What is this man talking about? "It's not a lie. Ha Yeon Soco is my cousin's daughter." "Your cousin's daughter?" "She's going to settle in Uichang for a while. Daseogak is under construction, so she's staying at an inn." "Is that so?" Does she accept help from that man or reject it and give up the opportunity to become a writer? As much as she despised him in the real world, she was keen on becoming a writer. It wasn't easy to choose. "...Yes, that's right." In the end, it was a dream won. "This has become too difficult for me to decide by myself. I think we need to bring in a superior." Is it because he is a bookstore manager who is known in Uichang? The security guard said in a perplexed tone. “I really wouldn't be able to submit it…" Im Ha-yeon’s shoulders slumped. If a superior comes, will they accept it? Does the man's power of speaking is stronger than that of a superior? The man's words shattered her expectations. "Then I will meet with the Chief Magistrate and have a talk." The Chief Magistrate of the bookstore event? Im Ha Yeon briefly doubted her ears. Isn't he the highest-ranking figure at the event where she submitted her papers? Why does he have a connection with someone like that? "Can you do that?" "I'll bring good news, so wait here." Im Ha Yeon couldn't bring herself to ask the man for help, and couldn't even say "I'm okay with it." It was just that she thought, for a moment, that his self-assured smile when he entered looked similar to a character from a novel she liked. ****** "Have you eaten?" After exchanging greetings with the Chairman of the event, I turned to Im Ha Yeon, who was standing desolately against the wall. "What happened?" She mentioned that she had only eaten flour dumplings. If she had been waiting here, she wouldn't have eaten lunch either, so she should eat something. "I will let you know while we eat." Without waiting for her response, I turned away. "..." Why isn't she following? "If you don't want help and refuse to eat with me then just go on your own." "I-I'll go with you." As I decisively walked, she hesitantly mumbled and followed me. ****** I found a suitable restaurant and went in with her. "What happened?" "I've been granted the papers." I didn't have to go to the Chairman; I told someone inside and they took care of it. Connections are useful after all. "Phew. Thank you so much." Im Ha Yeon held her hands to her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, the culmination of several hours of worry. Then she naturally turned her gaze toward me. Why are my eyes being drawn to her hands? Oh, they're big. "Did you have any intention of becoming a writer?" As she looked up, I quickly averted my gaze and asked her. "...No one dreams of trespassing into someone else's yard." [Tl: I think she's trying to say that no one wants to do it with other people's lovers] That's a fair point. "The submission for the event is this week. The assessment results will be out next week. Even the submissions and evaluations are already over for many works that have been submitted. It's best to submit quickly." I guess I don't have as much work to do as I thought, since all I have to do is evaluate the final candidates. “Because it’s a novel I’ve written once, I can resubmit it right away.” “Dumplings are here!” “But what brought you to the literary club in the first place?” Im Ha Yeon looked at the dumplings being set on the table and asked. "I had decided to become a judge for the rookie writer event." "...Pardon?" Thunk. In an instant, Im Ha Yeon dropped the chopsticks she was holding. "Miss Ha Yeon?" "Huh? Wh-what!? Uh, here. You're Korean, so, please have the kimchi dumplings!" Why are you suddenly being polite? "It's my money, so I'll eat what I want." "Ah..." She shook her head as if lost for words. "You pledged to help with Soco's affairs?" Lost in thought, I asked Im Ha Yeon, who was looking back and forth between me and the dumplings. "Mr. Kwak, I mean, Branch Director promised to inspect them. I don't know what will happen. Please be careful in case." I want to avoid a headache with Mr. Kwak. If Mr. Kwak provides a kind invitation, there is a high chance that there won't be a major issue. However, I must not ignore the possibility of getting involved in bothersome matters, like I did yesterday. Should I try to find a worker familiar with martial arts? Finding a worker accustomed to martial arts for minimum salary is an absurd idea. Should I hire a bodyguard? Even though the bodyguard charges a small amount, I am hesitant. Should I seek help from Seocheon? I'm adverse to entangling myself in the affairs of the nobility any more. I looked at Im Ha Yeon, who was covertly and hurriedly eating her dumplings, with a dizzying sense of indecision. Are you hungry? The issue of the Muyeongsintu should be resolved by a Muyeongsintu, not during a meal. Wait? An idea flashed in my mind momentarily. 'If I make Im Ha Yeon a worker at Daseogak?' I rapidly recalled her qualifications. She is knowledgeable about Tang Dynasty clouds and wind, an aspiring writer, and has exceptional looks. She may have a good service spirit, having received training as a girl. She's a tantalizing talent. How do I make her my worker? "Excuse me..." As I gazed at her for a while, she carefully spoke to me. "Yes?" "Can I eat the kimchi dumplings?" "Eat all of them." -------------- 'Let's make Im Ha Yeon a worker at Daseogak.' Im Ha Yeon. No matter how much I think about it, she is the best candidate to work at Daseogak in Uichang. "Manager Kang? Weren't you going to have a meal?" After parting ways with her, I hurriedly looked for Hwang Seo Saeng's younger brother. "I'm talking about the rookie writer event. I'm one of the judges, right?." I must make her my worker, even if she has hostile feelings towards me. 'Even if problems arise as a result of Muyeongsintu affairs, having a person like Muyeongsintu's daughter will resolve most of the problems.' Daseogak needs Im Ha Yeon. I know her background. I have also discovered information about her that was not previously revealed. How can I do it? 'I'll just manipulate the situation to make her my worker using what I have.' "That's correct." "Let's take a look at the participants' personal information." Im Ha Yeon, you need to become my worker at Daseogak. [Tl: How is it? I have improved very much from the last chapter if I say so myself] *Translated by Soothsayer.io