Chapter 218 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 218 - New Employee - 4 "I see you've written under a pen name instead of your real name. Quickly correct it and write your real name." Chairman of the Yichang Writers' Association. Sangwanak's house. I told the people of Tang’s that I had an errand, and for several days, I've been checking if the new authors are submitting their works properly. "I'll go and get a new cover." "We don't deduct points for a dirty cover. Don't worry and submit it. Next person! Your submitted personal information differs from what’s listed here, what is your relation?" "I'm a servant." "Where did you pick up the bad habit of not showing up yourself? Is that how you'd have your servant submit your work? It’s basic protocol in the Writers' Association for the person who wrote the piece to submit it themselves. Bring the author here quickly!" "Yes, yes! I’ll go inform them right away!" Thinking they can get away with this. They must think the notice is just for show. "Should you, Manager Kang, be bothered with such trivialities?" While I was busy organizing the submitted manuscripts, someone from the Writers' Association approached and asked. "I don’t need to look at the submissions until the final judgment, so I'm taking this opportunity to observe the writers and engage in some light tasks." "What have you been noting separately when submitters come around these past days?" "Just marking to check if the pre-submitted personal information is accurate." It's for my personal use. I compared each document given to me by Mr. Hwang's younger brother and jotted down any additional information needed. "It must be bothersome, but you’re being very thorough. It seems no further submissions are coming in." Upon hearing the Writer's Association member’s comment, I glanced at the emptying surroundings and, looking up, saw that the sun was hurriedly finishing its day’s work, eager for its timely departure. "Someone has yet to submit." My voice carried a hint of concern as I thought of the woman who had not yet arrived. Isn’t the sun setting too early? There are still employees who haven't finished their work. Suddenly, I remembered the voice of a manager who I wished wouldn’t call when it's time to rest. The sun, intent on a timely exit, didn't take the elevator but rushed down the stairs instead, and like Mr. Kangmo, whose crown of the head barely shows when you try to call, it hastened to hide its face against the inclination of my heart. "It’s almost sunset, and the day is nearly over. Everyone who was coming has probably arrived. Shall we join the Writers' Association and head to the Giroo* later?" "They’ll come." Despite the Association member’s words, I continued to gaze towards the door, waiting. How much time had passed? The Association member was blabbering nonsense, wondering if the new Geisha** who dances well may have fallen for him since she locks eyes with him during her dance, when in the distance, I saw a figure approaching. "I’m not too late, am I?! Kang Yunho?! Why are you here?" Lim Hayeon arrived breathlessly in front of me. She’s incredibly fast. Is it her Lightfoot skill? Almost mistook her for a pink streak of light. "That was close. Hand it over." I reached out my hand to her. "Ah?!" Lim Hayeon, as if she didn’t want her embarrassing notebook of dark history fantasies to be snatched by a gangster, clutched her book to herself as I extended my hand. Will you hand it over or not? "Haha. So it was this lady you've been waiting for." "Waiting for her?" Lim Hayeon looked at me with wide-opened eyes. "I simply didn't want anyone who had worked hard to miss their opportunity by a hair's breadth. Hand it over, please." I extended my hand once more, with a detached tone. "Here you go." "Today’s work is done, let’s get up and head to the Giroo!" The Association member shouted, sounding like a manager announcing the start of a delightful company dinner. And you say that aloud. A tiny but definite look of contempt flickered past Lim Hayeon’s gaze. "It’s getting dark. It can be dangerous for a woman to walk alone at night. I’ll escort her home." "What did you say?!" She looked at me as if questioning my words. "Come with me." You want to complain when I'm offering company? Don't you see, I'm the judge for the competition you're entering? In the end, as I stepped out the door, she followed me silently. ---------------- "Do we not need to go together?" Lim Hayeon, finding the silence awkward as we walked, asked about the earlier incident. "Giroo isn't that entertaining." A drink with faceless men shrouded in darkness. It's like a company dinner. I don’t like it. "How can you say that when the Geisha try so hard to entertain?" Angry about the strangest things. She retorted with a peculiar pinch in her lips. "Did you write diligently?" I gave a small snort to her words, then inquired about her work. "Uh... I forgot to eat and sleep, writing so studiously." "Haha. It does seem that way." I briefly examined Lim Hayeon from head to toe. She looked like she’d gone days without proper food, her complexion dull, her hair in disarray and hastily tied, revealing greasiness at a glance. "Ah?! Do I look strange to you?" Only now realizing her disheveled appearance, her mouth hung open, and her face stiffened. "The smell of dumplings up front is enticing. Pan-fry some dumplings, please." It's better to avoid answering. I ignored her, heading towards the dumpling shop billowing with steam. "Ah! For goodness' sake! Look at my hair!" Lim Hayeon fiddled with her hair, attempting to salvage the apparent disaster. "Take this." "Uh... stop staring so intently. What is this?" As if concerned about others seeing her face, Lim Hayeon dipped her head and peeked up with uplifted eyes to see what I was offering. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Go and eat this." I have to reel in the fish named Lim Hayeon. But first, I need to throw the bait. With a tone mixed with consideration, I handed her the packaged dumplings. "..." "I included kimchi dumplings as well." "...Hand them over." Lim Hayeon carefully took the paper bag with the packed dumplings. "That’s enough kindness. I intend to judge fairly." --- When you cast the bait, you have to check if the fish will take it. What's the feeding response of the fish I’m angling for? Does it have no intention of biting at all? Dislikes me enough to not want to get tangled? Is it so hungry that it will nibble at the bait, or does it have other desires? Offering dumplings is a favor to the magistrate's daughter, but it's not part of the judging. I look at her with an indifferent expression and declare. Let's see how you react to your treat. "Please, don't be too harsh!" Finally, having received the dumplings, she dashed off swiftly. Given her speed, she seems like one who would evade any night watchman. I softly chuckle in the direction she disappeared. You're too wary of asking me for help but still want to be an author? Fine. Excellent. Now things can move according to my plan. Turning around, I head back to the home of the Writers' Association chairman. "It seems things didn't go well with the lady you went with earlier." As I reach the door, the people of the Writers' Association, including the member I had been with, stand there. "Haha. She didn't invite me in." "Will you go to the Giroo with us? We might not have beauties like the lady from earlier, but there are accomplished Geisha there." "I appreciate the invitation, but I must decline. I have another matter to discuss with the chairman." "May I ask what it is concerning?" "I have a proposal for the Writers' Association event." The feeding response has been checked. Now it's time for proper planning. ------------ The Writers' Association award ceremony was quite grand. Not only was the scale of the event impressive, but the attendees were also distinguished and colorful. Sangwanak, the chairman of the Writers' Association and a retired high official from Hanlimwon, naturally drew important local figures, bureaucrats, and VIPs when he held an event. "Ah, Justice He! This young man is Manager Kang Yunho of Daseogak." " I’m Kang Yunho of Daseogak." Connections are important. In the past, I would've been chastised as a black-haired barbarian attending such an event just to scrounge for food. Now, having been invited as a judge, I can proudly make my mark and network. "The famous Manager Kang from Daseogak who discovered the writer Hofil! I’ve heard tales about your establishment." "I’ve often heard of the generous Justice He who even takes an interest in a small bookstore in Yichang, surely rumors can't be compared to the real thing!" "Ah! You can't trust rumors. Hahaha!" Flattery worked seamlessly. The Justice couldn't hide his joy, smiling broadly with his eyes crinkling. "A strapping fellow capable of immediately discovering a hidden writer!" "I, too, have read Tang Family’s Fury! There ought to be more novels like that." "I will devote my efforts to ensuring Yichang sees more novels like Tang Family’s Fury." Of course, I'll write a lot under the name Hofil. I meet and greet everyone with a salesman's smile, then take a seat, slightly weary but concealing it. Has she arrived yet? I scan the seats for one face, but the lady with the pink pigtails is nowhere to be seen. Surely she's not late again today. "Uh, may I sit here?" Just as I consider searching the tavern, a voice reaches out from one side. "You're a pretty unni (older sister). Did you join the new writers' event too? Come, sit here." Luckily, she's not late today. ------- "It seems all participants have taken their seats, so we shall begin the event." "First to speak is Hanlimwon Scholar, the chairman of Yichang Writers' Association, Sangwanak." "Hmm-hmm. Esteemed literature scholars of Hobuk Province present here on this auspicious day, it gives me great pleasure to meet with you all. The ancient sages say... fundamentally... everyone..." Just like a principal's moral lecture speech. Come to think of it, since he's from Hanlimwon, he's practically a former teacher. Feels like time is freezing over. Let’s stop thinking until the lecture ends. "Who is that, engrossed in their own thoughts while bowing their head and playing with the dirt with their foot?" The chairman was no third-rate principal immersing himself only in his tale. "I'm sorry!" One of the writers hurriedly apologized after being called out. Oh no! And I was trying my mid-sand art. I scramble to rub out the butterfly-shaped earth I had molded. "I was about to conclude, but seeing this... I must add a few more words! 'Youth fades easily, learning is hard to complete. A moment of time should not be taken lightly.' Fundamentally, one should learn when young... Please, spare me. -------- "We will now begin with the awards. The Encouragement Award will be presented by Manager Kang Yunho of Daseogak." Is it my turn already? I said I wanted to be a presenter but didn't expect to hand out major awards. "Is Manager Kang Yunho really awarding?" "Who is Manager Kang Yunho?" "Didn't you hear that the Writers' Association invited the manager of Daseogak to judge?" "The Writers' Association has an outsider as a judge and even an award presenter? That's impressive!" "It must mean he's quite esteemed." "First, as a member of Yichang, I am honored to be given this opportunity and would like to thank the members of the Writers' Association and the literati's of Yichang." After the obligatory greetings, I pull out the list of award winners. "This year's Encouragement Award of the Writers' Association for new writers goes to...” I cautiously look at Lim Hayeon. The way she clasped her hands together and looked at me resembled a student checking for their entrance exam results. "Yoo Seongjin!" "Yes!" But what can I do? It’s not her. Lim Hayeon's head falls in apparent disappointment at my call. Regrettably, her head will not rise again today. "The Bronze Award goes to..." "The Gold Award goes to..." "And the grand prize winner is!" Lim Hayeon's name was not among the recipients. ----- Why did Lim Hayeon refuse the helping hand I extended? A runaway Geisha. A thief who doesn’t steal. A situation where one can’t properly eat. In such circumstances, what reason does she have to refuse the help of her father’s friend? Simply out of hate for her father? No. "It's because there's hope that she can become an author." No matter how tough the situation, one can afford to have pride if there's hope. Then, how should one begin? "Miss Lim Hayeon, I can get your work through to the second round of evaluations, but I'm afraid it won't go to the final round. Perhaps..." "Please be fair. How could I insert personal desires into such an honorable position?" How can I get her to accept my help? How can I make her an employee of Daseogak? "Of course, the starting point should be once the only hope is lost." Giroo (기루) is a historical term for a house or place where Geisha performed; however, there’s no direct equivalent in English, so one might explain it with the closest term "pleasure house" or "entertainment house" and No, brothel won't work. **Geisha is a Japanese term, but the Korean equivalent would be "gisaeng" (기생). Most are prostitutes but some rare ones also attract people through their talents in four arts. Tl: Soothsayer.io