496 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

The final test is all about being the fastest. Borrow money and return it doubled. It's not even half a month; it's first-come, first-served. The room fell into a stunned silence at the unbelievable difficulty. "When lending money, you must never use the name of Mangum Jeonjang. It must be done solely in your own name." "......" Ignoring the silence, Mangum Jeonju continued to explain the test. "Once you've lent the money, record who you lent it to, why, and how you got it back. Fabrications will not be tolerated." "Grandfather....." "You have to do this using only your own strength." Mangum Jeonju's gaze wasn't on his grandchildren, but rather on his daughters. The grandchildren must handle it themselves. Any interference from you will not be forgiven. The meaning behind his stern gaze was not lost on Jang Noya's daughters. "But...!" "Father! Bringing back double the amount without any assistance is too harsh!" You can't borrow the name of Mangum Jeonjang. And now you can't rely on parental help either. Mangum Jeonju's daughters, who had been proactive in assisting their children during the first and second tests, were aghast at the reality that they couldn't help this time and cried out to their father. "Grandfather, can't we have a little more time?" "Father! Even if it’s a test…!" "Grandfather, it's not that we can't do it. But half a month is simply too short for getting anything significant done." "Yes, please grant us a little time to try something." It's the final test. Even if it's humiliating, a possibility must be created somehow. Mangum Jeonju's grandchildren, together with their mothers, pleaded earnestly. "You've gathered here to prove yourselves. You must find the time to try within yourselves." Mangum Jeonju's resolve was unwavering. "This can't be!" "My word is final for today." "Grandfather!" "Father!" If things continue this way, it won't be just the last chance; everything will be over. Mangum Jeonju's daughters, and even the grandchildren, seemed ready to clutch onto Jang Noya's hems. "May I rise if there's nothing more to discuss?" Except for one person. "Kang Yun Ho...!" Kang Yun Ho, seemingly accustomed to the attention directed at him, stood up adeptly, brushing off the gazes. "Do you have nothing more to say?" "Father?" Even amidst the startled atmosphere of the room, he stood steadfast without uttering a single word. Jang Noya, ignoring his daughter's startled face calling out to him, addressed Kang Yun Ho. "Anything to say..." Kang Yun Ho gathered his notes and met Jang Noya's gaze. It's the final test. In half a month, double the money must be brought back. Parental support cannot be utilized. The name of Mangum Jeonjang cannot be used. One must navigate this solely with their own strength. Indeed, the conditions are harsh. However. "I won't keep you waiting long." When had there ever been a time he hadn't done that? With those few words, Kang Yun Ho turned and left. --- "The young masters have all left for home." As dusk slowly descended, Mangum Jeonju was calmly sipping tea while receiving the report from his chief clerk. "Tell the first one who left that the test starts tomorrow. It's late today, so give them time to think." "I will relay that immediately." "Chief Clerk." "Yes, Jeonju-nim." "Did you see the young man's exit just now?" Mangum Jeonju, for once forming wrinkles on his lips rather than his brows, reminisced. "Yes, I saw." "He indeed gave me a reason to wait." Without hesitation, he turned his back. What thoughts could have crossed his mind in that brief moment? Though it was his own challenge, Mangum Jeonju was incredibly curious about what answer the young man might have considered in that instant. *** "There’s no answer to this." To think the third test would be impossible too. Lazing around the living room upon returning home, I muttered to myself. "Yes?" "What’s this? Didn’t you leave early because you were confident like with the second test?" Jegal Sojeo and Gil San Yi looked at me with puzzled expressions. "That time, I found a clue resolving the issue from the list provided. But this time, it's like trying to solve a blank paper problem. The answer won't just pop into my head." Doubling money in half a month. Am I a human copy machine to pull that off instantly? "You should’ve joined the others in protesting for more time." Indeed, it is an overly harsh test. I could have joined in requesting a deadline extension or a difficulty adjustment. But you know... "Isn't it cooler to just walk out boldly?" "......" "Ugh..." Why. As long as it's cool, isn't that what matters? Don't be so taken aback. It was about making a bold statement. "Sometimes, I can't tell if you're an extraordinary guy or a con artist." "Neither extraordinary nor a con artist. Let’s put our heads together for this one." To double money in half a month, an idea must be squeezed out somehow. "......You sure sound like an outrageous guy." "What?" "Hehe." —— "When discussing exorbitant interest like paying tenfold in half a month, not even yearly interest at 50% is usually enough of a story to leave one's hometown. And here we are supposed to make tenfold in just half a month." Before delving into a brainstorming session, the three of us summarized the challenge at hand. "Whoa, that’s intense." "What was Grandfather thinking, assigning such a test? If someone could make double the money in fifteen days, everyone would be rich, and there’d be no need to inherit Mangum Jeonjang." "It’s not impossible." I said to Gil San Yi, who was grumbling incredulously. "What?! You just said there was no solution!" "I have a few methods thought out. Whether they actually solve the problem is something we need to discuss." All I’d wanted was to make a dramatic exit, but during the carriage ride home, various ideas crossed my mind. "You son of a...! So you are extraordinary?!" "......" "Why?" "Nothing." Even when it's a compliment coming from this guy, why do I feel like throwing a punch? "Gang Gongja-nim. What method are you thinking of?" Jegal Sojeo looked at me with an inquisitive expression. "There is a way to look for merchants encountering financial difficulties." This was the first method that came to mind. "Financial difficulties?" "Wuhan is a central hub for logistics along the Yangtze River. Countless merchants come and go, and numerous businesses are conducted. Surely, some people are in dire need of money." "It's not like there aren't people who need money. The issue is finding someone who can pay back double within half a month." "That's why we need to find those merchants in financial distress. For instance, someone might have sent out goods on a ship. They will receive payment soon but need money immediately for business or personal reasons. We provide the money now and get it back within half a month." Back in Korea, before the banking industry was well-established, even major conglomerate chairmen relied on the big names of the Myeongdong loan market. These chairmen were engaged in large-scale businesses, so they would eventually earn substantial profits and could afford the high interest on private loans. Given that Wuhan is a city with advanced commerce, there must be merchants or trade groups experiencing financial difficulties. "Um, Gang Gongja-nim. That..." Jegal Sojeo held onto my sleeve with a somber look. She seems to know too. "Yes, I'm aware it's challenging." I nodded, indicating I understood without needing her to say more. "Why is it bad? It sounds like a good idea when you explain it." There was one major flaw in the method I mentioned. "Because there's no reason for such people to borrow from me." "Oh! Because it's double in half a month?" I nodded and continued explaining. "If it's a trade group, they'd run to the money lenders. If it's a merchant, they'd go to famous private lenders. If they agree to the exorbitant rate I'm offering, it means they can't borrow money from others due to lack of credibility, or..." "Or?" "They're planning to run off without paying." If someone is forced to use a private loan with a double return in half a month, it must be a last resort. Both lender and borrower would take on immense risk. "Lending is one issue, but getting it back is a bigger problem." "……" The period is half a month. For this test, choosing whom to lend money to was essential, as was ensuring its return. The first method hits a roadblock. "I’ll make some tea." "I’d appreciate that." ——— "There's also a way to do it with low-interest loans." While sipping tea, I brought up the next method. "Low-interest? How does that help when we need to double the money in half a month?" "It’s about setting short-term loans with low interest. Although technically high-interest, if it’s around five per day, people who don’t want to ask money lenders or private financers for a favor might approach us." The plan is to keep circulating funds continuously. While doubling in half a month is harsh, daily interest at five might be manageable for short-term needs. "Five per day? That sounds good. Let’s do that." "Gang Gongja-nim, that..." I nodded at Jegal Sojeo, who was giving me a worried look. "Hyang-i, is there another problem?" "Ah, um, well... Even a single hiccup can't happen." Jegal Sojeo, in response to Gil San Yi's question, sent me a pleading look for assistance. "If anyone refuses to repay for even one day, or if we fail to find borrowers, it's over. This method relies on uninterrupted circulation for success." We must recoup the principal plus interest fifteen times over fifteen days. If we miss a day, the interest owed will shoot up rapidly. "It's tough. Should I ask my parents for help?" Jeon Gilsan asked me lightly. "Your parents?" "Just say we urgently need the money, borrow it, and then return double it in fifteen days." "If that were possible, wouldn't the heir candidates lend to each other instead?" After pledging support for me, what's the difference in using their parent’s help? "Is that so?" "Given the time constraints, making the right initial decision is crucial for this test. Let’s think some more." The intent was good. Normally, even if Gil San Yi was good at carrying out tasks, they weren’t particularly adept at coming up with ideas. I wasn't expecting much, to begin with. 'Is it truly an impossible challenge?' Though none of the methods I’ve laid out satisfy me, there's only one left. I silently looked at Jegal Sojeo. "Um, well, uh..." Could it be? Does Jegal Sojeo have an idea too? Just as I was about to ask, full of hope — "Ah!!!!" Jeon Gilsan let out a sharp shout. "Why?" "Ha! Haha!" "What?" This guy. Why does he laugh like a third-rate villain set to disappear in just one episode? "I just thought of an incredible method." Jeon Gilsan spoke, as if he had a winning move that would fluster everyone. "Brother Gilsan? Really?" "Hyang-i, that sounded slightly dismissive just now, didn’t it?" "Ahh. That wasn’t my intention!" "Indeed, as a man bearing Grandfather Mangum Jeonju's blood, I came up with such an idea...!" Why’s he impressed with himself? "What is it? Let's hear." "It’s..." The ingenious idea Jeon Gilsan unveiled was something neither I nor Jegal Sojeo could have thought of.