679 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

"If that is your intention, seek companions who will travel with you." I won't remain idle. I will not stop. When Man Geum Jeon Joo heard my aspirations, he smiled contentedly and nodded. "Companions?" "You are no longer just a fortuneteller of Daseogak, but the heir of Man Geum Trading Company. Do you want to handle everything on your own like you did when you first began the business?" "Managing a couple of stores might be feasible, but handling everything personally would be tough indeed." I've realized this clearly while running my own enterprises. You need to employ people. You need someone you can trust and delegate responsibilities to. There are limits to what I can achieve alone. Having people you trust beneath you is essential to expanding the business and finding some ease in life. "Find someone you can trust and delegate your work to. Look not for those loyal to me or just driven by money, but for people willing to act as your hands and feet." "People willing to act as my hands and feet, you say..." Man Geum Jeon Joo, I once had three individuals whom I could trust entirely. They were each worth more than ten people in caliber. But now, none remain by my side. I can't hide the bitterness in my heart. It's not like they're disgruntled wives angry at their husbands; why do they all leave for their in-laws? With Ha Yeon and now Je Gal gone, it truly feels like I'm in darkness. "You don't need to think grandly from the start. Test them in small roles, and if they can be of use in more significant tasks, then you can bestow your trust." "So you're saying to evaluate their worth by going through hardships together." Identify talented individuals as I expand the business. Man Geum Jeon Joo nodded at my words and casually tossed something to me. "If you understand, take it." "What is this bundle of documents?" Trying to put me to work as soon as I arrive? I asked with a hint of apprehension, and unexpected words flowed from Man Geum Jeon Joo. "It's the title deed to Man Geum Bookstore." "Why give this to me?" "From today, Man Geum Bookstore is yours." "What...?!" Surprised, I examined the documents and indeed saw the name Man Geum Bookstore. Man Geum Jeon Joo. Jang Se Gwang. With Man Geum Jeon Joo's seal imprinted and only one part of the document left blank. As if everything would conclude with my signature and stamp. Man Geum Bookstore awaited a new owner. "Man Geum Bookstore exists in most major cities of Hubei Province, so it would be perfect to safeguard your novels." It seemed my astonished expression pleased Man Geum Jeon Joo, as he let out a chuckle. "You mean to give me such a vast enterprise wholesale..." Truly, you're bestowing me this expansive venture? "The Man Geum name might have been heard in other regions as well. Should you expand your business, surely it must start with writing, don’t you think you should use the Man Geum name?" Of course. Running Daseogak under the name of Man Geum Bookstore, compared to my management, there's no comparison. To make my name known across the heavens, I need the name of Man Geum. "You’re right. However, sir." Still looking slightly discontent, I gazed at Man Geum Jeon Joo. "What ails you? Did you think I wouldn't give such a gift to a well-returned heir?" "No, it's not that...!" I am pleased with the gift. For someone once running delivery businesses and a couple of bookstores, this is a colossal opportunity. However... "...?" "Isn't Man Geum Bookstore run by Gil San's parents!" There's a significant issue before I can simply seal this deal. ——— "I merely entrusted the management to my daughters. Ownership was never divided. You know this well, don't you?" Man Geum Jeon Joo calmly responded as if it was no matter of concern. "Indeed, I've managed to seize businesses myself, so I understand. Still, isn't this too much?" "If I wish to handle my own matters as I see fit, what is there to say?" "Gil San's parents stood by me during the Baekmyeonholi incident. They, alongside Jang Nan Ok, are solid allies. How can I take their business without compensation?" During the Baekmyeonholi incident, I also wielded the sword without mercy. If there seemed any relation, I seized businesses without hesitation. Some were decisively cut off, while others were subdued. But I did not place a dagger in a smiling face. "Do you believe your dream is more important than reputation?" I do need Man Geum Bookstore. I understand why the owner presented this gift. However, regardless of necessity, there's a proper way to do things. "I require Man Geum Bookstore. Yet, for other businesses, not now." To avoid being seized by Gil San, I offered another proposal. "Not yet?" "There are businesses seized during the Baekmyeonholi incident. Ones struggling with management." "If I said I'd give those to you, what would you say?" Man Geum Jeon Joo asked, testing my resolve. Promising Man Geum Bookstore and all seized businesses. It is certainly a tempting offer. "If one bites off more than he can chew without hands to pitch in, he risks drowning in the dish." Given my experience with Daseogak, I might have managed Man Geum Bookstore, but other businesses are a different matter. Perhaps in the future, but for now, it would be best to leave them with an empty household. "Hehehe." "..." Was it a satisfactory response? Just as I was about to take a sigh of relief, Jang Noya shook his head, having donned a serious demeanor. "I have no intention of giving what you seized to my daughters." "Sir." I thought you understood. As I attempted to persuade further, Man Geum Jeon Joo smiled slyly and nodded towards me. "What you seized, you should give personally." "Pardon?" "As the heir of the Man Geum Trading Company, you should grant it. Gil San is your friend and brother-in-law, and the Jeon family did stand by you in times of danger. As the heir, extend your kindness." "Man Geum Jeon Joo, surely you didn't seize Man Geum Bookstore just to..." Finally, I understood the intent of Man Geum Jeon Joo. Why was he asking me to handle such a troublesome task? Jang Noya must have known that I would react negatively if he offered me Man Geum Bookstore. It would have been sufficient to offer other businesses in exchange for Man Geum Bookstore, so why demand I do it personally? ‘The heir of Man Geum Trading Company takes it, and the heir of Man Geum Trading Company distributes it.’ Who is the heir of Man Geum Trading Company here? It's about demonstrating to the daughters, further solidifying the heir’s position. And. “Considering the Jeon family, they will be your hands and feet." —— "What a remarkable elder he is." I murmured as I left Jang Noya’s residence. Is this akin to a temporary regency? Where power is gradually transferred to the successor while the king is still alive. It doesn't matter if it's the daughters; the heir is already determined. If anyone fails to bow before the appointed heir, the blade shall fall mercilessly. Indeed, Man Geum Jeon Joo is impressive. I couldn’t help but admire. First. Let’s visit Gil San’s house. "Kaang Yuunhooooo!" That rascal has missed his noble upbringing. From afar, I heard a familiar shout. "Gil San, what's with your appearance?" Why do you look like a ragged beggar? He seemed unjustly treated, looking reproachful. "Why do you think I look like this? After finally returning home, instead of a warm welcome, do you know what my mother said to me?" "Aha." I see he’s heard about Man Geum Bookstore. "Aha? Overnight, I’ve gone from mingling with courtesans to hanging out with broke beggars. Aha? Gang Yunho! How could you do this to me, huh?!" Gil San trembled with betrayal, shaking my shoulders repeatedly. He’s about to cry. I pulled out some documents from my jacket. "Go show this to your parents." "What is this?" "The operating rights to a business that I seized." "What, what’s this? How did this happen?" "How do you think? I got it from Man Geum Jeon Joo. It’s even more profitable than Man Geum Bookstore. They won’t feel shortchanged." "Gang Yunho, you directly got it from your grandfather...?" This guy, Gil San, seems to be moved, thinking I wrested it from his tiger-like maternal grandfather. "It was quite an ordeal." I shrugged nonchalantly. "Brother-in-law..." "Don't look at me sentimentally, and start learning the ropes yourself." It’s a perfect opportunity. I brought up the topic I discussed with Man Geum Jeon Joo. "What work?" "Government relations. If we're to expand the business, I need someone to handle this in my stead." "Government relations? Isn’t that about bribing officials and hosting drinking parties?" "You’re great at assessing people and enjoy wining and dining. If you don’t want to be a slacker your whole life, you should find your niche." To start a business in a new area, licenses are essential, and for those, bribes are indispensable. Which means reliable salespeople who can entertain are vital. I think Gil San would excel in sales roles, maybe not paperwork. "That’s true, but..." Look at this guy, immediately hesitant at the mention of work. It doesn’t matter; I’ve got a strategy to persuade him. "Think about it. Now, you can frequent the pleasure quarters without sneaking around." "Without sneaking?" A hobby could become a job. He looked intrigued, just as I expected. "It’s work. It’s not your own money, after all. It’s all on the company’s dime." "Ooh." Free drinks. Free courtesans. He’s nearly sold. I leaned closer and whispered confidentially to Gil San, shielding my mouth with a hand to prevent others from hearing. "It’s a government relations role, you know it’s entrusted to someone dependable, right?" Because I trust you. Gil San looked at me, astonished. Honestly, I wanted to avoid those frivolous drinking scenes. Yet, one never knows where strong government relations might lead. "This Jeon Gil San. Finally, someone recognizes my abilities. I commit myself to you as your trusted advisor..." Securing his agreement was not a challenge. "You don't say." I chuckled and turned away. "Where are you going?" "To find more hands and feet." ** "The orchid thrived beautifully without your attention." Whether he spoke of orchids that maintained their vibrancy despite months of neglect, or perhaps the heir who proudly returned, it was unclear. The chonggwan approached the contentedly smiling Man Geum Jeon Joo. "Sir, I’ve informed your daughters of your awakening and Kang Gongja’s successful return." "You’ve worked hard." "I have also clarified that there is no intention to revoke what Kang Gongja managed in your absence." "I won't allow the daughters to run amok just because I'm back awake. They need to know who will lead Man Geum Trading Company henceforth." The news was a bolt from the blue for the daughters, who harbored hopes of repossessing the businesses they lost with their father’s awakening. "Since they’ve heard of Man Geum Bookstore, they’ll be busy seeking Kang Gongja’s approval." They will truly understand who holds the reins. Jang Noya nodded in satisfaction. "Chonggwan, I heard you tasked my son with something intriguing while I was unconscious?" Man Geum Jeon Joo brought up the events that occurred while he was clouded. "Un Yeop pledged allegiance to Kang Gongja and was awarded the senior role of Deputy Chief. If you wish…" "Well done. If it’s Un Yeop, he’ll support that child well." It wasn’t admonishment. It was praise for the chonggwan, who understood his intentions and made the right decision even in crisis. "Gongja…" "Surround Kang Yunho with promising young ones. Isn’t it time we prepare for a new era?" The elder didn’t need new hands and feet. He only needed to ensure the successor had everything ready. "I’ll make the preparations. Also, we received news from Hunan Province." "From Hunan?" "It seems the news of Man Geum Trading Company's success has reached them." As he read the urgent message handed over by the chonggwan, Man Geum Jeon Joo’s eyes twinkled. "Haha. Perfect timing. Let Kang Yunho know I wish to see him when he returns." ** "A distinguished guest from Hunan Province will visit soon." Upon returning to the residence, Man Geum Jeon Joo sought me out. "From Hunan Province?" "A distinguished guest indeed, so you shall play the host in my stead." "Certainly sounds like an heir's duty." Hosting a distinguished guest on behalf of the head of the household, introducing the heir to the honored visitor, and fostering connections through hospitality—indeed tasks befitting an heir. "As they are an honored guest, ensure they are treated with great respect." "But who exactly is coming?" For Jang Noya to emphasize so strongly, they must be an exceedingly remarkable individual. Perhaps someone in a high official position? "Do you know of Eon Woo Jin from the Jinju Eon family?" The identity of the guest was not a high-ranking official, but a martial artist. "Eon Woo Jin?" Wait a moment. That name sounds familiar. "How can someone writing novels about the martial arts world not know of Eon Woo Jin?" "Eon Woo Jin. Eon Woo Jin... Ah!" It came to me. Could it really be that Eon Woo Jin? "He is known in the martial world as the Corpse King." "The Corpse King of the Ten Great Immortals, Eon Woo Jin?"