Chapter 219 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

It's not uncommon for the things we love and the things we're good at to be different. Back when I was in middle school, I dreamed of becoming a pirate king, using energy waves, or perhaps becoming the head of a ninja village. Or, I wished I could raise a black goat with my left hand and heroically save a beautiful heroine in a crucial moment, only to wisely say, "Make sure you don't tell anyone," after clearly witnessing the event. In reality, I was no more than a passing extra, not even a comic book protagonist. Mu-Young-Shin-Tu Im Ha-Yeon is in the same boat. 'I knew Im Ha-Yeon wouldn't win in the competition.' Even if I helped her submit the overdue documents on time, waited until the end so she could turn in her work, her fate wouldn’t change. Even if I used my influence to get her into the final round, the outcome would be the same. She wouldn't win the competition. She wouldn't become an author. Because... ‘In the future, Im Ha-Yeon isn’t an author; she's a Mu-Young-Shin-Tu and a gisaeng.’ I've never seen her character described as an author. Just because I am described as an author and an office worker, it doesn't mean I can suddenly use a black goat punch with my left hand just because there's no mention of it. Likewise, if she were truly an author, it would have been in her character description. But why wasn’t it there? Could it simply be because, in the original future, she failed to submit her work to the Yu-Chang competition? Quit dreaming right away? I have closely witnessed Im Ha-Yeon's desperate desire to become an author. A person's desire to create isn't something that can be easily quashed, whether they are worrying about their next meal, a gisaeng selling dance and song, or a stressed-out employee in a medium-sized business. As long as they have the strength and desire to write, they will always be able to. If there is no setting of her being an author or having a hobby of writing in the original script, then the conclusion can only be one. ‘In the original work, she eventually failed as an author and stopped writing.' It's not uncommon for what we love and what we are good at to be different. If I could be good at what I love, the first thing I would have learned would have been cloning techniques. One of me would go to work and deal with a scolding boss, another would comfortably write a novel without losing sleep, and the third would enjoy the games gathering dust for years now. If Im Ha-Yeon gave up on her dream of being an author after repeated failures and frustrations, I would understand. “Is it over?” “Oh dear. Another failure, huh?” Among the mournful writers who hadn't won, I searched for Im Ha-Yeon. She looked so dejected she seemed ready to say hello to Mother Earth. “If it were the usual, this would be the end of the awards! But it isn't over yet! Don’t be discouraged, everyone!” The chairman of the writer’s association sternly scolded the disgruntled writers. “Isn’t the grand prize the end?” “The detailed explanation will be given by Judge Kang Yun-Ho, who is also the planner of this new system.” The chairman nodded toward me. It was finally my turn again. I stood up and stepped onto the stage. “Hello, I’m Kang Yun-Ho from Daseokak, here to introduce a new system on behalf of the writer's association.” “We’ve heard the introduction already. What is this new system?” I didn’t answer immediately. I drew the attention of everyone through silence, briefly glancing at Im Ha-Yeon, who tentatively lifted her head again, perhaps holding onto some hope. A Mu-Young-Shin-Tu left with nothing but despair. What should I give her when her last hope has vanished? Naturally, I must cast a new line. “A work-study program is the new system.” A lifeline of hope that could only look to me. --------------- What will become of Im Ha-Yeon now that her last hope has disappeared? I know the ending she will reach, regardless of the intervening events. Mu-Young-Shin-Tu (Shadowless Phantom Thief) Im Ha-Yeon. In the end, she becomes a gisaeng and thief. Of course, she becomes such an outstanding thief that she earns the title of 'Phantom Thief.' So, you could say she found something she’s good at. But was becoming a Mu-Young-Shin-Tu really the ending she wanted? 一 No one dreams of sneaking over walls into other people's houses. ‘It wouldn’t have been the future Im Ha-Yeon hoped for.’ If she failed, despaired, and ultimately gave up her dream of becoming an author, shouldn’t I extend a lifeline of hope? I’d rekindle the spark of her dream and, in return, gain the employee known as Mu-Young-Shin-Tu. It’s a situation where no one loses. ‘Though it requires a bit of groundwork to make her grab hold of the rope.’ “What is this ‘work-study program’?” Someone in the audience raised their hand and asked. “I know that many applicants who didn’t win in the Yu-Chang competition are in difficult circumstances. The Yu-Chang Writers Association plans to select a few of them and support them so they won’t give up on their dream to write, despite their hardships.” The first step is to erase any aversion held toward me. I can’t immediately erase their dislike of my father’s agenda or the misguided prejudices against me. So what should I do? ‘I'll step back and let the Writer's Association take the forefront.’ If Im Ha-Yeon is reluctant to receive help from me, then it’s enough to change it so that she receives help from the Writer's Association instead. The result will still be her working at Daseokak. “Is it sponsorship? But you clearly mentioned the word ‘work-study’.” Sharp, aren’t they? “Yes, that’s right. The work-study program involves working at Daseokak but receiving a sponsorship fund greater than a bookstore clerk’s salary.” “Are you suggesting they become a clerk?” That’s correct. “No. A clerk? Are you really comparing a bookstore clerk to this?” I raised my voice as if offended. “Isn’t it similar work?” “If recommending the appropriate books to those who seek knowledge and joy in the literary arts makes one a clerk, then are the writers gathered here today not chefs at an inn?” “……” Those who had expressed dissatisfaction and equated the job to being a clerk fell silent, seemingly struck by my criticism. "The journey to becoming an author is arduous for anyone. But it is particularly difficult for those who must also worry about their next meal." As I spoke to the crowd unable to refute my words, I continued to explain the purpose of the work-study program. "Some of you here have to take care of an elderly parent with no means, and some have families to support. Aspiring to be an author while living in such harsh realities is not easy. If they don't work, their elderly parents suffer, and their families go hungry." I deliberately made eye contact with the writers who appeared downtrodden to elicit empathy. A few of them naturally nodded their heads. "Even in such a hard life, they pick up the pen with exhausted bodies. Others might not have the strength to write a single sentence, but driven by the dream of becoming an author, they muster extraordinary strength and continue to write. Because they want to be authors." The dream of writing isn't something that can be easily broken, just like the fierce determination of a black-haired barbarian. More heads nodded in agreement. "Myself and the Yu-Chang Writers Association want to give hope to such people." I spoke with a resolve to be a beacon of hope for aspiring authors as they return with weary shoulders, so one day they can straighten them with pride. "Are you saying the work-study program is that hope?" "Bookstore work is indoors, so it's neither hot nor cold. It's not physically demanding, so it's not very difficult. Therefore, it's an ideal job for those who dream of writing, allowing them to sustain themselves as they write." "Wouldn't it be better to just provide sponsorship?" A valid point. But if I did that, I wouldn't be able to bring Im Ha-Yeon into this. "Today's awardees will receive sponsorship from the Writers Association. However, it would be unfair for those who didn't win to also receive sponsorship. The work-study program is designed for those who haven't fully bloomed yet due to their circumstances." "Indeed, that makes sense." "Now that you mention it, it does seem reasonable." Positive reactions began to surface in response to my explanation. "What is the average monthly wage?" "We intend to pay the average wage earned by a wage laborer in a month." Im Ha-Yeon currently has no money. If she continues on this path, she may start stealing or return to the runaway kisaeng house, where she could face harsh treatment and become a gisaeng. But what if Daseokak pays a wage comparable to a wage laborer's monthly salary? If there is a job that allows her to continue dreaming of being an author? Would she easily refuse? "No way! Do you really pay that much for bookstore work?" "If true, this is incredible." "Believing that you understand, I will now announce the list of work-study program candidates selected directly by the Yu-Chang Writers Association." I announced the names selected as work-study candidates based on their personal circumstances. Since only two people can work at the bookstore, these individuals will surely be of help. While announcing the list, I glanced at her. Her face showed signs of deep contemplation. She might be hesitant about receiving help from someone like me, but since it's support from the Writers Association, it should be okay, right? Yet working at Daseokak still bothers her. Is that what she’s pondering? But things will turn out differently than you expect. "It's all set! If I can work at the bookstore, I don't have to do any more menial labor!" "Sis! I've been selected for the work-study program too!" "That’s all." I didn’t call your name. Im Ha-Yeon looked startled and opened her mouth in confusion. Why? Did you think this system was made just for you because of me? You’re right but I can’t be too obvious; otherwise, you’d spend more time contemplating. Thinking you caught a lifeline of hope, only to find it wasn’t for you. Let's give her a little disappointment. "For the candidates announced..." I was about to continue as if nothing had happened. Her face turned to despair when secretly observed. It didn't matter. "You left an additional list!" It was all part of my plan. "Ah, I was just thinking how understaffed Daseokak would seem if there were fewer work-study students." "Ha ha ha ha ha." "I will now call the additional names... Im Ha-Yeon, Sung Jung-Bang..." I called her name in a mechanical voice, as if she wasn’t anyone special. Watching her face light up brought a quiet smile to my own. --------------- This system isn’t for you, Im Ha-Yeon. I didn’t create it with you in mind. The system is hosted by the Yu-Chang Writers Association, not by me. This minimizes resistance towards me. For a moment, you’ll face heightened despair, making your longing even more intense. "The work-study candidate list stands as it is. If you don’t come to Daseokak by sunset tomorrow, you will be excluded from it." "Understood." I discreetly watched her to ensure she wouldn’t catch on. Why did she refuse my help? I threw a bait targeting her weakness. She didn’t reject the bait because she didn’t want it, but because she wanted something tastier. Now that tastier bait is gone. Can she easily reject the lifeline I’ve thrown? If she really hated me, she would have also refused help from the Writers Association. So now, she’ll be in a dilemma. I know how desperate she is to become an author. What should I do to finally make her a Daseokak employee? "Daseokak plans to offer two benefits to those selected as outstanding work-study students." All I need to do is stimulate her desires. "What would those be?" "Daseokak will publish their works." "My goodness?!" "Publishing directly through Daseokak?" Her eyes widened at my words. How could she refuse this offer? But that’s not all. Let’s further stimulate her desires and throw in an irresistible offer. "In addition, if selected as an outstanding work-study student, Ho-Pil the writer will personally read and revise their manuscript." Now, I just need to reel her in.