Chapter 242 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Western Heavenly Shipping Company. Operated by the Tang Family of Sichuan, it is a prominent shipping company in Sichuan Province. However, it has been overshadowed by other companies in expanding regions such as Shaanxi and Hubei and does not wield the same influence outside its home territory. Recently, the Western Heavenly Shipping Company has been heavily investing in the Yangtze River route connecting Sichuan to Hubei to significantly expand its influence. The purchase of the large Bai Mansion in the major Hubei city of Yichang by the Western Heavenly Shipping Company was a strategic move to establish a foothold for business expansion. Of course, the sudden expansion of business in Yichang was not entirely devoid of ulterior motives, considering the city housed the illegitimate son of the Tang family head. "We would like to sell the mansion used for the Yichang branch to Master Kang at a very favorable price." The mansion the branch manager mentioned was a property I was familiar with. It wasn't a particularly expansive mansion, but with sufficient space to set up a respectable printing office and store ample inventory. Offering such an excellent property at such a ridiculously low price was unbelievable. "Are you really willing to sell at this price?" The price was so enticing it was sobering. I couldn't help but suspect there might be a catch. I asked in a guarded tone. "The branch buildings can only be sold to someone authorized by the head office, and we've had difficulty finding a suitable buyer. But if we sold it to Master Kang, who holds the token of the Western Heavenly Shipping Company, no one from the Chengdu headquarters would object." It seemed to be a case reminiscent of an official's administrative dilemma—there wasn't much personal gain, but the process entailed significant bureaucratic interference. In essence, they wanted to offload an annoying task onto me. I felt like immediately asking for the paperwork to sign. Except for one problem. 'If I buy the building, I'll have to scrape together all my money and even borrow more.' I'd need to scrounge up every last penny rolling around under my bed. The initial plan was to buy a small building within reasonable means to run the printing office. Given the offered price, even if it was a stretch, it was a deal worth pursuing. To drive away the lingering effects of the liquor, I gulped down a glass of cool water, sharpening my thoughts. Find a way. I have to buy the building. Is there a way to save money? It's a rare opportunity. What if it doesn't blow up in my face. Find a way to digest it smoothly. As the cool water settled into my stomach, a brilliant idea struck me. "Would you agree to sell if I made monthly payments consistently?" Instead of a lump-sum payment, I proposed paying in installments. I presented this offer with a sober and sincere expression to the branch manager. How could he trust someone to sell on long-term installments? While it was a demanding request under normal circumstances, leveraging personal connections made it a feasible proposal. "I was hoping for a lump-sum payment, to be honest, so it's a bit troublesome." His statement implied that if I could make it less troublesome, he would agree to the sale. "In exchange, I'll repay the selling amount with an additional ten percent." I didn't expect an immediate acceptance. In high-value real estate transactions, ten percent was a significant increase. I laid out my first negotiation term. "Hmm..." The branch manager stroked his beard, letting out a small sigh. He's contemplating. Time to tighten the net so he can’t escape. "If you agree to the condition, Daeseogak will exclusively use the Western Heavenly Shipping Company's services from now on." I couldn't place more money on the scale. Should I end the negotiation here? No, I just need to add a weight heavier than money. "Exclusively use our services? What do you mean?" "Daeseogak plans to establish branches along the Yangtze River. However, the printing office will operate solely from Yichang." "So, you're saying all the books will be transported exclusively via the Western Heavenly Shipping Company. Hmm..." Seeing the small smile on the branch manager's face, it appeared my words had struck a chord. A potential lucrative partnership with the promising Daeseogak must surely be appealing. To weigh the scale further, I continued in a confident tone. "The Tang Family Saga won't be just a local story ending in Yichang. Furthermore, with other novels gaining popularity, think of the immense volume of books that will travel along the Yangtze River. And every single one will bear your name, Branch Manager." Not only will this benefit the Western Heavenly Shipping Company, but it will also be a significant achievement for you. I added another alluring weight to tip the balance in my favor. Will it work? The branch manager, after repeatedly stroking his beard, broke into laughter. "Hahaha. I'm feeling like I'm dealing with a skilled merchant! I can't resist this. Fine! I'll consider this an investment and accept. But I have one more condition." "A condition?" "I'll transfer ownership as soon as the contract is signed. However, I'd like to use part of the mansion as a storage warehouse for the Western Heavenly Shipping Company for now." The branch manager assured that even if part of the building were used as a warehouse, there would still be ample space for the printing office. "Sharing a building with the Western Heavenly Shipping Company..." "In return for storing goods, we'll assign security personnel to protect the building at all times." Guards to protect the Tang Family Saga as well? There's no reason to refuse. "Agreed." I readily consented. ***** "Well done." On the night the drinking session with the Western Heavenly Shipping Company concluded, Tang Pei quietly commended the branch manager. "It wasn’t much. Honestly, it could have been done with just a word from the Tang family. I hope it wasn't too much trouble." Having already been hinted about Kang Yunho's true identity, the branch manager replied to Tang Pei with a smile. "He's someone who keeps a low profile despite life-threatening situations. Knowing that, any direct help from our side would have made him uncomfortable. Thus, we decided to help indirectly." Having purchased the printing press, he would naturally need a printing office as well. Today's events were orchestrated by the Tang family. "Master Kang is indeed remarkable. Instead of just accepting the offer to scrape together nonexistent funds, he turned it into an even more astonishing deal through negotiation and compromise." "Whose son is he, after all..." Tang Pei's voice carried a quiet pride. "Truly remarkable. He is only just past his twenties, yet his writings have stirred Yichang, and his business ventures are widely recognized throughout the city. If you had heard the conversation at the drinking party, you would understand. I could have sworn I was looking at a seasoned merchant with a few tricks up his sleeve." The branch manager widened his eyes deliberately, expressing his astonishment at the recent events. "He also possesses the courage to risk his life for love." Moreover, he has a sense of chivalry akin to that of the Tang family head. Tang Pei reminisced about his experiences beside Kang Yunho, a slight smile forming on his face. "A tiger's blood indeed runs true." "It’s just such a pity he refused the Tang surname..." Tang Pei looked towards the room where Kang Yunho was sleeping, his voice tinged with regret. "How can a rift between father and son, spanning over twenty years, be easily mended? To add to that, there’s the issue with the young master. From my perspective, Master Kang made the right decision." "Even after we leave, I trust you will continue to assist. The Tang family head's concerns are considerable." Tang Pei nodded at the branch manager’s words and requested him to continue the efforts. "Of course. I'll make sure the transaction goes smoothly by assuring interim warehouse rental payments." "The Tang family head will remember your name." The Western Heavenly Shipping Company belonged to the Tang family. Even the slightest interest from the family head would considerably benefit the Yichang branch manager. The Yichang branch manager of the Western Heavenly Shipping Company bowed deeply to Tang Pei, his face full of color. "I will serve with utmost loyalty!" The Yichang branch manager was still thirsty for promotion. ***** "Sister Hayeon, wasn’t the manager impressive today?" That evening, as Kang Yunho joined the Tang family members in a celebratory drink following his successful bid for the printing press, Ha Soso excitedly brought up the day's events involving Jeon Gil-san and Kang Yunho to Im Hayeon on their way home. "Well..." Rowdy outsiders are never well-received anywhere. After all, to chase away a thug from another city who was threatening local merchants and to win the bid so decisively... Im Hayeon had to admit, she couldn't deny that it was impressive. She kept her lips sealed and her gaze lowered, replaying Kang Yunho’s actions from earlier in her mind. "Hehe. Are things going well between you and Manager Kang?" Ha Soso didn’t miss the small change in Im Hayeon’s expression. "I told you it’s not like that! Just go home already!" Startled like a cat narrowly evading capture, Im Hayeon bolted into the shabby inn where she was staying. "Two days of rent overdue!" As soon as she entered, the innkeeper, arms crossed and face full of irritation, called out to her. "I’ll pay soon!" "I trust you since you work for Daeseogak, but don’t forget my previous proposal!" Ignoring the innkeeper’s words, Im Hayeon slipped into her modest room. ---------- Work, go home, work, go home. In the monotonous routine, an exceptionally unusual event tends to linger in your memory even after work hours. Especially if it's something involving the man who buys you dinner every evening. Sitting at a table, Im Hayeon recounted the events involving Kang Yunho that she witnessed alongside her colleagues from Daeseogak. "To so effortlessly deal with a thug." For courtesans, handling troublesome clients is a common yet distressing part of their daily lives. Even the most seasoned courtesans often ended up confiding in Im Hayeon about their ordeals with troublesome clients. From what Im Hayeon had gathered, Jeon Gil-san was one of those notorious scions courtesans loathed to deal with. Yet, seeing such a feared individual turned into a quivering pup was undeniably satisfying. "And he didn’t misbehave at the drinking party, which was unexpected." There was a hint of surprise in Im Hayeon's voice. Even the most reserved men often showed their true colors under the influence of alcohol, but Kang Yunho was different. While the unsavory anecdotes about Jeon Gil-san multiplied over time, the positive comments about Kang Yunho's decorum and enjoyment of drinks and music without misconduct only increased. It had become quite the talking point in the courtesan houses and the Hao Clan that he even refused the advances of the most beautiful courtesan arrayed in her best attire. Im Hayeon remembered this and smiled slightly. If people knew the truth, there wouldn’t be any reason to be surprised. He had to refuse, after all. That man... "That man is in love with me." Kang Yunho’s affections were for her. The little doubts that Ha Soso's words had planted had gradually grown into certainty for Im Hayeon. It seemed curious in hindsight. His startled reaction upon first meeting her, how he rescued her when he had no reason to, given his reputation as a ruthless merchant. Even when she refused help, he kept aiding her. "Because he fell for me at first sight." Nor could she deny that he often sought her company under various pretexts. He would subtly express his interest, hinting that she was the only person for him. His recent refusal of the courtesan’s advances was the most evident sign. No one would dare do something that would reach her ears amid the open ears of the Hao Clan. 一 You could enchant everyone just by sitting there and smiling. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she recalled the words of a senior courtesan one day. Yes, what are the famed courtesans of Yichang compared to her? He wouldn’t waver before them, not when someone more beautiful by his side didn’t even need to dress up. A smug smile crept over her face, a peculiar sense of victory swelling within her. Though she didn't realize it, growing up in the flower garden of courtesans, feeling a man’s interest for the first time, made her heart flutter. "No, that's not it! That’s not it!" Blushing, she hastily cupped her face with both hands. How could she be pleased that such a man liked her? Kang Yunho was a ruthless merchant, after all. She ought to feel offended. "He really is an enigmatic man." Im Hayeon found herself thinking of Kang Yunho’s face as he played with the homing pigeon, not the events of the auction. A man impossible to familiarize with. Sometimes he's like a child, sometimes he's like a ruthless merchant, and other times, he seems like the most generous man in Yichang. In the depths of Im Hayeon's heart, where no one has ever ventured, thoughts of this man churned her mind into turmoil. "Even if you sell your smile, you must never give away your heart." Maichangbu Meiyin (賣唱不賣淫). A courtesan's mantra. Kang Yunho might not be the entirely wicked merchant she had initially imagined. Still, just because he treats you well, or has his good points, you mustn't give him your heart. "...In the end, he's that man's son." That man had his moments as well. Her mother had fallen for his good side, but in the end, he was just a thief who made others cry. When her mother and she were no longer needed, he'd discarded them like worn-out shoes and never appeared before them again. She must not let her guard down. Without a doubt, this man might have his good sides. But he could be hiding some ruthless tendencies. He's that man's son after all. Im Hayeon steadied her wavering heart and took out the dinner Kang Yunho had bought for her. It was a taste that even the top courtesans in Yichang hadn't experienced. A taste that other female employees who fancied Kang Yunho would never get to savor. Im Hayeon was unaware of how the corners of her mouth subtly lifted. She simply thought that the meal Kang Yunho had bought tasted particularly good today. ********************** "No more dinners from today onwards." "Whaaaat?!" Ha Soso’s voice echoed in disbelief.