Chapter 249 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Im Ha-yeon falling victim to a rental scam was unexpected. It seems that trying to swindle inexperienced newcomers to society is a universal practice, regardless of the world. "It doesn't feel like someone else's problem." For those with nothing to rely on, this world is extremely harsh. I, too, have experienced the harshness of not having money for shelter, getting drenched in torrential rain throughout the night, wandering with an empty stomach, and being beaten and robbed by black gangs after earning a few days' wages. The one fortunate thing for Im Ha-yeon, compared to me, is that I already had a plan in mind. Gazing at Im Ha-yeon, who seemed as sullen and soaked as a cat caught in the rain, I proposed part of my plan. “What? Live together? With who?” “With me, Ha-yeon Sojeo,” I replied. Did I not make myself clear? Perhaps the rain had gotten into her ears after being outside for so long. At my words, Im Ha-yeon's eyes widened in surprise, and she quickly scanned the attic room. “There are two beds, but... how can a man and a woman live in the same room?!” It can be done. Once you get used to it, it’s not as uncomfortable as you might think. I speak from experience. I contemplated correcting her misconception at the moment but decided to clear the urgent misunderstanding first. “It seems you misunderstood my words.” “Pardon?” I stood silent for a while, looking at Im Ha-yeon’s puzzled face. Even if I rack my brains, there's no way I can afford to buy her miracle in this situation. Unless, of course, there exists a money cheat code in this world. If I had met Im Ha-yeon with infinite possibilities, I might have parted ways, promising to meet again in the future. But the current Im Ha-yeon is at the very start of everything. Just like when I had met the previous heroines. Maybe the time given to Im Ha-yeon is not as long as it was for Dok In or Cheon Sal-seong. Let’s do everything we can now. “I spent sleepless nights pondering over Ha-yeon Sojeo.” Starting with the effort I've put in so far. “Because of me?” “Not only that. I was searching for a solution to Ha-yeon Sojeo's problems, looking for various ways by moving around.” In reality, it was for preparing to see off the Tang family people. Let’s wrap all my recent absences from Da-seo-gak as actions for her. “Oh… So then, what did you mean by misunderstanding? You weren’t suggesting we live together here?” Im Ha-yeon let out a sigh mixed with inexplicable disappointment, then nodded and asked me. What's this sense of unease I’ve been feeling? To get to the main point quickly, in case she was having another misunderstanding, I spoke up. “Let’s move our residence to the print shop. There are a few empty rooms in the print shop’s inner building. It won’t be a problem to live there.” “Not here, but at the print shop?” I nodded at her. “Ha-yeon Sojeo's biggest concern right now is that she might be dragged away to the Moohan conduct. If you live with me at the print shop, Ha-eomun cannot easily take you away.” “Why is that?” “The print shop is also used as a dockyard for the Seo-cheon Pyo-guk. Pyo-sa from Seo-cheon Pyo-guk guard it day and night. Even if Ha-eomun comes to take you, they cannot ignore Seo-cheon Pyo-guk's presence.” From the moment I reside at the print shop, Seo-cheon Pyo-guk will ramp up its security. Because it's a place where Tang's illegitimate child lives. While I can no longer expect direct favor from the Tang family, the indirect influence is still usable. The problem is that my commute time increases dozens of times. If necessary, I could always have Im Ha-yeon carry me while running. “They won’t give up that easily. Da-seo-gak might suffer as a result.” “I can just make an excuse that I quit Da-seo-gak’s work. Sojeo can stay inside the print shop, not stepping out. They’ll have no choice but to give up for now.” How can they confirm if Ha-yeon is inside the print shop or not if she stays locked inside? No matter how strong Ha-eomun’s influence is, they would want to avoid direct conflict with the Seo-cheon Pyo-guk, backed by the Tang family. “It might be a good method. Nonetheless, they won’t give up.” I took a moment to appreciate Im Ha-yeon’s beauty, which looked even more alluring due to the rain. She is destined to be known for the finest beauty in Moohan in the future. Ha-eomun won't easily give up on their prized asset. “I’m not asking you to stay inside forever. We’re trying to buy some time.” “Time?” Though I can’t buy her miracle right now, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing I can offer her. Hope. Let me give her the hope that things can get better. “I plan to make an official request to Ha-eomun. To investigate the incidents in Wusan.” Wusan’s issue clearly involves the underhanded schemes of the martial world. There, we might find a clue to change her fate. “Is there a reason to investigate what happened in Wusan?” “When you stroll around at night, don’t you worry about the layout of the house, where the treasures are, and how to escape?” “Yes.” “This is the same. Knowing the core of the incident helps us plan our moves. Going to Moohan without knowing anything will doom you to a life in the brothel.” “Understanding the truth in advance…” “We only live once. Instead of resigning ourselves when we have to walk into danger, we must prepare a way to survive.” Find a way to live. If one isn’t enough, find two. If two aren’t enough, go for three. That’s how I survived in this world. Of course, since one of the original storylines unfolds in Moohan, more plans might come to mind when I reach there. But there's no need to abandon home ground and walk into danger willingly. Now is the time to build rapport with Im Ha-yeon, who might be the true heroine. “I have other plans as well.” I divulged to Im Ha-yeon the plans that I had been meticulously crafting for several days. “Why are you going to such lengths to help me?” she asked, seeking some kind of answer. Was it because the plans seemed grander than expected? Was it because my efforts were evident? Im Ha-yeon’s eyes searched for a reply. The daughter of a sworn brother. A precious employee of Da-seo-gak. A competent manager. A figure in the anti-disruption team. And a candidate for the true heroine. There's much I could say. But there’s only one thing that could uplift her shattered self-esteem. Gazing at her with eyes as if seeing the most precious thing, I spoke firmly. “Because you are Ha-yeon Sojeo.” Because it’s you. Just that one reason. Sometimes, people find the strength to rise for even a simple reason. “……” “I can’t promise absolute success. But I will do everything I can.” “...I will trust you.” Im Ha-yeon nodded, somehow avoiding my gaze. --- “The warm water in the bath is ready. There are also extra work clothes I’ve ordered; you can take them from that box. There should be something that fits.” “Do you mean… change here and now?” She looked at me with wide, startled eyes, unable to close her mouth, as if suddenly suspecting I had an ulterior motive. “There’s a screen over there. Use that. I’ll be facing the other way.” “I see… alright.” Her expression had lightened up since she came into Da-seo-gak. Once soaked in despair and despondency, her face now carried a glimmer of hope. Have I left a good impression? From the attic, I could hear the sounds of water splashing, and the soft rustle of clothing against skin. The sounds were quite stimulating, but I made sure not to show it. After all, I had somewhat adapted over the past year. Falling for temptations could jeopardize the trust we were building. As I waited, I heard the sound of Im Ha-yeon sitting on the bed. After hearing my plans, having a warm shower, and putting on new clothes, she must be feeling a bit better, right? "Manager Kang Yun-ho?" But the voice calling from behind was filled with anger. “Yes?” “What is this?!” Turning around, I saw Im Ha-yeon's expression brimming with anger. Oh no. The cheongsam she had changed into was scandalously low-cut and had an extremely short skirt. It was one of the outfits I had initially considered as work attire. “Was that one in there?” Seems I placed it alongside the others when I ordered. “Did you expect me to wear something like this?” Im Ha-yeon shouted, tugging at the constricting fabric, as if uncomfortable, from both the tightness at her chest and the awkwardness of the situation. What should I say... “Well, cheongsams come in various styles. Near Liaodong Fortress, or in Manchuria…” “Do people near Liaodong Fortress wear this?” This could lead to unintentional regional or national stereotypes. “To be honest, it was a prototype that reflected some... overzealous personal tastes.” It was a design where I had invested too much personal taste but managed to put on the brakes in time. Now that Im Ha-yeon was wearing it, the impact was immense. Places where fabric should have been were instead covered by nothing but my diverted gaze. I should avert my eyes, but they kept getting drawn in. “Personal taste…?” The light in her eyes dimmed. She looked like a woman who had seen something unsightly. This couldn’t be. I couldn’t lift my head in embarrassment. “I’m sorry. No, I really apologize. It was entirely my fault. Please, wear something else.” In the end, I had to abandon all convoluted excuses and apologize as a guilty shop manager who had enforced such an outrageous outfit. “Heh. Got it.” With a faint smile at my reaction, Im Ha-yeon turned back towards the screen. There should have been other clothes, why did she wear that? Maybe it was the only one that fit her particular... proportions out of the bunch. It felt a bit unfair, but I had no choice. --- “Huh-hmm.” Unconsciously, Im Ha-yeon hummed a tune at a volume where Yun-ho couldn’t hear. 'Men, after all…' It had been a little prank. Having been trained as a gisaeng, she had worn clothes that barely covered more than this. It wasn't so uncomfortable. She had intended to mildly tease him. She didn’t dislike Yun-ho’s gaze which strangely lingered on her attire. "Because you are Ha-yeon Sojeo." 'He definitely likes me.' Recalling the affection-laden words he said, Im Ha-yeon smiled slightly. Though she didn’t fully understand why, the fact that someone cherished her, that someone was trying their best for her, lifted the despair weighing on her heart. 'Even if we live together, I shouldn’t let my guard down.' Even if we sleep in separate rooms, I can’t be too relaxed. Who knows if he might lure me with a drink at night or knock on my door claiming loneliness. If he suggests we sleep in separate beds, or stay together just for a while, it might lead to waking up next to each other in the morning. While she was aware of his feelings, she hadn't yet permitted herself to reciprocate. Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Im Ha-yeon adjusted her expression to a cold demeanor so he wouldn’t notice. “I'm ready.” “Would you rather take the day off?” “I don't want to burden the other staff because of one sleepless night.” Nodding at her words, Yun-ho responded. “Let’s go down.” The rain that had poured all night seemed to have ravaged her spirit like the adversities she faced. But now in fresh clothes, she followed the man down the stairs as if nothing had happened. A ray of sunlight hit her back through the window, signifying hope even amidst gloomy weather. Maybe, together with this man, she could overcome the trials ahead. Holding thoughts she couldn’t yet voice, Im Ha-yeon descended to the second floor with him. “Ha-yeon Unnie! Are you coming down with the Manager from his room on the third floor?!” Maybe overcoming these trials would be impossible after all.