Chater 264

Franchise Business. Chain stores, franchises—different names for a business model where a company provides exclusive technology or distribution networks to recruit business operators. In modern society, where safety measures are established for self-employed individuals, the franchise business remains one where the head office’s tyranny occasionally makes headlines on the 9 o'clock news. But what if you could wield exclusive power at will in a world without any legal safeguards? You'd be able to rake in money hand over fist. Of course, running a franchise business in a world without copyright or patent rights wouldn't be easy, if it weren't for Im Hayun's unique resources. “So, are you telling me to become one of your subordinates?” After I explained what a franchise was, Jeon Gilsan responded with a displeased expression. “No.” I’m telling you to become a slave. “Just a moment ago, you clearly...” “You didn’t understand properly. Think of the Murim Alliance. Are the Nine Great Schools subordinate to the Murim Alliance just because they are members?” “Hmm...” “If the head office provides services and teaches the business method, the franchisee simply pays a fee. It’s an equal business relationship.” Just that some are more equal than others. “You're not taking over the business; you get services and pay for them...” It would be the first time he’d heard of such a business. Jeon Gilsan looked like a mouse contemplating whether to approach the bait in a trap. “There is no way you can buy my business with the amount on that bill. But with that money and my support, you can run a business just like mine.” So, show me the money. Muhan is the capital of Hubei Province. Even though my inn's delivery service is constantly busy, it’s tough to cover even a large residential area, let alone the entire Muhan. Even if Jeon Gilsan bought an inn in a suitable residential area, it wouldn’t affect me at all. “If I pay you the franchise fee every month, won’t my profits go down?” Jeon Gilsan asked with a reluctant expression. I understand his concern. He must be thinking that others are making money, and if he also has to pay a franchise fee, the profits won't be as good. In situations like this, rather than arguing over costs and benefits, it’s better to dangle a tempting bait. “Even when considering that, the business is sufficiently profitable. And the crucial point is that this method gives you the best chance to pass the Test set by Lord Mangum Jeon.” I know what bait makes you drool in anticipation. All I have to do is show you that bait again with a single word. “What do you mean by that?” Jeon Gilsan immediately reacted. “From what I see, it seems like there's a competition among your cousins. Are you confident about coming in first?” First, I need to assess if you have the ability to take the bait. “If I work hard enough...” “When making excuses, at least make ones that you can believe yourself.” Your pretense won’t work on me. I deliberately taunted with a cold, sarcastic tone. “So, what are you trying to say? If I become a franchisee, does it mean I could come in first?” He gets irritated when hit in the mark. “Have you tried to understand why Lord Mangum Jeon set such a test?” I asked confidently, like a top instructor who has grasped the test designer's intent. “The intent?” “What is Mangum Jeon all about?” “A Qianzhuang (money shop). They lend money.” “Exactly. Mangum Jeon is not in the business of running operations; they revolve money. And the most critical aspect in revolving money is choosing where to lend it.” “What does that have to do with this matter?” “All the businesses your other cousins are doing are already existing ones. Earning a few pennies with them wouldn't impress someone like Lord Mangum Jeon, would it? But what if a grandson discovers a business no one has ever tried, and successfully leads it?” “Are you saying a unique business could catch my grandfather’s eye?” “Precisely. I heard that even in his youth, Lord Mangum Jeon invested in unique businesses like franchises and made substantial profits.” “That’s right. My grandfather is known for his precise eye.” Jeon Gilsan nodded proudly, his grandfather coming to mind. Good. Time to flatter him a bit more to boost his mood. “I believe you’ve inherited your grandfather’s discerning eye, Jeon Gilsan.” “Me?” “You found the works of author Hoh Pil and even discovered the unique resource of Giosugu that others didn’t recognize.” “Well, indeed.” “My business will grow day by day. Thus, Lord Mangum Jeon will naturally pay attention to his grandson Jeon. Gilsan. who has the most similar eye to his own.” I deliberately accentuated his name, riding his ego. Destination: Lord Mangum Jeon. Enjoy a comfortable and pleasant journey. Whether you actually arrive or not isn’t my concern; the fare is your full bill. “You could interpret the test content like that.” Jeon Gilsan seemed deeply surprised, covering his mouth and widening his eyes. He probably believes he can reach Lord Mangum Jeon by boarding the plane now. Having tempted him with greed and clouded his judgment, it’s time to cut off his retreat. “Enough talk. Let’s go have a drink. We can discuss the business further.” Leaving the bewildered Jeon Gilsan behind, I stood up and started preparing to go out. “Have a drink?” “To do business together, don’t we need to clear any personal feelings over some drinks?” Nothing is better than alcohol to cloud what’s left of his judgment. “A drink, huh...” “Young Master! Mistress specifically instructed not to touch a drop of alcohol during the test period...!” “Ha! How can one discuss business without a drink! Fine, let’s go!” From the first to the second, and the third round of drinks with Jeon Gilsan. In the end, I got him to sign the contract. --- “Ugh... the smell of alcohol. Did you really get him to sign the contract yesterday?” The next day, with a wrinkled nose, Im Hayun walked into my office and immediately opened the window. “If you don’t believe it, take a look. It’s on the desk.” “It’s real.” Im Hayun looked at the document stamped with Jeon Gilsan’s seal with fascination. As soon as we started receiving franchise fees from Jeon Gilsan, I made a particular request that I had mentioned earlier. “Are you really going to do that?” Im Hayun asked, surprised. “I wasn’t speaking idly. Please make the arrangements,” I replied firmly. You mustn't rest on your laurels just because one thing has gone well. You have to keep running until you reach your final destination. “Understood, then. But isn’t this franchise business just helping Jeon Gilsan?” “Ha-ha. Not at all. Jeon Gilsan has willingly become my tenant farmer.” I laughed, thinking about the fool who had drunkenly plastered a smile on his face while unknowingly signing a slave contract. “Tenant farmer?” “Yes, he bears all the risks. He has to buy the inn with his own money and cover all the expenses. And those expenses all come into my pocket. Even if his business fails later, I don't bear any responsibility.” I have to run my business solely on the amount stated in the bill, but most of that money has already been used. It would be difficult to expand operations further. However, bringing Jeon Gilsan into the franchise changes the story. It allows me to generate a substantial additional income regularly without increasing my debt. “Even so, it doesn’t sit well with me letting Jeon Gilsan make money,” Im Hayun remarked, pouting. “Ha-ha! Slowly, without him noticing, we’ll squeeze every drop out of him like squeezing water from a dry cloth. He won’t even realize he’s being squeezed dry as long as the bait of Mangum Jeon is dangling in front of him.” There are countless ways to milk him: rental fees for Giosugu, franchise fees, material costs, training fees, drink charges, advertising fees, and so on. I thought about the fool who didn’t know what was coming and cheerfully signed the contract, and I laughed. “Wow... That expression just now was totally that of a ruthless merchant,” Im Hayun said, her eyes wide in surprise. Did my expression slip? It’s problematic if Im Hayun misunderstands a good merchant like me. What should I do? Let’s shamelessly turn it around. I adjusted my expression and looked at Im Hayun as though she were something precious. “If you want to think of me as a ruthless merchant, go ahead. Even if I'm called a ruthless merchant, I will pass the test and save you.” Why do I act like a ruthless merchant? Because of you, of course. Naturally, I have minor goals like rescuing Daseogak and erasing my debts, but I shrugged nonchalantly and smiled at Im Hayun. “Ugh...” Seemingly at a loss for words, Im Hayun turned her head away sharply. How exasperating. I put the contract that would bring me closer to passing Mangum Jeon’s test into my drawer and resumed my work. --- “This isn’t what we agreed upon!” Not long after signing the contract, Jeon Gilsan was yelling at me in his newly renovated inn. “What are you talking about?” “Why do I have to hire barbarians in my inn? Didn't you say employing staff was up to me?” “The contract clearly states that you must select employees from those dispatched by the head office.” I’m the president of the Joseon Immigrant Association, so naturally, you must hire Koreans. “Why do they all have to be... Koreans? Can’t I just hire Central Plain people?” He calls them Koreans, does he? If he hadn't reacted, I would have had to play hardball. “You signed the contract after reading it. Why are you changing your words now?” “Yes, I signed it! But I never agreed to abide strictly by the contract!” Looks like it’s time to give this guy a dose of reality. “Miss Hayun, go upstairs and retrieve all the Giosugu.” Time for a lesson. “Understood.” “What?! What are you doing?” Jeon Gilsan shouted, flabbergasted. “The head office reserves the right to terminate the franchise if contract terms are violated. If you won’t abide by them, just run your inn as usual.” Goodbye, Giosugu. “Franchise fees, introduction fees, material costs, renovation fees, training costs! Do you even know how much money I’ve given you?” Sounds like we milked him well. I kept a stern face as I spoke to the indignant Jeon Gilsan. “That’s why I introduced Koreans to you. The Koreans I introduce aren’t ordinary; they’ve worked with me. I brought them to assist your business, and you call them barbarians.” “But wouldn’t it be better to hire Central Plain people over Koreans?” “The person aspiring to be Mangum Jeon’s successor cares about hair color? What matters is not the color of the employees' hair but the color of money they bring in. If you still object after all this, you might as well give up!” I shouted with a resolute expression. “I was... wrong.” “Good. I, too, am a Korean. If you keep nitpicking about Koreans, it’s not worth continuing. I said I’d help you out of goodwill, and this is how you repay me? How do you intend to continue?” I deliberately flung my body into a dramatic turn and slowly walked forward. It's too late to turn back now, isn’t it? He’s already spent nearly all the money stated in the bill. If he loses this opportunity, he also loses the chance to become Mangum Jeon’s successor. If he breaks away now, he’ll fall into the abyss of despair. So, the next thing he says can only be one thing. “I apologize! I won’t question your business methods anymore.” Knew it. Jeon Gilsan bent over and repeatedly apologized. “There won’t be a next time.” The upper hand will always be mine from now on. So, squeeze him dry from here on out. --- “Ho ho ho! Did Kang Yunho really say that?” In Mangum Jeon’s residence, Mangum Jeon couldn’t help but laugh after hearing about the conversation between Jeon Gilsan and Kang Yunho from his manager. “Yes, it was reported by the bodyguard secretly stationed next to Young Master Jeon.” “Ho ho ho. Indeed. What does the color of hair matter to a money-lender? What matters is the color of the money brought in.” “It seems that Young Master Jeon is also quite capable. Shedding personal emotions and working together harmoniously.” Mangum Jeon nodded with approval. Mangum Jeon's attention had clearly shifted towards Kang Yunho. However, no one dislikes hearing praise for their own kin. The manager also made it a point to praise Jeon Gilsan as well. “Tut-tut. That boy Gilsan is hopeless,” responded Mangum Jeon coldly. “What?” the manager asked, confused. “Becoming a tenant farmer—what does he hope to achieve? To succeed in business, one must hold the reins. The brilliant one is Kang Yunho. He managed to outwit Gilsan without him even realizing it and absorbed Daseogak.” Mangum Jeon quickly grasped that the franchise business, which he had never heard of before, essentially operated in a manner akin to tenant farming. “The more I see of him, the more impressive the young man appears,” the manager said in agreement. “Ho-ho. Indeed. He’s performing exceptionally well. A man who excels in the outside world needs a woman’s support at home, don’t you agree, manager?” The manager quickly understood the implication in Mangum Jeon’s words. “The granddaughter of the Jegal family has been staying secluded in her quarters for several days.” “The time has come. Have her prepare herself and summon Kang Yunho.”