Chapter 187 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 187 - The Poisoner - 8 Though I said it, I didn't buy any of the highest-quality luxury items. Stationery too expensive often means that its price is due to its value as an ornamental piece, rather than its function as a writing tool. Moreover, if something is too pricey, it ends up being treasured like a rare consumable in an RPG game, barely used in reality. We resolved to select stationery that was modestly luxurious – aesthetically pleasing and practical to use, purchasing them one by one. Not the four friends of the study, but the four treasures of the study. "Oh? What is this?!" Just as I was pondering whether the items we bought today should be called the 'four treasures of the study' rather than 'four friends of the study', something familiar caught my eye from the corner of my vision. “You recognized it immediately since you’re from Joseon! It’s a Joseon-made Hwangmo Brush.” Noticing where my surprised gaze rested, the stationery store owner quickly understood and spoke with a smile. "Indeed, it is a genuine Joseon-made Hwangmo Brush." The object that caught my surprise was the Hwangmo Brush, made from the tail fur of a Joseon skunk. It was considered a luxury item in both Joseon and the Central Plains. This wasn't something that the modern man Yoon Ho would recognize, but rather the playful, troublesome Yoon Ho. The very brush he'd idly destroy when bored from studying. Of course, if he went too far, the playful Yoon Ho's father would not hesitate to break a leg or two. A Joseon-made Hwangmo Brush, huh? It's fascinating—I'm far from any coastal city, and Sichuan is a world away from Joseon. It's like being abroad in a highland area and seeing a girl watching a K-pop singer’s video on an old phone—it gives a feeling of unexpected joy. "Is it any good?" Seeing the fond look I gave the Hwangmo Brush, Hwa Rin asked the owner. "As your friend here assuredly knows, this brush is made out of only the finest Joseon skunk tail hairs and is even presented to the royal court.” "Really? Yoon Ho! I’ll buy it for you as a gift, with my money. How much is it?” The price the owner quoted for the Hwangmo Brush was the kind where you see a nice piece of clothing at a department store, you look at the price tag and promptly turn away. That irresponsible Yoon Ho. A guy who wouldn't even spare an expensive fountain pen, let alone a pencil, when he didn't want to study. "Hwa Rin, it's alright." I turned my head to indicate refusal. Because it's from Joseon. While I appreciate the sentiment and your desire to buy it as a gift, it’s just too expensive, Hwa Rin. I know too well the state of your finances; there’s no need to go to such lengths. "It's what I want to do. Store owner, please wrap it up nicely." "Of course! I will even place it in a special Joseon-style box for you!" Despite my objection, Hwa Rin bought the Hwangmo Brush and gave it to me, beautifully packaged in an ornate lacquered box. Although it's embarrassingly expensive, this is the first time I’ve ever received a present loaded with a woman’s affection, and it’s hard to suppress a rising smile. ----------------- "Let’s walk around the stores and buy some things.” Satisfied with her first shopping experience, the face of a young lady eager for shopping became apparent in Hwa Rin's expression. "If we buy too much stuff, it'll be a hassle to take it all back. Let's just enjoy ourselves here and shop in Yichang." "…This is my first time shopping freely without my veil. Are you saying we won't?” "I understand. Let’s go.” My small attempt at resistance dissolved at the slight disappointment on Hwa Rin's face. A veil seems like a cheat code. Right, the first experience of everything is precious indeed. "Giggle. Yoon Ho, I just want to buy you more things. Don't dislike it so much. Let's go!" Hwa Rin, pleased that she got her way, immediately grabbed my sleeve with a smile and tugged me along. We wandered through the bustling markets of the Sichuan capital, buying items that caught Hwa Rin’s fancy. "Is this a Joseon hat? Try it on, Yoon Ho." "There's already a heukrip hat in the academy." "But that one's made of bamboo, and this is a premium one made of horsehair. They also have all new Joseon clothes here, so let's try everything on. Store owner!" "Please follow me." Though I felt satisfied with my current attire, I sighed softly and followed the store owner's lead, changing into traditional Joseon clothes. Fresh clothing and an elegant hat made of horsehair, holding a fan in hand—I transformed into a perfect dark-haired Joseon gentleman. "Hwa Rin, how does it look? Is it okay?" Even though I used to wear them when I was doing business, back then, the clothes bore the harshness of the world, and I looked like a vagrant Joseon singer. This time, I appeared more like a young master out for a stroll. "……" "Hwa Rin?" Why such a shocked expression? "Oh? Ah, Yoon Ho. You really look like a person from Joseon." "Yes, yes. I am indeed a person from Joseon." "Giggle. Right. Store owner, we will take all of these. Let's also check out the store next door." Is this not the end? With the air of someone about to clear out the entire city market, Hwa Rin continued to painstakingly select clothes for me and items to use upon our return to the academy. When we head back to the academy, it looks like we'll need a large carriage to carry everything. ------ "Now, where shall we go?" After a lengthy tour of shops and no more in sight, I asked Hwa Rin what she wanted to do next. "……" Hwa Rin didn't respond to my question, just looking at me. It seems nothing comes to mind. For someone as inexperienced in dating as myself, I imagine the typical date course to be movies, cafe, meal, in that order. Considering we've watched a circus show for entertainment and eaten street food for a meal, perhaps we should look for a place to drink tea. "Let's see if there's a teahouse..." "Yoon Ho. There’s a place I want to go to with you." As I searched for a teahouse, Hwa Rin, a flush on her cheeks, caught my sleeve and spoke. "Where to?" "Well... For now, let’s head to that inn." Hwa Rin hesitated for a moment before pointing to an inn. An inn? But we've already eaten. We kept buying street food whenever we came across something interesting. Could it be? Really, could it be? 'Oppa, shall we rest here for a bit?' An inn serves both dining and lodging. At this moment, Hwa Rin’s focus seems to be not on the inn's dining, but on lodging. Right. The head of Yichang told us not to stay out late, so maybe she wants to make history with me during the day instead. Hwa Rin, after leading me to the inn, began looking diligently around. Could it be? Checking if the facilities are good? The bed is comfortable? Is that what she's considering! Yes. Now I'm sure of it. "Not this place?" Hwa Rin muttered with a hint of uncertainty. Anywhere is fine, Hwa Rin. Perhaps Hwa Rin hesitates due to a lack of courage. She might just order some food and we could leave. I need to speak up firmly at moments like this. With a face as innocent as a church oppa’s, I turned to Hwa Rin and spoke. “Hwa Rin, shall we rest here a bit before we go?” Good. That was natural. Yet, what Hwa Rin said next took me by surprise. “Let’s rest in the carriage instead.” This young lady was truly something else. From a bookstore owner to a poisoner in one leap, and now she’s trying to accelerate her experiences too. Hwa Rin, things like that should start with normal experiences. If you really want to, there’s need for exciting... "Found it! Over here!" “Ah! You’ve arrived! Are you ready to move on to your next destination?” Contrary to my anticipation, what Hwa Rin had been searching for was the coachman waiting at the inn. ------------------ Muhousa (武侯祠). Leaving my disappointment behind, the place Hwa Rin and I arrived at was a shrine venerating Zhuge Liang, known for its millennium-old history. To be precise, it was Hanshaolie Temple (漢昭烈廟) and Muhousa (武侯祠). Uniquely, this shrine revered both the Emperor Liu Bei of Shu and the Chancellor Zhuge Liang simultaneously. Since Zhuge Liang's popularity far outshadowed Liu Bei's, it was no issue to refer to this place simply as Muhousa. “Why did we come to Muhousa?” "Yoon Ho, you like stories from the Three Kingdoms era, don’t you?" "Well, I do." Was she considering my interests? I've always enjoyed Romance of the Three Kingdoms, both as a novel and a game, and later even as dramas. But I had never expected to visit Muhousa. “Let’s have a look around together.” As Hwa Rin and I entered Muhousa, the immense size of it was impressive. Indeed, the people of Sichuan's love for the Shu Han must be recognized. "It's ironic for Muhousa to be in Sichuan while the Zhuge family is situated in Hubei Province." The Zhuge family has established itself in Hubei Province, where Yichang is located, while Muhousa, boasting over a thousand years of history, resides in Chengdu, the home of the Sichuan Tang Clan. People familiar with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms but less so with Wuxia often wonder why, even though Zhuge Liang was the Chancellor of Shu, the Zhuge family is located in Hubei Province. The reason is that Liu Bei met Zhuge Liang in Hanzhong, which geographically corresponds to present-day Hubei Province. Just like the well-known Andong Kim clan is based in Andong despite their prominence in Seoul, the Zhuge clan's ancestral home is in Hubei, hence the Zhuge family’s base there as well. "The Zhuge family thus isn't fond of the Sichuan Tang Clan. The Sichuan Tang Clan also prefers to keep a distance from Zhuge Liang's veneration here in Sichuan." The relationships between martial arts families can be quite intricate. We chatted amicably as we passed by the stele of Zhuge Liang's Chu Shi Biao, originally inscribed by the renowned Song Dynasty general Yue Fei, until we reached Jing Yuan Hall (静远堂), where Zhuge Liang’s spirit tablet was enshrined. “There are a lot of people here.” I noticed several individuals muttering prayers in front of Zhuge Liang’s spirit tablet. “Let’s do the same.” Hwa Rin, are you sure your wish will be granted? You’re from the Sichuan Tang Clan, rivals to the Zhuge family. Without much hesitation, Hwa Rin pulled me in front of the spirit tablet, closed her eyes, and began to murmur silently. “Please let Yoon Ho’s writings continue to prosper. Even though he sometimes looks pathetic, he is more precious than anyone. So please..." Hwa Rin, I can hear you. This is so embarrassing. What should I pray for? A brilliant idea suddenly struck me. 'Zhuge Liang, now that I think about it, you're a senior in romance.’ Zhuge Liang's wife, Lady Huang, was famously known as the blonde teenager of Tanning City. She's basically my senior in terms of romance. "Please let things go well with Hwa Rin and me..." "Yoon Ho! Let's go!" As I started to pray, Hwa Rin grabbed my sleeve, impatiently urging me on. "Why? I haven’t even started yet." "I’ve prayed enough for both of us! You don’t need to do it." ---------- The evening brought us to an upscale restaurant in Chengdu. "Isn’t this place incredibly expensive?" Through the window, I could see the entire cityscape of Chengdu. A high-rise restaurant with private rooms - it seemed excessively costly. Hwa Rin puffed out her chest in response to my surprised expression. "Do you even have to ask? It's Sichuan Tang Clan money. It’s fine." Things really do change when you become a poisoner. "Pixian doubanjiang, kung pao chicken, bamboo rat meat, no, could it be?" Looking at the spread before us, there were dishes spread out which I hadn't gotten used to even in this world. "I was a bit careful with the selection. Yoon Ho, you enjoy diverse Central Plains cuisine. If there’s anything you want more of, just order it." Hwa Rin seemed pleased with my surprised reaction and shrugged confidently. "Hwa Rin..." I'm touched. I tried to initiate physical affection casually, moved by emotion. "Let's eat our meal first!" Tsk. ----------------------- “That was a true wuxia-style meal.” I was satisfied. "What do you mean by that?" “It’s just a saying.” “Yoon Ho.” “Yes?” “Can you... tell me about what happened after I lost consciousness?” I had no reason to refuse. Maybe it’s time to move around to aid in digestion. "Storyteller Yoon Ho for Miss Hwa Rin of the Sichuan Tang Clan, I shall recount the events that transpired." With a flourish, I took a folding fan from my bag and assumed an exaggerated storyteller’s pose, as if reviving an old habit. "Giggle. What are you doing now?" You should play along in times like these, Hwa Rin. "I shall forgo the Technique of Remote Narrative today. I humbly request your beautiful smile and applause." "Wahhhhhh!" With Hwa Rin's clapping setting the pace, I began reciting the recent happenings. "I introduce Cheong Yun, the third disciple of Mount Wudang." "Unwind the fates of the Tang Clan." "Eating pineapple pizza! Eugh! Could he truly be a direct descendant of the Sichuan Tang Clan? Unbelievable!" I recounted everything from meeting Cheong Yun after Hwa Rin lost consciousness to the happenings at the Tang family and the Council of Elders. Hwa Rin’s expressions fluctuated between amazement at crucial moments and intense fascination. But soon her face clouded over. Perhaps she regrets what she assumes was a tough ordeal for me. Then I have to share this particular scene. I am the Tiger King, the ruler of the Tang Clan. "So, why did you come here?" Pointing at Hwa Rin, who was engrossed in the narrative of the Council of Elders scene, I spoke with the emotion of that moment. “I came here to protect my woman.” The words held the fervor of that time. "Kyaahhh! Crazy! This is really crazy!" Hwa Rin’s face turned red as she let out a scream. It may be both embarrassing and cringeworthy, but she doesn’t seem to dislike not being able to hide her laughter. “Hahahaha!” ----------- After our storytelling session had ended, we sat by the window with the night view spread before us. “The night view is impressive.” “You’re right. There’s a reason why they call it a city that never sleeps.” I cautiously placed my hand on Hwa Rin’s shoulder and gently pulled her head onto mine. "Yoon Ho. Today was fun, wasn’t it?" “Yeah... Now that our worries are behind us, let's go out more often once we’re back in Yichang.” The night had begun. The scenery of Chengdu by night, the most bustling city in Sichuan Province, was memorably beautiful. Although no exact time had been set for our return, the time to head back was drawing nearer. "......" When I turned my head, Hwa Rin was silently lifting her face to look at me. Her lips appeared particularly red today. ‘Is this an opportunity?’ We kissed once before. Would it be okay to kiss again? Carefully, I moved my head forward. I could see Hwa Rin's eyes shimmering with nervousness. Having enjoyed a pleasant date today, it seemed fitting to conclude with a kiss. There was nobody around to see us. Contrary to my expectation, Hwa Rin, with a face full of apology, gently pushed my face away. Is the place the issue? Even for lovers, in this world, it's not always appropriate to kiss whenever they feel like it. But this moment surely isn’t one of those inappropriate times. As I looked at Hwa Rin, now slightly embarrassed, I noticed a hint of moisture in her eyes. “Hwa Rin?” With an indescribable look of remorse on her face, Hwa Rin shared a shocking truth with me. “I’m sorry, Yoon Ho... I can’t go with you.”