294 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Gift - 5 What if the subsidiary of Daseogak can clear the trial with its revenue alone? The business was unnecessary. The profits from selling Dangapungun are the best, after all. Haha. Please finalize the invoice. I'm finally free from being a debtor. Goodbye. Will Man Geum Jeon Joo just sit back and let that happen? Although he seems to favor me, he's an eccentric who conveys distorted goodwill, so I must not let my guard down. Seeing the impeccably set-up branch of Daseogak today cemented my certainty. There’s no way he will remain idle. "If you marry my granddaughter, you can take this building as a part of your dowry." An all-too-obvious bait. What marriage are you talking about when I could just pocket the net profit and finish the trial? He wouldn't just stand by if I said something like that. Of course, I have no intention of relinquishing the profits of the branch. Yet, I cannot underestimate Man Geum Jeon Joo. So, what should I do? The solution had been prepared long ago. "Though the owner may differ, this is still a branch of Daseogak. Naturally, it should follow the operational policies of the main store, right?" Let’s start the conversation there. This is not an independently owned bookstore in Mushan. It is a branch of Daseogak. Reaffirm this with the fact that even Man Geum Jeon Joo acknowledges it. “Yes, of course.” Now that he acknowledges it, it's time to present the strategy. “In that case, I will purchase the branch's books through the Daseogak main store.” Worried about upsetting him by touching the net profit? Then I'll just take the middleman margin. Seeing my unexpected proposal, Jeon Un Yeob widened his eyes in surprise. “Though Yichang is nearby, books that sell well in Mushan will sell at an incomparable pace to Yichang. We can forge connections with printing houses instead.” “There is a dedicated printing shop at the Yichang main store. We can handle it just fine.” I counted three with my fingers, indicating the number of printers we have. “Do you really mean to say you own three of those expensive printers?” “Two of them are even state-of-the-art machines. That should suffice to run the Mushan branch smoothly.” “Unless you plan to transport them via the Yangtze River, that’s quite a challenge.” Printing isn’t the end of it. What about transport? That seems to be his meaning. But, I have already sorted that out. “We’ve established a long-term contract with Seo Cheon Pyo Guk, so there’s no issue.” “You've prepared even that far ahead?” His bewilderment is amusing. I planned the Daseogak branch setup when I returned to Yichang. Exclusively supply books to the branches along the Yangtze River. Daseogak, the first bookstore to release Dangapungun. It would undoubtedly be effective. Although the branch's inauguration came sooner than expected. Even Man Geum Jeon Joo can’t interfere with the main store's operational policies now that he's permitted the branch to open. “Are you offering aid in terms of operations via Man Geum Jeon Jang?” I posed a question to the speechless Jeon Un Yeob. Surprised? Well, that’s just the beginning. There’s something more at play. “Naturally. Neither of you has connections in Mushan. We plan to support you actively until you settle. Initially, we intended to assist with book purchases through Man Geum Bookstore.” “Were you also planning to provide employees from Man Geum Jeon Jang?” I offered him a light smile and glanced around Daseogak. A colossal bookstore in the bustling center. It will certainly need lots of manpower. Wondering what schemes I’m plotting, Jeon Un Yeob opened his mouth with a hint of unease. “Surely... you're not considering employing Chosun people, are you? While they make fine couriers, customers might feel uncomfortable with them as bookstore staff, so it's not advisable.” “No. Most employees will be sourced from Man Geum Jeon Jang.” Did you think I was some kind of Chosun association leader? Nice guess, but wrong. What I really want is something else. “Most of them, you say?” “Some of the staff have been trained especially for this occasion.” To be precise, sparring-like training to prepare talents just for this purpose. “What? What do you mean...?” “Please, you mustn’t come in!” I was about to explain how the operations would be managed when the commotion from outside the door became audible. “I’m here to see my manager, who happens to be yours too!” “You can’t come in!” “Oh! Manager Kang!” Seems like someone found us. The girl waving her hand from outside was Ha So So. “Perfect timing, let her in. Long time no see, So So.” I called out cheerfully to the girl I hadn’t seen in a while. Her arriving at the branch was unexpected, but it works out well. Time to act as if everything is going according to a grand plan. “Heehee!” Once the resistance by the entrance slackened, So So curled up like a rabbit and bounced over to me. “Who might this young lady be?” “She’s one of the talents I’ve prepared. The branch intends to employ managerial positions dispatched from the main store.” Managers who diligently built their practical experience in Yichang. Together with the printing shop, they’re crucial cards that will help me earn. ------------------- The Daseogak branch. In essence, it aligns with the core of the franchise business I’m running in Mushan, just like the food delivery endeavor. It’s all about how much influence the main store wields over the branch. Publishing through the print shop, dispatching main store managers to branches, monopolizing key personnel and goods from the main store suffice. It’s a business model even Man Geum Jeon Joo can’t help but acknowledge. “So So, are you looking for someone?” Reuniting with the endearing So So, who scoured the area as if hunting for a relative who would hand out holiday money. I’m the one paying your salary, so who exactly are you seeking here? “Oh, it’s nothing! Wow! Daseogak seems bigger than Yichang.” “The managers might have to put in some extra effort. You did say you wanted to help, right?” I’ve already informed Yichang about the selection process for branch managers. “Yes! I came both to scout things out and to have a bit of fun!” “With So So coming over, all of us will be reassured. It’s a brave decision to come alone to a distant place.” “Hehe! There are lots of people I know here, like the manager and my big sister. Plus, they offer room and board along with better pay. I have to work hard to save up for a good dowry when I meet an ideal husband!” So So said this as if it were no big deal. In a world where girls typically marry in their late teens to early twenties, even the cheerful So So has her struggles as the daughter of a poor family. "Haha, I see. Is everything running smoothly at the Yichang Daseogak?" “No! Do you know how big the gap was after you left, Manager?” So So looked at me as if I’d done something terrible. "Haha." "The management staff were in a fuss about what to do without you." “I heard you all adapted quickly and are managing well now.” “Well, that’s because everyone there is from literary backgrounds and quite talented. And Manager Baek was also there.” Certainly, Manager Baek, a reliable leader with experience overseeing the large Baek Clan. He’s the best person to entrust with such responsibilities. "Thanks to him, I could come here without worry." "Ugh... He rained down scoldings for every little mistake, so everyone was praying for your quick return, Manager." So So reenacted Manager Baek’s anger, shuddering slightly as if hearing his voice in her ear. “I hope I can return soon too.” I look forward to finishing this trial so I can peacefully write Volume 4 of Dangapungun in Yichang. "But, Manager." As I was lost in my thoughts with a somewhat bitter expression, So So stepped closer and called out to me. "Hmm?" Why does she look so cautious? “Where is she?” So So quietly asked, covering her mouth with one hand. “Who are you talking about?” Why is she glancing around like that? Is she really looking for someone rather than just checking out Daseogak? “Maybe she’s extremely ugly and hiding somewhere…” Before I could ask who she meant, a loud voice sounded from the entrance. “Lady Je-gal Hyang has arrived!” Has she finally come? What’s this? As I turned to look at the entrance, So So dashed there even faster. "What, ah!?" "Hmm?" “Oh my goooosh!” So So, why are you screaming like that? ************* "Kang Gongjinim." Barely coming to her senses, Je-gal Hyang approached Kang Yoon Ho with the gait of melting ice cream that had barely regained shape. “You’re alright, I presume?” Surprised by Je-gal Hyang's unsteady approach, Kang Yoon Ho moved toward her with a concerned expression. “Ha! Yes. I suddenly feel better!” Even though it was hard to make it here, I suddenly feel wide awake. Je-gal Hyang's heart filled with a strange sensation upon seeing Kang Yoon Ho's worried expression. “I’m glad to hear that.” “By the way, who’s that person next to you…?" Why is she glaring at me? She seems really furious. Je-gal Hyang instinctively hunched her shoulders. “…….” Ha So So’s eyes were ablaze. “I-I’m sorry for askinggggg!” The atmosphere was somehow demanding an apology. Je-gal Hyang found herself unable to help but bow her head at the fiery gaze directed her way. “She’s one of our main store’s employees. She must be nervous about being the branch owner. So So, this is Lady Je-gal Hyang, the branch owner. …So So?” “I-I shouldn’t be doing this…” Ha So So introduced herself to Je-gal Hyang, then disappeared into a corner, still trembling slightly. “Now that Lady Je-gal Hyang is here, shall we move to the second floor?” Nodding at the chaotic atmosphere, Je-gal Hyang and Kang Yoon Ho followed along with Jeon Un Yeob to ascend to the second floor. ——————– “Wow!” “My goodness…” The view that greeted them on the second floor of Daseogak could rival that of any prestige store in Mushan. “We designed the second floor with the intent of creating something that represents Mushan. Made from the finest wood, farri wood, it includes spaces for reading, tea drinking, and conversation—all designed with care.” Jeon Un Yeob’s words matched the elegance of the second floor’s exquisite arrangement. “You’ve put considerable effort into the counter as well.” Kang Yoon Ho pointed to a lavishly equipped counter, perfect for preparing various refreshments. “Although pressed for time, we acquired these built-in products, which should serve their purpose well.” “Very nice! Well then, Lady Je-gal Hyang.” With a playful grin, Kang Yoon Ho glanced at Je-gal Hyang. “Yes?” “Would you care for a cup of coffee?” Je-gal Hyang watched in a slight daze as Kang Yoon Ho moved skillfully into the counter, much like an experienced staff member in an upscale store. ‘Kang Gongjinim is making coffee for mee!’ Je-gal Hyang found herself unable to look away from Kang Yoon Ho, engrossed in inspecting the new equipment with a serious demeanor. The sight of her romantic interest working diligently, dressed neatly, for her sake. Even though just a counter separated them, Je-gal Hyang suddenly felt a peculiar thrill upon seeing an unfamiliar side of Kang Yoon Ho. “Ha. Yes, please, I’d love some coffee.” For some reason, it felt as though she was Kang Gongjinim’s only customer. Giggling softly, Je-gal Hyang replied. “Is there a particular type you enjoy?” “I'll have whatever you recommend.” “To run Daseogak, you must also experience such situations. Conveniently, there is a menu here, although not Daseogak’s. Tell me what you’d like to try, and I’ll make it for you.” Je-gal Hyang studied the presented menu. "Ah, uh, um..." It’s her first time ordering something in such a setting… She couldn't finish her sentence. “No need to feel pressured. Since this is your first time, consider it practice for making orders.” Indeed. She would make her first-ever coffee order while learning from Kang Gongjinim. Important things to know for running Daseogak with him. Plucking up her courage, Je-gal Hyang finally made her choice. “A-an americano, please.” Her order seemed impeccable. “Please choose a cup size.” That was only the beginning. “Huh?” “There are options listed on the menu.” Beside the word ‘americano’ were various letters unfamiliar to Je-gal Hyang. ‘What kind of writing is this? An americano is just an americano, isn’t it? I’ve never seen this before. Can I ask Kang Gongjinim? What if he gets disappointed to find out I don't know something like this?’ With a trembling hand, Je-gal Hyang pointed to the letters next to ‘americano’ and opened her mouth. “An americano, T, please.” “Ah, a tall size?” Tall size? What is that? Is it big? I can’t handle big. Then, with a shaky hand, she pointed to another set of letters. “Then S. S-small, please.” “Ah, a short size, you mean.” If not big, small will do… but what’s a short? Why do they have to use such foreign terms on the menu? Je-gal Hyang felt an urge to scream. “Then, T, no, tall size, please.” Is it finally over? She sighed with relief at Kang Yoon Ho's nod. “Would you like it cold or hot?” “C-cold, please.” At least she managed that. Je-gal Hyang felt like giving a round of applause to her own quick reflexes. “I’ll put in a moderate amount of ice. Would you like an extra shot of espresso?” But her order wasn’t finished just yet. ‘A shot? What’s a shot? Is it different from a short? I clearly ordered a tall. Could it be that Kang Gongjinim misspoke? No, it couldn’t be. What am I supposed to do? I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of Kang Gongjinim. I don’t want him to think I’m a girl who can’t even order a coffee… it’s so confusing.’ “Ah, I... ummmm...” “Sojeo? Lady Je-gal?” A few hours ago, Je-gal Hyang had practically melted; now she was freezing up like ice. Ordering coffee on her own. It remained a daunting challenge for her. “Haa… I’m in trouble.” Watching her from the sidelines, Ha So So murmured, her expression somewhat depleted.