Chapter 299 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

The Encounter – 1 “Humming, humming.” After a day filled with toil and stress, and even a nighttime stroll, typically, she would have collapsed directly onto her bed. However, the woman with pink hair was humming a tune, the day's fatigue forgotten due to an unforgettable experience. “His hands were more reassuring than I imagined.” Just the touch was enough to send a thrill through her chest. Lim Ha Yeon looked at her hand, which had just been holding a man's, with an expression that conveyed some sense of loss. Was it just a feeling? The interwoven fingers felt warmer than anything. It felt as if they were connected, warming her heart and causing something to bloom inside. When they reached the inn and let go of each other's hands, it was as if a cherished part of herself had detached. Cautiously, Lim Ha Yeon brought the warmth that might have lingered in her hand towards her heart. "You said it was a gift for someone you always want to see, right?" After savoring the lingering sensation, Lim Ha Yeon lifted the precious danghye that had been placed nearby, a smile spreading across her face. Crafted with care by a skilled artisan, the floral shoes were a personalized order from Kang Yun Ho for Lim Ha Yeon. The sincerity imbued matched that of the inkstone Kang Yun Ho had received. Jae Gal Hyang’s gift. Lim Ha Yeon’s gift. Which one was more special? Both were gifts made by skilled artisans, but there was a fundamental difference. “She gave it, but I received it.” A gift conveys the heart's sentiments. So it's clear who his heart is with now, without needing to ask. Lim Ha Yeon smiled to herself secretly. Why had she been uneasy and upset for the past few days? Kang Yun Ho was simply striving his best for her. Gazing at the token of his heart, Lim Ha Yeon was able to shed the anxiety that had been plaguing her. Knock, knock. Just then, the sound of knocking came from outside. “Huh?” Who could it be at this hour? There's only one person who would knock at this time. What could it be about? Perhaps there's more to say about what happened today? ‘Is he trying to come into my room?’ An absurd thought fleetingly flashed through Lim Ha Yeon’s mind. What should she say if he did intend to come in? As various scenarios raced through her mind, her gaze momentarily dropped to beneath her feet. "Is there no smell?" She had taken extra care washing her feet today. Lim Ha Yeon brought her nose close to her feet only to realize there was no problem, and she cautiously neared the door. He's probably here to say he enjoyed the day, right? Lim Ha Yeon swallowed dryly for no apparent reason. After rubbing her tense face with her fingers, she opened the door with a coy expression. “Ha Yeon Unni!” The person standing there was not who she had expected. “Oh.” “Hehe. Unni, why do you look disappointed? Did you think it was someone else?” Ha So So asked, grinning as though she knew everything. “That... that's not it. What's up at this hour?” “What else? I came to see if my advice worked. Can I come in?” To think she would leave right after giving advice. Ha So So had been waiting anxiously for Lim Ha Yeon’s return late into the night. “Come in.” “Oh? Unni, something happened, didn’t it!” That strangely joyful expression... she seemed poised to boast about something. Ha So So could tell from Lim Ha Yeon’s expression that something significant had transpired. ————————- “Wow! To give a gift expressing he always wants to see you from the rooftop—Section Chief Kang has some romance.” Ha So So, clasping her cheeks with both hands in admiration, looked like a girl who had just heard a grand story about a hero rescuing their love. “It’s thanks to you, So So.” Lim Ha Yeon spoke, her face blushing slightly as though she was a bit embarrassed to say it aloud. “Hehe. See, Unni, it was just that you two didn’t have enough time alone together.” “…It seems so.” It seemed the chains holding them back prevented them from moving forward. And yet, it was this easy to confirm their feelings for each other. Lim Ha Yeon spoke as she cherished the danghye Kang Yun Ho had given her. “But Unni! We've only taken a single step forward now.” Ha So So clenched her fist and shouted at Lim Ha Yeon. Today she wanted to celebrate purely, but knowing her older sister might be satisfied and stop, she felt she needed to push her a bit further. This wasn’t a situation to be complacent about. “It’s not just a single step, I think.” The courage it took felt like more than just a single step. Lim Ha Yeon pouted her lips in dissatisfaction. “Ha Yeon Unni! Of course, I know Unni worked hard to get here. But that vixen can achieve in a single step what took you months.” “……” “I'd love to just praise you today, Unni, but we’re dealing with the youngest daughter of Jae Gal Se Ga here.” Be it appearance, wealth, or skill—she lacked in none. If such a woman decided to pursue Section Chief Kang, even Ha So So couldn’t predict the level of impact it might have. “But he looks only at me. And being of Jae Gal Se Ga, wouldn’t she grow quickly bored…?” Lim Ha Yeon spoke, mixing a pure wish with an assessment. “Trust in what I saw, Unni! That vixen wasn’t just uninterested in Section Chief Kang. If we leave them together, I do believe something might happen!” Ha So So recalled the two she had seen at the Da Seo Gak branch. From one perspective, it looked like she was looking at a cute younger sibling, but from the other, the gaze was distinctly different. From Ha So So’s keen eye on romantic affairs, it seemed that if just the man gave in, things would easily come together. “……” “Unni, think about it. If Young Master Kang works at the Da Seo Gak branch with the vixen, you’ll be in the same situation! And that’s a direct opponent. Just like today, they’ll make memories together alone.” Lim Ha Yeon nodded, attentively listening to Ha So So's expression of worry. Just a few days ago, Lim Ha Yeon would have nodded along with Ha So So’s words, feeling dejected and worried. She might have anxiously waited for him to return, feeling insecure and dispirited. But today was different. Today, Lim Ha Yeon was the woman who had held Kang Yun Ho's hand and leaped over a hurdle. “I’m not planning to just stand by.” With a determined tone, Lim Ha Yeon began laying out her thoughts to Ha So So. “Unni, what do you have in mind?” “In the end, if I can prevent the two from creating memories at Da Seo Gak, that will be enough, won’t it?” Surely, believing in him and waiting for him endlessly isn’t a bad choice. But isn’t there a better method? Lim Ha Yeon recalled the advice she had just received from An Suk Soo. "Always be within his sight." Lim Ha Yeon decided to take a courageous step today. “I’m going to ask to be involved in managing the Da Seo Gak branch.” She couldn’t just stand by anymore. She needed to step onto the battlefield. Lim Ha Yeon made up her mind to face Jae Gal Hyang. ********************* Helping with the management of the Da Seo Gak branch. While Lim Ha Yeon’s offer was certainly welcomed, there was a significant problem. “Young Lady Ha Yeon helping would be great for me, but there is a problem.” “What problem?” “It’s not like delivering food—you’d have to meet customers face to face, and that’s difficult.” Delivering training to couriers, handling documents, warehouse organization training, negotiations with business partners, and academic training. While Lim Ha Yeon certainly handled a lot of work, she hadn’t been on the front lines at Muhwan. Meanwhile, Da Seo Gak’s work involved interacting with customers. No matter how pleasing Lim Ha Yeon’s offer sounded, they couldn’t let her, who was still considered a fugitive courtesan, face an undefined number of customers. “I wasn't planning on doing all of that. Besides, I can focus more on tasks that involve interacting with just your face, can’t I?” “Certainly, if you help, my workload will decrease, but…” What’s taxing are not the tasks during regular hours but the additional work like documents and partners, indeed. Originally, I was going to rely on Jae Gal Hyang for assistance with this. “As someone who’s worked with you the longest, there should be plenty I can help with at the new branch.” She's quite eager. Emphasizing how long she's been with me, too. Indeed, it might be better to seek help from Lim Ha Yeon, who understands the work, rather than teaching Jae Gal Hyang everything from scratch. “Won’t it be tough?” “Weren’t you the one who suggested we endure together?” The words I had spoken last night. With a confident expression, Lim Ha Yeon looked up at me and spoke. “If that’s the case.” I hadn’t expected those words to be turned back on me like this. I laughed as if I’d been outmaneuvered and spoke up. “Let’s not waste any time. Let’s head to Da Seo Gak and see what needs improvement.” She seemed ready to head to the Da Seo Gak branch immediately. Lim Ha Yeon turned away with a light step. “The enthusiasm is appreciated, but until it opens, Lady Jae Gal Hyang will need to unlock the doors at Da Seo Gak.” “...Do we have to consult with her to proceed?” She looked surprised. Come to think of it, is it really okay to let them meet? It might become awkward between them. “If it’s really an issue, I could get the keys separately...” “No, let’s meet. Let’s talk together tomorrow.” Perhaps last night’s walk was a mental recharge. She was incredibly proactive. Lim Ha Yeon spoke with a serious tone. “Are you sure it's okay?” “I’ll make thorough preparations today, so we’re ready for the meeting.” Her clenched fists and fervent eyes displayed more passion than I’d seen in her recently. Is it really fine to let them meet? ***************** The next day, at the residence of Chief Man Geum. “Lady Jae Gal Hyang, the carriage to Da Seo Gak is ready.” A servant informed Jae Gal Hyang beyond the door that everything was set. “Yes! I’ll come out after the last practice!” “Pardon? We’ll be waiting.” Practice, not dressing up or preparing? The servant found it peculiar but understood that not being overly curious about the master's affairs was key to a comfortable working life. “Almost done with practice now!” Once the sound of footsteps outside disappeared, Jae Gal Hyang stood again in front of her desk. From today, I’ll be managing Da Seo Gak with Young Master Kang Yun Ho. I don’t want to show him anything embarrassing. What she was practicing now was all for him. With a tense face, she swallowed dryly, closed her eyes, and imagined the black-haired young master across the desk, cautiously opening her mouth for the final practice. “Ugh... Americano. Not a short size, but a tall, add an extra shot, and iced, please.” I can’t repeat the same mistake. Jae Gal Hyang was also doing everything to prepare for today’s meeting.