Ch 319 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

**Open Door – 2** Im Ha Yeon's cooking skills had certainly progressed significantly. "I tried setting up a full table of bulgogi beef." A balanced meal with mild side dishes alongside a main dish with a strong flavor, meat. Even the rice had the perfect stickiness I like, accompanied by soup. It was an exceptional meal to start the day. "Wow." I had heard some bustling noises at dawn. So, even with a lack of sleep, she started preparing from dawn? "This time, I prepared everything myself. I did get a little advice from the head chef though..." Im Ha Yeon said to me, fidgeting with her hands a bit, looking slightly embarrassed. "It's delicious. Let's eat together." Only a few months ago, she didn't even know the 'c' of cooking, and now she’s at this level? I was amazed by whether the head chef’s teaching skills were excellent or Im Ha Yeon's ability to absorb knowledge was remarkable. "Hm." Im Ha Yeon let out a pleasant hum, seemingly happy that I was eating without complaint today. "..." "Je Gal So Jeo, does it not suit your taste?" Je Gal Hyang tried a few bites of the side dishes and then silently stared at me. Maybe she doesn't like any of the side dishes. "No. It's tast... well, it's edible." Je Gal Hyang glanced at Im Ha Yeon discreetly and then nodded slightly. "This signifies the end of meals prepared by Ha Yeon So Jeo. The maid is scheduled to come by evening." Lunch would be at the guesthouse, and starting from dinner, the maid would cook, concluding Im Ha Yeon’s meal prepping for now. With deliberate exaggeration, I spoke to Im Ha Yeon with a hint of disappointment on my face. "If you want, I can keep cooking for you?" "I'm looking forward to dinner then." "Just go ahead and insult me!" "It, it was tasty." Her growth was indeed commendable. Even if it was a significant leap from zero to where she is now. Having a woman cook specially for me is kind of a dream scenario, but for everyday meals, professional cooking is preferable after all. "Haa. I’ll bring out the tea." I wondered if something was on my face, or perhaps Je Gal Hyang So Jeo typically didn’t eat breakfast. Je Gal Hyang nibbled sparingly at the meal while continuing to glance at me throughout, right up until the end of the meal. "Thanks." Je Gal Hyang So Jeo and I decided to conclude our meal with the tea Im Ha Yeon poured. "...?!" Upon taking a sip of the tea Im Ha Yeon poured for her, Je Gal Hyang gave the cup a look of surprise. "Haha. Ha Yeon So Jeo is quite good at brewing tea." I didn't have a regular tea-drinking habit myself, but I made sure to have the tea Im Ha Yeon brewed meticulously. "There are also sweets, so do let me know if you want more." As Im Ha Yeon offered the sweets, Je Gal Hyang watched her with a peculiar expression before reaching for the treats. The meal seemed about over; maybe it was time to discuss business matters. "I have matters to discuss with both of you." ————— "With the reorganization of the branch's documents nearly complete, let's discuss the promotion related to the branch." Living with the two of them makes for a good morning. The branch owner, the manager, and me. All gathered in the morning at the mansion's living room for discussion. Of course, having perhaps the most beautiful women in Hubei sitting beside me, just contemplating that scene was aesthetically pleasing, to speak plainly. "With the reputation of Tang Family Wind, wouldn't it be sufficient without much promotion?" Im Ha Yeon placed her teacup on the table and tilted her head at my words. The Tang Family Wind was becoming well-known in Hubei Province, and the faux Ho Pil incident further amplified its fame. There were instances of people inquiring about Tang Family Wind at the branch even before its opening. "There might be fewer people visiting the library for Tang Family Wind than expected. Avid readers could have found various ways to acquire and read Tang Family Wind." Although the book is not sold in Wuchang, readers could have obtained copies from Yichang or illegal reprints from other cities. "That could be the case. Unlike Yichang, with many large bookstores like Mankum Bookstore, we have to consider competitors too." "So, let's come up with ways to promote the Wuchang branch together. Does Je Gal So Jeo have any ideas?" "..." Turning my head, I found Je Gal Hyang lost in thought, staring blankly. "Je Gal So Jeo?" "Ah, ho... no! I mean, Kang Gong-ja!" Was she daydreaming, or maybe feeling sleepy after breakfast? Upon re-explaining the need for promotion, Je Gal Hyang shook her head. "Then perhaps I should share my plan first." Of course, it’s hard to expect ideas to pop up right away in the morning. I alternated my gaze between the two women and spoke. "Have you thought of anything?" I nodded towards Im Ha Yeon. Among previously read Tang Family Wind readers. Those who have heard of but never read it. I had a strategy prepared for readers who would now become avid fans. "As a part of celebrating the branch’s opening, we plan to use Ho Pil’s signed copies as prizes." My strategy involved signed copies. A promotional tactic frequently used even in modern times. "What? Whose signed copies?" "Ho Pil’s signed copies?" Both women sprang from their chairs, surprised, and looked at me. "When someone purchases a book, they will receive a ticket for a lottery, and at the end of the month, winners will be drawn." "Ho Pil's signed copies..." "With this method, even readers who have already read Tang Family Wind would have a higher incentive to buy the versions sold at the branch." "That would surely draw the literary society to make purchases." "Can, can I also buy one?" They’re a bit too surprised for what's to come. I chuckled softly and began to elaborate. "This isn't all." I have another plan too. "When you smile like that, it makes me anxious." That's too much. Anxious? No, be excited. "For the first month, one signed copy, two in the second month, three in the third month will be put up as prizes." "Then if someone wants to get all three signed volumes, they will have to buy again in the later months?" "Yes. If one wants all three signed copies, they’ll have to keep purchasing Tang Family Wind for the subsequent months." The lottery is set to span three rounds, encouraging continuous purchases to obtain all signed copies. "Wow..." "That sounds just like you—a shrewd tactic. Why not offer an additional gift for collectors who gather all three volumes?" Seeing the long-missed merchant side of Kang Yunho, Im Ha Yeon looked at me with an amused yet resigned smile. "As expected of Ha Yeon So Jeo. You know me so well." How did she figure it out? "Pardon?" "Once they've collected all three, they can receive a signed fourth volume for free with their next purchase. Tell me, won't collectors drool over this?" Simply receiving one signed copy should not suffice. Gather all the signed editions to earn the next one for free. If you stop collecting, you won't get the fourth signed volume. Keep trying until you have them all. This was a ruthless method known as the "complete gacha." "..." "Sigh. I've succumbed as well..." While Je Gal Hyang seemed speechless, Im Ha Yeon sighed softly with a bitter expression. ———————- "It's a good idea, but there's a problem." Im Ha Yeon spoke as she reheated the tea. "What problem?" "After obtaining permission from Ho Pil for the signed copies, delivering the books to him from the bookstore, having him sign them one by one, and receiving them back to send out as prizes, could take ages, don't you think?" The distance from Yichang to Wuchang by waterway is akin to traveling from Seoul to Busan. Even by boat, considering round trips for every step, it would be impossible to determine when the signed copies would arrive, let alone before the opening. It was a valid point. "Trust me, I have a solution." In fact, I anticipated this and prepared in advance. I can just say Ho Pil sent them when the time is right. "If you say so." "..." Why does Je Gal So Jeo keep staring at my face? Feeling her gaze on me, I turned my head slightly. "Je Gal So Jeo, do you have something to say?" When I turned to her, Je Gal Hyang bashfully averted her eyes and spoke. "Is Ho Pil personally coming here?" No, she's right here. "Ah! That's right. Ho Pil can come himself." "It's not like that, but I have another method. No need to worry too much. If anyone has better ideas?" "..." It seems like Je Gal Hyang is passing, and even if she did have ideas, she isn't the type to assert them actively. Should I inquire later in something like a diary? "How about distributing flyers?" When I shifted my gaze to Im Ha Yeon, she suggested an idea. "Like when we opened the guesthouse franchise?" "But this time, have the branch staff distribute them in qipao." "..." Genius. "W-why? We could just have the guards accompany them, couldn't we?" No need to be embarrassed. This is an idea worth a thumbs-up. "Looks like climbing down the mountain is justified now." From predicting the complete gacha to adapting the flyer strategy I taught them, Im Ha Yeon truly amazes me. I even gave a small applause to Im Ha Yeon. "What on earth are you talking about?" Im Ha Yeon waved her hands, unsure whether to feel pleased or resigned, with a subtly ambiguous smile. "Um..." "Yes, Je Gal So Jeo." Could it be that Je Gal Hyang has an applause-worthy idea too? If so, I’d give her a bonus with a round of seal clapping. I looked at her expectantly. "What is a qipao?" "Ah, Je Gal So Jeo hasn't seen the staff's qipao yet, has she." We haven't distributed them to the staff yet since we ordered expensive silk outfits for the new employees. "Shall I demonstrate?" With a charitable grin, Im Ha Yeon started to rise from her seat. "Show us when the staff qipao are ready." No. What time do you think it is now to be wearing that? "Why though? Do we really need to wait?" "We have a tight schedule for today." "It won’t take long..." "Since it seems like we’ll be pressed for time even if we head out now, let's get moving. I'll help with cleaning up." Though she gave me a puzzled look, realizing I wasn't wrong, Im Ha Yeon joined in for clearing up. Phew. Smoothly diverted. Truthfully, I've already requested Man Geum Tailor to make a qipao for Je Gal Hyang too, so I couldn't confess my desire to see both of them wearing them together. ****** "Ugh. It’s hard not to feel inadequate..." Isn't the primary role of a legitimate spouse to excel in household management? Appearance, work, cooking, tea—every aspect, compared to her, I find no room to edge in closer... "I too wish to be of help to Kang Gong-ja like Ha Yeon unnie..." What can someone like me, whose strengths lie in drawing and imagination, do to offer more help than Ha Yeon unnie? As a real estate owner and the youngest daughter of the Je Gal family, unemployed Je Gal Hyang murmured in distress alone in her room, after the two professionals departed for work. "Miss Je Gal Hyang, you haven’t packed up your room yet, have you!" "Eek!" Seemingly out of nowhere, the maid entered. Startled by the sudden visit, Je Gal Hyang jumped to her feet. "Here is the information you wanted about Kang Gong-ja and Ho Pil the author. When I spoke to the director, he organized it nicely." "Thank youuu." "I'm going to start cleaning from the outside, so please gather any items you need and set them aside." After surveying the mess that Je Gal Hyang's room had become in just a few days, the maid sighed internally, rolled up her sleeves, and stepped out. "Come to think of it, now's not the time for this." With the information the maid handed over, Je Gal Hyang hurried to her desk. A suspicion she realized yesterday. Why does Kang Gong-ja's handwriting match Ho Pil's? Why are the styles in Kang Gong-ja's diary and Ho Pil's Tang Family Wind so similar? Even the strange feeling she got during the breakfast session. With the given and newfound information, and the facts she had seen, she spread them before her on the desk and in her mind, retracing them one by one. "Indeed, more evidence is needed." If her hypothesis was correct, a missing piece—a line or a pebble—was necessary to complete the puzzle. How can I find the evidence? Je Gal Hyang thought about the room beyond the hallway filled with clues. No, that would be impolite. But isn't the truth in there? Is anything more important than that? After much deliberation, Je Gal Hyang nodded to herself. "It's been a while... time to spring into action." Master of home concealment, genius of escape, and adept at formations—Je Gal Hyang pulled a box out from a corner. "I won't get caught." She was planning to sneak into Kang Gong-ja's room. ************** Returning home after wrapping up work, I opened the door to my room and spotted a familiar box. What is this? In an instant, the box attempted to slip out through the open door. Oh no you don't. I quickly shut the door faster than anyone could. "Eek!" A small, barely audible squeal emanated from the box. 'Why is this in my room?' As I shifted my gaze from the box, the area around it appeared hazy. Is it the perception-disrupting formation I've seen before? Moving to the side of the door out of surprise, the box, realizing there was nothing obstructing its escape, began to move cautiously. Though its movement was completely visible to me. "Je Gal So Jeo." "......" The box trembled suddenly as if startled. "So Jeo, just because you're under a box doesn't mean you're invisible." "What? How did you know?" Ah, it's because of something called focused attention. I can see the box too. "If you have something to say, why not take off the box and speak." "Eek! Kang Gong-jaaa!" I lifted the box in one swift motion, and Je Gal Hyang looked up at me with the expression of a bewildered beaver whose dam had been demolished overnight. "What brings you to my room?" "I, um, this..." Je Gal Hyang hesitantly handed me a book I recognized. It was a signed copy of "Tang Family Wind" by Ho Pil. Was she such a fan that she came seeking the signed copy? "Kang Gong-ja, may I ask you something?" "Yes, please go ahead." This could be tricky—maybe she's about to ask why the signed copy is here. Should I simply say I had it beforehand and hand one over to just smooth things out? Or should I get upset for entering a man's room uninvited to keep her quiet? As these thoughts raced through my mind, Je Gal Hyang's earnest expression posed a question that blew all my concerns away. "Are you Ho Pil, Kang Gong-ja?"