“Brother! Why are you suddenly talking about inns…?”
Huh?
We must not make the fish suspicious. I looked at the Three-Eyed Sword, Cho Cheol, with wide, startled eyes as if I were hearing something completely unexpected.
The Three-Eyed Sword seemed a bit embarrassed for suddenly bringing up business, and awkwardly cleared his throat before speaking.
Hrm. “Well… I’m at an age where I should start thinking about retirement. I thought it might be good to buy an inn.”
I understand. Isn’t everyone thinking about retirement while starting businesses and buying real estate?
The problem with the Three-Eyed Sword is that he wants to do it with someone else’s money.
I could feel the excitement of someone who unexpectedly found an opportunity in Cho Cheol’s eyes. However, that excitement was not yet blazing bright.
‘I shouldn’t show him the contract right away.’
If you blow too much wind into a small flame, it will fizzle out instead of catching fire.
“Ah, come on, brother. Don’t do that. Business is something people can’t handle.”
Instead of pushing the fish, I decided to shake the bait lively. I was fanning the flames of enthusiasm.
I waved my hands and implored with a voice like someone suffering from the triple hardships of self-employment.
“Isn’t it just putting a spoon into my brother’s promising business? What could be so difficult about that?”
“It’s dealing with people, isn’t it? You’re the kind of brother who can silence the surrounding martial artists with just a cough, yet you want to dive into a business filled with all sorts of trouble?”
I touched my forehead with my finger and shook my head side to side as if it were a really troublesome matter. In a way, it’s a reasonable logic. However, it’s a logic full of holes, given the flames that have already caught.
“Do you think I’ve been a master for a thousand years? I once risked my life swinging a sword just to have a meal.”
The flames dug in and burned even brighter.
“If you start a delivery business, you’ll be working under me. How can I… No, you can’t.”
Just thinking about it made me cross my arms in despair.
“As a ronin, it’s common for me to bow my head to even a young whippersnapper as long as the money is right. You’ll want to show respect between your brother and me, so what’s the problem?”
“Brother, it looks like you’re tempted by a good opportunity, but as your younger brother, let me say this. Your money isn’t just a small amount, and this isn’t something you’re doing for the first time, either. If you’re genuinely interested, you can take your time and look into it later.”
I hurriedly suppressed the Three-Eyed Sword’s enthusiasm and pushed him back into thought.
“Ugh…”
The flames, however, didn’t die down; rather, they seemed to burn brighter, wanting to incite even more enthusiasm.
‘Is it time to throw some logs on the fire?’
It was time. I subtly sent a prepared signal.
“Brother-in-law, what are you all so intensely talking about?”
Jeon Gil-san came in as if he had been waiting, carrying a tray of alcohol and placing it on the table.
“Brother, this precious wine…”
“It’s fine. Since you brought my hometown brother along, you should at least offer this much. By the way, is it because of the inn that there’s a commotion?”
“Ha ha! It’s such a good place that there’s a lot to talk about.”
I subtly turned the bottle of alcohol around, letting Jeon Gil-san see its front. It was the signal for Plan B. Let’s get started.
“Give it to me. Do I really have to give it to the Joseon Person Association? I’ll throw in extra on top of what I said. I’m considering opening a third location too.”
“… A third location?”
The Three-Eyed Sword, Cho Cheol, looked at me as if asking what I was talking about.
“Gil-san’s establishment has two locations in Wuhan. This is the first location.”
“Because of my brother-in-law, I started a business I never expected to have. Who would have thought that a guy who usually enjoyed food and drink would find this suitable for his talents? Thanks to that, I’m now considering opening a second location, and now I’m thinking about a third.”
“Brother Kang…”
Why can he do it, but I can’t? Is this discrimination? It’s even so appealing that I’m willing to pay extra for it. I can tell from the look in Cho Cheol’s eyes without even opening his mind.
“Gil-san, I was just managing to put a stop to it…”
“What? Did I do something wrong?”
As I muttered in frustration, Jeon Gil-san replied with an expression that suggested he didn’t understand the situation. His awkward act was quite funny in this context.
“So, it’s a place that everyone praises. I want to have a look at it too.”
“Ah, the voice is really great… but I truly oppose you starting a business.”
“I’ve lived through this perilous Martial Arts World with my own eyes and intuition. My intuition tells me to press on without question.”
That kind of intuition should be used in the Martial Arts World.
Letting out a long sigh as if there was nothing I could do, I eventually spoke.
“Tomorrow, the inn will be empty. Why don’t we go check out the inn tomorrow? And I hope you continue to think about it.”
“We’ll see tomorrow.”
Even with my suggestion, there was no sign of contemplating in the Three-Eyed Sword’s voice.
——
“There’s no way he would contemplate,”
People tend to want to do what they’re told not to do. I spoke while organizing today’s events in my mansion office.
“Why don’t I just refuse? I should have told him to sign the contract right away.”
Jeon Gil-san was sitting in my office, looking curious.
“It’s because of the importance of desire.”
“Desire?”
“It would be good if he could keep playing on the board I made, but some realize halfway through. ‘Huh? Why am I moving forward when I was just sitting still? Something is off!’ Suddenly, they start looking around. ‘Why should I buy this inn?’ The moment they feel even a hint of doubt, the whole game crumbles.”
“Then wouldn’t it have been better to proceed quickly?”
“No. Rather, it’s about creating focus. The finish line right in front of them has to be so attractive that they stop noticing why that dude is interfering. They lose the time to look around. Clearly, it’s something someone else set up, but they start mistaking it. ‘I’m racing with my own will. I want to run more.’ Their field of vision narrows down to just the finish line.”
Only the finish line I set exists.
“Is that why you gave him a day’s time?”
“To make him want to sign the contract badly. That way, he’ll also repay the interest.”
In the mind of the Three-Eyed Sword, he must be picturing his second life.
“Interest? Isn’t he just holding a voucher?”
“I heard that when Hogazhang collapsed, they touched the property of Hogazhang. They fled with the valuables.”
What a remarkable person he is.
“Are you planning to take everything under the pretense of an investment? Such a scary guy…”
“We’ll see. Anyway, thanks for your hard work today.”
Did I surprise him by complimenting him willingly? Jeon Gil-san opened his eyes wide, looking perplexed, before a sly grin began to appear on his face.
“Right? Wasn’t my act pretty good? I think I have more talent than I thought.”
“It wasn’t bad. But why have you been visiting so often these days? Not working?”
It seems like he naturally follows me home now.
“If it were you, would you want to miss out on the chance to directly witness such an interesting situation? Deceiving a master? That’s something you can’t even buy with money!”
Don’t come close with such an interesting expression. This is just hanging out after all.
“At least make sure the paperwork is done.”
“I left everything to Hyang-yi…”
Jeon Gil-san looked over at Zhuge So-ja, who was diligently working on the paperwork in a corner, and shot me a glance as if to say ‘Isn’t that pitiful?’
Using the factual argument like a coward. Zhuge So-ja is subtly looking my way. I’m feeling a pang of conscience.
I could say I’m sorry to Zhuge So-ja a hundred times, but I can’t lose to Jeon Gil-san. I boldly turned around behind Zhuge So-ja.
“She’s my Zhuge So-ja, you know.”
We’ve promised a future together!
“…”
I’m sorry. Don’t look at me like that. I know it sounds trashy coming from me.
“Hueh.”
As Zhuge So-ja was momentarily at a loss for words, she smiled, covering her lips as if she were pleased.
“Hyang-yi, say a word to make her work.”
“Ah, um, well… If Master Kang wishes, then I’m okay with it…”
It felt like a halo was shining behind Zhuge So-ja!
“Zhuge So-ja… Is there anything to assist with? I’ll help right away.”
I gave Jeon Gil-san the finishing blow to prevent him from nagging any further. He might seem a little irresponsible, but once Zhuge So-ja says she’ll take care of everything, it’ll be done.
As I waited for a response, Zhuge So-ja avoided my gaze and cautiously spoke.
“Actually… there’s quite a bit of work piled up…”
Ah.
“Sorry, sorry!”
“Pfft!”
Don’t laugh at me, you jerk.
——
“Has my brother arrived?”
The next day, the Three-Eyed Sword seemed anxious, arriving earlier than the agreed time and pacing outside the inn.
“Brother, you were waiting. The details about the inn will be handled by Man-sik, who works under me.”
“Man-sik! Nice to meet you!”
It’s usually better if I explain, but now I’m in a position to hold back the Three-Eyed Sword. I needed support to fan the flames properly at times like this.
“Nice to meet you.”
I took the Three-Eyed Sword, who appeared even more excited than yesterday, into the inn.
“This is the place. To the north, there are many residential areas where men have come to Wuhan to find work. The workplaces are clustered in the southwest, and to the south, there’s a road leading to the port, so those passing through Wuhan can rest at this inn.”
Man-sik stuck close to the Three-Eyed Sword and began his explanation one by one.
“Right. It’s right next to three paths.”
“Do men cook at home? Nowadays, they order takeout. And on their way back after work? Right, this inn is waiting for them to stop by.”
“Of course, they drink a little wine.”
“Exactly. It’s a place where they desperately want to have a drink, so the alcohol business thrives here. Also, those who disembark at the port but want an affordable place to stay visit this inn for a room.”
“Just listening to it sounds good.”
Man-sik seems to have done well as a manager; he’s following my instructions flawlessly. He can become a successful entrepreneur at any moment. He’s definitely fanning the flames of anticipation.
I exchanged glances with Man-sik, who was a step away, and nodded.
Now, lead him to the top floor. Man-sik naturally guided us to the top floor and opened a window.
“You can’t just finish by listening. Come up and look outside. Right in front of you are the three paths. That’s the Left Azure Dragon! Here’s the Right White Tiger! That’s the Vermilion Bird over there! I kid you not! If this inn hadn’t been lost to gambling, it could have supported three generations! Three generations!”
The Three-Eyed Sword stared blankly out the window, stunned.
‘From the inn’s top floor, it ends here.’
Isn’t it the nature of those in power to sit high? When looking down from above, they feel everything belongs to them.
An inn located at a three-way intersection. A business that is sure to succeed. Cho Cheol is experiencing the joy of success at the top.
“Brother, how much do I need to start a business at this inn?”
The voice of the Three-Eyed Sword, standing at the summit, trembled slightly.
“There are both cheaper and normal ways.”
I spoke cautiously, as if I couldn’t defeat brother-in-law.
“Two methods?”
“One way is for you to join the Joseon Person Association’s funds pool. If you join now, you’ll just be in line, and while it might take a while, you’ll get various benefits.”
“Funds pool? It’s been a while since I heard that. But isn’t it long to wait in line?”
“You’ll be waiting for about ten years.”
“Ten years? That’s too long!”
“Then you can pay all the expenses like my brother-in-law.”
I presented him with documents estimating a multitude of expenses including the price of purchasing the inn, franchise fees, and rental fees for the Nine Black Qi Hands.
“This money is too much, isn’t it?!”
“Ha ha. This is Hubei Province’s capital, Wuhan. Why would I give it up lightly?”
This is the capital of Hubei Province, right? The opportunity is ripe. Do you think I could build a business for a pittance?
I brushed off Cho Cheol’s doubts about being taken advantage of with laughter.
“Still, it seems excessive…”
Well, of course. It’s like making them pay back both principal and interest.
“I think so too.”
“Uh?”
There’s no need to insist otherwise. As I nodded without hesitation, Cho Cheol looked at me in bewilderment.
“I’m just showing you. It’s really a chance to buy this with a good price, but it’s not meant to be. If you’re not in a hurry, you can take your time looking for another establishment.”
Of course, the Three-Eyed Sword is extremely anxious!
It’s a slight but excessive price. Because it’s Wuhan. It’s a location where three generations can thrive. It’s a great inn, but it’s not meant to be. I let out a soft sigh of regret, as if I had no intention of accepting brother’s money.
“Hmm…”
Why do I feel regret instead of affirmation?
It’s clear to everyone that this is a great spot. It’s a location that I’d want to invest in even if it were overkill.
The Three-Eyed Sword wavered. He wants to swallow the bait dangling right in front of him, but he’s hesitating at the last moment.
What Cho Cheol needs is that final push. To wrap things up, I sent a glance toward Man-sik.
“Club Leader, should I contact the sister-in-law to come over?”
“Sure. Let’s deal with everything at once today. Let her come over…”
“There’s no need for that.”
“Brother?”
“I’ll just buy that opportunity with my money instead.”
In the end, the Three-Eyed Sword swallowed the bait.
——
“We agreed to sign the contract in two days.”
I’ll collect all valuables and give them as a lump sum. I informed Cho Cheol about the person who would buy the valuables.
“Really… will it succeed?”
“Seems like we’re almost there.”
I said it lightly, but inside I let out a small sigh. It’s definitely not easy.
“…”
Why is Zhuge So-ja wearing such a dark expression?
“Zhuge So-ja, do you have any worries?”
“Ah, no, it’s just…”
She seems to have something to say but is holding back. After months of living together, I can somewhat gauge Zhuge So-ja’s expressions.
“I will listen attentively. Please say whatever you want.”
As I looked at her with the intent of hearing anything she says, Zhuge So-ja soon opened her mouth carefully.
“I’m worried about the Three-Eyed Sword finding out the truth about the vouchers being taken.”
Zhuge So-ja’s eyes were filled with concern for me.
“Ah! Right? After paying off the investment, what will you do? I feel like the Three-Eyed Sword will get really angry.”
That’s true. Even after repaying the debt, people will still remain. There will definitely be some lingering personal grudges.
But.
“It’s fine.”
I can’t care less.
“What’s fine? He’s just a runaway with money! Should I call some people from the Man Geum Battlefield to prevent him from retaliating or something? I bet even grandma would help if he said the collection work was over.”
I smiled at the two who looked at me worryingly.
“I’ve already made preparations.”
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