Thud
“Damn it, this ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ or what they call ‘sik-hyeop-ji’ is the genre! Broadly speaking, it’s an erotic martial arts drama filled with adult scenes, but narrowly, it refers to the dirty martial arts stories that appeared during the dark ages of Korean martial arts novels decades ago.”
Bam
“These ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ that emerged during the dark era of martial arts eventually turned into practically pornographic material, so they slightly modified the term ‘nor-po’ (porn reversed) to call it ‘norupyo martial arts’ instead.”
Thunk
“Martial arts fans didn’t really consider ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ to be martial arts, but rather closer to adult novels, and often didn’t even classify them as martial arts. However, we can’t completely ignore the influence of ‘norupyo martial arts’.”
Whoosh
“This ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ played a critical role in drawing the line between old and new martial arts, and the clichés born from these ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ still remain in countless martial arts clichés even now.”
Clap
“Back in the dark times of martial arts, the commercial viability that kept the genre alive cannot be neglected. That’s why I’m particularly focused on this commerciality.”
Zap
“Even when the popularity of martial arts plummeted, ‘norupyo martial arts’ remained popular.”
Ping
“‘Let’s kick off with ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ to make martial arts stories popular!’”
Boom
“Starting with ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’, I’ll make readers feel the fun of martial arts. When I write an interesting ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’, it won’t just be about the spicy parts; there will be readers who enjoy the martial arts sections too.”
Crash
“Then, I’ll write martial arts stories like ‘Wind and Cloud Heroes’ again.”
Swish
“‘I’m going to become the master of martial arts novels!’”
Bang
“Pioneer of the martial arts genre, Kang Yoon-ho, creating countless martial arts novels starting with ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ that resonate with all the people of the Central Plains.”
Zoom
“When talking about martial arts today, it’s not about the Nine Great Sects and One Alliance anymore; it brings to mind the martial arts author Kang Yoon-ho.”
Wham
“It sounds ridiculous, like saying I’ll fly around riding a dragon. But doesn’t an ordinary barbarian writer have to dream big to make a name in this martial arts world?”
Zap
“I’m drawing a dragon. If I get it wrong, I might end up with a snake or a worm. But drawing a dragon is the only way I can draw snakes or worms too.”
Splash
“I began jotting down the basic plot of a ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ that would become a dragon.”
Thud
“‘Just follow the clichés!’”
“In this world, I am going to be the pioneer of the ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ genre. It’s a formulaic approach, but guaranteed fun will feel fresh and innovative in this realm.”
Rumble
“The problem is how to make readers see it.”
Groan
“I muttered to myself with a small sigh as I looked at the clichés of ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’. Even if I write in a fun way using clichés, that poses a problem. ‘Wind and Cloud Heroes’ surely provided enjoyment from its clichés to those who seriously read it, but nobody bothered to read it.”
Bam
“Of course, if I fail, I can just churn out another novel with a printer. But who doesn’t wish for success right away?”
Whack
“Should I try to catch attention with the title?”
Fwoosh
“Maybe I should write a title that says ‘Martial Arts Rebirth~ A Story of the Martial Arts World with Adult Scenes too~’. Yes, the best bait a novice writer can use is a catchy title.”
Bang
“Are we going to keep this up?”
“Did you not sleep? Go to bed already.”
Flick
I said to myself as I turned my head to see Lady Tang lying in bed, staring at me.
“…I feel anxious about sleeping alone.”
Thud
She spoke while avoiding my gaze, looking a bit embarrassed.
“The attic has its quirks, so I grew up at my grandfather’s house.”
Plop
The bookstore is spacious, but the attic isn’t very high. I cleaned it up a bit, but the chaotic environment, low ceiling, and unfamiliar sleeping arrangements are not psychologically comforting.
“Bang!”
“The Head of Guards said we shouldn’t sleep here because we never know when the mansion will change ownership!”
Thud
That’s advice, so why are you complaining? Lady Tang pointedly corrected my words with an annoyed tone.
“No, but it won’t change right away, so it’s fine to sleep at home…”
Fwoosh
“Enough. Just lay down next to me.”
Thunk
She retreated to one end of the bed, deliberately making space for me, tapping it.
“How can two people sleep in such a small bed? Just throw down one blanket. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
Snap
I found a bed for sleeping after clearing out the attic junk, but it looked cramped for two.
“I’ve got a lot to do starting tomorrow, like inventory checks and organizing books—how can I sleep on the floor? Stop messing around and hurry up and lie down.”
Whack
Lady Tang persistently tapped my spot with a smug look on her face.
“Is she really the same girl who asked how a man and woman could sleep in the same bed?”
Zing
It’s late, and I have to sleep. But beginning a ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ is just the first step; I also need to start managing the bookstore. Tomorrow, I’ll start checking inventory and books, then soon promote the reopening of the bookstore.
Ding
“Wait, promotion?”
Ding
Suddenly, a good idea flashed through my mind. I energetically stood up and marched towards Lady Tang.
“Hey, Tang.”
“Huh? What’s up?”
Swish
Lady Tang, noticing something off about my expression, clutched the blanket tightly to her collarbone.
“I’m thinking about a bookstore renovation. Can I do it my way?”
“Huh? Your way? What do you mean?”
Swish
“I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
Boom
I laughed while laying down, observing Lady Tang’s confused face.
“Since it’s you… It must be a good idea, right?”
Thump
She stared at my smiling face for a moment, then, after accepting it alone, closed her eyes with a satisfied expression.
“Right! Just trust me. If things go as I think, managing the bookstore will ease my worries about ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’. Sleep easy.”
“Hey, Tang, sorry but can you pull me a bit closer with your back? I might touch you while I sleep.”
“That’s the most I can do.”
Thud
“…I feel uneasy about that.”
The next morning, as I had dreaded, I woke up to an absurd situation, reminiscent of a love comedy protagonist.
*
“Hey, Tang. I want to go to the place the Head of Guards told us about last time.”
Drumroll
This morning, we had a tacit agreement not to mention the waking situation. Today, we stepped out to buy another bed, prioritizing this.
Swish
“…”
As I looked at Lady Tang, she immediately turned her head away.
“Still mad at me? Sorry about that. But is it my fault? You were the one sleeping beside me, and the soft, bouncy sensation still lingers at my fingertips, so… I’ve got nothing to say.”
“Hey, Tang?”
“You can follow me.”
Zoom
Lady Tang walked ahead without looking at my face.
*
“Understood. You’re proceeding with the bookstore renovations? Since I owe the gracious Mr. Baekgajang through my lifetime, I’ll provide the services at nearly no cost.”
Bam
We arrived at a construction site in Yichang, working on interior renovations.
Fwoosh
“Yes, you might have heard in advance, but I plan to do it on a larger scale.”
Bang
I explained my thoughts to the contractor.
Thud
“Wow… I think this renovation will create a bookstore like no one has ever seen. However, even at cost, this might get a bit pricey.”
Doom
The contractor mentioned a rough estimated amount.
Creak
“Hey… Yoon-ho, we can’t afford this.”
Thump
She finally spoke, startled by the amount.
“I’ll pay the deposit now, and I can make payments during each construction phase.”
“Yoon-ho…”
“It’s okay. I’ll cover everything.”
Boom
I reassured her while handing over the deposit with a bit of discomfort.
“Are you really alright?”
Fwoop
Lady Tang gazed at me with a worried face as we left the building.
Fwoosh
“Don’t worry. Even if I empty my pockets, I can cover the construction costs.”
Boom
I still have an extra stash of emergency funds. Sure, spending my retirement money might sting a bit, but there’s no reason to refuse a good deal.
Fwoosh
“I have to do this renovation for my sake…”
Thud
Lady Tang looked at me, her eyes trembling with surprise, struck speechless.
Boom
“Haha. Didn’t I say I’d keep helping you?”
Slap
There’s no need to clarify misunderstandings. Lady Tang, if you’re impressed, just share a larger share of the bookstore profits later, alright?
Pow
“There’s no need for you to feel guilty about this morning… No, Yoon-ho. I’ll treat you to lunch. Let’s go.”
Thwack
Lady Tang instantly felt guilty and pulled my arm.
“Hey, but you have no money.”
Chirp
“I have some pocket money from the Head of Guards. Come on!”
Boom
I savored the delicious food she treated me to, using her minimal allowance, and we headed back to the bookstore.
Thump
From now on, I should honestly clarify that I’m the one paying.
*
The bookstore owned by Lady Tang’s grandfather had been in business for over 50 years.
Thwack
After accumulating wealth through other ventures, simply maintaining the status quo felt acceptable for this bookstore, which looked definitely old and worn-out.
Thud
Old books were packed in disarray on the shelves, and the shelves had become warped from enduring the weight of stacked books over time.
Bam
When customers came in, the staff fetched the books they desired, making the bookstore more like a massive warehouse with 50 years’ worth of inventory.
Thud
Even the oldest secondhand bookstore in modern times might look more updated than this place.
Bam
“Let’s move it over there!”
“Wow, there are so many books!”
“Hey, young lady! Where should this book move to?”
“Move it over here!”
Clap
The renovations proceeded smoothly, making me feel like I invested wisely.
Ding
“Is this really going to help the business flourish?”
Pop
Lady Tang asked, glancing at the dramatically transformed bookstore.
“Of course! This is how things are done in Joseon!”
Fwoosh
I smiled comfortably while overlooking the revamped bookstore.
By sticking to the previous bookstore model, we could repay Lady Tang’s debts in 20 years.
Snap
But through a better sales strategy, if there’s a way to thrive in this business while clearing out old stock that turned into a burden, then we should boldly pursue that.
Fwoosh
Especially if it’s a guaranteed method.
Zing
The finished bookstore now resembled a modern large bookstore.
Bang
Near the entrance, instead of bookshelves, tables topped with books were set up. In the center of the table, signs advertising ‘Book of the Month’, ‘Store Recommended Books’, and ‘Annual Bestsellers’ were displayed.
Ding
“Of course, I should mimic proven bookstore sales strategies.”
Thump
No need to place all books in one spot.
Location accessibility can draw in frequently sold books or practical readings to boost sales. Inside, bookshelves will feature some pricey academic books that are often in demand.
Whift
We transformed the dim atmosphere, filled only with musty paper and ink smells—only visited when needed—into a store people could easily drop by with a light heart to see what they might need.
Wham
A contemporary method will unquestionably increase sales when compared to the old approach.
Ding
“And we can also promote ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’ here.”
Bam
Book of the Month. Store Recommendations. It’s like the main banner promotions in web novels. Publishers in modern times hustle bookstores to get their books displayed on these tables.
Thud
Now, I have the authority to organize this freely.
Fwoosh
When I write ‘tuk-hyeop-ji’, I have to ensure my book gets put on display.
“Quite a transformation here.”
Swish
The Head of Guards, seemingly intrigued by our reopening news, visited the bookstore with a surprised expression.
“Welcome!”
Bam
We greeted the Head of Guards with cheerful faces.
Ding
“It’s unrecognizable from the old bookstore.”
Fwoosh
“Lady Tang and I worked hard on it.”
Boom
About 99% of the renovations were done by workers, but only 1% of the concept is crucial.
Thump
“Ah, now I understand why you wouldn’t invite her into the mansion. I didn’t expect you two would put so much effort into this. From just looking, I can tell this store will thrive.”
Thwack
The Head of Guards voiced his satisfaction as he scanned the surroundings. But wait, what did he just say?
“Wait? Lady Tang was going to sleep in the bookstore…”
Bam
“Ack! Hey! You see those customers went upstairs; go take care of them! I’ll handle this!”
Thwack
Lady Tang suddenly seemed flustered and pushed me toward the upstairs.
“Alright! I’ll check it out!”
Thud
Martial artists need to keep their strength in check. You can’t just shove someone when a customer arrives!
Zoom
I was shoved upstairs, where the customers had gone.
Boom
The first customer on the second floor, I stood on the landing and brushed off some dust on my clothes while glancing at the second floor.
Thump
‘The second floor was also prepared for a new transformation.’
The renovations weren’t just limited to the first floor; the second floor was ready for a makeover.
Thud
All this preparation was to make this bookstore the best one in Yichang.
