“Miss Tang’s mother has been murdered, they say.”
I knew about the issue the Head of Guards mentioned, but it was a memory I had pushed to the back of my mind.
“I heard about it too.”
I witnessed it. I was there when Miss Tang’s mother passed away.
“Although the identity of the murderer hasn’t been revealed, when the creditors arrived at the mansion in Shaanxi, they only found decaying corpses.”
The Head of Guards briefly explained the horrors that the creditors discovered when they reached the mansion.
That brat Tang Geoh sure has a flair for drama.
Searching for Miss Tang, we left the Tang Family in Sichuan, went to the Head of the Seong Family in Daeheung County, then visited Yichang, all the way to Shaanxi. No wasted trip could compare to this.
I went to a collaboration store that said they were giving out coupons for my favorite game, only to find it sold out. In hope, I checked other stores far away, and they were sold out too.
When I finally went to what I thought was my last hope, I overheard the staff saying, “What’s that?” “Isn’t there an otaku game event starting today?” “Oh! It’s sold out!” and ended up leaving empty-handed. I must have been angrier than if I had walked home without anything.
Tang Geoh, that piece of trash. No matter how angry I got, he could have just posted in the Demonic Cult community or the Tang Family’s social group for some consolation. Why kill innocent people?
“Was the debt problem caused by Miss Tang’s mother?”
Miss Tang and I promised to repay half of the debt to the creditors in exchange for protecting the Tea Bookstore.
Of course, this was also gained by a small scheme and in exchange for information on the whereabouts of Miss Tang’s mother, who had fled.
“Yes. They don’t know if the murderer stole it or if it was taken by thieves after the murder, but most of the jewelry was stolen, and they couldn’t recover as much money as they expected. That’s why they brought up the remaining debt to be repaid by Miss Tang.”
The remaining debt was supposed to be repaid by Miss Tang’s mother, but is it possible that she recovered less than expected?
“That’s ridiculous. We’re liable for half of a debt we shouldn’t even owe, and now we’re asked to cover the remaining debt too?”
The contract with the creditors was only to reveal Miss Tang’s mother’s whereabouts. Asking for more money now is just ridiculous.
“Yes, that’s right. But it seems that those who lost their money can’t easily let go of their regrets. Since Miss Tang has become the only heir to the Baek Family, isn’t it only natural to expect her to pay off the remaining debt? Some people even came to me saying they’d pay me to help make Miss Tang take on more debt.”
Even the Head of Guards was perplexed, letting out a hollow laugh as he spoke to me.
“Miss Tang has done everything she can as a granddaughter. Even if there’s a reason, she shouldn’t have to tax herself further on a signed contract.”
“Now that Miss Tang is officially recognized as part of the Tang Family, the debtors will be unable to make ridiculous demands. However, if they decide to act collectively, the Tea Bookstore may get a bit noisy.”
Since Miss Tang has joined the Tang Family, she can’t just leave at will, but it seems she can still make a fuss.
For the first letter to Miss Tang, I should include news of my safe arrival and the recent happenings at the Tea Bookstore.
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”
I thanked the Head of Guards and gulped down the now lukewarm tea.
——–
With nothing to do at the Seocheon Post Office, I put on a cheerful mood, donned my black robes, and headed towards the Tea Bookstore.
“Oh no! Oh no!”
Is that really the sound of wailing I hear?
As I neared the front of the Tea Bookstore, many people had gathered as expected.
“We’ll offer prayers for Manager Kang Yoon-ho’s safe return. Today too, there’s no formal ritual, so everyone can figure it out themselves.”
As I got closer, I spotted a familiar face, a member of the Tea and Book Club, who seemed to be leading the ceremony.
“May Manager Kang endure the severe trials of the Tang Family and come back.”
“You fool! If he were tortured by the Tang Family, he wouldn’t come back alive!”
“Then I’ll pray for Manager Kang’s spiritual safe return!”
“Hey!”
“The Rise of the Tang Family, Volume 3. The Rise of the Tang Family, Volume 3. The Rise of the Tang Family, Volume 3.”
“Lord Buddha, Primordial Celestial Honorable One, I pray for Manager Kang’s safe return on the 120th day.”
“This kid said he wouldn’t pray, but now he’s coming every day.”
As I moved in closer, I saw an array of food laid out on a large table.
What kind of ceremony is this? I thought they’d just bring some pure water to offer, but it looked more like a grand ritual.
‘Could it be that’s why I had a dream of a feast?’
I’m not dead yet! It may not be true, but with this many people praying, it seems possible.
The commotion of the Tea and Book Club’s prayers made the area quite noisy, but the people of Yichang seemed used to it, casually continuing on their way.
Has this scene become a part of daily life?
Should I announce I’ve returned in front of everyone? Or should I sneak back in after I’ve actually left? While I was pondering this, a man emerged from the side, raising his voice.
“It’s useless, you know! Manager Kang has been dragged into the Tang Family for several months. There’s been no news from Sichuan, and Author Ho Pil hasn’t written a single column saying, ‘It’s Ho Pil….’ It’s all over!”
“Shut up!”
“That guy has shown up again to stir up trouble!”
“Let’s just hang him up!”
“What’s the point of this meaningless act? Do you think this will help Manager Kang return safely? It’s all over!”
The man raised his voice, refusing to back down against other members of the Tea and Book Club.
Generally speaking, he was right. The Black-haired Barbarian is trapped in the Tang Family’s net, the author has escaped, and The Rise of the Tang Family has been put on indefinite hiatus. It might be wise to give up.
But who am I? I’m Kang Yoon-ho, who returned alive from the tiger’s den!
“It’s not meaningless!”
The lead shall always arrive at the dramatic moment. I performed the Small Wheel Mental Image Technique so everyone could hear me.
“Huh?”
“Uh-oh!”
Maybe it was because of the familiar voice. Everyone turned their heads in unison toward me.
“It’s been a long time, everyone.”
I took off my black robes and greeted the members of the Tea and Book Club after months apart.
“Manager Kang!”
“Manager Kang is back!”
“Manager Kang has appeared!”
“Is it really Manager Kang Yoon-ho?”
The leader of the ritual, the man who was fighting with my brother for control at the Tea Bookstore, Hwang Seong approached me as if I were the deceased great-grandfather returning.
“Mr. Hwang. It’s been a long time.”
I greeted him with joy, grabbing Hwang Seong’s shoulder.
“My goodness! Are you hurt? Did you get tortured by the Sichuan Tang Family?”
Hwang Seong looked at me with disbelief, scanning my body up and down.
“Haha. There was a little danger, but thanks to your prayers, I returned safely.”
“Really, thanks to the prayers you returned safely?”
“Notify the Tea and Book Club!”
“Are you serious…?”
The members of the Tea and Book Club gathered around me in excitement, not in mourning.
“What happened to The Rise of the Tang Family? Did they order you not to publish Volume 3?”
“I’ve negotiated with the Sichuan Tang Family!”
“In a negotiation, you mean?”
“I resolved the misunderstandings myself, and they were actually quite impressed with The Rise of the Tang Family. Now they’re eagerly waiting for the next volume!”
I addressed the members of the Tea and Book Club who had gathered around with a confident look.
“My goodness!”
“Whoa… Are you for real?”
“Kang Yoon-ho! Kang Yoon-ho! Kang Yoon-ho!”
“Is Manager Kang friends with you?”
“Did Manager Kang use some legendary martial art like the Sunlight Fist? Your radiance is blinding!”
“I was confident in you!”
“Weren’t you just dead until a moment ago?”
“….”
“I can die now without regrets!”
“Really?”
“This man! Doesn’t he understand? Of course, I have to continue reading the next volume!”
“Hahaha. It may take some time to reopen the Tea Bookstore, but I’ll expedite the reopening and the release of Volume 3.”
“Yay!”
“Kang Yoon-ho! Kang Yoon-ho! Kang Yoon-ho!”
“I’ll treat everyone today to celebrate Manager Kang Yoon-ho’s return!”
As I received a warm welcome from the members of the Tea and Book Club, I announced my return to Yichang.
———-
“Look at the dust.”
After settling the commotion and entering the Tea Bookstore, it was completely covered in dust.
I began swatting at the dust charging towards my nose as I walked around inside the Tea Bookstore.
Luckily, it seems that no thieves had broken in. After all, with people always in front of the shop, it would be risky for a thief.
“The food supplies have all gone bad.”
The smell! I thought I had gotten rid of all the perishable items, but it seems some were left behind.
I hurriedly dumped the rotting trash into the trash can and sat in a chair, staring blankly at the empty Tea Bookstore.
I had only walked around a little, but the dust glimmering in the sunlight coming through the windows made the air look hazy.
There was a mountain of work to do.
Though the inside looked no different from months ago, trash and dust, as well as spots needing organizing and repairs, kept catching my eye.
“This doesn’t seem like something I can clean up in a day or two. I’ll need to clean diligently. Don’t you think?”
I spoke towards a spot that someone had always occupied, beyond the hazy dust.
Normally, I would have scolded them not to just talk but to move, yet no voice came from beyond the dust.
“…Who was I talking to?”
I muttered in embarrassment. Not much had changed, yet the biggest difference was that someone who had been there is now gone.
The familiar place I returned to after months. The home I missed. No matter how hard it was, or how joyful it was, the person I used to speak to is no longer here.
“I’ll have to find some staff.”
I shook off the sentimental mood and stood up.
There’s no need to get emotional over something that hasn’t even passed away. Instead, I need to get up and work hard, paying more attention to the publication of future works.
“I need to find staff that suits the Tea Bookstore.”
I’d like someone who excels in service like a café, is sharp and attractive, and also enjoys The Rise of the Tang Family.
I wonder if there’s anyone like that out there.
——-
Hao Mun Yichang Branch.
“The Umbrella Branch was attacked.”
The woman with pink twin braids explained to the head of the Hao Mun Yichang branch about the incident at the Umbrella.
“They were tapping on the window with a strangely shaped carrier pigeon. I wondered what it was, and it turned out to be your carrier pigeon. I was worried when I heard the news, but I’m glad you managed to escape the chaos.”
The head of the Yichang branch offered words of comfort to the pink-haired woman whom he was personally close to.
“I’m not someone who would get caught easily. It was a crisis, but I received some… well, a bit of significant help in the middle.”
“Good. You’ve had a hard time. I’ll need to discuss with the upper management what we should do and how to respond for a while.”
“Yes.”
I did it. She placed her trembling hand on her chest and let out a sigh of relief.
“What do you plan to do now? You’re a fugitive courtesan, right? Should I try to find you a position at a Qilu? If you’re lucky, you could buy a miracle at the Yichang street.”
Given her looks, any Qilu would likely want her to work there. The branch head scrutinized the girl with pink hair from top to bottom.
“I haven’t even finished the courtesan training yet. If they hear about a pink-haired courtesan working in Yi, they might come after me.”
She quickly shook her head at the mention of being a courtesan.
Each to their own survival. The Hao Mun may be famous among factions, but unlike others, they don’t guarantee the basic needs of their members.
A fugitive courtesan could face a horrifying penalty as a warning. Having escaped from the Umbrella, she didn’t want to be caught again.
“That’s true. So will you be living through other means?”
The branch head, knowing her talents, wiggled his fingers while asking.
“I don’t plan to live by thieving.”
She narrowed her eyes and glared at the branch head.
“Isn’t what you learned just courtesanship and thievery? If you don’t try anything, then what will you do?”
She looked at the branch head with a bewildered expression.
Courtesanship and thievery. Certainly, those were the only two things she had learned in life. But is a person only allowed to do what they’ve learned?
She decided to share her newly found dream with the branch head.
“I’m going to become an author.”
“An author?”
“Yes. I want to be a novelist like Author Ho Pil.”
