“I’d rather give up the Tea Bookstore than incur debt.”
Whoosh!
“I’ve drawn a line in the sand, but it’s also a cunning ruse. After all, the Tea Bookstore is in the heart of Yichang’s bustling district.”
Zoom!
“If I were to compare it to Korea, it’s like a large bookstore-café in the busiest area of Busan, if not Seoul.”
Bam!
“Giving up the Tea Bookstore located in the bustling streets of Hubei Province’s second city, Yichang, means I would have to take a long detour to start over again. But if I pass the test held by Man Geum-jeon, they’ll waive all my debts.”
Ding!
“I can’t help but be tempted.”
“Did you say it’s a test to make money?”
Cha-ching!
“The conditions are appealing. Let’s ask about the test content once more.”
“All expenditures must be within the amounts stated on that receipt. You’ll need to maintain an accurate ledger to resolve any accusations that arise.”
Scritch-scratch!
“The amount on the receipt wasn’t cheat-code-level wealth, but it was enough to start a small business.”
“Do I only need to make money in Wuhan?”
“That’s right.”
Yay!
“To earn money that will satisfy the person who lent it to me. For most, that would be stifling, but I have an easy way out.”
Hee-hee!
“I can just open a Tea Bookstore in Wuhan and sell The Rise of the Tang Family.”
Woo-hoo!
“The Rise of the Tang Family is already a sure-fire hit. Thanks to the friendship between Man Geum-jeon and Baik Gajang, The Rise of the Tang Family hasn’t spread much in Wuhan.”
“So, it’s just a matter of printing The Rise of the Tang Family in Yichang and selling it in Wuhan?”
Clink!
“The accounting issue could become problematic like inter-company transactions, but if I handle the accounting transparently like a standard printing shop and bookstore, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Easy-peasy!
“It seems simpler than I thought.”
“But you can’t make money just from novels. Especially not with The Rise of the Tang Family, which you brag about.”
Dum-dum-dum!
“Man Geum-jeon seems to know what I’m thinking.”
“How can it be that a writer and bookstore owner cannot make money from novels? ”
“I’ve already seen your abilities. What’s the point in seeing them again?”
Uh-oh!
“Is there some device to wipe memories? I could use some sunglasses; just tell them to look away for a moment.”
Zing!
“You’re asking me to make money through something other than books. It’s like telling me to play a board game while excluding the chess pieces!”
Boo!
“What’s the date for confirming the repayment ability stated in the documents?”
“The test involves making money, but your repayment ability needs to be verified periodically. At this time, additional conditions could be imposed, or current conditions might be loosened.”
Uh-oh!
“It sounds like they may allow selling The Rise of the Tang Family, depending on the circumstances.”
“Are you saying conditions might become harsher?”
Gulp!
“Typically, it’s wise to check if it’s a toxic clause, rather than letting my mind reel in excitement.”
“I intend to assess if you can truly carry on Baik Ga’s legacy.”
Drip!
“Man Geum-jeon looked at me as if I were a rookie apprentice.”
“Is that what the test really meant?”
Hmm…
“Hwa-rin’s grandfather is someone who stands out in many business aspects, not just bookstores. From Man Geum-jeon’s perspective, he surely wants to verify the abilities of a person who will continue his friend’s legacy.”
Ding-ding!
“If he really has talent, he’ll help settle my debts, but if lacking, his intent is to have me work under him.”
Yikes!
“Considering my debt amount, it’s indeed a test worthy of Man Geum-jeon.”
“To earn money in Wuhan without a connection? That essentially means I must find money from scratch.”
Wah-wah!
“I felt as defeated as a repeat student who’s failed question one of a college entrance exam this year.”
“Are you unable?”
Huh…?
“I silently watched the disappointment brewing on Man Geum-jeon’s face as he sought my answer.”
Ugh!
“It’s frustrating.”
“If only I weren’t in debt. If only those guys didn’t keep taking my money every month.”
Ding-dong!
“When on Earth will I save the heroines and find the true heroine? But my debts don’t vanish just because I wish they would.”
Boom!
“What if those debts ceased to exist?”
Bam-bam!
“I could finally throw off these shackles and move! I could set up branches of the Tea Bookstore along the Yangtze River and aggressively expand the business to accumulate fame and fortune!”
Whoop!
“If successful, I could spread my wings across the Central Plains. If I fail, my life would be mortgaged and become a slave to debt.”
Anxiety!
“Should I give up, fearing failure? No. I’ve started life in the Central Plains with nothing but tattered clothes.”
Ha!
“A being who had strived to protect a single piece of bread now stands before Man Geum-jeon.”
Woah!
“I’ve always lived taking risks to survive. If this risk is about flying rather than just surviving this time…”
Whoosh!
“I’ll do it!”
“Whatever it takes, I’m ready to shoulder it!”
“Was everything handled well?”
Whistle!
“Man Geum-jeon checked on the bonsai in his garden and asked the head of guards.”
“I confirmed that Master Kang is staying in the inn as per the schedule.”
“Ensure that the funds are delivered on the exact date indicated on the receipt.”
“I’ll proceed fairly and without error.”
“Rustle…”
“Head of Guards.”
Gulp!
“Yes, Master Jeon.”
“You know, this bonsai I’ve learned about as I’ve aged is quite amusing. If you pay too much attention, the roots rot, and if neglected, it can’t survive without the owner’s attention. Yet, if treated just right, it can grow to be more splendid than any bonsai.”
Swish!
Man Geum-jeon looked fondly at the bonsai that thrived more than any plant in the garden.
Daaaaaaaw…
The head of guards, after observing Man Geum-jeon, opened his mouth, having grasped his intentions.
“Hmm…”
“When I first heard Master Kang’s story, I found it unbelievable. To rally the creditors of a seasoned veteran by displaying remarkable talent, to write the book that I stayed up all night reading, and to create a bookstore called the Tea Bookstore leaving behind such staggering debt without fail!”
Clap-clap!
“That’s not all.”
“Indeed. Although I can’t grasp all the details, I heard that he escaped danger in Sichuan with extraordinary wisdom and bravery. Then he returned to Yichang, doing good deeds while simultaneously expanding his business. It is beyond belief that a youth just past his teenage years could accomplish such feats.”
Wow!
Man Geum-jeon nodded in satisfaction at the head of guards’ remarks.
“Was the information from Sichuan accurate?”
Oh?
“Yes. Lady Tang requires about ten years of recovery at the Sichuan Tang Family. It seems two of them will marry in their thirties.”
Bam!
The head of guards compared the information obtained regarding Sichuan and Kang Yoon-ho for verification.
“Ten years… That’s too long for such a man to wait without proper support, isn’t it?”
Hmm-mmm…
“For women, marrying in their teens is standard; even martial artists marry before they hit their twenties. A man remaining unmarried into his thirties may simply be called a and is regarded as problematic as a person.”
A-ha!
Man Geum-jeon’s voice carried an unplaceable pleasure.
“Yes, even if he has pledged a future spouse, he’ll still need a supportive wife and family in between.”
“Then it’s settled.”
Wee!
The bonsai that thrived without receiving proper attention was suddenly blooming beautifully, unified with one caring hand.
“Your grandchildren are scheduled to gather at Man Geum Battlefield shortly.”
Zoom!
The head of guards, lost in the beauty of the bonsai, hurriedly mentioned the upcoming schedule.
“Is that child coming too?”
“What that is…”
Gulp!
The child Man Geum-jeon mentioned made the head of Guards break into a cold sweat.
“Is he here?”
“Well, he dislikes going outside… and this gathering is only for the qualified grandsons among them.”
Whew!
“Is that enough?”
Fwa-fwa!
Man Geum-jeon’s voice was as cold as scissors cutting away the useless parts of the bonsai.
“Quick, send a letter!”
“Of course. I won’t make a mistake.”
Swish!
Man Geum-jeon, leaving the bonsai behind, re-entered his room to prepare for his outing.
——————————–
Inside the carriage heading to Man Geum Battlefield.
Man Geum-jeon reminisced about the past with his dear friend.
“Oh Baik Ga. What kind of sudden, mismatched virtuous act is this? Even if you’ve lost your wife and child, have you lost your mind?”
Whoosh!
“I plan to leave behind not just money, but people.”
Ding!
“Loss of a wife, accidents of the children, soldiers. The sudden misfortunes that befell my dear friend were challenging to comfort, even for me, his close confidant.”
Hmm…
“Even so, engaging in virtue to the extent it affects business is puzzling.”
Clink!
“Feeding starving beggars, supporting talented yet impoverished individuals, creating orphanages to care for children who lost their parents to war or accidents… No matter how good those deeds are, sustaining them is no easy feat.”
Bah!
“In those days, I thought my friend had gone mad and couldn’t comprehend him.”
“Oh Baik Ga, do you only realize it after losing a child…?”
Ahhhh…
Man Geum-jeon’s voice reflected the remorse of old age.
“Did I water too much? The one to carry on the legacy… He lost his only son in an instant.”
Thud!
“He was the son I had in my later years. I was overjoyed even with him prioritizing learning my work over getting married.”
Ahhhh!
“Who would have thought that my healthy son would die from an unknown illness?”
Woe is me!
“That’s when Man Geum-jeon understood.”
“When I’m gone, who will carry on my will?”
Gulp!
“A life spent chasing after money began to fill me with a deep emptiness.”
So true…
Man Geum-jeon reminisced about his dear friend who had passed away.
“Don’t you understand? Simply giving to others does not ensure that people will remain!”
Chime!
“If I keep sowing, maybe one of those seeds will sprout and continue my will.”
Hope!
“I heard everyone in Yichang mourned the loss of my dear friend. However, the one to carry on his will never appeared. That is what Man Geum-jeon believed.”
Drip-drip…
“My friend’s wounded pride. Whenever I saw my clumsy granddaughter’s fiancé, I felt like that echoed my thoughts.”
Oh…
“I plan to leave behind not just money, but people.”
Chime!
“Philosophy in business isn’t just about making a profit; it’s about leaving people behind.”
Wah!
Man Geum-jeon was momentarily speechless at Kang Yoon-ho’s words.
Ding!
The man before him, bridging decades even with different hair color and appearance, bore a striking resemblance to his dear friend.
Whoa!
“A tree no one cared for… The connections sprouted from that seed nourish the will left by his friend and strive to take flight.”
Wowwow!
“If Baik Ga were here, he would gaze at his granddaughter’s husband with pride beyond any grandfather.”
Hooray!
“In the end, Baik Ga was indeed right.”
Cheer!
“Grandfather!”
Yo-ho!
Man Geum-jeon looked around at his gathered grandsons and took his place at the prepared seat.
“Everyone, take one.”
Rustle!
Man Geum-jeon gestured to the head of guards, who began distributing the prepared bundles of paper to the gathered grandsons.
“What’s this, Grandfather?”
Gasp!
“This? Is it a receipt? Are you giving me allowance? But it seems rather small.”
Wah!
The receipt displayed an amount equal to what was given to the man with black hair.
“This is a test for you.”
Bam!
“A test?”
Uh-huh!
“Use that receipt to make money in this Wuhan.”
Bing!
So far, this was the same advice given to the man with black hair.
“What kind of test is this?”
Curious!
“What if I don’t want to do it, Grandfather?”
Gulp!
Man Geum-jeon silently looked at the gathered grandsons, among them was Jeon Gil-san, who had caused a commotion in Yichang.
Ahem!
A feeling of frustration weighed heavily on Man Geum-jeon’s heart.
Thud!
It wasn’t just Jeon Gil-san; they all seemed similar.
Hmm…
“They only see money as a means to stomp upwards. I never wanted you to rot and weaken under the delusion of having money!”
Fwoosh!
“None of them seem worthy.”
Frustration!
“Even though I married all my daughters into good families, how can these children share my blood? But as they have married outside, I couldn’t interfere with the education of my grandchildren.”
Ugh!
“Grandfather?”
Oh!
Man Geum-jeon snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing his grandson’s voice.
Ping!
“Even such kids deserve a fair chance.”
Yes!
Man Geum-jeon opened his mouth to make an important declaration to his grandchildren.
“I shall grant the position of successor of Man Geum Battlefield to the one who passes the test!”
Whee!
