“Your spell has been cast well.”
Looks like I went a bit overboard with the jokes.
Honestly, I could’ve just made a regular cup of tea. But the reactions from this interesting girl were just too tempting, and I couldn’t help but play around.
Who would’ve thought she’d freeze up while ordering?
If I hadn’t quickly served her coffee, things could’ve gotten really awkward.
“Heh heh. Yes! I did it!”
Miss Zhuge proudly lifted her coffee cup like a trophy, beaming with joy.
“Ahem. Could I please have a cup as well?”
You want coffee too? No big deal. Since my equipment is top-notch, I’ll serve you well.
“Yes, of course.”
“I’m looking forward to Master Kang’s skills! I’m a bit picky with coffee, you see. First, please preheat the cup to the desired temperature, then brew me a cup of Yunnan coffee that’s city-roasted, please!”
“A scoop of iced Americano is ready.”
I quickly diluted the leftover coffee with water and handed it over.
“…”
“Let’s talk business.”
What are you yammering about now?
———————
“So, the initial investment will all be covered by Man Geum Battlefield, right?”
With each of us nursing our coffee, we began discussing business.
“Of course. It’s a gift from Master Man Geum to Miss Zhuge.”
“Then the purchasing entity will be Da Seogak, but when Miss Zhuge officially takes over Da Seogak, she should get a clean ledger.”
A ledger with no debts. It’s only natural to give a gift like that, right?
I smiled and gauged how generous Master Man Geum would be.
“Of course. But why is that…?”
Wait, if that’s the case, I can throw in another plan I had in mind.
“For popular books, we need to maintain ample inventory, correct?”
I’ll buy up all the necessary books in advance.
With funds from the Man Geum Battlefield, of course.
“Hmmm….”
“Of course, it will be done rationally. Do you have a planned list of books to purchase?”
“Yes, here it is.”
He handed over a neatly organized list.
Truly Man Geum Battlefield. Must be because they own the Man Geum Bookstore as an affiliate. The list was unremarkable.
For a regular bookstore, that is.
“It seems there’s an overwhelming number of ancient sage books.”
“A proper bookstore is a treasure trove of knowledge, is it not? Naturally, it’s essential to maintain decorum with the wisdom of ancient sages.”
That’s certainly true. A significant portion of the people who browse bookstores are students.
“Yes, that’s obvious.”
“Then, isn’t it acceptable for the number to be high?”
Absolutely, we need books for those seeking knowledge. But the focus is just a little off.
“Then we need to stock up on frequently referenced books for the civil service exam.”
“….”
Isn’t studying all about passing exams?
Naturally, we need to stock up on those heavily requested exam prep books—focusing on popular ones that sell well.
There was something else to point out.
“The list you provided is great for a general bookstore. However, Da Seogak isn’t just for tea drinkers, it also attracts many who come to relax and enjoy the ambiance.”
“Are there any books you feel should be added?”
“Medical texts, cooking books, and enjoyable novels—those are seriously lacking. We need at least that much in stock.”
I revised the needed quantity, multiplying it by ten.
“Isn’t that excessive?”
“Even the Iichang Da Seogak had to regularly print a quantity like this. In Wuhan, I’m sure they’ll sell even more, so it’s not excessive.”
Thinking that a rare book store or secondhand bookstore has the same clientele as a cozy tea bookshop would be a mistake.
Better to prepare in advance than regret it later.
“I expected The Rise of the Tang Family, but this level of stock will indeed take a while before the opening.”
That’s a valid concern. But you know what? Someone’s already been proactive about it.
“I’ve already placed the order for printing.”
I ordered the books to be made in advance.
“Wow…”
Jeon Woon-yeop was momentarily speechless.
“We’ll consider that a purchase from the Da Seogak branch and send a letter to Yichang to have it delivered to Wuhan.”
“It seems that you, Master Kang, are much better prepared than we were.”
Jeon Woon-yeop appeared to have no more words, looking impressed as he spoke to me.
“It’s my job. I must always give my best effort. I’ll need to come by often to check on things before the branch opens, may I receive the key?”
“I’ll give the key to Miss Zhuge. Please visit often, and if you have anything to discuss, let her know.”
The Da Seogak branch is bait for Master Man Geum to continue nurturing his relationship with Miss Zhuge. The more he benefits, the more he’s expected to maintain that connection.
“So that means I can communicate with you without discussing things with Man Geum Battlefield?”
That’s even better. I just need to enjoy the sweet benefits without worrying about stirring trouble with Master Man Geum.
“Ah, that…”
“Miss Zhuge.”
I need to wrap this up quickly.
Before Jeon Woon-yeop could change his mind, I turned to the now-sipping Miss Zhuge.
“Yes?”
“As the owner of this branch, I will do my utmost to ensure a smooth opening.”
“Yes? Yes, indeed!”
“Ugggh…”
—————–
“We ended up talking about the branch and it got later than expected.”
Lunchtime was already over. After saying goodbye to Miss Zhuge and the crew from Man Geum Battlefield, I left with Ha So-so.
In the end, most of the messages were discussed with Miss Zhuge, and any real problems would be tackled later.
“……. What do I do?”
“Is that you, So-so?”
Why does she look like a student who thought it was easy but now realizes the exam is tougher than expected?
“Ah! Yes?”
“I just visited business partners in Wuhan, but I also have another place to stop by, so I’ll take a little longer to get back to the inn. How about this? Want to explore Wuhan together?”
I knew Ha So-so planned to visit Wuhan, but I didn’t expect her to come to the branch.
I have a place to drop by without Im Ha-yeon knowing. It would be awkward to have her tag along.
“Ah! I will go back to the inn first!”
Thank goodness! So-so is quite perceptive.
“Sorry to hold you up. Enjoy a snack on your way.”
I handed So-so some cash for a light treat since she had to wait during lunchtime.
“Hehe! It’s alright, I came to explore on my own. Thank you! See you later!”
“Sure.”
I waved off So-so as she headed to the inn and continued towards my next destination.
*
“There was really no need to eavesdrop…”
In Master Kang’s office, Im Ha-yeon couldn’t seem to keep her anticipation in check.
There wasn’t really a need to eavesdrop. But still, as the saying goes, ‘Know yourself and your enemy and you will win every battle.’
Who knows? Maybe they look like they have no feelings for each other, or that Miss Zhuge may have some serious character flaws.
While Im Ha-yeon was nervously fidgeting, unable to leave the office…
“Unnnniiieee!!!”
Ha So-so burst into the office like a storm.
“What’s wrong? Did you come back from the branch?”
“Now isn’t the time to stand around like this!”
Ha So-so shook Im Ha-yeon’s body, speaking in a whiny tone.
“Why, what’s going on? Calmly, tell me.”
What on earth happened that has her in such a frenzy?
“This is a major crisis!!!!”
Ha So-so easily summarized the situation for Im Ha-yeon, just as she asked.
———————————–
“Why on earth is the youngest daughter from the Zhuge family here? No! Master Kang is capable, handsome, tall, and has a great personality! Argh! But as a foreigner, her family opposition must be intense! Ah! She said something about grandfather introducing her! But why on earth…?”
“Um, So-so?”
Ha So-so was pacing around the office, struggling to contain her excitement, while Im Ha-yeon called her out with a flustered face.
“Unnie, you need to pull yourself together.”
At last, Ha So-so focused and grabbed Im Ha-yeon’s arms.
“What did you see that has you so worked up?”
“What did I see, you ask?”
I saw a woman so beautiful she could rival you! A gentle, willing personality men adore! A girl who could become a wealthy heiress after marriage!
Ha So-so couldn’t bring herself to say that.
If she told the truth, it would only bring disaster for her sister.
Instead, Ha So-so resolved to mix her observations with negative feelings.
“She was a complete fake, the kind of woman who pretended to be innocent. Even someone as stoic as Master Kang would let his guard down around her!”
Ha So-so recalled the way Master Kang looked at Miss Zhuge. It was as if an affectionate older brother was admiring his younger sister.
Ha So-so felt with her sharp intuition that, while they may not be in a romance yet, this could turn into a crisis if they weren’t careful.
“…”
Ha So-so noticed Im Ha-yeon’s expression darkening at her words.
No way. That was the wrong thing to say. If Im Ha-yeon took this lightly, she could pull away and lose her chance.
Ha So-so shook her hands holding onto Im Ha-yeon tightly and looked up at her.
“Unnie! This is no time for hesitation! If you push him away, it’s not just a matter of moving on to another ship!”
“I-I don’t think he would do that.”
Im Ha-yeon’s voice carried both trust and an unsettling concern.
“I know you trust Master Kang, but that’s not enough! We need to create more opportunities to spend time alone!”
It’s not too late yet. Before the opening of the branch, the two needed to strengthen their connection. Ha So-so urged her desperately.
“They’re often alone together, you know.”
“What do they even do alone?”
How can a man and woman spend so much time together without even holding hands?
Ha So-so merely suppressed her sharp retort.
“…They work together.”
“Ughhh!”
I feel like I’m going to die from frustration! Ha So-so sighed.
“You’re making things way too complicated! Unnie! Listen! This is a major crisis! Pull him closer! Do whatever it takes to keep his heart from straying!”
They say crises strengthen romantic bonds, but how is it possible that these two haven’t even held hands? Ha So-so couldn’t help but sigh in despair.
“So-so?”
Her partner is incredible. Ha So-so thought worriedly about Im Ha-yeon.
The Zhuge family is so powerful that even a child from Hubei would recognize their name. This youngest daughter from that family.
With looks that could outshine everyone but her close sister, she also possesses a gentle personality that most men adore.
“Honestly, I’d have told anyone else to just give up…but…”
There’s still a chance. An epic tale of a hero overcoming impossible odds. Ha So-so loved such stories.
Especially if that hero was Im Ha-yeon, whom she thought of as her sister.
Ha So-so tightened her jaw and declared to Im Ha-yeon.
“Expert in romance Ha So-so! This challenge is just what I’ve been waiting for! I’ll do everything to make sure you sit next to Master Kang!”
“I’m here.”
As I opened the office door, speaking to no one in particular. Im Ha-yeon must be sleeping.
After finishing up work, night had already fallen. I felt tired but was thrilled to have secured the items I wanted for the branch.
Tomorrow, I’ll need to write a letter to Yichang early in the morning to send the books as cargo.
“Back already?”
Just as I was about to collapse onto my bed, a voice came from the table in the corner.
“Creeped me out! What are you doing over there?”
I glance back, hiding the items I held behind me while looking at Im Ha-yeon.
Was she still working? She should have made some noise. Look who’s trying to give me a heart attack!
“I was working. But what are you hiding?”
Im Ha-yeon’s gaze was fixed on the small box I awkwardly concealed behind me.
“Nothing.”
“Could it be…?”
Im Ha-yeon’s eyes flickered, then she quickly averted her gaze.
Oh no. Does she think it’s a gift for Miss Zhuge? That’s not it at all.
No way am I going to let her think that. I need to deny it. It’s best to correct any misunderstandings before they spiral out of control.
“…I’m leaving.”
Im Ha-yeon was one step ahead.
She seemed to have made a quick decision and nodded before bolting from her desk to stand in front of me.
“Hey?”
“Let’s go practice Light Body Movement.”
At this time of night?
