“Master Kang! It’s been a while! I heard you were taken to the government office; are you alright?”
“Thanks to your concern, I’m back unscathed.”
As I approached the Tea and Book Club, everyone greeted me with bright smiles.
“I bet you’ve been worried about the Shadowless Thief. They say he showed up near Dong-ho the day before yesterday.”
If we’re talking about Dong-ho, that’s across the river. Im Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge had been organizing information about the wealthy folks in Wuhan, and now they’ve even reached there.
“I’ve heard there’s quite an interesting debate going on lately.”
When it comes to the Shadowless Thief, pretending to be uninvolved is the best strategy.
When I smiled and changed the subject, the members of the Tea and Book Club began to passionately voice their opinions, mixed with lament.
“Master Kang! Please listen. If there’s anyone who has read The Rise of the Tang Family longer than anyone, it’s you. How can Un-hyeon beat Tang Jung? His spirit is commendable, but it’s absurd!”
“Master Kang! Please hear us out too. Who is Un-hyeon? A hero inheriting the legacy of the former master of Mount Wu! Isn’t he a true martial artist who grows stronger in adversity? How can someone like him not defeat Tang Jung? Do you even read the same books we do?”
“What?! What did you just say?!”
“Hey now. Isn’t Ho Pil’s friend right here? Surely he can settle this dispute, so why are you fighting?”
“Master Kang, please share your insights!”
Everyone in the Tea and Book Club looked at me with a mix of expectation and eagerness.
If they’re curious, I should just ask the teacher. I feel like I’m becoming a kindergarten teacher whose words become truth.
Is Tang Jung stronger or is Un-hyeon stronger? I had to answer carefully, but I didn’t need to think too deeply.
“I believe Tang Jung is stronger than Un-hyeon.”
You have to acknowledge the truth.
“Indeed. A friend of Ho Pil!”
“Wow! That practically settles the debate.”
“Master Kang, how can you say that?”
“Exactly! Ho Pil was trying to help Master Kang with Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes—how can Master Kang support Tang Jung?”
With my one statement, one side was beaming with victory while the other side expressed deep disappointment.
While everyone thought the conclusion had been reached, the story was far from over.
“However…”
Quickly using the Small Wheel Mental Image Technique, I made sure my words reached everyone’s ears.
I intentionally hesitated, looking at the members of the Tea and Book Club.
“However?”
Curious gazes were fixed on me again. I made a dreamy expression like I was imagining someone admirable before cautiously opening my mouth.
“However, even if he was a bit weak at first, thinking about Un-hyeon continuing his heroic deeds until the era of Tang Jung and making a name for himself is something quite remarkable.”
Having praised Tang Jung, it was now time to praise Un-hyeon.
“Master Kang?! What do you mean?”
“In Volume 2, Un-hyeon is still in a period where he hasn’t made a name for himself as a hero. In contrast, in The Rise of the Tang Family, he’s already earned a name that even captures the admiration of those from the Tang Family. In other words, both novels take place in the same world but at different times.”
You guys are missing the crucial point in the Tang Jung and Un-hyeon debate. If we’re going to discuss who is the strongest, we need to talk about fully realized fights.
“There’s a time difference?”
“In Volume 2, Un-hyeon gains enlightenment and becomes stronger in just one book. So then, thinking about the Un-hyeon of the future who inherited the former master’s insights and chose the heroic path, how strong would he be in The Rise of the Tang Family?”
I tossed a log onto the fire of the debate.
“Is it possible that Tang Jung will have to fight the future Un-hyeon?!”
The members of the Tea and Book Club suddenly looked like they’d been hit with a hammer.
“Indeed. If it were the future Un-hyeon, he might even have an equal match against Tang Jung now.”
“The completed Eight Trigrams Swordplay vs. Poison Kill Space! In that case, they might not lose!”
“Wow.”
In an instant, the side that was smiling in victory looked confused, while the side that was lamenting erupted in cheers.
“Is there really any need to quarrel and fight over this?”
Well, having thrown the log, it was time to use the heat.
“Master Kang, you’re not trying to block the Tea and Book Club’s discourse, are you?”
No, I want you to argue but in a different way.
“Master Kang! I’ve brought it!”
So-so. Perfect timing.
“Great timing! Everyone, dig in.”
Now let’s cast the fishing rod.
I skillfully accepted the tray from So-so and placed it on the table in front of the members of the Tea and Book Club.
“……What is this?”
I confirmed the Tea and Book Club members’ gazes were focused on the cups in front of them before speaking.
“Green tea latte and black tea latte.”
What I presented to the Tea and Book Club members was the new menu item from the Tea Bookstore.
“A green tea latte? Are you telling me it has milk in it?”
One member of the Tea and Book Club looked at me in disbelief.
“I thought ice americanos were the way to go, drinking only espresso. How can you add milk to tea?!”
“This isn’t authentic tea!”
Several members of the Tea and Book Club clutched their hair, unable to hold back their shock. They drink lattes but refuse to accept milk tea.
There’s actually a reason for this.
For modern people, adding milk to tea is well-known as milk tea, but in this world, the culture of adding milk to tea comes from Suta tea, a northern barbarian food.
Of course, many people think it’s okay as long as it tastes good, even if it’s barbarian food, but there are those who can’t help but be cautious.
“Wait, wait, wait, is this… the new menu from Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes?!”
“Oh?! Wait a minute! Is this another peak of the marketing scheme with the partner set?!”
“Marketing scheme? It’s a set created for customers who love the two heroes, isn’t it?”
The green tea latte represents Tang Jung, while the black tea latte represents Un-hyeon.
“Isn’t that essentially the same thing? Isn’t it just saying we should vote on who’s stronger again?”
And that’s why I hate perceptive guys.
Some people in the Central Plains dislike the drink. If I dish it out inaccurately due to ruthless marketing, it might hurt the reputation.
What should I do in this situation?
“It’s quite unfortunate, really. Saying it’s a marketing scheme. The Tea and Book Club seems too heated, so I made this menu to symbolize harmony.”
Just adding a story to the menu would suffice; it’s all about the presentation.
“Symbol of harmony? What do you mean by that?”
I looked around at the curious expressions of the Tea and Book Club members and then began to skillfully prepare the green and black tea.
“Green tea and black tea. They share the commonality of being tea, but they come from entirely different environments and methods of preparation. Just like the two protagonists of The Rise of the Tang Family and Chronicles of the Wind and Cloud Heroes, who share different backgrounds.”
Let’s start with an emphasis on contrast.
Holding up the green tea, symbolizing Tang Jung’s faction, toward one side, I presented the black tea to represent Un-hyeon’s faction.
“Indeed, the two protagonists have distinct differences.”
“That’s right. However, these two types of tea now share a significant commonality.”
After demonstrating the contrast, it was time to show the change.
“Commonality?”
I placed my hand on my chest.
No matter how different the faces or martial arts of my novel’s protagonists might be, one thing remains unchanged.
Even when lamenting about this world, they don’t forget the one thing they cherish.
“It’s the heart for cooperation.”
“The heart for cooperation?”
Nodding, I carefully poured the steaming white milk from the kettle into the cups.
“This hot, steaming, pure white milk symbolizes the common heart both individuals share.”
Cooperation in spirit.
Though two warriors grew up in vastly different environments, they each hold one heart deep within.
“Though clearly different, they are the same. While the faces are the same, their hearts for cooperation differ. That’s why they are both heroes.”
The two teas, with initially different colors and aromas, gradually transformed into similar shapes.
As if they were heroes emerging into the world.
“Un-hyeon and Tang Jung are both heroes…”
“Whether who is stronger, feel free to debate. But there’s no need for it to get too heated. After all, we, the Tea and Book Club, are here to support both heroes’ futures. This is the meaning behind the menu.”
I carefully handed each representative of the factions their respective tea cups.
“The heart of cooperation between the two heroes. That was the meaning of this menu?”
“Indeed. Since they are both characters of the esteemed Ho Pil, it might be a reminder not to let things escalate into emotional battles.”
The members, feeling as if they held the hands of their admired heroes, cautiously lifted their cups.
“This is a new flavor. Unlike green tea, it’s sweet and gentle. I could easily drink several cups.”
“Wait for me! I was hesitant because it wasn’t authentic tea, but I never expected it to taste like this!”
Great. Now that the presentation is finished, let’s reveal the reason to buy.
“When you purchase the Heart of Cooperation set, feel free to order either latte. It’s a tea of harmony. And if you buy the Heart of Cooperation set, we’ll also be giving out raffle tickets.”
I waved the beautifully packaged fishing bait enticingly.
“In the end, doesn’t this mean we’ll be voting?”
One member of the Tea and Book Club frowned.
“It’s not a vote, it’s a raffle.”
“A raffle?”
“Every time that little raffle box fills, we’ll hold a drawing. The winner will receive an official scroll of the character from Ho Pil’s novel.”
“A scroll?!”
“And you can choose which character you’d like to be drawn by the artist.”
Ah, the bait is set to allure. Please bite quickly.
“What a world!”
“Also, there are separate prizes for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places. Unlike the ambiguous partner menu, we’ll be offering the public a chance without losing harm at the Tea Bookstore.”
The public’s opinion on the ambiguous partner menu has already been gathered. I have no desire for infamy.
This time, I’m going to pretend to lose money in this business.
Of course, it’s slightly pricier than the regular set, but we’re still offering prizes.
“Wouldn’t it be interesting for Ho Pil to learn which of the two he thinks might grow stronger in the future, and he’ll have a scroll depicting the character of his choice?”
“What kind of ruthless marketing scheme is this?!”
“But! If it’s at this level, I can understand!”
“If Un-hyeon becomes stronger than Tang Jung, I can see that level of reward! Are we starting selling it right now?!”
“Yes. It starts today.”
In the distance, I could see Ha So-so looking like she’d be starting work now.
“I’ll be the first to get up!”
“One Heart of Cooperation set for meeee!”
“Me too! One Heart of Cooperation set for meeee!”
The Heart of Cooperation set, launched with narrative and flourish, received rave reviews.
—-
“So, since the reactions to the Tea Bookstore are great, I would like to request some help from Miss Zhuge.”
To think I could sell cheap tea with just milk for a high price. This plan is flawless.
I shared with the two ladies what had just transpired at the Tea Bookstore with a pleased expression.
“……”
Why are both of them silent? Why does everyone have a sullen face?
“M-Master Kang…”
Miss Zhuge called my name after a moment of silence with her head bowed.
“Miss Zhuge? What is it you wish to say?”
Perhaps I’ve been swamped with too much work lately. I don’t even need to draw that many scrolls for the Heart of Cooperation set.
Looking at Miss Zhuge with a baffled expression, she squeezed her eyes shut and spoke.
“Y-You sometimes seem like the biggest instigator of chaos…”
“Haha…”
“It’s true. You’re absolutely wicked! If you hadn’t been running the Tea Bookstore, you would have been the first to ride a cart away.”
I can’t argue with that.
“Let’s drop the Tea Bookstore issue for now, and I have a question for Im Ha-yeon.”
If I can’t refute it, it’s best to change the subject quickly. I smiled awkwardly and looked at Im Ha-yeon.
“Me?”
“Did you gain any activity in the direction of Dong-ho the day before yesterday?”
“Dong-ho? I haven’t gone as far south as the Yangtze River yet.”
Im Ha-yeon shook her head in confusion.
Dong-ho is a lake located south of Wuhan, across the Yangtze River.
Imagining the landscape of Wuhan is easier if you think of modern-day Seoul. The Yangtze River flows to split Wuhan, creating northern and southern parts.
In the north of Wuhan lies the administrative hub of Hubei Province, clustered with wealthy residents. By contrast, the south focuses on tourism and entertainment, with entertainment districts packed with gaming parlors and lavish delights.
Indeed, she hadn’t crossed the Yangtze River recently.
“I heard that the Shadowless Thief appeared near Dong-ho the day before yesterday.”
I relayed the news I had coincidentally overheard at the Tea Bookstore to the two ladies.
A Shadowless Thief, who hadn’t worked in the area, suddenly showing up near Dong-ho. None of the three of them were clueless about what this news implied.
“……A fake Shadowless Thief?”
Im Ha-yeon’s expression turned serious.
“The Shadowless Thief is extraordinarily elusive, so it seems some robbers are impersonating him as the real thieves give up on catching him.”
“No way. We’ve worked so hard to build our reputation!”
“Every single detail is scrutinized, and every target is meticulously targeted. To tarnish the Shadowless Thief’s good name!”
Is she mad?
Im Ha-yeon clenched her fists as if she would punch the fake Shadowless Thief right then and there.
“People trying to capitalize on fame are everywhere, even impersonating the Shadowless Thief… ”
“Master Kang! A guest from the government office has arrived.”
Just when I was about to continue discussing the fake Shadowless Thief, my assistant announced the guest’s arrival.
“A guest from the office? Please have them come in.”
Who could it be? As I moved Miss Zhuge and Im Ha-yeon aside, the assistant introduced the guest.
“Welcome back!”
“Isn’t that Constable Jung? Please have a seat. I’ll bring some tea.”
The person who arrived was Constable Jung, who had previously warned me that he was sent to arrest me.
“The Head of the Right Guards has something to communicate, but it’s not necessary to serve tea.”
“The Head of the Right Guards has something to say?”
“Master Kang.”
Constable Jung looked at me with an extremely serious expression.
What is the matter now?
I hope he’s not here to say I should wait for the inevitable capture. Since he’s here from the government office, I hope it’s not bad news.
With a tense expression, I faced Constable Jung.
“Yes?”
“Are you considering being a Constable?”
