Chapter 5
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: A Go Wager with the Maiden
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Everyone stared at them blankly, as if they had seen a ghost.
Then one squad member stepped forward, bit into a coin, and clutched his aching teeth.
"Th-this one's real?"
"One, two, three, four... S-seventy pun?"
"How did you make this much in a single day...?"
Blank expressions all around.
Those looks felt strangely endearing.
Especially Baek Hwi's.
Yi Ho-chang chuckled softly.
"Won it off Betting Go at the White Go Hall. So, Baek Hwi."
"Y-yeah?"
"I'll give all that to you, so you're in charge of paying the Tribute Fee—ten pun a day. Don't go rushing over today and dump all seventy at once."
"Wh-why not?"
"Why? No good ever comes from flashing how much money you've got."
At those words, Baek Hwi nodded eagerly without thinking.
Kid.
Finally acting his age.
Baek Hwi followed up with a question.
"But you're not going yourself? Normally, the squad leader has to deliver the Tribute Fee in person."
"Oh, right? Then I'll go with you, whatever."
"Should I give back the sixty pun, then?"
"Nah, hold onto it. Buy the guys some food and have fun."
At that, not just Baek Hwi but all the squad members gazed at Yi Ho-chang with feigned looks of感動.
These kids are gonna cry. Yeah, right.
Yi Ho-chang stood, brushed off his rear, and said,
"What're you waiting for? Let's get it paid and done."
"Uh, yeah!"
Baek Hwi hurriedly scooped up the coins scattered on the floor.
He stuffed sixty pun into the money pouch hidden in his bosom, clutched just ten in his hand, and rose.
And so they set off to deliver the Tribute Fee to Chun Seom.
Off in the distance, a familiar-looking back of the head caught his eye.
Yi Ho-chang called out at the sight.
"Jun Hyo?"
Startled by the voice, Jun Hyo whipped his head toward Yi Ho-chang.
"Y-you... you're...!"
"Jun Hyo, huh. How's the gut punch?"
As Yi Ho-chang approached, Jun Hyo guarded his solar plexus warily.
"Of c-course it's fine! More importantly, did you guys fill today's quota?!"
"Obviously. All filled. You?"
"Ours too, obviously! Think we're some sixth squad or something?"
"Why drag our squad into this?!"
Baek Hwi raised his voice instead of Yi Ho-chang at the provocation.
That was when it happened.
"What? The sixth squad filled their Tribute Fee?"
"Heh, that's a good one."
Turning toward the voices, two boys who looked about high school age were snickering at the trio.
Yi Ho-chang asked about the unfamiliar faces.
"Who're those guys?"
"...Second squad leader and third squad leader. Buzzcut's the second, scar under his eye's the third."
The two lowered their voices to explain.
From the hushed tones and the derogatory "those guys," it was clear they didn't get along.
Maybe that's why.
Yi Ho-chang didn't see the pair in a favorable light either. He fixed them with a flat, goby-eyed stare.
The two locked eyes with him and immediately strode over, lowering their voices menacingly.
"Look at this punk's eyes."
"Scared ya?"
Heh.
These high-school looking brats got mouths on them.
Just as Yi Ho-chang opened his mouth to retort, Baek Hwi and Jun Hyo stepped forward and bowed their heads.
"Sorry, big brothers!"
"This guy's new to the gang today and doesn't know any better! Forgive him just this once!"
The pair narrowed their eyes, then burst into snickers.
"Figures... Hey, keep those eyes wide and polite from now on. Or we'll gouge 'em out."
"Your squad would struggle... Another beggar rat rolled in from somewhere."
They walked off cackling.
Watching them go, Yi Ho-chang asked,
"You guys watch out for them a lot, huh?"
"Wouldn't you? Steer clear of those guys unless you have to. It's better that way."
"Why?"
"No matter how good you are at fighting, you can't beat them. They train formal martial arts under the gang leader."
"Martial arts?"
"Yeah. Don't know what kind, but I've taken a hit from them once. The pain's on another level—not like a normal adult's punch."
Is that so?
Strange bunch.
Why're guys learning martial arts begging around here?
But Yi Ho-chang held his tongue.
He'd only joined the Dragon Pearl Gang less than a day ago—no need to stir up trouble.
'Good things stay good. Better to let it slide quietly.'
Scared of shit? Nah, just don't wanna get dirty.
His gaze fell back on Jun Hyo, who had bowed alongside them.
'Come to think of it, he came at me before to avenge Baek Hwi. Seems like a good kid at heart.'
Yi Ho-chang chuckled and ruffled Jun Hyo's hair.
"Good kid. Alright, I'll do as you say."
"Wh-what? Get your hand off!"
"Yeah, yeah."
"...What's with that guy?"
And so the three headed off to pay tribute to Chun Seom.
Of course, Yi Ho-chang had warned Baek Hwi beforehand not to breathe a word about the White Go Hall.
Thus ended a hectic first day.
The next day.
As the sun rose, Yi Ho-chang got up to find Baek Hwi asking sleepily,
"Going to the White Go Hall again today?"
"Yeah, White Go Hall."
"What about us?"
"Huh?"
"You're the squad leader now. Shouldn't you be leading us? Tell us to sit around waiting for you again?"
Fair point.
Yi Ho-chang pondered briefly before replying,
"Remember the money I gave you yesterday?"
"Yeah?"
"Cover today's Tribute Fee with some of it, then hang out and eat with the guys. Beg if you want, skip it if you don't."
"Wh-what?"
"You said handle the squad yourself? I just delegated to my deputy—you. Follow orders. Easy, right? Plus, I solved the Tribute Fee issue and gave you pocket money for the crew."
"Th-that's true, but..."
"Don't trust me? Then hustle some begging and fill the Tribute Fee separately. I'm off."
The choice was now Baek Hwi's.
Just then, Baek Hwi came rushing out.
"H-Ho-chang!"
"Yeah?"
"Th... thanks."
Baek Hwi fidgeted bashfully.
Kid.
Still got that cute side.
Feeling like an uncle to the boy, Yi Ho-chang chuckled.
"Know you're grateful? Then take good care of the guys."
"You bet! Leave it to me!"
His steps to the White Go Hall felt lighter for it.
Arriving at the White Go Hall, Dae Jin stood guard at the entrance as always.
Yi Ho-chang smiled at him.
"Chasing me off again today?"
Dae Jin burst out laughing.
"Haha, sorry about yesterday. So many beggars around these days, hard to tell 'em apart. Accept my apology for it."
"Heh, knowing now's enough. With an apology like that, I'll let it slide generously."
"Haha, you rascal. Go on in. The hall master should be waiting in the annex like yesterday."
"Yes, sir. Thank you."
Yi Ho-chang clasped his hands in salute and headed to the annex.
Early morning, and it's already this crowded?
Word was, White Go Hall was the biggest parlor in Zhejiang Province.
Lost in such thoughts as he scanned the hall, Yi Ho-chang suddenly bumped into someone and bounced back, falling.
"Oh dear, are you alright, young hero?"
The one he'd collided with was a woman.
She wore a veiled hat covering her face, but her red lips peeked through alluringly.
The rich floral scent—unheard of in beggar dens—was striking, but even more so that she'd stood firm as Mount Tai despite the impact.
Yi Ho-chang scrambled up and apologized.
"Sorry. Was lost in thought and didn't watch where I was going."
"Haha, happens. No injuries, I hope?"
"No, nothing serious. Excuse me."
He quickly saluted and hurried to the annex.
But a nagging feeling of being followed made him glance back.
The woman from moments ago was trailing him.
Puzzled, he asked politely,
"Uh... may I ask why you're following me?"
"Hehe, not following—just happens our paths overlap."
Ah, could be.
Is she here for the hall master too?
With that in mind, Yi Ho-chang spoke first.
"Then let's go together."
"Shall we?"
Reaching the annex, Jo Jung-seon spotted him and rushed out barefoot.
"You really came! Come in, young hero. But... who's this with you?"
Huh?
Not someone you know?
As Jo Jung-seon tilted his head, the woman smiled softly.
"Grandpa, hurt that you've forgotten me."
Her voice was clear and pure.
With that, she removed her hat and veil, revealing her face.
Her beauty was exceptional.
Porcelain skin and jewel-like eyes especially caught the eye. Seeing her bare face, Yi Ho-chang murmured in quiet admiration.
'Pretty. In modern times, most celebs would bow to her.'
Yi Ho-chang had seen plenty of celebrities back then.
After beating the Go AI, he'd done shows and ads with many.
Now recognizing her, Jo Jung-seon smiled and greeted her.
"Heh, Sima Hwa-yeong, the Situation-Breaking Flower. Long time no see. How's Yin Gui-ja?"
"You're probably the only one who can call my grandfather Yin Gui-ja, Hall Master."
They clearly knew each other well.
Very well, in fact.
Jo Jung-seon smiled.
"Heh, but what brings you here?"
Sima Hwa-yeong smiled awkwardly.
"Grandpa, our Sima Family wants you as Array Hall Master."
"Eh? Didn't I refuse already? Now you're coming in person. This old man wants no more entanglements in the jianghu like in my youth."
"Sigh, still as stubborn as ever. The top ten Seated Hidden Stars must be next."
"Haha, if only... But top ten's beyond this old man."
"Pardon?"
Sima Hwa-yeong blinked in confusion.
The man who never yielded his Go pride to anyone was showing uncharacteristic doubt—for the first time she'd seen.
At her puzzled look, Jo Jung-seon continued sheepishly.
"Sadly, I've met my superior. Beating him's my goal now."
"Superior to you...? Now I'm curious."
"No need to go far. Right beside you."
"...Pardon?"
This boy next to me?
But Jo Jung-seon nodded, and Hwa-yeong's shock deepened.
Yi Ho-chang, standing between them, gave an awkward nod.
"Hi?"
"This is your superior?"
"Indeed."
"Heh!"
Sima Hwa-yeong seemed stunned briefly, then frowned.
No matter how she looked, Yi Ho-chang seemed no Go master—just a snot-nosed kid who might not even know the game.
Reading her expression, Jo Jung-seon chuckled.
"You don't buy it, do you?"
Sima Hwa-yeong held her tongue, so Jo Jung-seon pressed on.
"How about this? I know you play a decent game yourself, miss."
"Nothing compared to you, Hall Master."
"Heh, but you've got an eye for it. The Sima Family teaches much through Go, like the Zhuge. So, why not a game with this young man? If you win, I'll accept your family's request gladly."
Her eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"I promise. Though sudden... what do you say, young hero? Win in my stead, and I'll grant you one wish."
Yi Ho-chang hesitated briefly, then smiled.
No calculations needed—this was pure profit.
Besides,
'She doubts my skill. Time to surprise her a bit.'
Yi Ho-chang tolerated no slights or misconceptions about Go.
He accepted immediately.
"Sure. If that's what you want, Hall Master."
"Heh, then come on in, both of you."
And so, a Betting Go match hinging on Jo Jung-seon's future was set in the annex.