A Taste of the High Life
Led by Cheong Ong, the branch manager of Tongseong County, Unwol and his companions stepped into the private VIP suite. Like the rest of the establishment, the room was styled with a minimalist yet sophisticated elegance rather than gaudy opulence. The only difference lay in the lighting and furniture, which were of exceptionally high quality.
Lee Hak scanned the interior for a moment, nodding with a satisfied smile that showed his approval. Cheong Ong, who had been anxiously watching him out of the corner of his eye, instantly brightened.
A moment later, several maidservants entered, bowed respectfully, and poured tea into the cups set before the group. The branch manager introduced the brew with a warm smile.
"We have brewed this tea using the finest local medicinal herbs and fragrant leaves, ground to perfection. It is one of Tongseong County's proudest specialties."
Taking a sip, Lee Hak nodded slightly and spoke in a pleased tone. "Mmm, it certainly has an excellent flavor."
Watching him, Unwol thought to himself, He really does look like a conglomerate chairman when he acts like this. It was hard to adjust to seeing a man who usually did nothing but crack trivial jokes suddenly exude such authority in public. After all, Lee Hak had given off nothing but a frivolous impression ever since their very first meeting.
Perhaps Biwol was harboring similar thoughts, as she looked at Lee Hak with a look of genuine surprise. "It seems you have lived a rather diligent life, quite contrary to my expectations."
Lee Hak replied with a sly grin. "My, 'a rather diligent life'? Is that a compliment or an insult? Lady Biwol, I believe you could benefit from learning a slightly more straightforward way of speaking."
"You heard me perfectly. I do not offer you compliments."
"Heavens!" Lee Hak gasped, dramatically recoiling in mock shock. Watching the display, Unwol let out a soft chuckle and spoke up.
"I, for one, see you in a new light. I did not realize you possessed such a side, having viewed you somewhat differently until now."
"Pardon? Differently? My Lord Unwol, how on earth did you view me before...?"
Yeon So-o, who was quietly sipping her tea beside them, merely offered an awkward, tentative smile as she watched the exchange. Observing their playful banter, Cheong Ong rapidly deduced the dynamics of their relationships.
First, considering that the man named Unwol occupies the seat of highest honor and judging by the Lord Merchant's tone, it is highly likely—incredible as it seems—that he is someone the Lord Merchant serves. The woman beside him, Biwol, who shares a similar aura, seems to hold a status equal to the Lord Merchant... As for that martial artist from the Jeomchang Sect, she may be sitting with them, but she probably hasn't been traveling with them for very long.
It was an outstanding display of deduction. Indeed, very few possessed the keen insight required to form such an accurate assessment from a mere brief exchange. It was easy to see how he had managed to secure his position as a branch manager of the Jeokcheon Merchant Group, the greatest merchant group in the Central Plains.
When Unwol finished his tea, Lee Hak noticed the empty cup and personally refilled it. "It seems the tea was to your liking."
"The aroma is quite pleasant."
"I am glad it suits your palate."
Seeing this, the branch manager, the administrators, and the maidservants were utterly astounded. To think there existed a man worthy of having the Lord of the Jeokcheon Merchant Group personally pour his tea. The same question echoed in all of their minds:
Who on earth is that man, that our Lord Merchant—who would not bow his head even to high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court—would humble himself so?
In this era, where the influence of the Imperial Court was waning and officials grew increasingly corrupt, the power wielded by the Lord of the Jeokcheon Merchant Group was immense. In the past, when the imperial authority stood firm, a mere merchant could never have wielded such influence. But times had changed; political power, once the absolute pinnacle of authority, was gradually being overtaken by sheer wealth.
Of course, this was also due to Lee Hak's overwhelming control over that wealth. One might wonder how such a thing was possible, but with his vast information network and connections forged through bribes, no one dared to cross him.
Yet, if the Lord Merchant was willing to humble himself to the point of pouring tea, what could possibly be the identity of this white-haired man? One only had to look at Lee Hak's face to see his genuine loyalty. Even to seasoned merchants like the branch manager and his administrators, it was clear that his smile was entirely devoid of pretense. It was the expression and gaze of someone who truly revered and wished to follow another.
Just how grand of a figure must he be for the Lord of the Jeokcheon Merchant Group to serve him so devotedly? At that moment, Branch Manager Cheong Ong came to a realization.
That white-haired man is no ordinary figure. This is a heaven-sent opportunity.
Whether he was a master of the martial world or a supreme power holder, that white-haired man was a colossal figure whom Cheong Ong would normally never have the chance to meet in his entire lifetime. Realizing that securing his favor now would make his career flourish beyond measure, Cheong Ong resolved:
I must cater to their every comfort with absolute perfection...!
Just then, Lee Hak turned to Yeon So-o, who was sitting in a rather stiff, awkward posture, and asked with a gentle smile, "Is something making you uncomfortable?"
Startled mid-sip, Yeon So-o waved her hands in a flurry. "No, not at all! Everything is wonderful. I've just never received such lavish treatment before, so I'm a bit flustered..."
"Haha, please, make yourself at home."
Yeon So-o nodded slightly. "In that case... may I have some of these refreshments?"
"Of course. They were placed here precisely for you to enjoy."
"Is it alright if I eat quite a lot of them?"
"Ah, yes, naturally. Isn't that right, Branch Manager?"
When Lee Hak directed the question to Cheong Ong, the manager nodded vigorously. "Oh, but of course! We keep an abundant stock of refreshments at all times, so please, eat to your heart's content! If you finish them, I shall have more brought out immediately, so do not worry in the slightest!"
At those words, Yeon So-o nodded, promptly pulled the heavily laden plate of pastries toward herself, and began stuffing them into her mouth.
Munch, munch, munch.
With her mouth stuffed to the brim, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's as she happily devoured the treats.
As Unwol conversed with Lee Hak, Biwol, and Branch Manager Cheong Ong, a highly distracting sound kept drifting from his side.
Munch, munch, munch.
"And so, in Henan, where the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering is being hosted..."
Munch, munch, munch.
"Lord Lee Hak, pardon my ignorance, but why is the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering being held in Henan?"
"Ah, that is because the Shaolin Temple, the most influential of the Nine Great Sects and One Gang, is located on Mount Song in Henan..."
Munch, munch, munch.
"Ahem, I see. By the way, Lady Biwol, have you ever witnessed the Dragon and Phoenix Gathering before?"
"I have seen it once in the past..."
Munch, munch, munch.
Only then did Unwol and the others slowly turn their heads to look at Yeon So-o. Her mouth was completely packed with pastries, her cheeks bulging as she chewed away. She had eaten so vigorously that crumbs were scattered all over her lips.
At the sight, Unwol offered a slightly strained smile and spoke. "It... seems the refreshments are truly to your liking. You certainly look like you are enjoying them."
"Ah, yes! They're absolutely delicious. Oh, wait, I've already finished them all. Would it be alright if I had some more?"
"..."
Unwol silently revised his mental evaluation of Yeon So-o. From 'a resolute and brave orthodox martial artist' to 'a resolute, brave, and gluttonous orthodox martial artist.'
Lee Hak, on the other hand, found her behavior amusing and endearing. He unfurled his folding fan to hide his rising grin. Since he naturally despised overly solemn atmospheres and predictable people, he had a great fondness for eccentric individuals.
Of course, Lee Hak was the only one who felt that way. Biwol, feeling utterly displeased that Yeon So-o had interrupted the conversation of the master she revered as a god, frowned and spoke coldly.
"It seems you have not eaten in quite some time. Are you not devouring them a bit too frantically?"
Though phrased indirectly, her words carried a clear subtext: You are stuffing your face so much that it is an eyesore.
Any ordinary woman would have read the room by now, flushed red, put down the pastry, and hung her head in shame. However, Yeon So-o did not know how to speak in euphemisms, nor was she particularly good at understanding them. Then again, if she had any social awareness to begin with, she wouldn't have gorged herself so shamelessly in the first place, so this was to be expected.
"Yes, we've traveled a long way and I couldn't get a proper meal, so I was rather hungry."
"Ah... Ahaha. I see."
Realizing her sarcasm had completely flown over the girl's head, Biwol forced a stiff, strained smile and turned away. Unwol could only chuckle inwardly at Yeon So-o's unabashed honesty, while Lee Hak looked as if he might die of laughter. He tried his best to hold it in, but ultimately burst into a hearty laugh.
"Hahaha! What an entertaining lady. Personally, I quite like people like you. How refreshing it is to see someone do exactly what they want without worrying about what others think! Pfft, haha."
"Ah, yes...? Thank you, I suppose?"
Utterly clueless as to what was so funny, Yeon So-o merely expressed her gratitude with a bewildered expression. Finding her reaction even more hilarious, Lee Hak threw his head back and laughed without even trying to restrain himself. Unwol found it equally amusing. Possessing the mindset of a modern youth, he wasn't bound by rigid etiquette or formalities, appreciating her raw authenticity.
"Haha, you are a free spirit. I expect we will have many reasons to laugh while traveling together."
While some grimaced and others laughed, the maidservants and administrators stood awkwardly, unsure of how to react, offering tentative smiles. Meanwhile, the quick-witted Cheong Ong made his decision.
The highest-ranking individual, Unwol, is laughing, and even the Lord Merchant is delighted. I must join in!
"Hahaha! If the refreshments are to your liking, I would gladly bring more, but as it will soon be time for dinner, perhaps it would be wise to leave some room in your stomach?"
While politely asking for her opinion, he smoothly informed her of the upcoming meal, subtly ensuring she wouldn't ruin the atmosphere by continuing to gorge herself.
"Ah, is that so? Then I should stop eating. They were delicious. Thank you very much."
"Hoho, not at all! It is I who should thank you for enjoying the refreshments made right here at our Tongseong County Branch so thoroughly. Hahaha! If you would like, I can personally pack some for your journey! Hahaha!"
He had stopped Yeon So-o's relentless eating without offending anyone, highlighted that the treats were unique to his branch, and earned points with his superiors. It was killing two birds with one stone—no, three, considering he had also gained a loyal customer in Yeon So-o. He truly possessed the qualifications to rise far beyond a mere branch manager of a great merchant group.
As Lee Hak and Unwol's laughter subsided, Cheong Ong quickly closed his mouth and reassessed the room. His ability to step in and out of a conversation with such flawless timing was a masterclass in social navigation. Even if he hadn't belonged to the Jeokcheon Merchant Group, he undoubtedly would have climbed the ranks rapidly in any other organization.
Once their conversation drew to a close, Unwol's group rose from their seats, preparing to head to the inn rumored to serve the most delicious food in town under the branch manager's guidance.
"There are many restaurants and taverns toward the center of town, but none can compare to the Suban-gaekjan!"
The name literally translated to the 'Outstanding Food Inn.' Lee Hak nodded in response.
"Indeed, the name itself exudes immense pride in their culinary craft."
"Yes, precisely. The owner of the inn cooks the meals himself, and he supposedly used to run a highly renowned restaurant in the capital, Beijing."
Naturally, as the capital, Beijing's commercial district was fiercely competitive. Having run a famous restaurant there was a guarantee of exceptional taste.
"Oh? Is that so? A talent like that really ought to belong to our merchant group."
Lee Hak nodded as he spoke. The Jeokcheon Merchant Group was involved in various business ventures, often establishing inns and restaurants under their brand. At Lee Hak's comment, Cheong Ong smiled confidently.
"Haha, as a matter of fact, after persistent persuasion, we managed to bring him under our wing a few months ago. At the owner's request, we kept the original name, but the establishment now officially belongs to our Tongseong County Branch."
"Oh? It seems you and I share the same vision. You are remarkably competent."
Hearing such direct praise from the Lord Merchant himself, Cheong Ong's lips twitched with joy. Unable to contain his delight, he quickly bowed his head in gratitude.
"I am deeply honored by your high praise."
"And humble to boot. Ah, a man of your caliber really belongs in our main headquarters."
"...!!!"
Hearing the very words he had yearned to hear his entire life—uttered by the one giant who could actually turn his dream into reality—Cheong Ong's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Just then, noticing that Yeon So-o still looked hungry, Unwol spoke up on her behalf.
"Let us make haste, then. The Outstanding Food Inn... the name alone fills me with anticipation."
At his words, Cheong Ong quickly signaled to an administrator, who hurried off to prepare the carriage.
"Allow me to escort you."
Guided by Cheong Ong, Unwol and his companions stepped outside, heading toward Tongseong County's finest establishment: the Suban-gaekjan.