Chapter 490: Give Lee Gi-yeon to Me
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 490: Give Lee Gi-yeon to Me
"Kang Myeong, could... could it be that you!?"
Paeng Ga-ryeon glared at Kang Myeong, her expression one of pure shock. The thought that he might have betrayed her to side with Joo So-yang had just crossed her mind.
"I don't know what you're thinking, Hall Master, but it isn't what you suspect," Kang Myeong replied in a calm, level tone.
Despite his words, the suspicion in Paeng Ga-ryeon’s eyes didn't fade. His friendly demeanor toward Joo So-yang was simply too dubious to ignore.
"Hohoho, Kang Myeong. It seems your superior doesn't trust you very much," Joo So-yang remarked, watching the scene with an amused expression.
"It would seem so. Regrettably."
"Why not take this opportunity to switch sides? I can offer you my absolute, infinite trust."
Joo So-yang gave him a subtle wink. The gesture was both incredibly cute and dangerously alluring.
"I appreciate the offer, but I have no intention of doing so—at least not yet," Kang Myeong replied, slowly shaking his head to signal his refusal.
"By 'not yet,' do you mean your mind could change at any time?"
"I suppose you could put it that way."
At his answer, Kang Myeong gave a slight nod.
"Fufu, then please let me know whenever you change your mind. I will welcome you with the best possible terms and unconditional trust."
"Thank you for the wonderful opportunity."
Kang Myeong bowed his head slightly in a show of gratitude.
"Not at all. I should be the one thanking you for your positive consideration."
Joo So-yang replied with a bright smile and slowly began to rise from her seat.
"Well then, I shall take my leave. It seems the Madam has much to say to you."
Standing up, Joo So-yang glanced at Paeng Ga-ryeon and flashed a playful, mischievous smile.
"Safe travels," Kang Myeong said, standing up to give her a polite farewell.
"Thank you, Unit Leader Kang."
Joo So-yang responded with a pleasant smile.
Creeeeeak.
Thud.
With that, she exited the reception room.
"Kang Myeong."
The moment she was gone, Paeng Ga-ryeon called his name, her voice as cold as frost.
"You called, Hall Master?"
"I believe an explanation is in order."
She glared at him, her eyes burning with anger.
"What kind of explanation?" Kang Myeong asked, looking genuinely curious.
"Don't play dumb with me! You know exactly what I mean!"
"I'm asking because I truly don't know. What is it you want me to explain?"
"Everything!"
Paeng Ga-ryeon’s eyes sharpened as she glared at him.
"Everything?"
"Yes! When Joo So-yang arrived, what she said, how she acted, what she proposed! Whether you accepted or not—all of it!"
She glared at him like a wildcat. Even a casual observer could tell she was seething with rage.
"Hmm... and must I tell you?"
"Is that even a question? Of course you must!"
"Why?"
"Wh-what!?"
"Isn't the content of our conversation my private business? Why should I have to report every little detail to you, Hall Master?" Kang Myeong asked, as if he truly didn't understand.
"Kang Myeong!"
Paeng Ga-ryeon’s face flushed with anger, and her voice rose. His insolence was starting to grate on her nerves.
"You are my subordinate. You are under my command! How dare you disobey my orders!"
"This isn't a professional matter; it's a personal one. Why should I report even those things to you?"
"You...!"
Paeng Ga-ryeon pointed a finger at Kang Myeong and screamed.
"You are the Rising Star who agreed to support Yeon-ah! We are in the same boat! How can you be so uncooperative? Have you already decided to jump ship to Joo So-yang's side?"
"I didn't realize that supporting someone carried such compulsory force—to the point where I have to share my private life. And didn't I already tell you? I rejected the Great Matriarch's proposal."
Kang Myeong continued in a composed voice.
"Since you've lined up with us, shouldn't you be as cooperative as possible? Only if we win can you get what you want! Why are you being so stubborn?"
Paeng Ga-ryeon asked, her expression full of disbelief. She couldn't understand him. The whole point of forming a faction was to achieve victory. Why was he being so difficult?
"And what is it that I want?"
"What you want is... what you want is..."
Paeng Ga-ryeon trailed off, lost for words.
Kang Myeong was a man with absolutely no desire for fame or power. He was someone solely driven by the desire for achievement through martial arts.
She had seduced such a man with her voluptuous, alluring body. She had tried to ensnare a man obsessed only with martial arts within the folds of her skirt.
And she had succeeded; Kang Myeong had fallen in love with her.
Back then, when he loved her, he had wanted only one thing: to marry her.
But his love had grown cold. As he reached the Super-Peak Realm and achieved spiritual growth, he was no longer enslaved by carnal lust.
He began to treat her with contempt, as if she were nothing more than a tool to satisfy his urges. Like a cheap prostitute who was useless once he had finished coming.
In that moment, she realized it. He didn't love her anymore.
That realization threw her into a dilemma. She no longer had a card to play to keep him by her side.
He was a man who transcended fame, power, and wealth. There was nothing left that he could possibly want from her.
Grit.
Paeng Ga-ryeon bit her lip hard. She couldn't answer him. She didn't know what he wanted, or how she could possibly hold onto him.
"No answer, I see."
When she remained silent, Kang Myeong spoke in a flat tone.
"It seems you don't know. You don't know what I want."
"..."
She didn't. There was no way she could know what a man like him desired.
"And yet you claim you can give me something?"
Kang Myeong glared at her with cold eyes.
"In such a situation, how can I be expected to cooperate actively, Hall Master?"
"..."
"I simply lack the motivation."
Tremble, tremble.
Hearing his words, Paeng Ga-ryeon’s lips began to quiver. Now that she had lost her leash on him, she was consumed by the anxiety that he might leave at any moment.
A genius who stood as an equal to Jang Sun-woo was slipping away. If he left, her daughter Lee Gi-yeon’s chances of winning the succession struggle would plummet.
And if he were to join Lee Ye-seol’s side instead...
Suddenly, Paeng Ga-ryeon’s eyes became bloodshot. A wave of desperation and despair washed over her.
No! I have to hold onto him no matter what!
She had to stop him. She had to prevent him from leaving at all costs. This was the position of successor she had craved for decades. Now that it was within reach, she couldn't give up.
There was no time to waste on useless power struggles. She had to bind him to her, no matter what she had to promise.
"Then tell me."
Finally, Paeng Ga-ryeon spoke, her expression solemn.
"Tell me what you want."
"Can you give it to me if I tell you?" Kang Myeong asked, looking amused.
"I can. No matter what it is."
"What if I said I wanted your body, Hall Master?"
"I will give it to you as much as you want."
Paeng Ga-ryeon looked at Kang Myeong with eyes full of resolve.
"If I told you to strip right here, would you?" Kang Myeong asked mischievously.
"I would."
"And if I told you to suck my cock?"
"I would."
Paeng Ga-ryeon answered with deadly seriousness.
"Hahahaha! This is getting interesting."
Kang Myeong burst into laughter.
"To think you, who refused any relationship outside of a secret chamber, would change your tune so completely."
"Because you are worth that much," Paeng Ga-ryeon said with utmost politeness.
"Isn't it just because the Great Matriarch made you feel a sense of crisis?" Kang Myeong teased.
"I won't deny it. It's true that she has made me more anxious."
Paeng Ga-ryeon nodded in agreement.
"I no longer have any means to hold onto you. I'm at the point where I'd cling to your pant legs if I had to. I cannot afford to lose you."
"I'm flattered that the Hall Master recognizes my value so highly."
Kang Myeong smiled slightly, seemingly satisfied with her answer.
"So please, tell me. What is it you want? I will give you anything, everything... even this useless body of mine."
Squeeze.
Paeng Ga-ryeon lightly squeezed her own large tits, speaking seductively. A heavy, sensual aura began to radiate from her.
"Will you... really... give me anything?" Kang Myeong asked, his expression turning dazed as he watched her.
"Haah... of course. Anything is possible."
Squeeze, knead.
At his question, Paeng Ga-ryeon massaged her breasts even more vigorously, her voice dripping with temptation.
"Absolutely anything?"
"Of course... anything... Kang Myeong, if you desire it, I will give it to you without a moment's hesitation."
She looked at him with burning eyes and spoke slowly.
"Very well."
Kang Myeong spoke with a satisfied expression.
"Then give Lee Gi-yeon to me."
"What did you say!?"
Paeng Ga-ryeon’s voice exploded in shock. What on earth was he talking about?
"I wish to marry Lee Gi-yeon. Give her to me as my bride."
Kang Myeong spoke clearly, emphasizing every single word so that she couldn't possibly mishear him.
"..."
Paeng Ga-ryeon was struck dumb. It was a demand she had never even imagined.
He wanted her daughter? What kind of nonsense was this? How could he even utter such words?
She thought it had to be a joke. It must be a joke.
"...Your jest is in poor taste."
She spoke with a trembling, uncertain voice.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
Kang Myeong looked at her with an expression of absolute seriousness.
"That's impossible!" Paeng Ga-ryeon screamed.
"Why do you think it's impossible?"
"You and I have shared a bed! How can I give you to my daughter as her husband? It's depraved!"
"Depraved? It's not as if you and I are married, Hall Master. As long as the two of us keep our mouths shut, no one will ever know."
"How can you say such a thing!? Do you not fear the heavens?"
"It's fine. I can receive my punishment in hell later."
Kang Myeong spoke with a calm, indifferent face.
"I cannot allow it!"
"Didn't you say you would grant me anything I wanted?" Kang Myeong asked, looking perplexed.
"My daughter is the exception. Ask for something else."
Paeng Ga-ryeon spoke firmly.
"I want nothing other than Lee Gi-yeon. If you won't grant this, I will side with Lee Ye-seol."
Kang Myeong’s expression soured as he made his threat.
"What!?"
"The Great Matriarch promised me marriage to Lee Ye-seol as a condition for joining her. If you refuse, I won't hesitate to choose that side. I could become the husband of the Cheonmu Alliance Leader, after all."
"..."
Paeng Ga-ryeon fell silent. She had never expected Joo So-yang to make such an extreme move.
What do I do... what do I do... what on earth should I...
Paeng Ga-ryeon fell into deep thought. She had no idea how to handle this. Every fiber of her being wanted to refuse, but if she did, he would leave. He would go to Joo So-yang.
If that happened, her daughter’s chances of becoming the successor would vanish completely.
But she couldn't just accept his proposal either. He was a man she had slept with. How could she hand her beloved daughter over to such a man? If she did, Kang Myeong would end up violating both mother and daughter.
Countless thoughts clashed in her mind. Finally, she arrived at a conclusion. The best possible choice.
"...Fine."
Paeng Ga-ryeon finally spoke.
"I will... make you Yeon-ah's husband."
After all the internal conflict, she had voiced the best option she could find.
"Is that true?"
Kang Myeong beamed and asked her again.
"It is true."
She nodded slightly, her expression grim.
"No taking it back later."
"Of course."
It was a lie, of course. She intended to kill Kang Myeong the moment the succession struggle was over. Then the promise to make him her son-in-law would be automatically canceled.
Do you really think I'd hand my daughter over to a scoundrel like you?
Her eyes began to gleam with a sinister light.
"Then let us call Lady Gi-yeon here right now," Kang Myeong said with a bright, happy smile.
"What!?"
Paeng Ga-ryeon looked at him in bewilderment. What was he up to now?
"Shouldn't we get confirmation in front of the person herself?"
Kang Myeong grinned. His smile was filled with pure, unadulterated delight.