The Begging Person Appears
Joo Somang felt just as frustrated. In truth, neither her father-in-law nor Kim Taeksu were the types to listen well to such complaints. So maybe, just maybe, she'd finally found someone who understood.
"A new competing taekwondo academy opened up right next door. Isn't that too much? We already don't have that many kids, and now this right across from us..."
Splitting the pie. It wasn't even a neighborhood overflowing with children, and not every kid got sent to taekwondo anyway. Yet somehow, two identical academies ended up staring each other down.
"And the rumors spreading around? That's definitely coming from them, I swear."
Really?
Normally, the gym owner or Kim Taeksu would tell her not to make baseless accusations. She was jumping to conclusions. Even if it were true, spreading it without proof would just backfire. You couldn't go around suspecting people lightly.
All sound advice.
But talk to any of the kids' moms even a little, and it's obvious...
While the gym owner and Kim Taeksu handled the training, Joo Somang dealt with the parents sending their kids to the academy. That's how she heard it—the things they said when switching over to Sora Taekwondo.
"That's right. They're definitely the ones spreading it. And our prices are the same, but they call us beggars..."
Same prices. She had to admit, with cleaner facilities and a nicer exterior, Somang Taekwondo naturally got the recognition. Joo Somang acknowledged that much.
But dropping our prices for real would make us look like a place only beggars send their kids to.
Now they couldn't even lower them. Competition was impossible like this.
Joo Somang poured it all out to Shin Jaewoo.
A sigh of admiration escaped Shin Jaewoo's lips.
"Those guys are real pieces of work."
Finally, someone who got it. Joo Somang spilled everything—big and small, what she should and shouldn't say. Afterward, her chest felt lighter.
"If I had the money, I'd remodel the whole place from top to bottom right now."
"Oh yeah?"
For some reason, Shin Jaewoo's questioning tone sounded delighted.
"Sigh. It's just idle talk everyone makes."
Joo Somang blushed at his response. Only then did she realize she'd been a bit dramatic. Instead of saying more, she wrapped it up politely and hung up.
Shin Jaewoo offered to put Kim Taeksu in a taxi.
"...Thanks. I'll pay the fare later."
"No need. I made a killing this time, so I gotta treat you guys right. Taxi fare's on me."
Why did that make her compare again? Still, Joo Somang brushed it off as no big deal. Kim Taeksu hadn't even told her about the huge inheritance. So all she knew was simple.
Guess he landed a good job.
As far as she knew, Shin Jaewoo was the poor friend who'd lost his job—and gotten dumped after his girlfriend cheated.
At least it was a relief. Originally, Kim Hyeju was supposed to catch the bouquet, but now someone else had stepped in. Another of Kim Taeksu's friends was getting married.
"...Take care of him."
"Sure thing, don't worry."
With that, the call ended.
After hanging up, Shin Jaewoo actually called a model taxi for his friend—and then sank into thought. First, he summoned someone. Not a taxi, but a driver.
"I'll take you, Director."
Choi Jincheol arrived shortly after the call. The man Lee Jinmyeong had assigned before heading to the US.
"Thanks."
"It's just my job."
With that, he opened the back door of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Shin Jaewoo leaned into the plush rear seat and called out before the door closed.
"Jincheol."
"Yes, Director."
"There's Somang Taekwondo and Sora Taekwondo. Look into them for me."
He had Joo Somang's side of the story, but he needed a proper investigation before getting involved. If Sora was playing dirty, he'd play dirtier...
If not, just let them sort it out themselves.
Hadn't Joo Somang said it herself?
If I had the money, I'd remodel the whole place from top to bottom right now.
If outdated facilities and gear were the issue, fixing that would solve it.
Hmm. How to hand over the cash... Wedding gift money, maybe.
Shin Jaewoo's lips curved up. Their wedding was coming up soon. As his friend said, he'd drop some serious "brag money."
"Got it. Should I report back to you after?"
"Yeah. As fast as possible. And... there was some shady rumor about dishonor or whatever. Check that too. Something like Beggar Taekwondo?"
For Shin Jaewoo, clearing that up was enough.
"Understood, Director."
Choi Jincheol closed the door, got in the driver's seat, and the car pulled away. Shin Jaewoo opened his smartphone.
Time for his new hobby: AsiaTV.
No Kuni hyung today, huh...
He'd already drunk plenty with Kim Taeksu, so it was past midnight. Still, plenty of streams were going.
One in particular...
"Oh, she's streaming here."
The one who'd just tanked Nimo Entertainment. Kim Minseo, the cause of the crash.
"Oppa fans! Don't hold back—fund me a little!"
Hera° gifted 1,000 Challenge Mission Star Balloons
"Ah, unnie... I really can't live without you."
Shin Jaewoo blinked at her begging for funds in the dead of night. But there was a reason. Part 1 was over; this was part 2. Or maybe even part 3. A game with Kuni Crew members.
"Oppa fans, at this rate, I won't even cover my participation fee! We gotta do part 2!"
Kim Minseo went full beggar mode. A translucent challenge mission counter floated on screen. Hers was low.
"Shower me!"
He chuckled at her bold cry.
"Unnie doesn't need to give more. You've done plenty."
Kim Minseo had 5,101 star balloons so far. Decent for a fund drive. But the vibe was four digits minimum.
Even the guys are clearing four digits.
The girls were climbing fast. Five digits incoming.
"Pwease fund meeee~"
Hera° had given 4,000 already. Most of it. No wonder she told only Hera to hold back.
"This makes unnie look like a total log!"
"Tch."
Shin Jaewoo clicked his tongue watching. Meanwhile, Kim Minseo muttered on stream.
"Ah, I don't wanna lose to Sohye..."
Her rival, Kim Sohyeon, had quietly racked up 19,212 star balloons. Crowned queen. Also a log, topping the challenge rankings.
1st: SohyeNeoFanClub (Kim Sohye) - 10,002
"Ah... I hate begging my oppa, but..."
She grumbled. Her actions said otherwise. She picked up her phone.
"No choice."
She brazenly called mid-stream. Shin Jaewoo's phone lit up with Kim Minseo's name.
She'd actually done it.
"...This girl."
Shin Jaewoo answered.
"What?"
His gruff tone leaked annoyance.
"He picked up!"
Her stream caught it too. The irritated voice. Kim Minseo whooped, arms up in victory.
The chat exploded just from the call.
"Oppa, how about a little pocket money for your cute lil sis?"
"Cut the crap or I'm hanging up."
"Nooo! Oppa oppa, I'll cook for you next time!"
"You can't cook."
"Ramen! With two eggs!"
He saw through her scheme. Probably an excuse to crash Signiel again. But thanks to her(?), he'd made bank today.
Was it yesterday?
206 billion won. Her idea, sort of. If he hadn't been drinking, he might not have.
Jaewoos gifted 18 Challenge Mission Star Balloons
"That's perfect for you."
She whined angrily at his words.
"Why are you insulting me?!"
Just felt like it. Then someone joined Kim Minseo's stream.
The begging person had appeared.