Chapter 208
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 208
Chapter Title: 57. The Bright Moon Rises Over the Mountains (2)
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“Ahura... He's a man the squad leader brought along. I figured they slipped in one hidden expert to bolster our forces. Anything else wrong with that?”
Ahura had mentioned the squad leader of the Face Pursuit Squad, Yi Yang-jo, with his own mouth. And now it seemed Jin Ga-yong trusted him too, so doubting such a man meant doubting Yi Yang-jo himself, who was overseeing this operation. That was as good as denying the operation outright. Was it just excessive suspicion?
“They say he was active in Inner Mongolia until recently. That might explain the off-putting vibe and his overwhelming skill—they were on guard. He seemed to have a backstory too.”
“I've heard plenty of experts have flowed in from other provinces lately. Everyone's got some kind of story.”
Jin Ga-yong's words rang entirely true.
Just looking out on the streets, you could see all sorts of tales and shady characters crawling around. Was it any wonder these were chaotic times?
“But if he's caught your eye, I'll keep watch.”
“Ah, you must have enough on your plate already—no need to go that far. I'll handle the looking into it, just like now.”
“Will you do that for me, deputy squad leader?”
Jin Ga-yong deliberately emphasized 'deputy squad leader' with a gentle smile, and to Flying Tiger's ears, it carried a touch of playfulness. He turned his gaze to the window, wondering if that expression and tone might just be Jin Ga-yong's true self.
Jin Ga-yong followed Flying Tiger's lead, gazing at the passersby outside as he continued.
“Stay cautious, but don't worry too much. Even if he has impure motives, he won't surpass me. So if something arises you can't handle, just stand behind me.”
“Whoa! So you're saying you'll protect me?”
“My arms might not be that wide, but for you alone? I can manage.”
Flying Tiger smiled faintly.
It felt awkward and embarrassing, yet not unpleasant. To be taken into someone's arms... He'd spent his life protecting others in the face of violence, never once being the one protected. The sensation was strangely novel.
'Of course, even if you say that, when the time comes, you'd step forward not just for me, but for everyone connected to you. Just like how you devote yourself to Zhao Family Manor.'
With that thought, Flying Tiger teased back mischievously.
“I've caused quite a few messes myself, and you're willing to take me in? That's some serious confidence.”
“Want me to let you in on one of my secrets?”
“......?”
“Spot on. My confidence overflows. It's something I can't even tell others, but honestly, deep down, I feel like I wouldn't lose to anyone in the world.”
“That's a bit...”
“Heh. You're right about what you didn't say too. If I faced a master on the level of my martial uncle or my late master right now, how could I handle it? But isn't it strange? Logic tells me one thing, yet my heart refuses to believe I'd lose.”
Flying Tiger tilted his head.
If he'd heard that from some random martial artist passing by, he'd have scoffed and thought, 'Is this guy nuts? He's gonna die soon.'
But this was Jin Ga-yong, whom Flying Tiger knew well. He'd rolled through the jianghu, dancing on the edge of life and death more than once or twice. He was ice-cold rational, not the type to get lost in baseless bravado. Nor was he rambling to show off against Flying Tiger.
So then...
“Are you talking about your mindset when facing problems?”
“Did my confession come across that way?”
“Yes.”
“Oh dear. I was just baring my soul to say I'm better at fighting than I look and don't get intimidated by anyone—so don't worry about me. Hm, is that the same thing?”
“Me, worrying about you, squad leader? And that you're even better than you seem? Just how strong are you? That's a lame joke. Anyway, got it. If things go south, I'll come running to you, Squad Leader Jin—so don't change your mind and shove me away then.”
“Good. Come anytime!”
There was an oddly commanding presence to it.
That's why it resonated.
Flying Tiger turned to Jin Ga-yong in surprise, and Jin Ga-yong met his gaze with clear, steady eyes.
He meant it.
Flying Tiger nodded, eyes curving in a smile. He had no intention of going, so there'd be no need to accept him. But he'd accept the sentiment.
The two shared the tea. Conversation lulled again, but this time without the awkwardness.
Eventually, Flying Tiger asked.
“What about B Team? I'm wondering if they might be tangled up with those rebel bastards.”
“You're asking about Protector Won and B Team Leader Na Baek, right? They've long been supporters of the Sungyang Sect leader. They're politically opposed to Cho Eo-jin and his coup-plotting rebels.”
“But that could just be the face they show the world, couldn't it?”
“You're persistent.”
“Sorry. I just hate getting stabbed in the back, so I want to be sure.”
“No need to apologize. Better safe than sorry. Truth be told, I share your concerns. That's why I said something similar to the squad leader. He called in Protector Won and B Team Leader Na Baek right in front of me and made them swear oaths. Then he vouched for their oaths himself.”
“Hmm.”
It was a pretty bold move.
Those in the jianghu tended to stake their lives on so-called face and honor.
Yet even after the squad leader Yi Yang-jo humbled himself like that to mediate, Jin Ga-yong still pushed back with distrust?
Unless he was prepared to lose face and draw swords, there was no refusing.
But...
In truth, Flying Tiger thought his own suspicions were overblown. He was always cautious and strove to be, but even so, he wouldn't normally go this far.
But the Face Pursuit A Team had flipped in an instant. So was it so strange if B Team turned too?
The squad leader Yi Yang-jo, who had seemed like a straightforward brute, felt off as well.
Of course, all this suspicion stemmed from Flying Tiger not truly knowing Yi Yang-jo, Won Gap, or Na Baek.
But wasn't it the saying that you could know ten li under the water but not one li into a man's heart?
Jin Ga-yong could guess at Flying Tiger's mindset and spoke up.
“Squad Leader Yi Yang-jo and the two deputy leaders are all from Lion Hall. They're close aides to the Lion Hall Master, who's away on business right now. They wouldn't betray Hall Leader Gwak Nan-hoe.”
“Understood.”
Flying Tiger accepted it readily.
He judged that suspecting even Gwak Nan-hoe of disloyalty or the Lion Hall Master's aides of betrayal was too far-fetched.
“By the way, have you gotten any separate word from Hall Leader Gwak? No matter how much you trust the squad leader, no message at all on something this important doesn't seem like her.”
“She said since Yi Yang-jo squad leader is my man, I could trust him, and she was leaving the vanguard entirely in my hands. But once the main force arrives, assist their leader in wrapping up the mission.”
“Ah, so there was separate contact.”
“Yes. You got word directly from someone reliable too.”
“Who... Sama Eun-ryeong, by any chance?”
“Exactly. So while she's entrusted things to me and the squad leader, she's still getting separate reports.”
“I see. That's why she rejoined our team.”
Flying Tiger nodded deeply, then leaned back in his chair, stretching lightly. As deputy leader of the Jeong Unit, he figured the official talk was done. But Jin Ga-yong watched him steadily.
“Ah, is there more...?”
“And you? Can you keep going like this?”
“Hm, is this because of my outburst earlier?”
“It wasn't an outburst. You vented your righteous fury at the heavens—what's shameful about that? I was worried seeing it, but you didn't look ugly doing it.”
“Ah... Anyway, I showed an unsightly side.”
“Not at all. Forget what I said—shouldn't you go to your girl right now?”
“Is that okay?”
“For you? Sure.”
“No, I was just saying. I've realized something belatedly, but separate from that, this mission means a lot to me too. I have to keep my promise to Seo Guk-dang, to whom I'm indebted, and as I said, for Ma Yeop-do-u's sake too.”
“So you've chosen revenge too?”
“Well... Honestly, if it came down to choosing between the living and the dead, I'd pick the living without question. But now... let's call it settling things.”
“Settling?”
“When it's time to leave a place, isn't it proper to clean up your own messes before you go?”
“......”
Jin Ga-yong looked at him with pity for a moment, then clicked his tongue in mild disapproval.
“You too, huh. Anyway, is that your resolve?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. Then let me give you some advice.”
If you've resolved yourself, then believe!
Jin Ga-yong said gravely.
He trusted. Because he trusted his martial uncle, he could leave Zhao Family Manor to him and come out like this. Because he trusted his juniors, he could entrust Zhao Family Manor to them and leave.
“And because I trust myself, you Flying Tiger, and the Jeong Unit comrades, I have no doubt this mission will succeed too.”
Flying Tiger scratched his chin thoughtfully before asking if Jin Ga-yong planned to leave right after the operation ended. Jin Ga-yong replied with a relieved expression that yes, he did. He seemed genuinely pleased, straightforwardly so.
But it was a lie.
More precisely, relieved and glad? Half right, half wrong. The expression he wore now before Flying Tiger was fake.
'What's this? He doesn't want his true feelings exposed? Complicated guy. Well, feelings aren't easy to tie or cut off. Especially for him... Wait a minute!'
Only then did Flying Tiger realize he could clearly sense Jin Ga-yong's complex, subtle emotions. Until now, he'd chalked up their rapport to growing close, but was it some side effect of the Human Subduing? Were their linked minds from back then still connected?
'Huh? What's going on...? This shouldn't be happening. It was supposed to have cut off by now. Is it broken?'
Flying Tiger panicked and stole a glance at Jin Ga-yong, who shifted to a puzzled look. His surging emotions must have reacted.
It seemed Jin Ga-yong hadn't realized he was still under the Human Subduing's influence. Just as Flying Tiger hadn't until moments ago.
Flying Tiger felt that 'uh-oh' guilt from childhood mischief—like peeking on women bathing and worrying about getting caught.
Wasn't this just like peering into someone else's private thoughts?
He couldn't very well claim it was mutual since Jin Ga-yong could read his too. For starters, Flying Tiger didn't like his own mind being read—even by Jin Ga-yong—and beyond that, claiming 'fair's fair' wouldn't fly. Jin Ga-yong wouldn't just shrug it off knowing.
After all, he wasn't some empty-headed fool like Ye Dok-du. He was meticulous, full of secrets—knowing would only make him sorry.
“What's wrong with you?”
“Haha, no idea? Suddenly feeling all shivery.”