Shandong's Greatest Martial Family (5)
When Jin Yeo-rip returned to Yueyang Tower, the people there couldn't hide their shock. How could they? The young master who had gone out to sightsee the streets had come back looking like a beggar.
"Ah, I ran into some thugs."
"Thugs? You mean you fought them?"
Jin Ha-seong pressed him sharply, sparking an immediate uproar among those around.
"What the hell kind of guy are you, bro?"
"What?"
"Thugs? You mean you just let it happen?"
"You little shit! Let it happen?!"
"Then what? You're spotless, and the young master's covered in dirt."
"You didn't see shit. They were no joke."
"What do you mean I didn't see? You were slacking off instead of guarding him—it's burned into my eyes."
"What the fuck, man? You always climb on my back like this? Don't you remember how I babied you when you were snot-nosed?"
"Ancient history. I'm the Bi-hwang Corps leader now."
"So?"
"I'm guarding the family head. You're the young master's guard."
"And?"
"Obviously, you're under me."
"What the fuck, man?!"
The two were at it again, bickering like always.
"Enough! Cut it out. We have guests here—how can you make such a racket?!"
"Sorry."
"Sorry, family head."
They knew they'd catch hell. Wang Seok and Im Pilsaeng bowed politely, and Jin Ha-seong turned back to his son with renewed intensity.
"Tell me everything. What happened?"
"Well, actually..."
Jin Yeo-rip explained the whole story. He'd heard a commotion and gone into the alley, where a guy named Yi Chil-seong and his gang were bullying a poor old man. Things had escalated into a fight while he was rescuing the elder.
Of course, he skipped the part about running into the Hwangbo family. His father already had enough on his plate with their relations—no need to worry him over nothing. What was the big deal, anyway? As Im Pilsaeng had said, it was a fair fight. The Hwangbo family, proud as Shandong's top martial clan, wouldn't hold a grudge over it. And they didn't know who he was. Sure, he'd given his name, but what were the odds they'd track him down in a massive city like Je-nam?
As Jin Yeo-rip rationalized it inwardly with an awkward smile, Jin Ha-seong suddenly barked sternly.
"Tch. First the ambush last time, and now this—why are you so damn reckless?"
"Huh?"
"You think there are no other martial artists in Je-nam? There are patrols, Hwangbo warriors—why'd you jump in yourself?"
"No, the situation was..."
Jin Yeo-rip grimaced at the sudden scolding. Wasn't worry the first thing for parents? Most would check if their kid was hurt before anything else...
A twinge of disappointment made his lips pout unwittingly. That's when it came.
"Why do you always have to be so overflowing with a sense of justice?!"
"...Huh?"
"You can't stand by when you see someone pitiful! Why are you so desperate to help others?!"
"..."
It was definitely a scolding—expression, tone, all of it. But why did it sound like praise? And he was shouting it loud enough for everyone to hear. Come to think of it, there were quite a few unfamiliar faces mixed in. One burly middle-aged man stepped forward with a laugh, reining in Jin Ha-seong.
"Haha! Family head, calm down. Why scold him like that?"
"Does he look unscoldable? Always thinking of others first. A merchant should prioritize profit first. Tch tch."
Excuse me, Father?I'm confused—which is it?
Clicking his tongue in reprimand, but it all sounded like compliments. Scolding with a fierce face, yet his cheeks weren't puffing up in a sulk—they kept twitching with suppressed smiles.
"Understand, young master. They say you must be strictest with the ones you cherish most."
"..."
"Personally, I find it refreshing in someone so full of compassion and justice. Merchants naturally prioritize profit, but doesn't that profit come from people?"
"Thank you, Geumhyang Merchant Leader."
"Huh?"
As Jin Yeo-rip thanked the man for taking his side, the middle-aged fellow looked startled.
"You knew who I was already?"
"Of course not. I just figured it out."
"Just now?"
He asked with evident curiosity.
"Yes. We came to Je-nam to meet you, after all. And those wide sleeves with modest yet dignified accessories scream merchant to anyone."
"Heh!"
"Plus, you're seated with my father yet observe perfect etiquette—not overdoing it, but just right for a subordinate. And you called him 'family head'? Outsiders don't use that."
Hwang Jin-chung, leader of the Geumhyang Merchant Group, couldn't hide his amazement at the explanation.
"Well, I'll be. Even while getting chewed out, you noticed all that and pieced it together."
"One of my teachers kindly drilled into me never to slack on observing my surroundings, no matter the situation."
Jin Yeo-rip chuckled lightly, glancing at Im Pilsaeng, who was still bickering with Wang Seok nearby. At this point, it was pure habit. Real bosom buddies, those two.
"Hahaha! With the young master so sharp, Cheongeumbang's future is truly bright."
Hwang Jin-chung laughed heartily, straightened his robes, and bowed formally.
"Geumhyang Merchant Leader Hwang Jin-chung, at your service, young master."
"Jin Yeo-rip. Please, drop the formalities. You're way my senior."
"I couldn't. You might inherit Cheongeumbang someday. You should be the informal one."
"No way. Inheriting Cheongeumbang isn't some huge deal. I've got tons to learn. You're a senior in the merchant world—please guide me going forward."
Hwang Jin-chung beamed at the humble words, while his watching father kept up the stern act. Hide that twitching lip corner, why don't you? You love it—it's obvious.
"Ahem! Sit down first. All that commotion must've let the food go cold."
"Yes, family head."
At Jin Ha-seong's words, Jin Yeo-rip and Hwang Jin-chung took their seats at the table laden with food. Now that he noticed, the aromas were mouthwatering. After that messy brawl, he was starving.
"Family head, please eat. The young master looks famished."
"Tch, that clumsy kid's in his growth spurt—forgive him, merchant leader."
As Jin Yeo-rip eyed the spread with greedy intent, Hwang Jin-chung smoothly intervened, and Jin Ha-seong clicked his tongue but hurriedly picked up his spoon anyway. He really shoveled it in. The food vanished like melting snow, making Jin Ha-seong frown repeatedly as he called the waiter for more.
"Here, young master—have a cup from me."
"Liquor? But..."
He was tempted. His nose had been twitching at the booze scent for a while. But with Father there, he had to play it safe.
"It's fine. Drink."
"Yes!"
At Jin Ha-seong's permission, Jin Yeo-rip snatched up the cup like he'd been waiting. Glug glug. Hwang Jin-chung filled it with a gentle voice.
"Thank you."
"Huh?"
"While waiting for you, I heard from the family head about what happened at Beksan Village."
"Ah."
"You saved our lives."
"That was... just how it happened."
Jin Yeo-rip smiled sheepishly, but Hwang Jin-chung shook his head.
"You could've looked the other way."
"..."
"Think I don't get it? We desperately wanted help, but what did it matter if a little troupe like ours collapsed? Purely by profit, abandoning us would've been the rational choice."
"Well, lives were on the line."
"Lives? Heh, to a merchant, lives are money too."
"..."
"But you didn't."
"Huh?"
"You persuaded the elder council, who'd already decided to cut us loose for practical reasons?"
"Ah, that... huh?"
Jin Yeo-rip blinked wide-eyed, his awkward smile freezing. He stared in bewilderment.
"I get that you value life, but as a merchant, that must've been a tough call."
"No, wait, that's not—"
"Hoho, no need to be modest. The family head told me everything."
Jin Yeo-rip blinked rapidly. Everything? What the hell did he hear wrong? Persuade who?
"Ahem!"
As Jin Yeo-rip puzzled over it and opened his mouth to ask, Jin Ha-seong cleared his throat loudly.
"What are you doing? You took the cup—empty it already!"
"..."
No, did I just hear something weird?
"You punk! You gonna embarrass Merchant Leader Hwang?!"
Scolded over nothing, Jin Yeo-rip had no choice but to down it. What lie did you tell? It looked deliberate, like plugging his mouth with booze. Why?
"Young master, a cup for me too?"
"Sure."
Jin Yeo-rip filled Hwang Jin-chung's cup. The man accepted it politely with both hands, his face set like he'd made a decision.
"Since you saved us... I, Hwang Jin-chung, will never forget that grace until my dying day. Call on me anytime you need help. I'll serve with utter loyalty."
Watching him drain the cup in one go, Jin Yeo-rip finally grasped his father's scheme. Going forward, he'd have to overcome the elder council's opposition and win over the Cheongeumbang-affiliated merchant groups he hadn't even met. But the branch family loyal to the family head line would be penniless exiles like him—useless. He aimed to rule Cheongeumbang, but lacked backing now. So Father had paved the way. Sneaky as ever. A heads-up would've sufficed. Always catching him off guard like this.
"How'd you even think of it? Contracting with bandits. I never would've dreamed it."
"Haha, it just popped into my head."
"Oh! Improvised genius! Truly astonishing. That's a must-have talent for a great merchant. Looks like I'm the one who'll need your help, not the other way around. Hahaha!"
Hwang Jin-chung burst into booming laughter. Overkill. Every word was praise. He'd probably hail a fart as essential digestion for tycoons.
The mood stayed warm amid compliments and humility, the group tipsy from passed cups, when—
"Out of the way!"
"...?"
A commotion erupted outside the door to the rear garden of Yueyang Tower, which Jin Ha-seong had reserved entirely. The Bi-hwang Corps guards seemed to block the entrance at first, but the doors flew open as a gang of men stormed in. Their attire looked familiar. Towering builds, all clad in identical yellow garb...
Huh? The Hwangbo family?
Wang Seok scowled deeply at their swaggering intrusion and blocked their path with a roar.
"What the hell is this?!"
But a Hwangbo warrior ignored him, smirking at Jin Yeo-rip seated beyond. Their eyes locked. Guilt made his heart sink. Shit, that bastard lesser branch punk? Had to be. The guy must've snitched to his parents after the beating.
Jin Yeo-rip grimaced and shot Im Pilsaeng a glare that screamed: ...You said they wouldn't come, expert my ass!