Friends (6)
Jin Yeo-rip and Hwangbo Wonpyeong sat in the pavilion in the front yard of Myeonghyeon Pavilion, the young master's annex, having already emptied two jars of liquor.
No matter how you sliced it, a learned man couldn't drink in the parlor, so they'd moved spots.
"So? You let those bastards live?"
"Yeah."
"Hah! Those damn scum! They were gunning for your life, and you spared them? You should've ripped out their tongues first thing."
"That's brutal."
Jin Yeo-rip chuckled at Hwangbo Wonpyeong, who was raging like it was his own grudge as he recounted the ambush at Cheongeumbang.
What a weird guy. They'd only met recently, but he made the seat feel fun and comfortable, like old pals.
"Still, you did the right thing."
"What'd I do right?"
"If you'd killed the elders' sons, they wouldn't have sat idle. And you'd have lost face with everyone."
"Says the guy who wanted their tongues yanked."
"'Cause it ain't my business."
"What?"
"Kuhahaha! Just talk, that's all. Talk."
Hwangbo Wonpyeong's booming laughter filled the yard.
That laugh was probably why. They'd shared so many stories, growing closer with every jar they drained.
Im Pilsaeng, watching from afar, smiled faintly.
A fine connection. The heirs linking Shandong's martial clans and merchant world.
The Hwangbo family had competed with the Ak family over Shandong, but whether by blood or chance, their leaders' bold natures had kept it from turning sour. A rivalry of goodwill.
Seeing the next generation hit it off brought a warm satisfaction.
Good friends, good memories. No need to worry about Jin Yeo-rip.
But one thing had to be done.
He'd confirmed it wasn't demonic qi but pure righteous energy. Still, wasn't it the Reverse Heaven heart method?
If word got out and someone twisted it maliciously, it'd be big trouble.
Trouble depended on how it arose.
Especially if Madam Yang Sojin's faction learned of it—they'd been eyeing a chance to oust him and swallow Cheongeumbang whole. They wouldn't miss this golden opportunity.
So he had to find out.
Head to Shaolin and ask around. Sidestepping questions might reveal clues about the Reverse Heaven heart method Jin Yeo-rip practiced. Where had it come from?
With his resolve firm, Im Pilsaeng approached the duo mid-drink.
"Young master."
"Ah, come on... Uncle Pilsaeng, join us."
"Whoa, quick with the invite."
"Ah, this guy's just so damn chatty."
As Jin Yeo-rip sheepishly shifted blame with a grin, Hwangbo Wonpyeong shot him a baffled look amid Im Pilsaeng's sour glare.
"Hey, you punk! I chime in 'cause I wanna."
Sure, but we're blaming you anyway.
"Liquor's great, but I've got somewhere to be."
"Somewhere to be?"
"Yes."
"Where?"
As Jin Yeo-rip tilted his head, Hwangbo Wonpyeong pondered briefly, then nudged his side with a sly grin.
"What're you asking for? Can't you tell?"
"Huh?"
"This, obviously. This."
Hwangbo Wonpyeong twirled his thick pinky.
Universal sign language, huh?
"Haha! The young master reads the room better than you, sir."
"Damn right? I'm Hwangbo's heir. I know my men's hearts inside out."
"Lucky guy. Wish everyone was like that."
As Im Pilsaeng narrowed his eyes, Jin Yeo-rip shook his head.
"You two sync up nice. Go on, then—no one in the Hwangbo house'll jump you. And there's Bihwangdae."
"Yes, I'll handle Wangseok separately. It'll take time, so head back to Cheongeumbang first."
"Pardon? That long?"
"Of course. You think man-woman pillow talk wraps in one night?"
"Didn't peg you for it."
"For what?"
"You don't look the type."
"Pardon?"
"Kidding."
"Felt real, though. Tch!"
"Hurry back. Someone's probably dying of thirst waiting."
"Yes, sir."
Im Pilsaeng bowed and stepped out of Myeonghyeon Pavilion, then paused, turning back.
"Young master."
"Yes?"
"Just in case—no fighting while I'm gone."
"What's that mean?"
"No spars or duels either. Got it?"
"...?"
"No street thugs."
"Whoa, what's this all of a sudden?"
"Halgyeon-yong-u-do—why use an ox-cleaver on a chicken?"
Yeah, I get it. Know when to step up; everything has its proper place.
But why bring it up now? And that serious face?
"Remember it well. In murim, even kin should hide three-tenths of their strength."
"..."
"You're a merchant, sure, but you've shown too much already. Even with Hwangbo ties, it's unwise. Who knows when it'll bite back."
Jin Yeo-rip glanced at Hwangbo Wonpyeong. He got the point, but saying it right in front of the guy?
Awkward.
"Ahem, sound advice. Elder Gwiyeong's right. My father always says the same—in murim's web of schemes, hide three-tenths to weather crises. It might save your life."
Im Pilsaeng's words could sound like dismissing Hwangbo sincerity, but Wonpyeong nodded as if it were obvious.
Guy's as wrinkle-free as his big heart.
Impressed inwardly, Jin Yeo-rip listened as Hwangbo Wonpyeong grew solemn.
"Yeo-rip, heed Elder Gwiyeong. Hate to say it now, but I held back three-tenths too. My real skill's way higher—I could've won, but hid it and lost. Yeah, that's it."
"..."
"Remember. Three-tenths hidden."
His grown-up act with that dead-serious face narrowed Jin Yeo-rip's eyes.
Bullshit. You went all out. And three-tenths? Know how much that is?
As Jin Yeo-rip snorted, Im Pilsaeng pressed for confirmation.
"Young master. You get me?"
"Yes, got it."
"Promise?"
"Come on."
"You must. No stepping in, no matter what. Even on the way back—leave it to Wangseok."
"..."
"Wangseok can protect everyone. Trust him."
The nagging hit a nerve, but Jin Yeo-rip nodded reluctantly.
"Fine. I promise."
"Yes."
Only then did Im Pilsaeng's seriousness fade into a bright smile.
"I'll be off."
"Yeah, go. She's parched."
"Hahaha!"
After hammering it home and extracting the vow, Im Pilsaeng left Myeonghyeon Pavilion with a hearty laugh.
"Why's he acting weird? Not like him."
Pondering his behavior, Jin Yeo-rip caught Hwangbo Wonpyeong's envious stare.
"What?"
"Jealous."
"Jealous?"
"Yeah. Elder Gwiyeong's your guard. Your protector."
"So?"
"You punk, know what that means?"
"What?"
"Uh... something good? Real good? Pride you can't put words to!"
"You're such a total fanboy."
"Huh?"
"Like, obsessed."
Jin Yeo-rip smirked, slipping into past-life slang unwittingly.
"Hm, fanboy. Sticks nice. Yeah, Gwiyeong fanboy here. Forever! Gwiyeong fangirl, Gwiyeong stan!"
"Pfft."
Kid's already riffing. Different era, but fans gotta fan. Admiration, respect, stanning—same diff.
"Gonna be tough for you, though."
"Huh?"
"You said it. To be Cheongeumbang lord, get kicked out penniless and build your own success."
"Yeah."
"Whew, merchant heirs get insane trials. Starting from rock bottom, no capital? I'd rather die."
"Tell me about it. I'm worried sick."
"Got a plan?"
"Not yet. Just thinking."
"Wanna help, but rules say no."
"Help how... Wait."
A brilliant idea flashed in Jin Yeo-rip's mind.
Hold up. If I play this right?
"What?"
As Hwangbo Wonpyeong cocked his head, Jin Yeo-rip grinned slyly.
"We're friends, right?"
"Duh! Second meeting, went all-out sparring, now boozing. Friends! Hell yeah!"
"Good. Help me out, then."
"Me?"
"Yeah."
"Won't it show? Might look like Hwangbo helped, and family ties are iffy publicly. Even dad friends don't mix business."
Jin Yeo-rip leaned in with a subtle glint.
"Who said publicly? Do it personally."
"Personally?"
"Yeah."
"How?"
"Simple... Sign up for my insurance."
"Insurance?"
"Yep."
"Protects from risks? You? Me? Like an escort service?"
Boppo—bodyguards for hire.
"Ridiculous. Why guard a guy with So-cheon-dae?"
"Then what is it?"
"Kinda like... life insurance?"
"Life... what?"
"Listen up."
Jin Yeo-rip launched into his life insurance pitch.
Rich kid Hwangbo Wonpyeong croaking young? Unlikely. Gourmet meals, tonics daily. No dying in some inn either—with So-cheon-dae escorts everywhere.
This guy's a lifelong premium payer, cashing out only at deathbed.
By then? I'd be insurance king.
"Do I need that? Seems pointless. What good's my inheritance months after I'm gone? You don't know—we're loaded, not Cheongeumbang level, but close."
Sharp and wealthy brat. But no backing down.
You'll be my loyal customer, seed money for the future.
Persuasion? Nah. Hit the heartstrings.
"Dude! We're friends, right?"
"Huh?"
"Just help a bro out—one policy! You're rich; pocket change monthly too much?"
"No, but..."
"Dude! My first customer."
"First?"
"Yeah! The very first for my new biz. Know how huge that is?"
"Uh, don't get it, but for that? Fine. Life insurance whatever—I'll deduct from allowance. Your inaugural client."
Loyal bastard. Lucky. No insurance experience past life, but the vibe? Obvious.
...Start with friends.