Debt Relations (2)
“How’s your body feeling?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s a relief.”
So Hye let out a sigh of relief as she looked over Jin Yeo-rip, now fully treated. She still vividly remembered the shock on her face when he’d returned covered in blood, his wounds hastily bandaged.
“Sorry.”
“Why should you apologize, my lord?”
“Huh?”
“It’s the bodyguard’s failing if they couldn’t protect you. Instead, you showed remarkable ingenuity and even saved their life—so you deserve praise, not apologies.”
Jin Yeo-rip couldn’t help but look sheepish at her bright smile and words. She really was steadfast. So Hye seemed like the type who’d side with him even if he committed a crime right in front of her.
“So, what are you going to do now?”
“Huh? About what?”
“What do you mean? Don’t tell me you’re trying to fool me?”
“Huh?”
“Geuman Yang Taek.”
“Ah… that.”
“Sigh, do you think I don’t know you, my lord? Just do it. Don’t overthink. It’s the only thing on your mind anyway.”
Jin Yeo-rip shook his head with a sigh at So Hye’s knowing smile, as if she’d read his thoughts.
“You’re… something else.”
“I read minds well, don’t I?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s my ability.”
“What?”
“You were wondering how I gather information so quickly.”
“You read minds?”
“Well, something like mind-reading.”
“Mind-reading?”
“Yes. I don’t know the details myself. I was just born with it.”
Jin Yeo-rip narrowed his eyes, watching So Hye’s faint smile.
“You can’t gather that much information just from mind-reading.”
“Of course there’s more to it. But it’s a secret.”
“What?”
“You know women’s secrets shouldn’t be pried into carelessly, right?”
Jin Yeo-rip found himself chuckling at her playful wink.
“So, what should we start with? You’ve already got a plan, haven’t you?”
“Yeah.”
Jin Yeo-rip nodded, a chill glinting in his eyes. How could he let it slide when a guy whose life goal was making money had put a hit on him? He’d nearly died for real. Time to collect on that debt. He’d go confront him directly.
But with Tak Sobak dead, there was no way to prove Geuman Yang Taek was behind the attempt on his life. A man like Yang Taek wouldn’t leave himself exposed to failure. He’d deny everything, claiming Tak Sobak had left his service and he knew nothing of his actions. No way to press him without evidence.
Only he, Im Pilsaeng, and Kang Seong-gil knew the full story that day. They weren’t credible witnesses. He needed ironclad proof—something undeniable.
In my past life, I’d just report it to the cops, seize the hitman’s bank records, and trace the money back.
“He got paid a hundred taels of silver.”
“Shall we raid the money house then?”
“Huh?”
As Jin Yeo-rip muttered to himself, So Hye casually offered her input.
“The money house?”
“Yes. Every branch has records for that sort of transaction.”
“I see… A hundred taels, though. He must’ve really wanted me dead.”
“Exactly. That damn old geezer—can’t shake his rotten habits even in old age. He’ll end up in the eighth level of hell someday, boiled head to toe in scalding oil.”
So Hye gnashed her teeth. Sometimes, she really didn’t mince words. This was practically a posthumous curse.
“For now, let’s dig into Tak Sobak’s background. And look into Dokbi Yeo Jeokgwang and Tanggu too.”
“Them as well?”
“We can’t just let them off. How could we leave alone the ones who targeted your life?”
A cold light flickered in So Hye’s eyes for a moment—enough to make his body twitch. She had these moments sometimes. Not quite killing intent, but… what was it? That innate ability she mentioned? Asking would just get him the “secret” excuse.
“Oh, and don’t tell the family head. We’ll keep it quiet for now.”
“Yeah, he’d blow up if he knew.”
“I’d almost prefer that.”
“Why?”
“It’d be less dangerous than you handling it yourself.”
Jin Yeo-rip nodded at her words.
“True. But whether he knows or not, I’d handle it myself.”
“Pardon? Why?”
“I wouldn’t be satisfied otherwise.”
So Hye let out a soft chuckle. Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.
While preparing for the merchant alliance summit, Jin Yeo-rip had heard plenty from Jin Ha-seong about the ties between Saihai Money House and Cheongeumbang. Banks were all the same. Small-time money games from civilians were pocket change. “Pennies make a mountain”? That was just a proverb pushing savings or future planning. Show him one rich person who got there scraping pennies—from the Stone Age to now, he’d never heard of it. Pennies stayed pennies.
You could build seed money, sure. But then? Land speculation, stock jackpots, real estate booms. Rich folks always said land went up once they bought it. No such markets here, so to make real money, invest in business—like Cheongeumbang.
Small merchants bet everything on one venture: boom or bust. Same for mines or farms. Higher rewards meant higher risks. But giants like Cheongeumbang were different. No overnight fortunes, but steady profits with low failure odds. A golden goose laying eggs consistently.
That’s why Geuman Yang Taek married off his daughter strategically, replaced elders, and schemed for Cheongeumbang. Killing him was part of it too—with two sons from Yang Sojin, succession after Jin Ha-seong was secured.
Geuman Yang Taek wasn’t dumb enough to kill the goose, and Jin Ha-seong couldn’t ignore their massive investments. Not yet. They needed each other. Without proof, even his father couldn’t touch him. He’d rage, protest—that’s it.
So he had to do it himself. His father couldn’t move without evidence as Cheongeumbang’s leader, but he could. He was the thunderbolt kid who didn’t care about politics in everyone’s eyes.
“Prepare for now. I’ll decide after reviewing the intel.”
“Understood. And I’ll borrow Uncle Pilsaeng.”
“Uncle Pilsaeng?”
“Yes. We need hands for this investigation, and he’s perfect.”
“Fine. Just don’t let him nag too much.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Jin Yeo-rip chuckled awkwardly as So Hye pouted.
“Oh, Kang Seong-gil will be temporary hire.”
“Temporary?”
“Yes.”
“But…”
“I plan to vet him thoroughly. Won’t take long.”
“Sigh, alright.”
She was probably checking for any risks. Bodyguards were closest—turn their hearts, and they could kill anytime. Better safe.
“Rest up for now.”
“Will do.”
“And I’ll bring books on the company. Study up.”
“Huh?”
“Why?”
“Didn’t we say to hold off on that?”
“Who did?”
“…”
“Ridiculous. I said it wouldn’t leave your head, not that we’d postpone. You’ll be stuck in bed till my investigation’s done anyway—no other work.”
So Hye snorted. She really wasn’t ordinary.
“But Hwang Ja-su said I need rest.”
“Read in a comfortable position. I’ll get extra pillows.”
No dice. She looked like a mom prepping her kid for exams. Jin Yeo-rip just nodded with an embarrassed grin.
“What? Saihai Money House?”
“Yes.”
“Why would you go there?”
After the retainers’ meeting, Jin Ha-seong furrowed his brow at Jin Yeo-rip’s private request.
Suddenly wanting to visit Saihai? Odd. A month ago, he’d shut himself away after a training injury. Serious one, too—from a spar with his new bodyguard, Kang Seong-gil.
But he’d reached the coveted Tanggi realm. Wang Seok confirmed it, stunned. He’d warned caution and let it go. Few heirs hit that stage at seventeen—pride of a father. Like his real mother’s talent reborn; inwardly pleased.
Even bedridden, he’d piled books for the summit prep—no need for meetings. But healed, and now this…
“I need to study Saihai too.”
“What’s that mean?”
“Their investments hugely impact Cheongeumbang’s operations, right?”
“Hm.”
“To run the company well later, I should see the flow myself.”
“Wise. But the ledgers from the Grand Elder Division suffice.”
“The Grand Elder is Geuman Yang Taek’s man.”
“Mm.”
“Can’t fully trust them. I want to see with my own eyes.”
“Must you go personally?”
“Yes.”
Jin Ha-seong pondered his son’s firm resolve, brow creased deeper.
“After last time, Geuman Yang Taek might resent you. He won’t welcome you warmly.”
“No way?”
“Hm?”
“Shandong’s richest man acting petty? I’ll butter him up if needed.”
“You, butter someone up? You know how?”
“Of course. Merchants schmooze even enemies.”
“Ha! Bedrest turned you into a sly fox.”
“Who’s blood do you think I got it from? Like father, like son.”
“You rascal!”
Jin Ha-seong burst into hearty laughter at the cheek, then sobered.
“No other reason?”
“None.”
His frown returned at the resolute denial. Something was up. The kid didn’t act without reason. But what? Growing more inscrutable—worrisome.
“Fine, go if you must. But Geuman Yang Taek’s cunning and vicious—stay sharp. I’ll have Wang Seok assemble guards.”
“Sigh, guards? It’ll just irk him. I’ll go low-key.”
“Yeo-rip.”
“Don’t worry. Forgot who’s by my side?”
“…”
“Im Pilsaeng, Hwang Ja-su, Yeon Sohye. And this new Kang Seong-gil’s no slouch. No need to fret.”
“Heh, fine. Take a gift for Geuman Yang Taek then. Can’t visit empty-handed.”
“Yes, Father.”
Jin Yeo-rip bowed politely and left Da Geumgak. Outside, a cold sneer curled his lips.
He’d prepped a whole month—chewing bitter herbs in bed, devoted fully(?). Time to collect the old debt.
Tak Sobak’s corpse had reached Geuman Yang Taek long ago. He’d be spinning theories now. No contact since—baffling his intentions.
Just wait, Geuman Yang Taek. Couldn’t topple him yet, but he’d smear his face good.