Chapter v19c14

## Collaboration

– A Real Reclusive Master? (Continued)

A moment later, Escort Jang returned from delivering the message to the Branch Manager’s office.

“What did he say?”

“He said to take your time.”

“Thank… Cough! Well, let’s move somewhere else. There are too many eyes here.”

They moved to the area behind the latrine. They had to endure the smell.

“Now, tell me everything.”

“Well, it’s like this…”

Escort Jang began his story, the silver loosening his tongue.

“Did that really happen?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong’s first reaction to Escort Jang’s story was a mixture of disbelief and bewilderment.

“Of course it did. I might be illiterate, but I’m an honest man. I would never lie with my precious mouth. You wound me, sir.”

“Hmm, I apologize. It’s just so unbelievable. It sounds too fantastical. A group of white tigers suddenly appearing out of nowhere and wiping out twenty masked experts? It’s hard to believe.”

“That’s why it’s a legend! A miracle! The Branch Manager saw it as a sign of Heaven’s blessing and decided to make the white tiger our new symbol. As long as we wear this uniform and fly this banner, no villain will dare to touch the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild.”

We’ll see about that. Yoon Yi-Jeong thought to himself, then asked,

“Is that all?”

“Yes, sir. Anything else?”

“Do you know where the children are staying…?”

Yoon Yi-Jeong’s attempt to locate the children’s quarters, in preparation for his retrieval plan, was interrupted by a booming voice.

“Hey! Escort Jang! What’s taking so long? The Branch Manager is worried you fell into the outhouse! Is everything alright?”

It was Han, Escort Jang’s old friend, known for his loud voice. He had shouted loud enough for everyone to hear.

Yoon Yi-Jeong couldn’t understand why he had to shout when he could have just whispered.

“Everything’s fine! He didn’t fall into the outhouse, so don’t worry!”

Escort Jang shouted back.

“Is that so? Good! Hurry back! The Branch Manager is waiting!”

“Alright!”

Escort Jang turned to Yoon Yi-Jeong.

“I have to go, sir. I’ll get in trouble if I’m late. Follow me. I’ll lead the way.”

He strode forward, and Yoon Yi-Jeong had no choice but to follow.

“Tsk, I guess I’ll have to find out myself.”

He had gathered enough information for now.

* * *

Yoo Gyeong-Yeong quickly pulled his sister behind a thick tree as Escort Jang and Yoon Yi-Jeong emerged from behind the latrine.

“Oh…”

He quickly covered his sister’s mouth with his hand before she could complain about the man’s rude behavior.

“Shh! Be quiet!”

She quieted down, sensing his seriousness.

* * *

“Welcome, Chief Escort Yoon. I’ve heard much about the Twelve Jade Walls of the Central Plains Merchant Guild, the twelve shields that protect your guild, but this is our first meeting. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You flatter me! It’s an honor to meet the esteemed Branch Manager of the rising Middle Heaven Merchant Guild. And…”

“And?”

“I’m not the Chief Escort. I’m the Head of Security.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong corrected him firmly, but his smile remained unchanged.

“Ah, right! Of course! I forgot! My apologies, Chief Escort Yoon!”

“Head of Security!”

He snapped, his smile cracking slightly. But Jang Woo-Yang’s smile remained perfect. The first one to break their facade would lose.

“Hmm, my apologies again. I heard you were having some trouble with constipation. Did you manage to relieve yourself?”

“I… I did.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong, flustered, blurted out the first thing that came to mind. He had become a constipation patient without even trying.

“Oh dear! You have to be careful. Eat more fruits and drink plenty of water. It’s better to prevent it than to suffer the consequences. It’s a real pain if you get a tear. Constipation is best treated early.”

“I-I don’t have constipation, but th-thank you for the advice.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong swallowed his anger. Jang Woo-Yang hadn’t called him by his proper title. It was a deliberate insult, not a mistake. He hadn’t even offered him a seat.

“So, what brings you here?”

‘This bastard…’

“May I sit down first? It’s uncomfortable standing in this small room.”

His words were laced with sarcasm. But he wasn’t here for pleasantries.

“Ah, my apologies. I forgot again. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

He forced himself to be polite, knowing Jang Woo-Yang was trying to provoke him.

* * *

“Oppa, where are you going?”

“Shh! Follow me quietly. Don’t make a sound. Okay?”

The boy led his sister towards the “temporary” Branch Manager’s office, their footsteps silent, their bodies pressed against the wall. He had to know what they were talking about. He had to dispel his doubts and confirm his suspicions. He was willing to take the risk. Bringing his sister along was a mistake, but it was too late to turn back. Fortunately, she was still quiet. They reached the office, and Yoo Gyeong-Yeong carefully approached the wall, his movements as delicate as a glass figurine. He pressed his ear against the wall, and he heard Branch Manager Jang’s familiar voice.

“That’s absurd, Chief Escort Yoon. Are you sure you’re in the right place? I think you’ve come to the wrong place.”

“The wrong place… Am I in the wrong place, or are you saying the wrong thing, Branch Manager Jang?”

Their words were sharp as swords. Even the thick mud walls couldn’t muffle the tension between them. Yoo Gyeong-Yeong swallowed nervously, focusing intently.

“I’ll be clear. We’re not protecting the Blue Dragon Manor’s manager’s children.”

“Can you vouch for that, Branch Manager Jang?”

“Of course.”

“As I said before, I’m their uncle.”

“I know. But not their blood uncle.”

Jang Woo-Yang replied dismissively.

“Of course, we’re not blood-related. But Manager Yoo and I were sworn brothers, closer than blood. Are you still going to hide the truth from me?”

Yoo Gyeong-Yeong, listening through the wall, felt a chill run down his spine. The world seemed to darken, and fear washed over him.

“Closer than blood… That’s possible. But! I’m not responsible for anything I haven’t confirmed myself. This is a serious matter. I can’t just take your word for it.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong finally exploded.

“I met the children at the market a few days ago! Gyeong-Yeong told me himself that he was staying here! And you’re saying they’re not here? Hmph! Who would believe that?!”

“The world is constantly changing. There’s no guarantee that the situation is the same as it was a few days ago.”

“Don’t try to change the subject, Branch Manager Jang! Gyeong-Yeong told me this. I remember it clearly. He said he was staying here because you promised to investigate the Blue Dragon Manor incident and reveal the truth.”

Lies! Lies! Lies!

Yoo Gyeong-Yeong wanted to burst into the room and shout. Some of what he had said was true, but the rest was a complete fabrication. He clenched his fists, his knuckles white, gripping the wall.

“I wonder why the children didn’t go with their ‘self-proclaimed’ uncle. Why did they choose a complete stranger over their father’s sworn brother, their ‘uncle’ who’s closer than blood? Don’t you find that suspicious?”

It was a plausible theory. He had to focus on that.

“Stop changing the subject. I heard it with my own ears. Are you still saying the Blue Dragon Manor’s heir isn’t here?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Crash! Bang!

“Then what’s this?!”

Before Jang Woo-Yang could stop him, Yoon Yi-Jeong flung open the door. Their eyes met. Fear filled the boy’s eyes.

“Branch Manager Jang, what do you have to say now that you’ve seen the children?”

“Well…”

Yoo Gyeong-Yeong was frozen, unsure how to react. He felt his body tremble as he met the man’s dark, menacing gaze. He was terrified. The pressure was too much for a twelve-year-old boy.

“How are you, Gyeong-Yeong?”

“I’m fine, Uncl…”

He couldn’t finish the word. His voice trailed off.

“What’s wrong? You look pale. Is something wrong?”

“N-no, I’m fine.”

“Is that so? Good. I thought they were mistreating you here.”

Yoon Yi-Jeong’s gaze, filled with mockery, shifted to Jang Woo-Yang.

“Well, the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild’s reputation is ruined. To think the Branch Manager would lie like that.”

“That’s…”

Jang Woo-Yang gritted his teeth, making a decision.

“He’s not the Blue Dragon Manor’s heir.”

What was he talking about? Yoon Yi-Jeong was baffled by his absurd claim. The boy was just as confused.

“Then what is he? I’m suddenly curious about your opinion, Branch Manager.”

He wanted to hear his excuse. But Jang Woo-Yang, unfazed, declared,

“Young Master Yoo is no longer the Blue Dragon Manor’s heir. He’s the manager of the Blue Dragon Manor and our most important business partner.”

“Huh?”

“W-what?!”

It was a shocking statement. Both Yoon Yi-Jeong and Yoo Gyeong-Yeong were stunned.

“What do you mean, Branch Manager Jang?”

“Exactly as I said, Chief Escort Yoon. The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild will fully support the revival and reconstruction of the Blue Dragon Manor.”

“Are you serious?”

“How rude, Chief Escort Yoon. To question a merchant’s word. Are you saying our agreement was a joke?”

“But it’s all for naught if the boy doesn’t agree. He seems quite surprised by this.”

It was too much for a teenage boy to process.

“Gyeong-Yeong, tell us what you think. Do you want to partner with Branch Manager Jang? Or do you want to come with your uncle?”

Uncle… Why did that word, which should have been warm and comforting, sound so hateful and menacing?

“I…”

The boy started to speak.

“I… am…”

His voice was barely audible, his emotions overwhelming him.

“What was that? I can’t hear you.”

“Manager Yoo, speak clearly. You’re a businessman now. The head of a family. Age doesn’t matter. Stand tall and be confident! People don’t follow an uncertain leader.”

The boy raised his head. The hesitation was gone from his eyes. He stared at his former uncle with burning eyes and spoke clearly,

“I am Yoo Gyeong-Yeong, the ninth manager of the Blue Dragon Manor. I will rebuild the Blue Dragon Manor, which was destroyed by betrayal and fire, with the help of Branch Manager Jang of the Middle Heaven Merchant Guild.”

Jang Woo-Yang’s face brightened.

“Oh! Well said, Manager Yoo. The Middle Heaven Merchant Guild will support you fully.”

“Thank you for your support.”

“Leave it to us. We’re partners now!”

Yoo Gyeong-Yeong bowed deeply.

“Are you serious?”

Their eyes met, the former uncle and the former nephew. The boy gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to kneel. But the killing intent was too strong. He couldn’t even breathe. His face paled. Jang Woo-Yang, sensing the danger, released his own aura to counter it. Yoo Gyeong-Yeong finally felt like he could breathe again. He shouted,

“I-I’m serious!”

The pressure vanished.

“You’ll regret this!”

Yoon Yi-Jeong left without another word, not even bothering to say goodbye. Jang Woo-Yang didn’t stop him. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of how to lead this new partnership.

‘Regret… Was he talking to the boy, or to himself?’

He couldn’t be sure. The only thing he knew for sure was that he was now bound to this young boy by fate.