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1.
A single force.
A single market itself.
Beings who hold the lives of millions in their hands and are practically the world itself.
In particular, the Galaxy Merchant Group has grown in size by taking charge of national-level logistics and distribution based on deep ties with government officials centered in Beijing, making it inseparable from the power of Beijing.
The reason the Wang family and the other three great merchants found the Galaxy Merchant Guild burdensome was the immense power that had become one with the guild.
Unlike the Murim, which is separated from the government, the Sanggye is inextricably linked to the government.
If this is the situation for the three great merchants, merchant groups weaker than them cannot even dare to breathe comfortably within the Galaxy Merchant Guild.
No matter how much that upper tier is connected to the massive Wumen.
“Since you have stepped into the world of commerce, the power of money determines the hierarchy.” “He is not someone who wouldn’t know that…” Wang So-so let out a sigh as she watched Jin So-woon gleefully raising his cup after extorting the hidden annex from a warrior of the Galaxy Merchant Guild and having a lavish feast laid out.
How can they still drink in the middle of enemy territory, after picking a fight with the enemies?
“……
Brother Jin. Are you okay?
“Huh? Is there something you don’t like? Shall I call the manager?”
Oh, no.
Wang So-so shook her head vigorously.
It is clear how much internal energy was poured into it, as the Galaxy Merchant Guild resounds whenever the person in charge is called.
The problem wasn’t whether or not I was ignored, but that I was acting like someone who had no sense of shame.
Since she couldn’t say it directly, Wang So-so quickly changed the subject.
“Um, Jeong So-gun. He’s a senior at the academy, you know. I heard that in the Murim Alliance, getting a good evaluation from your seniors or having someone pull you up from above is crucial for advancement… Is it really okay to act this recklessly?”
“career?”
Jin So-un passed his glass of wine without paying any attention, as if he had heard a trivial story.
At that sight, Wang So-so was the only one burning with anger.
“Yes. I heard that having excellent connections is essential to climb the ranks in the Murim Alliance.”
“Connections, huh…”
In the end, everything in this world comes down to people.
Even just looking at one’s own father, there are people who make sure to take care of him without receiving anything material in return.
Leaders of major martial arts sects or officials with close ties.
Skilled craftsmen or the person in charge leading those craftsmen, etc.
Whenever big or small things happen to those people, Wang Geum-san takes time out of his busy schedule to visit them to congratulate, comfort, and encourage them.
Wang Xiaoshao had heard the philosophy that the most important thing in business is ‘people’ until it was ingrained in her ears since she was very young.
But how could my brother…
Unlike Wang Xiaosuo, whose eyes wavered in confusion, Chen Xiaoyun calmly filled her glass and spoke.
“You see, connections aren’t something you just create because you’re nice to others.”
Then, he passed the glass again.
First of all, you have to be at a similar level to or above the other person for a network to be formed.
“What… what do you mean?”
It means that if the other person does not hold a status worthy of respect, connections cannot be built in the first place.
Wang So-so, reflecting once again on her connections at Jin So-woon’s words, naturally nodded her head.
Come to think of it, all the connections Wang Geum-san had built were also connections that could only have been formed because of the Wang family head.
While Wang So-so was lost in thought, Jin So-woon continued speaking.
“No matter how much I grovel to Jeong So-gun, the point is he won’t guide me. It would be different if he used me instead.”
Are you going to cause a scene just because of that?
“Hey, strictly speaking, it wasn’t exactly a free-for-all. They started it, after all.”
Didn’t they react as if they were waiting to pick a fight in the first place?
Although she had such doubts, Wang So-so did not stop the conversation.
Because listening to him, I felt as though I were hearing the hidden secrets of the world that I had never heard from my father.
“What if… Brother wants to get help from Jeong So-gun? Then he needs to establish connections with him, doesn’t he?”
“Why bother trying to build a relationship when we’re already uncomfortable with each other? I can just give Jeong-so what he needs, and I can receive what I need.”
“…….”
It is a very simple and clear story.
Because a transaction only needs to satisfy mutual needs.
However, applying that to Jeong So-gun is another story.
As the saying goes, Jeong So-gun is a person who lacks nothing, whether it be looks, martial arts skills, or even family background.
Although it is arrogant, no one would criticize someone in that position for acting arrogantly.
Since he actually lacks nothing.
Wang So-so cautiously voiced the question that had arisen in her mind.
“But… he wouldn’t need anything.”
After all, a deal can only be made if I have what the other party wants.
Jin So-un, who was bringing the glass to his lips, stopped abruptly.
Then, he pulls his lips up to his ears.
“then…….”
As his lips slowly parted, Wang Xiaosuo unconsciously held her breath.
I guess I just need to make them need something.
It was a remark floating in thin air, but somehow, I had a feeling that Jin So-woon could actually do it. ‘W-what is this…’ It was a strange feeling I had never once experienced, even with the outstanding people I had met through Wang Geum-san’s introductions.
Wang So-so became even more curious.
I’m sorry for asking so many questions.
Jin So-un nods his head cheerfully.
Before I knew it, the corners of his eyes had turned into crescent shapes, and he was wearing a relaxed smile.
“Well then, Brother. In any case, the Daecheon Merchant Guild has to continue doing business with the Eunha Merchant Guild. In a situation like this, we need to maintain our connections… What do you plan to do?”
“Where did you say connections come from earlier?”
Respect.
Then, do you know where respect comes from?
Wang So-so, who was about to speak of money or status, shook her head, thinking that something was wrong.
Because there are countless people who are not respected by Wang Geum-san despite holding high positions or having a lot of money.
Jin So-un, watching the scene, placed his wine glass on the table and spoke in a low voice.
It is terror.
yes?”
“There is no need to go so far as to stand above him. However.”
Jin So-un’s eyes gleam.
Wang So-so swallowed hard without realizing it.
“You must instill fear in them that they might suffer great harm if they mess with the wrong person. That alone is enough to elicit respect from anyone.”
“But then… if the deal with the Galaxy Merchant Guild falls through…”
“For a merchant guild leader, credibility is their very life. They are the kind of people who would do anything to empty their entire fortune just to maintain that trust. Moreover, a deal falls through because of something that started with their own mistake? Just how low will his reputation plummet in the eyes of the public?”
In that moment, Wang So-so felt goosebumps spread all over her body.
There was clearly no threat, no murderous intent, nothing at all, yet I felt as if I had witnessed an abyss that I shouldn’t have seen. ‘Was it all planned from the beginning…?’ Seeing him use force when trouble arose at the entrance, I thought Jin So-woon had changed.
Because if it were the Jin So-woon of the past, a disciple of the Taeeul Sect who was originally nothing more than a weak sect, he would not have acted that way.
Now that I have regained the Taeeul Sword Emperor’s martial arts and risen to the top of the academy, I thought that this level of change was acceptable.
But now that I hear it, it wasn’t true.
Jin So-un was not a person who acted as he pleased from beginning to end due to his pride.
Rather, they were acting under strict calculation.
Come to think of it. [Ack! I should have just seated that guy at the Wang family’s estate when he went to throw that martial arts spirit or mental illness party. Ack!]
Whenever my father was drunk at night, he would lament after lament like that.
Of course, she was well aware of Jin So-un’s excellence, so she didn’t mind, but her father’s sigh lasted several times longer than when he had missed out on other talents. ‘Have I, on the other hand, failed to see Brother Jin for who he was?’ Jin So-un, trembling and laughing half-heartedly while intoxicated by the scent of wine, suddenly seemed like a completely different person.
“Why are you staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?”
“Did you drink behind my back? Your face is red.”
“What? How can you say that to a lady! I wouldn’t do such a thing!”
“ha ha ha.”
Just as Wang So-so was getting angry, a voice was heard from outside.
Young Master Jin.
His voice was more polite than ever.
It is time to join the banquet.
Wang So-so looked at Jin So-un.
Jin So-un put down his glass and grinned.
“Then, shall we go and earn some respect?”
Wang So-so’s heart filled with anticipation regarding what actions Jin So-woon would take in the future and what results it would bring.
at that time.
“But about that samurai…….”
Jin So-woon stops mid-sat and tilts his head to the side.
Doesn’t that sound a bit coercive?
“yes?”
What on earth are you talking about?
He certainly seemed like the most polite person I’ve seen so far since entering the Galaxy Group…
“No, I mean the words, not the voice. ‘Time to participate’—doesn’t that sound like you’re forcing us to participate, as if we absolutely have to?”
Uh… I think that’s a bit too much…
However, before Wang Xiaosuo could say anything, Chen Xiaoyun strode over and flung open the door.
Bang!
The warrior outside the door had already turned pale, perhaps having heard the conversation inside.
“Um, um, Young Master Jin, it’s not that…”
Jin So-un grinned as he looked at the warrior.
See, you should have asked first whether they were going to attend the banquet or not.
The warrior squeezed his eyes shut as if he had already given up.
Jin So-un’s voice echoed loudly in the annex once again. ‘What is this? Is this also part of the plan?’ But could the way he seemed to be enjoying himself be just my imagination? We headed to the banquet hall, guided by the warrior.
As I first entered the banquet hall, I had to struggle to hide my feigned surprise. ‘It looks bigger than the Taeeul Sect’s… Grand Training Hall?’ Moreover, the Grand Training Hall is an outdoor structure.
The grandeur of the banquet hall, with its ceiling completely open up to the roof that gave a sense of openness even while indoors, was truly overwhelming.
Furthermore, ‘Is this not the end?’ On the second and third floors, there were railings overlooking the banquet hall.
Government officials and key figures of the Galaxy Merchant Guild were looking down at the banquet hall from there.
That alone was enough to be overwhelming. At the end of the banquet hall, there was a door twice the size of the entrance.
I looked at Wang So-so at the strange shape, whose purpose I couldn’t figure out at all.
“Soso, do you know what that door is for?”
Hmm, they are probably opening up that area to secure space if the banquet hall is too small. It is likely also a space for entertaining important guests.
Is it really necessary to fill such a large banquet hall with people?
Besides, if it is to entertain important guests, couldn’t you just build a separate annex?
People who think they have a bit of a knack for it are incredibly attached to their positions. That door over there is built a little higher than the banquet hall here, isn’t it?
As she said, to reach the big door, you have to climb about ten more steps.
“If you sit up there, you’ll probably have a wide-open view of the banquet hall. That would make it easier to watch the dancers’ performance as well. They probably built them attached for that reason.”
I thought to myself, “There really are people in this world who have money rotting away,” when I suddenly started to see Wang Xiaosuo in a new light.
“How do you know that so well? Have you been here before?”
“No. It’s my first time too. I just guessed because there is a similar building in Wangjiazhuang.”
That’s right. She was also the daughter of a super rich family.
“Ah, and I suppose it would be better to call you Senior Brother here. After all, you came here as a member of the Taeeul Sect.……”
“No, call me older brother.”
“What? But…….”
“That’s enough. Forget such a distant title between you and me.”
Really? Is that okay?
It was clear that I had let my guard down just because I had earned some pocket money.
To think you treated Wang So-so like a neighborhood younger sister.
From now on, I should treat you like a real younger sister.
A look of bewilderment crosses the face of Wang So-so, who is like a younger sister to him.
But everyone seems unfriendly.
Of course. They caused such a ruckus right from the entrance.
The powerful must have frowned at my ignorant appearance, while the powerless could not even make eye contact, fearing they would be severely punished if they showed any friendliness toward me.
“Where should we sit?”
When we asked the warrior who was standing next to us like a statue, he flinched and asked back.
May I show you to your seat?
“Why make me ask twice?”
flinch.
The warrior quickly guided me to a seat with both hands.
It was the very front row, which appeared to be the most prestigious seat in the banquet hall.
Hey, you should have done this from the start.
He’s finally doing his job properly.
“yes. ……
The person in charge must have taken care of it. Well then, please relax and enjoy yourself.
The warrior hurriedly left the banquet hall, fearing that I might speak to him.
The silence felt when we first entered was brief; as music flowed and the dancer’s performance continued, people began to enjoy the banquet again as if we were not there.
The problem, if there is one, is that they acted as if it really didn’t exist.
“Seriously, nobody’s coming.”
“No. Still, I thought there would be someone I could at least exchange names with.”
Officials and merchants might not know, but there are some martial artists in the Jianghu who are full of bravado.
I thought there would be some who would pick a fight to save face for the merchant…
There were absolutely no such people.
My father told me to make sure no problems arise.
A frail woman’s voice was heard.
When I turned my head toward the source of the voice, there stood Jeong So-eul, a palace manager dazzlingly splendid.
He was wearing a palace robe embroidered with white gold threads, rather than the alluring red he had shown last night.
She looked just like a celestial maiden descended from heaven.
At the same time, the slender legs visible through her skirt with every step were enough to make the hearts of many men flutter.
It is good to see you again, Young Master Jin.
Jeong So-eul bows her head and greets with dignity.
I also stood up from my seat and replied with a bow.
It is nice to see you again.
Strangely enough, she acted as if she had forgotten everything that happened a few days ago.
The girl has been eagerly waiting for today.
“Hah! Good heavens!”
Wang So-so scoffed in disbelief, but Jeong So-eul still didn’t care about her.
As I felt last time, you are very skilled at dealing with people.
“Of course… as you think, Master, since I deal with many men, there are some who call me a prostitute.”
I was going to describe her as just a fox, but this woman… …was she a woman with no backbone all along.
Even Wang Xiaosuo, who had been glaring with a venomous look, widened her eyes like a rabbit, perhaps startled for a moment by her harsh words.
However, the first person to truly make the girl’s heart flutter was the Confucius.
“yes?!”
I frowned deeply without realizing it.
And rightly so, since it wasn’t the kind of thing that would come out of the mouth of ‘Eunbeom,’ who would one day overtake his older brother to take over the Galaxy Trading Company.
When I showed signs of embarrassment, Jeong So-eul covered her mouth with her sleeve and shrugged her shoulders.
“Oh my! It seems I have finally surprised Young Master Jin.”
Jeong So-eul burst into giggles, not knowing what was so funny.
What is seriously wrong with this woman?
“More importantly, what did you say earlier… what was it? What do you mean by a problem?”
It seems that Young Master Jin is displeased by the fact that he came all the way here, so he asked the others to ensure that it does not become a problem.
So, instead of restraining me so I wouldn’t cause a scene, they pushed the others back?
You really are engaging in endless wars of nerves.
“okay.”
“Hmm… As expected, you aren’t surprised?”
What do you mean, surprised?
“A normal person would usually feel burdened or flustered in a situation like this.”
I said it as if nothing were wrong.
“I haven’t done anything wrong, so what is there to feel burdened about?”
For a moment, it felt as if Jung So-eul’s eyes were flashing.
“As expected, you are an interesting person. Still.……”
She pauses for a moment, leans closer, and whispers.
“Girl, I hope you do not go too far, Young Master. For a broken toy does not arouse possessiveness.”
Then, he slightly bowed his head, went to another table as if nothing had happened, and started talking to the people.
What did that woman say?
“They told me to stop messing around. Unless I want to get ruined.”
Just as Wang So-so, who had returned with a venomous gaze once again, was about to say something.
“The Guild Master is entering!”
The warrior’s thunderous voice echoed through the banquet hall.
I turned my head to look at the entrance and suddenly became curious.
The seat I was sitting in was located in the very front row of the banquet hall.
Then where on earth is the top guild leader supposed to sit?
However, unlike me who turned my head toward the entrance, people were still looking straight ahead.
Soon, a door twice the size of the entrance began to open.
“ha ha ha.”
I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh as I watched the door open.
The door opened, and just as Wang So-so had said, an interior space even more splendid than the banquet hall was revealed.
About twenty people sitting at tables arranged in a figure-eight shape.
And even the head of the Galaxy Merchant Guild, sitting arrogantly in the most prominent seat. ‘Wow… damn, look at those guys.’ They were holding a banquet among themselves, using the entire banquet hall as a spectacle.
Then the warrior shouted again.
“I will now call out names. Come forward in order and pay your respects to the Merchant Guild Master!”
A warrior speaking as if it were the most natural progression of events.
These bastards really set up the game properly.
