I Will Start Doing Business In Jungwon From Today [EN]: Chapter 13

“B-Brother, let’s not rush into things. Let’s think this through calmly. If the Oryun Clan [Five Virtues Clan] and Nokhyul Gate [Green Blood Gate] clash head-on, do you think the government will just stand by? If they deploy troops to handle the situation, our entire operation will collapse.”

Jo Gwang-yun chuckled. *Is this old lady trying to sell snake oil?*

“Do you really think the government will intervene?”

“O-Of course. Do you think they’ll just watch a massive gang war unfold?”

“Wouldn’t they just turn a blind eye if Noona [term of endearment for an older sister or female friend] pulls some strings?”

“What did you say?”

“Isn’t that the truth? Gambling, prostitution, and even illegal liquor production, yet the authorities haven’t noticed? Does that even make sense? Of course, you have connections, and you bribe them every month to look the other way, right?”

Yangcheong isn’t the only one bribing officials. The Nokhyul Gate surely has its own connections too. Bribing public officials isn’t some modern invention; it’s a tradition passed down through generations.

“I can’t deny your perceptiveness. But if a full-scale war breaks out, it’s beyond my influence. I can’t prevent the government from stepping in.”

*If she can’t stop them despite consistently paying bribes, it means the scale of the all-out war is significant, and the size of both organizations is considerable.*

“Is that so? Hmm…”

Jo Gwang-yun wants the government to intervene actively but wears a troubled expression, which only makes Yangcheong more proactive.

“Brother, don’t be hasty. I understand your desire to prove yourself. The courier company alone is enough for now. This business requires walking on thin ice, being careful, and being extra cautious.”

“You misunderstand. I’m not trying to impress the Mukdo Association [Silent Path Association] by achieving quick results. If that were the case, I’d just focus on expanding the courier company. I’m more eager to make money like Noona.”

“I told you to be patient. If you do as I say, I’ll let you handle the big money. I promise.”

“But the profits so far have been rather insignificant, haven’t they?”

Jo Gwang-yun shook the secret ledger again.

“Let’s do this. First, let me meet with the Oryun Clan. I’ll assess whether they’re an organization capable of handling a larger operation.”

*It’s foolish to suddenly introduce a major partner who provides kickbacks to one’s successor.*

When Jo Gwang-yun first joined the company, he wondered why his senior manager didn’t introduce him to certain suppliers. After about two years, he developed a close relationship with the senior manager, and once trust was established, he was finally able to meet the president of that supplier.

And then came the first envelope of money he received.

He learned then that the norm is to keep things hidden until you’re sure it’s safe to get your hands dirty together.

But now, they’re on the verge of getting their hands dirty together. Jo Gwang-yun persuaded the hesitant Yangcheong.

“Introduce me as someone from the Mukdo Association. That alone will make them nervous.”

“The Mukdo Association?”

“Yes. You’ve been dragging this on for years without creating any real pressure, right? That’s why those guys look down on you. You need to occasionally remind them that a terrifying underworld organization is backing you, so they stay tense and cautious.”

“You’re just going to do that?”

“You told me not to rush, right? I’ll take your advice. But I also need to increase profits a bit. Just the warning from the Mukdo Association will make a significant difference, you know?”

After a moment of silent thought, Yangcheong spoke.

“It’s a good idea, but… can you handle it? If you show even the slightest weakness to those fierce Oryun Clan guys, they’ll become even more arrogant. They might not leave you alone.”

“As long as Noona doesn’t reveal my true identity in advance, that won’t happen.”

“Hey! Why are you talking like that!”

She flared up, but seeing her face turn red, it seemed she had considered that possibility.

“Isn’t it true that we still don’t fully trust each other? I need to be careful too until complete trust is established.”

“So? How are you going to be careful?”

“I’ll inform the courier company. If I suddenly disappear, it’s because of the Oryun Clan. Then it’s only a matter of time before it reaches the ears of Lord Lee Hak-rin of the Mukdo Association. If the Oryun Clan wants to avoid the Mukdo Association’s wrath, I need to be safe, right?”

Yangcheong didn’t just stand by after Jo Gwang-yun’s warning.

“If you start plotting behind my back without my permission, I won’t just stand by either. Remember that the Black Society still trusts me more.”

*That’s true. For now.*

Yangcheong’s warning was already fading from Jo Gwang-yun’s mind as he turned away. Instead…

*Damn it. I should have learned some martial arts. I foolishly avoided it because I found physical work annoying.*

If he killed a few of the Oryun Clan’s leaders and Yangcheong on the day of the meeting, it would all be over quickly, but he was bothered that he had to get someone else to do it.

* * *

“I am Wi Dal.”

Jo Gwang-yun was a little surprised when he first saw the leader of the Oryun Clan.

He expected some dirty thug rolling around in the neighborhood, but instead, he had a neat, scholarly appearance and was surprisingly polite.

Jo Gwang-yun scanned Wi Dal from head to toe and strode to the head of the table set with liquor and snacks, taking his seat without hesitation.

The expressions of the men standing behind Wi Dal hardened at his arrogant behavior, but no one spoke.

In modern terms, if the Oryun Clan is a local gang running a few hostess bars in the countryside, the Mukdo Association is a nationwide corporate-style organized crime group with branches all over the country.

To even be considered for membership in the Mukdo Association, an organization must be led by a master whose name alone commands respect in the martial arts world.

The Mukdo Association is an object of envy that the Oryun Clan couldn’t even hope to approach as an equal partner.

It was almost expected for Jo Gwang-yun to sit at the head of the table, but it was customary to be guided to the seat by them, so the room froze for a moment.

“Let’s cut to the chase and I’ll ask one thing.”

When Jo Gwang-yun spoke to Wi Dal, everyone’s eyes turned to him, and Yangcheong revealed her anxious feelings with wide eyes, not knowing what he would say.

“Why is the name Oryun [Five Virtues]?”

The people who had been tense wore dumbfounded expressions. They expected a profound question, but it was just about the origin of the clan’s name.

But Wi Dal’s expression hardened even further.

*Even if it’s a rural clan, a minimum of respect is required.*

He ignored his greeting and sat at the head of the table even though he was clearly a guest. Now he’s even picking a fight over the clan’s name.

“Originally, our Oryun Clan was founded by Chief Wi and four sworn brothers. At that time, the five of them were known as the Oryun [Five Virtues] in the martial arts world.”

Instead of Wi Dal, who couldn’t even open his mouth because of anger, the man next to him spoke politely. He must have thought that Wi Dal wouldn’t open his tightly closed mouth unless he stepped in.

Jo Gwang-yun’s eyes twinkled at the man who answered.

“You don’t seem to be one of those sworn brothers, and there doesn’t seem to be anyone here who looks like Chief Wi’s sworn brother?”

“No. They have all passed away. The current Oryun Clan is built on their legacy.”

“All dead? It’s not like the one who survived killed them all off, is it?”

Finally, Wi Dal couldn’t stand Jo Gwang-yun’s provocation any longer and slammed the table, jumping up.

End