Childhood Friend of the Zenith – 489 (Part 1)



489 (Part 1)

”’Chapter 490 – Do You Need It?

‘What is this?’

The atmosphere feels unusual.

It’s already surprising that Shin Yi appeared out of nowhere at Baekhwa Trading Company. But what is this vibe?

‘Why is that guy glaring at me again?’

Cheol Ji-seon’s gaze towards Shin Yi was also strange.

It was filled with hostility.

Why is that bastard acting like this?

In this bizarre situation surprisingly it was Shin Yi who moved first.

Shin Yi exchanged glances with Cheol Ji-seon for a moment and then cautiously opened his mouth.

“How have you been? It’s been a while….”

“….”

Even with Shin Yi’s greeting Cheol Ji-seon only frowned and crumpled his expression. He didn’t offer any particular response.

Seeing that I swallowed my surprise.

‘Are they acquaintances?’

Shin Yi and Cheol Ji-seon looked like they knew each other.

Moreover for ‘Shin Yi’ to greet first?

‘… Now that I think about it.’

I shifted my gaze to Jeongal Hyuk who was next to Shin Yi. Come to think of it Cheol Ji-seon’s real name was also Jeongal.

So Shin Yi’s real name being Jeongal as well means he is related to Jeongal Hyuk.

‘So that’s why there’s a connection.’

If that’s the case it makes sense but I still couldn’t understand why Cheol Ji-seon was showing such hostility.

After hearing Shin Yi’s greeting Cheol Ji-seon with a wrinkled expression bit his lips a few times then averted his gaze from Shin Yi and spoke.

“… I think you have mistaken me for someone else.”

“…”

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With a look that seemed to recognize him his words lacked credibility.

Even so the reason the people present didn’t raise any objections was.

‘Look at his expression.’

Cheol Ji-seon was desperately pleading with his eyes not to ask any questions.

Perhaps because of that the group only sent glances without saying anything further.

Was it Cheol Ji-seon’s words that were the problem?

“… I see. I apologize.”

Seeing Cheol Ji-seon’s reaction Shin Yi led Jeongal Hyuk and began to walk away.

The prodigies around them hurriedly paid their respects but Shin Yi walked silently without acknowledging anyone.

‘This is not good.’

The situation was not favorable.

As the atmosphere shifted I was about to ask Shin Yi what was going on.

It was nice to run into him but it didn’t seem like the right time for that.

Just after sending Shin Yi off.

In the subtly subdued atmosphere I spoke to my group.

“I’ll go up for a bit. Please wait ‘quietly’ on the first floor.”

With that I entered the interior of the Trading Company first.

The intention behind telling them to wait quietly was to mean not to ask unnecessary questions and to stay still.

With only smart kids around they would have figured it out on their own.

If anything happens Moyong Hee would give a warning so I decided to go take care of business first.

******************

There are many armed groups commonly found in the Central Plains.

Broadly speaking they can be divided into clans and sects.

The clans inherit martial arts based solely on bloodline.

The sects are formed by those who share beliefs regardless of blood ties.

Though the directions they aim for may differ their common goal is to advance through martial prowess.

Within the regions they are rooted in they protect civilians from demonic beasts.

Constantly training in martial arts.

This is the most fundamental task for those living as orthodox sect martial artists regardless of clan or sect.

The reason prestigious families known as the Four Great Clans can maintain a prosperous life is also.

Because they protect their regions based on strong martial power.

From demonic beasts or from evil-doers.

And.

There are those who are in a symbiotic relationship with them namely the Trading Companies that support martial artist groups.

If martial power is seen as strength for martial artists.

There are also those who view money as power.

They use that money to protect themselves.

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They request protection by sponsoring clans or sects.

If there’s work they may also ask for escorts.

In fact even among the Four Great Clans it’s not unusual for martial artists from their lineage to be dispatched as escorts for a Trading Company they sponsored.

They also understand.

To maintain their current prosperous life they must keep a good relationship with the Trading Company.

‘Now this might not concern the Tang Clan or Moyong Clan much.’

Even if the Moyong Clan which directly operates the Trading Company or the Tang Clan which accumulates wealth by selling excellent weaponry are relatively exceptions.

In reality when looking at the places that receive sponsorships or hold gatherings in the mountains it’s clear that the famous Trading Company in the mountains has significant connections.

Of course….

‘Our family is particularly famous for receiving sponsorships as little as rat droppings….’

That was my father’s intention.

Protecting the mountains is something that must be done so he said it was enough to have just enough money to live.

[Your beliefs are admirable. I like it.]

Shin Noya expressed understanding as if empathizing.

‘But how does that make sense?’

For me it was something I could never understand.

In other towns there are plenty of clans or sects to replace them.

But the mountains are primarily represented by the Gu Clan and there’s no substitute so even if they were to rake in huge sponsorships they only take enough to live.

‘What a waste!’

From the perspective of someone who believes that other people’s money is my money and my money is my money it was truly a regrettable situation.

[… The Gu Clan Head has done a terrible job in raising his son.]

‘It’s fine since I grew up without proper education anyway.’

[How is that in any way acceptable?]

Shin Noya exclaimed in disbelief but it didn’t reach my ears.

Anyway.

I understand that my father’s intention as well as the intention of our ancestors is why we receive this way.

Since my father’s generation the Gu Clan has been living a bit more comfortably than our ancestors.

The reason is simple.

‘Because of this.’

My father married into a very prestigious family.

If there are the Gu Clan and the Four Great Clans in the Central Plains.

There are also many Trading Companies among them.

These are referred to as the Three Great Trading Companies across the Central Plains.

It meant three Trading Companies with an insane amount of money.

The place I am standing in is one of those Trading Companies.

Baekhwa Trading Company.

The place where Lady Mi is the captain.

Unofficially it is the wealthiest place in the Central Plains.

The reason the Gu Clan can even scrape by is also.

Because of Lady Mi.

But….

“Oh dear…!! It is an honor to host the esteemed young master!”

This is a bit hard to endure….

On the highest floor of the Sichuan branch of Baekhwa Trading Company.

In what seems to be the branch manager’s office I was receiving an extremely warm welcome.

A bald head shining brightly.

A large man who looks to have just crossed the threshold of forty is smiling at me with gestures that don’t match his size.

Squeak squeak squeak—!

His hands were rubbing together so quickly that the sound echoed throughout the room.

“I heard you arrived in Sichuan but I should have come to greet you first…. I am truly sorry…!”

“… Yes….”

This feeling was quite new and very bewildering.

I had just revealed my name upon arrival.

Suddenly the branch manager came rushing down to bring me here directly.

It must be because of Lady Mi.

Seeing that I could vaguely understand how significant Lady Mi’s position as captain is.

‘This room is impressive.’

Despite a somewhat shabby feel the atmosphere inside the room showcased the value of the Trading Company.

There were sculptures that looked expensive scattered everywhere.

Moreover.

‘Outside the room….’

The martial artists surrounding this room also exuded a significant presence.

Two of them were at the peak of their mastery and the others were at the third level of mastery.

‘These are quite capable individuals to be escorting a mere branch manager.’

Even having just peak-level martial artists as escorts would require a considerable amount of money.

To call upon those of a higher level I couldn’t even imagine how much it would cost.

Considering the pride of martial artists it must be substantial.

‘This uncle may look shabby but he’s quite capable.’

Thinking that made me see him in a different light.

“I am Dongbu the branch manager of the Sichuan branch. It is an honor to meet you young master.”

“… Yes nice to meet you.”

“Oh dear! Please don’t lower your words! How could I a mere commoner dare…. Hehe.”

“It’s alright…. It’s a bit uncomfortable to lower my words.”

“My goodness you even possess manners…. I can feel the bright future of the Gu Clan!”

No I just can’t speak comfortably.

Isn’t it a bit much to call yourself a commoner when you’re a branch manager…?

‘I feel drained.’

As always I didn’t particularly enjoy talking to merchants for long.”’