Chapter 1204: How Is This Different (Part 4)

Cold sweat dripped from the man's entire body. Thick beads of sweat rolled down his neck and lower back incessantly.

However, the man felt nothing at all. Perhaps, even if a blade were to pass through his body right now, he might not be able to concentrate on the sensation and pain.

The reason was quite simple.

Pain was relative. Would someone who had his head bitten by the jaw of a tiger feel pain from a wound on the back of his hand?

Moreover, the person the man was facing now was incomparable to a tiger.

"Hmm."

As a soft nasal sound escaped, the man's body suddenly flinched.

"It seems you don't like the tea."

"What? Ah... Could that really be the case? Absolutely, without a doubt, no, not at all. Ryeonju-nim."

"Who's there?"

As the one standing in front of the man called out, the attendants who had been waiting outside immediately entered.

"Bring a new tea. Warm it up."

"Yes, sir."

The attendants retrieved the teacup placed in front of the man and left the room with polite movements. Watching their actions, the man unknowingly bit his inner lip.

Perhaps he was afraid that his action of not drinking the tea might make the person in front of him uncomfortable.

"Hmm."

At that moment, the eyes looking at the man drew a crescent-shaped, mysterious arc. It was a smile that did not seem malicious in any way.

However, the person facing that smile was not at ease.

"You don't need to be so tense, Danju-nim." [Danju-nim = "President"/CEO]

"A-Apologies. I just..."

"No, no. There's no need for blame. I understand completely."

Truly, it was a soft and affectionate voice.

"But... Danju-nim, you don't have to be too afraid of this person either."

"Yes, yes! Of course..."

"If I had thought of harming Danju-nim, would I need to resort to such petty methods?"

The meaning behind those words was clearly friendly. And the expression was not insincere either. If there was any problem, it would be the person uttering these words—Paegun Jang Ilso himself. Even mundane words seemed to turn sinister when spoken by Jang Ilso.

"...Yes."

The one addressed as Danju nodded absentmindedly. Watching this, Jang Ilso smiled faintly once again.

"I know how people perceive me in the world, but I am not such a ruthless person, especially towards someone of value. I am closer to being a gentle person."

Unable to grasp what response was appropriate, the man continued to hesitate, eventually choosing to stay silent. The expression on Jang Ilso's face twisted slightly.

"Do you find it hard to believe?"

"H-How could that be possible! Ryeonju-nim! I, I believe!"

"Hahaha."

Smirking as if amused, Jang Ilso slightly tilted his chin after chuckling, then gazed intently at the man.

"The reason I've arranged this meeting is because I anticipate needing Danju-nim's help in the future."

"...What help could someone as humble as a mere merchant provide to someone as esteemed as Ryeonju-nim?"

The man who spoke discreetly observed Jang Ilso's reaction. Jang Ilso, without saying a word, continued to stare intently at him. Sensing that he had chosen the wrong response, the man quickly changed his words.

"But, but if my meager abilities can be of any assistance to Ryeonju-nim, I will spare no effort! I, I will dedicate my life in loyalty!"

It was an oath of excessive loyalty that couldn't be wished for more. However, Jang Ilso's expression remained unchanged.

After silently scrutinizing the man for a while, Jang Ilso opened his mouth with a deliberate tone.

"Loyalty..."

How to explain the emotions contained in that voice?

"The words of a merchant are as soft and sweet as they come, but..."

While Jang Ilso's gaze remained gentle, it swept through the man's entire body like a living venomous snake.

"They are equally dangerous and futile."

For a moment, it felt as if the blood in the room had turned cold. Each word that trickled out seemed to resonate through the man's mind like a relentless echo. Knowing that depending on the capricious mood of this devil, hundreds or thousands of lives could be lost in an instant, all he could do was bow down.

"A, accursed words that mock the merchant..." [idk]

"What the merchant fears will eventually become a reality."

"..."

"Isn't that right?"

Wrinkles appeared on the man's forehead as if ripples of anxiety spread.

Jang Ilso slowly let out a sigh.

"I am aware that the merchants in Gangnam have suffered significant losses due to the situation on the Yangtze River. As the leader of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, I apologize."

The moment Jang Ilso uttered the word "apology," the color drained from the man's face.

"H-How could Ryeonju-nim apologize for that? Who wouldn't understand that it was a brave decision to stabilize the world?"

"A brave decision... indeed. Ha, ha, ha, ha."

At the mention of a brave decision, Jang Ilso chuckled as if unable to contain himself.

"I appreciate you seeing it that way. Anyway, I don't want to abandon this opportunity and see you sacrificed for the Evil Tyrant Alliance. Instead, let's find a way to help each other."

"...Help each other?"

"It's simple."

Jang Ilso raised the tea cup in his hand to his lips. Then, very slowly, he savored a sip of the tea. Whether the person across from him burned inside or not, he seemed indifferent, sipping the tea with casual gestures.

"Danju-nim."

"Yes, yes! Ryeonju-nim..."

"If what merchants need is profit, what our Evil Tyrant Alliance needs is stability."

"...Stability, you say?"

"Anything needs a solid foundation. The most important thing for that is stability, wouldn't you agree?"

Naturally, it was a correct statement. Yet, the reason the question had to be asked was that the one making this statement was Jang Ilso. Considering the steps he had taken so far, terms like 'radical' or 'unconventional' seemed suitable, but the word 'stability' seemed entirely out of place.

"Well, that's true, but..."

"It's fact that the lives of the common people in Gangnam are not stable right now."

When Jang Ilso spoke with a slightly sighing voice, the man was surprised and looked at him again.

'Is this person really Jang Ilso of the Evil Tyrant Alliance?'

Of course, the man knew it was true. Who else in the world would adorn themselves in such a dazzling array of colors? Even if there were two people with similar appearances, who else could control the formidable forces of the Evil Tyrant Alliance and manipulate the merciless Evil Sect besides Jang Ilso?

The man couldn't hide his surprise, and Jang Ilso showed a strange smile.

"Why? Is it strange to hear such words from my mouth?"

"N-No, it's not that, but..."

"Haha. There's nothing strange about it. Daju-nim, I am undoubtedly a scourge of the Evil Sect and a murderer who has killed countless people."

"..."

"But... just because that's the case, is there really a need to oppress the common people unnecessarily? What I desire for Gangnam is simply stability and order."

The man tried to speak several times but closed his mouth again. It was difficult to determine what to say that wouldn't disturb Jang Ilso's unpredictable state of mind.

"So, I am making a request. Merchants pursue wealth. That's why they sometimes forget. Ultimately, the existence of customers is what allows the pursuit of this wealth."

Just as the man was about to think he couldn't understand the intention, Jang Ilso casually opened his mouth.

"After the Evil Tyrant Alliance took control of Gangnam, we are aware that merchants in Gangnam secretly stockpile grain and goods."

"Rye, Ryeonju..."

"No worries."

As if urging him not to misunderstand, Jang Ilso extended his hand, adorned with jewelry.

"Don't misunderstand. We're not placing blame. Bending a little when times are tough is a strategy too."

"...Thank you for understanding."

For a moment, tension seemed to dissipate and then returned. The man was now at the point where he wanted to beg for a swift beheading.

At that moment, Jang Ilso's gleaming eyes narrowed slightly.

"However, there should be a limit to even merchants pursuing this 'stability.' With people starving, refusing to release grain crosses the line, wouldn't you agree?"

"..."

"I understand that Danju-nim has significant influence in the Gangnam business world. When it comes to Nanjing Business Company's (南京商團) Shim Igyeong (沈二更), he is considered a first-rate merchant in Gangnam by everyone."

"...That's too much praise."

"So, please go and tell them. Release all the grain stored in the warehouses. Also, bring the other items you've collected to the Evil Tyrant Alliance. We will use them for the reconstruction of Hangzhou."

Shim Igyeong's body began to tremble. The words he least wanted to hear had finally come from Jang Ilso's mouth. Everything seemed distant. Rather than shouting for a quick beheading, he unexpectedly heard words in his ear.

"And please submit a bill. I will pay within a month."

"...What?"

In shock, Shim Igyeong was unintentionally dumbfounded.

"I said I would pay. Why are you like this? Did you think I called you here to plunder?"

"N-No... That... that can't be. Ryeonju-nim!"

"Hahahahaha!"

As if finding his reaction amusing, Jang Ilso chuckled, shaking his body.

"Alright, alright. Just... don't set the price too high. I like people with ambition, but I disdain those who are greedy. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Y-Yes, of course. How could we be greedy when we're doing something for the common people!"

"Hmm."

A snort came from Jang Ilso. Shim Igyeong cautiously observed his reaction.

"W-Well, if you just convey the message..."

"And."

"Yes, yes! Ryeonju-nim!"

"We will open the Yangtze River, so resume trade with Gangbuk."

Shim Igyeong's eyes widened at those words.

"There is one condition."

"...What is it?"

"Ensure that the grain and goods taken from the warehouse reach not only the big cities but also the villages where the poor live."

"...?"

"Let the trade flow through all of Gangnam, like blood flowing through a person's veins. The goods traded with Gangbuk should also be the same."

"I-If it can be done, we have no choice but to agree. After all, merchants make a living through logistics, right?"

Shim Igyeong spoke carefully, sweating coldly.

"But... It's impossible to engage in trade in Gangnam right now. If even a little valuable item goes out onto the road..."

"It'll be plundered?"

"Well..."

"Let them."

"Yes?"

Shim Igyeong was surprised and asked, but Jang Ilso smiled slyly.

"Once or twice will be enough. After that, no one will dare to think of looting. Once those who laid their hands on the goods are seen being gradually torn apart over a month, piece by piece, people will get the message."

A creepy chill ran down Shim Igyeong's spine for a moment.

"So, Danju-nim, quickly mobilize the merchants to release grain and goods throughout the country, and send the accumulated items to Gangbuk. In return, ensure that the compensation for the goods spreads throughout the entire Gangnam. That is the condition set by the Evil Tyrant Alliance. In return, the merchants will have unrestricted trade exclusively in Gangnam."

"Th-Thank you, Ryeonju-nim!"

"Don't mention it."

Jang Ilso chuckled quietly. At that moment, a small suspicion arose in Shim Igyeong's mind.

"...However..."

"Hmm?"

Perhaps this was Shim Igyeong's courage, or rather, more honestly, it was due to his discomfort.

The feared Jang Ilso was the leader of the most condemned faction in the world, yet the first thing he did after taking complete control of the Evil Tyrant Alliance was prioritize releasing money to feed the starving people in Gangnam. It was hard not to feel discomfort.

So, Shim Igyeong eventually asked, suppressing the rising fear within him.

"Why... why such benevolent governance?"

"Is it strange?"

"..."

"Or is there a reason it shouldn't be so?"

"N-No, it's not that."

"Then?"

Jang Ilso spoke with a deep smile.

"Is Jang Ilso not as bad as you think?"

"B-Bad person? That's unthinkable! I-I have never entertained such a thought in my mind."

Jang Ilso chuckled heartily, moistened with a cheerful smile.

"It's a good thing. A good thing. I'm truly grateful that even amid the misunderstanding of the world, Danju-nim recognizes me."

"..."

"You, chasing profit, and me, pursuing stability—this could be a mutually beneficial relationship. I look forward to working with you in the future."

"Yes, Ryeonju-nim! I will do my best."

A faint sense of relief appeared on Shim Igyeong's pale face. Although it felt like his lifespan had shortened by ten years, he could now sell the accumulated goods and regain the blocked distribution route.

There might not be significant benefits immediately, but the ability to resume trade was an advantage in itself.

Seeing that Jang Ilso could communicate better than expected, taking advantage of this opportunity to generate a huge fortune might not take long...

"Ah, right. Just one more thing."

"Yes?"

Shim Igyeong was startled, lifting his head. And in that moment, he saw it. An eerie light flowed from Jang Il-so's beautifully curved eyes.

"Just in case... please convey this to the business world. This Jang Ilso is someone who appreciates having examples made."

"..."

"The reason humans are different from pigs is that they understand gratitude, isn't it? For those who understand gratitude, I will reciprocate with kindness. However, if there is someone who cannot accept my kindness as mere kindness."

Jang Ilso lightly licked his red lips.

"Danju-nim, you will realize once again, in a slightly different sense, that my real self is a little different from who the world considers me as."

All the strength drained from Shim Igyeong's body.

"Drink the tea that'll be served before leaving, out of consideration for me. Hahaha!"

With a hearty laugh, Jang Ilso stood up, and a servant came up. A cup of tea was placed in front of Shim Igyeong.

That day, Shim Igyeong couldn't finish that cup of tea until well past one o'clock.