The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel-Chapter 268: Proposal - 3

Franchise Business.

Chain stores, franchises—whatever you call them, they refer to a business model in which a headquarters provides exclusive know-how or distribution channels to recruit independent operators.

Even in the modern world, where legal safeguards exist to protect small business owners, franchise businesses still wield monopolistic power. It’s not uncommon to see news reports of abusive practices by headquarters making the 9 o’clock news.

But what if we’re in a world with no legal safeguards? And what if I could wield exclusive authority however I pleased?

Then I could scoop up money by the truckload.

Of course, in a world without copyright or patent law, running a franchise business wouldn’t be easy—if not for Im Ha-yeon’s spirit-trained homing pigeon.

“So in conclusion, you're telling me to become your employee?”

After I explained what a franchise was, Jeon Gil-san responded with a clearly displeased look.

“No.”

What I’m telling you is to become my slave.

“But you just said—”

“You didn’t understand it properly. Think of the Martial Alliance. Just because the Nine Great Sects belong to the Martial Alliance, does that make them subordinates?”

“Hmm...”

“The headquarters offers services and teaches business methods, and the franchisee pays a fee. It’s a fair business transaction.”

Only, one side just happens to be more equal than the other.

“So instead of buying your business, I’m just paying for services...”

It was probably the first time he’d heard of such a model. Jeon Gil-san looked at me like a rat staring at bait inside a trap, unsure if he should go in.

“With the amount written on that promissory note, you can’t buy my business. But with that money and my help, you can run the same ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) kind of business as I do.”

In other words—hand over your money.

Wuchang is the provincial capital of Hubei. Even though delivery orders were pouring into my inn, we could barely handle one residential district, let alone the whole city.

Even if Jeon Gil-san bought up an inn in another residential area, it wouldn’t hurt my business in the slightest.

“If I have to pay you a franchise fee every month, wouldn’t that cut into my profits?”

Jeon Gil-san asked with a reluctant look on his face.

I knew what was bothering him. He was worried that while others would be raking in cash, he’d be stuck paying fees and seeing little return.

In moments like this, it’s better to dangle a flashy prize than to haggle over costs and benefits.

“It’s still plenty profitable even with the fees. And more importantly, this is the best possible method for passing the Guild Leader’s test.”

I know exactly what bait you’re drooling over. So with one line, I show it to you again.

“What do you mean by that?”

He took the bait instantly.

“From what I can see, you grandsons are competing in some kind of contest. Are you confident you can take first place?”

Time to make him aware of his own limits—can he even eat the bait he’s drooling over?

“If... if I work hard enough, maybe...”

“If you’re going to make excuses, at least say something you can believe.”

Your bluff doesn’t work on me. I shot back in a deliberately mocking tone.

“So what, you’re saying I could take first place if I become a franchisee?”

Touchy now that I’ve hit the mark, aren’t you?

“Have you thought about why the Guild Leader gave you this test?”

I asked with the air of a star lecturer who fully understood the exam writer’s intent.

“His intent?”

“What kind of business is the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild?”

“A money house. They lend money.”

“Exactly. The Guild isn’t in business to run businesses—it’s in business to invest in them. And when you invest, the most important thing is picking the right recipient of that investment.”

“And what’s that got to do with this?”

“Every other grandson is doing some existing kind of business, aren’t they? You think the great Guild Leader is going to be impressed by some recycled venture that earns a couple pennies? But what if a grandson discovers an untapped business model and successfully builds it up? What would he think then?”

“You’re saying a unique business could grab Grandfather’s attention?”

“That’s exactly it. I even heard the Guild Leader himself made a fortune when he was younger by investing in a franchise-like model.”

“That’s true. He’s famous for having a sharp eye.”

Jeon Gil-san nodded, swelling with pride over his grandfather.

Perfect. Time to butter him up and get him floating.

“If you ask me, you’ve inherited that sharp eye of your grandfather.”

“Me?”

“Writer Ho-pil, the spirit-trained homing pigeon—weren’t you the one who found things that none of the other grandsons even noticed?”

“Th-that’s true.”

“My business is growing by the day. And when it does, who do you think the Guild Leader will focus on? Of course—his grandson who has the same eye as he does. Jeon. Gil. San.”

I made sure to say his name slowly and clearly, as if placing a crown on his head.

Destination: the Guild Leader. Enjoy the ride. Whether you arrive or not is none of my concern—but your ticket? That’ll cost you everything on that promissory note.

“I guess... that is one way to think about the test.”

Jeon Gil-san widened his eyes and covered his mouth in shock.

He was now fully convinced that boarding this metaphorical plane would take him straight to his grandfather’s heart. Once his greed clouded his judgment, all that remained was to cut off his escape.

“Well then, how about a drink? Let’s talk more about the business while we’re at it.”

I stood and began to prepare to head out, leaving the bewildered Jeon Gil-san behind.

“A drink?”

“If we’re going to be business partners, shouldn’t we clear up any hard feelings over drinks?”

And if I want to erode the last shreds of his rationality, there’s no better tool than alcohol.

“D-drinks...”

“Young master! Madam said you’re absolutely forbidden from drinking during the test—!”

“Bah! How can you do business without a drink in hand? Fine, let’s go!”

Round 1, Round 2, Round 3...

By the end of it all—I got Jeon Gil-san to sign the contract.

-------------

“Ugh... the smell of alcohol. Did you really get the contract signed last night?”

The next day, Im Ha-yeon stepped into my office, scrunching her nose, and immediately threw the windows wide open.

“If you don’t believe me, it’s right there on the desk.”

“...It really is.”

She stared at the document stamped with Jeon Gil-san’s seal, visibly impressed.

“As soon as we receive the franchise fee from Jeon Gil-san, I’d like you to proceed with what we discussed.”

“You’re actually going through with it?”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean. Please take care of it.”

Just because one thing went well doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. Once you’ve set out, you don’t stop until you’ve reached your destination.

“Understood. But... aren’t you helping Jeon Gil-san by franchising him?”

“Hah! As if. Jeon Gil-san willingly volunteered to become my tenant farmer.”

I laughed, recalling the drunken fool, smiling like an idiot as he stamped the slave contract without even realizing it.

“Tenant farmer?”

“He bears all the risk. He has to buy the inn with his own money, cover all operating costs, and all of those costs funnel straight into my pocket. Even if he goes under later, I won’t bear a shred of responsibility.”

I have to run my business using only the money on the promissory note—but most of that’s already been used. Launching any additional venture would’ve been impossible.

But pulling Jeon Gil-san into the franchise changed the game. I could now rake in a massive stream of steady profits without taking on any additional debt—at least not on my books.

“Still... I don’t like the idea of letting Jeon Gil-san make money.”

Im Ha-yeon stuck out her lower lip, clearly displeased.

“Haha! That’s why you bleed him slowly. Quietly. Until not even a drop of water comes out of that dry rag. As long as the bait called the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild is dangling in front of him, he won’t even realize he’s being squeezed.”

Rental fees for Goo-goo, franchise fees, materials, training, drinks, advertising... There’s no end to the ways I can milk him.

I chuckled to myself, picturing the reckless brat happily stamping that contract with no idea what was coming.

“Wow... You just made a face like a true evil merchant, you know that?”

Ah. Did I fail to control my expression for a moment? It’d be troubling if someone like Im Ha-yeon misunderstood a kind and honest merchant like me.

Oh well. Time to bluff my way through. I softened my face and looked at her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

“If you want to call me an evil merchant, go ahead. Even if people curse me as one, I’ll pass this test—and save you.”

The reason I act like an evil merchant? It’s because of you.

Sure, I’ve got minor goals like saving Daseogak and clearing my debts. But I simply shrugged with a calm smile and looked her in the eye.

“Ugh...”

She whipped her head away with a disbelieving shake. What a cold response.

I slid the contract that would bring me one step closer to passing the Guild Leader and Simun’s tests into the drawer—and got back to work.

----------------

“This is not what we agreed to!”

Not long after our deal, Jeon Gil-san yelled at me from inside his newly renovated inn.

“What’re you on about now?”

“Why do I have to hire barbarians for my inn?! You said hiring was my choice!”

“It says right there in the contract—you can only choose from staff sent by headquarters.”

And since I’m the head of the Joseon Association, you obviously need to hire Joseon people.

“But why are all of them... Joseon? Why can’t I just use Central Plains people?”

Ah, so you’re still calling them “Joseon,” huh. If he hadn’t said that, I’d have had to go with a much harsher response.

“You read and signed the contract. Why are you changing your story now?”

“I stamped the contract, sure! But I never said I agreed to every detail in it!”

This guy... I really do think it’s time to install a few extra joints in his limbs.

“Young lady Ha-yeon. Go upstairs and retrieve all of the spirit-trained homing pigeons.”

Time for a lesson.

“Understood.”

“Wha—?! W-What are you doing?!”

Jeon Gil-san jumped, alarmed, shouting at me.

“Headquarters has the right to terminate franchise contracts if terms are breached. If you’re not going to abide by them, then run a regular inn.”

That’s right. I’m confiscating the pigeons, idiot.

“Franchise fee, staffing fee, materials, renovation, training—I gave you so much money!”

Just hearing that list, I could tell how thoroughly I’d bled him. I looked him in the eye and spoke coldly.

“And I introduced you to Joseon staff, didn’t I? Not just any Joseon folks either—they’re the ones who’ve worked with me in this business. They’re here to help you. And you call them barbarians?”

“But wouldn’t it be better to use Central Plains people?”

“And someone who wants to inherit the Ten-Thousand Gold Merchant Guild thinks hair color matters? A future businessman should care not about the hair of his workers, but about the color of the money they bring in. If you still don’t get it—then quit now!”

I shouted firmly.

“I... I was wrong.”

“Good. I’m Joseon too. If you keep making snide remarks about that, then we’re done. I offered my help in goodwill. If this is your attitude, how do you expect to run a business?”

I deliberately turned my body with force and started walking slowly forward.

You’re already too far in to back out, aren’t you?

You’ve spent nearly all the money on your promissory note, and if you let this go, you’ll lose your chance to become the Guild’s successor.

Walk away now, and you’ll fall into a pit of despair.

Which means there’s only one thing you can say next.

“I’m sorry! I won’t argue with your way of doing business ever again!”

Just as I thought. Jeon Gil-san bowed deeply and apologized over and over.

“There won’t be a second chance.”

The initiative will remain mine from now on.

So make sure I can keep squeezing you dry.

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

“Hohoho! So that Kang Yun-ho boy said that?”

At the Guild Leader’s estate, the Guild Leader let out an unrestrained laugh after hearing about the exchange between Jeon Gil-san and Kang Yun-ho.

“Yes. It was reported by the guard I assigned to keep an eye on Master Jeon.”

“Hohoho. That’s right. What does the color of someone’s hair matter to a man who moves money? What matters is the color of the money itself.”

“Master Jeon is impressive in his own way. To put aside personal feelings and cooperate like that...”

The Guild Leader’s interest in Kang Yun-ho was no secret. But no one dislikes hearing praise for their own blood, so the chief steward made sure to compliment Jeon Gil-san too.

“Tsk tsk. Gil-san’s just a sprout with no root.”

Elder Jang’s voice was cold.

“Sir?”

“What’s the point of becoming a tenant farmer? Anyone in business must hold the reins. The smart one is that Kang Yun-ho boy. He devoured Gil-san—without Gil-san even realizing it was happening.”

The Guild Leader had instantly grasped that this franchise business he’d never seen before was, in essence, no different from a tenant farming scheme.

“The more I see, the more impressive he is.”

“Hoho. Indeed. And you know, a man who excels in the outside world must also have a woman by his side to support him, don’t you agree, Chief Steward?”

The steward quickly understood the deeper meaning behind the Guild Leader’s words.

“The granddaughter of the Zhegall Clan has been staying secluded in her room for several days now.”

“Then the time has come. Dress her up and summon Kang Yun-ho.”