Chapter 20
. Soaring Value (2)
But he did not simply back down.
As a businessman, just sitting still and watching such an opportunity pass was unthinkable.
Moreover, befriending the Hebei Peng Clan could never be a bad thing.
‘I was already starting to think about marriage anyway.’
Seok Jin-ryong’s gaze subtly drifted toward Peng Na-yeon, who was chatting pleasantly with his fourth brother.
For a woman, she was quite tall, but because of her excellent proportions, she didn’t look overly large — more like a perfectly sculpted figure.
On top of that, her slender form still had all the right curves, which stirred his heart.
Even in terms of talent, Peng Na-yeon was said to surpass her two elder brothers.
‘The Hebei Peng Clan has been known for their strong bones since ancient times. In other words, the Seok Clan’s weak constitution could be changed.’
The Peng Clan of Hebei had long been famous for producing robust, hardy descendants.
The Seok Clan, however, had always suffered from weak physiques.
Despite their immense wealth and attempts to marry into prestigious martial families to improve their bloodline, no significant change had ever been achieved.
That was why Seok Jin-ryong coveted Peng Na-yeon all the more.
‘If I gain not only wealth but also martial might, becoming the greatest family under heaven will not be impossible. First the Ten Great Clans, then the Five Great Clans, and eventually overtaking even the Namgung Clan.’
Seok Jin-ryong’s eyes burned with ambition.
Like the head of the Seok Clan, he too envisioned a grand future.
But the fire in his eyes quickly subsided.
There was no need to reveal such intentions here and now.
“I’ll think about it.”
“The Clan Leader would surely wish to meet with Young Hero Baek and Lady Peng as well.”
“I’ll take it into consideration.”
Baek Sang-geon did not give a definitive answer.
After all, the two had come to see Seok Jin-ho, not the Clan Leader or Seok Jin-ryong.
And ultimately, the choice lay not with him but with Peng Na-yeon herself.
“I’ll look forward to good news, then.”
Wearing his ever-pleasant smile, Seok Jin-ryong bowed politely.
Yet, in that same instant, he did not forget to glare at Seok Jin-ho.
Watching Seok Jin-ho converse with Peng Na-yeon had left a bitter taste in his mouth.
‘Just what kind of history do they have, that she calls him her benefactor?’
As Baek Sang-geon turned his back without answering, Seok Jin-ryong frowned deeply.
His expression was entirely different from the friendly face he had worn moments before.
“Hey.”
“Yes, Young Master?”
“Find out what’s going on between that fellow and the Peng Clan.”
“Pardon?”
The bodyguard at his side blinked in surprise.
Within the Seok household he was considered a skilled warrior, but in the wider martial world—or even just within Hebei—he was nothing special.
Baek Sang-geon, on the other hand, was known as the Mountain-Crushing Iron Fist, a formidable expert ranked among the top ten within the Peng Clan itself.
Thus, the bodyguard was understandably flustered by the command.
“So, you’re saying you can’t do it?”
“…I’ll do my best.”
“Don’t just try. Bring me results—results that will satisfy me. If you need anything, speak. You’ll have my full support.”
“…Yes, sir.”
The bodyguard’s face twisted bitterly.
He knew all too well that “full support” usually amounted to little actual help.
The unexpected visitors threw So Hajung into a flurry of activity.
It was the first time outsiders had come looking specifically for Seok Jin-ho, so she fussed over the matter.
All the more since the visitors were from the renowned Hebei Peng Clan, So Hajung hurried to prepare refreshments.
“Please, sit.”
Unlike her, Seok Jin-ho remained calm as he guided the two guests inside.
As the residence was not large enough to have a reception hall, he brought them into his own room.
“Forgive the intrusion.”
“It’s a humble place, but please sit comfortably. My nursemaid cleans every day, so it’s cleaner than it looks.”
“We don’t always live that neatly either, haha!”
“Uncle!”
Peng Na-yeon shot her uncle a reproachful look.
Even if it was mere courtesy, she thought there was no need to downplay themselves like that.
Meow.
Just then, Black Shine leapt in through the open window.
After circling the premises, the big cat had followed Seok Jin-ho inside.
It sat neatly by his leg, front paws together.
“Oh my!”
Peng Na-yeon’s eyes sparkled brightly at the sight.
Unlike Baek Sang-geon, she couldn’t take her gaze off the creature.
Yawwwn~
But despite her eager look, Black Shine only yawned lazily.
Compared to the people of the Seok household, these guests were indeed strong, but nothing that caught the beast’s interest.
“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”
Peng Na-yeon’s face clearly said she wanted to pet it.
But Black Shine only looked indifferent.
It understood well that its master, Seok Jin-ho, had little particular interest in Peng Na-yeon and Baek Sang-geon.
If it were So Hajung or Tak Yun, it might have acted affectionate — but not now.
“He’s a bit shy with strangers.”
“Did you raise him from a kitten?”
“No. We met on Mount Tai. Somehow our paths just stayed together.”
“Mount Tai, you say?”
Peng Na-yeon’s eyes lit up.
After all, she had first met Seok Jin-ho on Mount Tai as well.
Knock knock knock.
“Young Master, I’ve brought some light refreshments.”
“Come in.”
At that moment, with Black Shine having broken the ice, So Hajung entered with a tray of simple tea and snacks.
“Please, enjoy your talk.”
“Thank you, nanny.”
“Think nothing of it. I’ll be outside.”
Still smiling ear to ear that such esteemed guests had come for her young master, she set everything down and quietly left.
Watching her go, Seok Jin-ho lifted the teapot.
“It’s the perfect temperature now. Please, drink.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s modest, but the taste will be good. My nanny is very skilled.”
Seok Jin-ho spoke with confidence.
Though not expensive or luxurious, the flavor was undeniable.
“It really is delicious.”
“Such skill she has.”
“Right? Hehe!”
At their sincere compliments, Seok Jin-ho smiled with satisfaction and took a sip himself.
Then he calmly looked at the two guests.
“Once again, I must apologize, benefactor. We’ve come upon you far too suddenly.”
“Not at all. The Peng Clan has its reasons.”
“I simply couldn’t forgive myself if I just passed it by.”
Gathering her courage, Peng Na-yeon spoke carefully, though Seok Jin-ho showed no sign of being upset.
“From your position, that’s understandable. I fully understand.”
“We tried to come quietly, but I worry we’ve made trouble.”
“Your Clan Leader and First Young Master may be startled, but I am fine.”
Baek Sang-geon spoke up naturally, supporting her words.
And once again, he was certain:
Seok Jin-ho was not like ordinary young martial artists.
Despite being at the prime of youth, he treated Peng Na-yeon as just another person, not as a woman.
‘Instinct is hard to fight against, though.’
As an example, Baek recalled Seok Jin-ryong, who had guided them earlier.
Though he tried to mask it, Baek’s seasoned eyes could easily read his expression.
Peng Na-yeon surely noticed it as well.
“Sorry to trouble you.”
“It’s not much trouble.”
“Um…”
Smiling faintly, Seok Jin-ho shook his head, but Peng Na-yeon reached into her bosom and drew out a small package wrapped in fine silk.
“This is?”
“I was taught it’s improper to visit empty-handed. And I truly wanted to repay the life-saving grace. Also… I wanted a chance to speak with you personally.”
A faint blush colored her pale cheeks as she turned her gaze aside.
The last part was too embarrassing to say while looking directly at him.
“It’s not something I deserve…”
“My father insisted it could not be ignored.”
Her tone was resolute.
This was not some small matter—it was a debt of life.
She had nearly died to an assassin’s blade; thus, she could never simply let it pass.
“Hmm.”
Even so, Seok Jin-ho did not immediately accept the gift.
He understood their feelings, but he felt no need to bind himself through a gift.
And taking it might entangle him with the Peng Clan more than he wanted.
“It’s a weapon. Our Clan possesses many fine arms, but since you seem to favor the Authority Spear, we chose this.”
“So, you won’t take no for an answer?”
“I very much hope you will accept it.”
Her large eyes fixed squarely on him, filled with a subtle intensity.
“It’s not as grand as you might think. Please, don’t feel burdened.”
“Then perhaps I should at least open it.”
Reaching out, Seok Jin-ho picked up the package and carefully unwrapped the silk.
At what lay within, his eyes widened slightly.
“This is the same identification token I use. With it, you can receive various benefits, including financial support. The sums are fixed, but far from small.”
“…That’s no small gift.”
Looking at the luxurious golden badge, Seok Jin-ho gave a wry smile.
It was plainly something not given to just anyone.
“But it’s not as important as the young lady herself.”
“Perhaps not, but—”
“Our Clan Leader has approved it.”
Seeing his reluctance, Baek Sang-geon stepped in.
It was clear from Seok Jin-ho’s expression that he found it burdensome.
Most youths would have snatched it up eagerly, yet he hesitated.
“So please, use it without concern.”
“If he doesn’t take it…”
“He may find the young lady refusing to leave until he does. She can be quite stubborn.”
Baek joked with a smile, though seeing Peng Na-yeon’s earnest face, Seok Jin-ho knew it was no jest.
“…Then I shall accept it, for now.”
“Thank you.”
“I believe I should be the one saying that.”
Seok Jin-ho gave a wry grin.
It was hard to tell who was the giver and who the receiver here.
But one thing was clear — this was not without its advantages for him as well.
Though it might become a shackle, it could also be useful.
‘As long as I use it wisely, in moderation.’
After all, the greatest obstacle in his future plans was money.
Thus, having a means of financial flexibility was far from unwelcome.
