Kofi thanks to: Alilyana
“…Yes.”
Cheongyeon responded in a voice so faint it was barely audible.
“Hoho, did the two of you know each other? I had no idea.”
Nachata scratched his beard, offering an embarrassed chuckle.
“Do we just know each other?”
Muwon, smiling, placed the hat he was holding on Cheongyeon’s head. Since Cheongyeon’s face was so small, it covered him down to his nose in an instant.
“I know you dislike being the center of attention.”
Cheongyeon tried to take off the hat Muwon had put on him, but Muwon pressed down on the brim, making it sink even deeper.
In the meantime, the innkeeper, having heard the commotion, hurried back to the restaurant. Seeing the collapsed waiter, the messed-up table, and Muwon and Cheongyeon at the center of it all, he was more tense than ever. He had already been informed about the situation where his staff had bullied the apothecary, who was under Muwon’s patronage.
“Anyway, which bastard would steal our apothecary’s bicycle?”
The innkeeper didn’t overlook Muwon’s muttering. Seizing the opportunity, he quickly stepped forward.
“Muwon-nim, I truly apologize. We will find Cheongyeon-nim’s stolen bicycle as soon as possible. To express our apologies and as compensation, we’d like to offer you food and drinks. Would that be alright?”
The owner gestured upwards, suggesting they move to the second floor.
“How about it, want to eat?”
Muwon asked Cheongyeon, who kept looking for an opportunity to slip away in the meantime.
“I don’t need to eat anything. If you could just find my bicycle, I’ll be on my way.”
Suddenly, Muwon crouched down in front of Cheongyeon. His large frame seemed immovable like a boulder, blocking Cheongyeon’s path, who then froze, unable to move. Muwon reached out and pulled Cheongyeon towards him, causing him to stagger.
He pressed his ear against Cheongyeon’s stomach.
“What are you doing…!”
Startled, Cheongyeon pushed Muwon away, but he was solid as a rock.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Apothecary mom, I’m hungry.”
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Being teased, Cheongyeon glared, but the hat covered his face so much that his gaze didn’t reach Muwon. Though his stomach was hungry, it hadn’t growled yet, adding to his frustration. Those who were watching were more embarrassed by Muwon’s antics than Cheongyeon.
Exhausted from trying to push away the immovable Muwon, Cheongyeon’s breathing became noticeably heavier. Muwon muttered indifferently.
“Not fun?”
He stood up, appearing somewhat disappointed.
He had also asked at the sperm whale auction if it wasn’t fun, but Cheongyeon couldn’t agree this time either.
“It’s not fun.”
The atmosphere around them chilled once more. Even though Muwon was someone you should just agree with for peace’s sake, Cheongyeon knew from past experiences that it was better to be honest with Muwon about his feelings.
“Well, the apothecary just knows me, huh? Knows me damn well.”
Instead of getting angry, Muwon let out a pleased laugh. Then, he casually draped an arm around Cheongyeon and pulled him closer.
“Play with me while we find your bicycle.”
Muwon leaned in and kissed the top of Cheongyeon’s head. Yet, his gaze was still fixed on those watching them. This would surely fuel the rumors about Cheongyeon even further.
Muwon felt a considerable amusement and anticipation about how the rumors would escalate after today. He had wanted to distance himself from Cheongyeon, but now he would stick to him like a label.
With the hat pressed down, Cheongyeon felt a brief weight on his crown. Unaware that Muwon had pressed his lips there, he simply lowered his head.
***
Four people sat around a rectangular dining table. Muwon was beside Cheongyeon, with Nachata and Hwang Ran sitting across from them. Hwang Ran’s mercenaries were all waiting outside, so the only outsiders were the waitstaff.
Cheongyeon could only take off his hat after entering the VIP room on the second floor, and to his surprise, the hat emitted a pleasant scent, reminiscent of the fragrance wafting from a dense forest full of lush greenery. Despite Muwon’s flashy appearance, his scent was deep and calm.
A bottle of strong whiskey was placed at the center of the table, accompanied by four glasses. In addition to this, there was a mountain of lobsters and shrimps, roasted chicken, and skewered chunks of meat. When a waiter tried to pour the drinks, Muwon took the bottle from him and sent all the attendants away.
He then passed the bottle to Cheongyeon, who refused to take it, replying:
“You’re the one who sent the attendants away.”
Surprised by the indifferent response, Hwang Ran quickly offered:
“Muwon-nim, let me pour it.”
When Cheongyeon didn’t take the bottle of liquor, Hwang Ran quickly got up. The lump on his forehead that had just suffered another hit was swelling even bigger than before.
“It’s just pouring a drink; why so fussy?”
Muwon’s lips curled up in amusement, not intending to threaten. Reading the room, Hwang Ran reluctantly sat back down.
Cheongyeon felt internally displeased at being used as a server by Muwon but seeing Hwang Ran taking the initiative, he felt a sense of rivalry. Muwon was right, pouring a drink wasn’t that difficult.
Cheongyeon took the bottle offered by Muwon and filled his glass with the amber liquid, then handed the bottle back. Muwon tapped Cheongyeon’s glass with the bottle, making a crisp sound, though it didn’t improve Cheongyeon’s mood. He merely held his glass, intending not to drink.
“Do you drink well?”
Muwon asked leisurely while pouring himself a drink.
“No.”
“Interesting. A guy who worked in a bar can’t handle his liquor.”
“The owner of the seafood shop I frequently visit sells fish but doesn’t eat them.”
Cheongyeon had heard that the shop owner inherited the business from his parents but didn’t like fish himself. His reply left Hwang Ran the only one uncomfortable in the situation. Muwon, unfazed, casually set the bottle down.
Nachata, sitting across from them, smoked his pipe, observing the unlikely pair and wondering how they met.
“So, how did you come to know Cheongyeon?”
Unable to hold back, Nachata blurted out the question. Muwon, without any side dishes, downed the strong whiskey and asked in return:
“And you?”
“Oh, me? I once owed my life to Cheongyeon.”
Nachata’s unexpected statement that he owed his life to Cheongyeon surprised everyone. Hwang Ran wondered what Cheongyeon could have possibly done to save Nachata. Cheongyeon moistened his dry mouth with warm tea instead of alcohol.
“It turns out that the apothecary is a very talented person, isn’t he?”
Muwon chuckled again, downing his drink as if it were water, then tipped the bottle into his glass once more. Cheongyeon felt dizzy just watching the bottle empty so rapidly.
“I’m not good at fighting.”
“Ever fought before?”
“…No.”
“Then how do you know if you’re good or bad at it?”
“I don’t want to fight.”
Wary of being prompted into a fight, Cheongyeon widened his eyes in alarm.
“Um… Muwon-nim.”
Hwang Ran cautiously broached the subject with Muwon, who seemed in a good mood. Muwon filled Hwang Ran’s glass without taking the bottle away. Hwang Ran tried to grab his glass, but Muwon was quicker.
“Didn’t you say Nachata was targeting my auction goods? That’s why I hired Peira’s people as escorts.”
Hwang Ran delicately suggested that Muwon had tricked him. Muwon raised an eyebrow.
“Me?”
“Yes, yes! Didn’t you clearly say that Nachata and his gang were gathering in hordes?!”
Meanwhile, Cheongyeon, unsure why he was there, focused solely on the red-cooked lobsters. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Muwon reached out and picked up a handful of lobster with the tongs on the plate and placed it on Cheongyeon’s plate. The body of the lobster contained pieces of flesh that had been peeled off for easy eating. There was a generous amount of butter and cheese on top, exuding a fragrant smell.
“I wouldn’t want the beggar inside you to assassinate me.”
“I’m not raising any.”
“What did it sound like to you? Did you hear that Nachata is targeting Hwang Ran?”
Muwon continued to speak his mind.
“You didn’t hear what was said.”
“Muwon-nim definitely told me Nachata and his gang were banding together!”
Hwang Ran was frustrated, indicating that Cheongyeon would take his side.
“Is he an idiot?”
Muwon’s harsh critique elicited laughter from Nachata. Hwang Ran, already irritated by Nachata sitting next to him and now openly insulted, was on the verge of exploding. Watching Hwang Ran fume, Muwon tilted his head slightly.
“I said ‘guys like Nachata,’ it’s different.”
The long chain of his earring swayed gently near his ear.
Oh my 😂