CHAPTER 199: BUSINESS PARTNER

WONHEE was relieved when Hamin, Geon, Rona, Ahn Kisoo, and Kim Bora all signed on to her Guestbook after her explanation.

It seemed like she caught everyone’s attention.

[Since they already made an oath to keep this a secret, I’m free to talk now.]

"Before I discuss my business proposal, I’d like to remind everyone that if ever you broke the contract and the oath, the System would automatically take away all your abilities as an Awakened Person. In short, you’ll return to being a Civilian," Wonhee reminded everyone gently. "But I have faith in every single person in this room."

Everyone had a pleasant look on their faces.

Except for Hamin who had a semi-permanent blank look on his face, and Kim Bora who always seemed angry.

[But that’s just their personalities.]

Wonhee continued with confidence knowing that she could trust the people in that room to listen to her and take her seriously. "First things first— let me introduce you to my business partner. This whole project is actually her brainchild."

After saying that, her Status Window popped up.

[Legendary Friend: It’s not my brainchild— it was the Chu Wonhee from the previous world who realized that she shouldn’t have only focused on the Big 4 when she awakened as an S-Class Guide. Hence, we ended up working together on this project. Unfortunately, I don’t remember what happened next.]

It was Bitna.

[She changed her name from ’Cabbage Kid’ to ’Legendary Friend’ because she doesn’t want Hamin-ssi to catch her as his Administrator.]

Wonhee didn’t think it would work, but she didn’t meddle in Bitna’s affairs.

[I do think it’s about time for Hamin-ssi and Bitna to talk to each other properly.]

Anyway, she didn’t have the luxury to worry about other people’s relationship at the moment.

[I have something else to discuss with these big shots first.]

"Everyone, I’d like you to properly introduce my Legendary Friend to you— a friend from the previous world," Wonhee declared, smiling. "Now let me tell you first how I, apparently, reset the world as we know it now."

***

LEE SEOJIN couldn’t help but smile while looking at the business card in his hand.

Yeon Soobin, APA Vice President.

Vice President Yeon visited him at the hospital briefly the other day.

["If you want to protect the country, go to Kwon Jiwoong. But if you want to protect Chu Wonhee, then come to me. If you choose me and my baby sister, you might end up saving the world and not just Korea."]

That was what Vice President Yeon before leaving.

To be honest, Seojin didn’t get the last part of what Vice President Yeon said.

But he didn’t want to use his brainpower on that.

[After all, I’ve already made up my mind.]

"Lee Seojin."

Seojin’s smile faded when Lee Seodam, his older brother, entered his room.

After he got discharged, his mother and sister took him home.

It was an apartment at the APA Village that the government provided for Seodam.

"Hyung, are you okay now?" Seojin asked worriedly. "If you wanted to talk to me, you could have just called me to your room."

Seodam sat on the chair next to his bed. "I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to summon you to the room that I share with Park Ruda."

Oh.

Right.

[The apartment has a second floor, and that’s where Hyung’s room is. His room is sound-proof, but I know what’s happening inside.]

Seojin wasn’t a child, so he knew that kind of stuff.

Their whole family was aware that Seodam was receiving Advanced Treatment from Park Ruda.

[We would have moved to another place if only APA didn’t have to guard me.]

"I’m sorry. I should have moved to Park Ruda’s place, but APA wants us to stay together since they need to guard us both."

"You don’t have to apologize for that, Hyung," Seojin said awkwardly, and then he quickly changed the topic. He had no interest in his older brother’s sex life. "So, do you have something to say to me?"

Seodam nodded before he spoke in a serious tone. "Seojin-ah, APA already explained to you that I can’t work in the meantime, right?"

"Yes, Hyung. President Kwon told us that you need treatment for the disease that you got from a dungeon you raided."

"That’s right."

"Are you worried about our financial situation? Didn’t APA assure us that we’ll receive adequate compensation for your hard work?"

All Hunters who were injured while protecting the country would get compensated.

[And APA will support their families until they get back to work.]

"That’s not what I’m worried about, Seojin-ah," Seodam said while shaking his head. "I’m worried about the spot that I will leave. You know that I’m currently President Kwon’s top Hunter, don’t you?"

Ah.

[I see where this is going.]

"Hyung, I won’t come to President Kwon and act as your temporary replacement," Seojin said sternly. "You know that I’ve never liked President Kwon."

"If it wasn’t for President Kwon, I wouldn’t be able to support our family."

"But you put your life on the line as a Hunter, Hyung. You don’t owe President Kwon anything since you do what you’re paid for. And you were a talented Hunter. Even if the government didn’t recruit you, I’m sure private guilds would have scouted you."

Seodam ignored all the things he said, and then his gaze landed on the business card in Seojin’s hand.

Seojin hid the business car behind his back, but it was already too late.

"Are you planning to come to Vice President Yeon?" Seodam asked, his voice and expression suddenly turned cold. When he raised his head, a strange glint in his eyes sparked. "Lee Seojin, is it because of Chu Wonhee?"

The change in his older brother’s tone and attitude scared him.

Even so, he didn’t back down.

"Hyung, I’m an adult now– I can make my own decisions," Seojin said firmly. "And I choose to protect Wonhee Noona."

Seodam smiled bitterly...

... and then he suddenly slapped Seojin in the face.

[What the...]

It stung.

Seojin got dizzy after getting slapped by his older brother. He immediately tasted blood in his mouth. Moreover, his cheek hurt like hell.

It was shocking.

[This is the first time Hyung hit me...]

"Since when did you learn to talk back to me, Lee Seojin?"

"Hyung—"

"Are you looking down on me because you awakened as an A-Class Hunter? Do you think you’re better at me now?"

Seojin knitted his eyebrows, confused. "Hyung, that’s not true!"

Seodam slapped Seojin again. "Don’t you dare raise your voice at me, brat."

’Brat?’

[Hyung has never called me that way before...]

"What’s wrong with you, Hyung?" Seojin asked in a frustrated voice. "Do you really have to resort to violence?"

Seodam smiled bitterly, and then he raised his hand again. "I should really teach you how to respect your older brother, brat."

’Brat’ again.

[Hyung never talks that way!]

Seojin didn’t let Seodam hit him for the third time.

Before his older brother could hit him again, the blood that dripped from the corner of his mouth suddenly multiplied.

Again and again.

The next thing Seojin knew, a huge volume of blood already turned into a huge wall protecting him from Seodam’s sudden violence.

***

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