The Genius Grandson of the Loan King - Chapter 39 (39/840)
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#39
Let's Start a Club
"Are you going to give me an answer now?"
― I have thought a lot. I do not want to come out into the light, Young Master.
It was not the answer I expected.
"Then, should I interpret that as you're going to side with your uncle?"
― No, that's not it.
"Then what?"
― I will stay put. When you come out into the light, I will remain in the shadows. If you can only allow me that...
I sighed quietly so Noeikseon wouldn't hear.
"Understood. I understand what you mean, so just continue what you were doing."
― Thank you, Young Master.
I fell into thought, staring at the disconnected phone.
'Even if I leave him alone, he will eventually be eliminated on his own... But should I deal with him as an example? Using my own strength, not my grandfather's...'
I was deep in thought when Mingsoo called out to me.
"What are you doing? The kids are waiting."
Mingsoo, who had come out to look for me when I didn't come in, spoke up.
"Oh, sorry. I just got off the phone. Let's go in."
When we went inside, the food we had ordered was already on the table.
I smiled as I sat down.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting too long?"
Perhaps because of my smile or my apology, everyone started eating without much comment.
"So, except for Minkyung, are we all going to take the bar exam together? There's no way any of you will pass on the first try, right?"
Mingsoo glanced at me as he said this.
Since I never missed being the top student despite my busy schedule, I was known as a monster among the kids.
"Maybe? I'm not sure about Muhyeok. I kind of want to dissect that kid's brain. Don't you, Jae-ha?"
Oh Hyun-woo joked, and Yoon Jae-ha chuckled in response.
"He is the most amazing guy at Seoul University."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"But, Mingsoo, did Muhyeok always do well in school? I wanted to punch him when I saw that interview. Does it make sense? I got into Seoul University with a lot of private tutoring from a young age."
"Ah, that. You're right. Thinking about it makes me angry again. The way my parents nagged me because of that interview! Oh! It was like all my hard work and tears were invalidated in an instant."
Oh Hyun-woo and Yoon Jae-ha vented their frustration while eating.
"I just thought, 'Oh, I see,' when I heard Muhyeok. I never went to private tutoring or cram schools."
Everyone was speechless at Han Minkyung's comment as she put a piece of meat in her mouth.
Mingsoo broke the silence.
"Muhyeok was originally a notorious troublemaker in Busan. There was a time when he was called the mad dog of Busan. Ah! I miss those days."
"Shut up."
I gave him a look, and Mingsoo pouted.
The kids who didn't know my past looked surprised.
"Well, it's a story from my immature days. Speaking of which, it reminds me. How about we start a club among ourselves? What do you think?"
"Club?"
I smoothly changed the topic, and everyone showed interest in what I said.
"Sure, wouldn't it be nice if we all got together, ate, talked, and helped each other even after we grow up? We don't know where each of us will end up, but now seems like a good time to start a club, right? After we graduate and enter society, it might be a bit difficult."
Oh Hyun-woo and Yoon Jae-ha, who understood my point, seemed to be deep in thought.
On the other hand, Han Minkyung and Mingsoo looked at me with eyes that asked for more explanation.
I explained again to them.
"In a few years, one of us might be a prosecutor, another a judge, and another a politician. Or, we might be in business or working somewhere else. Wouldn't it be hard to get together then? I'm suggesting we start a proper club now and meet occasionally."
After a moment,
Oh Hyun-woo, who had been thinking with his arms crossed, was the first to agree.
"I'm in. Such a club would be very helpful in the future."
Yoon Jae-ha also agreed.
"I'm in too. I'll probably join my father's law firm after passing the bar exam. It would be good to help each other."
Mingsoo, of course, wasn't going to oppose me.
Han Minkyung, who had been thinking for a while, finally spoke.
"Um... Would I fit in with the club?"
She glanced around at everyone, seemingly lacking confidence.
"What does it matter? Aren't you a 93 classmate? Why would you think that?"
Everyone smiled at Han Minkyung in agreement with me.
Han Minkyung nodded with a slightly flushed face.
"Then I'm in. It would be nice to get together with friends often."
As Oh Hyun-woo chimed in, he suddenly asked.
"Then it's settled? But who will be the president? Muhyeok, you'll do it, right?"
Everyone's eyes turned to me.
I shook my head and looked at Oh Hyun-woo.
"No, I think Hyun-woo should be the president. You're more active, and I have a lot of other things to focus on."
Everyone looked puzzled, but I added nonchalantly.
"Also, since we're starting this among ourselves, it's good to accept new members, but only when everyone agrees. We can continue with these five, or if anyone wants to bring someone in, we can recommend and vote. What do you think?"
I guided everyone's opinions appropriately.
"Then, Hyun-woo, you should let us know when to meet each month. No matter who succeeds or fails, our club will continue, right?"
Everyone nodded.
"That's a given. What about the club name? What should we call it? Any good ideas?"
Mingsoo asked me.
A club name...
"I don't think we need to name the club."
"Huh? Why?"
"If we name it, it might feel like a secret organization, and if rumors spread, it might cause unnecessary attention."
"Hmm..."
Everyone seemed to be thinking about what I said.
"We just want to stay close and support each other as we grow up. Let's not get hung up on the name."
"I think Muhyeok is right."
We moved to a nearby coffee shop to discuss in more detail, and it was already evening.
"I'll head out now. I have to go for private tutoring."
Han Minkyung picked up her bag and stood up.
"Where to?"
"Pyongyang-dong."
At this, Mingsoo looked at me and said casually.
"Hey, take her there."
"Sure, let's go together. Everyone, let's meet again next time. I'll head out too."
"Thanks!"
As we stood up, Han Minkyung's face lit up with a bright smile.
At the coffee shop, I opened the passenger door for her, and she playfully hit my arm as she got in.
"Wow, Kim Muhyeok, you have a sense of style?"
I chuckled and got into the driver's seat.
"Fasten your seatbelt."
"Okay."
As we drove to Pyongyang-dong, I asked,
"How many private tutoring jobs do you have?"
"I have four... Oh, I just got another one, so now it's five."
"Do you have time to study?"
"Two hours in the evening is enough... but it's still tough."
I glanced at her expression while driving.
She was smiling, but it must be tough.
She worked hard to get into Seoul University, and while her classmates prepare for the bar exam, she has to do several private tutoring jobs...
"What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?"
"Wow, you're amazing."
"What's amazing?"
"Just... you're doing private tutoring, not missing classes, and preparing for the bar exam a little."
"Tch, what's so amazing about that? I've been studying like that since middle school. I've never missed being the top student. I'm pretty smart, you know."
She pouted, and it made her quite cute.
"But I'm the top student."
"Wow, Kim Muhyeok, you're really... unlucky."
"Ha ha ha."
As we talked, we arrived at Pyongyang-dong.
"Where are we going?"
"Oh! Just a little further."
After turning a corner, we saw a house with a blue gate.
"Here! Thanks! I got here comfortably because of you. If I had taken the subway, it would have taken a while."
I started the conversation as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Can we talk for a moment?"
"Hmm, I have about 20 minutes since I got here early. What is it? Don't tell me... a confession?"
She laughed, sending me a look of disbelief.
"No, I just don't want you to misunderstand... What? Why are you setting the mood like that? Just say it."
She tilted her head, looking puzzled as I hesitated.
"Do you have any plans to quit private tutoring and focus on studying?"
"Hey, that's not possible! Who wouldn't want to? My dad left, my mom is sick, and my siblings are waiting for me. I need to earn money."
"What if I help you?"
At this, her smiling face hardened.
It was a look I had never seen from Han Minkyung, even once in school.
"What?"
Her voice rose.
"Hey, do you pity me? Is that why you're saying this?"
"Don't take it that way. I've never thought that. Don't misunderstand."
"But why do you say you'll help? Even if I'm poor, I'm not a beggar. I can earn enough to live on my own."
I nodded.
Yeah... I know you better than anyone.
"I understand. It's not because I pity you, and it's not because I have extra money. I just want us all to prepare for the bar exam together. There's no hidden agenda. Think of it as a loan. Interest-free. You can pay it back later."
At this, Han Minkyung, unable to contain her frustration, shed a tear.
"Kim Muhyeok, don't underestimate me. I can do it on my own. I've come this far. Just because you have money doesn't mean you can treat me like this."
"Minkyung..."
I told her a bit about my life.
About how I wandered after my parents passed away and lived with my grandmother. About how I was lucky to meet my maternal grandfather and could attend school comfortably, but if not, I wouldn't have been able to do what you do.
Han Minkyung's expression changed as she listened to me.
"I don't expect anything from you. I just want us to study and take the exam together. The decision is yours. I won't force you."
"...I'll think about it. Still, thank you."
Her excitement subsided, and the tears in her eyes disappeared.
I chuckled and handed her a tissue.
"Ha ha ha. I've never seen you cry. You always smile. Han Minkyung, you do cry?"
"Do you want to joke around now?"
Han Minkyung glared at me with narrowed eyes.
"Go on. Think about it after your tutoring. I have no bad intentions."
Han Minkyung got out of the car without answering and closed the door.
"See you at school tomorrow."
After confirming that Han Minkyung had entered the house with the blue gate, I drove home.
'How will it go? I don't know if it will work.'
I said it to clear my conscience, not to create a financial debt, but I couldn't predict her choice.
When I entered the house, my grandfather was waiting for me.
Manager Ha was nowhere to be seen.
"You're late."
"I had dinner and talked with my friends."
My grandfather nodded and gestured for me to sit on the sofa.
"Sit down."
I sat opposite him, and he cleared his throat.
"Is school life going well?"
"Yes, it's fun. I've made a lot of friends."
"That's good. Even if you help me, enjoy your youth and have fun."
As we were talking, Manager Ha brought in a man.
He was solidly built and had a stern face. Unlike Manager Ha, he didn't wear glasses and had shorter hair, but his expression was just as emotionless.
My grandfather looked at Manager Ha and the man and smiled.
"Muhyeok, you asked Manager Ha to introduce someone you could use as a subordinate, right?"
"Yes. Is this the person?"
I turned my gaze from the man to my grandfather.
"This man is your responsibility. I can introduce him, but winning his loyalty is up to you."
"I understand."
I turned my gaze back to the man.
He met my eyes with a firm look.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ma Seokdae."
A deep, low voice came from his tightly closed lips.