Chapter 5
The next day, and the day after that, Mu-gyeong kept coming to the gambling house. All he did was take over the heater and laze around doing absolutely nothing. The desk was already cramped, and having to sit next to ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) such a big man only made it more uncomfortable. When Hongju, unable to hold back any longer, asked why he kept coming here, Mu-gyeong responded.
"I invested a shitload of money. Can't I at least keep an eye on it?"
He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Guppping even went as far as clearing out a private room just for Mu-gyeong to rest in. With the kind of money that passed hands at a single table, giving him special treatment like this was no small decision. Hongju didn’t know exactly how much Mu-gyeong had invested, but seeing how both Guppping and Yang Siljang didn’t dare make a peep around him, it must have been a considerable amount.
In a way, Hongju felt relieved. At least now, he wouldn’t have to sit uncomfortably next to this overbearing man or be drained by his pointless nonsense. But Mu-gyeong still called on him whenever he had the chance. He’d demand the heater be turned up higher, order Hongju to get him a hot Americano, or, like today, ask for the table to be moved by the window. After moving the table and chairs, Hongju dusted off his hands and turned around, only to see Mu-gyeong standing there the whole time, arms crossed.
"I'm really busy right now. You could... do this yourself."
"I could, sure. But I might catch some disease and drop dead if I touch it."
So that meant Hongju was free to catch whatever disease he wanted? He stared at Mu-gyeong in disbelief, but the man simply chuckled and spread a handkerchief over the chair before elegantly crossing his legs and sitting down.
He really didn’t belong in this rundown, shabby place.
"Go on."
Mu-gyeong waved his hand dismissively, signaling he was done with him.
Hongju turned without another word. He knew it wouldn’t be long before he was called again. But he couldn’t just ignore the man, either. After all, he was the gambling house’s biggest source of money. If business went well, they’d have more work, and if they gave him a raise, he could pay off his debt faster. Exhaling a small sigh, Hongju stepped past the doorway.
Once Mu-gyeong was settled inside, Yang Siljang reclaimed the desk. Flipping through his ledger, he noticed Hongju and gestured him over.