I’m Not That Villain

43 – Misunderstanding (1)

Just because one is an artisan doesn’t always mean they have a high income.

1% are talented.

99% are just average.

According to the law that generally applies in all industries, there are naturally those who fall behind in the world of artisans as well.

And funnily enough,

Not all success is attributed to ‘talent.’

Those who are cunning and quick-witted,

Those who are shady and good at politics, also stand on the same line as the few talented ones.

In the end, that’s what modern society is. Yoon Si-woo, an artisan of the steel plate workshop, unbuttoned the top button of his tight suit.

“……..”

In front of him was a dazzling store. Even the simplest menu would cost in tens.

It’s not an omakase. But… does that mean it costs less?

No. This is a place where people with some money use to entertain others. There are even dress codes to enter.

“Welcome.”

As soon as he stepped into the store, a beautiful woman greeted him. Along with her business smile, the appearance of the staff behind her was also extraordinary.

Whether male or female, they were all slim and dazzling, as if they had been selected based on their looks. It felt like a store full of idol aspirants.

How much do those people get paid monthly? Yoon Si-woo, who had been lost in a brief daydream, quickly came to his senses.

“Um… the reservation is under Yoon Si-woo…”

“Yes. Just a moment.”

A list that doesn’t fit the digital age. But the list itself exudes a luxurious atmosphere.

That’s what analog is. While everything is moving to the cyber world, old-fashioned documents with form look even more special.

A few rich people liked this. Distancing themselves from the commoners. Yoon Si-woo felt awkward being mixed in here and cleared his throat briefly.

“Yes, Mr. Yoon Si-woo. I’ll guide you to the inner room.”

Follow the female employee. I try not to look, but my eyes keep drifting to her tight-fitting figure.

She has a well-maintained body. Is it because this is an upscale place? Even the waiters are different.

To think that I could get a reservation at a place like this. Yoon Si-woo felt envious of him once again.

Ha Tae-won.

The next master of the Steel Plate Workshop.

The female employee opened the door. A tall man, who had been eating luxurious food, glanced up.

Still handsome. A face with a good complexion. The next master of the Steel Plate Workshop, who is said to be doing well even among underground artisans, smirked.

“What are you doing there? Come in.”

“Yes, senior.”

I take off my shoes and step inside. As I sit awkwardly, I hear the sound of the door closing behind me.

In the awkward atmosphere, Ha Tae-won, who is called the likely next master of the Steel Plate Workshop, casually handed over a glass. Yoon Si-woo, who grabbed the glass in a daze, stared blankly at the liquor being poured.

It’s different from regular alcohol. The aroma itself is something luxurious. It’s on a completely different level from soju.

“Si-woo.”

“Yes, senior.”

“Relax. Who’s going to eat you? Why are you acting like it’s your first time in a place like this?”

“…Actually, it is my first time, senior.”

“Really? Wow, it’s your first time here? Where do you spend your money? You should come to places like this occasionally and treat yourself. Spend a little.”

Spend a little, my foot.

It’s amazing that anyone can spend fifty or a hundred per meal, no matter how much they save.

The glasses clinked lightly. Yoon Si-woo was truly moved by the aroma flowing down his throat. The other’s arrogance, well, it’s not the first time. I’m used to it now.

Rather than that, let’s put as much as possible into my mouth while I have the chance. Everything here is something I’ve never tasted before.

“Eat slowly. You… do you have a beggar in your stomach?”

“……”

“Si-woo. How’s your income these days?”

At the sudden question, Yoon Si-woo coughed. Income. Income, huh.

Of course, it can’t be good, can it?

Even if a workshop is certified by the black market, not everyone in it makes good money.

Being affiliated with a workshop means that the master receives work and distributes it.

From an outsider’s perspective, it might seem like those who do well get more, and those who don’t do well get less.

But reality is not so lenient.

In the end, it was common to get more work depending on the relationship with the workshop owner. No, actually, the top executives would distribute the work without the workshop owner having to worry about it.

The Steel Plate Workshop, concerned about stagnation, divided this power structure into three parts. At the end of the year, the workshop owner would review the achievements of each top executive…

The work is carried out in a way that rewards those with more achievements.

However, even this form could not prevent stagnation. What good is creating a competitive structure? The Steel Plate Workshop was already filled with politics aimed at pleasing the top executives rather than making better equipment.

Making better equipment was secondary. Instead, they would do anything to please the top executives like Ha Taewon.

And that included himself, Yoon Siwoo.

He hesitated for a moment. Despite being in the same line, he had never personally met someone who would ask about his income.

So this could be… perhaps an opportunity to make a fortune…?

“Well, it’s always the same for me.”

“Don’t hold back, tell me. How many cases do you handle in a month?”

“Which side are you referring to exactly…”

“Small cases. Big cases. Both.”

Small cases. Big cases.

The implicit terms were simple. Small cases referred to the production or repair of general equipment. This included popular self-defense items, cold weapons, handmade pistols, or sometimes repairing weapons made by others.

Big cases were even simpler. Custom equipment. That’s it. Once completed…

At least thousands.

At most, works that could earn billions.

Yoon Siwoo smiled awkwardly.

“Small cases… about ten. And you know, senior. We juniors can only assist with big projects.”

“You’re not a junior, are you?”

“Compared to the whole, I am. Senior. I know that even if I make something, it won’t be that impressive.”

“How about taking the lead once?”

“Pardon, what?”

“Kid, don’t be dumbfounded. Haven’t you been here for about three years?”

“Y-yes, but…”

“It’s worth a try.”

Taking the lead.

It meant taking charge of the production of custom equipment.

It didn’t just end with leading a single project. It also meant having a direct line and earning about 50% of the profits from the project.

It’s well known that custom equipment starts at least at ten million won. But in reality, the custom equipment in the workshop starts at least at thirty to fifty million won.

Considering that the production period is a few months to about half a year, it is clearly an expensive item. Of that income, 30% goes to the workshop owner, 10% to the person in charge, and the remaining 10% to the assistants…

The net profit that can be received by pulling in five thousand is 2500. Of course, some of that is slightly reduced by various fees. But even so, it’s 2500.

Moreover…

What Ha Taewon said now was… unlike before when he was just skimming the surface, he was now definitely taking care of himself.

“Is it really true…?”

“Yes. You handled this matter cleanly, didn’t you? You said you were at the bottom, so now let’s move up to middle management. Let’s do it. Okay?”

“Yes, yes! Thank you! Senior!”

“Just in time, a vacancy has opened up, so move up to that position. There are about five people under you, so manage them well.”

“I will be loyal!”

The glass is filled again. Yoon Siwoo knew that the ‘vacancy’ that had opened up was one of the seniors who had gotten into a car accident after confronting Ha Taewon for taking his woman.

But he didn’t bother to comment on it. Why would he? As long as he lived well, that was all that mattered.

“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Just like now. Got it? If you listen to me, good things will come your way.”

“Yes! Senior!”

“And by the way, the matter we handled, is it settled? That crazy guy Heukkyung, is he taken care of?”

“Ah. Yes. I received a report that it was handled first. It’s reliable information.”

“Really? Who did you hire?”

“A guy called Night Owl… he’s famous in this field.”

“What? Night Owl? How much did you pay him?”

“He charges a thousand per job. So, senior…”

It’s a good time to bring it up. Yoon Siwoo cautiously observed.

“I took the money from the public funds as I mentioned… but the accountant keeps asking me about it…”

“Ah. I’ll handle that. I personally asked the workshop owner, and he said it was well handled.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Have I only spent a day or two with the workshop owner? He even praised me. We’re in the same boat. The same boat. We need to eliminate competitors to establish our foundation. What’s the point of just making good items? But that urban legend-like Night Owl only charged a thousand…? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure, senior. I checked the account myself.”

“Really? Then it’s settled. It’s better to cleanly take care of potential threats. We need to catch the eye of that new large organization to make money.”

“Yes, senior.”

“And because of that, I heard that Hundred Eye is holding a competition.”

“A competition…?”

“An unofficial competition. Of course, they said they would hold it after establishing a stronger foundation… you know the current boss, right? Of Hundred Eye.”

“…Are you talking about Black Mamba?”

A famous person.

One of the top criminals in Seoul.

It’s not for nothing that the organization she belongs to has taken over Seoul’s Jung-gu. Among other ability holders, she is unique…

Known for being cruel and having a taste for blood.

“I heard that while expanding into Seoul’s Jung-gu, her personal equipment got damaged. So, there’s a rumor that she’s going to make new personal equipment. Along with that, there’s a rumor that she’s going to hold a competition among various workshops to find her partner workshop.”

“…Then this is really… the most important project here, isn’t it?”

“Of course, it’s not confirmed. Black Mamba is busy too. When the large organization that maintained order collapsed, the security in Seoul’s Jung-gu became a real mess. Right? Of course, it’s somewhat under control now, but…”

He lowered his voice. Yoon Si-woo listened closely.

“This is top-secret information, but I’m telling you because you’re my person. Don’t go blabbing about it. Got it?”

“Y-Yes, sir!”

“There’s a rumor that a branch of the enforcement agency is coming to Seoul’s Jung-gu soon.”

“…What does that mean…?”

“They say a branch of a large problem-solving office is coming too, and it seems they’re having a headache over it. Maybe, just maybe, there will be a real fight with the government in Jung-guthat’s what I’m saying.”

Ha Tae-won filled his glass with alcohol.

“But this could be an opportunity for us. If ability holders have a big fight, won’t a lot of personal equipment get destroyed? Then who will repair or remake it?”

“U-Us!”

“Exactly. It’s crucial to become the partner workshop of ‘Hundred Eye’ this time. It’s definitely a time when investment for the future is needed. Hire some assassins. Let’s weed out some individual sellers residing in Seoul’s Jung-gu. This is what the workshop owner instructed me to do…”

Ha Tae-won downed his drink in one gulp.

“You’ll play the middleman role one more time. Got it? It might be busy, but I’ll take care of you more.”

“Leave it to me! Sir!”

“Good. Great.”

“…But, sir.”

“Hmm? What?”

“If I keep getting involved with those kinds of people… my safety might be a bit… at risk, right?”

“…So what?”

“You said you’d promote me to middle management this time… All the middle managers in our workshop have personal bodyguards, right? So, could you assign one to me as soon as possible…”

“Ah. Got it. Kid. You’re really good at taking care of your own safety.”

Ha Tae-won laughed.

“I’ll assign you an amazing one. Tomorrow. Okay?”

“Thank you!”