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Yang Sobang (4)

“Yang Bangju is a petty man. He won’t let this slide,” Im Yehwa said, her voice tinged with concern.

Byuk Dojun nodded in agreement. “True, but he can’t openly seek revenge over this.”

“He’s not one to care about appearances. We need to pay off our debt to him first. Otherwise, he’ll use it as leverage against us.”

Byuk Dojun understood all too well the nature of Yang Gicheol. Yet, he had no immediate means to repay the hefty sum of twenty thousand nyang.

Those who once seemed willing to give him the world now turned their backs, offering their loyalty to Yang Gicheol instead. He couldn’t blame them; their coldness was a result of his own failings as a parent.

Im Yehwa presented a small jewelry box. “Selling this should cover most of the debt.”

Inside was a delicate jade necklace. Byuk Dojun was taken aback. “No! This is a family heirloom, something you cherish deeply.”

“It’s just been sitting there. If selling it can help…”

“Absolutely not! It’s not just an object; it’s your father’s keepsake.”

“What I cherish most is you and our son.”

Byuk Dojun was momentarily speechless. He knew how much his wife loved him, how much she had sacrificed for their family. And that was precisely why he couldn’t let her do this.

Im Yehwa gently tried to persuade him. “This isn’t about sentiment. We can always buy things later. Let’s focus on what matters now.”

When her husband remained unmoved, she changed tactics. “Our son has come to his senses. We need to protect him, not material things.”

Mentioning their son finally elicited a reaction from Byuk Dojun. “Do you trust him?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Even after all the times he’s let us down?”

“He’s still our son.”

Their son had made countless promises to change, but this time felt different. He was showing it through action, dedicating himself to martial arts training for over ten days and even risking himself for Gwangdu today.

Byuk Dojun sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

Today’s events were puzzling. How could his son, with just ten days of training, have defeated Yang Gikang? He had asked Seojoong if his son had learned some dangerous martial arts, but it turned out he had simply used his fists. Yang Gikang was a thug, so perhaps it wasn’t surprising.

But it wasn’t just that. His son’s demeanor had changed, even his gaze was calmer.

“He’s matured,” Im Yehwa said, and Byuk Dojun finally nodded.

Yes, that was the only way to understand it. He hoped it wasn’t just a fleeting change.

He felt a surge of happiness at the thought of his son’s transformation. It gave him hope, a dream of rebuilding the Byuk family with his changed son.

“Anyway, I understand your point,” Byuk Dojun said, taking the jewelry box.

“Thank you for understanding.”

He had no intention of selling it. He took it only to prevent his wife from doing so.

He was determined to resolve this on his own.

“Don’t worry too much, my dear.”

Im Yehwa smiled, holding his hand. “I never worry. Since marrying you, I’ve never had a reason to.”

I had been listening to their conversation from outside.

I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop. I had come to apologize for earlier and happened to overhear them.

I couldn’t help but find my mother endearing. She acted so strong and commanding, yet with my father, she was gentle and tender.

I looked up at the sky.

At first, I thought I had been reincarnated for my own sake, then perhaps for Byuk Lidan. But listening to my parents, I wondered if it was for them.

But can I do it? I’ve never known family love, and I can’t sleep without avenging any wrongs done to me.

Just then, my mother opened the door and was startled to see me.

“Lidan? Why didn’t you come in?”

I stepped inside, getting straight to the point. “Don’t sell it. It won’t help.”

“You heard?”

“Yes. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, please forgive me.”

“It’s alright. But what do you mean it won’t help?”

“Paying the debt won’t solve anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“Yang Bangju won’t let it go just because we pay him.”

I looked at my father. “Am I wrong? Did I misjudge him?”

I had seen the malice in Yang Gicheol’s eyes. It was the same murderous intent I had seen countless times in my past life dealing with villains.

The silence that followed was answer enough.

“I’ll handle this. You and your mother should go stay with your uncle for a while.”

I knew my mother’s brother lived far away in Anhui. It was to protect us.

Even if we paid the debt, my father sensed Yang Gicheol would still seek revenge.

“Are you planning to fight them?”

“That’s not for you to worry about.”

“Of course, I should be involved.”

Given Byuk Lidan’s past behavior, my words might seem insincere.

“This is our family’s matter.”

My mother’s face lit up at my words. How could Byuk Lidan have been so dissatisfied with such loving parents?

“I said I’ll handle it.”

I knew my father was strong, but he was too honest and straightforward to deal with someone as twisted as Yang Gicheol.

“Let me help.”

“Are you only thinking of yourself? What about your mother’s safety?”

“If something happens to you, she’ll be unhappy anyway.”

“Watch your mouth!”

My father was angry, but my mother smiled.

“Not just unhappy. It would be a hundred, a thousand times worse than dying with the family.”

She looked at my father. “After all these years, don’t you know me?”

My father sighed lightly.

Of course, he knew. He knew my mother wouldn’t leave in such a situation.

He probably would have tried to persuade her to leave for my sake. But my unexpected involvement had thwarted his plans.

“It could be dangerous.”

My mother rolled up her sleeves. “It’s been a while since things got interesting.”

I couldn’t help but smile. Earlier, she seemed like the devoted wife, but now she was as bold as any man.

She turned to me. “What about you?”

“I’m intrigued as well.”

“Right?”

I felt a bit guilty, but nothing exciting would happen.

I would resolve this before it came to that. I wouldn’t let those scoundrels disrupt our home.

“I’ll be heading to the mountains for a few days to train. I’ll take Gwangdu with me, so don’t worry.”

“Alright, be careful.”

My parents readily agreed. In this situation, they were eager to send me away.

After leaving the room, I went to find Gwangdu.

“What did you say?” Gwangdu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

I couldn’t help but enjoy teasing him. “We’re going to Yang Sobang.”

His reaction was immediate. “Do you hate me that much? Why take me to such a dangerous place?”

“There are two answers. One you’ll like, and one you won’t. Which do you want first?”

“Bad news first, please.”

“It’s your fault.”

Gwangdu hung his head, unable to deny it.

“Now the good news.”

“You’re the only one I trust.”

Gwangdu sighed deeply. “It’s sad, your narrow circle of trust.”

Despite his words, he was smiling. He seemed pleased to be the one I trusted. Such a simple guy.

“But why are we going? Is it an errand for the master? Just delivering a letter, right?”

“If that makes you feel better, think of it that way.”

“Does that mean…?”

“We caused this, so we should fix it.”

“Oh no! Do you have a plan?”

“I’ll come up with one on the way.”

“How does one become so optimistic?”

“You could too. There’ll be plenty of people there wanting to beat you up.”

Maybe it’s because I’m young again, or perhaps it’s a rebellion against the stifling formality of my past life. Jokes and teasing come naturally now.

Or maybe it’s because of Gwangdu. Talking with him lifts my spirits. Either way, I feel younger at heart.

“Get ready. Let’s go.”

There’s a reason I’m taking Gwangdu with me.

I’ve decided it’s time to make a choice. Should I just have him sweep the yard, or should I invest in him and see it through to the end?

I don’t know which path is truly meant for him.

I’m just going to follow where fate leads us.