Chapter 39 Contract Complete

 

Signing bonus: 20 billion won.

 

I wasn’t unaware of the weight of that kind of money.

 

I was thrilled with just 1 billion, so how could I reject 20 billion?

 

The reason I chose to donate it was…

 

Conversely, it was because I knew the weight of money all too well.

 

“In truth, I’m about to sign a contract with a university hospital. Ten million won per hypnosis treatment. Thirty patients per week.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Father-in-law’s eyes turned serious at the mention of treatment.

 

After a brief silence, his gaze towards me changed dramatically.

 

“I wondered why you mentioned donating to the foundation. So, you want us to use that money for patient support?”

 

“As expected of the clan leader. You are correct.”

 

“……? Wait, what are you talking about all of a sudden?”

 

On the other hand, Shia looked confused.

 

A smile crept onto both my and my father-in-law’s faces.

 

It was the kind of smile an experienced veteran would give to a cute newbie.

 

“Think about it, Shia. If Yu-jin contracts with the hospital and charges ten million won per treatment, what do you think would happen?”

 

“People would gladly pay, right? Being able to treat all sorts of conditions, ten million won seems reasonable…”

 

“People, the public, are not rational beings.”

 

“……? Ah.”

 

After a brief explanation, Shia seemed to start grasping the idea.

 

It seemed sufficient—time to reveal the answer.

 

‘I wanted to explain right away, but father-in-law is the type who considers this a learning experience.’

 

“It looks like I’m easily earning three billion won a week. Many people will be jealous and try to pick faults.”

 

A signing bonus of 20 billion won and charging patients ten million won each?

 

The amount is ridiculously low compared to my value, but the public wouldn’t understand that.

 

No, even if they did understand, they would pretend not to. Many people live for the pleasure of criticizing those who are successful.

 

I had no intention of giving them any reason to criticize me or my wives.

 

“So, I am donating to the foundation, for supporting patient treatment costs.”

 

To do so, I donated my entire signing bonus to the foundation.

 

The foundation would then partially support the treatment costs of financially struggling patients.

 

Preferably using my name.

 

It was an homage to celebrities donating their prize money after winning a competition…

 

This way, people couldn’t easily accuse me of being obsessed with money. Yes.

 

“You’re already thinking about image-making. You know how to invest wisely.”

 

My father-in-law seemed pleased.

 

Compared to the money I would earn in the future, 20 billion won was nothing.

 

If I could solidify a good image from the start, 20 billion was a reasonable investment, even if a bit excessive.

 

To a businessman, it seemed quite sensible.

 

“But still, isn’t it a bit wasteful…?”

 

“…….”

 

‘Actually, it’s not entirely a donation.’

 

There was one reason I couldn’t reveal yet.

 

I intended to marry Shia no matter what.

 

Then, donating to the clan wasn’t a big deal.

 

Since father-in-law would take Shia, who is an awakened one, as his successor, the clan was essentially Shia’s.

 

Shia was, of course, mine.

 

By the syllogism, the clan was mine.

 

Since I was just filling the welfare budget that would eventually need funding, there was no reason to feel wasteful.

 

Of course, since I donated it, I couldn’t use that money immediately.

 

I had considered keeping some of the signing bonus for urgent needs…

 

“Still, why not keep at least 1 billion? You need to buy a car…”

 

“Don’t worry about it, Shia.”

 

‘If I need urgent funds, I can ask my master.’

 

My master would buy me anything if I asked.

 

Just thinking about my master’s wallet made me feel rich.

 

‘Unlike Shia, she’s soft in many ways. She would buy me a car.’

 

Actually, if I had my master, I didn’t need anything else.

 

At that thought, my heart swelled with pride.

 

* * *

 

After writing down the additional conditions.

 

The remaining contract was completed quickly.

 

“Is there anything else you need?”

 

“Oh, wait a moment.”

 

[Yoo Jung-cheol will fulfill one request from Seo Yu-jin in the future.]

 

“Why is this on a memo and not the contract…? Hm. Do you have a request for me?”

 

“I want to secure a personal favor from the respected clan leader.”

 

‘When I declare the harem, I’ll ask you to beat me up next to a healer. You’ll exhaust yourself.’

 

“Pfft. Not very manly. I’ll remember that.”

 

Laying the groundwork subtly for the future.

 

“Is this all? If it is, I’ll… What!? A 20 billion won donation!?”

 

“Just proceed as I requested.”

 

“I’ll do it, but… Did you get hypnotized, Mr. Seo Yu-jin…?”

 

Though the lawyer was shocked, we proceeded.

 

With his help, the contract was quickly drafted.

 

Instead of a seal, I used a fingerprint to finalize it.

 

“Congratulations. You are now part of the Cheonhwa Clan.”

 

“Yes, Clan Leader!”

 

“Now that you are part of the family, feel free to call me father.”

 

Perhaps because he was sure I was under his wing.

 

Father-in-law suddenly became very friendly.

 

“Yes, Father!!”

 

“…….”

 

-whispering.

 

“Shia. If you both have mutual feelings, I can allow a healthy relationship.”

 

“……!!!!!? What are you saying, you fool…”

 

Even whispering with Shia in front of me was a sign of trust.

 

It seemed he trusted me enough to show this father-daughter banter.

 

I felt relieved that I had buttoned the first button right.

 

“Haha. Anyway, Shia, take care.”

 

“I told you, I don’t…!!!”

 

-arguing.

 

“And… Yu-jin?”

 

Just as I was about to relax, father-in-law spoke again.

 

Even though Shia was hitting him on the back, I could understand him clearly.

 

“You know, your contract might seem like an unfair deal. People will talk.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“So we will do some media play… Can we slightly glorify you?”

 

“……?”

 

Glorify me for media play?

 

Why was he even asking this?

 

Wasn’t media play always like that?

 

“I’d be grateful if you say good things about me.”

 

“Good. I was worried you might feel embarrassed and ask us to tone it down, but you saved me the trouble.”

 

Turns out, he was worried I might act like a hidden hero.

 

I shook my head calmly.

 

“No, I’m not that kind of person. I hate criticism, but I don’t mind praise.”

 

“———Oh. Then, can we glorify you a lot?”

 

“Of course. In fact, I’d appreciate it.”

 

“Understood. I’ll make you a saint.”

 

‘They’ll publish a few articles and be done with it.’

 

Father-in-law’s smile widened slightly, marking the end of our discussion.

 

After that, I took a quick tour of the clan.

 

“Oh, Shia and… Seo Yu-jin!?”

 

“Perfect timing. Mister, look over here for a moment.”

 

-fidgeting.

 

“…Ha, really can’t.”

 

“Hm?”

 

“It’s done, so hurry up and leave!! I need to show him around the clan!!”

 

Shia was keen on showing me around, even chasing away an A-rank awakened person…

 

But it was my second time, so I felt nothing.

 

Anyway. That was the end of my business with the clan.

 

“I’m back, Chairman.”

 

“So… Just to ask, did you see a bottle of red ginseng wine? It’s five years old, and I was planning to drink it tonight. I can’t find it.”

 

“Oh, Haru broke it.”

 

“Really? Sigh. Can’t be helped.”

 

Back at the academy, I cleaned up some incidents.

 

[Yu-jin? The contract is ready. Can you come today? The senior is pressing… I’ll buy you something delicious.]

 

“Sorry, I need to hit the gym soon… My representative from Cheonhwa will go. Please discuss it with them.”

 

[You already signed with Cheonhwa… Hmm. That’s a pity. I had a nice restaurant reservation by chance, was going to take you there.]

 

“Have a nice meal with Ha-young. Mother and daughter should enjoy such moments.”

 

[……Okay. Goodbye.]

 

‘Ha-young, enjoy your meal~.’

 

I also talked with Soo-yeon noona about the hospital contract.

 

“Yu-jin!! Look at this!!”

 

“What is it?”

 

“The company that makes the Pine Needle Eye drink commented on the Outstar I uploaded today!! They said they’re grateful and liked it!!”

 

“……”

 

‘Talking about 20 billion won one moment and this the next, how cute.’

 

I had a friendly conversation with Alice, whom I met by chance.

 

After finishing all that, I returned to my dormitory…

 

‘Time to change into workout clothes and head to the gym~.’

 

-creak.

 

“I’m ba…!”

 

38
“Oh, you finally came.”

 

“……!!!!!?”

 

I felt like I had been hit by an 8-ton truck with no turn signal.

 

My master was in a bathrobe, fresh out of the bath, with steam rising from her body.

 

The scent of her soft shampoo mixed with the humid air…

 

I almost drew my sword in surprise.

 

“Sorry for the appearance. I was waiting and decided to enjoy a half bath.”

 

“Th-th-th. Master. Your cleavage, it’s showing…”

 

“…? ……!!!!? What kind of man gets embarrassed by this!!”

 

-swoosh.

 

Thankfully, she quickly adjusted her robe.

 

The problem was that my face had turned bright red.

 

‘I managed to avoid drawing my sword through hypnosis, but… So embarrassing.’

 

“Really… Hmph…”

 

Because of that,

 

there was a brief awkward silence.

 

I flapped my hands to cool my face.

 

My master, also embarrassed, fidgeted with her robe while glancing at me.

 

She seemed to expect me to break the silence first.

 

So, I quickly met her expectations.

 

“Ahem. Master, you might catch a cold. Please change quickly.”

 

“…….”

 

-staring. Muttering.

 

“You are surprisingly composed today? Hmph.”

 

Thanks to my consideration, my master regained her composure.

 

Muttering something in Japanese…

 

Well, she had just arrived in Korea. It made sense she would still think in Japanese.

 

As I waited, my master’s gaze shifted back to me.

 

“That aside. Disciple.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“My secretary visited earlier.”

 

“………!!!”

 

Then, she delivered the shocking news.

 

My eyes widened in anticipation.

 

I had been eagerly waiting for this news.

 

“Do you mean…”

 

“Yes.”

 

A smile appeared on my master’s lips.

 

She confidently straightened her chest.

 

“The one and only elixir I obtained by defeating the divine dragon. The spring water of Cheonlae. I’ll give it to you.”

 

“Oh, oh…!!!”

 

The supreme elixir that elevated me to the top of the S-rank in my first life.

 

Cheonlae’s Spring Water.

 

It was only natural she was so proud to give it to me.

 

“Change quickly! I also…”

 

“Follow me immediately.”

 

“…? Yes.”

 

I didn’t know why she wanted to give it to me while still in her bathrobe.