I Became a Hotelier at the Goryeo National Hotel - Chapter 34

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 34

When Eun Cheon didn’t particularly object, Seo Rin carefully added.

“And once they finish the labor corresponding to their crimes, couldn’t we just… employ them as they are? If they have jobs, there would be no need for them to resort to banditry.”

“….”

Eun Cheon remained silent.

It was truly a remarkable shift in thinking.

‘This isn’t the kind of thought that would come from an ordinary person from a middle-class family….’

The plan that Won Ri had conceived matched exactly what he himself had been thinking.

“And… if we employ the children, I hope Hyeeumwon could provide their meals. Honestly, in their current physical condition, I don’t think even I could beat any of them.”

“Haha.”

When Seo Rin spoke with a serious face, Eun Cheon finally let out a small laugh.

Seo Rin’s face went blank as she witnessed this.

‘So that person can smile like that too.’

From the interview until the end of the examination, he had maintained an expressionless demeanor throughout, showing no emotion on his face, making him seem devoid of human warmth.

But when this man who had seemed like a well-forged ice blade showed such a smile, Seo Rin’s heart began beating rapidly.

However, Eun Cheon’s face returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

“I understand. But I’m more curious about how you came to think of employing them.”

“After we opened yesterday, I noticed some things.”

For a place situated at Hyeeum Pass where bandits and tigers were said to appear, there were fewer guards than expected, and in the kitchen too, there was a severe shortage of hands for tasks requiring physical strength.

Seo Rin expressed her opinion to the general manager as carefully as possible.

To someone holding the position of Yeokwon general manager, who would appreciate hearing ‘There seem to be quite a few shortages here’?

However, contrary to Seo Rin’s worries, Eun Cheon wasn’t offended at all.

Of course, it was true that he hadn’t paid much attention to security personnel since nothing could possibly happen at this Hyeeumwon where not only Jeong Jun Gyeong but also Wang An Hyeok and himself were staying. But this was something a new Won Ri couldn’t know.

However, a Yeokwon was an unpredictable place. What Hyeeumwon truly needed would be flexible thinking unbound by conventions and the sense to detect the flow of situations.

And a talent with such abilities was right before his eyes.

Eun Cheon suddenly felt his chest churn as if swept by turbulent waves and quietly placed his hand there. His heart was pounding.

Eun Cheon, who had been pondering why his heart was beating so violently, soon found a reasonable explanation.

‘…I see. This is desire for talent.’

Eun Cheon believed that this heartbeat he was feeling for the first time in his life stemmed from the anticipation of being able to keep an outstanding talent by his side.

“Good. I’ll accept that opinion.”

“R-really!?”

Seo Rin couldn’t contain her excitement from joy and was delighted as if it were her own matter.

Eun Cheon watched Seo Rin’s appearance and concluded the conversation.

“And make sure to take the reward money.”

“I just need you to give it to the children….”

“This falls under the realm of ‘relief’ as you said. It’s not something to be exchanged for your merit.”

“Then I’ll gratefully accept it.”

After Seo Rin left the office, Eun Cheon called the executives of Hyeeum-won into his office and conveyed the decision he had made.

The first to raise objections to this radical decision was the Deputy Commander.

“This cannot be! It’s not enough that we’re having those who committed theft work at Hyeeum-won, but now you want to entrust them with security duties! Have I perhaps misunderstood the General Manager’s words?”

Lee Jeong Ah was bewildered. The person who had suggested this was none other than General Manager Lee Eun Cheon himself.

‘This isn’t the kind of decision that the General Manager, who’s known for being stubborn, a stickler for principles, and inflexible, would make!’

Lee Jeong Ah suddenly recalled the time when Hyeeum-won was being constructed. How much her insides had been torn apart during that process!

Even placing a single roof tile often led to conflicts due to interpersonal interests. There were many matters that could have been easily resolved with just a little compromise.

How much more so when constructing such a large-scale inn.

However, the General Manager always adhered to principles and procedures.

Lee Eun Cheon never let anything slide, from construction supervisors to civil engineering and landscaping technicians, if he discovered even the slightest mistake.

In particular, one construction contractor who had tried to embezzle construction funds was reported to the government office by Eun Cheon, who even appeared in person to ensure the man received a heavy sentence.

He didn’t care at all that these people were connected to the Minister of the Central Secretariat.

The government office, mindful of Lee Ja Seong, tried to cover up the matter at an appropriate level, but Eun Cheon presented the evidence he had meticulously collected, and at this point, even Lee Ja Seong could no longer protect them.

In the end, everyone involved could not escape punishment, and this caused disruptions to the construction, creating problems with the schedule.

However, instead of cleaning up the mess, Lee Eun Cheon suddenly disappeared, only appearing just before Lee Jeong Ah was about to have a complete breakdown.

But he wasn’t alone. He returned with Monk Hye Gwang and monks who specialized in temple construction and supervision, and completed the Hyeeum-won construction in an instant.

‘That stubborn and inflexible General Manager thought to employ those who tried to steal at Hyeeum-won without punishment? And as security guards at that?!’

No matter how much Lee Jeong Ah thought about it, she couldn’t understand how Eun Cheon had come up with such a radical plan.

“I’m not saying we won’t punish them.”

“Then, what do you mean?”

“We’ll have them substitute labor for punishment.”

Eun Cheon concisely summarized the plan he had discussed with Seo Rin and conveyed it to the executives.

Those who heard his words nodded as if they somewhat understood. The content made sense. It was just that the fact that Lee Eun Cheon was the one who had suggested such a decision felt somehow unfamiliar.

However, even so, their concerns were not completely resolved.

“I understand the intention of substituting labor for punishment. However, these are people who attempted theft to solve their hunger. What guarantee is there that they won’t lay hands on the merchants’ goods? If such a thing happens, who will bear the compensation? What’s even more concerning is that if such an incident occurs, Hyeeum-won’s reputation could fall before it’s even established.”

Lee Jeong Ah felt uncomfortable about continuously challenging Eun Cheon’s words, but she thought she had to say what needed to be said.

And Eun Cheon also appreciated this aspect of Lee Jeong Ah. If everyone followed the leader’s decisions without any dissent, it would be difficult for the organization to move forward properly.

“I will guarantee that myself.”

“M-Monk?”

Hye Gwang, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, stepped forward.

“If they cause trouble at Hyeeum-won, I will ensure compensation for any resulting damages. Of course, I will keep them well in line so that such incidents don’t occur. I will guarantee it myself.”

Hye Gwang, the head monk of Hyeeum Sa, was born as the youngest son of Goryeo’s greatest merchant family, but severed his worldly ties when he became a monk. However, the old lady who understood her son’s grand aspirations supported Hye Gwang both materially and spiritually so he would face no difficulties in his Buddhist work.

She donated vast lands and wealth to Hyeeum Sa, allowing her son to freely pursue his aspirations based on these foundations.

The word “guarantee” coming from such a Hye Gwang carried considerable weight.

Lee Jeong Ah could no longer find grounds to object once Hye Gwang stepped forward.

“Thank you, Monk.”

“Not at all. Rather, I think Buddha has given me an opportunity to show compassion through these children, so I am the one who should be more grateful.”

Eun Cheon now looked at Jun Gyeong.

“Jun Gyeong, I’m entrusting you with their training.”

“Huh? What?! So suddenly?!”

“You were the one who asked for lodging at Hyeeumwon. I cannot let someone who receives the State’s salary stay here without doing any work. Of course, you’re free to refuse.”

“…Ugh. I understand.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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