Descent of the Demon Master
Chapter 1150. Recommending (5)

Chapter 1150. Recommending (5)

Kang Jin-Ho asked curiously, “You want to move out of Seongsim?”

“Yeah,” Han Jin-Seong slowly nodded.

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why? You're supposed to leave the orphanage when you get older.”

“I thought the law said you can stay while attending school?”

“Yeah, that’s true, but...”

The law in South Korea was not as harsh as some people might think.

Sometimes, the law brushed aside certain things that should've been dealt with fairly and swiftly. But in things like this, the law could make you wonder why it cared so much.

An orphanage was fundamentally meant to be a place where orphans could be protected and educated until they came of age. However, that did not mean the orphans in their care were summarily dumped into the rest of society the moment they became legal adults.

The law had provisions that allowed the orphans to stay in their orphanages for longer while attending universities. Alternatively, those seeking employment received assistance in finding a place to stay and a job to match their skill level.

Han Jin-Seong sheepishly replied, “Well, uh, staying here is gonna get a bit, you know, awkward.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow. “How so?”

“There’s this thing, okay? Please don’t ask. And realistically, it’s not gonna work, too.”

Staying in the orphanage only worked under the premise of Han Jin-Seong attending a university he could commute to.

Thanks to Kang Jin-Ho's support via Jaegyeong, the orphanage was relocated to the middle of Seoul. Unfortunately, Han Jin-Seong's grades meant his options were extremely limited when it came to choosing a university near the orphanage.

Most of all, though...

“I don't want to waste a room when I don't contribute anything meaningful to this place, hyung. I'm now an adult, you know? So I better man up and take responsibility for my own life and earn money to support myself.”

When Han Jin-Seong said that, Jo Mi-Hye pouted deeply. “Sure, sure, oppa. You've turned into a splendid adult, haven't you?”

Han Jin-Seong tutted loudly. “Stop it, will ya?”

Kang Jin-Ho smiled wryly at this exchange.

Han Jin-Seong looked at him, hoping to find some support from a fellow man. “Hyung! You think I’m doing the right thing, don’t you? As a man, I...”

“No,” Kang Jin-Ho firmly cut Han Jin-Seong off.

“Eh?”

“No, you’re not doing the right thing.”

“...Why?” Han Jin-Seong asked back, his expression conveying how taken aback he was by this response.

He thought that Kang Jin-Ho would support his decision to leave the orphanage and fend for himself. Park Yu-Min might have said no, but Kang Jin-Ho’s personality meant he should have agreed with Han Jin-Seong here, so why?

“First of all...” Kang Jin-Ho stared intently at Han Jin-Seong. “You’re not an adult.”

“Eii, come on, hyung. Don’t you know how old I am already?”

“Do you even know how to prepare meals for yourself?”

“...” Han Jin-Seong hurriedly clamped his mouth shut.

That was a pointless exercise, though, since Jo Mi-Hye replied for him. “Jin-Seong oppa can’t even cook ramen properly!”

Han Jin-Seong hurriedly yelled at her. “Stop it, okay! Just stop!”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled before explaining the situation to Han Jin-Seong. “Reaching a certain age doesn’t automatically turn you into an adult, Jin-Seong. No, it's determined by whether you can take care of yourself or not. In that sense, you can't call yourself an adult yet.”

“But nothing will change for me by staying put forever, hyung.”

“That’s because you aren’t doing anything.”

“...?”

“Once you’re done with the entrance exam, start preparing yourself so that you can live independently one day.”

“But, what...”

“Also...” Kang Jin-Ho shook his head. “Know this, Jin-Seong. If you’ve done all the preparations, and your mind can’t be changed, I won’t stop you from insisting on living by yourself. Because that’s your decision to make. However, you’re just thinking of leaving, aren’t you? Without any plans whatsoever.”

“...”

“The world out there isn’t as easy as you think, okay?”

Indeed, the world wasn't kind enough for a kid who was barely twenty years old to survive on his own.

Even though the children in this place were a little more familiar with how harsh the world of adults could be than their peers, they still hadn't fully grasped the true depths of callousness and ruthlessness of the world and the people inhabiting it.

“Lastly...” Kang Jin-Ho casually shrugged. “Choosing a different environment when you already have access to a better one is an act of misguided pride. A wise person should choose benefits over pride.”

Han Jin-Seong testily replied, “...Hold on, hyung. Living in an orphanage isn’t as good as you think.”

“It's better than the outside world, though."

“And there’s the issue with the living expenses, too...”

“I'll deal with that,” Kang Jin-Ho firmly replied. “I've been planning to do this for a while. It's just that everyone either didn't want to go to universities or dropped out in the middle, so I never got the chance to put my plan into action. So, this is how it's gonna happen. While you attend university, I'll take care of tuition fees and living expenses.”

“Wait, hyung,” Han Jin-Seong frowned slightly. “That’s what I hate and want to avoid, you know?”

Mm?”

Han Jin-Seong groaned loudly. “I’m not even your son, so why...”

Kang Jin-Ho recoiled slightly. “Don’t frighten me like that.”

“No, hyung. I'm serious, so don't cut me off,” said Han Jin-Seong, his expression containing hints of annoyance.

He didn't want to say this, but what could he do about it? When he genuinely didn't want to receive this treatment?

“Hyung, I'm not even your son, okay? And not your real little brother, either. That's why I don't want to accept stuff like that as if I deserve it. Goodwill and stuff are all good and nice, but... I honestly think I shouldn't become someone who takes stuff like that for granted.”

“...Goodwill?”

Han Jin-Seong nodded. “Yes. Your goodwill.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow, obviously not impressed. “Looks like you’re misunderstanding something. I never said all this would be for free.”

“Ehh?”

“You’ll repay me.”

“...!”

“With interest.”

Han Jin-Seong dazedly stared at Kang Jin-Ho, his jaw slack. Kang Jin-Ho wasn’t done, however.

“After graduating, try your hardest to find a job. That’s when you’ll start repaying me.”

“Huh?! Isn’t that basically the same as a student loan?”

“Ten years, twenty, I don’t care how long you take.”

“...”

“Repay me. And support the orphanage if you have any money left. Once more kids follow your example and start chipping in, this orphanage will eventually be able to stand on its own feet with the funds you guys provide. And the news will get even better with more and more kids getting a job.”

Han Jin-Seong frowned again. “Hyung, I get what you're trying to say here, but... Not everyone is as kind and smart as you think they are. Some will definitely try to renege on that deal, and some won't even make enough money.”

“I know that.”

“Then, why this loss-making business venture, hyung?”

“Because it needs to exist,” Kang Jin-Ho chuckled gently.

Han Jin-Seong had no idea. And he wouldn’t understand even if it was explained to him.

Then again, how could he? He would never have guessed that, once upon a time, Kang Jin-Ho’s life was incomparably harder and crueler than what Han Jin-Seong had gone through.

Back then, back in Zhongyuan, winters could get cold enough to burn human flesh. Children died from cold, hunger, and diseases while digging through trash to find something to eat, yet no one bothered to extend a helping hand.

Not a single soul walking this Earth wants to help you—Kang Jin-Ho knew almost better than anyone how terrifying that could be.

At least he got lucky and ran into a good martial arts master. His master's generous heart was what helped Kang Jin-Ho survive during his second life.

What about the glory of Heavenly Crimson Demon Emperor? Didn’t he eventually become the leader of the demon cult?

What a laughable notion that was. He only got to reach such lofty realms because he survived his early years.

If he hadn’t met his martial master? Kang Jin-Ho would’ve already frozen to death during one of those harsh winters.

The various troubles he encountered after he grew old enough to fend for himself couldn't even be called hardship in comparison. The worst, most horrifying memories for Kang Jin-Ho would always be enduring the bitter cold and unforgiving hunger with the body of a helpless child, after all!

Supporting oneself through one’s efforts? Doing so without anyone’s help whatsoever? What a noble-sounding notion that was.

However, if one was given the choice, one should wise up and not choose that path.

If there was someone or something they could lean on, humans would always prefer doing so. Those who insulted others for accepting assistance as weaklings were nothing more than whiners whose only source of pride was knowing they chose to do everything by themselves.

“I’m not trying to look down on your efforts or determination, Jin-Seong. You wanting to fend for yourself is not inherently a bad thing, after all. Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll do a decent job of it, too.”

After saying that, Kang Jin-Ho stared straight into Han Jin-Seong’s eyes.

“However, doing so means you're just 'living'. Not accepting help from others means you're losing out on those chances to build a better life for yourself. For now, you might feel proud of yourself for forging your own path. But in a few years, you'll come to regret your decision.”

Kang Jin-Ho was talking from experience here.

The crucial lesson his second and current lives had taught him was the preciousness of relationships.

Kang Jin-Ho acknowledged those who deserved to be acknowledged. And he didn’t hesitate to ask for their help if necessary.

To become someone capable of offering a helping hand, Kang Jin-Ho must become a man capable of asking for help. Only by doing so would he get to understand the heart of the person asking him for help.

“So, accept my help, okay? And then, become an even better person. Someone with even more skills, someone who has much more to offer. It won't be too late to repay me afterward,” said Kang Jin-Ho.

“But, uh...” Han Jin-Seong faltered, still evidently unsure.

Kang Jin-Ho studied the boy’s expression for a bit, then smirked softly. “What would Sister Yi have said in this situation, I wonder?”

Han Jin-Seong flinched when Sister Yi, the former orphanage director, was suddenly brought up. Even though she had passed on a number of years ago, her teachings and warmth still remained within all the children of Seongsim like a kiss from an angel.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it...” Han Jin-Seong’s head faltered.

“The choice is up to you,” Kang Jin-Ho chuckled gently while patting the boy on the shoulder. “Yes, we might not be related by blood, but I still see you as my little brother. And no, you shouldn't act all proud and stuff in front of your older brother.”

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho coolly got up, prompting Han Jin-Seong and Jo Mi-Hye to look up at him.

“Where are you going, hyung?”

Kang Jin-Ho pointed at the doorway. “I’m going for a quick smoke break...”

“Please quit it already!”

“Yes, Jin-Ho oppa! Hurry up and quit smoking!”

A sorrowful expression briefly floated up on Kang Jin-Ho’s face. To think he’d get nagged about smoking in this place, too! In a way, these kids were simply worried about his health, so he should be thankful instead, but... But...!

Without saying anything else, Kang Jin-Ho hurriedly fled from the living room. Han Jin-Seong groaned loudly at this sight.

Jo Mi-Hye smugly glanced at Han Jin-Seong. “I told you, didn’t I? That you’d get an earful from Jin-Ho oppa?”

“No, I didn’t get an earful, okay?”

“You're right. You got chewed out instead.”

“Urgh...” Han Jin-Seong groaned again. “This is so weird. I mean, people often tell me I’m mature for my age and all, so why...?”

Jo Mi-Hye tutted. “Doesn’t that mean they all think you’re still a kid? You don’t praise adults for acting like adults, right?”

“Wait a minute. When you put it like that...”

Han Jin-Seong stared at the exit Kang Jin-Ho used to flee this scene. Despite his best attempt to follow in Kang Jin-Ho’s footsteps, the latter was just too far ahead of him.

Whenever they had a chance to talk seriously like this, and whenever he had a chance to listen to Kang Jin-Ho, Han Jin-Seong couldn't help but be reminded of the fact that he was still a kid.

“Seriously... I don’t think I can catch up anytime soon.”

In the end, all Han Jin-Seong could do was chuckle helplessly.

***

Click!

With a lighter's help, Kang Jin-Ho lit up his cigarette and began his smoke break.

‘I sure know how to run my mouth off, don’t I?’

Even though he had been neglecting the orphanage, he spoke as if he cared about this place. When he thought about everything he said, he should’ve been ashamed of himself.

However, what he said was undeniably his true feelings, too.

Kang Jin-Ho wanted these kids to have a bright future. But what he genuinely wanted wasn’t something so noble like that. No, rather than future...

It was ‘now’.

The Seongsim orphans growing up to become wonderful adults through his financial assistance would be great, but Kang Jin-Ho’s earnest wish was for him to become a pillar that these kids could rely on right now.

...Just like how he yearned for one all those years ago.

Back then, when Kang Jin-Ho found himself at the end of his rope filled with despair, what he yearned for wasn't some miracle or divine intervention.

No, he only wanted someone to help him. Someone to reach out to him with kind intentions and genuine sympathy.

Maybe, what he wanted was the knowledge of someone being there to catch him if he fell from the steep cliff called life.

That was what Kang Jin-Ho wanted to give to these kids. This knowledge, this belief...!

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.

Fuu-woooo...”

Kang Jin-Ho slowly exhaled the gray smoke into the night sky.

This was the place. Everything that triggered the changes in his life and his thought patterns could be found in this place. And that was probably why he could never forsake this orphanage.

‘Maybe Lee Hyeon-Su was right about me.’

The sole reason why Kang Jin-Ho was different from other tyrants and rulers could very well be this place. Had he not experienced this orphanage and felt all these emotions over the years, he might have become someone eerily similar to Heavenly Crimson Demon Emperor in this life, too.

This orphanage, along with his family, was the last ‘bastion’ that allowed Kang Jin-Ho to be Kang Jin-Ho.

Also...

“Jin-Ho, have you become a person who can extend his helping hand to others?”

Kang Jin-Ho stared at the starless night sky for a long time before closing his eyes.

‘No, not yet, Sister Yi. Not yet.’

He still hadn’t become someone who could unhesitantly offer his help. Even so...

‘I still haven’t forgotten, ma’am.’

Whenever Kang Jin-Ho strayed or felt lost, he'd recall what Sister Yi told him. And he'd remember her expressions.

He’d remind himself of the only person out of everyone he met during all three of his lives he wished to emulate.

Maybe one day, he might get to say yes to that question.

...While smiling brightly like he had never done before.

The still darkness of the night drifted silently as if to caress Kang Jin-Ho below.

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