It had already been a week.
One whole week since Han Jiho had been reincarnated into this low-tech, chicken-infested, goat-laughing Murim village.
"Yes. A full damn week of no work, no bills, no stupid bosses. Just poop, giggles, and unconditional love."
Life was good.
"I should enjoy this baby phase while it lasts. No responsibilities, just free food, cute faces, and people calling me adorable every five seconds. Honestly? Peak life."
That morning, he overheard something new.
Apparently, his mother was going to take him to the market for the first time.
"Market, huh? Time for this handsome face to make its debut. I'll be the main character among these peasants' kids."
A second later, the door creaked open and Han Soeun walked in, humming a tune that probably hadn't seen a melody in twenty years.
She leaned over the wooden cradle—yes, that's what it's called, cradle!—and gently picked him up, smiling from ear to ear.
"My cute baby, it's your first time outside! Mama will show you the world today~"
"Let's go then, mother. It's time to bless the commoners with my face."
Outside their hut stood the mighty Han livestock battalion—four hens and two goats.
The family's entire net worth… and all six were staring at Jiho like he owed them money.
Their beady eyes glinted with amusement. Jiho swore one of the goats smirked.
"Laugh all you want, barnyard bastards. When I grow up and become the strongest martial artist in this world, I swear your meat is going in my victory feast."
He kept glaring at them until they were out of sight, head wobbling like a bobble toy.
The village was small but alive.
Other huts stood in rows, some slightly sturdier than theirs. At least they had windows with actual wood, not just dried grass patched in desperation.
"Alright, rich people. I see your fancy walls."
The dirt road was bumpy. Han Soeun walked slowly, careful not to shake her baby too much. Jiho peeked around from his swaddle like a sleepy emperor being carried in a commoner's arms.
When they reached the market square, the chaos began.
Vendors were shouting, chickens were running, and Jiho witnessed the most intense, action-packed moment of his new life:
His mother bargaining like a boss.
"Hello miss, what would you like to buy today?" a shopkeeper asked with a forced smile.
Han Soeun replied, "Two kilograms of rice and some spice."
"That will be two copper coins."
"One point two."
"…What?"
"I'll pay one point two. That's what I have."
"Miss, that's robbery. I can't go below one point eight."
"One point three."
"…One point five. Last offer. Take it or go to another stall."
"Done! Thank you~" she smiled sweetly, handing over the coins like she just bought world peace.
Jiho blinked.
"What the hell was that?! I just witnessed a legendary level 99 negotiation technique in action!"
And she kept going.
Meat? Bargained.
Vegetables? Haggled.
Salt? Practically stolen.
At the end of it all, she had a bag full of groceries and had spent at least 30% less than the prices written.
"Forget cultivation. She could beat sect masters in verbal duels alone."
With groceries handled and Jiho still half-confused, they headed toward two women standing under a shaded stall, chatting while their children played nearby.
One had long brown hair tied back neatly, her dress far less worn than Han Soeun's. The other woman had strong cheekbones, wearing silver earrings—someone who looked like she married into decent luck.
Each had a child next to her—probably five or six years old. They were playing with sticks and pretending to fight invisible demons.
Jiho took one look and sighed.
"So this is the local competition. Mid. They might be older, but I'm carrying protagonist energy."
The brown-haired woman looked up and her eyes sparkled.
"Oh my! Han Soeun, is this your baby? He's adorable! Just like you were in your younger days."
Soeun smiled, proud as ever. "Yes, this is my son. His name is Han Jiho. Only one week old, but already the apple of our eyes."
"Say it louder, Mother. Let the heavens hear my glory."
The other lady stepped closer, bending slightly to get a look. "Only one week? Look at those eyes! He's so focused… almost like he understands what we're saying."
Soeun laughed nervously. "Ahaha, yes, he stares at us a lot. Sometimes I feel like he's reading our souls."
"Correction. I am."
The girl next to the brown-haired woman tugged on her dress. "Mom, can I hold the baby?"
"No, Bora. He's too little. But you can talk to him."
The girl leaned in close and made a silly face.
"Boo!"
Jiho stared.
Unimpressed.
"I'm not reacting to that, little goblin. I watched psychological thrillers at age ten. Your cringe won't work on me."
The other kid came closer too, staring in silence before whispering, "Can he walk yet?"
"He's one week old, Jinhyuk," said the woman with earrings, chuckling.
"Oh," the boy muttered. "He's still… loading."
"Yes, I'm loading. Wait till I finish booting up. Then I'll speedrun life while you're still failing potty training."
The women continued chatting, gossiping about a traveling merchant who had tried flirting with one of the village girls and ended up slapped with a fish in public.
Han Jiho, meanwhile, lay in his mother's arms, enjoying the warm breeze and mild chaos around him.
"This world is noisy. Poor. Chaotic. But… strangely beautiful."
And for the first time since being crushed by Bus-sama, he felt something he didn't expect to feel again:
Contentment.
Even if he was weak. Even if he was small.
Even if goats were laughing at him.
This life…
"This life might be worth living properly."
[End of Chapter 3]
(Readers please give your opinion and feedback kindly. It will give me some motivation to improve further)