Chapter 156
Chapter 156
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 156
Chapter Title: The Rookie's Flawless Briefing
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Afternoon, after the "seolleongtang luncheon" had ended.
The entire branch office was buzzing with an unusual liveliness, thanks to the rumors that had spread like wildfire.
The company had been utterly demoralized by a string of bad incidents.
But if some hot gossip popped up on top of that, how juicy would it be?
And if the stars of the show were the "rookie prosecutor" clashing with the "perennial section chief," even better.
In one corner of the hallway, three employees sipping coffee and chatting.
"No way, isn't it hilarious? Apparently, Section Chief Oh went up to the branch chief's office with the newbie in tow."
"Oh my god, not satisfied with seolleongtang? What else could he want?"
"The review of the rookie prosecutor's case was bad?"
"Nah, I heard Section Chief Oh dumped a ton of cases on the rookie. So the kid stabbed him in the back."
"What I heard was different. They fought over the case direction, and the loser has to quit."
The stories had branched out in all directions. But the employees weren't focused on the truth—they were buzzing about who would come out on top.
"Heh heh, for real? Prosecutors making a fuss over nothing..."
"Total embarrassment. They act all high and mighty, but they're just like us."
"Shh!"
Kang Hyun briskly passed by the female employees enjoying their coffee break with the gossip.
"Good afternoon, Prosecutor."
"Hello."
The rookie prosecutor, Kang Hyun, moved on. As his silhouette faded from view...
The three employees pretended to be busy for a moment, spacing out, then huddled back together whispering.
"Oh my god, that's Prosecutor Kang Hyun? Why is he so handsome?"
"Yeah. Don't you know his face? He's famous."
"Maybe it's the camera massage. My heart nearly stopped for a second."
"Tall too. Top in our office."
"So at this point, doesn't that mean Section Chief Oh's already lost round one?"
"Heh heh... On looks alone, those two potbellied old guys are done for."
Despite the attempts by some to haze the comet-like arrival of Kang Hyun amid the branch's crisis, interest in him had already skyrocketed.
In front of the branch chief's office, the annex room.
Next to Kang Hyun standing at the door was a cart used by the case division clerks, and Clerk Lee.
"This is too much... Thank you."
"Oh, come on! It's nothing! Just doing my job."
The cart held all the records that had been "delivered" to Kang Hyun last time, neatly bundled. Somehow, Clerk Lee had figured out the situation, personally visited Kang Hyun's office to pack them one by one, and even brought them right to the branch chief's door.
He was a savior who appeared just as Kang Hyun was about to struggle alone with the stacks tied in iron bands.
"Still, I know this isn't your job, Clerk Lee."
"Aw, it's our division's work. If anything like this comes up again, just say the word! I'll fly it right over!"
Clerk Lee patted his arm muscles proudly and greeted Kang Hyun with his usual smile. Kang Hyun bowed apologetically with his eyes again.
"You must have a ton of work. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."
"Hmm... It's not like it's your fault, Prosecutor."
Clerk Lee mulled over Kang Hyun's words, then seemed to glare at the branch chief's door for a split second. Kang Hyun dismissed it as his imagination—too quick to notice.
"Well then."
"Thank you."
Kang Hyun watched as he hurried away.
Now, only Kang Hyun remained in front of the branch chief's door.
Inside, the branch chief and all the section chiefs were already waiting.
"May I come in?"
"Y-Yes! Of course..."
From a corner desk, Senior Clerk Go hammered away at his typewriter and answered hastily.
He avoided Kang Hyun's gaze, as if he bore some responsibility for this mess.
Senior Clerk Go must have been in an awkward spot too. He'd abandoned Kang Hyun and run, making him something of a bystander.
'He's just trying to avoid getting crushed in the whale fight.'
Kang Hyun could understand that generosity. Right now, the man wasn't important—what mattered was the situation ahead.
Kang Hyun paused once more in thought before the door.
'I am a bit nervous.'
It was only natural.
Getting entangled with deputy chief-level figures on his second day on the job.
It meant his standing as a prosecutor was being evaluated far too soon.
If he fumbled his words here, made mistakes left and right—if he lost the power play—
He'd face endless humiliations ahead, becoming just another sacrificial lamb for Gu Il-hwan's faction, slowly fading from the prosecution.
But if he held his own here, he'd build a foundation to stake his claim and make his voice heard at an astonishing speed in this outpost.
Plus, it'd leave a strong impression on fellow prosecutors like Park Min-seong, Hwang Jae-eun, and Kim Si-hwan. And on staff like Senior Clerk Go and Clerk Lee.
"Hoo."
Kang Hyun gripped the doorknob and steadied his breath.
The door swung open.
A brightening view. The spacious, ornate room looked fit for a senior prosecutor.
In one corner: plaques, awards, photos on display.
In the opposite corner: a boldly inscribed scroll reading “No Hesitation, No Fear.”"
'No qualms about hardship.'
Considering Gu Ik-hwan's dire straits in Namyangju, it felt like a mocking motto, yet he displayed it proudly as his creed.
And on the wide sofa.
Gu Ik-hwan's center seat was empty, with the two section chiefs planted firmly on either side, facing off.
Park Min-seong and Oh Jin-man.
To those in the branch, their presence alone could bring down a flying bird.
They were the undisputed powers of the prosecutor's office.
The alpha wolf that bit at anything, and the ancient tortoise.
That was the outsider's impression—untouchable foes.
But up close like this, it was different.
Just two ordinary guys who hated each other.
The sharp-featured Park Min-seong and the scowling Oh Jin-man glared, locked in a silent battle, until Kang Hyun entered. Then they both awkwardly scanned him.
Rumble.
Followed by the large cart rolling in.
"Dumping that many records on the golden boy."
"Hmph!"
Park Min-seong tsked under his breath; Oh Jin-man snorted dismissively.
"Good afternoon."
"No greetings. Drop the records on the branch chief's desk and prep your report."
Ignoring Oh Jin-man's gruff tone, Kang Hyun swiftly began unloading the records.
Park Min-seong, finding Kang Hyun endearing, murmured with a slight smile.
"Kid..."
At that moment—
The inner door flew open, and Branch Chief Gu Ik-hwan appeared almost instantly.
Thud!
Gu Ik-hwan sat down as if jet-powered. His next command was equally swift.
"Let's get started. Report."
The branch chief donned his magnifying glasses with the stack of papers.
The two section chiefs held their breath, listening intently.
No time to breathe for Kang Hyun.
The meeting began—an atmosphere that would daze any prosecutor in the branch, driving them mad.
Gu Ik-hwan had no intention of putting Kang Hyun at ease.
To him, Kang Hyun was just an insolent newbie—nothing more, nothing less.
Snap.
At his gesture, the clerk entered and placed the records.
Kang Hyun stood blankly watching.
"Case 1301."
"..."
"What are you doing?"
"Pardon?"
"Didn't you hear? Report your review."
Gu Ik-hwan's irritated voice.
"Oh, right now?"
"Yes. You said you were done. Need more time? Start with Case 1301. Report."
Sweat beaded coldly.
He hadn't expected this. No notes prepared—it was bewildering for Kang Hyun.
'...So that's the play.'
Exactly as he'd thought.
Whether Oh Jin-man had put him up to it or it was his own idea.
Humiliate Kang Hyun, shake him down, crush his spirit, then send him packing.
Just like Kim Si-hwan or other unknown sacrificial lambs.
The groundwork to turn him into a powerless slave to authority.
Park Min-seong's eyes narrowed slightly at the branch chief's unexpected aggression; Oh Jin-man's nose seemed to rise higher.
A brief silence.
As it dragged on, Oh Jin-man chimed in like the branch chief's mouthpiece.
"What are you waiting for? Start already! Coming unprepared and acting all high and mighty!"
Oh Jin-man, Section Chief 2, was full of bluster. Park Min-seong, Section Chief 1, stayed silent.
What a amusing moment.
Because in Kang Hyun's mind...
'If they want it, fine.'
All the cases assigned to his office—ready to pull out anytime.
No, not just those—even every case from Criminal Division 2's office, and all cases across Namyangju district.
Their cores were etched firmly in his mind, neatly organized.
"See? Branch Chief... We need to crack down hard on this insolent punk with no manners..."
"Case 1301: Indecent assault."
"W-What? Don't talk nonsense..."
"Section Chief 2, quiet."
It was unprecedented. The branch chief silencing Oh Jin-man.
Because Kang Hyun's response...
Was spot on from the start.
"Continuing. Prosecuting this case per police opinion is problematic."
"Why?"
"Review the facts: Considering the victim's gender and age, the circumstances leading to the act as per police evasion record page 30 onward, no physical contact with the victim, and the location being a public road with heavy foot and vehicle traffic—given these factors, it's hard to deem the suspect's actions as 'forcible' indecent assault."
Rustle, rustle.
The sound of the branch chief flipping through the records.
"What's your opinion then?"
"Not Criminal Code Article 298 per police opinion, but disposition under Minor Offenses Act Article 1."
Rustle, rustle.
The branch chief, flipping pages frantically, gestured; a large blue thimble was placed in his hand.
"..."
Rustle.
In the vast room, only the sound of turning pages.
Then, the branch chief's gruff voice boomed.
"Next. Case 1382."
"N-Next?"
Oh Jin-man's voice thankfully didn't reach the branch chief.
But the bustling clerk, the flustered branch chief's thimble-clad right hand, and Park Min-seong's growing smile with deepening dimples...
All signaled a dramatic reversal.
"Next case report. Case 1382: Simple assault. Primary suspect has a prior assault conviction finalized at Central District Court; sentence completed February 2010. The suspect..."
What Kang Hyun was doing bordered on miraculous.
Case details, suspect admissions, accomplices, evidence links.
Overview, facts of the crime, disposition judgment, and reasoning—reciting it all like poetry.
Oh Jin-man gaped in shock. Park Min-seong smirked in satisfaction. Behind them, Branch Chief Gu Ik-hwan gnashed his teeth, desperately hunting for flaws.
"How... how is this possible?"
Oh Jin-man's hollow whisper brushed past Kang Hyun's ear.