Night (3)
Agent S entered the office of Information Director Jeong Yeong-gi.
"Here's the final report on the Guwol Sect."
While Jeong Yeong-gi read the report, S spoke up.
"This incident... isn't it connected to that typhoon?"
Jeong Yeong-gi looked up from the documents after a moment, feigning ignorance.
"Typhoon?"
"I mean Jang Cheon."
"Is there evidence linking him?"
"No."
"Then why did a typhoon suddenly blow in?"
"There are circumstances. It's tied to the HT Group assassination attempt. Jang Cheon came to protect Chairman Park. Can't you hear the wind howling, Director?"
"And if there is a connection?"
"We stop it."
"Stop who?"
"Jang Cheon."
"Why?"
"Because we're the ones who uphold the law."
"Even when villains our laws couldn't touch are dropping dead?"
S fell silent for a moment.
He knew better than anyone just how vicious the crimes of the Guwol Sect and Clean Company had been.
"There's no proof Jang Cheon did it. Wrap it up and close the case."
"Director!"
"I make the decisions. If you want to judge and decide, work hard and get promoted."
He slammed his seal onto the report and handed it to S.
Jeong Yeong-gi's eyes were cold, but his heart was not.
I understand your feelings. But sometimes, you have to turn a blind eye.
The root of the incident was clearly friction between the Guwol Sect and Clean Company.
But... it couldn't have been the Guwol Sect's doing.
Jeong Yeong-gi could tell. Jang Cheon, that typhoon, wasn't just passing through.
The typhoon had made official landfall on this land.
Honestly, what did he hope for?
He hoped it would be a storm that swept away every villain on this land.
S understood Jeong Yeong-gi's heart too. It was just a difference in values.
"I've been away from home for a week straight. Promote me quick!"
"If promotions worked like that, I'd be president by now."
S chuckled as he turned to leave. No matter what, Jeong Yeong-gi was the one person he respected most in this organization.
Night arrived in Korea and unpacked at his hotel.
It was a different luxury hotel, a short distance from Jang Cheon's lodging.
Night stepped out lightly dressed and gazed in genuine awe at the countless cars racing through the forest of skyscrapers.
"It's changed so much."
The taxi dropped Night off at a bar street tucked behind the downtown area.
He scanned the area for the meeting spot as he walked along the street.
After a long walk, he arrived.
Dae-ryong Inn.
It was decorated in a retro style like an old inn, with staff dressed as attendants from ancient times. Just looking at the setup and employees, it felt like stepping into a real Murim guest house.
This place was a kind of cosplay bar made for those who admired and loved martial artists.
Downtown had quite a few bars styled like Murim inns, and among them were exclusive ones for martial artists only. You had to show your martial artist registration at the entrance—most were run by Murim sects or retired masters.
They seemed like they'd erupt into bloody battles with every conflict, but in reality, they were very safe with a great atmosphere. Martial artists were actually more cautious around each other, leading to fewer disputes than regular bars.
Anyway, Dae-ryong Inn was a regular bar imitating those places.
"Welcome, sir!"
A young man dressed as an inn attendant bowed deeply to greet Night at the entrance.
"Is the hero looking for someone?"
Night smiled and mimicked the attendant's speech.
"I'm here to meet that bandit chief over there."
The young man glanced where Night pointed and chuckled in agreement—it was a fitting description.
The large man drinking in the corner was Phone. Even indoors, he wore his trademark sunglasses.
Night sat across from him.
Phone raised his fist, and Night bumped his own against it.
"Phone, your fist's gotten even bigger."
Phone gave a slight smile at Night's words.
"Boss called at the airport. Said there might be surveillance, so we'd meet later."
Phone nodded and poured fresh liquor into a new bowl for Night.
"Oh, green onion pancake with makgeolli?"
"You ever tried it?"
Night shook his head at Phone's question.
"Just in photos. Bishop sent them, saying he wouldn't suffer alone. The ones you took."
"It's good. Try it."
Phone poured makgeolli into the bowl.
"This a liquor bowl? Neat."
Night took a sip of the makgeolli.
"Tasty."
But his expression wasn't thrilled.
Phone pushed the pancake plate forward.
"Eat it together."
Night clumsily used chopsticks to tear off a piece and eat it.
"Not bad."
"Tasteless."
Night laughed and admitted honestly.
"Tastes differ."
Phone called the attendant and ordered beer and other snacks.
"Ahh, that's good."
Only when Night drank the beer did Phone get the reaction he'd hoped for from the makgeolli.
"How's Korea?"
"Great food, beautiful scenery everywhere."
The two drank in silence. Night knew Phone wasn't much of a talker, so he didn't force conversation.
It wasn't awkward just drinking quietly.
Fortunately, despite his taciturn nature, Phone didn't hate drinking sessions. Night knew he occasionally drank with his four-man crew.
How could Night not know? The grueling work Phone and his team did.
Suddenly, Phone pulled out his phone and showed photos of Korea's scenic spots.
"You went yourself?"
"Nah. Downloaded them. Planning to visit when I have time."
His burly frame hid a delicate side, and Night liked that about Phone. It wasn't for show. He genuinely loved classical music, good food, travel, and photography—things that didn't match his looks, but all sincere passions.
"Work starts tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Gonna be busy for a while. The Korean branch means something special to Boss. Gotta make it shine."
Phone nodded at Night's words.
"Let's grab another drink after it's all done."
"Sounds good."
The two parted in front of the inn. Just before, Phone asked,
"How's Queen?"
"She's well."
"Haven't seen her in ages... Miss her."
Queen was the only one Phone ever said he missed to. He didn't even say it to Jang Cheon.
"Still with Boss?"
Night nodded at Phone's question.
"This time it's lasting."
The two grinned at each other.
"See you."
"Take care."
Phone plugged in his earbuds and walked into the crowd; Night headed the opposite way.
Bishop sent information on the Korea Murim Alliance Leader.
Not just Korea—most countries were the same. Hidden hermits existed everywhere, and even without them, no one wanted to challenge a Murim Alliance Leader.
Jang Cheon read the Alliance Leader's file quietly and noted one fact.
Korea's top master—even counting hidden experts, top five skill. Plus immense power as Korea Murim Alliance Leader. What pressure could move someone like that?
Anyway, it was clear now.
Jang Cheon's deliberation was brief.
Hwa-ran appeared on TV.
On a variety show, she showcased her signature witty banter.
"You look like a real celebrity seeing you on screen, not just next to Park Gwang-cheol."
At Lee Yeon's words, Kwon Hyeok-su beside her gave a wistful look.
"Hwa-ran back when she debuted... she was killer."
"Huh? You remember?"
"Of course. I was a fan."
"Oh, really? Didn't know. Must've made your heart race seeing her this time."
"Don't remind me. Wanted an autograph, but couldn't bring myself to ask. Hurt more with Park Gwang-cheol there. But true fans respect a star's private life... Uh, where you going?"
Lee Yeon was grabbing her bag and standing up.
"Where else? Heading home."
"Why?"
"Sad word there. Why. Why do office workers need a reason to clock out? You've only seen me overtime—going home looks weird now?"
"Sorry about that."
"Care about your direct subordinate's private life like a star's!"
"What about Jang Cheon stuff?"
"No need to help for a while. Great."
Worried she'd feel slighted, Kwon Hyeok-su raised his voice.
"Exactly! No incidents is best. Tell him forever is fine. Beg him not to bother us workers!"
"I'm off. See you tomorrow."
"Running again?"
"Yep!"
Lee Yeon left the operations room and changed into workout clothes in the break room.
She used to bus home, but lately ran. Training stamina for the BST.
Lee Yeon ran nonstop to her one-room apartment.
Before, she'd rest midway. Now she made it without stopping. She felt her stamina growing with training—not just running, but intensified strength work too.
"Ugh, exhausting."
She flopped onto the floor.
"I'm crazy. Why BST now? Should've just toughed it out for retirement and opened a small cafe!"
After a moment of agony, she sprang up. Time to eat and study for the BST theory exam.
As she headed for a shower, her phone rang—Jang Cheon.
"Got a place to go together tomorrow."
"Where?"
"Broadcasting station."
"Pardon?"
"If you're free, clear some time."
"Tomorrow works."
"See you then."
"Yes."
Sudden broadcasting station? Call ended before she could ask why, but just hearing from Jang Cheon lifted her mood.
She stripped and entered the bathroom. Her earlier exhaustion forgotten, she hummed a tune.