One Step Closer to the Alliance Leader (2)
Jang Cheon sat in the room, circulating his energy.
Just as Phone enjoyed classical music in his alone time, for Jang Cheon, listening to martial arts manuals on his MP3 or practicing heart methods brought the most serene expression to his face.
It was the same now. A pleasant smile played on Jang Cheon's lips.
Pure inner energy raced vigorously through every meridian in his body. Sometimes swift, sometimes leisurely—like a thousand-li steed galloping across vast plains—it roamed freely within him.
And when the circulation reached its peak.
A heat-haze-like aura rose around Jang Cheon's body.
The haze clumped together, forming three radiant flower buds above his head, shimmering as if ready to bloom at any moment.
They dispersed once more, reshaping into five ring-like forms.
A glimpse of the profound mysteries of transcendent martial arts—but alas, no fortunate soul witnessed it.
Sss.
The five rings scattered, then began clumping together again.
But this time, the shape wouldn't form easily.
The haze gathered and dispersed repeatedly, struggling to birth a new form.
Yet as if the time had not yet come, it failed to take shape, ultimately scattering and slipping back into Jang Cheon's nose and mouth.
"Hoo."
Finishing his heart method, Jang Cheon opened his eyes. Their clarity surpassed the norm, sparkling brilliantly before settling back to their usual sharpness.
He rose, shrugged off his clothes, and headed to the shower.
His body bore not a single scratch, his bronze skin glowing with robust health.
After showering, Jang Cheon sat by the window, cracked open a beer, and took a sip. Heart method practice, shower, cool beer. He smiled contentedly.
As he relaxed like this, a call came from Bishop.
Hanging up, Jang Cheon drained the rest of his beer.
The next day, Jeong In-sook ran into Hwa-ran in the broadcasting station hallway.
"Hello, Writer."
"Oh, Hwa-ran. Long time no see."
"Doing well?"
"What brings you to the radio station? You don't do shows here."
"Visiting a PD friend. We haven't seen each other in ages—coffee?"
Jeong In-sook checked her watch.
"I've got about 30 minutes."
"Let's go. I'll get you an Americano."
They sat at the station's terrace cafe. As they sipped coffee, Jang Cheon arrived.
"This is my manager."
It was the moment Hwa-ran resumed her role as day manager after the first one.
"Hello."
"Hi. Your manager's quite the looker."
"You know I like handsome guys."
Hwa-ran's frankness drew a smile from Jeong In-sook.
"Join us for coffee."
"I'm fine."
Jeong In-sook stood.
"Have one. I'll buy the manager's."
"Then I'll gratefully accept."
Jeong In-sook bought Jang Cheon a coffee.
He observed her closely—from her attire and expression to the aura she exuded, even scanning for anyone watching her.
"Work hard?"
Waiting for coffee, Jeong In-sook asked.
"No, still fun."
"How old? Twenty-five?"
"Haha, a bit older."
"Twenty-seven? Eight?"
"A little more."
"Wow, you look young."
"Thanks."
Jeong In-sook was brighter than expected.
They returned with coffee and chatted about station gossip. Casually, Hwa-ran asked,
"Your daughter's grown a lot, huh."
"Yeah, heading to third grade already."
"That soon?"
"Already not listening. Can't imagine middle school."
"Haha."
It was the question Jang Cheon had asked Hwa-ran to pose—ask about her daughter if it came up.
From the coffee line chat to talking about her daughter, Jeong In-sook seemed utterly at ease.
Outwardly, no issues with her or the girl.
And the distant watchers were all Murim Alliance guards. No other surveillance, despite close inspection.
"See you next time. You too, Manager."
"Take care."
She politely bid Jang Cheon farewell too. Unlike some rude writers or PDs who ignored managers, Jeong In-sook was courteous.
Hwa-ran said to Jang Cheon,
"Helpful?"
"Of course."
"This helping you is too fun. Hire me as a subordinate?"
At her joke, Jang Cheon smiled.
"What then? Not all fun and games."
"I know. That restaurant fight—I thought we'd die. My adventure ends here. See you."
"Thanks today."
Hwa-ran rose first. After a few steps, she turned.
"Oh, Jang Cheon."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Out of nowhere, Jang Cheon stared.
"I thought once you take a wrong turn in life, it's over. Like a highway with no IC—just keep going till the end.
People don't change, I figured. Humans are stubbornly unchanging. But meeting you's changing my mind."
Park Gwang-cheol's reform probably hit hardest.
"Next time, I'll buy the Americano."
"Looking forward to it."
The breakthrough came from an unexpected source.
Jang Cheon paused, then it clicked.
> When was the trip?
> Five months ago.
> Then HT Group's Park Jin-ho contact made news after.
> Yes. Timeline fits—post-trip contact.
> Money for the antidote, then.
Jang Cheon guessed the victim.
> The granddaughter!
> Granddaughter? You mean they poisoned a child?
> Yes, their Unique Poison. No other way the Alliance Leader'd be so helpless.
With his son gone, she's his last blood kin.
Jeong In-sook doesn't know—symptomless toxin, likely.
> Why contact Lee Cheol-young?
> TM Medical found a way to counter Unique Poisons.
Joo Won checked if her poison was covered. If not, get it included.
> Any antidote when you took out Im Yeon-sin?
> None.
Phone and the Four handled it meticulously—no detox items found.
> Separate poison handler, then. Bishop!
> Yes.
> Can you check TM Medical's Unique Poison antidote progress?
> Details tough, but rough poison type and status, yes.
> Good. ASAP.
Before hanging, Bishop pleaded.
> Boss.
> Yeah?
> If they really poisoned a kid for their greed... punish them properly. No mercy.
Jang Cheon replied with his usual line.
> Okay.