Chapter 73: The Beginning of Change (2)
“Queen! It's been a while.”
Night greeted her politely. Unlike Phone, who got flustered at the mere mention of her name, Night treated Queen with easy composure.
Of course, he didn't forget to greet Ben, who had come with her.
“Uncle Ben.”
“Mr. Night.”
Night called Ben "Uncle Ben," though he didn't share a particularly deep bond with either of them.
He wasn't the die-hard fan of Queen that Phone was, either.
It wasn't that they weren't close—it was more that they'd never had the chance. Both sides had been too busy: Night with his business, Queen with her martial arts training.
They rarely crossed paths, and Queen wasn't one to open up easily anyway. Deep conversations had never really happened.
Still, Night always showed her the utmost respect. After all, Queen was the organization's queen. He hoped this chance would let him learn more about her.
“Night, how have you been?”
“Thanks to your concern, I've been well. What do you think of Korea so far?”
“It's nice.”
“And the boss?”
“I met him.”
“Haha, I see. Must have been great after so long.”
Night chuckled warmly, glancing at her expression. There had been rumors of a fight between them, but it didn't seem serious enough to worry about.
Ben praised Night's achievements.
“I heard the SGC Korea branch launch went off without a hitch.”
“Only because everyone worried and helped.”
This time, Queen asked.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Yes. Would you model for our company's CF?”
“Sure.”
“Whoa, just like that?”
“It's you asking, so of course.”
“Haha, your words alone make me feel solid. I'll ask if it's really needed.”
“Then, can I ask one favor too?”
Night had been joking, but Queen was dead serious.
“Not one—do ten if you want.”
“No, just one. It's something only you can do.”
Night's eyes lit with curiosity, and even Ben looked intrigued.
* * *
On the rooftop of the HT Group Residence, Kwon Hyeok-su was smoking.
He'd gotten the report on yesterday's SGC interview, but his mind was a mess. His second son had failed to get into college this year and would have to retake it.
If the kid just had no talent for studying, he could've said no outright. But he studied well enough.
The boy wanted to aim for his dream school and major, begging for just one more year. Hyeok-su couldn't bring himself to shut him down coldly.
These kids had grown up without a single speck of trouble. Yeah, he'd let him try, even if it killed him.
Kwon Hyeok-su exhaled a long plume of smoke.
They say half your life is hell because of your parents, and the other half because of your kids.
That's when Lee Yeon rushed up.
“Big trouble, Team Leader!”
He jumped, startled.
“What? Security breach?”
“No.”
“Then? Wait—don't tell me?”
He lowered his voice, glancing around.
“Word got out we applied to SGC?”
“No.”
“Then what?”
“I passed SGC.”
“What?”
After a stunned beat, Kwon Hyeok-su broke into a beaming grin.
“Congrats! Yeon, seriously, congrats.”
He grabbed her hand warmly.
“Perfect. You'll thrive anywhere. I told you before—we deserve this.
Act the same there. No more slaving away. Got it? Yeon, you can do this. No pressure!”
“Thanks, Team Leader.”
“One thing upfront—no pity party. I'm tougher than you think.
Truth is, I'd love to go with you, but can't be helped. It's fine. Oh, and Yeon—don't forget. Loose lips sink ships.
Watch what you say. Especially don't get casual with others like you do with me. Okay?”
“You're tearing up right now.”
“Happy tears. You're in, so I'm thrilled. Not mad I failed or jealous—no way!”
“Your fist is clenched so tight it's gonna burst.”
“Happy, I said.”
“You won't get mad, right?”
“Why would I? No. Absolutely not.”
“Phew.”
Lee Yeon smiled brightly.
“Congrats, Team Leader.”
“Huh?”
“Why leave your phone behind just to smoke? What if an emergency call comes?”
She held out his phone with a grin.
“You got the acceptance call. It kept ringing on your line while they were calling me, so I picked up. You're in too.”
“For real?”
“Yeah. Both of us.”
“Hahaha! Yes! We're set!”
Kwon Hyeok-su hopped around in joy. SGC's pay was way better, so his son's issue was off the worry list.
He narrowed his eyes at her playfully.
“You got me good.”
“Big chance, right?”
“Heh, I left my phone—you left your sword.”
“Oops.”
After the banter, they faced each other seriously.
“Thanks, Team Leader.”
“Thanks for what? You earned it.”
“I wouldn't have applied without you.”
“Confession time: if you hadn't said you'd apply, I wouldn't have either.”
She smiled. She was grateful for his honesty. Meeting Jang Cheon had changed her life, rippling out to those around her.
“A new life starts now.”
* * *
Lee Yeon entered SGC.
Resignation from her old job was a breeze—too quick, almost anticlimactic.
S-19 Team.
That was her assignment. She hoped the "S" stood for Super, but it was Small. A four-person security team.
She might've worried about such a tiny unit, but seeing the team leader made her cheer.
It was Kwon Hyeok-su.
“Oh, what a relief.”
She was thrilled to be on his team—flying high.
Kwon Hyeok-su, though, was concerned.
“Putting us from the same company in one team bugs me. A four-man cell? What's the angle?”
“A test?”
“What kind?”
“Skills check. We're experienced hires, so they wanna vet us before full placement.”
“Makes sense.”
“We're in—let's make it work. I'll do my best.”
“I believe you, Yeon.”
“Who are the other two?”
“We'll find out soon.”
The other two shocked them both.
Queen and Ben walked into the office.
“Hi, I'm Athena, newly assigned to S-19 Team.”
Queen used the alias Athena—goddess of war. Ben was just Ben.
“Ben here. Nice to work with you.”
Kwon Hyeok-su stared in bewilderment. He'd glimpsed them outside during interviews.
Yeon had said they were Residence guests, and now they were on his team.
What the hell?
His eyes asked; hers answered.
Beats me.
Two stunning beauties and one elderly gentleman.
Kwon Hyeok-su never imagined leading a team like this at SGC.
And aside from him, all three were Murim folk.
This was all at Queen's request.
She hadn't asked for their acceptance, though.
Only after learning they'd passed did she make her formal ask of Night.
Why? She believed Yeon should enter on her own merit first.
If Yeon had failed, no request. It would've changed her whole life otherwise.
Luckily, both shone and got in.
Queen asked Night to put her on Yeon's team.
It was her effort to change. People change through other people, she'd concluded. Resolve alone wasn't enough.
Change starts with meetings.
Queen had avoided new encounters until now.
But not anymore. Yeon was the start.
Partly because of Jang Cheon, and Yeon's bright personality seemed learnable.
Night didn't know her full heart, but guessed enough to make this four-person team happen.
Once Queen's time ended, he'd reassign Kwon and Yeon as planned.
No loss for them—ties to Queen and Ben were huge luck.
Queen spoke first, loudly to all.
“Looking forward to working together.”
Night added one gift to her effort.
* * *
In SGC's meeting room sat Park Gwang-cheol and Hwa-ran.
“I'm a man who keeps promises.”
Hwa-ran was still skeptical of his conviction.
“You're really assigning bodyguards to me?”
“Yeah. Told you—first to you when hired. Contract's done; we're meeting the team here. Don't like 'em? Pass.”
“Send them to the It Girls.”
“Them later. You're first. Everyone needs to know you're number one at our company.”
Hwa-ran was touched—the biggest since meeting him.
“Enough gushing. Send to It Girls.”
“Nope.”
“You're serious?”
He nodded, dead serious.
“How many?”
“Four. Place is pricey, so just one small team.”
“Smart. I managed without; four's plenty. Why here, though—not cheaper?”
A few days back, Jang Cheon had recommended SGC. Lately, Park Gwang-cheol took his word as gospel.
“Best skills around.”
“For real, I don't need 'em. You, It Girls, others on promo—give to them. I'm cutting broadcasts for entrance exams.”
“Park 'em library front. Four sharp ones—total style.”
“Hahaha.”
She laughed happily. No time happier lately.
Then the door opened; four entered.
“Huh?”
Waiters and entrants alike froze.
It was Lee Yeon, Kwon Hyeok-su, Queen, and Ben.
“Sis, why're you here?”
“Lil sis, why're you coming in there?”
“I transferred here. With Team Leader Kwon.”
“What?”
“And you?”
“Park Enter hired SGC guards.”
“Wait, Park Enter's our spot?”
Yeon was stunned; so was Kwon. Hwa-ran was his favorite celeb—he'd even gotten her autograph once.
“What kinda coincidence?”
Not coincidence, of course.
As they gawked, Night entered.
“President Park, like the team?”
He'd arranged familiar ties for comfort. Night's gift to Queen.
Ben nodded to Night with a smile. He knew Jang Cheon's circle well.
He saw Night's thoughtful pick of Park Gwang-cheol.
“Not to your taste? I can show others.”
Park Gwang-cheol and Hwa-ran shouted together.
“Perfect.”
“Love it!”
Hwa-ran grinned at Yeon, adding,
“This team's exactly what I want!”