Chapter 39
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: You Wanna Die?!
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The sound of laughter and chatter from the front yard drifted to the back.
Was it because of the unexpected news? Yu-hyeon kept sighing as he looked in that direction.
Seeing Yu-hyeon's frustration, Marcos became even more cautious.
It had already been eight years since he came to Malta on an undercover mission. He knew better than anyone how much Yu-hyeon cared about the safety of this farm and his father.
*‘If they'd just watched quietly, treasures would have rolled in on their own. How on earth did they manage their intelligence?’*
Marcos ground his teeth, thinking of the idiots back home.
The moment he heard that information about the project had leaked, and the thought that he had to report it to Yu-hyeon, he felt dizzy.
The 'automatic contract termination' Yu-hyeon mentioned wasn't just an empty threat. Considering Yu-hyeon's personality, which he had come to know over the years, he would turn his back on them without a second thought the moment a problem arose here.
*‘I can't let that happen. Absolutely not!’*
Today, the fact that Yu-hyeon's residence was in Malta felt particularly welcome and fortunate.
A small territory, a population of less than 500,000. Geographic conditions surrounded by the sea on all four sides. It was certainly an advantageous location for security and defense.
At least one year until the system's proof-of-concept test was complete. If they could get through that period without any issues, the current mistake would naturally be forgotten.
As soon as he returned to the office, he would report the Professor's warning and request team reinforcements.
*‘By the way, how did this drama production end up happening?’*
There had been frequent requests for filming in the past, but Kang Man-dong had never once granted permission.
But now they were filming a drama here, going beyond a simple shoot. And he was even investing in it himself.
Normally, it wouldn't be a problem, but the timing was terrible.
*‘Of all times.’*
The more unvetted outsiders there were, the more difficult VIP protection became.
*‘There's more than one or two things to check. I'll have to find out the reason for the investment, and request background checks from Korea on everyone who came here...’*
While Marcos was lost in thought, Yu-hyeon's mind was also in turmoil.
If he had his way, he would have paid the penalty fee to make the drama team withdraw.
*‘But Father is so happy... That's probably not an option.’*
Yu-hyeon's eyes grew weary.
"We'll have to shorten the filming period as much as possible."
Hearing Yu-hyeon mutter to himself, Marcos made a "Sir?" expression, as if he hadn't heard correctly.
"We can't just kick them out without a good reason. We'll have to fast-track it."
"Ah, shorten the period."
"If you find anything that could delay the drama's production, report it to me immediately."
"Yes. Understood."
*'I was planning to relax and enjoy farm life for a month, maybe focus on setting my father up on a blind date.'*
Kim Seong-hui had asked him to participate as a co-writer, but Yu-hyeon had flatly refused. Now, the tables had turned, and he was in a position where he had to suggest joining them himself.
*'Writer Kim will be pleased.'*
Yu-hyeon rubbed his tense face with his dry hands and started walking toward the front yard. Just then, Kang Man-dong's rough voice engulfed the table.
***
Kang Man-dong watched the eating and drinking crowd with a pleased expression.
Korean people. With his home bustling with the Korean language, it felt less like Malta and more like Korea.
*‘I wish that boy Yu-hyeon would come out and spend some time in this atmosphere. Why isn't he coming out?’*
As Kang Man-dong looked toward the main house, waiting for Yu-hyeon, Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui approached with grim faces.
"Owner-nim."
"Oh, CP-nim Yu. I hope the food is to your liking."
"Oh, of course. It's delicious. My colleagues are all enjoying it too."
"That's a relief. But did something happen? You two look a bit strange."
Kang Man-dong studied their faces and tilted his head.
"We'd like to have a word with you, if you have a moment."
Kang Man-dong nodded as if to say, "Go ahead."
"Not here... somewhere a little quieter."
"Is it something people shouldn't overhear?"
"It's a rather awkward matter."
"Hmm. Let's go over there."
Kang Man-dong led the two of them past the wall to an empty pension house.
"What's this all about?"
Kang Man-dong looked at Yu Han-seong, as if telling him to speak.
"It could be something good for the drama, or it could be something a little... uncomfortable."
As Yu Han-seong began to speak cautiously, Kim Seong-hui, looking like she was dying of frustration, spoke up herself.
"It's about HS Group. The people who came to discuss casting a model."
"Ah, from earlier. Those people?"
"Yes."
"What about them?"
"They said they want to invest more in our drama. And run advertisements before and after it airs."
"Hmm. Well, that part sounds good. What's the uncomfortable part?"
"There's an actress named Han Mi-ra."
"Ah, Miss Mi-ra. I know her. What about her?"
"The condition is that we remove her from the drama."
"Huh?"
Kang Man-dong blinked, as if asking what that was supposed to mean.
"So, if we take Han Mi-ra out of the drama, they'll give us more investment and ads?"
"Yes."
"And if we don't?"
At Kang Man-dong's question, the two hesitated, unable to answer readily.
"Did they threaten to interfere?"
"Not exactly interfere, but..."
"This is frustrating! Just spit it out!"
Kang Man-dong, whose expression had soured the moment he heard the condition about removing Han Mi-ra, raised his voice.
Yu Han-seong let out a sigh.
"If a major corporation interferes... it's bound to have an impact. Owner-nim, you've lived in Korea, so you know how it is. The big Korean companies are all connected."
"What's the reason?"
"Even I don't really know..."
"So, you don't know the reason, but we have to remove Han Mi-ra from the drama? Is that what you brought me here to say?"
"Yes. Normally, we would handle this ourselves, but since you're an investor, Owner-nim Kang..."
"Ha. I don't know what this is all about. Did Han Mi-ra get on the bad side of this HS place? Is that it?"
"We don't know the inside story either..."
In truth, there was no real reason to tell Kang Man-dong this. But Kim Seong-hui had insisted they speak to the investor first, so they had come, and just as expected, Kang Man-dong's expression was grim.
"Writer Kim. The person in charge from HS is that young lady from before, right? The executive director or something."
"Yes."
"Let's go see her."
"What?"
"Let's at least hear the reason. If it's a reason I can accept, then it's not impossible. We can't let the entire drama suffer because of one person."
Yu Han-seong asked him to wait a moment, then returned shortly with a man.
The man offered a business card and bowed politely.
"I'm Manager Park Gyu-hyeon from HS Group."
"I'm Kang Man-dong."
"Yes. I was told you wanted to see me."
"I asked to see the young lady, the executive director."
Kang Man-dong looked at Yu Han-seong.
"Ah, well. Executive Director Lee is currently discussing business with the managers. So I brought him for now. He was the one who made the proposal."
"Oh, is that so. Well, as long as I get the reason, it doesn't matter who I hear it from. You said you're Manager Park?"
"Yes."
"I heard you asked to have Han Mi-ra removed from the drama. Let's hear the reason."
At Kang Man-dong's question, Park Gyu-hyeon tilted his head. His expression said he didn't understand why he had to explain this to a farm owner.
Yu Han-seong quickly explained.
"He's an investor in our drama. He also sponsored the filming location here."
"Ah. I see."
Park Gyu-hyeon nodded and then continued speaking.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you the reason. You just need to tell me whether you will accept the proposal or not."
Kang Man-dong stared at Park Gyu-hyeon with a look of disbelief. Though the man spoke politely and stood straight, the content of his words was anything but.
"And I don't know how much you invested, Owner-nim, but I believe this is a matter for the production team to handle, not something for an investor to interfere in. How about this? We can compensate you for the amount you invested."
"Compensate?"
"We will return your original investment with an additional 10%. It won't be a loss for you, Owner-nim."
"Look here."
"Yes, Owner-nim."
"I will... speak to you politely."
"......?"
"Please leave my farm."
"What?"
Park Gyu-hyeon stared at Kang Man-dong as if asking what he meant. Then he pointed at the business card in Kang Man-dong's hand.
"Did you see the business card?"
At Park Gyu-hyeon's words, Kang Man-dong checked the card in his hand.
"HS Group, Secretary's Office, Manager Park Gyu-hyeon."
"Yes. This is business from the HS Group Secretary's Office."
"Heh heh."
Kang Man-dong let out a laugh of disbelief.
"What's that supposed to mean? My comprehension must be lacking."
Park Gyu-hyeon glanced around at the farm and its surrounding buildings, then looked at Kang Man-dong as if to say, "Are you asking because you really don't know?"
"Occasionally, we encounter people who are stubborn, talking about pride and what not. But now, all of them are filled with regret. 'I should have accepted the polite offer. Why did I do that back then? It was a pointless gesture.'"
"....."
"We're not trying to take your money, Owner-nim. We're saying we'll take over your investor status by giving you more than what you put in. It's not a bad deal. It seems you run a pension business. You want to run it for a long time without any problems, don't you?"
Kang Man-dong's face crumpled, and Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui, who were watching from the side, were left with their mouths agape.
"What if I say no?"
"You will regret it."
"I'd like to hear just how I'm going to regret it."
"Is there any reason to complicate things? It's just a matter of cutting one actress. It's not like it harms you in any way, Owner-nim."
"Right. So why is a major Korean corporation going to such lengths to kick out one actress? That's what I'm more curious about."
"Are you determined to face the consequences?"
"You're making me repeat myself. I'm asking, how are you going to make me take my punishment!"
Kang Man-dong's voice rose.
"If you must know. First, we'll buy up the surrounding farms. And we'll create a competitor for your pension business."
At Park Gyu-hyeon's words, Kang Man-dong let out a snort of derision.
"And?"
"It will become very difficult for you to sell your agricultural products."
"And?"
Kang Man-dong leisurely crossed his arms, as if daring him to continue.
"The road leading here could be blocked. For example, sudden construction work. Or a couple of trucks could break down and be stuck there."
"Is that all?"
Kang Man-dong looked at Park Gyu-hyeon, as if telling him to go on.
"Owner-nim. The power of a major corporation is not something an ordinary person can withstand."
"So that's how HS Group does business in Korea."
"I'd advise you not to cross the line."
"The line? You're the one who crossed it."
As Kang Man-dong scowled, Park Gyu-hyeon turned his gaze to Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui.
"It seems you won't be able to film this drama after all. Are you just going to stand there and watch?"
At Park Gyu-hyeon's words, the expressions on Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui hardened.
As Park Gyu-hyeon's threat turned toward Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui, Kang Man-dong's already sour face instantly became menacing.
"Who do you think you are, threatening innocent people!"
Park Gyu-hyeon didn't even blink at Kang Man-dong's shout.
"I don't know why people can't understand when you speak to them nicely. Look here, pension owner. Don't let your pride lead to your ruin. Back off now while you still can."
When the word "ruin" came out of Park Gyu-hyeon's mouth, Kang Man-dong could no longer hold back.
"I made a mistake."
"That's a relief. Even if it's now..."
"They say if you want to meet the master, you have to beat the dog first. And here I was, talking to the dog."
"What?"
"I said I need to speak with the young executive director."
As Kang Man-dong tried to move toward the dining area, Park Gyu-hyeon shook his head disapprovingly.
Just as Park Gyu-hyeon reached to grab Kang Man-dong's arm, Han Mi-ra, the subject of their conversation, appeared.
Han Mi-ra, who recognized Park Gyu-hyeon's face, had followed them out of anxiety.
"I'll step down. That's all I have to do, right?"
When Han Mi-ra appeared and announced she would drop out of the drama, not only Kang Man-dong, but also Yu Han-seong and Kim Seong-hui, looked shocked.
"Assistant Manager Park. It's been a while."
"It has been a while, Miss Han Mi-ra."
"That person is the same as ever, I see."
"....."
"Go and tell them. I'll live quietly, buried as usual. Tell them to stop harassing the people around me."
At Han Mi-ra's words, Park Gyu-hyeon gave her a slight bow, as if to say she'd made a wise choice.
Kang Man-dong, who had been watching the conversation from the side, spoke with a furious expression.
"Miss Mi-ra. Let me ask you something."
"Owner-nim..."
"Do you owe a debt to HS Group?"
Han Mi-ra shook her head with a bitter expression.
"Then did you commit some crime against HS?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
As Kang Man-dong kept pressing for a reason, Park Gyu-hyeon cut in.
"This is not a matter for you to get involved in, Owner-nim."
"It is my business. Writer Kim!"
"Yes, Owner-nim."
"What was my condition for investing in this drama?"
"You said you only wanted people who haven't caused any social controversies to be cast in the drama."
To be precise, he had said he wanted nice young ladies with good character, but since his son had set the same condition, it wasn't an issue.
"Is there any reason why Han Mi-ra here shouldn't be in the drama?"
"No. Absolutely not."
Kim Seong-hui quickly shook her head. Beside her, Yu Han-seong shot her a look that said, *‘Why are you getting involved? Just stay out of it,’* but Seong-hui paid him no mind.
Unsatisfied with Seong-hui's answer, Kang Man-dong now asked Han Mi-ra directly.
"Miss Mi-ra."
"Yes...."
"You tell me. Did you cause some kind of trouble we don't know about, something that would make you unfit to be in the drama?"
"No. But..."
"Never mind anyone else. Tell me your side. If you have a clear conscience, say so. If not, say that. I need to know so I can make a decision."
"A d-decision?"
"I can tell just by the way this Manager Park character is acting toward me. He seems like the type of person who'd go through fire and water to get what he wants, skilled in threats and all."
At Kang Man-dong's words, Manager Park raised his voice.
"Watch your mouth."
"You're the one who should have watched your mouth. Go on, try it. I'm really curious to see how much power a big Korean company has here in Malta. You're going to buy the neighboring farm? Puhahahaha! Go ahead and buy it if you can."
Kang Man-dong laughed out loud and then approached Han Mi-ra.
"Let's confirm one more time."
"....."
"Did you commit a crime against them?"
Looking up at Kang Man-dong, who was staring down at her with blazing eyes, Han Mi-ra felt tears well up unexpectedly. This had happened several times before, not just this once, but no one had ever gotten angry or asked for a reason like Kang Man-dong. They had only avoided her, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.
"No. I didn't. But, because of me, you and the drama..."
"That won't happen, so don't worry. I'll take care of everything."
Kang Man-dong gave Mi-ra a nod and then strode toward the dining area. As he'd said before, he intended to speak directly with Executive Director Lee Jae-eun.
Park Gyu-hyeon shook his head in annoyance and grabbed Kang Man-dong's shoulder. But then.
"Huh? Ugh!"
Park Gyu-hyeon suddenly felt the world turn upside down and then—thump!—he was splayed out on the ground.
His mouth fell open from the terrible pain shooting up from his back and hips. The impact was so great that he couldn't even scream properly, only letting out choked gasps.
Everyone's jaws dropped at Kang Man-dong's swift, swallow-like motion. It seemed as though Kang Man-dong had just twisted his shoulder, and in the next moment, Manager Park was flat on the ground.
"You young bastard! Who do you think you are, putting your hands on me so recklessly! You wanna die?!"
After sending Park Gyu-hyeon flying with a perfect hip throw, Kang Man-dong stormed off toward Lee Jae-eun.
Kim Seong-hui ran after him, shouting, "Owner-nim!", and Han Mi-ra also ran, calling out, "Owner-nim!"
As Park Gyu-hyeon got to his feet with Yu Han-seong's help, a loud shout erupted from the dining area.
"If there's anyone here who's contracted with that goddamn HS company, pack your bags and get out now!"
Park Gyu-hyeon's face twisted in disbelief at Kang Man-dong's thunderous shout.
"What kind of guy is..."