Chapter 75
Chapter 75
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Bolt from the Blue, No, Kidnapping (1)
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"I'm not a bad guy, so don't be so scared. If you keep shaking like that, it makes me look like the villain."
If the guy who bursts in, snatches your phone, and starts yapping isn't a bad guy, then what is? What a ridiculous line.
"I'm not a robber or a thief, so don't worry. I just came to see your face and take care of a little business."
Yeonwoo's dorm boasted top-tier security that Kwon Sung-hyeon always bragged about. It controlled who came and went, had CCTV with no blind spots, and security guards from a 24-hour firm patrolled regularly.
But...
'...For someone to break through here means they can't be an ordinary person, no matter how you slice it.'
And besides...
The number of grudge spirits and obsessive thoughts swirling around him made it clear he wasn't normal. He hadn't come alone, either. It was no wonder the security got breached. It was designed to stop stalkers, randos, or paparazzi—ordinary folks. Sure, it prevented basic crimes like burglaries too, but the scarface and his burly goons in front of him were clearly operating on another level.
"Don't even think about trying to contact anyone. Right, buddy? It's better for both of us if we keep things civil."
Scarface glanced at Jerry, who was trembling like a leaf, and flashed his teeth in a grin.
"One wrong twitch of those fingers, and they snap—hurts the body, hurts the heart, yeah?"
Yeonwoo had no intention of doing that anyway. He could communicate without a phone.
'That guy's always sticking to Kwon Sung-hyeon, but who knew it'd come in handy now.'
It wasn't a method ordinary people could use. But Yeonwoo was different. By channeling spiritual power, he could send a one-way signal like a stimulus. No big deal. He'd only started using his powers after the Lifespan System appeared.
The Child Spirit knew about it, so he was probably in a panic right now. That spirit could see him and would have definitely told Kwon Sung-hyeon.
But the problem remained.
'...What the hell does this guy want?'
They didn't look like armed robbers after money or jewelry. They were too organized, and the grudge spirits around them were no joke. They weren't even properly ransacking the place.
All they were doing was...
"Figured it'd be hard to meet someone high up like you, but damn, you look so ordinary."
Arms crossed, just scrutinizing Yeonwoo's face from every angle.
"Got some weird talent or something? You're decent-looking, sure, but not enough to charm that tough bastard and our chairman both."
He was downright rude, too. Well, expecting manners from guys who forced their way into your home and took your phone was pointless.
But he had gleaned a clue.
'It's me they're after.'
Scarface had backers. This "chairman" guy was clearly calling the shots. The "tough bastard" was probably Kwon Sung-hyeon, leaving one thing.
'Hope the Child Spirit properly passed the word to Kwon Sung-hyeon.'
Time to stall. Fixing his gaze on Scarface, Yeonwoo curled his lips into a smirk.
"Yeah, I've got a weird talent. Like figuring out you killed a guy with a red bear tattoo on his neck."
***
Fine, say the first hit caught him off guard. But Yeonwoo had no hobby of just taking it lying down. Maybe back when he was a clueless kid, getting frozen out by neglect and discrimination. Probably why.
'He hit me once, so paying back at least half is only fair.'
Hitting back the same way wouldn't work on a guy like this. This method was way more effective. Especially on someone cocky about their muscle.
Maybe that's why. The moment Yeonwoo's words ended, Scarface's vibe shifted.
The grin vanished from his pudgy face, replaced by blankness. That was probably his true nature.
"Where'd you hear that?"
"Didn't hear it. I saw it."
"Bullshit."
"Hey, believe it or not, your call."
"Hah... You've got some guts, huh?"
Scarface forced a smile, wary of losing control. But only for a moment.
"Why fake it as suicide? Hanging, no less."
As Yeonwoo continued, Scarface's face hardened again.
"Where'd you hear that?"
"You're the one spouting nonsense. I saw it myself."
"Cut the crap."
His hardened expression turned downright menacing.
"What, didn't your 'chairman' tell you?"
"You little shit!"
Scarface ground his teeth and lunged, but the goons outside held him back.
"Executive! Don't do it!"
"Executive!"
They must've sensed the vibe turning sour, rushing in to grab him.
The mood was tense, but Yeonwoo stayed calm.
'Going just like I planned.'
When someone learns a secret you've buried deep, reactions split starkly. Either they crumble under the truth, or they double down to bury it again.
Scarface was clearly the latter.
'A bit more prodding, and I could stall perfectly...'
That's when it hit.
"Ah, right. Yeah. Can't lose it here, nah."
The fury that had Scarface ready to grab Yeonwoo by the collar deflated instantly.
"Wow, you sly fox. Almost got me. Figured you had some trick, and that's it? Knowing stuff about guys I've buried... Spot on, so you got skills, huh."
Not called Executive for nothing—recovered faster than expected.
Now Yeonwoo's brows furrowed. If this guy regained his cool already, that was trouble.
'Tch. Where the hell is that Child Spirit? What's taking so long?'
And one more bad bit: "Looks like you're trying something sneaky, but no more stalling. We're busy. Yeah?"
Scarface had sniffed out Yeonwoo's plan.
"You're sharp, so I'll cut to it. You're coming with us, like it or not. But that 'musma' over there? Different story."
"Eek!"
Jerry, who'd just seen Scarface half-lose it, freaked at the mention. Natural.
"Snapping one leg off that musma? Piece of cake. What now?"
"..."
Honestly, those goons weren't much threat to Yeonwoo. They shook from a few words. Worst case, pop a talisman for instant Spirit Eyes—the effect would double. The grudge spirits and sticky obsessive thoughts would punish them thoroughly if given a shot.
Of course they'd panic. Slipping away then? Easy.
But.
"Breaking all four limbs sounds like a fun experience. Hospitals are great these days. Meals on time, docs and nurses tending you. AC if hot, heat if cold—heaven, right?"
Instead, Scarface started threatening Jerry to get to Yeonwoo.
'Tch. Things got messy.'
That's exactly why he'd stalled. Jerry was here too. Alone, escape was simple. With baggage? Not so much.
"Young guy like you, bones don't heal right at that age. Don't make us hurt the kid—move it, quick quick."
No choice.
"I'll go with you?"
"Smart cookie."
"Don't even know who's behind this or why, but blindly tagging along? Kinda iffy."
"Our chairman's a gentleman—no need to worry about your safety. I'm only here 'cause seeing your face was such a hassle. Come quietly, no harm to this place."
[Truth] Intent Discernment confirmed Scarface was telling the truth.
'Hoo...'
"Bro? Y-you're going?"
"No choice."
"Y-you can't!"
"Better than you getting your limbs snapped."
"B-but..."
"You stay here. Kwon Sung-hyeon'll come. Get the rest from him."
"W-what?! What do I even—"
How could he explain? That he could sorta communicate with Kwon Sung-hyeon via the Child Spirit? An old ghost like that could easily pick up traces Yeonwoo left.
Plus...
'Gotta see this chairman's face.'
If he already knew the guy, this wouldn't be the last hassle. If it was just him, fine—but touching his circle? Different story.
"Talk over? Move it. We're late already. Hurry... Ack!"
Zap!
As he nudged Yeonwoo forward, a strong spark flew.
Scarface yanked his palm back in shock—it was already blistering red.
"What the—"
Pure spiritual power had sparked off the grudge spirits around him.
But oblivious, Scarface and the goons recoiled from Yeonwoo.
Yeonwoo jutted his chin at them.
"What? Let's go."
Control fully shifted to Yeonwoo.
***
"What the hell kinda guy is he?"
"Thinks he can do whatever?"
"Slippery bastard. Like he's possessed."
"Enough chit-chat."
The heavy car glided smoothly down the road. Exiting the highway into skyscrapers.
'Almost there.'
He sensed the destination nearing.
"Dunno your trick, but chairman ain't rough—still, watch yourself in front of him."
Scarface glared threateningly. No effect.
"You guys should watch yourselves first."
As the car stopped and the driver opened the door, Yeonwoo glanced back.
Snap!
A light finger flick. Heavy repercussions.
"What? More bullshit... Ack!"
Scarface, following Yeonwoo out, clutched his throat, writhing in pain.
"Gah! You! How're you here?! What—argh!"
Staring at empty air like he saw something, twisting alone, screaming.
"Executive! What's wrong?"
"Bro! Snap out of it!"
To others, Scarface looked like he was seizing solo. Scratching at nothing, weird noises—like a lunatic.
'Serves you right for not living right.'
Yeonwoo did nothing much. Just juiced up one grudge spirit near the knife hand—a near-evil ghost, red bear tattoo from his hanging death.
Sweet revenge?
"Bro! Bro!"
"Quick! Hospital!"
Hospital wouldn't help. Not that Yeonwoo would tell them.
"What're you doing?"
"Y-yes...?"
While the goons panicked over Scarface, Yeonwoo nodded at the driver who'd opened the door.
"Take me to your 'chairman.'"