Chapter 86
Chapter 86
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 86
Chapter Title: The Siren's Return
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Guseong Group conference room.
The meeting, led by Chairwoman Han Young-im, had a better atmosphere than usual.
This was because Guseong Group's recent ventures had been achieving great success globally.
With each report bringing pleasant news, the mood was naturally warm and friendly.
"The Guseong Exchange played a huge role. You've worked hard."
"It was all thanks to your efforts, Chairwoman."
The one receiving praise directly in the conference room was Jo Jeong-man, the head of the Korean Guseong Gate Exchange.
Back when the exchange was considered something of a white elephant, the title of exchange head drew little attention, but now it was regarded as a key position within the group.
Furthermore, after today's meeting, Jo Jeong-man would no longer be the head of the Korean exchange but would become the team leader of the Gate Strategy Team.
Despite the rapid promotion, everyone had to acknowledge it, as his business achievements were that significant.
The profits that began at the Korean Gate Exchange had spread to the global exchanges, and as the group's recognition grew, it had a positive impact on other businesses as well.
Currently, the Guseong Gate Exchange's market share was 13 percent.
But it wouldn't end there.
"Testing for the Gate measuring device is complete. We can launch it immediately without any issues."
Reporting this in such a public meeting meant that all preparations were finished.
It would send another shockwave through the market.
"Guseong Group will now garner attention in Gate technology as well."
It was a report that couldn't help but make the atmosphere even warmer.
The satisfactory meeting continued, and finally, the head of the PR team spoke.
Unlike the others, the PR team leader's expression had been grim throughout the meeting.
The reason was soon revealed.
"We have failed to secure the main model. We will look for other candidates."
"It seems Ms. Seo I-ryeon declined."
"Yes. She said once again that she will not do any commercials. We tried every possible method but were unsuccessful. I apologize."
The world-renowned singer Seo I-ryeon had never done a single commercial. Ironically, this was why even more companies tried to hire her as a model.
As Guseong Group was expanding globally, they had approached her with the determination to succeed, but they had failed as well.
"Ms. Seo I-ryeon would have been perfect, though."
A world-famous Korean singer with a clean image.
Not only her looks but also her angelic personality, widely known through charity events and fan signings, were well-regarded.
On top of that, since she had never done any commercials, securing her as the main model would yield the best possible results.
"It can't be helped. Don't be too discouraged. Every major global company has failed at this."
"That's why I'm bringing this up... it seems the only alternative is Ms. Min Ha-na."
Min Ha-na had several sponsors when she was with the Black River Guild, but after joining the Hunter Management Bureau, she hadn't accepted any endorsement deals.
Plus, she was an S-Class, of whom there were only seven in existence.
She was perfect for a model.
"We will do nothing that might bother Ms. Min Ha-na. This policy will not change in the future. The only thing we can use is Ms. Min Ha-na's name. That's it."
Han Young-im strictly adhered to the line she had drawn.
"I apologize. I will look for other models."
And with that, the meeting concluded.
'It's a shame about the model, though.'
Han Young-im was lost in thought the entire way back to her office.
"Did they say she was coming to Korea today?"
She recalled a news article she had seen that morning.
It might not matter with other models, but with Seo I-ryeon, it would certainly be significant.
The mere fact that she was doing a commercial would create a buzz.
'Should I try to meet her?'
But the thought didn't translate into action.
'Let's focus on the launch of the measuring device.'
Negotiations with several national governments over the Gate measuring device were imminent.
The test results had already been officially announced, so all that was left was to sell it for the maximum possible profit.
'This is the moment Mad Castle will be officially mentioned, so I must concentrate.'
The negotiation terms would include a special agreement for Mad Castle's activities.
—Allow permanent visa-free entry for members of Mad Castle.
It was a simple clause, but the negotiation process was crucial because governments were sensitive to special privileges.
Han Young-im reviewed the details once more and began her preparations.
Guseong General Hospital.
A fairly famous hospital in Seoul, its name had been changed after being acquired by Guseong Group.
In the VIP ward on the hospital's top floor were the seven friends Bae Wang-sik had personally rescued.
They had to stay in the hospital for at least a month to receive comprehensive treatment for both their physical and mental trauma.
Even then, they would likely suffer from lifelong aftereffects, but for now, they were content with being in a safe place.
When Wang-sik visited, his friends greeted him with smiles.
"Everyone, get well soon and come to the base. You can all live there together. Or if there's something else you want to do, that's fine too."
"Can I really be of any help?"
The friend with the most severe physical impairments asked without confidence, and Wang-sik replied firmly.
"There's plenty you can do. You might even get so busy you'll want to quit, so come prepared."
"Thank you. Before... I didn't want to do anything..."
For a slave, having work meant having an obligation. But here, having work meant having a future.
"Alright, everyone, focus on your treatment. So we can see each other again soon."
After talking at length with each of his friends, evening had arrived.
"Welcome, salaryman."
Min Ha-na, who had dinner plans with him, arrived at the hospital. She also greeted his friends briefly before leaving the hospital with Wang-sik.
"Still, it's a relief that your friends seem to be adjusting well."
"They're still in the hospital. Adjusting to the outside world will be different."
"True. I haven't been through it, so I can't imagine what it's like."
"Don't you ever go through something like that."
"Are you worried about me?"
"Of course I'm worried. You're a weakling."
"You're the only person who calls me that."
The S-Class weakling, Min Ha-na, led Wang-sik to a high-end restaurant.
"This is the place we came to before."
It was where he had first met Min Ha-na.
"Actually, it's a place I come to often. The food here is delicious. And it's quiet, good for talking."
"Great. It's on me, so order the full course. I feel like splurging today."
As Min Ha-na finished ordering without protest, a familiar song began to play.
Seo I-ryeon's "Confession."
The restaurant usually played classical music, but Seo I-ryeon's songs fit in well even in a place like this.
"Come to think of it, today's the day Seo I-ryeon returns to Korea."
"She's coming back to Korea?"
"It's all over the news. She's a huge celebrity, after all."
Min Ha-na said it casually, but Wang-sik's expression turned serious.
"What's wrong?"
Lost in thought, Wang-sik didn't even hear her question.
Incheon Airport was the calm before the storm.
Over 500 people held placards, bouquets, and gifts, surrounded by reporters with cameras and microphones.
Everyone gathered there knew the current order would not last.
When the arrival gate finally opened, the crowd craned their necks, searching for someone.
The police and airport security tensed up like warriors heading into battle, bracing for the impending chaos.
"She's here!"
"It's Seo I-ryeon!"
Those shouts were the beginning.
Order broke down, and reporters and fans alike didn't hesitate to shove and push just to get a glimpse of the one and only Seo I-ryeon.
The woman, dressed in a simple white dress with her signature long, sky-blue hair, didn't seem to mind the commotion.
With large, kind eyes like a child's, a slender figure that complemented her fair skin, she greeted everyone leisurely and walked as if on a stroll.
It was almost as if she existed in a different world, separate from the airport's chaos.
"Ms. Seo I-ryeon! How do you feel after completing your tour?"
Seo I-ryeon, the voice of an angel.
The famine relief tour she had initiated was an event where 70 percent of the net profits were donated.
This was her return after completing concerts in 100 cities over three long years.
Despite this, Seo I-ryeon showed no signs of fatigue, speaking in a calm tone.
"I will address everything at the press conference."
Seo I-ryeon never lost her smile as she was guided away by her bodyguards.
The atmosphere Seo I-ryeon created continued at the press conference.
She captivated the audience to the point that even the reporters, who had been clamoring to ask questions, calmed down and lowered their voices. She answered even the most trivial questions with sincerity.
"You've publicly stated that there's a man you like. Have you confessed to him?"
"I've done it so many times he's probably sick of it. But I'll have to do it again. Please cheer for me."
When she smiled, the reporters smiled back.
Only after taking questions for an extra 30 minutes past the scheduled time was she able to leave the airport.
Once inside the van, a symbol of celebrity status, she finally slumped into the plush seat.
"Shall we go home?"
"Yes."
The van headed towards the coast in Incheon.
It was a mansion on the coast where the sound of waves could be heard.
The white mansion, built on a cliff where waves crashed below, was surrounded by high walls, obscuring the interior from view.
As Seo I-ryeon's van approached, the five-meter-tall iron gate opened automatically, revealing a small but tidy garden.
As Seo I-ryeon got out of the van and headed into the mansion, her manager stopped and said.
"Is there anything you need?"
"No. You've worked hard all this time."
"You have no other schedules for the next week. If you need anything, please call."
"It's fine. I'll just be at home. You should get some rest too, Jeong-pal."
The manager, Park Jeong-pal, bowed and turned away. His gesture held not just the professionalism of a manager for a singer, but genuine human respect.
"Hoo."
Opening the front door and stepping inside, Seo I-ryeon let out a long sigh.
Quite a few people worked at her mansion, but none were allowed inside the house itself.
Therefore, once she passed through the entrance, she could relax without being conscious of prying eyes.
Was that why?
Seo I-ryeon began to remove her clothes. The dress and accessories that had given her an innocent look were gone, and clad only in her underwear, she walked to the indoor swimming pool inside the mansion.
Spreading her arms wide, she fell back into the pool's water as if lying down on a bed.
Splash!
She sank into the water, curled up, and then stretched out wide.
In that moment, the reason why the mansion's interior had to be a secret was revealed.
Her white legs shimmered like pearls in the water. Then, her two legs merged into one, and were soon covered in iridescent scales.
Seo I-ryeon lifted her newly formed fin, slapped the surface of the water, and then disappeared deep below.
Opening a square hatch on the pool floor revealed a long, sloping tunnel, and she immediately swam inside.
Seo I-ryeon smiled, enjoying the increasing saltiness of the water, and soon reached the end of the tunnel.
The ocean was there.
—Please give me a name I can live by here.
—Seo I-ryeon!
—Seo I-ryeon? What does it mean?
—Your race is Siren, isn't it?
—Did you just come up with it on the spot because you couldn't be bothered?
—I named you that so you wouldn't forget your roots.
—Sounds like an excuse to me.
She liked the name Seo I-ryeon.
Siren, the singing mermaid race.
Feeling the freedom of the sea, Seo I-ryeon headed towards the person she wanted to see most.
A small island with a log cabin and a temporary dock.
She swam up to the beach without hesitation.
"Who are you?"
Having come ashore with a light heart, Seo I-ryeon was taken aback by the strange man's question.
"I'm here to see Mr. Wang-sik."
"Ah! Agent Bae Wang-sik has quit."
The man's expression softened slightly at the mention of Wang-sik's name.
"Quit?"
"He left the Hunter Management Bureau. That's why I'm guarding this place now."
"Oh! I see. I'm sorry. I didn't get any message, so I came here directly."
"This is a secret military zone. You shouldn't do this again."
"Yes. I'm sorry."
Seo I-ryeon bowed and turned away. Then, avoiding the man's gaze, she dove back into the sea.
After she disappeared, the man realized the situation a moment too late.
"But how did she get here? I'm pretty sure that was Seo I-ryeon."
The question lingered, but Seo I-ryeon was already gone.
Deep in the ocean.
Fish swarmed around Seo I-ryeon, who wore a pouting expression.
"He moved without even telling me? That's a bit much."
Before long, a pink dolphin came to her side.
"Can you find out where he went?"
The fish circled her once before scattering.