My Bloody Valentine - 17

In front of the wall with green tiles that extended like a ridgeline, there were dozens of sedans parked in the parking lot.

Organization members who had completed their tasks, leaning against their cars, smoked cigarettes, exchanged awkward greetings, and engaged in small talk. Most of them were members of the Cheongsongpa organization, but there were also members from other organizations.

The names of organizations like “What What Faction” were often coined by prosecutors or police. During investigations, they often assigned names based on the characteristics of the organization, their operating areas, or properties owned. Cheongsongpa, in this case, originated from Cheongsong Development, a demolition company run by Baek Jeong-gil.

For rapid progress in redevelopment and other urban renewal projects, swift demolition was crucial, and Baek Jeong-gil played this role faithfully, earning money in the process.

The demolition company he established, Cheongsong Development, was known for its violent methods. Many organizations were absorbed and merged under him while he expanded his business from a demolition company to a construction company.

Cheongsong Construction soon rose to prominence. It was on the verge of becoming an organized business entity admired by gangsters.

However, among the members who couldn’t shake off their nature, there were occasional frictions even now.

This place was a restaurant operating on a reservation basis, without even a sign. It boasted a unique concept, as if a fairy from the ’70s or ’80s had transformed into a modern style.

A large main building, faithfully following the traditional Korean house style, was placed in the center, with two annexes on either side, creating a figure-eight shape.

In the center, inspired by a Japanese-style garden, there was a serene arrangement of a sand garden with white sand and pine trees contrasting, and a pond making a gentle sound of flowing water.

Employees, perfectly dressed in hanbok, occasionally walked gracefully, delivering food to the main guest room of the main building.

After a meal course that took about two hours, pastries, fruits, and tea were placed on the table.

“So, during the chairman’s absence, are we planning to sneakily enjoy a meal among ourselves?”

Someone, whose name couldn’t be recalled, protested by tapping the table with their palm. The murky tea in the white pottery cup rippled.

“Who said that? Even if it’s an underground place, there should be someone to keep order. Moreover, this is Cheongsong Construction!”

Tae-sin observed all the scenes unfolding as a third party. Another person, with their tongue in cheek, interjected.

“Some are so worried about the chairman suddenly collapsing that they can’t even eat properly, but you guys are already eyeing the spot?”

Looking at the earnest jawline of an unnamed man who was eating quite enthusiastically for someone supposedly concerned about their chairman’s health, Tae-sin chuckled.

“Well, Director Jang Tae-sin, are you laughing now?”

“Yes. It’s a bit amusing.”

The executive, who complained at Tae-sin’s unexpected reaction, was taken aback, closing his mouth like a clam.

“But what can a young person like me understand? Please continue your conversation.”

Ahem, people who cleared their throats began the argument again. The aimless conversation went on endlessly.

Tae-sin merely picked up the tea prepared on a small tray and took a few sips. He remained silent. Occasionally, he interjected insincerely to show that he was listening. Getting involved in unnecessary disputes was something he detested.

“This time, the 2,500-square-meter site in Seongmundong that won the bid is a place called Jinwoong Togun, and it seems the Jae-gyeong Construction guys are approaching.”

To prevent the monopoly of large construction companies and provide equal opportunities to various construction companies, public land where apartments or shops could be built was sold through a lottery system.

However, it was not uncommon for the winning construction company, especially if it was a small company, to be pressured to sell through intimidation. Usually, Jang Tae-sin, the managing director, handled such rough situations.

Although there was no overt indication of pushing him forward with his skillful handling, everyone present knew that Tae-sin had gained the trust of Chairman Baek Jeong-gil. Suddenly thrust into the position of a director, Tae-sin might have faced resentment from some who found it hard to accept him. Among them was Oh Seong-jin, an executive director, who sent sharp glances beyond the teacup adorned with plum blossoms. He was in charge of business operations, a vital business for Cheongsong Construction.

Oh Seong-jin once had his own organization, but he surrendered his entire organization to Chairman Baek Jeong-gil and joined under him. However, he still had many direct subordinates following him, and until Tae-sin appeared, he was considered the second in command at Cheongsong Construction.

He asked with a pointed tone, “Director Jang Tae-sin, you might have heard something. Director Jang, did the chairman give you any separate instructions?”

Tae-sin quietly nodded, and someone else stepped in to answer.

“Since he collapsed before hearing the news of winning the bid, there probably wasn’t a chance for that.”

The gathering, which had extended well past midnight, finally concluded without any significant outcome. Many suggested that the chairman’s seat should not be left vacant.

With Chairman Baek Jeong-gil already injured and without a successor, anyone could potentially surpass him. Some, including Oh Seong-jin, were burning with ambition.

However, no one raised their voice too loudly. They feared the chairman’s anger if he woke up. Chairman Baek Jeong-gil, who advocated for performance, was a person with experience in the politics of fear.

As the eyes of the attendees engaged in a silent game regarding the vacant chairman’s seat, Tae-sin returned to the waiting car with a slightly disgusted expression.

Tae-sin was not interested in gloves or the gaze of those who looked at him as if to check him. The chaotic spectacle and the antics of those who glared at him were merely amusing to him.

The black sedans that filled the parking lot scattered like cockroaches avoiding the light.

After about thirty minutes, a hotel standing in the middle of the city came into view. Tae-sin’s subordinate, who was driving, asked, “Will you go up right away?”

The main entrance to the hotel rooms and the entrance to the basement parking lot were quite far apart. They were asking where to park the car.

Tae-sin, gazing out of the window at the city’s nocturnal landscape beyond midnight, seemed to be contemplating for a moment without saying a word.

After a few seconds, he finally responded, “…to the basement parking lot.”

Finding Tae-sin had become more frequent lately.

“Excuse me, there.”

The familiar voice belonged to Manager Jo Kyeong-cheol. He was someone who had come down to the entertainment district even as a Cheongsongpa operative. As someone with a history in the organization, Manager Jo Kyeong-cheol wasn’t a complete stranger.

“How did you come here?”

Ah, if only I had moved a little faster…

Manager Jo Kyeong-cheol had come here to guard the empty counter. Han, who awkwardly turned around like a robot with a malfunction, looked at him.

There was a clear suspicion in Manager Jo’s face as he glanced beyond the teacup with plum blossoms, where Han’s face was covered by heavy makeup.

There was a moment of blankness in Han’s mind. His hands and feet became chilly, and it felt like an asthma attack might occur at any moment.

The suspicion in Manager Jo’s face became evident.

This place was mainly frequented by male customers, and it wasn’t a place for unfamiliar women. Moreover, Manager Jo remembered the faces of all the female employees working here.

“I don’t recognize your face.”

Manager Jo’s eyes narrowed. As if trying to see through the face hidden behind heavy makeup, his sharp gaze scrutinized Han’s face.

Han’s mind went completely blank. His hands and feet turned cold, and it felt like an asthma attack might occur at any moment.

Is it that I’m going back empty-handed without setting foot into the outside world?

At that moment, the short-haired customer who had advised me to look for something else suddenly came to mind.

Manager Jo Kyeong-cheol, who had an unmovable demeanor. How would he handle such a situation?

“Say something. I asked how you came here.”

“What’s with you?”

Chin up, head tilted, and imitating the gaze and actions of Sunwoo-hee, the short-haired customer, Han tried to mimic her.

Though his voice shook a bit at the end due to speaking loudly, he seemed to have pulled it off quite well. Giving a sharp look, Manager Jo blinked his eyes quickly, seemingly flustered.

“Uh… yes?”

Got him. He’s falling for it.

Encouraged, Han decided to continue mimicking Sunwoo-hee’s behavior.

“Who are you to stop me? Are you ignoring me too?”

“Yes, yes? I wouldn’t, I wouldn’t.”

“Move, you son of a bitch! Won’t you move?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You’re a second-floor customer. I didn’t recognize you.”

The suspicious look on Manager Jo’s face disappeared, replaced by a capitalistic smile.

With a feigned stumble, Han pushed Manager Jo’s shoulder aside and passed by him. Swaying his body as if drunk, he succeeded in getting out of the store.

Though he felt like rushing down the emergency stairs, he took the elevator, conscious of Manager Jo, who might be watching him through the glass door. The elevator closing slowly felt like an eternity, and he was on the verge of exploding in anger.

Finally, the elevator reached the ground, opening its doors to freedom. The last gate that had blocked him was two guards. As this place operated on a membership system, the entrance was always guarded.

“Goodbye.”

Politely greeting the guards, just as he was about to pass them.

A large, black sedan with tinted windows smoothly came to a stop on the street. The back door opened, and through the opening, a long leg stretched out, touching the ground.

Just by looking at the shoes and the long, straight calf, one could tell who it was.

It was Jang Tae-sin.

“…!”

Han’s heart pounded as if it were about to burst. It wouldn’t be strange if he passed out due to excessive drinking.

Han quickly lowered his head and touched his forehead with one hand, as if dizzy from alcohol. Walking without properly looking ahead, he bumped into Tae-sin’s arm with his shoulder.

“Ah.”

Tae-sin made a sound like a low sigh. Since Han couldn’t speak, he nodded quickly and apologized, then hurriedly passed by him.

His whole body shivered.

The woody scent of skin in the breeze and the faint smell of cigarettes, even from the small whiff, felt like it wrapped around his neck like a living creature.