The Perfect

CEO Ryu hadn’t yet removed the cast from his shoulder, but it wasn’t to the extent that he couldn’t work on the field. However, in the past few weeks, neither he nor his company had taken on any significant jobs. CEO Ryu knew that this was a punishment for the previous incident. The attempt to use Director Kook to obtain information had completely failed.Both the Special Agent and CEO Ryu’s company suffered significant losses. It was just one mistake, but it was as if he had been abandoned, with all contact suddenly cut off. CEO Ryu knew that Number 2 did not tolerate mistakes from his subordinates. He understood that the situation was sensitive due to the problem with the imprisoned former president, but he was angry that he had been punished as well.Of course, he didn’t go to confront Number 2 about it. The reduction in contracts with the Special Agent wasn’t a problem. What annoyed him was being excluded from important information. He had always been the one to bring important information. Only he knew what Number 2 wanted and what he was trying to do. But he had been excluded for one mistake. It felt like the childish ostracism where children don’t answer calls or messages.“CEO Ryu.”Number 2 greeted with a smile. CEO Ryu smiled back. The sly human. Let’s see what excuse he comes up with.“The chairman’s daughter has spoken about the mutant drug, hasn’t she? The bunker lab was completely destroyed, so there wouldn’t have been anything to salvage.”“That’s right. There was nothing to salvage. All we got from her was one pill.”“That can’t be true. She wouldn’t have been released just because of one pill, claiming mental derangement. She must have provided crucial information about the mutant drug supplier.”“She’s a conglomerate heiress. Even if Director Kook took everything from her, didn’t you know that rich people can survive for three years even after bankruptcy? She must have aligned herself with the current regime. We only took the drug and then left her alone.”CEO Ryu just laughed. Even though the other person spoke with a serious tone, he could sense it was a lie.“So there’s no information about the mutant drug supplier? I thought the Special Agent had found something because of the rumors.”“Rumors?”“They say the supplier is coming to Korea.”“I’ve heard that too. That’s why we’re on high alert right now.”That was all. No tasks or explanations followed. CEO Ryu looked into Number 2’s eyes and was convinced. This guy is completely abandoning me. Acting like this over just one failure.“What should I find out?”“There’s no need for that. There’s a saying that the information is with Director Kook’s lawyer. They succeeded where you failed. It seems they’ve gotten information out of Director Kook.”“Director Kook wouldn’t have said anything.”“That’s what you think.”Number 2 chuckled and shifted his gaze to CEO Ryu’s shoulder.“If we have to deal with Director Kook again, it’s better if you don’t get involved. Consider yourself lucky that only your shoulder was injured.”“Few people know Director Kook as well as I do. Director Kook wouldn’t have said anything to the lawyer. What does Han Jemyung, who is with him, say?”Han Jemyung? Number 2 furrowed his brow as if trying to recall who that was, then remembered.“The Special Agent employee who was placed next to Director Kook. You really don’t know anything. Director Kook hasn’t been to 4K lately because he’s always with the lawyer. Naturally, he hasn’t met Han Jemyung either. Director Kook probably forgot about Han Jemyung’s existence. Han Jemyung is now a useless person. Even if you insisted on placing him there, we don’t have any reason to care about someone who has become useless.”CEO Ryu shook his head. No. Han Jemyung was definitely useful. If Director Kook didn’t care, he wouldn’t have left him at 4K. When his grudge ended, he would cut everything off cleanly. He would lose interest and forget about the person as if they never existed.If he had resolved his grudge with Han Jemyung, he should have returned to the Special Agent. Keeping him nearby without seeking revenge meant there was another reason. He had to dig into Han Jemyung. It just felt that way.“Call Han Jemyung back to the anthill for investigation…”“CEO Ryu, I have another appointment. I need you to leave now.”CEO Ryu’s expression hardened coldly.“If they catch the mutant drug supplier over there, the chance to establish ties with the U.S. will completely disappear, just so you know.”“Do you think I don’t know that? That’s why we’re working hard, too. CEO Ryu, if you want to help me, bring me solid information.”Number 2 smiled kindly.“How long are you going to keep coming here just for fun?”As he left the anthill, CEO Ryu glanced back. He remembered what Director Kook had said. That Number 2 would grab his ankle from the collapsing anthill. Don’t be ridiculous. I’m the one who’s going to grab your ankle.* * *Ring-ring-ring-ring-As soon as I realized that the faint sound was the phone ringing, I sprang out of bed like a spring. What is this? Where am I? With my sleep-addled brain, I turned my head toward the sound. It was my phone. When I picked it up, it was an unknown number. But more than the number, the time displayed on my phone made me frown. 3:59. Damn, who’s calling at this ungodly hour? I was ready to curse as I answered the call.“Damn…”[Why are you only answering now?!]The other party got angry first. I missed my chance to curse. I was taken aback and pulled the phone away from my ear. What? Who is it?[Is Director Kook there? Did he tell you not to answer the phone? Huh? Hand it over right now. No, you don’t need to. Just tell him to come back right now. Hello? Are you there? Hey!]“Who is this?”[Me? You don’t know me? How can you not know me? Why don’t you know me? Don’t you remember my voice?]The endless barrage of questions triggered a vague memory.“Are you Director Kook’s lawyer?”[If you know, then hand over the phone to Director Kook.]“Director Kook is not here.”There was no answer. After I said “hello” a few times, he finally spoke up.[It’s quiet, so he must really not be there. Hmm.]“He really isn’t here.”[Then where is he?]How should I know?! I just woke up, and now I have to know Yangsimless’s whereabouts too?“In that case, since we’re done here, I’ll hang up now.”[No. You can’t do that. Director Kook will definitely go to you, so don’t hang up until he gets there.]What, does he want to stay on the phone all night?[By the way, do you watch morning dramas? In episode 203, they finally started their revenge.]The lawyer really started making small talk. Moreover, morning dramas are the kind of topic that you could stay up for 2-3 nights just complaining about. It was quite dangerous.“Lawyer, I’ll contact you as soon as Director Kook arrives.”[Haha, there’s no need for that. I’m good at talking for a long time.]“I’m not good at it.”[That’s your problem.]What is this familiar shamelessness?“I really don’t know where Director Kook went. And there’s no guarantee he’ll come to where I am.”[Then where did he go?]“How should I know?!”When I finally raised my voice, the other party laughed and tried to soothe me.[You’re really sensitive. Did I wake you up?]Did he think I was doing acrobatics at this hour?“Of course, I was asleep…”[Director Kook has nowhere else to go but to you. He’ll definitely come to you.]“Lawyer, on what basis are you saying that? Director Kook has his own house. Why would he come to me at this hour?”[He always says he should go to you when it’s dark.]“……”[Come to think of it, I’m really curious. Why does he meet you in the dark?]“He meets me during the day too.”[I know. He meets you during the day and then goes into a dark place.]“……”[Well, I’m really curious and concerned about what two adults do in the dark, so tell me in detail.]Talking about morning dramas would have been a hundred times better. Why is this guy so shameless?“Why should I talk about personal matters?”[You did it, didn’t you?]“What did we do?!”[Sex.]I couldn’t believe what I heard and looked at my phone. I was fully awake now. I strongly denied it, albeit a bit late.“We didn’t do that.”[See? Since you haven’t done it yet, the only place Director Kook can go is to you, Mr. Han Jemyung.]What is this oddly irrefutable feeling of annoyance? Anyway, the important point was that this person was quite formidable. I definitely didn’t want to inform him even if Yangsimless came to see me at dawn.[Contact me right away when Director Kook arrives.]Like I’m going to do that.[I’ll give you a gift card if you report it.]“If Director Kook comes, I’ll definitely contact you. I promise.”[Say that again. I’ll record it.]After I confirmed, he finally hung up. I realized that lawyers are as scary as morning dramas that go over 200 episodes without any revenge. But an even scarier reality awaited me. I was wide awake. I could sleep for three more hours, but my eyes were wide open.Suppressing my resentment and anger, I lay down. Determined to sleep more, I closed my eyes for about five minutes. Maybe it was the result of my effort, but I felt like I could fall asleep. If it weren’t for the sound of the door opening.I sprang up from my bed. If it were a thief boldly breaking in, I would beat them up. I grabbed a long stick with some expectation. But the lawyer’s annoying premonition was accurate. My room door opened, and Yangsimless came in. He squinted at my brightly lit room.“What are you doing awake?”Is that something to say when you barge into someone else’s room at dawn? My question stuck in my throat when I saw what he was holding. He had something black wrapped in a newspaper.“What is that?”“Truffles. Take it.”Yangsimless raised his chin. The proud glow in his eyes seemed to say, ‘You recognized it.’ My eyes widened in shock. I realized anew that this man was a huge fan of my novel. Would he fire a missile if he disliked someone? I asked, pretending not to know.“Why are you giving me truffles?”“They’re pretty. You can eat them too. It’s the best gift.”“You find that pretty?”“Yes. It’s more expensive than gold.”Now that he mentioned it, the truffles seemed to shine.“It’s indeed a gift that combines practicality and beauty. But I don’t want something so expensive.”“Then eat it and get rid of it.”He approached me with the truffles. I sprang out of bed.“No, thank you. Eat it yourself. And what’s the deal with waking someone up in the middle of the night for this?”“You weren’t asleep.”“I was about to fall asleep. Even if I weren’t, why come at this hour?”When I snapped, he muttered to himself.“I worked so hard to get here before sunrise.”“Whether Director Kook works hard or a cat works hard, barging into someone else’s home is…”“This is my home. 4K is mine, so this is mine too.”“Just because you’re the landlord, does that mean you can come in whenever you want?”“In an emergency.”What emergency? Forcing truffles on someone? While I was thinking, the lights suddenly went out. I wasn’t even surprised anymore.“Do we still need emergency drills in this villa?”“No matter how much you practice, it doesn’t hurt. But this isn’t a drill.”If it’s not a drill? I looked outside and saw that other houses had power. Yangsimless’s voice came from the darkness.“The fuse blew here.”I nodded calmly. Then I pulled out something I had prepared from under the bed. As soon as I turned on five lanterns said to emit powerful light even in a blackout, the room became brighter than before. I could see Yangsimless’s squinted eyes clearly.“What are you doing? Trying to blind me?”“That’s why I prepared three-way lights.”“No wonder my eyes feel comfortable.”He admitted begrudgingly. But then he looked around expressionlessly. What is he up to? Planning to smash the lights with a stick? Contrary to my worry, he plopped down and looked up at me.“Sit down. It’s not dark, and you’re not going to kiss me, so there’s nothing to fear.”Who said I was scared? Angrily, I sat across from him. But I didn’t forget to place the five lanterns between us.“You’re quite a coward.”I stopped placing the last lantern and looked up.“Yes, I am a coward.”It’s true. I admit it every day.“Are you afraid of me or James?”I stopped again and looked at him.“Director Kook’s lawyer scares me the most. He told me to contact him immediately.”Seeing him annoyed made me feel a bit better.“You don’t have to.”“He recorded my promise. If I don’t contact him…”“You’ll get a gift card, right? I’ll give you double.”“Just because…”“Five times.”“Come to think of it, my phone battery is dead.”I removed the battery from my phone. Yangsimless reached out, demanding the battery. When I handed it to him, he asked.“Who scares you more, me or James?”“I’ll pass on the gift card.”“I refuse. Unless you give me ten times the amount.”Blinded by greed, I regretted betraying the lawyer.“Are you going to stay here? I need to sleep.”“I’ll let you sleep if you give me twenty times the gift card amount.”Should I really give it and bankrupt him? Then he made another proposal.“I’ll let you sleep if you turn off the lights.”“Turning off the lights requires 200 times the gift card amount.”“Alright.”“……”While I was still frozen, he turned off one of the lights. I quickly stopped him with my hand.“Wait, you’re seriously giving 200 times the gift cards just to turn off the lights?”“It’s a thousand times since there are five lights.”I looked back and forth between the lights and him. I couldn’t believe this was the same guy who insisted on collecting food expenses from me just a few months ago.“What if I really turn off the lights and go to sleep?”“Then James and all will just take care of themselves.”I couldn’t help but chuckle. I soon pressed my lips together and asked again.“When are you planning to pay off your debts like that?”“In a week.”I was taken aback by his precise date.“Really?”“Yes.”“Congratulations.”“Just with words?”“I’ll give you a gift card as a present when I get it.”This time, he grinned. Unlike me, his smile lingered on his lips. When he smiles, he gives off a boyish charm. It makes me momentarily forget that he’s Yangsimless. I even momentarily forget the horrible past of being tormented by him. Actually, it was what CEO Na told me about him that left a lingering discomfort. Knowing there was someone else obsessed with him made me feel hurt and prideful. I hated myself for having these feelings.“You finally let your guard down.”“Guard down?”“The lights and all, you’re building more walls than usual.”“I just woke up.”True. He nodded.“I’ll get back at that lawyer for you.”The lawyer called because of you!“I handle my own revenge.”“Go ahead. I won’t interfere. I’ll take care of my own revenge.”“Why is it your revenge when I’m the one who lost sleep?”“I’m taking revenge because it spoiled my mood. Is there a problem?”“It’s not a problem, but it’s awkward. Are you planning to take revenge every time something bad happens to me?”He tilted his head as if he didn’t understand.“Why is that awkward? You don’t need to be polite to someone who wronged you. Just applaud and laugh when they suffer because of me.”“That’s not what I mean.”“Then, are you more concerned about the person who upset you than about me? Is my lawyer that important to you?”“I don’t classify people into ranks like that.”“But I do. I care more about people who are precious to me. You never know when someone will die, so I don’t plan to be polite or nice to insignificant people. And my number one is you.”I couldn’t speak for a while before asking.“Where does Sebastian rank?”“Second.”The answer came immediately. Yangsimless probably replied unconsciously. He seemed shocked himself. Meanwhile, I forgot why we were arguing and what upset me and chuckled. Watching him realize his love for his family dog after years, I asked another question.“So, who was the person you wanted to meet so badly that you went to dangerous places three years ago?”Still recovering from the shock about Sebastian, Yangsimless looked at me with ‘what?’ Then his expression subtly changed. His eyes turned fierce. Was that person really important?“Did you get that close with Na Jinwook?”A question I hadn’t anticipated.“Don’t deny it. Na Jinwook doesn’t talk about me unless it’s to specific people.”“Specific people?”“People he wants to protect from my revenge.”Was it out of pity? While I was puzzled, I felt a strong gaze. Yangsimless was looking at me threateningly. Wait, do I look like a partner caught cheating?“Didn’t Director Kook say that to make sure I wouldn’t get revenge?”Yangsimless’s eyes narrowed, but the hostility lessened.“Did he say anything else?”Yes. He found out I wrote ‘Love, Purity, Passion, The Name is Burning White Rose.’“Well, sort of.”“Did he act differently than usual?”Yes. He asked me to sleep with him.“What do you mean by differently?”“Holding his stomach and laughing, or crying with laughter. Na Jinwook completely lets loose in front of people he likes.”I struggled to maintain a straight face. Did CEO Na really like my butt?“Be careful of that guy.”“My butt?”Damn, I accidentally said what I was thinking. I quickly added.“My butt hurts from sitting too long.”“I’ll give you a massage.”What a frightening individual. Never missing a chance to make a move.“No, thank you.”“You look like you have poor blood circulation. Might get necrosis.”He was determined to kill my butt out of his own selfish desire.“I’m doing fine, so no need to worry.”“Then prove it. If you’re embarrassed, I’ll turn off the lights.”If he turns off the lights, is James going to come check?“Why don’t you stop before I cover myself in lights?”Tsk, he clicked his tongue and turned his head away. His pouting lips were absurd yet slightly, just slightly, cute. So, another question slipped out. I was just curious about who that person was.“If the person you desperately wanted to meet three years ago is alive, what rank would they be?”“Turn off one light, and I’ll tell you.”“……”“You’re not scared of just one light, are you?”“Is an exchange necessary for an answer?”“I don’t need one. It’s you who needs it. If you hear my story without something in return, you’ll be so burdened you’d be trembling. Either way, you’d be buzzing like a bee.”Lame jokes were my territory, but I felt pushed back. I turned off one light. Finally, I got an answer.“How would I know their rank? I don’t even know their face.”I wanted to turn the light back on.“Why did you want to meet someone whose face you don’t even know?”“Two lights.”“……”“Then three lights.”“Why does the number keep increasing?”“You don’t like it? I’ll settle for two.”I almost fell for it, but quickly regained my senses and made a different proposal.“Director Kook, you can ask me anything you’re curious about. Let’s call it even.”“I have nothing to ask.”“You’re not curious about anything?”“Are you sleepy? Listen carefully. I said I have nothing to ask, not that I’m not curious.”You’re so great. I held back my irritation and asked.“Why won’t you ask?”“Because it’s a waste. I’ll discover everything myself, whether it’s a new aspect of you or a stupid thought. I’ll find out one by one.”“……”“So, don’t spoil it in advance.”Any fleeting emotional connection quickly disappeared. Right, this guy really hated spoilers.“What if I did something strange in my past?”“I don’t care. I like you now.”The present me. The current me is a nobody Special Agent employee, a coward, and broke.“What if it turns out I’m your enemy?”“I’d have taken revenge.”Well, revenge is his specialty.“I’ve never left a grudge unpaid. Except for the person who reported me to the apartment women’s association, the guy who vomited in my car, and the one who dirtied my shirt. By the way, did you call the landlord?”This topic was more dangerous than James. I quickly turned off two lights.“Just answer without any exchanges, please.”“I simply wanted to meet.”I recalled the question I asked. Why did you want to meet that person so badly three years ago?“There must be a reason?”“There was. One day, a colleague told me after seeing someone. That there was someone as amazing as me.”“Amazing in what way?”He looked at me with dry eyes.“Killing.”* * *It was rare for the quiet archives of the Population Management Office to have outside visitors. But in the past month, Section Chief Yoo had two visitors. This time, the visitor was tall and handsome, catching everyone’s eye. With his polite behavior, he made the female employees’ eyes sparkle and made a polite proposal in front of Section Chief Yoo.“If you don’t tell me about Han Jemyung, I’ll report you for bribery.”Section Chief Yoo looked down at the business card the visitor gave him. CEO of 4K, Na Jinwook.“Mr. Na Jinwook, you speak quite oddly. You haven’t asked me anything about Han Jemyung, yet you’re assuming I won’t answer and starting with a threat. How can I respond to that in good spirits?”Jinwook smiled.“I know it’s not something you’d answer just like that, at XX trading company.”Despite the company name being mentioned, Section Chief Yoo’s expression didn’t change.“No. I can tell you. I used to work there, and so did Han Jemyung. I can tell you what he did, what the company’s revenue was, everything.”Jinwook slowly looked around Section Chief Yoo’s office. The archive was set up in a corner of a large warehouse, and his office was surrounded by documents.“It’s quite the collection. Someone told me, if you can’t find something, go to the archives of the Population Management Office. If you manage all the documents here, you could forge things.”“That’s defamation.”“Did you also alter Han Jemyung’s records? There’s one thing I don’t understand. Why did you leave the nonsensical place name ‘Dongil City’ as it is?”Section Chief Yoo didn’t respond. Jinwook continued to look around and added.“Dongil City seems to be a pretty important term. Is it like a key that can’t be discarded even if the past is altered? Like an unresolved grudge that can intrude into reality at any time.”Jinwook looked back at Section Chief Yoo.“Who was Han Jemyung?”“I don’t know what you’re asking. Han Jemyung is Han Jemyung. A regular low-level employee at the Special Agent.”“What I want to know is his past.”“Ask him yourself.”“I don’t want to. What if he runs away? I don’t want to pressure Han Jemyung. If it’s something he wants to keep hidden, I won’t ask. That’s why I came to you. So tell me. Even if I know the truth, I’ll pretend not to if he doesn’t want me to know.”“You seem to like Han Jemyung quite a bit.”Jinwook just smiled.“At least I won’t harm him.”“That’s none of my business.”“So you won’t tell the truth unless I threaten you?”“Threaten? Oh, bribery.”Hmph, Section Chief Yoo scoffed.“Report me. As a fan of the Chunhyang era, I have nothing to be ashamed of.”“Then I’ll have to use another threat.”“No matter what you do, I won’t tell you anything.”“Should I ask someone else? Do you think I came here because I was too lazy to go around asking with this video?”Video? When Section Chief Yoo asked, Jinwook showed him his phone. In the dark foundation entrance, Heartless was walking with a knife in hand. But Heartless soon stopped and turned his head. From the direction he was looking, Han Jemyung approached slowly and stopped at a distance.After a few seconds of standoff, Heartless suddenly charged at him. Just a few steps apart, it seemed like Han Jemyung, who hadn’t moved, would be slashed by Heartless’s knife, but the knife barely missed. Han Jemyung had simply leaned his upper body back slightly.With a blank expression, he raised his hand and twisted Heartless’s shoulder. Heartless swung the knife at him again, but it was another miss. The arm holding the knife twisted along with the shoulder that was already grabbed. Meanwhile, Han Jemyung’s other arm wrapped around Heartless’s neck. Crack. The hand that had grabbed the arm twisted the head sharply, making a small noise.That was the end. Han Jemyung didn’t move a single step during the entire process. He easily twisted Heartless’s neck and killed him as if it were a daily routine. The powerful Heartless collapsed helplessly in his hands like a child. Han Jemyung turned his gaze to stare inside the foundation, then moved for the first time.He kicked the knife that had fallen to the floor, sending it into the air. The blade was caught between his fingers. It spun quickly and the handle landed in his palm. He tilted his head as he looked inside. The video ended with him walking towards the side door and disappearing from the frame.“A regular low-level employee at the Special Agent?”Jinwook smiled bitterly.“He didn’t even blink when the blade was inches from his face. I’ve only seen one other person who can kill Heartless so cleanly, quickly, and easily—my cousin.”Jinwook asked Section Chief Yoo again, who had his mouth firmly shut.“Who exactly is Han Jemyung?”* * *The Special Agent office, where I had worked for over two years, felt unfamiliar after just a few weeks away. There was a reason. The office had been decorated for GM Week. Everything was pink. It was hard to tell if this was the office for catching Heartless or a cute tea cafe.All because of GM Week. Recent research suggested that Heartless’s brain disease was caused by mutations in specific genetic factors, with stress being a major factor. The new regime adopted a motto of living joyfully. But research results come out daily, so who knows when it will change again.Still, it was too pink. Feeling oddly cheerful, I entered the department that had called me. It was a place I had visited a few times before. It was the office where I had written reports and been investigated regarding Yangsimless.Over the phone, they said it was just a simple procedure to leave a record since there had been no contact for a long time. Simple, my foot. I despaired at the thought of being stuck for hours again when the door opened. But it wasn’t the usual Special Agent staff. Waiting for me was CEO Ryu of L&Y.“Long time no see, Han Jemyung.”* * *Jinwook arrived at the location given by Section Chief Yoo, but all he could do was look dumbfounded. Section Chief Yoo had called someone and told Jinwook to speak directly to the person in charge, which turned out to be Director Kook’s lawyer’s office. Director Kook’s lawyer. A completely unexpected person had popped up. How was the lawyer connected to Han Jemyung? But he didn’t get to ask. As always, the lawyer spoke first.“Hey, is this some sort of meeting square? Why are they using my office as they please? CEO Na, really? Did it have to be my office? Are coffee shop prices too high? Are you planning to use this place for free?”“Send me the bill.”Only then did the lawyer kindly ask,“What would you like to drink?”“I’m fine. But how did you come to know Han Jemyung?”“How? He’s the one who dumped Director Kook.”“Then how do you know Section Chief Yoo from the Population Management Office?”“Who’s that?”Does he really not know? Jinwook looked at the lawyer for a while, wondering if he was testing him, and then answered.“Lawyer, didn’t you talk to Section Chief Yoo?”“No.”“You don’t know him? Someone called me to come here. I thought for sure you would know.”“I do. He’s right behind you.”What? Jinwook was so startled he jumped up from his seat and turned around. Someone was indeed there. A man in his fifties with graying hair stood with his hands behind his back. How long had he been standing there?“CEO Na of 4K? I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time.”“For a long time? Why did you want to meet me?”In response to Jinwook’s sharp question, the man handed over a business card. Jinwook saw the words “Restoration Department.”“Thanks to 4K, our department has been working overtime this month. Compared to other companies, you guys cause quite the large-scale incidents, so 4K is quite famous on our side. I’ve always seen the lawyer because of work, but it’s a pleasure to finally meet the CEO of 4K in person.”Jinwook couldn’t even manage an awkward smile. The Restoration Department was the last place hunting companies wanted to deal with. He glanced at the lawyer. The lawyer, as if he had been waiting, spoke up.“You owe me a hundred bows.”Ah, yes. Jinwook muttered and looked back at the Restoration Department manager.“Did you call me here through Section Chief Yoo?”“Let’s sit and talk.”The manager sat down comfortably as if it were his office. The lawyer also sat down, indicating a seat to the still wary Jinwook.“Sit and talk quickly before the state catches wind of anything.”“Is it that serious that Director Kook would feel something?”“It depends on how much Director Kook cares about Han Jemyung.”The one who answered was the Restoration Department manager. Jinwook sat down across from him silently.“How do you know Han Jemyung?”“I taught him some things in the past.”“What things?”“Comedy.”“……”Jinwook looked at the lawyer again. Is this guy really from the Restoration Department? His eyes questioned. The lawyer warned him.“Be careful. They’re not just any department.”“Haha, what do you mean-”The manager waved his hand, laughing, and then made a proposal to Jinwook.“It’s unfair that only I get questioned, so let’s take turns. Now it’s my turn, right?”“Go ahead.”“Why did you record Han Jemyung? Did he do something wrong?”“No. He did nothing wrong. But there were some strange things. His movements are not those of an ordinary Special Agent employee, and his past records are incomplete.”“If you’re curious, why not ask him directly? Why investigate him like a criminal?”“Shouldn’t we at least know if the people we work with are criminals or not?”“He’s not a criminal. He’s not a threat to 4K either. I can vouch for that.”“Why should I trust you, Restoration Department manager?”“Not me, the lawyer here will vouch.”The lawyer, unexpectedly named, reacted with ‘why me?’ but the manager ignored him and continued speaking to Jinwook.“If the goal was to confirm he’s not dangerous, this should be enough. If you need more confirmation, set up a trustworthy person as a guarantor.”“That makes me even more curious. Who exactly is Han Jemyung?”“Look, if it’s just personal curiosity, let it go. Han Jemyung wants to live with his current identity, forgetting the past. Why dig into it?”“So he had another identity. If the Restoration Department manager is involved, it must have been on the government’s side.”Jinwook added with a smile.“I learned one thing while catching Heartless. Never overlook even a trivial doubt. Overlooked issues can become major problems later. So I can’t let this go. I don’t want Han Jemyung to be in danger or get involved in something wrong because of his past.”“Why do you think he’d be in danger because of his past?”“It’s just a feeling.”Jinwook answered lightly. The lawyer looked disapproving and warned the manager.“That family has shaman blood.”Jinwook’s eyes sharpened as he looked at the two.“Is something going on with Han Jemyung?”“CEO Na, do you really want to know about Han Jemyung?”“Yes.”“You might be expecting something significant, but it’s actually not a big deal.”“Then you won’t mind telling me. Go ahead.”The Restoration Department manager leaned back on the sofa, staring at Jinwook, and then began to speak.“Until three years ago, Han Jemyung was an agent in a secret government department handling high-risk Heartless.”“What was the name of this department?”“It had no official name. It was known by a nickname, TP.”“I’ve never heard of it.”“If everyone knew about it, it wouldn’t be a secret department, would it?”“Were you also an agent in that department?”“Yes and no. My job was to find suitable candidates while working in the Restoration Department and train them for the secret department.”It made sense. The Restoration Department was a perfect cover for someone scouting talent while traveling around the country.“Han Jemyung was the most talented among those I trained. Like a hidden dragon.”“In what way?”“In comedy.”Jinwook openly displayed his annoyance, but the manager continued unfazed.“Of course, we didn’t recruit him for his comedic skills. He had special abilities that got him into the department early.”Jinwook wanted to ask what these special abilities were but chose a different question, fearing another joke.“How old was he when he joined?”“Fourteen.”“……”“I still remember. The blank face beside his grandmother who had died due to Heartless. I took him into the secret department and trained him, but it was the people in the department who became his family.”“Then why did he quit?”“Because the department was dissolved.”The lawyer, who had been listening, interjected.“Wait, the secret department you’re talking about? Han Jemyung was part of that department? The one that saved my son?”“Yes.”“But I heard all the agents in that department died three years ago. You lied to me.”“He didn’t want anyone to know. No need to advertise living a new life.”“But still, to me…”The lawyer squinted at Jinwook. Jinwook, listening to their conversation, roughly understood the situation. He knew a bit about the lawyer’s circumstances. His son worked under the current president and was targeted by the former president, accused of being Heartless, and almost killed. He narrowly escaped and fled in two teams, but a few days later, another assassin came, and one team was annihilated. The lawyer’s son was in the team that died instead of the current president.“So he was alive. Incredible.”The lawyer muttered in disbelief. Jinwook felt curious and asked the manager why he brought this up first.“Why did all the agents die three years ago?”“Three years ago, when the number of Heartless suddenly increased. Have you heard the rumor that someone deliberately spread a drug to create Heartless?”Of course, he knew. But back then, all sorts of stories were floating around to quell the fear of the unknown.“At that time, the U.S. secretly requested help. A drug that caused Heartless was discovered, and they needed elite agents to eliminate the drug and its maker. The government sent the entire secret department, which had the best skills. Well, except for Section Chief Yoo, who was hospitalized due to injuries.”Jinwook frowned.“So that rumor was true?”The Restoration Department manager gave a bitter smile instead of a direct answer.“At that time, we all believed it to be true.”* * *The legend that CEO Ryu smoked with his severed arm seemed true as he had bandages on his shoulder. I understood why I was called here. CEO Ryu must have pressured the Special Agent to meet me. At this rate, is he the head of the Special Agent?“Hello.”I greeted him grudgingly, and he asked about something important right away.“How are my cuties?”“They’re still cute.”CEO Ryu looked away regretfully. I looked away too. Damn, why was I called? Did Yangsimless cause another problem? Of course, he did. As expected, CEO Ryu mentioned him next.“Director Kook is very busy these days. They say he hardly goes to 4K, so you must not see him much.”Why call me when you know that?“Yes, he’s very busy.”“He has to be, with the mutant drug supplier coming to Korea.”What? He read my expression and asked again.“Aren’t you surprised? What does Director Kook know about the supplier to get such information?”Not that I know, but honestly, it was surprising.“I heard the supplier is in the U.S.”