“Is it a difficult request, Chief Prosecutor?”
Though there was a smile on my face, my voice was cold.
If he had already forgotten the aning behind my action of saving him—sothing he himself had called a favor...
Then making him rember it once wouldn't be a bad idea.
As soon as the tone of my voice shifted, Chief Prosecutor Yoon waved his hands.
“No, it’s just that things are a bit uneasy in the prosecution these days. I was just thinking. I might’ve fallen out with the current Prosecutor General. The man doesn’t seem to like very much.”
I nodded.
It wasn’t an unbelievable story.
The previous Prosecutor General from the forr administration had stepped down, and his acting successor had been appointed by the new president—but that president was summoning Yoon more often than the new Prosecutor General.
Besides, that man was from the last graduating class of the bar exam, while Yoon was from the second. No way they’d get along.
But that’s not my problem.
“Yes, I know. But even so, I don’t quite understand why. I just hope you don’t forget who it all started from—everything you’re enjoying right now.”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon’s face stiffened at my words.
I continued, not avoiding his gaze.
“Did you hold hands with because of my grandfather, or was it because of the future you saw in ? Why are you hesitating just because I called this a personal matter?”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon lifted the corners of his mouth stiffly, letting out a hollow laugh.
“Goodness, with a temper like that, how are you going to handle the big leagues? I wasn’t hesitating about helping. I was just curious why you pulled the ‘favor’ card for sothing so trivial. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
I said nothing and simply stared at him. Chief Prosecutor Yoon’s eyes darted around nervously.
“If I upset you, I apologize. But I wasn’t hesitating over whether or not to help. Do you think I’d forget whose help got where I am?”
“Please don’t make disappointed in you, Chief Prosecutor. I’m asking sincerely. I want to maintain this relationship even after you beco Prosecutor General—and even after you retire.”
“You... of course. Do you think I don’t know that? Now then, tell . Why are you asking for this favor?”
That should be enough for now.
I withdrew my gaze and took another sip of the cinnamon punch.
“The reason I’m asking for your help with Geukseong Construction...”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon nodded as I spoke.
And when the explanation ended, he stroked his chin with a troubled look.
“To properly dig into this, the Supre Prosecutor’s Office should handle it. If lawmaker Kim Seyoung is involved, it’s not sothing we can touch at the district level. He’s a three-term ruling party lawmaker, after all—even if he’s not in the president’s camp.”
“That won’t do. You must control it yourself. The mont it passes to the Supre Prosecutors’, I won’t be able to get my hands on it. It might be possible with my grandfather’s help, but this is revenge I want to handle personally. That’s why I pulled the ‘favor’ card.”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon gave a slow, heavy nod.
“Hmm... Got it. First, we’ll have the Violent Cris Division start with a gang investigation angle and work from there.”
I picked up the envelope placed beside and handed it to him.
“These are the basic corruption files. If you start with that, it’ll be easy to get in.”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon flipped through the papers quickly, then looked up, surprised.
“Even lawmaker Kim Seyoung’s files are in here?”
“He’s the core of it all.”
I added to the chuckle on his face.
“This could easily turn into a large-scale scandal involving both politicians and civil servants. If you do this right, it’ll be a win for you too. Don’t let the Prosecutor General take it. He’ll definitely try to.”
“There’s no way I’m handing this over to that guy. Got it. I’ll contact you before the arrest warrant goes out. I’ll have them in cuffs within a few weeks.”
“Thank you. And before Jo Hyungu’s arrest warrant is issued, please make sure so intel conveniently reaches lawmaker Kim Seyoung’s side.”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon shot a puzzled look.
He really thought handcuffs would be the end of it? He’s more naïve than I expected.
“That way, Jo Hyungu will start making moves to escape. Once he transfers the stock, that’s when you arrest him. If he hands over the company for money, he’ll live like a king in detention, won’t he?”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon looked at the smirk on my face and grimaced.
“Phew... You really are scary. Just like with your uncle—and now this. You’re soone I definitely wouldn’t want to make an enemy of.”
“But I’m endlessly good to my allies, right?”
“Heh heh heh.”
Chief Prosecutor Yoon stood up first, taking the envelope.
“I’ll be off then. I’ll contact you soon.”
He walked out and closed the door behind him. I saw him out, then sat back down and drank a glass of cold water.
This ti it was just words, but a warning must never be half-hearted.
A mont later, Chief Ma walked in.
“He’s gone?”
“He just left.”
“And the money?”
“Yes, it was loaded into his trunk before he ca out.”
“Good work.”
Together, Chief Ma and I left the Korean traditional restaurant.
In the shaking car, staring out the window, I suddenly asked,
“What about Jo Chanseong?”
“Not yet.”
“When do you think Park Dongsu will act...”
Leaning my head against the seat, I closed my eyes.
It was two days later when I got a call from Park Dongsu.
— Boss. Jo Chanseong’s been handled.
“Really? Thank you. Who carried it out?”
— I sent them down to Geoje-do for now. If they stay in Busan, an investigation might pop up, or Jo Hyungu’s side might catch on.
“Well done. You secured the hidden funds, right?”
— Of course.
“I’ve taken care of my side too, so there won’t be any investigations into your business, Mr. Park. Just wait. Once the arrest warrant cos out, Jo Hyungu will try to disappear sowhere. That’s when you catch him and take everything. You can do that, right?”
— Ain’t that what I do best? Don’t worry. I’ll be in touch.
“Okay.”
I hung up and turned to Chief Ma.
“He says it’s done. Please check which hospital he’s in.”
Chief Ma bowed slightly and left the room.
As I watched his car disappear past the window, I muttered,
“This is just the beginning. You better look forward to what’s coming.”
* * *
“What? The fuck are you saying? My Chanseong got his Achilles tendon cut?!”
Jo Hyungu’s roar exploded in the executive office of Geukseong Construction.
“Korea National University Hospital? Got it. I’m heading there right now.”
His face was red with rage.
He hung up and imdiately called soone on the internal line.
“Hey! Chanseong’s Achilles tendon got slashed—who the hell are we at war with right now? Even in a war, there are rules, and family’s off-limits!”
— What? Soone went after Chanseong?
“Fuck if I know what’s going on. I’m heading out now, so get the boys ready. And has that bastard Wonchun still not checked in?”
— No, we’ve got people out looking for him...
“What the hell is happening? Just keep looking for Wonchun.”
“Yes, sir.”
When Jo Hyungu arrived at the ergency room, what he saw was Jo Chanseong lying there, his leg suspended in the air.
“Chanseong!”
Jo Chanseong turned his head weakly and looked at him.
“Da... Dad...”
“What the hell?! What happened?! Who did this to you?!”
His shouting shook the ergency room.
Patients [N O V E L I G H T] and guardians stared in shock.
“Sir, please lower your voice. You can’t cause a disturbance in the ER.”
A nearby doctor rushed over to stop him, but Jo Hyungu had already lost control.
“What? Did you just talk back to ?! Do you even know who I am?!”
The flustered doctor glanced around in panic.
Security was called, but Jo Hyungu’s n blocked the way.
Eventually, even the police showed up, but after a few brief exchanges, they left.
Later, after calming down, Jo Hyungu sat beside Chanseong and asked,
“Did you see their faces?”
“They ca out of nowhere... I think there were two n... I don’t rember.”
Jo Hyungu clenched his teeth and sank into thought.
‘That bastard Wonchun vanished all of a sudden too... Who the hell are these guys?’
As tension filled the air around Jo Hyungu’s crew, eyes darted away in fear across the ergency room.
And outside the ER window—soone was watching.
A chilling smirk crept across Muhyuk’s lips.
* * *
I turned casually and headed upstairs to Hyunseong’s hospital room.
When I entered, both Hyunseong and his mother greeted .
“You’re here.”
“Muhyuk, you ca? Have you eaten?”
“I have, ma’am. Hyunseong’s being discharged next week, right?”
She nodded at my words.
“Will you be staying in Seoul for a bit?”
“I’ll cook for you boys at Myungsoo’s place before heading back down. With just n in the house, it’s probably a disaster.”
She gave Hyunseong a wary glance.
“Haha... How’s Jiseong doing?”
“Jiseong? Unlike soone, that boy does just fine on his own. This fool’s turning into a big dumb bear like his dad.”
Hyunseong sheepishly avoided her sharp gaze.
She clicked her tongue.
“You two talk. I’ve been cooped up too long. I’m going for a walk.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She left, and I was alone with Hyunseong.
“...Jo Chanseong got hauled into the ER.”
Hyunseong looked at with slight surprise.
Watching from outside had made feel satisfied—but telling him now didn’t feel so good.
“They say his Achilles tendon got slashed. That bastard ruined your career. Serves him right.”
Despite my words, Hyunseong just stared at in silence.
“...?”
“Say sothing.”
After a long pause, he finally muttered,
“Was that really necessary?”
“What? You worried about him now?”
“Muhyuk... I just don’t want you to change. Don’t overdo it because of .”
“What do you an change?”
This idiot... worrying about ?
Seriously, this fool...
“Enough. Anyone who touches the people around —I'm going to repay that a hundred, no, a thousandfold.”
“Muhyuk...”
Unable to et the pity in his eyes, I turned away and stood up.
“I’ll see you at discharge next week. We’ve gotta eat together. Been a while since we had your mom’s cooking.”
Without waiting for a response, I left the room.
I sat in the passenger seat as Chief Ma drove, staring blankly out the window.
‘Have I changed?’
It wasn’t a hard question to answer.
I ca back from the brink of death. Not changing would’ve been the strange part.
If anything, I’m thankful for it. I saved Grandma. I didn’t forget my friends. I earned Grandfather’s trust.
And yet...
“...Chief Ma.”
“Yes, Boss?”
“Am I thinking wrong?”
Chief Ma glanced at , then pulled over onto the shoulder.
“What do you an, sir?”
“Everything I’m doing... for my friend’s revenge.”
His firm gaze locked onto mine.
“Hyunseong said he hopes I haven’t changed. He thinks I’m doing all this because of him. But truthfully, I’m more angry about the fact that soone touched the people around . It’s almost selfish satisfaction.”
“If it weighs on you, you can stop anyti. Only you can make that decision.”
Silence again filled the car.
Eventually, a small sigh dispersed into the air.
“You’re right. I’ll bear the consequences of my choices. Let’s go. I’m tired.”
Without a word, Chief Ma resud driving.
A few days later.
After completing the discharge process, I drove Hyunseong and his mom to Myungsoo’s place.
I helped Hyunseong out of the car. His left leg and arm still weren’t fully healed, so he was in a wheelchair.
“Congrats on the discharge.”
“Thanks.”
As we stepped inside, Myungsoo greeted us.
“Mom! You’re here? Hyunseong, you bastard!”
“Hey! Stop that!”
Startled, Hyunseong recoiled from Myungsoo, who lunged in for a hug.
“Everyone just sit tight and hang out. I’ll make sothing good.”
“Wow, it’s been forever since I had your cooking, Mom. My mouth’s watering already.”
Amused by Myungsoo’s cheeky antics, Hyunseong’s mom laughed heartily and went into the kitchen.
The three of us sat together for the first ti in a while, chatting—when my phone rang.
“Hold on, I’ll take this.”
I stepped into the bedroom and answered.
“This is Kim Muhyuk.”
— Muhyuk, is this a good ti?
It was Chief Prosecutor Yoon.
< Don’t Overdo It Because of . > End.
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