"Is it a difficult matter, Chief Prosecutor Yoon?"
Despite the smile on my face, my voice was cold.
If he had forgotten the meaning of my actions in defending him, which he had once asked me to do as a favor...
It wouldn't be a bad thing to remind him once.
As my tone changed, Chief Prosecutor Yoon waved his hand.
"No, I've been thinking a lot lately because the atmosphere in the prosecution is uneasy. I wondered if I had fallen out of favor with the new Chief. That he doesn't think highly of me."
I nodded.
It wasn't an unreasonable story.
The former Chief Prosecutor, who was from the previous administration, had stepped down, and the person who had been acting as Chief was appointed to the position, but the President called Chief Prosecutor Yoon more often than the new Chief.
Moreover, he was from the last bar exam cohort, while Chief Prosecutor Yoon was from the second cohort, so it was unlikely they would get along.
But that's not my concern.
"Yes, I know. But even so, I'm not sure. I hope you don't forget where all your current privileges come from."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon's face stiffened at my words.
I added, without avoiding his gaze.
"Did you shake hands with me because of my grandfather, or because of my future? Why are you hesitating over my personal matters?"
Chief Prosecutor Yoon smiled stiffly and chuckled.
"Is this guy so impatient that he's going to cause trouble? I wasn't hesitating about whether to help, but I was curious why you were using the 'favor' card for something not that significant. Don't be upset."
I didn't answer and just stared at Chief Prosecutor Yoon. His eyes darted around.
"If I upset you, I'm sorry. I wasn't hesitating. I know who I owe my position to."
"Don't let me down. I ask you as a favor. I want to continue our relationship even if you become the Chief Prosecutor or retire."
"That person, really. Do you think I don't know? Now, tell me. Why are you asking for this favor?"
For now, let's leave it at that.
I put down my gaze and took another sip of the tea.
"I asked you to look into the Geumseong Construction case... because..."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon nodded as he listened to me.
When I finished explaining, he rubbed his chin with a troubled expression.
"To properly handle this, it needs to be investigated by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, right? With Representative Kim Se-yeong involved, it's not a case for our district office, even if you're not part of the President's faction."
"It can't be done. You must control it. Once it goes to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, I won't be able to handle it. Grandfather's help might make it possible, but I want to take revenge myself. That's why I'm asking for a favor, isn't it?"
Chief Prosecutor Yoon nodded heavily.
"Hmm... I understand. We need to start by focusing on the organized crime investigation in the Violent Crimes Division."
I picked up the envelope of documents I had placed on the side and handed it to him.
"These are the basic corruption materials. With these, you can easily get in."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon, who was glancing through the documents, asked in surprise.
"Does it include Representative Kim Se-yeong's information?"
"That's the core."
I added, seeing his hollow laugh.
"Given the potential for a large-scale scandal involving politicians and civil servants, it won't be bad for you if you handle it properly. Don't let the Supreme Prosecutors' Office take it. The Chief might try to snatch it."
"I'll never give it to that guy. Got it. I'll contact you before the warrant is issued. I'll put the cuffs on him within a few weeks."
"Thank you. Oh, and before the arrest warrant for Cho Hyun-ku is issued, make sure to leak some information to Representative Kim Se-yeong's side."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon gave me a puzzled look.
To think he would believe it would end with just putting the cuffs on him, he's more naive than I thought.
"Because Cho Hyun-ku will try to escape. It would be better to arrest him after he transfers the stocks. If he buys the company, he'll live like a king in the detention center, won't he?"
Seeing the bitter smile on my face, Chief Prosecutor Yoon looked exasperated.
"Damn... You're really scary. Even when it was your uncle, and now with this. You're the kind of person I don't want as an enemy."
"But you're the kind of person who's infinitely good to your allies, right?"
"Ha ha ha."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon picked up the envelope of documents and stood up.
"I'll go first. I'll contact you soon."
Chief Prosecutor Yoon closed the door as he left. After seeing him off and sitting down again, I drank a glass of cold water and thought.
For now, it was just words, but a warning shouldn't be taken lightly.
A moment later, Manager Ma entered as the door opened.
"Did he leave?"
"He just left."
"Did you deliver the money?"
"Yes, I put it in the trunk before he came out."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Manager Ma and I left the Korean restaurant together.
In the swaying car, I suddenly asked while looking out the window.
"What about Cho Chan-sung?"
"Not yet."
"When will Park Dong-su do it...?"
I leaned my head against the seat and closed my eyes.
The call from Park Dong-su came two days later.
- Dong-sang. I've taken care of Cho Chan-sung.
"Really? Thank you for your hard work. Who carried it out?"
- I sent him to Geoje for now. If he stays in Busan, the investigation might come in, or Cho Hyun-ku might find out.
"Good job. Did you get the hidden funds?"
- Of course.
"I've prepared my side, so there won't be any investigation on Mr. Park's side. Don't worry, just wait. When the arrest warrant is issued, Cho Hyun-ku will go into hiding. That's when you should catch him and take over his shares. Can you do that?"
- That's my specialty. Don't worry. I'll contact you.
"Yes."
I hung up and said to Manager Ma.
"He's taken care of it. Can you check which hospital he's in?"
Manager Ma bowed his head and left the room.
Watching Manager Ma's car disappear into the distance, I muttered.
"This is just the beginning. Look forward to what's next."
* * *
I turned my body calmly and went up to Hyun-seong's room.
When I opened the door and entered, Hyun-seong and his mother welcomed me.
"You're here."
"Is Mu-hyuk here? Did you eat?"
"Yes, Mother. Hyun-seong is being discharged next week, right?"
Hyun-seong's mother nodded.
"Will you stay in Seoul for a while?"
"I'll go to Myeong-su's house, cook a meal for you guys, and then head back. I imagine it's a mess with only the men at home."
Hyun-seong's mother glanced at him with a worried look.
"Ha ha ha... Is Ji-seong doing well?"
"Ji-seong is different. He's doing well on his own. This guy is a bear, just like his father, and it's a big problem."
Hyun-seong subtly turned his head to avoid his mother's stern gaze.
His mother clicked her tongue.
"Talk to each other. You've been in the room too long, it's giving me a headache. I'll go for a walk outside."
"Yes, Mother."
After his mother left, Hyun-seong and I were alone.
"Cho Chan-sung was brought to the emergency room."
Hyun-seong looked at me in surprise at my words.
I felt good watching him in the emergency room, but now, telling Hyun-seong, I didn't feel particularly happy.
"Achilles tendon cut. Bastard, he ruined your sports career, so he got what he deserved."
Hyun-seong, who was staring at me without answering, remained silent.
"..."
"Why? Say something."
After staring at me for a long time, Hyun-seong finally spoke.
"Was it really necessary?"
"What do you mean? Who's worrying about whom?"
"Mu-hyuk. I hope you don't change. Don't push yourself for my sake."
"What change? What are you talking about?"
Is this the time for him to worry about me?
Anyway, this stubborn guy...
"Enough. I plan to take revenge tenfold, no, a hundredfold, for anyone who hurts the people around me."
"Mu-hyuk."
Hyun-seong looked at me with a somewhat pitiful gaze.
I got up and left the room, ignoring his response.
"See you next week when you're discharged. We should all stay together and enjoy a meal cooked by Mother."
I didn't wait for Hyun-seong's answer and left the room.
Sitting in the car driven by Manager Ma, I stared blankly out the window.
'Have I changed?'
Answering this self-deprecating question wasn't difficult.
I came back from the brink of death. It would be strange if I hadn't changed.
I think it's rather a good and fortunate change. I saved my grandmother, didn't forget my friends, and won my grandfather's heart.
But why...
"Manager Ma."
"Yes, Boss."
"Am I thinking wrong?"
Manager Ma glanced at my face and pulled over to the side of the road.
"About what?"
"Everything I'm doing to avenge my friend."
Manager Ma's steadfast gaze fixed on me.
"Hyun-seong said that. He hopes I don't change. He thinks I'm doing this for him. Honestly, I'm more angry that someone hurt the people around me, and I'm doing it for my own satisfaction."
"If it bothers you, you can stop anytime. Only you can decide that."
The car was enveloped in silence again.
After a while, a small sigh dispersed in the air.
"You're right. I'm responsible for my decisions. Let's go. I'm tired."
Manager Ma started the car without a word.
A few days later.
After completing the discharge procedures, Hyun-seong's mother and Hyun-seong headed to Myeong-su's house.
I helped Hyun-seong out of the car. His left leg and arm were still not fully recovered, so he needed to use a wheelchair.
"Congratulations on your discharge."
"Thank you."
When we entered, Myeong-su greeted us.
"Mother, we're here. Hyun-seong, you bastard!"
"Hey! Stop it!"
Hyun-seong was startled by Myeong-su, who ran over to hug him.
"Everyone, sit down and chat. Mother will cook something delicious."
"Wow! It's been a while since Mother cooked. I'm already salivating."
Hyun-seong's mother laughed at Myeong-su's playful antics and went into the kitchen.
While the three of us were talking, the phone rang.
"I'll just take this call."
Hyun-seong went into his room to answer the phone.