Chapter 88.2: Are You Going to Do This to Anne as Well? (1)

Kang Chan sat at a specialty coffee shop that wasn’t that far away from the Yoo Bi-Corp building. From there, he called Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho and asked them to meet him at different times.

Kim Tae-Jin arrived first at around 10 pm.

“What’s going on this late at night? The employees are investigating the locations that you sent, so we’ll get the women’s daily routine in approximately three days,” Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

“You already told me that. I asked to see you today because I’m going to go to the countryside for about three days, starting tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Is it for something important?”

“Yes. I hope you’ll protect my parents a bit more intensively while I’m away.”

Kim Tae-Jin cocked his head, then asked, “is there another reason why you have to ask me even though you know that the National Intelligence Service is guarding them?”

“I’m just concerned because I’m going to be far away from them.”

“If what you’re about to do is enough to make you act like this, then it should certainly be important. I’ll assign as many people as possible to guard your parents for about three days.”

“Thank you.”

“Where are you going, and why are you so determined?” Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

“I’m planning to go and help someone I’ve taken a liking to. He seems to be in a predicament.”

“It’s suspicious that you’re avoiding telling me the exact location. I don’t know where you’re going, but I should go as well if needed.”

“It’s not something that requires you to go. I’ll be back shortly.”

“What about Mr. Seok?”

“He’s coming with me,” Kang Chan answered.

“I can’t believe that you’re leaving me out. This is upsetting.”

“Please let it slide just this once.”

When Kang Chan smiled, Kim Tae-Jin stood up while smiling in a similar way. “I’ll be going early because you said that you’re going somewhere far. Have a safe trip, and contact me as soon as you come back.”

“Understood.”

Kim Tae-Jin left.

While Kang Chan was drinking his drink, Seok Kang-Ho arrived. “What did they say?”

As soon as he arrived, Seok Kang-Ho leaned his head closer to Kang Chan and pulled his chair forward.

“The operation failed. Among twenty-five, thirteen died. They believe that twelve of them have been captured as well,” Kang Chan answered.

“Fuck,” Seok Kang-Ho suddenly swore, then tightly gritted his teeth. “What are you going to do?”

“We’re leaving from Osan tomorrow. Twelve Foreign Legion members are joining us, and we’re going to receive the briefing on the plane. We’ll assemble at 3 am and get a ride from Lanok’s people.”

Seok Kang-Ho understandably blanked out for a moment. Soon after, “Are you serious?”

“Why? Do you want to be left out?”

“I’d rather die!”

Seok Kang-Ho grinned at Kang Chan.

Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—. Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—.?

[The third exit of the Sinsa Station]

Kang Chan got a text message just at the right time. He showed it to Seok Kang-Ho, then immediately erased it.

“Was someone here before me?” Seok Kang-Ho asked.

“I met President Kim for a moment to ask him to guard my parents more extensively.”

“Then I can have that drink, right?”

“Just buy one.”

“Please leave me be. I have to go home immediately after having just a sip,” Seok Kang-Ho said, drank the rest of the drink, then bit on a cigarette.

“I feel strange,” Seok Kang-Ho commented afterward. He appeared to be having mixed feelings. “This kind of operation carried no burden for me back then. But now that you actually say that we’re leaving, my wife, daughter, and the kids are weighing on my mind a little bit.”

“You should stay back. It’s fine.”

“I’m just telling you how I feel! Aren’t you affected?”

“It hasn’t settled on me yet since this decision is too abrupt and unexpected,” Kang Chan answered.

“Hmph! We just have to go there and save Kim Hyung-Jung, don’t we?”

“That’s right.”

Seok Kang-Ho’s eyes were glinting.

“Thank you, captain.”

“Let’s go home.”

“Please come out an hour early. Let’s have a cup of coffee together,” Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

When Kang Chan smirked, Seok Kang-Ho responded with a grin.

Kang Chan got in Seok Kang-Ho’s car and got out when they arrived at the entrance of the apartment. He then called Kim Dae-Kyung.

- Hello?

“Father, is mother next to you?”

- Yeah. What’s going on?

“I have to go to the countryside at around 2:30 am tomorrow. I’ll be there for about three or four days. I was hoping you could tell mom ahead of time since it could startle her.”

After a short silence…

- I forgot to tell your mom about that. It’s okay! I heard this in the hospital! I see. That was taking place tomorrow morning! I’ll tell your mom right now. When are you coming back?

Kang Dae-Kyung was quite loud.

“Thank you, father. I’m going home in ten minutes. I’ll just tell her that I’m going to a retreat.”

- You’re busier than me. Alright. I’ll explain it to your mother properly.

Kang Chan looked at the time as he was hanging up. It was 11:10 pm. He was going to leave at 2 am tomorrow, and even though he used “retreat” as an excuse—which likely wouldn’t work at all—Kang Dae-Kyung responded in a cool way.

Kang Chan wanted to talk to two more people, no matter what. He texted Kim Mi-Young first for the first time.

[Can you call me?]

It was already way past 11 pm. Even if she wasn’t sleeping, it could be difficult for her to talk at home. However, since Michelle had said that there was a company dinner today, she was certainly going to pick up. At that moment, his phone rang.

Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—. Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—. Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—.?

It was Kim Mi-Young.

- It’s me! Huhuhu.

“Did something good happen?”

- I’m just happy because this is the first time you’ve ever texted me first.

Kang Chan smiled brightly.

“Aren’t you at home?”

- We had to practice for our written exam so we just finished. I’m on my way home now.

Hearing about the subjects that Kim Mi-Young was studying sometimes made Kang Chan feel like he was attending a different school.

“Can I see you for a moment?”

- Of course. How can I say no to you?

“I’m in front of the apartment. Where are you?”

- I’ll be there in five minutes.

Kang Chan sat on a bench for a moment and soon saw Kim Mi-Young at the entrance of the apartment.

“Over here!” Kang Chan yelled. He waved his hand, and Kim Mi-Young quickly came toward him with a wide smile on her face.

“You must be tired,” Kang Chan said.

“I’m not. Today’s a good day.”

“What are you happy about?”

“You texted me.”

“I texted you because you popped into my head on my way home.”

Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly.

“Did it really make you that happy that I texted you?” Kang Chan asked.

“Yeah. I was extremely delighted.”

Kang Chan thought she was cute, but he also felt bad for her.

He was happy he got to see her even though he just wanted to talk to her.

“You should go home now, right?” Kang Chan asked.

“I have about five more minutes to spare.”

“It’s late. Go home. Your mom is going to worry.”

It was a summer night. When his eyes met Kim Mi-Young’s, Kang Chan exhaled softly. He realized her eyes were very pretty.

Kim Mi-Young swallowed dryly.

Kang Chan knew what she wanted but now was not the time.

For the first time, the fact that he might not be able to come back from Mongolia if things went wrong felt real.

This could be the last time they see each other.

‘Have a good life.’

“You should go home. It’s been five minutes,” Kang Chan said.

Kim Mi-Young smiled while wrinkling her nose as if she was disappointed.

“Hug me!”

“Here?”

“Yeah!”

Kang Chan lightly hugged Kim Mi-Young. They stayed like that for a moment.

Kim Mi-Young smelled like green apples. Her scent faintly wafted toward him, which strangely made his heart flutter.

“I’m going to go to the countryside for about three days tomorrow,” Kang Chan said afterward.

“The countryside? Where?”

“Mr. Seok Kang-Ho know about it. I’ll contact you after I come back.”

“Okay. Have a safe trip.”

“Sleep early, okay?”

After Kim Mi-Young stepped away from Kang Chan, she quickly ran off. It seemed like she was shy and was feeling complicated.

“Whoo!”

He did the right thing. He should be fully satisfied with being able to unexpectedly see her in person.

Kang Chan sat on a bench and called Michelle. She answered after two rings, and he heard loud music before anything else.

- Wait a moment.

Michelle seemed to be going somewhere since the music slowly faded into the distance.

“It seems like the company dinner is still going strong?”

- It’s almost finished now. How are you doing?

“I have to go to the countryside in the morning. I’m on my way home to pack my things right now. The trip will take about three days.”

- That’s disappointing. Everyone has been waiting in case you come.

“I’m sorry about today. Let’s have another dinner with just our company when I return instead. We can all go to karaoke as well.”

- Okay, Channy! You said you’re going out in the morning, so go home quickly and get even just a bit of sleep. J’taime, Channy.”

“Okay. Work hard.”

After he hung up, Kang Chan immediately went up to his house.

“Channy!” Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan. Kang Dae-Kyung soon came out as well.

“You two haven’t been able to sleep because of me, have you?” Kang Chan asked.

“I heard that you’re going out at 2 am? You must be tired. Is there anything we can do? Have you had dinner yet?”

“He’s going to run out of breath trying to answer all your questions,” Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

“I’ve had dinner, and I can sleep in the car on the way there. I was told that I don’t have to pack much luggage since they have everything there. They even have workout outfits and toiletries.”

“Why are you going to a retreat all of a sudden?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

“Honey, Channy should sleep for even an hour. He’s got to be tired,” Kang Dae-Kyung interfered and tried to stop Yoo Hye-Sook.

“It’s okay. If both of you are okay with it, then let’s order chicken. How does that sound?” Kang Chan asked.

“You want to eat chicken, Channy? Let's order quickly, then. This is good. I’m also a bit hungry anyway.”

Kang Dae-Kyung smiled. He looked as if she found her ridiculous.

“What’s wrong, father?” Kang Chan asked.

“I told your mom I was a bit hungry a moment ago, but she—”

“Honey!”

Kang Chan laughed loudly. He then ordered chicken.

Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook both had worry in their eyes, although they were worried about completely different things.

When the chicken arrived, they talked about random topics over the food. Fortunately, Yoo Hye-Sook was happy enough to alleviate her worries. Kang Dae-Kyung would certainly take proper care of Yoo Hye-Sook even if they were to receive grave news.

Kang Chan felt apologetic toward them, but he couldn’t ignore Kim Hyung-Jung, who could be dying right now.

He finished washing up and changing at around 1:45 am.

“I’ll be back,” Kang Chan told his parents.

“Have fun, Channy. Take care.”

Kang Chan stroked Yoo Hye-Sook’s back as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He was about to head off to a place where he could return in the worst possible state. Kang Chan inhaled deeply, then let go of her hand.

“I’ll be back,” Kang Chan repeated.

“Alright,” Kang Dae-Kyung answered with a brief nod.

Their eyes met for a moment.

‘You better be careful.’

‘Yes. I’ll be careful.’

Kang Chan went out the front door pretending everything was alright.

1. The Sinsa Station is a station on the Seoul Subway Line 3 and is located in Sinsa-dong, an upscale neighborhood in Gangnam, South Korea. It has been operating since 1985