Chapter 143.2: Just Who Is This Man? (2)

Hwang Ki-Hyun pressed a button, and a call soon connected in the meeting room.

- Hello. Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon speaking.

“Brigadier General Choi, I’m Hwang Ki-Hyun, the Director of the National Intelligence Service. We are currently in the middle of a meeting with the President. We apologize for bothering you, but we would like to ask you a few questions.”

- Please go ahead.

Choi Seong-Geon sounded so husky that a lot of people likely wondered if they were listening to a young Jeon Dae-Geuk talk.

“Brigadier General Choi, we have currently reached an impasse. Our debate on whether or not we should send our troops to execute the operation, which Mr. Kang Chan has been advocating for, as a solo operation instead has us torn. The pros and cons that come with it are as clear as day. However, the President is naturally concerned not only about the members who will be laying down their lives in this impractical operation but also their friends and relatives. Is there anything you want to say about this?” Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

- Mr. President! I have privately spoken with the soldiers who were not selected to be a part of the backup team. It is hard to put into words the despair they are currently feeling, sir.

“Brigadier General Choi, I was just an army sergeant when I was discharged from the military, so I’m not sure how true this is, but I heard that more than half of our men will likely meet their end in this operation. Is there any chance that they are acting like that because they got carried away by the atmosphere?” After speaking into the mic, Moon Jae-Hyun looked around him.

- Mr. President, the true worth of the special forces isn't shown when during training, no matter how intense. Their true worth shows only when they go out on operations. In the past few decades, we have only ever executed a total of three operations, only one of which was a solo operation conducted by our soldiers. If it means getting to participate in this operation, and if it means becoming physically capable to join my men again, I would be more than happy to be demoted to the rank of sergeant.

Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled heavily, which sounded more like a groan. “Both sides have good points and neither side seems willing to concede. Is there anything you want to say before we decide?”

- Mr. President! Allow me to tell you our motto just one more time. This is the best I can think of to express our determination.

Moon Jae-Hyun stared at the mic as if he could see Choi Seong-Geon.

- If I can protect the country with my blood, I am happy!

Choi Seong-Geon yelled out their motto with all of his might, his resolute voice reverberating throughout the meeting room. It was as if he had gone to becoming a recruit who had just enlisted.

Just as Jeon Dae-Geuk tightly gritted his teeth, Moon Jae-Hyun smiled. He seemed to be crying. He then slowly looked at those in attendance in this meeting.

After a moment of silence…

“General Choi.”

- Please go ahead, Mr. President!

“We will do as Mr. Kang Chan wants. Please choose the soldiers who will be joining the team on the solo operation.”

- Thank you, Mr. President!

“ I should be the one thanking you, general. I give Mr. Kang Chan full authority and full command of this mission. Can you tell the members that I wish them good luck?”

- I’ll be sure to tell them!

When Moon Jae-Hyun looked up, Hwang Ki-Hyun pressed the button to end the call.

“Now that this has been settled, it’s time for us to work together to create and prepare contingency measures for any possible dangers and situations. Have the National Intelligence make follow-up measures and prepare for the worst-case scenario,” Moon Jae-Hyun said.

“Yes, sir. We’ll do that,” Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

“I hope the decision I have made did not upset you, fourth deputy director,” Moon Jae-Hyun said.

“How could I be upset after hearing the determination of General Choi and the soldiers? I also have experience receiving commissioned education from the 606, Mr. President.”

Moon Jae-Hyun looked around, then replied, “I cannot help but think of this as an opportunity for South Korea to be reborn. If we fail, then I will take full responsibility. However, if we succeed, it will serve as a strong warning to our neighboring countries that have rashly exercised their military strength against us. As a member of the Eurasian Rail, we have to make sure that the voice of South Korea is heard through this operation. For that reason, I hope everyone spares no effort.”

“Yes, sir!” Looking grim yet determined, everyone stood up to leave.

“Ah! Mr. Director,” Moon Jae-Hyun called Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had stood from his seat, to stop him from leaving.

***

“You’re worried about something, aren’t you?” Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

“Huh?”

Kim Mi-Young was staring at Kang Chan.

I was enjoying spending time with her… but was I still too obvious?

“If we do get to study abroad, I’m going to study hard enough to get a scholarship for my tuition. But don’t worry, I’ll still tell people later on that I became a diplomat thanks to my husband,” Kim Mi-Young added.

Kang Chan laughed joyfully.

Kim Mi-Young took the napkin and the plastic spoon on the tray. “I have to go to class.”

She looked as if she was trying hard not to be a burden to Kang Chan.

“Did anyone pressure you to go to

hagwon

?”

Kim Mi-Young, who had been looking at her bag, turned toward Kang Chan. Her eyes seemed completely filled with disappointment.

Which would be better for Kim Mi-Young—parting ways like this or staying together for about an hour more?

It was disappointing, but parting ways here was the right thing to do.

Kang Chan left the ice cream shop with Kim Mi-Young.

“Mi-Young?” Kang Chan called.

Kim Mi-Young looked into Kang Chan’s eyes.

“Can you make time for me—just about a day—if I ask you for it next week?”

“I most certainly can,” Kim Mi-Young delightedly answered with a bright smile.

“I’ll call you.”

Kang Chan wanted to wrap his arms around Kim Mi-Young, but he just smiled.

“Bye~ I’m heading to class now!” Kim Mi-Young waved at him and disappeared among the crowd.

Kang Chan thought it was about time to head back home. He was strangely disappointed, but no matter how he felt, he couldn’t bring himself to cling to Kim Mi-Young.

Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—. Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—. Buzz— Buzz—Buzz—.

“Hello?”

- Mr. Kang Chan, the solo operation has been authorized. Just give us the location and departure time, and we’ll send the men over. We will need at least two hours to get to Seoul.

“Understood. I’ll contact you as soon as I get more information.”

Although they parted ways after only seeing each other for a brief moment, Kang Chan still felt glad that he met up with Kim Mi-Young.

***

“You asked to see me, sir?”

“Cha Dong-Gyun! The operation has been changed to a solo operation. We’re going to select twelve more people. One of them has to be a sniper.” Choi Seong-Geon looked up from his desk and at Cha Dong-Gyun, who was standing in front of him. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. I’m so glad to hear that.”

Choi Seong-Geon stood up from the desk and walked toward Cha Dong-Gyun. “Bring over the list of the twelve other soldiers who will be joining the operation. We’re leaving right away.”

“Thank you, General.”

Choi Seong-Geon gave him a broad grin. “Hey.”

“Yes, sir?”

Neither Choi Seong-Geon, who had called Cha Dong-Gyun, nor Cha Dong-Gyun, who had answered, could say anything else. Hence, they just looked at each other in silence.

“Get me that list quickly,” Choi Seong-Geon said.

“Yes, sir.” Cha Dong-Gyun swiftly turned to leave.

***

Kang Chan had to focus on the operation now.

Before doing anything else, he called Lanok and explained the situation.

- Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan! It would be best for you to leave the Osan Airfield by four in the morning. By three o’clock, I’ll have a van standing by on where you were picked up last time for the operation in Mongolia.

As soon as the call dropped, Kang Chan explained the situation to Kim Hyung-Jung, then dialed Seok Kang-Ho’s number.

- Where are you?

“I’m at Daechi-dong.”

- I’ll see you at the specialty coffee shop at two-thirty in the morning.

“Alright.”

Kang Chan called Choi Jong-Il after.

Choi Jong-Il answered as soon as Kang Chan called him. Not long after the call dropped, a car stopped at the intersection.

“Take me home. At two-thirty, I’ll be meeting Seok Kang-Ho in the specialty coffee shop on the third exit of the Nonhyeon Station,” Kang Chan said.

Choi Jong-Il only listened.

“We got approval to execute the operation with just our team, so make sure to drop by your house.”

“Are you serious?” Choi Jong-Il asked, looking shocked. He made eye contact with Woo Hee-Seung.

“First Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun would have likely made a new team by now. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have much time to prepare, but since it’s still currently around nine-fifty, you should go see the people that you want to see,” Kang Chan added.

“Alright.”

Choi Jong-Il’s response was reassuring.

***

Kang Chan inputted the password into the lock system of their apartment. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Yoo Hye-Sook leaning her head back to see the front door.

“Mother!”

“Channy!”

Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook in front of Kang Dae-Kyung, who was smiling.

“Have you had dinner yet?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

“I have, Unfortunately, I can’t stay long. I’ll have to leave in a few minutes.”

“Again?”

“Yes. I think this trip will take a few days.”

“Will you be back by the weekend?”

Shoot!

Kang Chan couldn’t think of an acceptable answer even though he had talked to Kang Dae-Kyung about this.

“Channy said that it’s a secret. It’s going to get boring if you keep asking him about it,” Kang Dae-Kyung said.

“You know what we’re going to do on the weekend, don’t you?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

“How should I know? He said that it’s a secret. I’m just taking his word.”

Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung as if she would grill him as soon as Kang Chan headed out again. Like magic, however, Yoo Hye-Sook already had a calm expression by the time she looked at Kang Chan.

“What time will you be leaving?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

“I’ll have to be on the road by midnight.”

Midnight was a bit early, but he thought it was still for the best. He didn’t want Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to lose decent sleep because of him.

Kang Chan washed up, then headed to the living room.

“Channy, I’m a little hungry. Should we order chicken?” Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

“Yes, I would like some.”

Their order soon arrived.

While eating, they talked about car sales and the Foundation.

Spending time with his parents, Kang Chan listened to what Yoo Hye-Sook was telling him.

When the clock struck twelve, Kang Chan brushed his teeth and stood at the entrance.

Yoo Hye-Sook looked extremely upset.

“I’ll be back,” Kang Chan said.

“Okay. Be careful.”

Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook.

Afterward, Kang Dae-Kyung patted his back, but Kang Chan reached out and hugged Kang Dae-Kyung as well.

“Be careful,” Kang Dae-Kyung said as if he was whispering.

When Kang Dae-Kyung loosened his hug, he put his hands on Kang Chan’s shoulder. He seemed to be saying that he hadn’t told Yoo Hye-Sook anything.

Kang Chan’s parents were so kind-hearted that he wished he could go on a trip with them.

1. Nonhyeon Station is an underground metro station on Seoul Subway Line 7 and the Shinbundang Line, located in Seoul.