Chapter 307: Because I Believed (2)

Michelle and Gérard were at a cafe in front of the park in Apgujeong-dong. They were on a busy road, and to make matters worse, they were also eye-catching foreigners.

The delivery driver had collapsed on the road, covered in blood.

People continued to crowd around them.

Michelle used to be the editor-in-chief of a magazine-publishing company and was now running a drama production company. Because of her career, she had developed the ability to make sound judgments.

She immediately concluded that taking care of this herself would just make things further spiral out of hand.

Weeeooo. Weeeooo.

“Move out of the way!” police officers yelled.

A police car was swiftly approaching them.

Michelle quickly took out her phone and called Kang Chan.

The dial tone rang twice.

- Hello?

Hearing Kang Chan’s voice made her feel bad for putting him in a difficult position. However, it also made her feel strangely reassured.

“Channy, Gerry suddenly attacked a delivery person. Things have gotten out of control. A police car is here, and I don’t know what to do.”

Rather than being afraid of going to the police station, she was more afraid of things getting out of hand.

- Are you and Gérard injured anywhere?

Michelle didn’t expect that to be Kang Chan’s first question. The gratitude she felt made her emotional.

“Gerry and I are okay. We’ve got a big crowd around us now, though.”

- Where are you guys?

“We’re at the cafe in front of the park in Apgujeong-dong.”

Michelle heard Kang Chan laughing.

- After you hang up, you’ll get a call from an unknown number. Make sure you answer it, okay?

“Okay. Thank you.”

Michelle heard Kang Chan laughing again.

After she hung up, two police officers approached them. Around the same time, the man Gérard had attacked began to stand up. He had one of his hands around his nose.

One of the police officers went to Michelle. The other went to the injured man.

With his gaze alternating between Michelle and Gérard, the cop asked, “Do you know how to speak Korean?”

“I do,” Michelle answered.

The police officer, who was glancing at Gérard, suddenly looked very relieved.

“We received a report. Did you guys assault that man?”

Michelle looked behind her to check on the police officer who went to the injured man. Just as she was about to answer, her phone rang.

“One moment, please,” Michelle requested, then answered her phone. “Hello?”

The cop interrogating her looked displeased but allowed her to take the call anyway. His buddy was still helping the man who had collapsed.

“Yes. That’s right. Yes, he’s with me. One moment,” Michelle told the person on the call. She then held out her phone. “I’m sorry, but could you talk to the person on the phone for me? I don’t know much about these things.”

The police officer sneered at Michelle and her phone. If she wasn’t strikingly beautiful and if they weren’t foreigners, he probably wouldn’t have done what she asked.

Taking the phone from her, he greeted, “Hello? Yes. That’s right. Pardon?”

He quickly looked away from Michelle and examined the man who had collapsed. He then looked at her suspiciously again.

“Understood. Yes, I’ll figure out what’s going on first,” he said, then handed the phone back to her, a strange expression on his face. “Here you go. They asked me to put you on the phone again.”

Michelle quickly accepted it and brought it to her ear.

“Okay. I’ll do that. Thank you.”

The brief phone call ended.

“Go in the car for now,” the cop ordered.

“Alright.”

Michelle obediently went into the backseat of the police car with Gérard. The man on the call had also asked her to do the same to prevent people from taking pictures of them.

The rear doors of police cars couldn’t be opened from the inside.

After getting Gérard and Michelle into the vehicle, the police officer shook his head. He then walked to the injured man.

The area around his nose was swollen, and sticky blood was still seeping out of his lips, which had burst open.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

The phone in the cop’s pants pocket began to ring. After checking the caller ID, he quickly answered it.

“Hello? Yes, this is Sergeant Lee Yang-Ho. That’s right. Pardon?”

Lee Yang-Ho discretely walked away and focused on what the person on the other end was saying.

“Yes. I already did that. No, it’s nothing. I just did what I was supposed to do. Alright. I’ll head to the police station immediately.”

Lee Yang-Ho hung up and then approached his fellow police officer.

“I was told that another police car is on its way. I’ll drop those two off at the police station,” Lee Yang-Ho said.

His partner looked confused. Nevertheless, he simply continued, “Take this man to the hospital, then call me.”

Before he even finished his sentence, three police cars consecutively arrived at the scene.

Lee Yang-Ho quickly made his way to his vehicle.

***

After hanging up, Kang Chan said, “I apologize for taking that call.”

Lanok simply smiled in response. Before Michelle called, they were in the middle of a conversation regarding Abibu’s visit to South Korea.

“Abibu is flying over to meet Song Chang-Wook, the commissioner of the newly founded Energy Resource Administration. He’s probably going to request that you attend the meeting,” Lanok said.

“Is this the Abibu that Vasili mentioned last time?”

“That’s right. He’s also related to what happened in Libya.”

Smiling, Lanok added, “He most likely holds immense fury for you deep down. The crushing defeat he suffered in Libya cost him a lot of influence in the Islamic community. You then further humiliated him and made him incur even more losses by signing the joint oil development rights between South Korea and Russia, pushing through with the next-gen power plant construction, and more.”

As Kang Chan smirked, Lanok continued, “The stature of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has increased enough to surprise even the DGSE. Right now, we’re receiving information related to South Korea from all over the globe. That serves as evidence that the informants stationed in other countries want to look good to South Korea by doing work related to it.”

Kang Chan knew that Lanok was saying good things, but he still found it difficult to determine which ones exactly he should be happy about.

“Abibu seems to be planning to make up for all that in one go. However, since he can’t launch a terrorist attack in South Korea right now, he would aim for the next best target—Mongolia.”

Oh fuck!

Kim Tae-Jin was responsible for the area that Kang Chul-Gyu and their core military unit had left.

“We learned about this all thanks to you. After you took care of the issues in Libya, our informants became much more enthusiastic about duties related to South Korea. As a result, we can now predict Abibu’s next move in Mongolia. You achieved in just one retaliation what would’ve taken regular intelligence bureaus about ten years of hard work to accomplish.”

Lanok took a sip of his black tea. He then stared at Kang Chan.

“Mr. Ambassador, I don’t know much about things like this, but I do hope we can stop sacrificing soldiers for such matters.”

“Becoming a powerful nation isn’t easy,” Lanok responded. He looked like an uncle with a lot of experience talking to his nephew. “Even France has to sacrifice innumerable men in Africa. There was also an instance when we lost half of our intelligence bureau personnel at the same time. The DGSE was formed in the process of retaliating against all of that.”

That’s true. Right now, the Foreign Legion is probably still engaged in a violent battle somewhere in Africa.

Lanok continued. “This is just the beginning for South Korea. Other powerful nations near this nation and the forces that want to steal its vested interests will keep it in check. South Korea has to overcome all of them. It’s cruel, but no country has ever earned honor without spilling the blood of its intelligence agents.”

Kang Chan sighed softly. Now that things had come to this, he was determined to quickly and properly take care of this matter.

“Ethan gave the Blackhead that activated the subterranean shock device to the United States,” Lanok said. As if remembering something amusing, he added, “The United States is going to have a lot in their minds.”

Suddenly thinking of Sherman, Kang Chan nodded. “That’s true.”

“Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok called.

Must be time for me to leave.

Now, Kang Chan could guess what Lanok’s intentions were just by hearing Lanok calling him.

“Let’s wrap this matter up quickly. Let’s go golfing and go on a trip together after. What do you say we go to Russia? We have a friend that’ll treat us to a meal there.”

Although Kang Chan was right that Lanok did want to part ways, he was still caught a bit off guard by his words.

Does that mean he thinks Vasili owes us a meal?

Kang Chan couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Vasili would surely complain with glinting eyes.

I’m glad I came here.

Meeting his mentor allowed him to somewhat organize the complicated matters that he had to do. It also made him feel as though all the complicated thoughts plaguing his mind had disappeared.

“I’ll contact you as soon as we have more information on Gérard.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.”

“If he turns out to be related to the Star of David, the DGSE might take this matter into their own hands.”

Kang Chan’s heart sank.

As far as he knew, the DGSE had never acted without Lanok’s orders. Considering Lanok also knew all about his tendencies, those words likely served as a warning.

“If Gérard is related to the Star of David, then we will have no other option. We can’t allow such a dangerous person to be near us. That’s why we removed two Deputy Director-Generals from the DGSE in the first place.”

𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

“Will the DGSE still eliminate him even if I ask you to spare him?”

“Letting a Star of David member stay by our side could cost you everyone else you treasure. That includes me and Anne. Everything that we’ve done and the countless sacrifices we’ve had to make would be all for naught.”

Lanok was clearly telling Kang Chan that he wasn’t going to back down.

“Understood.”

Everything would be fine for as long as Gérard wasn’t a part of the Star of David.

Kang Chan stopped being stubborn. He stood up from his spot.

Lanok’s words and the look in his eyes made it clear that he wanted him to become stronger.

Kang Chan smirked as he hugged Lanok.

I’m no longer in combat, yet life is still so fucking difficult.

***

Upon leaving the embassy, Kang Chan received a pistol and a radio from the agent sitting in the passenger seat. He then gave Kim Hyung-Jung a call.

Gérard was already at the hotel.

Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan that Gérard had seriously injured the delivery person. He crushed his nasal bones.

That crazy motherfucker! He’s the commander of the Foreign Legion’s special forces team! Why would he break the nasal bones of someone who just wanted to deliver jajangmyeon and jjampong?

It was fortunate that Gérard’s victim didn’t die.

“What about the injured man?”

- We made a deal with him. We’re compensating him for his motorcycle, food, and medical expenses. We’re also paying him thirty million won to cover the time that he won’t be able to work. Miss Michelle paid for all of that from your company.

“Thank you, Manager Kim. I’m on my way to the hotel. Are you free today?”

- I actually have a lot to report to you. Should we meet up?

“I’ll see you in thirty minutes.”

- Alright. I’ll wait for you at the hotel, so give me a call when you have time.

Kang Chan hung up and then looked outside the window.

Gérard, you son of a bitch! You’re making things so fucking hard for me. It won’t be true, but what should I do if Gérard had been a part of the Star of David, even for a moment? What if the DGSE tries to kill him?

Kang Chan saw the hotel in the distance. He had to decide what to do right now.

Exhaling softly, he made up his mind.

When he walked into the hotel, Gérard and Michelle—who were waiting for him in the lobby—stood up from their seats.

Kang Chan nodded toward the elevator. After they were done paying for their orders, the three got in the elevator and went into Kang Chan’s room.

Click.

“Have a seat,” Kang Chan offered.

As Gérard and Michelle sat across from him, he glared at Gérard, who was clearly deep in thought.

“You son of a bitch! You wasted thirty million won just to have bulgogi for lunch?!” Kang Chan shouted.

“Channy, about that...” Michelle trailed off and dropped her gaze to the table as soon as she noticed Kang Chan’s eyes on her.

The afternoon sunlight seeped into the room through the window, elongating their shadows.

“Gérard,” Kang Chan called.

“Oui.”

Gérard seemed prepared for the consequences.

Although he looked good in a suit and shirt, he also looked tired and appeared to be having a hard time, which was unlike him.

“Pack your bags,” Kang Chan said.

Gérard glanced up at him, then dropped his gaze again. “Yes, sir.”

Michelle tried her best to read Kang Chan’s mood. She then looked at Gérard, her eyes showing how sorry she felt for him.

“I’m going to go fucking bankrupt trying to pay for your meals if I leave you fucking bastard be. Starting today, you’re staying at my house,” Kang Chan said.

Gérard and Michelle blankly stared at Kang Chan.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Kang Chan asked.

“Channy?” Michelle asked back.

“What is it?” Kang Chan asked, then turned to Gérard. “Do you want to stay here instead?”

“That’s not it...”

“Gérard,” Kang Chan called again.

“Oui.”

Smirking, he asked, “Are you pretending to be disheartened?”

Gérard couldn’t help but smile, the scar on his cheek curving.

“You shameless bastard! Why don’t you pretend even harder? Do you want to get hit? If the guys that know you could see the look on your face right now, all of them would—!”

Kang Chan couldn’t bring himself to say

‘They would’ve shot you!’

because of Michelle.

Gérard smiled. He seemed a bit more comfortable now.

“Anyway, from now on, you are never to leave my side. It doesn’t matter how hard Michelle coaxes you. If you have to go out, then you’re going to have to come with me—why do you keep looking at me like that?”

“It’s nothing.”

Smirking, Kang Chan turned to Michelle. She had to go through so much trouble today because he asked her to buy Gérard bulgogi. He would feel bad if he just told her to go now.

“I have a brief meeting with someone today. Would you like to have dinner with us afterward?” he asked.

“Sure.”

The offer appeared to have made Michelle happy.

With their conversation over, Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

“Manager Kim, where should we meet?”

- I’m in the room used by the agents. It’s room 1552 on the fifteenth floor.

“Alright. I’ll be there soon.”

Kang Chan turned his head toward Michelle as he was putting his phone into his pocket.

“Wait for me here. I’ll be right back,” Kang Chan said.

Michelle nodded. “Okay.”

“Gérard, come with me.”

Gérard immediately stood up.

The two went out of the room and headed to the elevator. After tapping the key card on the scanner, Kang Chan pressed the button for the fifteenth floor.

Ding.

They stayed quiet inside the elevator.

Slide.

When the doors opened, two agents guarding the elevator greeted Kang Chan with their eyes.

“Can you guys open the emergency stairs?” Kang Chan asked.

“Please come this way.”

An agent opened the emergency exit door to the left of the hallway.

“Are there CCTV cameras in there?” Kang Chan asked again.

“Not in this one.”

“What about the guards?”

Kang Chan looked down the staircase, clearly examining the general security of the fifteenth floor.

“We’ve got two agents guarding the floor below and above ours,” the agent answered.

“Alright. I’m going to have a smoke before going to the room.”

The agent bowed, then went back to the hallway.

Click.

The door closed.

Kang Chan then walked toward the window in front of the emergency exit.

Gérard, who couldn’t speak Korean, just silently watched Kang Chan.

Kang Chan put his right foot three or four steps above the stairs.

Click. Click. Chkk.

He took out the pistol from the holster that he had strapped around his ankle, then offered it to Gérard, much to the latter’s surprise.

“Take it,” Kang Chan said.

Confused, Gérard accepted it. Kang Chan then handed him the two extra magazines behind his ankle.

“I went to the French embassy today and told Ambassador Lanok about the person who looks exactly like you in the CCTV footage,” Kang Chan said. He then locked eyes with Gérard. “If you turn out to be the person in the CCTV footage, the DGSE will target you. If you aren’t, the Star of David will.”

Gérard just stared at him.

After a moment of silence, he added, “Hide the pistol around your ankle already. I have to meet someone.”

Gérard raised his long leg on the stairs and skillfully did as instructed.

“You don’t need a key card to go down the floors. Go back to my room and wait for me there. The agents are guarding it, so you should be safe there,” Kang Chan ordered.

Kang Chan waited for Gérard to stand up, then turned toward the emergency exit.

“Captain,” Gérard softly called as Kang Chan was reaching for the doorknob.

Kang Chan slowly turned back.