Chapter 325: Do You Think I'll Lose (2)

That morning, Kang Chan arrived at the Park Hotel in Samseong-dong around ten minutes before ten, accompanied by Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung. Upon entering the lobby, agents quickly surrounded them and led them straight to the elevator.

"Director Kim Gwan-Sik is waiting on the seventh floor in the lounge. We'll meet him there first and then head up to the ninth floor at ten sharp," Kim Hyung-Jung said, his tense and uneasy expression directed toward Seok Kang-Ho.

It certainly surprised him when he discovered that Seok Kang-Ho would be their Arabic interpreter.

Di-Ding.

As the elevator doors opened, three agents blocked their way, only stepping aside after verifying their identities. The security staff was on high alert following the recent bomb attacks. Kim Gwan-Sik was sitting alone on a sofa inside.

"Welcome," greeted Kim Gwan-Sik.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, sir," Kang Chan said.

"I haven't been here long," Kim Gwan-Sik responded, politely using honorifics.

"Director, this is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. He will be our Arabic interpreter today."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you. I'm Seok Kang-Ho," Seok Kang-Ho respectfully greeted.

He would probably be more surprised than Kim Hyung-Jung to know that he used to be Kim Mi-Young’s gym teacher.

"Shall we go up now?" Kim Gwan-Sik suggested. They then headed back to the elevator.

Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Gwan-Sik, Kim Hyung-Jung, and two agents headed back and rode the elevator up to the ninth floor.

Ding.

Upon arrival, agents once again blocked their way but moved aside after checking their IDs. Kang Chan walked alongside Kim Gwan-Sik, followed by Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung.

An Arab middle-aged man, who appeared to be Abibu’s secretary, exchanged nods with them and gestured toward the conference room connected to a VIP suite.

Kim Gwan-Sik and Kang Chan sat down on one side of the long table. Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung were behind them on auxiliary chairs.

Since there was a chance that Abibu was the one who ordered the terrorist attacks, Kang Chan was not in a good mood. In fact, there was no doubt that the bastard had directed the assassination of the South Korean agents in Libya and had almost gotten Seok Kang-Ho killed in the process.

Earlier, on his way to this hotel, a sudden thought had consumed him.

Why would they order the killing of our agents operating in Libya?

Kim Hyung-Jung, whom he had asked the question to at the time, still couldn’t figure out the answer.

The National Intelligence Service was the one who dispatched the agents. Still, they couldn’t have just been killed just because they bumped shoulders with someone or failed to avert their gaze. There had to be a substantial reason.

A man, likely Abibu's attendant, served Kim Gwan-Sik and Kang Chan tea and dates. Starting a conversation felt awkward, and the silence only added to the discomfort of the setting.

That bastard! If he knows that people are here, he should show up already!

As Kang Chan shook his head, a man dressed in a white kandura entered the conference room.

Kang Chan, Kim Gwan-Sik, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Abibu.

His English was fluent.

"We haven't been waiting long, and you may speak in Arabic. We have an interpreter with us,” Kim Gwan-Sik replied in fluent English as well. Kim Mi-Young seemed to have gotten her smarts from her father.

"I am Kim Gwan-Sik of the Fuel Resources Department, and this is Assistant Director Kang Chan of the National Intelligence Service."

Kim Gwan-Sik introduced them in Korean, and Seok Kang-Ho fluently interpreted their words into Arabic.

"Nice to meet you. I am Abibu. Please take a seat."

Perhaps it was because this was Seok Kang-Ho's first time interpreting, but his Korean sounded as if he was reading from a book. Kang Chan couldn’t understand Arabic, but maybe it was just as awkwardly interpreted.

Once Abibu sat across the table, the attendant put tea in front of him.

"Please allow me to express my deepest sorrow regarding the unfortunate events that South Korea has suffered."

Abibu had the distinctive large eyes and thick eyebrows typical of Arab men. He also had a slightly crooked nose.

"Thank you for your concern," Kim Gwan-Sik briefly replied.

The conversation didn't continue, leading to an awkward silence enveloping the room. Abibu turned his gaze to Kang Chan.

It had been said countless times, but people could understand some things without speaking. The moment Kang Chan saw Abibu's eyes, he knew that this man had orchestrated the recent terrorist attacks as well.

Abibu's eyes seemed to say, “You can't do anything about me. The same goes for the next-gen power facilities.”

Kang Chan just smiled, feeling relieved.

This bastard’s the culprit.

He was the one who ordered the assassination of the South Korean agents in Libya and the killing of the director of the National Intelligence Service and the first director of the Fuel Resources Department.

Kang Chan remembered the always upright Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook. Hwang Ki-Hyun was now a nameless star, and Song Chang-Wook didn’t even leave behind an intact body.

Kim Gwan-Sik just silently watched Kang Chan. Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed dryly as Kang Chan and Abibu locked eyes with each other.

"Your eyes are quite impressive,” Abibu said, finally breaking the silence.

If Kim Gwan-Sik hadn’t been around, Kang Chan would have bluntly retorted, “Cut the crap and take good care of your head.”

However, a proper response was necessary now.

"I heard you wanted to see me," Kang Chan responded.

Abibu nodded.

"I wanted to meet you because of your remarkable achievements."

"I see," Kang Chan replied, then blatantly chuckled.

Bastard! Take good care of your head!

Abibu was not to be outdone. He gave Kang Chan a sneering smile.

Don't get too carried away, young man!

Kim Gwan-Sik, Seok Kang-Ho, and even Kim Hyung-Jung all knew it. Kang Chan and Abibu were openly challenging each other. It was hard to specify how much time had passed exactly, but it was long enough for them to be in discomfort. Once again, Abibu was the first to break the silence.

"Our country is very interested in the next-generation energy facilities that South Korea has planned."

He then turned his gaze toward Kim Gwan-Sik. About ten minutes of predictable conversation ensued. After exchanging formalities like, “It was nice meeting you,” and, “We will consider your points carefully,” they rose from their seats.

After shaking hands with Kim Gwan-Sik, Abibu extended his hand toward Kang Chan. Kang Chan accepted it.

Thud.

It would be more accurate to say their hands briefly touched than to describe it as a handshake.

Does this bastard treat people like they're untouchables?

Feeling uncomfortable, Kang Chan and his party immediately headed for the elevator.

"Have you met Abibu before?" asked Kim Gwan-Sik.

"This is the first time," answered Kang Chan.

Kim Gwan-Sik seemed to struggle to understand.

"I’ve got a busy schedule today, so I will be leaving now. Where will you be going, Assistant Director?"

"I plan to go to the office, sir."

They were inside an elevator, making it hard to talk about anything else.

Ding.

Soon enough, they arrived at the lobby.

"Good work today."

Kim Gwan-Sik shook hands with Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Seok Kang-Ho in turn, then headed toward the entrance with the agents.

"Manager, do you have a moment?"

"Can you go to the Samseong-dong branch?"

"Sure."

It was only a ten-minute walk from the Park Hotel anyway. Kang Chan, along with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung, headed to Kim Hyung-Jung's office. Once inside, they all had coffee and cigarettes.

"Manager, please look into whether there's a connection between the assassination of our agents in Libya and the recent terrorist attacks on the directors."

"Did you notice something odd earlier? Maybe a clue?"

"Vasili once said that Abibu was the mastermind behind the Libya incident. I wasn’t sure before, but after finally meeting Abibu, he definitely seems suspicious. Please check if he’s connected to all these or if we're missing anything."

"Understood," Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

He then quickly took notes on the memo pad beside him.

To catch the murderer who killed Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, they would even be willing to grasp for straws. Hence, there was no reason not to try.

"That damn bastard, looking at the boss like that!"

"Why?"

"Those dates looked really delicious."

"

Hooo

.”[1]

Kang Chan exhaled a long stream of cigarette smoke. He knew better than to expect much from this guy and Gérard. After leaving the Samseong-dong office, Kang Chan called Lanok and immediately headed to the French embassy.

There was definitely something hidden behind all these. If he could find it, he’d be able to kill Abibu. Ever since he had seen the man, anger had been simmering inside Kang Chan. It was unclear why. Despite hearing about the terrorist attack and the deaths of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, Kang Chan had been strangely calm. Was it because he thought too much had been lost?

From Lee Yoo-Seul's father to the Foreign Legion rookie, the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers, the National Intelligence Service agents, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Song Chang-Wook—perhaps the downfall of all these people, who had dedicated themselves to the country, had been triggered by Abibu’s own actions.

Bastard!

A deadly look gradually filled Kang Chan's eyes. How could Abibu ruthlessly kill a powerless country’s dedicated individuals just to satisfy his own greed?

As they arrived at the embassy, a member of the 606's Special Operations Unit stopped the car. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il got out.

Click, click.

"Welcome back, sir," said the commander as he approached Kang Chan from behind and saluted him. "As you’ve ordered, we haven’t let Mr. Romain leave the building at all."

Kang Chan nodded and entered the embassy. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he came across Raphael, who was just about to head out and greet him.

"Monsieur Kang, Mr. Ambassador is in his office."

Raphael looked tense today as well.

"How’s Anne?"

Walking half a step ahead, he looked over his shoulder and answered, "She’s doing well, sir,"

"I would like to speak to the ambassador. Please give me Anne’s phone number. Louis’ too."

"Yes, sir."

Honestly, Kang Chan wanted to ask if Lanok had any other matters, but if Raphael could answer such a question, he would have already asked for help while they were walking.

Upon entering the office, Kang Chan found Lanok at his desk, and Romain sitting at the table, reading a thin current affairs magazine.

"Welcome back, Mr. Kang Chan," Lanok greeted Kang Chan as if nothing was wrong.

Since Kang Chan and Romain had already met, it was difficult to pretend not to know each other now. The two shook hands. Lanok walked over to the table, and the three sat together.

"I’ve just met with Abibu," said Kang Chan.

Brightening up, Romain focused.

"All we did was exchange pleasantries about wanting to see each other due to our impressive feats."

The corner of Lanok’s eyes curved into a subtle smile. His expression suggested that he could already guess what the meeting with Abibu had been like.

"Mr. Ambassador, I plan to meet with Vasili next, but before I do, I would like to hear your opinion on one matter."

At that moment, the door opened, and Raphael came in with black tea. They had so much to talk about that they hadn't even gotten a chance to have tea. Lanok personally poured the beverage for them. He kept his eyes on Kang Chan, seemingly asking what he wanted to know.

"I would like to know if I can propose the construction of a next-generation power facility in Russia or China on my own."

"Why did you think of that?" asked Lanok.

Romain looked at Lanok with eyes as hot as the tea.

Lanok continued, "It would be difficult for you to decide on such a matter alone, wouldn't it? Shouldn't you also consider the image of the President of South Korea, Mr. Kang Chan?"

"I plan to keep the construction in South Korea as is. However, I'm thinking of proposing to build another one in Russia or the UK."

"Are you thinking of diverting the attention focused on this nation?"

Like a teacher watching a student who had passed a difficult exam, the emotion in Lanok's eyes was clearly conveyed to Kang Chan.

"There's that, but," Kang Chan looked at Romain, "if necessary..."

"Are you thinking of creating a subterranean shock device?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Kang Chan, the next-gen facility will need technicians from France, the UK, and Russia. If that's your intention, then your best option would be the UK."

"Mr. Ambassador!" Romain urgently called.

However, Lanok did not even turn his gaze away from Kang Chan.

"Josh is a dangerous man. Giving him such a weapon will surely lead to problems that are difficult to manage."

"What if we build the subterranean shock device here and construct the next-generation energy facility in the UK?"

Lanok shook his head. "If it becomes known that South Korea is building such a weapon, it will become the public enemy of every country in the world."

Kang Chan smirked. It was a foolish question that would have had the same answer even if he just thought about it a little.

"Then I will discuss the possibility of setting up an additional next-generation power facility with Vasili."

Romain watched Kang Chan with a persistent gaze.

"I also plan to retaliate against those who ordered the terrorist attacks."

Although Kang Chan could clearly read Lanok's thoughts from his previous expression, Lanok just silently watched him this time, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking. Lanok’s agreement to his decision to build another facility meant that it was a good plan. If so, then his unreadable expression now could mean that he disapproved of the retaliation.

Knock, knock, knock.

The three turned their gazes to the door as Raphael carefully entered, walked over to Kang Chan, and offered a tray with a half-folded piece of paper the size of a palm on it.

"

Ah

! I asked for this. Thank you, Raphael," said Lanok.

Raphael gracefully bowed his head and then left the room.

Kang Chan put the notepad into his jacket pocket.

"Let's have some black tea first," Lanok offered, gesturing toward the tea cups.

Kang Chan obediently picked up a cup and took a sip of the tea.

"Mr. Kang Chan, the retaliation you speak of isn’t that simple. It could used as a pretext for war," Lanok softly advised as he set down his cup. You should proceed with your plan to meet with Vasili and Yang Bum first. Meeting Ludwig wouldn't be a bad idea either."

"I see. I’ll do just that, Mr. Ambassador," answered Kang Chan.

Those matters had already been arranged. Hence, he readily accepted Lanok's advice.

"I will be returning to France in a few days,” Lanok suddenly revealed.

Kang Chan looked up in surprise. Lanok smiled as he met his gaze.

Lanok continued, "I have already conveyed all I wanted to say during my last office visit."

Kang Chan didn’t know what to say. He had never considered the chance that Lanok could be deported out of Korea.

At a time like this? Now that it's been revealed that Romain and Josh are part of the Star of David?

Kang Chan glared at Romain venomously.

Did this bastard play some game?

"Mr. Kang Chan."

Lanok caught Kang Chan's gaze.

"There might be an answer to what you told me. Meet with Vasili first. Listen to what he says and hear Yang Bum's opinion before you make a decision.”

Kang Chan felt like he had just received a severe blow to the back of his head, leaving him dazed and unsure about what to do.

"I have a request."

"Yes?"

"Will you release Romain?" Lanok requested.

He was politely asking to let Kang Chan go despite how angry and flustered it made him, perhaps so Kang Chan would be able to proceed with his plan.

Kang Chan slowly turned his head to Romain. He had stopped himself from killing Romain even though he already knew that Romain was part of the Star of David. He even tolerated his arrogance when they met three days ago. However, this bastard had crossed a line that should not have been crossed.

"Romain," Kang Chan called.

Romain did not respond, but he did not avert his gaze either.

"I will release you from detainment."

At that moment, a smile formed on Romain's lips.

"However, if I find out that the you or the DGSE is involved in the ambassador’s departure from South Korea..." Kang Chan’s eyes blazed as fiercely as if he were in the middle of combat. "France will surely regret it."

A heavy silence descended in Lanok's office.

1. This dialogue was translated as per the raws... ☜