"And in that moment...
Min-jae would gain his trust. He would become an 'insider.'"There was a brief silence in the room — everyone trying to grasp the strategic depth of this statement.Jin-woo continued with his plan."The other advantage is that we won't have to push Mr. Han too hard to learn his secrets. He will bring Min-jae closer to his secrets himself. And when he gets close... the chief can easily do his work.Another reason for making Min-jae the main part of this mission is that Min-jae can easily understand any system. If he manages to install hidden cameras in Mr. Han's secret places, we can easily listen to their conversations from here.
Joon Hyunk finally said in a deep voice,
"I like your plan, Jin-woo.
But remember, as easy as all this sounds... it can all go against us the moment we make a single mistake.""One small slip-up, and if Mr. Han gets suspicious... not only will Min-jae be exposed and put in danger, but all those people who disappeared might never be found, and we won't know where they are."Min-jae said confidently,"I understand. I will do everything with great responsibility and without any mistakes."Everyone in the room looked at each other — a serious, silent agreement.Joon Hyunk told his team,"Alright then. This meeting is adjourned. Prepare your units. We move silently — and we hit where it hurts the most."Everyone stood up, picking up their files. The screens went dark. Every agent, every officer was now ready for their task. The storm was no longer just in the plan… it was not far from becoming the mission.
The morning light hadn't fully spread yet, but Ji-ho's eyes had opened. There was a new spark in his eyes — as if someone had lit a flame of hope in his heart once again.He got out of bed and took a deep breath.
"Finally, something is starting to go right... Slowly, but surely, life is getting back on track,"he told himself with a smile.Today his steps were light, but there was confidence in his heart. Although the kitchen staff still didn't talk to him much, at least no one was making fun of him anymore. His professional relationship with the Head Chef was becoming a bit more informal and friendly — and that was enough for him.By lunchtime, Ji-ho had efficiently completed his routine tasks. He started working on mixing spices and the prep list — just like he used to watch his mother do in childhood. He set everything with perfection. Every spoonful of spices reminded him of his mother's hands, and every time he recreated that same warmth.Evening had fallen. One by one, the kitchen emptied. The Head Chef had to leave for a personal commitment — and the other staff went their separate ways. Ji-ho was so busy working that he didn't even notice the kitchen had emptied out.Only Ji-ho remained — some spices still needed to be prepared for the next day.There was deep silence in the kitchen. Only the faint sound of the fan and the slight clinking of knives and chopping boards could be heard. But while working... he felt as if someone was staring at him.He slowly looked back...Empty hallway. Silence."It's just my imagination... everything is normal,"he told himself, but inside there was a strange unease. He finished his work quickly and left the hotel.His room was just a few blocks away from the hotel. He always went with the Head Chef, so he never felt the silence of the streets before. But today — he was alone.The street was completely deserted. Only the dim light of the street lamps, and somewhere in the distance a dog barking. Ji-ho quickened his pace.Suddenly...Tip... Tap... Tip... Tap...The sound of footsteps — light, but right behind him.His heart started pounding hard.He stopped and looked back...Empty street.
There's no one here."I think I've worked too much... now I'm starting to have hallucinations,"he thought, but the fear inside didn't lessen.He had just taken a few more steps forward...Then the same sound. Footsteps. Exactly the same rhythm as if someone was walking at his pace.This time, mixed with anger and frustration, he sharply turned around and said,"Who's there? Come out!"But... silence again in response.He got scared. Turned again... and...Thud!Something heavy hit his head, sending a wave of pain through his skull that was beyond his endurance. Darkness spread all around. Everything spun before his eyes. The world slowly faded away and then—only silence...
After a while, Ji-ho regained consciousness.His breathing was heavy. There was still a haze before his eyes. He struggled to open his eyes — everything was blurry. A sharp wave of pain surged through his head.When his vision began to clear, he saw — he was in a dark, lavish room. Neon lights flickered inside. Velvet carpet covered the floor, and in front was a roulette table."This looks like... part of a casino?"He was sitting on a single sofa chair — his hands tightly tied with ropes.Suddenly...Footsteps.The door opened, and a man entered the room — dressed in a sharp black suit. Behind him were two strong-bodied bodyguards.Mr. Han.His face was completely emotionless. He looked straight into Ji-ho's eyes.