"Everyone only cares about the money they earn from their work."
Min-jae remained silent, but his face revealed more than words could.
The chef continued, as if trying to unload the entire burden from his heart:
"When those people disappeared one by one, no one even asked about them. No calls, no reports. We all just assumed… maybe they ran away on their own."
But suddenly, his tone changed — now it carried pain and respect.
"Ji-ho's case was different."
"When Ji-ho first came to the hotel, we thought he was just another village boy — someone who didn't understand the city's language or culture. We thought he wouldn't last even a week."
"The staff bullied him, mocked him. He had to hear harsh words, was ignored during work."
"But he never uttered a single complaint. He just kept his head down and worked quietly."
There was genuine admiration in the chef's eyes.
"And one day, when he got a chance to show his talent, he proved he was the most professional of all."
"His dishes — the presentation, the hygiene, the taste — everything was world-class."
"That day, I realized this boy was far from average."
"But now… he's gone missing."
The chef recalled that night when Ji-ho hadn't returned to his room.
The very next morning, he went straight to the manager.
"I asked the manager, 'Where is Ji-ho?'"
The manager's response shook the ground beneath him.
"At first, he said Ji-ho had quit."
"Then, he said the management had fired him."
"Two different answers for the same question?"
"And when I asked why… they gave no explanation."
The chef lowered his eyes.
"I know Ji-ho. He's not someone who would just quit and run away. If he ever left, it would only be when everything was against him."
"He endured everything — loneliness, mockery, pressure… yet he persevered.And now, just when doors were beginning to open for him… he quit? That's a lie."
"I know, sir… something happened. The people at the hotel did something to him."
The chef's voice was heavy with pain.
Min-jae stared at him, absorbing every word, every ounce of anguish.
The chef looked up one last time, tears shimmering faintly in his eyes:
"I admit… I had no connection with Ji-ho before.But the day my hand was burned, it was those very people — people I'd known for years — who did it. And yet, despite that, no one came to help me except him.He was the first person who reached out to me."
"From that day on… I felt like he was my younger brother."
"This city was foreign to him. I was the only family he had. I'm certain — he didn't just leave… he's in trouble somewhere."
"Sir… please… help me find him."
Min-jae took a deep breath. Shadows of old wounds flickered behind his eyes.
"Don't worry.I promise — I will find him."
For the chef, it was like a guardian angel's vow.
He nodded silently, hiding his tears, and walked away.
Min-jae stayed behind, his mind flooded with an old memory.He remembered the garden — the place where he had met Ji-ho for the first time.The gentleness… the innocence… the simplicity.
"That boy… could now be in the hands of a monster."
"Please God… wherever he is… let him be alive… let him be safe…"
Min-jae pulled out his phone.
Using a secure line, he entered an emergency code.
A voice answered from the other side:"Yes, ?"
"It's an emergency. Everyone, meet me at the office — now."
Fifteen minutes later, Min-jae was inside the office.Captain, Major, and Joon Hyunk were already waiting there — all of them serious and tense.
Min-jae scanned the room, his voice filled with urgency and a hint of anger:"Do you all know what I just found out? It's shocking news about Ji-ho."
"That boy… has been missing since last night.And I strongly suspect that he has become Mr. Han's next target."
Stepping forward, Min-jae looked directly at Joon Hyunk. His voice deepened, but there was a subtle tremor in his words — as if they were coming straight from his heart:"Do you know… when I first met him, I thought he was such an innocent soul. And now… I'm truly worried about him."
His words perfectly mirrored his thoughts.
"I'm scared, Joon Hyunk… his life might be in danger. We need to act, and fast."
Joon Hyunk looked at Min-jae like he was seeing him in a whole new light — as if this was the first time he was facing the real Min-jae.The worry etched on Min-jae's face was new, and deep.
Joon Hyunk knew — this was the same Min-jae who, after losing his parents and younger brother, had no attachments left in life.This was the first time he was showing such strong emotion for someone else.
"This is serious."
Even if Min-jae hadn't fully admitted it to himself yet, Joon Hyunk — his closest friend — was keenly aware of this change.
While the Major and Captain treated this as just another routine case, believing Min-jae was stressed simply because an innocent victim had appeared again, Joon Hyunk understood — this was more than professional concern. This was personal.
In a voice low and serious, Joon Hyunk said:"You're right, Min-jae. We can't waste any more time. We need to take immediate action."
Then, with a sharp look, he activated their plan and declared:"Let's move."