The Empire (Underworld 3) MW

25: Find Mingyu

"Where's Sungmin hyung?" Soonyoung asked, looking around the nearly empty office as he walked in. He had expected to see his partner, but only Taeyong was there, focused on some paperwork.

Taeyong glanced up from his desk, a slight smile on his face. "Oh, Sungmin has taken a day off. He probably took his brother to the airport; he's leaving after all."

Soonyoung's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Sungmin hyung's brother? Oh, that pretty and charming boy? He's leaving? For where?" He started flipping through a couple of files, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Taeyong leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms. "Yeah, he got a chance to study at a university in New York. It's a big deal, full scholarship and everything. Sungmin's really proud, but also a bit emotional about it. They're pretty close."

Soonyoung nodded, a wistful look crossing his face. "That's amazing. I remember meeting him a few times. Always so polite and kind. It's a big step, moving to another country."

"Yeah, it is," Taeyong agreed. "Sungmin's been a bit stressed about it, you know. He's trying to put on a brave face, but I can tell it's hard for him. They've always been tight-knit."

Soonyoung sat down across from Taeyong, setting the files aside. "I can imagine. I know how much family means to Sungmin hyung. He must be feeling a mix of pride and sadness."

Taeyong nodded, his expression softening. "Exactly. It's tough seeing someone you love go so far away, even if it's for something good. But Sungmin's a good brother. He's supporting him all the way."

There was a moment of silence between them, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Soonyoung finally broke it, his tone more determined. "Well, we'll have to pick up the slack while he's away. Make sure things run smoothly here so Sungmin doesn't have to worry about anything else."

Taeyong smiled, appreciating Soonyoung's resolve. "Agreed. We'll handle it. He deserves to have one less thing to stress about."

                                       _

"We're cutting off the resources for Amber gang," Seungcheol declared in the hall room, his voice resolute. Everyone except Wonwoo had gathered, the atmosphere charged with determination. "Stop everything—the trade of weapons, drugs, information. I want them to be left with nothing."

Jihoon nodded, already a step ahead. "That's a great idea, Hyung. We've started the process. Our contacts are pulling back as we speak."

Seungcheol's eyes scanned the room, taking in the focused expressions of his team. "We need to break their unity as well. We need to make sure their own soldiers revolt against them," Jun added, his tone equally determined.

Seungcheol nodded. "Exactly. We need to sow distrust among their ranks."

Hansol leaned forward, a calculating glint in his eyes. "We can bribe their men. If they're left with absolutely no manpower, they'll practically give up. We offer them safety and better pay. Most of them will jump ship."

Jeonghan, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "We should also spread rumors. Make them doubt each other's loyalty. If they start turning on each other, it'll be easier for us to dismantle their operations."

Seungcheol nodded thoughtfully. "Good idea, Angel. Chan, can you handle the logistics of the bribery? Make sure we approach the right people."

Chan gave a sharp nod. "Consider it done, Hyung."

Hansol added, "I'll work with Chan on identifying who we can turn. I have a few informants who can help."

Jun interjected, "I'll focus on disrupting their supply lines. We need to make sure nothing gets through, not even basic necessities."