Choi San, a revered and feared mafia boss, reigns over Seoul's underworld with an iron fist, his influence extending seamlessly across both legal and illegal domains. But his empire is shaken to its core when his beloved daughter, Eun-ji, is kidnapp...
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Few days later in my office, Min-Jun sat across from me, leaning back in his seat with an air of casual interest. His eyes held a hint of something else, though—an almost obsessive admiration, the kind you usually see in people who want to understand everything about the person they're talking to. I'd noticed his lingering glances whenever I spoke, the way he leaned in slightly, as if to capture every word and gesture. But I brushed it off, focused instead on the business proposal he was bringing to the table.
"So, Mr. Choi," Min-Jun began, his tone relaxed as he studied me. "I have to say, it's impressive how you've managed to balance the... reputation you hold with such an efficient business model. Running a business of your kind takes something special."
I raised an eyebrow, giving a slight nod. "Thank you, Min-Jun. It's not an easy industry, but discipline and a strong foundation keep things running smoothly," I replied, my tone professional, but I noticed the slight gleam of admiration in his eyes as he watched me.
He continued, leaning back with a curious smile, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest of his chair. "And, I have to ask—Wooyoung. He's got quite the... spirited personality, doesn't he?" His tone was light, but there was an unmistakable interest, almost fascination, in the way he spoke about Wooyoung.
I chuckled, folding my hands in front of me. "You could say that. Wooyoung doesn't hold back, and he's... protective." A fond smile tugged at my lips. "He can be hot-headed, especially if he thinks someone's overstepping their boundaries. It's something I admire in him—his loyalty, his fire."
Min-Jun's eyebrows lifted slightly, and he tilted his head, studying me with that same almost obsessive admiration. "It's remarkable, the way you talk about him. I can see why he's drawn to you. There's this strength in you, Mr. Choi, that's... captivating." He paused, a slow smile spreading across his lips. "I imagine many people admire you for it."
I felt a slight unease under his scrutiny, though I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to acknowledge whatever undercurrent seemed to be flowing through his words. "Thank you, Min-Jun. But if I may offer a piece of advice," I said, leaning forward slightly, my gaze steady on his, "be careful about what you say around Wooyoung. He's protective of what we have, and he doesn't take kindly to... undue interest."
"Oh, really? Is he that fierce? He seems gentle," Min-Jun commented, his tone carrying a hint of amusement as he leaned in, tilting his head with an almost casual curiosity.
I gave him a measured look, nodding slowly. "Oh, you don't know half of it. Unless you want to test that theory, which I wouldn't recommend," I said, signing a few papers with deliberate calm, keeping my tone light yet firm.
Just then, the front door opened, and a familiar, soft hum echoed through the room. Min-Jun barely seemed to notice, his attention still focused on me as he tilted his head, voice low and speculative.
"Why? Should I be scared of him?" he mused, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm surprised, though. With your background and work with Midnight Reapers, I never thought I'd see the day you'd be with one of them. They take you for a man with... strong beliefs."
