Chapter 722: Still in Disbelief

I was sorting my thoughts while watching the raindrops tap against the hotel window.

“Boss.”

At that moment, Manager Ma entered after knocking and called out to me.

“We have encountered a variable in Korea.”

“A variable?”

“Yes.”

Since Manager Ma felt the need to report this, it must have been something significant.

Nodding slightly to signal him to hurry up, I took a seat on the sofa.

Manager Ma followed suit and immediately began his report.

“Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyeon-woo met with hired thugs.”

“Hired thugs?”

There couldn’t be thugs in Korea who weren’t under the control of the Heavenly Group.

“Didn’t the Heavenly Group instruct the thugs not to get involved in matters related to the Heaven Church?”

“Yes, that’s what I was informed.”

“But disregarding that, they met with Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyeon-woo. Are they gutsy or did Han Hyun-jin bait them with a big offer? What conversation took place?”

“It was an unscheduled meeting, so we couldn’t intercept it. Instead, we’ve been monitoring the hired thugs since then.”

It seemed they had assigned someone to keep an eye on the thugs since eavesdropping would have been challenging without preparation.

They must have snagged some leads in the process.

“I see. So, were there any movements?”

“Yes. They were gathering the ethnic Chinese workers.”

“Ha, would you look at that?”

I let out a small chuckle without realizing it.

The Heavenly Group must have considered it challenging to mobilize manpower in Korea under their ban, so they seemed intent on using ethnic Chinese workers.

“How many did they gather?”

“Over a hundred have been confirmed so far.”

“If it’s over a hundred, they clearly intend to gather even more. Can we handle them with just one team of mercenaries?”

Manager Ma conveyed his negative opinion in response to my question.

“It seems unlikely, Boss. If the ethnic Chinese move, they’ll likely use firearms too. Managing this under gun restrictions will be tough.”

“Isn’t the smuggling route all managed by the Heavenly Group?”

“While the Heavenly Group controls everything, there are certainly smuggling operations occurring outside their influence. Particularly arms smuggling with the Russian mafia is difficult to prevent.”

Unlike Korea and Japan, no single organization dominated all in China and Russia.

It might be possible for the Heavenly Group to manage large organizations, but it was nearly impossible to block all hidden forces when they were in contact with Russians or Chinese.

“Still, not all ethnic Chinese will be armed with guns.”

“True. That’s my assessment as well. But the presence or absence of firearms can significantly impact operations.”

Ethnic Chinese were formidable because they had nothing to lose.

Their sole objective being money, they’d dash headlong toward danger if they knew that their deaths would ensure their families received that money.

Thus, I had to prepare to fight against those who feared nothing and were willing to kill without hesitation.

“What’s Han Hyun-soo up to?”

“I received word that he has a scheduled meeting with the Hyun-jin brothers outside the headquarters next week.”

“This guy still isn’t thinking straight.”

This action could only be called reckless bravado.

Why would he choose to meet enemies outside when he was safe inside the headquarters?

“What about the mercenary team leader?”

“He’s been complying with Han Hyun-soo’s wishes for everything.”

“Does he know about this matter?”

“Not yet. It hasn’t been communicated to him.”

I pondered for a moment.

Should I allow the mercenaries to use firearms or not?

“If I permit the use of firearms, it shouldn’t pose any issues during the confrontation, correct?”

“Yes. If the mercenaries can use their weapons, they can deal with anyone who shows up.”

Manager Ma replied resolutely.

Mercenaries were experts with firearms.

Of course, they could hold their own in hand-to-hand combat, but what did that matter if the other side was armed?

My concerns deepened.

If firearms were used, resolving the situation would surely become quite a challenge.

I even contemplated whether I had to go to such lengths to help Han Hyun-soo.

If the target of protection was someone within my fence, I wouldn’t even be having these thoughts.

I would’ve just protected them without caring about methods or means.

“How would it go if the Heavenly Group moved to stop them, Manager?”

Manager Ma shook his head after a brief contemplation.

“It might escalate the situation further.”

“That’s not what I’m asking. Do you believe the Heavenly Group could protect Han Hyun-soo if they intervened?”

“I think it’s feasible.”

“Alright. Then let’s leave it to the Heavenly Group. They can handle the infiltration, and the mercenaries will deal with any fallout.”

“Is that wise? It could get quite noisy.”

If the situation escalated, I’d need to be the one to clean up, so it was understandable for Manager Ma to worry like this.

Picking up on the concern wrapped in his blunt tone, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“Well, the Heavenly Group knows how to manage their own affairs. They may make missteps, but they’ll sort it out properly. They are professionals after all and this is what we should utilize them for.”

“Understood. I’ll convey that.”

“Also, give a heads-up to the mercenary leader beforehand.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“You can step out now. I need to organize my thoughts a bit more.”

After Manager Ma left, I returned my gaze to the window.

The quiet room was filled only with the sound of rain. I let the noise envelop me as I sank deep into thought.

* * *

Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyeon-woo’s eyes widened. Seeing that, Han Hyun-soo burst into laughter.

“What? Did you really think that?”

“Hey! Who are you trying to fool?”

Han Hyeon-woo raised his voice, calling out to Han Hyun-soo.

But Han Hyun-soo ignored him, focusing only on Han Hyun-jin.

“Elder brother. You called in the ethnic Chinese guys to get me killed, didn’t you?”

The words caused Han Hyun-jin, who was pretending to remain calm, to flinch.

He felt a mix of surprise, yet he tried to act like nothing was wrong.

“What are you talking about? That I’m trying to kill you?”

“Listen. If you’re going to pretend, at least do it right. Kim Min-woo? Do you not know who he is?”

At the mention of Kim Min-woo, both Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyeon-woo shut their mouths.

“You know who he is, right? That guy is trying to kill me by hiring ethnic Chinese workers. And now you two happen to meet him? Don’t you think the timing is rather strange?”

“…I have no idea what you’re talking about, Hyun-soo.”

“Big bro, this is how you always are. That’s why you’re so annoying. The little bro can be ignored, but with you, there’s a reason we can’t ignore it either.”

Han Hyun-soo leaned forward with a smug smile, a peculiar glint in his eyes.

“But big brother, do you think the ethnic Chinese can reach here quicker? Or will your neck snap first? Have you ever considered that?”

The chilling words, so unlike his usual self, made Han Hyun-jin swallow hard without realizing it.

“What?”

“Once I give the command, those friends of mine will have no problem snapping your necks. What do you say? Want to test that out?”

With a nod of his chin, Han Hyun-soo directed the gaze of both brothers toward the mercenary leader.

Although Han Hyun-jin couldn’t make out his face under a mask and cap, he had the strange thought that he was smiling.

However, the mercenary leader didn’t act in response to their gazes.

He merely stood with crossed arms, guarding the doorway.

“Why? Do you think you can’t do it? Why do you think I came here while knowing all that your brothers are scheming?”

Han Hyun-jin quickly started to think.

Han Hyun-soo knew everything and had come here knowingly despite the trap laid out for him.

That meant he was already prepared to deal with the ethnic Chinese workers.

Han Hyun-jin was quick to act as well. He knelt on the floor and bowed his head.

“Hyun-soo. I’m sorry. It seems I lost my mind for a moment. Please forgive me.”

In response to Han Hyun-jin’s sudden behavior, Han Hyeon-woo looked at him with a dazed expression.

“Hyung!”

Ignoring his younger brother’s bewildered call, Han Hyun-jin continued to plead, “I’ll leave Korea. Just spare my life.”

“Big brother! What are you doing?”

As he bowed down, Han Hyun-jin begged, leaving Han Hyeon-woo at a loss.

Watching the two of them, Han Hyun-soo felt a sense of great satisfaction.

‘Seeing Han Hyun-jin begging like a dog is quite amusing.’

Han Hyun-soo had always feared Han Hyun-jin.

Though it was because he was the respected eldest son, it also created a barrier as Han Hyun-jin flaunted his abilities proudly.

Now, that very Han Hyun-jin was begging for his life in front of him like a dog.

All of this happened after he had met Kim Mu-hyeok.

‘Kim Mu-hyeok… He’s truly a terrifying person. But there’s no denying that he’s an invaluable golden lifeline.’

Meeting Kim Mu-hyeok had been a stroke of luck.

Following his father’s orders while preparing articles related to Kim Mu-hyeok and Cheon Tae-san, he had come into contact with him.

Kim Mu-hyeok had made an utterly irresistible offer, and he had taken it almost as if in a daze.

Because of that, he had now managed to seize control over the Heaven Church.

The same situation had just repeated itself.

After nearly dying in Japan, Kim Mu-hyeok saved him and helped him regain control of the Heaven Church.

‘If I hadn’t met him.’

Today, the one begging like a dog would have been me.

Han Hyun-soo grinned, raising the corners of his mouth.

“Big brother. Get up. Begging won’t change anything. Who knows, you might just make it through all the defenses I’ve set up. If that happens, I’ll gladly die in your place.”

“…Hyun-soo. I’m sorry. Please just let me live.”

Han Hyeon-woo also knelt down. Han Hyun-soo burst into laughter, unable to contain himself.

He forgot all about the promise he made with Kim Mu-hyeok and simply reveled in that moment.

* * *

Kim Min-woo, having sent the ethnic Chinese to the meeting spot, was eating in the office.

Suddenly, there was a commotion from outside.

“What’s going on? Why is it so noisy? Hey, go check it out.”

Annoyed, Kim Min-woo snapped, and one of his subordinates hurriedly stood up.

Just as the subordinate was about to open the door,

“Aah!”

With a loud crash, the door swung open inward.

The subordinate, attempting to go outside, tumbled into the office.

At the same time, dozens of men burst in.

The men, dressed casually in sportswear, all wore masks covering their faces.

Stepping through the row of men, one in a luxury suit advanced forward.

“Where’s Kim Min-woo?”

All the staff members in the office turned their attention to Kim Min-woo in an instant.

Noticing their gazes, the suited man grinned at Kim Min-woo.

“Ah, it’s you? The guy who had the guts to disregard our orders?”

“Who the hell are you?”

“Who? I’m your reaper who’s here to catch guys like you.”

The sinister smile playing on the man’s lips was unnerving. Kim Min-woo instinctively sensed that something was very wrong.

‘If I stay here, I’ll die.’

As Kim Min-woo thought quickly, the suited man laughed derisively.

“I can hear the grinding wheel turning from here. Want to leave, or would you rather get broken somewhere?”

Being dragged away meant he’d likely end up as a corpse without a trace left behind.

With a cowardly expression, Kim Min-woo spoke to the man.

“Have you come from the Heavenly Group?”

“You’ve got it! Now that you know, you should hurry up and leave, right?”

“But there’s been a misunderstanding…”

“Sure, it could be a misunderstanding. That’s why we’re taking you in to investigate. We’re not mean enough to deny you your chance to talk, are we? Come on, let’s go in one piece.”

Hearing those words, Kim Min-woo clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Those bastards already know everything.’

Kim Min-woo quickly scanned for an escape route. The only entrance was blocked by the Heavenly Group, and his only other option was to jump out the window.

The problem was that they were on the third floor.

‘Yeah, getting injured is better than dying.’

Having made his decision, Kim Min-woo overturned the desk and dashed toward the window.

But strangely, the men from the Heavenly Group did not move.

“That dumbass. Why do the idiots always think the same?”

“Hahaha!”

The suited man laughed disdainfully as the surrounding thugs bellowed with laughter.

‘What the hell are they saying?’

Kim Min-woo, internally cursing, leapt toward the window.

As his shoulder crashed into the glass and he jumped down, a surge of weightlessness washed over him.

“Cough!”

Fortunately, it seemed he had landed on top of a car, rolling noisily off its roof.

By sheer luck, he fell to the ground unscathed, but the shock momentarily blackened his vision.

Just as he began to recover and tried to get back up,

dozens of pairs of sneakers appeared before his eyes.

Amidst the frozen moment, a voice rang out from above, teasingly, “You okay? Tsk. I told you to leave intact, didn’t I?”

A guy who had slightly leaned out from the broken office window smiled slyly at him.

The thugs from the Heavenly Group weren’t done yet; the men inside weren’t all there was.

“Hey, just a sec.”

And that was just the beginning.

Merciless kicks flew toward Kim Min-woo, who lay helplessly on the floor.

Kim Min-woo could do nothing but curl up, taking the beating.

How much time passed?

“Stop.”

At the quiet voice, all the men halted their actions in unison.

A man in a suit appeared to have stepped down.

“Oh dear. You’ve taken quite a beating. But since they won’t kill you, it won’t be an issue, right? Load him up. We’re moving to the Incheon warehouse.”

“Yes, Director.”

The men confirmed that they were loading Kim Min-woo into a van as the director pulled out his phone.

― This is the Secretarial Office of the Heavenly Group.

“This is Pyo Chang-ho. The cleanup is complete here.”

― Understood, Director Pyo. I’ll relay that to the Chairman.

After hanging up, Pyo Chang-ho lit a cigarette.

A man standing guard beside him pulled out a lighter and lit it for him.

Exhaling a deep puff of smoke, Pyo Chang-ho muttered, “I wonder if everything is going well elsewhere…”

That day, a bloody incident unfolded right in the heart of Seoul.