IRLPLBIO Chapter 40 Part 2

Im Ho-sin pressed his aching stomach. Just the thought of defending Jae-gu against someone beyond his professional standing already gave him heartburn.

Choi Hyeong-gyu, who had announced his visit by phone, appeared in the hospital room himself not long after. His face clearly revealed his unyielding personality, his posture was stiff as if he wouldn’t even bow his head to wash it, and he exuded an aura that suggested he would compromise with no one. Though he was as thin as a bamboo skewer, he was a man with eyes like a beast.

Jae-gu understood why Choi Eun-ho had been in class F, even with such a prominent father. It was because Choi Hyeong-gyu hadn’t revealed his identity first, and Choi Eun-ho had kept quiet so as not to cause trouble for such a father.

But Choi Hyeong-gyu’s face seemed familiar somehow. A moment later, Jae-gu realized that he had once been Han Seong-cheol’s target. Before Jae-gu’s dazed eyes, the moment he first saw Choi Hyeong-gyu in a photograph came to mind.

‘I wish this man would quietly be removed from his position.’

Han Seong-cheol, in his mid-20s, held out a photo to Jae-gu and tapped on it. It was Choi Hyeong-gyu.

According to the personal information written on the back, he was the Head of the former Central Investigation Department, now renamed the Anti-Corruption Investigation Department. It also stated that he was a candidate for the next Chief Prosecutor.

Jae-gu didn’t readily take the photo. Recklessly provoking figures in the police or legal circles was very dangerous. These were people who, even if one low-ranking member was affected, the entire group would rush in and see it through to the end. There was no way to calculate what kind of backlash would ensue if a chief prosecutor was removed.

‘He’s a prosecutor, isn’t he? And a chief prosecutor at that.’

‘I know, I know. That it’s dangerous. That’s why I said I wanted it handled quietly. Do you think I’d order something without knowing that?’

Han Seong-cheol, who had been annoyed a moment ago, soon changed his tone to a softer one. In order to catch up with his older brother, who was already far ahead, he needed achievements. The person who would create and offer those achievements was none other than Jae-gu.

‘Jae-gu, help me out, okay? Do you think I’d forget you when I succeed later? This man has ill feelings towards us and keeps bothering us.’

‘…….’

‘I’ll beg you like this. Right, you said the kids needed lodging last time, didn’t you? I have some land I bought, I’ll build a building there right away. If only this matter is resolved well…’

‘…….’

‘…Even after all this, you won’t listen? Hey, what’s the problem? I’m offering you money! You should do as you’re told! What did I bring you here for?!’

Crash!

Han Seong-cheol frantically threw a heavy pen holder, which crashed into the display cabinet right next to him. Jae-gu stood upright without avoiding the glass shards that flew in all directions. Something sharp must have grazed him, as his earlobe stung.

‘This, even so!’

Han Seong-cheol raised his hand towards Jae-gu, who still hadn’t given an affirmative answer. But he couldn’t bring himself to hit him, and his clenched fist trembled. Hitting him once and venting his frustration would be simple, but he knew that if he lost Jae-gu’s trust over such a matter, his future would become difficult. Compared to when he was younger, he had improved slightly.

Although Han Seong-cheol had many people he could command, the only person he could immediately trust and use was Jae-gu. He had to endure until he could bring in a ‘dog’ to replace Jae-gu.

‘…Enough. Get out.’

‘Yes.’

Before Jae-gu even closed the door as he left, he saw Han Seong-cheol contacting someone else. He seemed quite desperate.

‘Oh, it’s me. About that simpleton from back then. Right, back in high school… who did you say had that video?’

Click, as the door closed, the rest of the conversation couldn’t be heard.

Jae-gu at the time vaguely thought that Han Seong-cheol must have targeted Choi Hyeong-gyu’s family. Without knowing at all that Choi Hyeong-gyu’s son was his own friend, Choi Eun-ho.