Chapter 24
“Wow, I finally got the dropper working. Took care of those two.”
“Well done, Jennifer. Shane, how’s your situation?”
“I’ve laid out some traps, but, well, they’ll probably get breached soon.”
“Damn, that’s malware! Hey Choi, come over here too.”
Every time Hyungoh tried to sit down, people across from him or beside him would call out. Small curses and the sound of typing keys blended together in harmony, and despite the extremely tense atmosphere in the room that would normally be disorienting, Hyungoh was earnestly directing everyone with a serious face, sweating bullets.
Ten people including Hyungoh. They were all hackers belonging to the Gostin Family. Their skills were top-notch too. Hyungoh had initially assumed black hat hackers were extremely sensitive, stubborn, and excessively assertive—though after meeting Taylor, those suspicions had somewhat faded—so when he first received orders to form a team with them, he felt utterly lost.
From their first meeting, it was obvious they weren’t welcoming him. Who was this Asian they’d never seen or heard of? Since Michael had personally introduced him, they didn’t openly show their displeasure, but when Michael wasn’t around, they treated Hyungoh worse than the grime stuck in a trash can corner.
Well, fortunately, that was only a month ago.
“I think it’s better not to attack. Judging by the decreasing intrusions, it’s a honeypot.”
“I thought so, those sneaky bastards.”
“But we’re getting close to the end, aren’t we?”
Hyungoh didn’t let his guard down until they caught the final target. He hadn’t been very confident at first, since this was essentially his first time working in a team. Teamwork would be crucial, but when the team members didn’t particularly like him, it was unbearable. If anything went wrong, he’d be marked with no chance of recovery. Whenever Federico’s cold gaze flashed through his mind, Hyungoh would break into a cold sweat and need to stay alert.
Fortunately, Hyungoh began to gain recognition for his skills as the days passed. After all, he was the one who’d hacked secret documents from famous corporations and turned South Korea upside down. He was confident his skills were second to none.
After solving several major cases, the team members naturally began to acknowledge Hyungoh. When they became friendly enough to greet each other, one team member subtly asked about his age. They were curious about the solutions that came from Hyungoh’s experience.
Surprisingly, they were all younger than Hyungoh. Before he joined, their average age was about twenty-five. The team members were initially surprised when they heard Hyungoh’s age, but soon nodded as if they’d expected it. Although they were called first-class hackers, they couldn’t help but acknowledge Hyungoh’s genius skills after seeing them firsthand.
“Done!”
“We did it!”
When a team member who’d pressed Enter jumped up and shouted, others followed one by one, standing and cheering.
“Those thieving cats, I’ve been starving all day because of them.”
“Choi, let’s go get some drinks.”
“I’m fine, I don’t really drink.”
“You can have something else then.”
Jennifer, who was sitting next to Hyungoh, high-fived him and insisted. Shane, a bald man with a hunched back, strode over and threw his arm around Hyungoh’s shoulders.
“What’s the point without the hero? We would’ve failed again this time without you, Choi.”
“How did you find that malicious code? It was so well-hidden I almost missed it.”
“I was just lucky, ahaha.”
Hyungoh scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.
“We would’ve succeeded with the hack anyway, even if we’d missed that. So don’t get cocky.”
Jake spat out the words with a displeased expression while leaning back in his chair. Hyungoh closed his mouth. Starting trouble again today. Hyungoh pretended not to notice Jake’s glaring eyes and turned his head away.
Jake was the man who’d been team leader before Hyungoh arrived. However, after all the documents he was responsible for got hacked a month ago, he had to endure a week-long fast and step down from the leader position. Since newly arrived Hyungoh filled that spot, it was understandable he might not be pleased.
But Hyungoh was certain it wasn’t just for that reason. The biggest reason Jake disliked him was undoubtedly because of Michael.
Michael often called for Hyungoh. He’d send Herick down to the underground security room to invite him for dinner, and when Hyungoh returned after meals, Jake would pick fights with him. From making racist comments like saying he acted superior despite being Asian or that he smelled of disgusting kimchi, to childish acts like forcefully shoving his shoulder when passing by or kicking his chair away—he did all sorts of immature things.
Is it jealousy?
It couldn’t be seen as anything but jealousy. The way he perked up his ears whenever Michael was mentioned, or how most of his drunken rambling during occasional team dinners was praise for Michael. He’d excitedly rant about how perfectly Michael handled matters, how much he’d earned the boss’s trust, how Michael had shown him what true beauty was, how Michael had given him freedom, and so on.
“Oh, Jake. Are you going to be like this again today? This time we not only defended perfectly but also succeeded in making their entire system inoperable. Those guys will probably have to spend their entire fortune buying new equipment.”
“Is that all? We got their executive list too. I can hear the agonized screams of those Cenaline bastards from here.”
“I know, me too. But why are you saying it’s all thanks to him?”
“Um… Jake. I don’t think today’s achievements are all because of me…”
“Shut up, you yellow monkey. Who told you to butt in?”
Jake jumped up from his seat, shoved his face close to Hyungoh’s, and growled. Hyungoh closed his mouth with a gulp. Though he’d grown numb to racial slurs after hearing countless ones before, it was still terrifying when such a large man radiated murderous intent as if he’d actually kill him.
“You think you’re special because Michael gives you preferential treatment?”
What was this about now? Hyungoh inwardly sighed at his absurd words. He’d been quite tense, but suddenly felt deflated.
Despite his appearance, Jake’s behavior was exactly like a kindergartener’s. Twenty-three years old, wasn’t it? For a man who’d had his skills recognized at such a young age and acted as the leader of a hacking team, he had many awkward aspects. Well, it made sense that he’d make such mistakes, being so emotional and childish. All that excessive pride.
Hyungoh suddenly began to genuinely worry about him. If he keeps acting like this, he won’t survive in this field. He seems like he might cause a major incident someday.
“Whoa, whoa, Jake. Stop bothering Choi and let’s have a drink.”
Shane led Jake toward the refrigerator. Jake’s envious gaze remained stubbornly fixed on Hyungoh. Why did Jake always remind him of the old Herick? Hyungoh touched his forehead with a tired expression. Jennifer patted Hyungoh’s shoulders.
“It’s not the first time he’s been like this.”
“That’s the problem—it’s not the first time…”
“You’ll just have to get used to it. Jake will never change. Just like any other common alcoholic.”
She seemed to be gently stroking his shoulder, but when there was a knock at the door, Jennifer quickly removed her hand and approached it. Hyungoh raised his head and glanced at the clock. Since ordinary staff couldn’t come down to this security room, it was probably Herick coming for dinner with Michael.
“Hello, Choi.”
Herick smiled at the doorway. Hyungoh felt the back of his head burning. It was obvious that Jake would be glaring at him intensely, even without turning around. Let’s go quickly. Fearing that Jake might start another fight if they lingered, Hyungoh hurriedly left with Herick.
Hyungoh followed Herick to the terrace in front of the garden. Michael was staring intently at the garden with a pensive expression. However, Hyungoh knew Michael was simply spacing out. With such a serious face, no less.
It had been a habit since childhood. Whenever he had that troubled expression at the mere age of fifteen, Hyungoh would always ask what he was thinking about. And Michael’s answer was always the same.
I was discarding thoughts.
At first, Hyungoh pondered what that meant, but when he interpreted it simply, it just meant he was zoning out. Hyungoh sat down across from Michael with practiced ease. Michael’s empty gaze turned toward him.
“How did it go, Choi?”
Seeing Michael immediately ask about the hacking results, Hyungoh gave a bitter smile. The days when Michael called Hyungoh for dinner were always after major hacking operations had concluded.
Just three days ago, when news came that a hack led by Hyungoh had failed, Michael hadn’t hidden his disappointment. You’re so transparent, Michael. I get hurt too. Truly, when facing Michael’s disappointed eyes, Hyungoh couldn’t bear the discomfort. What, are you disappointed because the chess piece you trusted didn’t move as you wanted? His heart stung so much he couldn’t eat.
So what about today? They’d successfully hacked the executive information of the Cenaline Family that Michael had been so eagerly anticipating. Would he praise him? Hyungoh secretly let out a twisted smile and answered calmly.
“We succeeded.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Did you get the list?”
“Yes, but only half of it.”
Herick, standing behind Hyungoh, exclaimed, “Oh, half?” with admiration. Michael’s eyes sparkled. A smile gradually spread across his face.
“Did you give it to the FBI?”
“Not yet. We’ve cleared one hurdle, so I’ll handle that tomorrow—”
“You do it yourself, Choi.”
“Huh?”
“You, personally, with your own hands, send that list to the FBI.”
Michael said. Hyungoh felt a sudden aversion to his unsettling smile. Me personally?
Whether I do it or Jake or Jennifer does it, it’d be the same unless we personally meet an FBI agent and hand it over. Hyungoh glanced at the man pulling a food cart and then looked back at Michael.
“Why do I need to send it myself?”
“Because people need to throw away a part of themselves to some extent.”
The man who pulled the cart closer poured wine into Michael’s glass. Michael inhaled briefly as if savoring it, then stretched his hand toward the lawn and slowly poured the wine out.
At these incomprehensible words and actions, Hyungoh, who had his mouth hanging open like a fool, glanced at Herick. Please translate what he means. Herick subtly rolled his eyes to avoid Hyungoh’s gaze.
“Fine, I understand.”
Hyungoh reluctantly nodded. Why is that so important? Michael, seemingly satisfied, smiled with his eyes and drank the remaining wine. Hyungoh also took a sip of wine following Michael.
Michael, after eating about half of his steak, called the man waiting next to the cart. The man then took out a brownie covered with chocolate syrup and placed it in front of Michael. Hyungoh paused while cutting his steak and glanced at the brownie that looked extremely sweet even at a glance. So you still like sweet things.
He recalled the young Michael who would stuff macarons into his mouth to avoid having them stolen. But he quickly stopped himself. Why am I thinking about the past again? His heart ached.
After finishing the meal, Hyungoh headed back to the security room with Herick. Michael had been busy lately. He seemed to have barely made time for dinner with Hyungoh. According to Herick, Federico’s health was deteriorating, and he seemed to be considering Michael as his successor, which certainly explained the peculiar tension permeating the mansion.
“By the way, seems like you’ve made some friends lately?”
Herick said. Friends? Hyungoh turned his head with puzzled eyes.
“You seemed to have gotten close to the team members.”
“I had no choice but to get close in this situation.”
“You don’t even stutter anymore. It feels like the old Choi has returned.”
Herick smiled with pleasure. Anyone listening would think I always stuttered. Hyungoh frowned. As they approached the security room door, the boisterous voices of people who’d already started drinking could be heard through the gap. The sound of clinking glasses, drunken voices, and the gradually spreading smell of alcohol.
Herick’s expression froze coldly. A gloomy aura emanated from Herick as he stood still with his hands in his pants pockets. Hyungoh’s face hardened in response. What’s this? Why did his mood suddenly change? Hyungoh cautiously reached out and turned the doorknob instead of Herick.
“You’re insane, Jake.”
Herick spat out the words as gently as possible. Jake, who’d been guzzling whiskey straight from the bottle, spotted Herick and spat out his drink. Everyone’s gaze fixed on Herick at once. All had expressions of sudden realization.
“You dare disobey the boss’s orders?”
“I-I just had one sip! Really!”
“How about making a believable excuse after I see your face?”
Jake’s face was burning red as if he’d been scalded. A terrible alcohol smell burst forth from him as he approached hesitantly.
“I forgave your previous mistake, but now you’re trying to kill yourself. Amazing, I’ve never seen such an idiot in my life.”
“…What? Idiot?”
Jake, who’d been staggering toward them, suddenly raised veins on his forehead.
“Yes. Idiot.”
“Shut up, Herick. I won’t let you off just because you’re close with Michael.”
“You know what? Even a newborn orangutan would be smarter than you.”
Herick looked Jake up and down and then sneered.
“At least it wouldn’t try to climb an unclimbable tree, thrashing around on its own and smashing its head.”
“You son of a bitch!”
Shane and Jennifer, who’d been nervously glancing at Herick, hurriedly blocked Jake as he became agitated. Herick tilted his head back and sighed with irritation. How could such a low-intelligence guy be a first-class hacker? I’m genuinely worried about the future of the American hacking industry.
“Who are you to look down on me? Just because Michael coddles you, you think you’re something special!”
“Ha, Jake. Honestly, I don’t care whether you worship Michael or not, but let me give you some valuable advice—it’s best to stop here. He’s not the kind of guy you imagine.”
“Shut up! Don’t say Michael’s name with that filthy mouth.”
“This is pointless; talking a hundred times won’t get through to you. Jennifer, contact me again when this idiot sobers up.”
“Got it.”
“What do you know about him to run your mouth? Who are you!”
The blood vessels protruding from Jake’s neck like tree branches looked ready to burst. Is this situation okay? Hyungoh, restless, looked back and forth between the expressionless Herick and Jake, whose entire body was flushed red.
Jake was a large man. If he wanted to, he could easily shake off Shane and Jennifer. Despite being drunk and agitated, he hadn’t completely lost his reason? Hyungoh sighed with some relief.
If he were to make even the slightest move against Herick, it was obvious a much more serious situation would follow. Since Herick was clearly the closest to Michael, touching him was essentially the same as touching Michael.
“Choi, you go back to your room too.”
Herick patted the hunched Hyungoh. Look at this. You’re scared again. Herick clicked his tongue. And I thought you were finally returning to your old self.
Hyungoh glanced back at Jake. Is it really okay to leave? Jake, seething from his own emotions, couldn’t have been more frightening. He was like a bull facing a red flag, shaking his entire body with the urge to charge.
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“P-Pardon?”
Jake, who made eye contact with Hyungoh, bulged his eyes. His bloodshot whites captivated Hyungoh. In short, they were the eyes of someone who’d lost it.
“You think I’m funny too? You fucking banana!”
“You should watch your words, Jake.”
“He looked down on me first. How dare he, he, treat me with contempt.”
“Why don’t you just shut your mouth now? Unfortunately, I don’t have enough patience to quietly tolerate your drunken nonsense.”
Let’s go, Choi. Herick waved his hand and led the way outside. Hyungoh quickly followed behind Herick. Banana, huh? It’s been a while since I heard that slur. “Banana” was one of the derogatory terms for Asians, meaning someone who’s Asian on the outside but acts like a white person on the inside.
Why is he going crazy at me? He was afraid of the consequences of confronting Herick, but he still wanted to recover his wounded pride, so he targeted Hyungoh instead. I suppose I’m the easiest target. Hyungoh dropped his head in exhaustion.
Just as Hyungoh was about to exit, something lightly brushed his hair and stuck into the wall. It was the threatening sound of something cutting through the air. Hyungoh blankly stared at the wall in front of him. A pocket knife the size of a palm was deeply embedded in it.
“Jake!”
“Are you crazy?”
Shane and Jennifer shouted in astonished voices. Herick, who turned around at the renewed commotion, faced Hyungoh’s deathly pale face.
“This is a knife Michael gave me as a gift. Understand? He made it specially for me by sharpening it himself.”
Jake said, panting as if excited. Don’t disrespect me again. Don’t underestimate me! His loud cry echoed in Hyungoh’s ears.
His vision swam. Unable to maintain his balance, he staggered in place before slumping down. If he’d turned his head just a little, that knife would’ve been embedded in the back of his head. Hyungoh, who’d been staring at the floor with unfocused eyes, suddenly felt hot liquid flowing down his cheek and fumbled with his hand. The knife must have slightly grazed him, as a streak of blood was flowing down.
Don’t underestimate me, Choi.
Herick’s trembling voice echoed in his head. That’s right. Herick had said the exact same thing before. Hyungoh raised his head to face Herick. Herick stood rooted to the spot as if his entire body had frozen solid. The blood that had reached the tip of Hyungoh’s chin dropped to the floor with a plop. Herick twisted up the corner of his mouth.
“Jake.”
Herick stepped forward forcefully and stood in front of Jake. Jake, who instinctively stepped back from the terrifying aura emanating from Herick, suddenly realized his mistake and quickly raised his chin.
An arrogant youngster with only his pride. He still didn’t realize what a huge mistake he’d made. Herick grabbed Jake’s cheeks with one hand as if crushing them and spoke calmly.
“Congratulations. Soon, there will be a moment when Michael will desperately look forward to meeting you.”
