Chương 279: Chapter 279: Is That Enough?
I set off for Incheon Airport, which had recently opened, to catch my flight to England.
Since I took over the international flights managed at Gimpo Airport, most incoming flights from abroad now had to land at Incheon Airport.
I arrived quickly at Incheon Airport after departing from Seoul.
"This place is definitely leagues above Gimpo Airport."
"Absolutely."
Entering the first floor of Incheon Airport with Manager Ma, I surveyed the surroundings.
The sight of bustling people caught my eye.
The rapid check-in procedure allowed us to board the private jet comfortably through a gate with no one in sight.
It felt like security was much tighter compared to Gimpo Airport.
"How much longer do we have?"
"We can take off in an hour."
"Really? Let's hear how Ji-young is doing. How did you handle it?"
Knowing Manager Ma would have dealt with it well, I didn't bother to ask for a detailed report.
However, with time still left before takeoff, and since it involved Cheon Ji-young, I figured I should learn a little about it.
"First, we took them to an abandoned factory in Gyeonggi Province."
Slowly nodding, Manager Ma began recounting the details of yesterday's events.
"Interestingly, these four knew each other."
"Oh? Well, considering they follow all schedules daily, how could they not know? So what happened next?"
"They reported each other to survive."
"Reported each other?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of stalkers reporting each other to make it through.
"Yes. They were aware of the crimes committed. Among them, one stood out as particularly vile. I didn't check thoroughly, but apparently, he had even broken into Ji-young's house."
"Wait, how is that even possible? What was the security team doing, allowing such a person to enter Ji-young's home?"
"It seems he broke in while Miss Ji-young was in Hong Kong, perhaps because the security team had relaxed their guard thinking she wasn't home."
Ji-young was living independently.
I had advised her to be thorough with her security as she lived alone. Should I replace the security team?
"Still, it's unbelievable…"
I trailed off, pondering how ridiculous it all sounded.
"Another stalker recorded it on video. When I checked, he seemed way too skilled at breaking in, almost like someone trained for special operations, despite the presence of a security officer."
"…"
"It turned out he was a disgraced soldier who was dishonorably discharged for sexual assault."
"A guy like that was lurking around Ji-young?"
My voice naturally rose. It was infuriating to think that not just any stalker, but a trained lunatic was hanging around Cheon Ji-young.
"As a lesson, I've broken his legs. He'll be limping for life."
"Good job. What about the others?"
"After we broke one guy's leg, the others promised they wouldn't approach her again."
I hadn't seen it, but I could imagine them begging for mercy, tears and snot streaming down their faces.
Still, my anger wasn't easily quelled. Taking a deep breath to regain my composure, Manager Ma continued.
"If they approach Miss Ji-young again, I told them I'd show them true hell."
"Hmm… is that enough?"
"Those kinds of people fear violence more than the law. One leg of that guy is gone, right in front of them. They'll never forget that terror."
I nodded silently.
They were always weak in front of the strong but acted tough against the weak.
Those were the types who get a thrill out of stalking someone they perceive as weaker.
"If they ignore this warning and approach Ji-young again, make sure they can't walk again."
"Understood."
"And when I return to Korea, check the qualifications of the security team guarding Ji-young and my Grandmother again. No matter how special forces trained they are, it's absurd that they let someone infiltrate when they're around."
What if that guy had malicious intentions? What if he physically threatened her instead of just stalking?
Dark thoughts began to worm their way in.
As already discussing countermeasures with Manager Ma, an announcement echoed through the cabin.
—This is the captain speaking. We'll be taking off soon.
It looked like we were finally ready for takeoff. Once the announcement was over, Manager Ma bowed his head and returned to his seat.
Shortly thereafter, the private jet took off from Incheon Airport and began flying towards London, England.
After half a day's flight, we landed at Heathrow International Airport in London.
"No matter how often I fly, I still have a hard time adjusting to the time difference."
"Are you alright, Boss?"
Nodding at Manager Ma's concerned question, I dragged my fatigued body out into the airport lobby.
"Boss."
As Manager Ma scanned the area, he called out to me, pointing to one side.
There, the head of Black Bear's UK branch along with the security team waiting to escort me through my time in London stood ready.
The head of the UK branch approached and bowed to me.
"Nice to meet you, Boss. I'm Philip, the head of the UK branch. It's an honor to finally meet you."
"Good to meet you, Philip."
His polite mannerisms were characteristic of a typical British gentleman. I extended my hand first and greeted him in return.
Philip carefully shook my outstretched hand.
"James arrived yesterday, right?"
"Yes, he should be at home."
"Then let's go there. I'm too tired for much else today."
"Understood."
At Philip's direction, the security team moved in perfect unison. Thanks to their skillful control of the surroundings, we easily navigated away from the notorious chaos of Heathrow Airport.
The car that picked me up didn't head into downtown London, but instead to the outskirts.
After about thirty minutes of watching the rapidly changing scenery, the car finally came to a stop, indicating we had arrived at the London residence I had instructed them to secure before my trip to the UK.
Given the exorbitant house prices in London, the house was, in comparison to the money spent, quite small.
As the front gate opened, we slowly moved toward the parking area.
Stepping out of the car, I took a deep breath while admiring the charming little garden. I had heard English roses were famous, and indeed the fragrant scent of the blooming roses wafted through the air.
"I really like this garden. You managed to find such a nice house despite the time constraints."
"Haha, money talks in England. As long as you pay the broker well, time isn't an issue."
Behind Philip, I noticed Han Gyeong-yeong walking towards us.
"It's been a while, Mu-hyeok. How long has it been?"
"Yeah, it's been a while. How have you been, Hyung?"
"I'm the same as always. Let's head inside. The house may look small, but it's quite the work of art."
"Is that so?"
Chatting with Han Gyeong-yeong, we passed through the garden and entered the house.
"What do you think?"
"It's nice."
"Is that it? Kind of boring."
Though the house was elegantly decorated as he mentioned, I felt indifferent about it.
Seeing how disappointed he was, I smiled gently and said, "I'm not here for a vacation. Since I'm in England, how about we take a break on an island after this job is finished? Should we invite Eva and Eric too?"
"Are we really going? For real this time?"
"Yes. Unless a war breaks out, I mean it this time. You and Eva haven't had a break in ages, right?"
"Finally noticed, you evil boss."
Han Gyeong-yeong seemed happy at the mention of a vacation as he continued to smile.
"Let's wrap up the meeting quickly so we can take a rest."
"Right. You need to adjust to the time difference too. Let's do that."
The four of us settled at a wide living room table.
Lifting a cup of black tea before me, I savored its aroma and asked Philip, "Have you learned anything about the De Sun executives?"
Being in England, where black tea was a staple, the fragrance was delightful.
After enjoying the scent for a while, I took a sip of the tea and awaited Philip's response.
"No significant weaknesses were found. Moreover, they don't seem to be lacking for funds, as no matter how much we tempt those investigating with money, they won't budge. So, searching for something illegal or tax evasion-wise also turned up clean."
"Are there really no weaknesses at all?"
It felt strange that they were so squeaky clean. Setting the cup down, I lightly tapped my fingers on the table.
"There are a few prostitution-related cases, but would that even make them flinch? They're used to being threatened."
"So, the UK branch has concluded it's unlikely they'll be swayed by money?"
"Yes, that's the information we have."
The UK branch was mostly filled with ex-special forces and intelligence officers from the U.S.
Philip was among them, having been recruited from SIS, known as MI6 to the public. It was difficult to obtain reliable information in England, especially from such personnel.
If these individuals had assessed that it was difficult to silence inquiries with money, then it was genuinely an impossible task.
"Hmm."
So it appeared the only option left was intimidation. Although not in Korea, intimidating a media outlet in England, even gossip ones, felt a bit heavy.
Still, I had to prevent my information from leaking to the world without any filters.
"Please track their schedules and movements closely."
"…It's dangerous, Boss."
Noticing immediately what I was targeting, Philip hesitated momentarily before speaking.
"Why is that?"
"The UK intelligence agencies must have already picked up on the fact that you've entered the country. They're likely aware that the De Sun are investigating you as well. If any of their operatives were to be kidnapped, you'd be identified as a prime suspect."
Philip made a valid point. However, if I continued to be cautious like this, my range of actions would begin to shrink.
That would defeat the purpose of coming to England.
"I'll decide what to do later, but for now, please sort out their routes and schedules in detail."
"Understood."
After my two direct orders, Philip no longer raised any objections.
Turning to Han Gyeong-yeong, who had been silently listening in.
"What about you, Hyung?"
"Me? I've scheduled meetings."
"Are they looking to sell?"
"We'll have to meet and see. If they're inclined to sell, they wouldn't ask to meet without reason. Want to come along?"
I shook my head. There was no need to disclose my itinerary to where the gossip headquarters was located.
"Even if I don't go, you can handle it. The UK intelligence agency must be watching me, so let's keep an eye on the situation. Just proceed with your original schedule."
"Okay, Boss!"
With our discussions about the British schedule wrapped up, I stood up.
"I think I'll turn in early tonight to adjust to the time difference."
"Sure. See you tomorrow."
"Philip, please report back quickly. Also, check on the movements of the UK government."
"Yes, Boss."
After giving my instructions, I entered the bedroom with Manager Ma.
"Make sure to rest well, and let's explore downtown London tomorrow."
"Understood."
Bowing his head, Manager Ma left the room. Too tired to change clothes, I flopped onto the bed.
Thoughts swirled in my mind, but only the deep drowsiness could hold on to me.
I awoke to the morning sun streaming through the window. Checking the time, I got out of bed.
I poured some water into a cup on the bedside table and shook my head to clear my thoughts. My head felt slightly dizzy.
No matter how much I traveled abroad, adjusting to time differences remained a struggle.
Holding the cup, I walked over to the window.
Contrary to my worries about London's notoriously gloomy weather, the sky was completely clear with not a cloud in sight.
Setting the cup down, I called for Manager Ma.
"Are you awake?"
"How about you, Hyung?"
"He left early this morning."
"Did you send him off with the security team?"
"As you instructed, he went off with them."
That put my mind at ease. I had been a bit on edge due to recent events in Korea, but above all, Han Gyeong-yeong's safety was paramount.
"Let's keep breakfast simple with coffee and toast, and then maybe go sightseeing around London."
We quickly grabbed breakfast and stepped out of the residence.
After a short drive, we entered downtown London, passing the famous landmarks.
"Boss, we're being followed."
"I know. Don't worry about it; let's stick to our schedule."
Though I had been aware that a suspicious vehicle was tailing us since leaving the house, I pretended not to notice and continued the tour.
I had already anticipated that someone would follow me. Having them tail us would actually make it easier to track them later.
We arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel recommended by Philip for lunch.
As soon as I got out of the car and surveyed the area in front of the hotel, I couldn't help but click my tongue.
"They don't know the meaning of moderation."
The audacity and open following of the pursuers made my face scrunch with disdain.
Seeing my expression, Manager Ma lowered his voice to ask, "Shall we give them a warning?"
"Let's observe a little longer first."
I urged Manager Ma to hold back, and we arrived at the restaurant where we had reservations and ordered our meals.
However, there I encountered an unexpected figure.
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