SPACE 5. That Man

Silver General Hospital.

One car entered the parking lot.The person at the steering wheel was Gwon Hwa-rang and next to him was his wife Park So-mi.Previously Park So-mi had returned from serving in Africa and collapsed. Her husband and Hyun-woo were frantic only to discover she was pregnant. Since then she had been under the care of Gwon Hwa-rang.Today she visited the hospital for a general check-up.

What are you thinking about so intently?

Huh?Ah

Gwon Hwa-rang said with a bemused expression.He looked around for a while before saying.

What did you say?

I asked what you were thinking about so intently. What are you worried about?

My worries..you dont know? Am I the type of person to worry?

I know youre not.

Park So-mi laughed at his words.

Thats why you didnt hesitate for even a second to go to Africa.

Of course. Wherever you go is my home.

This time it is a civil war area. This time were going to have a child so you should think about it more.

Ill do whatever you want to do.

But

Park So-mi looked straight at Gwon Hwa-rang.

As soon as we arrive in Africa, you contacts in the police and military are picking us up at the airport. And when we reach the civil war area, youll be teaching the troops martial arts. You dont have to keep your worries a secret from me.

My worries..

I know. But Ill never let you face it alone. Because you are the person I married. So Im asking.

Gwon Hwa-rang sighed at Park So-mis words.

Youre not a person who easily expresses my worries. If youre showing your worry then it must be something big.Isnt it?

Uh

Gwon Hwa-rang made an uneasy expression.Then Park So-mi laughed and nodded.

Okay, you dont have to say it. l believe in you and Ill follow you to Africa. You must have a reason for not telling me. But please dont worry too much. Because you will soon by the father of two children.

Gwon Hwa-rang sighed.He had been troubled for a few days.His worry was related to Hyun-woos land in Taek Mountain.Gwon Hwa-rang intuitively noticed it when he met the rehabilitation members after returning to Korea. There was something hidden in the real estate slump.These days many people became public servants because it was difficult to find a stable job. But that wasnt why Gwon Hwa-rang once worked as a detective.The reason he became a detective was justice!Therefore it was the most suitable job to achieve justice.That was the type of person Gwon Hwa-rang was. He couldnt leave it alone once he smelt something rotten. Besides, the rehabilitation members were like brothers to his while Hyun-woo was his stepson. A father wouldnt be able to pretend not to know.

Look!

Gwon Hwa-rang ordered in a cold rage.The rehabilitation members started diligently gathering information.And a few days ago they handed the results back to Gwon Hwa-rang.

I guessed to some extent but

The rehabilitation members had determined the actual owners of the Taek Mountain land. They were heavyweights in the local political or financial circles.This was the reason behind Gwon Hwa-rangs worries.He was a man who wasnt scared of the world.He was a man who didnt hesitate to enter the office of gangsters when he was still a detective.There was no reason to flinch if the opponent was a local tycoon.Especially since the property belonged to Hyun-woo.No, money already wasnt a problem for Hyun-woo these days.

In the process of examining the information received he discovered that many ordinary people suffered huge damage as well.It was to the extent that some who lost their entire savings tried to commit suicide. However, not one bit of this information was written in an article. Those behind this had the power to even silence the media.But that wasnt the reason Gwon Hwa-rang hesitated.It was a fight for injustice. It doesnt matter who the opponent was!Gwon Hwa-rang lived like this his entire life. Wasnt this intolerance the reason why he left his home country to help in Africa?

But that was when he was just one person.Now he had a wife and was going to be the father of two children.He knew from his many years as a detective.The people behind this had huge political or financial power. In some cases they could be even more cruel than crime syndicates. His fury wanted him to enter straight into the execution phase.The fortune that Hyun-woo gathered might be lost.But if he engaged too deeply then it was his pregnant wife and son who might suffer the damage.A pregnant wife and a son.That was Gwon Hwa-rangs only weakness.

What should I do..?

If youre sure

Then Park So-mi said.

I know. I believe in you and will follow you. Ill be here if you decide to confide your worries.

Amazing.

A smile spread over Gwon Hwa-rangs face.This was what she wanted to say.

You dont have to worry about such things. Arent you in the early stages of pregnancy?

Im tougher than you think.

I know that. You wouldnt have caught me if you werent. But no matter how strong you are, you still have to be careful because of the baby in your stomach.

Gwon Hwa-rang said in a much light mood as he found a parking spot and prepared to get out of the car.

Kiiiiik!

Suddenly a car appeared and blocked the path in front of him. 3 people in suits got out and knocked on the car window.

Gwon Hwa-rang ssi?

Honey, what is it? Do you know these people?

Lock the car door. Ill see what is going on.

Gwon Hwa-rang looked at the men before getting out.

I am Gwon Hwa-rang. What can I do for you?

Someone wants to talk to you for a moment. Shall we go by our car?

I have business with my wife. If you have a request then give me a business card. Ill contact them later.

It wont take long.

I wont say it again. Either leave or give me a business card.

You must not have understood my words.

One of the men looked Gwon Hwa-rang straight in the eye and laid a hand on his shoulder.There was strength in the hand that grabbed his shoulder.The tone was polite but it was obviously a threat.However, he had been a detective for 20 years. He could guess who had sent these people.Judging by the exquisite timing, they were probably sent by someone behind the whole real estate problem.They had sent their minions. A guy like that dared to put his hand on Gwon Hwa-rangs shoulder.But he endured it. Because he was now the head of a family.

Okay, Ill listen to your words.

Good choice.

The man grinned and nodded.He probably thought his threat had worked and he was delighted. Although he really wanted to punch the man in his face, Gwon Hwa-rang showed patient and went to the car.And when he was about to climb into the back seat.Another man started beating on the car window and shouting.

Hey lady! Put down the phone. It wont be good if you start making noise for no reason.

He threatened Park So-mi who was holding a cell phone!The barely restrained heart snapped. A bloody aura entered Gwon Hwa-rangs eyes.

Youwho did you just threaten?

What? Heok! T-this guy! What are you trying? Let me go!

The man shouted and swung his fist as Gwon Hwa-rang grabbed his collar.But he couldnt do anything against Gwon Hwa-rang.Gwon Hwa-rang lowered his upper body to avoid the swing and approached the car. He smiled at Park So-mi inside the car and said.

Close your eyes for a moment. The sight wont be good for the baby inside.

Dont be too hard on them.

Its okay. This place is a hospital.

Gwon Hwa-rang grinned and replied.His smile lasted until here.Once he was sure that his wife closed her eyes, he turned around with a face that looked like a predator. A low growl flowed through the mouth of the beast.

You guys..I need to teach you a lesson.

Ha! A guy like youcough!

Gwon Hwa-rang narrowed the distance and grabbed the mans throat.

This is your job so you should be slightly strong? Now, here I go.Try not to bite your tongue!

Spread following the exercises, such as renovating!Gwon Hwa-rang rushed towards the 2 men who looked confused. However, they soon recovered and ran forward at the same time. And..

Heok!

Cough!

They flew in an arc and hit the ground.Gwon Hwa-rang breathed out and looked at the men scattered on the ground.

I will leave it here today. If you dont want to be beaten even more then quickly leave the business card and leave.

Then there was a noise and another guy got out of the car. He was a short man in his 40s and wearing a leather jacket.He alternated looking at Gwon Hwa-rang and the men before muttering.

Your spirit is overflowing for someone your age.

Are you calling me old?

As expected from a former detective.

Oh, you know Im a former detective yet you still did something like this? Ill let you know the difference between someone who wags their tail for the rich and someone who catches criminals.

I dont know whats so great about a former detective.

The man smiled.

I planned to just stop in for a greeting. Youre the one who started it. Those are nice words but Ill make you understand in minutes. Why didnt you just leave with us?

This is sincere advice. Change your career.

What a meddlesome old man

The guy took off his leather jacket as he came up to Gwon Hwa-rang.

Im sorry but I need to save face in front of my subordinates.

The man threw his leather jacket forward.

You asshole!

Gwon Hwa-rang struck the leather jacket and took a defensive posture.However the man had already reached him and his elbow headed towards Gwon Hwa-rangs side.It was a bold and short attack that would pierce him in the vital spot!Anyone else would be floored and caught off guard.But Gwon Hwa-rang could tell with one glance. The other person might be short but he was familiar with fighting. It was the atmosphere of someone who could squash people if he was in the mood.

Ttak!

Gwon Hwa-rang stopped his elbow with his own elbow.He rotated his bod while grabbing the guys collar with both hands.And he tried to bend forwards to smash the guy into the ground. However, the man bent his knee and pulled back the collar.He smiled and bent forward like he was leaning on Gwon Hwa-rangs body. Then his elbow dropped towards Gwon Hwa-rangs neck.

Please understand. This is just a job.

Snap!

There was a sharp sound.

Father!

Hyun-woo threw open the door of the hospital room and ran in.He had just exited the capsule to take a break from the game.

-Missed calls: 3. Text messages: 1

He had checked his phone out of habit and saw these messages.

Eh? Mother called me? 3 times? Did something happen? Huk!

Hyun-woo checked the message without any particular thoughts.

Your dad was caught in a fight and injured.

He rushed to the hospital as soon as he confirmed it. At first he wasnt worried about the injury.But then Hyun-woo started going crazy.He caught a taxi in sweatpants and sinister thoughts ran through his head as it headed to the hospital.His anxiety became many times larger as he couldnt connect to their phone. It was just like that time. When his father died and his mother started her long struggle with illness, he had been told of the accident through a text message and then the phone didnt connect.

If something happens to Father

His imagination was going crazy.

Please! Please dont let it be anything serious!

He prayed as he ran into the hospital.

Can you tell me what room Gwon Hwa-rang and Park So-mi are staying in?

No. 1132.

He found the room and immediately opened the door.

Eh? Why are you here?

Gwon Hwa-rang stared at Hyun-woo with surprised eyes.Contrary to his worries, Gwon Hwa-rang was sitting on the bed with a perfectly fine appearance.There was a big bandage on his forehead but he couldnt consider it life threatening at all. Hyun-woo calmed his head and went over to Gwon Hwa-rang.

Whats going on? Dont you know how worried I was?

Worried? Why?

Youre asking why? I received a message that Father was injured!

Ah, your mother contacted you. I told her that wasnt necessary

Gwon Hwa-rang laughed and scratched his head.

Thats the great thing about marriage. I have a son who will come running if I get hurt.

Youre joking right now? Why didnt you pick up my call?

Call? I left it with your mother. You know. We only have one cell phone.

Mother? Why did you leave it with Mother?

Today is the day of her regular check-up. So I borrowed the room. You know that your mother is slightly old to be pregnant right? She needs to take many early pregnancy tests so we have the room.

So nothings wrong with both of you?

No.

Hyun-woo sat down on the bed.

But what on earth happened? Why is your forehead hurt?

Its not a big deal.I just had a small quarrel in the parking lot.

Quarrel? Someone hit you?

What a imagination. Who do you think I am? There was a little bump during the struggle. My forehead hit his nose. Very lightly.

Initially Hyun-woo didnt understand what he was saying.But he imagined the scene of the forehead hitting the nose and could understand the situation.

Dont tell me you head-butted him?

Eh? There was a name for it? I thought I was the first one to develop the technique. Too bad. I thought of a nice name for it.

Oh my god! Are you joking right now?

What do you think?

Didnt he know who Father is? Youre a person who can catch a bear with your bare hands. His nose muse be quite hard to damage your forehead to the extent that you have to place a bandage on it. Was Father attacked by some young delinquent? Why did this incident occur? What happened? Is the person going to sue your for this?

You dont need to worry about that.

Gwon Hwa-rang answered without even having to think about it.

Your mother recorded the scene on her cell phone.

This was the reason why Park So-mi was holding her phone.Park So-mi hadnt been worried about Gwon Hwa-rang getting hurt.It was actually the opposite.She was worried Gwon Hwa-rang would injure them so badly they would need to spend 18 weeks in hospital. Therefore she took out her phone just in case!

This is the trust between a couple.

Well, he didnt know if it could be called trust..

Mother is unbelievably strong.

Hyun-woo muttered with an astounded expression.

However I should meet with the victim. You encountered them in the parking lot so are they also in hospital?

Thats not necessary. Those guys wouldnt sue even if your mother hadnt taken the video. Did you think I would do things without thinking? I had my own ideas. Even if some of them died, those guys would never dare sue me.

Those guys?

Hyun-woo asked with a frown and Gwon Hwa-rang flinched.

It wasnt just a random quarrel. Isnt that right?

No, that..

Father.

Hyun-woo said in a low voice.Then Gwon Hwa-rang sighed and said.

Yes, I didnt really talk to them but I could guess who sent them. They probably figured out I was the one investigating them.

Father knows those people?

They are the original owners of the Taek Mountain land.

Father, why did you do this?I said I would take care of it.

I didnt want you to handle all of it.

This isnt a job for Father.

I wanted to.

Gwon Hwa-rang said with a firm expression.

The problem isnt as simple as you think. Some powerful political and business people are involved. I only determined this today. Thats why they tried to threaten me. My sons assets is invested in that property so how can I pretend not to know?

But

Hyun-woo sighed with frustration.Just thinking of the Taek real estate was enough to make his heart jump in anger.However Hyun-woo was silent despite Gwon Hwa-rangs words.This was because he knew it far too well.Lucifer threatened Koreas government with a nuclear power plant.That plant was located next to the Taek Mountain therefore the powerful figures wanted to capitalize on the situation and it became like this.In fact, Hyun-woo had been furious the first time he figured it out.The only ones fighting against Lucifers threat was Hyun-woo and some famous gamers. The Emergency Planning department said it was a secret so he never mentioned one word about it. However they obviously gave those guys the information.He wanted to visit the Emergency Planning department and question them closely.

However there was no evidence.And it didnt matter even if there was evidence.Hyun-woo couldnt make them take back the land that was sold or the land sold to Hyun-woo. Especially considering the fact that they were powerful figures.Of course he hadnt abandoned hope.

The real estate prices plunged because of the possibility of a nuclear explosion. In other words, if the explosion is definitely stopped then the price might go up again. No, it might rise even more than before.

In order to prevent the explosion, he needed to win against Lucifer. If he won then it was a jackpot.But Hyun-woo had confidence inside the game.At first he didnt know what Lucifer looked like in the game. But now he had found Lucifer. He even managed to win against him using various methods.That was all thanks to Hyun-woo himself.

I won against the opponent. There is no guarantee I will win twice. That Lucifer bastard, it was a mistake to hold the Taek Mountain hostage and provoke me. If I win against Lucifer then the real estate price will double, no triple what I invested in it! And Ill make the guys who sold the land regret it.

That was how Hyun-woo would get revenge.But Gwon Hwa-rang unexpectedly cut in and made it dangerous. Yet he couldnt confess the entire situation to Gwon Hwa-rang.The real estate problem being caused by Lucifer was only Hyun-woos guess.There was no evidence.No, there was a separate reason apart from Lucifer for the prices plunging. It was the VIPs who sold the real estate.Thats why he wanted to stop Gwon Hwa-rang.Hyun-woo worried for a while before pulling out his trump card.

I understand how Father feels. But if those people are involved then it will be dangerous. There is no guarantee what happened today wont occur again. I wouldnt worry if it was Father alone but what about Mother?Mother is pregnant right now. What if something happens to my sibling?

I was also worried about that.

Gwon Hwa-rang nodded with a serious face.He scratched his head before laughing.

So I found another way.

Another way?

It is me. Hey!

Ppak-!

Someone suddenly smacked him in the back of the head.That eerie voice penetrated straight into his brain! The one who smacked him was a man 180 cm tall.Hyun-woo knew of only one person like that.

Myung-ryong hyung?

You still have more to learn. You have no manners. Im the person who generously bestowed that body to you yet you dont come see me anymore once you become part of a large company?

The man who entered was Lee Myung-ryong.He was the one who taught Hyun-woo taekwondo and he was a part of the police agencys cyber investigation team.His philosophy was become stronger even if youre broken.Lee Myung-ryong had enthusiastically showed Hyun-woo this philosophy by beating him day and night.

W-why is Myung-ryong hyung here?

I called him.

It was Gwon Hwa-rang who replied.Then Lee Myung-ryong flopped down opposite him. He looked at the bandage on Gwon Hwa-rangs head and laughed.

Kukukukuk. It really is a spectacle. Hyung-nim is losing his touch. Being hit by some neighbourhood thugs. The police agency would cry.

Who will cry? And I wasnt hit! This is the side effect of a special move.

That doesnt matter. Originally, couldnt you beat the opponent without bleeding? No, tell me what happened. I heard an overview of the situation on the phone. What do you want from me?

I want to employ you as a madam.

Madame? Do you want me to get a gender reassignment surgery? Thats too much even for Hyung-nim.

Stop talking nonsense.

Gwon Hwa-rang laughed and continued.

I explained things on the phone. Like today has shown, this situation could become very dangerous. Well now I have a disguise.

A disguise? Im not going to marry you.

Thats not it.

Then what do you want me to do? Should I just leave?

You really are talking nonsense.Anyway, it is dangerous so what I need is a disguise. The guys waiting in the parking lot was like a warning. If I continued digging then my family wont be left alone.

Those guys often use methods like that.

Yes, thats why I want to employ you as a front. I was given a warning but they might not notice a police officer digging.

Aha!

Lee Myung-ryong tapped his finger and nodded.

So Hyung-nim called me so that I can be cannon fodder for you?

Why, you dont want to?

What did you just say?

Lee Myung-ryong stood up and shouted. He frowned at Gwon Hwa-rang before laughing.

Wasnt I just thinking about how bored I was these days? I came quite quickly when you called. Okay. Ill take over this problem.

A sigh flowed from Hyun-woos mouth.A difficult man to deal with had appeared.