Chapter 305: How Much Do They Look Alike (2)
Kang Chan shared his room with Gérard, the same man with whom he had shared a makeshift bed in a dusty barracks tent and slept beside a pile of corpses in Africa. Having been in situations with no room to be choosy in the past, they now comfortably sprawled out in their underwear, each occupying a twin bed.
Realizing that he had much to do, he soon shook his head to get rid of his sleepiness. Turning his bleary gaze to the side, he saw Gérard with one leg off the bed. He wondered just how deeply the guy could be sleeping.
Swoosh!
As Kang Chan opened the curtain, dazzling sunlight instantly filled the room. Gérard raised his head and blinked, seemingly in pain.
This kid has a remarkably long leg.
“I’ll shower first. Go order some coffee,” Kang Chan ordered.
“Oui,” Gérard answered.
Kang Chan entered the bathroom right after.
Ssshhh.
He turned on the tap and brushed his teeth. He didn’t know who was responsible for Suh Do-Seok’s injuries, but the act of smuggling Sharlan and harming Suh Do-Seok infuriated him as much as the suspicion he harbored toward Gérard. When he came out with a large towel wrapped around his waist, he found Gérard sitting at the table, wearing nothing but pants.
"Here's your coffee, sir," said Gérard.
As Kang Chan settled at the table, the events leading up to dawn flooded his mind.
“What time is it?”
“It’s a little past ten,” Gérard replied.
Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.
"I'll arrange a meeting with Ambassador Lanok while you're in the shower. I’ll also talk to Director Kang about Oh Gwang-Taek and his family’s safety before we leave.”
Gérard nodded as he set down his cup. “Let’s discuss the rest of the schedule after the call.”
“Don’t worry about me.”
Noticing Kang Chan's smirk, Gérard grinned in return. He then stood up and removed his suit trousers as if they were military pants before heading into the bathroom in his underwear. Similar to Kang Chan, each scar marking his body served as evidence of a narrow escape from death.
Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz.
Kang Chan extended his hand to pick up the phone on the table. It was Seok Kang-Ho.
Did something happen to this bastard too?
"Hello?"
- It's me.
"Yeah, what's up?"
- You busy? If you're free, let's have bossam[1] for lunch.
A carefree laugh burst out from Kang Chan.
Ha! Explaining the situation over the phone would take too long!
However, extending this courtesy to Seok Kang-Ho was only fitting. Kang Chan shared only the essential details with him.
- What kind of situation is that? Gérard must be really upset, huh?
Seok Kang-Ho also had unwavering faith in Gérard.
"I'll swing by in the evening after I’m done working for today," said Kang Chan.
- Cap.
"What is it?"
- I'm healing so much faster than before that even the doctor is surprised, so don't worry about me and take care of Gérard.
Kang Chan smirked. “Got it.”
After ending the call, he quickly called Lanok's number.
- Monsieur Kang.
"Ambassador, I apologize for taking so long to contact you."
- I distinctly recall telling you not to worry about me last time.
Lanok's relaxed voice brought Kang Chan a sense of relief.
"I have something to discuss. Do you have some time to spare?"
People’s minds would sometimes synchronize enough to let them sense each other's emotions even over a phone call. This was one of those times. Kang Chan could almost visualize Lanok scrutinizing his watch intently through the phone.
- I have a bit of free time an hour after my lunch appointment.
"That should be enough. I'll come by at two this afternoon."
- See you soon.
Right after hanging up, Kang Chan sipped his cold coffee. At the same time, Gérard got out of the shower.
"I’ve got a meeting with the ambassador at two," said Kang Chan.
"Good to know."
Kang Chan nodded, giving Gérard a thoughtful look. It seemed somewhat improper to leave someone, who barely knew the local language, alone in a hotel.
'Should I call an interpreter?' he wondered.
Kang Chan tilted his head and then immediately reached for the phone once more. As soon as he pressed the call button, Kim Hyung-Jung answered.
- Assistant director.
"We agreed to be informal among ourselves, didn’t we?" Kang Chan responded.
- Keeping up with the frequent location changes isn't easy.
His words were followed by a soft chuckle.
"Do you know where our interpreter is?"
- You mean the one who was with us recently?
"Yes, the one who injured his finger."
- His name is Shin Min-Cheol. He's in the hospital right now. If you need a French interpreter, we have others available.
"I’m only looking for him since he’s the only one I know. Anyway, I've got a meeting at the French Embassy at two. I'll reach out to you once that’s done.”
- Got it.
Should I assign an agent to Gérard? That doesn’t seem like the right move, though. The kid’s already uneasy.
With no other choice, Kang Chan pressed the call button again.
- Channy!
Michelle sounded like she had just broken free from a constricted throat.
"Are you tired?"
- No, just looking over some documents. I’m almost done with work, though, so I was thinking of sneaking away to rest. Anyway, what's up? Bringing me a present?
She never changes.
"I've got some business to attend to today and was hoping you could look after Gérard. How about you two grab bulgogi for lunch?"
- Really? Where are you right now?
"I’m at the Namsan Hotel."
- Perfect. I'll be right there.
"Call me when you get to the lobby."
After hanging up, Kang Chan told Gérard that Michelle would be coming.
"Captain, can't I just stay here?" asked Gérard.
"Why?"
Gérard shook his head at the thought of meeting Michelle.
"You’ll be having bulgogi for lunch. You were planning on doing that anyway," Kang Chan said.
"Hmm."
Why does he look so troubled about lunch? It’s like he saw something unsettling.
"Understood."
Gérard hurriedly got dressed.
"Wait here. I'll just talk to Director Kang."
"Copy."
Suddenly thinking of getting Gérard a phone, he called Michelle again as he left the room.
- We have an office phone he can use. How about I give that to him and take it back when he leaves?
Michelle was certainly the best choice for tasks like this. The pile of work that had built up from yesterday to sunrise seemed to be gradually getting sorted out. Kang Chan went to Kang Chul-Gyu's room and rang the bell.
"Who is it?"
A voice from inside asked. Not long after, the door opened.
Click.
Kang Chan pondered why Kang Chul-Gyu bothered to ask who it was if he planned to open the door without waiting for an answer.
"Can I come in?" Kang Chan asked.
Kang Chul-Gyu moved aside, feeling a bit more relaxed than before. "Of course."
Upon entering, Kang Chan saw Nam Il-Gyu standing by the table.
"You don’t have to leave. It might be better for you to be here, actually."
Kang Chan assessed the situation and sat down only after receiving a nod from Kang Chul-Gyu. Except for the slightly disheveled bedspread, the room was neat and tidy. Everything was arranged as meticulously as the hotel initially set.
Glancing around, he noticed a half-empty bottle of water beside the TV stand. A sigh involuntarily escaped him.
"Have you had breakfast?"
"Yes. I ate with the others,” answered Kang Chul-Gyu.
"Why not order some coffee?"
"I’m not that fond of it."
Kang Chul-Gyu gave Kang Chan a questioning look.
"Oh Gwang-Taek is in danger," Kang Chan finally opened.
That one sentence made Kang Chul-Gyu's gaze sharper.
"I would like the DMZ team to handle his and his family’s security.”
"How skilled do you think the enemy is?"
"They’re from an intelligence bureau, so they would likely go to any lengths."
Kang Chul-Gyu gave Nam Il-Gyu a quick look before turning back.
"What about weapons?"
"We can prepare handguns and knives. Since Oh Gwang-Taek is already in the hotel, I'd like you to start as early as today."
"Understood," Kang Chul-Gyu firmly replied.
"Can we integrate everyone who’s back from the operation into the National Intelligence Service's counter-terrorism team?"
Nam Il-Gyu quickly looked at Kang Chan for cues.
"Do you know Kim Hyung-Jung? He’s in the counter-terrorism team."
"Yes, I do."
Ah, it all clicks, then! He’s probably also connected to President Kim Tae-Jin!
If so, then there was no need to drag this out.
"Just a moment."
Kang Chan immediately picked up the phone and dialed Kim Hyung-Jung's number.
- Kang Chan?
Being called by name, not his position, felt much more pleasant.
"Manager, what else do we have to do for the whole DMZ team at the Namsan Hotel to officially join the National Intelligence Service?"
- The director has already approved of it. Just send over the list, and we will process it immediately.
"Can you issue them handguns, knives, and ammo today?"
- For the entire DMZ team?
"I have a protection task for them. It would be best to discuss the needed weaponry with Director Kang himself, but at least prepare a handgun and magazines for Oh Gwang-Taek. One moment."
Kang Chan handed the phone over to Kang Chul-Gyu. "We only need to submit a list now for to make your agent status official. Anyway, they're asking what and how many weapons you need. It’s best you talk to him yourself.”
Kang Chul-Gyu took the phone and brought it to his ear.
"Hello? Hmm, that's right. We'd appreciate it if you could arm our entire team. The weaponry... as the assistant director has ordered, it’s necessary."
This old man is actually pretty considerate.
"We'll need eight handguns and knives each. We’re also going to need extra ammo, two vehicles, and radios. I apologize for the inconvenience."
A brief silence enveloped the call. Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to be noting their requests down.
"I believe it would be better for the assistant director to tell you about the mission himself. That's how we operate."
Why does he keep calling me 'assistant director’?
Kang Chan got chills being addressed that way, yet Kang Chul-Gyu kept confidently repeating the title.
"Thank you. See you later."
Kang Chul-Gyu briefly nodded as if acknowledging someone in person. He then returned the phone. The previously absent spark of life was now clearly visible in Nam Il-Gyu’s eyes.
"This is Kang Chan."
- The tasks you've assigned will be processed today. I was thinking of coming to the hotel in the afternoon. Would that be a suitable time for you?
"We'll have to see. I'll try to be here by then."
- Understood.
Kang Chan hung up the phone and gazed at Kang Chul-Gyu.
"I'll bring Oh Gwang-Taek later after lunch. Please discuss his security detail with him."
"Got it."
Only now did Kang Chan appreciate the reassuring effect of Kang Chul-Gyu's simple acknowledgment.
“Assistant Director,” Nam Il-Gyu called. “Thank you.”
Before Kang Chan could ask what that was for, Nam Il-Gyu continued, “For giving us the opportunity to serve the nation again."
Kang Chan was rendered speechless.
What did their pasts mean to these people? Were they not idiots to chant 'country, country' with such blind loyalty?
Buzz Buzz Buzz. Buzz Buzz Buzz.
His phone’s ringtone snapped him back to reality.
"Hello?"
- Channy, I'm in the lobby.
"Got it. I'll be right there."
Kang Chan stood up. Turning his head, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu also rising.
'Don't worry. I've got your back.'
Despite the cheesiness of the moment, Kang Chan felt as if they had secured an ally they could trust to handle any potential threats.
Kang Chan nodded at Nam Il-Gyu and left the room. He had a busy day ahead. He went to his room, fetched Gérard, and headed down to the lobby.
"Channy!"
Michelle stood up and waved her hand. Those initially looking at Gérard, who was wearing a suit, sharply turned to Michelle.
"What's with your hair?" Michelle asked.
"My hair? What about it?" Gérard replied.
"You should have styled it!"
Gérard ran his fingers through his hair, wiggled his cheeks playfully, and then sat down.
"Got any gel?" Michelle wondered.
"This is my first day, so no. I don't really use products like that."
"Why style your hair like that, then?"
"Who said I was the one who did this? Who do you think sat me down and styled it like this?"
Ah, these two!
Fortunately, they were speaking in French, sparing others from their otherwise embarrassing conversation.
Tap, tap, tap.
Kang Chan tapped the table with his index and middle fingers.
"Keep it down. Go have bulgogi for lunch."
"What about you, Channy?"
"I’ve got a lunch appointment of my own."
While he yearned for a hot cup of coffee, the idea of having it in the company of their awkward exchanges was less appealing.
"Wait! Let me put the office phone number in your contacts."
Michelle grabbed Kang Chan's phone and swiftly added the number.
"And the phone?"
"Here."
Following Kang Chan's quick rundown, Gérard took the phone, no questions asked.
"Let's go."
"Channy, make sure to eat lunch. Let's go."
"I'll be back, Captain."
Kang Chan briefly waved at them. He felt like he had just accomplished a major task.
Now, he had to go back up, wake Oh Gwang-Taek, have lunch with him, and hand him over to Kang Chul-Gyu. He originally planned to meet Kim Hyung-Jung and go to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook today, but that seemed unlikely now.
‘I should hurry.’
Kang Chan's muddled thoughts seemed to serve as a reflection of how complicated things had become.
Ding-dong. Ding-dong.
Expecting to find Oh Gwang-Taek asleep, Kang Chan was surprised to see him already neatly dressed.
"Come in."
Oh Gwang-Taek stepped aside, allowing Kang Chan to enter and take a seat at the table.
"I've gotten you a meeting with Director Kang after lunch to discuss your security. Manager Kim Hyung-Jung will bring the weapons in the afternoon."
"Thank you."
"I should be the one thanking you instead," Kang Chan corrected.
Oh Gwang-Taek wryly smiled at him.
"And Gérard?"
"I asked someone who speaks French to take him out for lunch."
While Kang Chan's assurances and observations about Gérard were credible, the image that Oh Gwang-Taek had seen the day before continued to trouble him. A glance was enough to tell that he found it hard to come to terms with Gérard.
"I see. Let’s go get something to eat,” Oh Gwang-Taek suggested.
"Sure. Where do you want to go?"
"How about the baekban restaurant[2] across the street?"
Kang Chan hesitated for a moment. Even though the National Intelligence Service agents would be moving as a unit, he questioned if they really needed to make a special trip just for lunch. Maybe he was overanalyzing the situation, taking it too seriously when the other party might not have even given it a second thought.
"Alright. Let’s go."
Oh Gwang-Taek briskly stood up. They left the room, walked down the corridor, and took the elevator to the ground floor.
"We used to have many gang fights back in my day.” Oh Gwang-Taek stared straight ahead as he spoke, making it look as if he was talking to the elevator door. "Reflecting on it, the only real change has been the weapons, shifting from sashimi knives to handguns."
With a smirk, he added, “Back then, we didn’t have anyone like you. Honestly, Do-Seok, Chul-Bum, and I had to go through hell to get to where we are now.”
He turned to Kang Chan.
"I've survived countless brushes with death."
Ding.
The elevator announced its arrival.
"If I ever die..."
The doors slid open.
"... please, make sure to bastard in the video is taken care of."
Oh Gwang-Taek walked into the lobby.
1. Bossam is a Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced boiled pork served with cabbage wraps and often accompanied by side dishes like kimchi and garlic. ☜
2. A Baekban restaurant is a Korean eatery that serves baekban, a traditional meal comprising a main dish, rice, and an array of side dishes, all served at once. ☜
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