Free Web NovelJust as Oh Hyunwoo was pressing Han Hyunsoo, a loud ringtone rang out.
Oh Hyunwoo pulled out his phone, checked the caller ID, and answered with a smile.
It was a completely different attitude from the way he had been looking at Han Hyunsoo like an insect just moments ago.
“Muhyuk.”
The familiar name slipping from Oh Hyunwoo’s lips made Han Hyunsoo flinch.
— Are you in the middle of a raid?
“Yeah. I’m talking with Han Hyunsoo, and the rest are tearing the place apart with the other prosecutors and investigators.”
Even though Han Hyunsoo was standing right beside him, Oh Hyunwoo didn’t lower his voice.
— I see. What’s Han Hyunsoo saying?
“Since you mentioned it, I told him to dump all the responsibility on Han Hyunjin or Han Hyunwoo, but he says he doesn’t know where they are.”
— Hahaha. If he doesn’t know, then he doesn’t know.
At the hearty laugh, Oh Hyunwoo frowned.
“This isn’t something to laugh about. Someone has to take responsibility. If not Han Hyunsoo, then his brothers. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to pull him out. You know how these pseudo-religions work. Everything revolves around the cult leader.”
Oh Hyunwoo looked disgusted. As if he had expected exactly this reaction, Kim Muhyuk immediately provided a perfect answer.
— Don’t worry. I’ve already finished talking with President Yoon Changho. We’re pushing everything onto Han Sungjin and Kim Sunja.
“What? Han Sungjin?”
The moment Han Sungjin’s name was mentioned, Han Hyunsoo’s eyes widened.
Anyone could see he was shaken, but Oh Hyunwoo ignored him and asked,
“Was this your plan from the beginning?”
— Of course not. When a plan goes wrong, you make a new one. Han Hyunsoo is still useful. If I’m going to keep him in my grasp and knead him as I please, it’s better to remove unnecessary elements. This is a good opportunity to eliminate even the slightest remaining possibility for Han Sungjin.
“Scary. You’re really scary. Hey, Muhyuk. I didn’t do anything wrong to you, right? If you’re upset about something, just tell me straight. I don’t want to end up your enemy.”
When Oh Hyunwoo clicked his tongue, Kim Muhyuk laughed loudly through the receiver.
“This is no joke. You’re saying you’ll drag Han Sungjin—after already stripping him bare once—back down into the abyss again. If I imagine being your enemy and falling into one of your schemes... damn. Just thinking about it gives me chills.”
— That won’t happen. And even if I had something against you, I’d settle it through conversation first. You’re my friend.
“Thanks, my friend. The second best thing I’ve ever done in my life was becoming your friend.”
As Oh Hyunwoo shuddered theatrically, Han Hyunsoo shuddered as well.
He remembered Kim Muhyuk’s cold warning.
— Right, friend. Enough jokes. You understand what I mean?
Oh Hyunwoo nodded absentmindedly, glanced at Han Hyunsoo, and replied,
“I’d like to knock some sense into this gentleman here too... but since it’s your request, I’ll let it slide.”
— Thank you. When I’m back in Korea, let’s have a drink. There’s one more person there besides Han Hyunsoo, right?
“How did you know? Even when I told him to leave, he stuck around.”
— Manager Ma sent him. He’s there to guard and monitor Han Hyunsoo. Make sure he doesn’t get caught up in anything.
Oh Hyunwoo let out a small exclamation.
He’d felt something off about the man. Hearing that Manager Ma had sent him made it /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ all make sense.
“Got it. I’ll take care of it.”
— Thanks. This is why it’s good to have the right friends.
“If you couldn’t talk so smoothly, I’d hate you. You would’ve done this even without me anyway. Whatever. When you’re back, let’s all get together.”
— Sure. Talk to you later. Hang in there a little longer.
After ending the call, Oh Hyunwoo slipped his phone back into his suit jacket.
The smile he’d worn throughout the conversation vanished. His face turned cold as he looked at Han Hyunsoo.
“Han Hyunsoo. You’ve got quite the backing. You’ve made Muhyuk call me twice.”
“Haha...”
“This time, since Muhyuk asked, I’ll pretend not to know what I know. But don’t forget—you’re being watched.”
“Understood. But... I heard my father’s name mentioned. May I ask what that’s about?”
Han Hyunsoo asked, but Oh Hyunwoo merely shrugged.
“That’s not for you to know. Looks like the raid is about done.”
Oh Hyunwoo stood.
Han Hyunsoo stood as well.
“There will be a summons.”
“Yes.”
“If you cooperate, you won’t be detained. You’ll stand trial without custody... and if Muhyuk is moving behind the scenes, it won’t be a major problem.”
If it was Kim Muhyuk, he had surely already accounted for the trial.
Han Hyunsoo bowed slightly.
“Thank you.” freewebnøvel.com
“Do you have anything to thank me for? I still want to throw you in prison. Thank Muhyuk instead. Thanks for the tea.”
The moment Oh Hyunwoo left, Han Hyunsoo’s expression twisted.
“Who the hell does that bastard think he is, acting so high and mighty?”
The mercenary captain who had silently watched the exchange approached.
“You held back well.”
“Whew. At least the flames won’t reach me for now. Once things quiet down, I’ll deal with my brothers.”
“I’ll prepare.”
“Always appreciate it.”
A man who hadn’t dared utter a word while Oh Hyunwoo was present now spat toward the direction he’d left.
* * *
When the prosecutors and investigators finished loading the seized computers and document boxes into their vehicles, Oh Hyunwoo appeared.
Reporters waiting at the entrance of Heaven’s Church headquarters immediately began firing their shutters.
Oh Hyunwoo paused deliberately, giving them enough time to take their photos.
A broadcasting reporter handed him a bundle of microphones tied together.
The moment he took it, questions poured out.
With everyone shouting at once, the front of the headquarters turned chaotic. Oh Hyunwoo raised his hand.
“One at a time. I only have one mouth. If you all shout at once, how am I supposed to answer? Should I use cloning techniques?”
It wasn’t funny, but the reporters laughed loudly.
To legal reporters, Oh Hyunwoo was more difficult to handle than most high-ranking officials.
Family, education, connections—he lacked nothing. An elite among elites.
His marriage ties were slightly thin, but that hardly mattered.
If he continued like this, many believed he would become the top figure in the legal world.
“Hmm... You there—the well-built reporter. You first. I’d believe you were an athlete.”
The chosen reporter skipped introductions and shouted,
“It’s rare for a religious organization to be raided. Korea prioritizes freedom of religion. This action—”
Freedom of religion.
Article 20, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.
One of the freedoms guaranteed to the people.
At the implication that it had been violated, Oh Hyunwoo lifted one eyebrow.
“I respect the constitutional freedom of religion as well. However, everything must operate within the bounds permitted by law. Freedom does not extend to illegal acts committed behind the shield of religion. Every freedom carries responsibility. That is the Republic of Korea.”
“But it’s widely known that this raid was ordered at the President’s will without clear evidence. Isn’t this a highly political investigation designed to shift blame for the Gangnam bloodshed onto Heaven’s Church?”
Oh Hyunwoo stared at the reporter.
Is that bastard a church member? The question was aggressive enough to make him think so.
“The prosecution is an independent institution. Yes, we moved after the President’s public address. But we were already investigating illegal activities within Heaven’s Church before that.”
He made it clear the prosecution’s actions were unrelated to the President.
The firm response caused murmurs.
Oh Hyunwoo continued without pause.
“The recent bloodshed served as a catalyst, but we have previously investigated former President Han Sungjin of Heaven’s Church. Attempting to frame this as political is an insult to the prosecution. We are a politically neutral, independent body. And I, Oh Hyunwoo, value that above all. If there is a crime, whether it is the head of a religious organization, the leader of the ruling party, or the opposition—anyone must face the law.”
The reporters were stunned by his blunt confidence.
It sounded arrogant—but only Oh Hyunwoo could say it like that.
“This was a lawful execution of a search and seizure. There were no political opinions involved. Does that answer your question?”
Similar questions followed, but he handled them smoothly.
“I’ll take one last question. Yes, the reporter at the very back.”
“Reporter Shin Mina. If all illegal activities of Heaven’s Church are revealed, will you arrest Han Hyunsoo?”
“I cannot give a definitive answer. But if criminal facts are clearly established, then yes. That’s all. I need to return to the prosecution office to review the seized evidence.”
He handed the microphone back and walked toward his vehicle.
The reporters parted instinctively.
Just before getting into the car, Oh Hyunwoo turned. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓
“Write whatever you like. But if you attempt to shake this investigation with malicious reporting...”
He swept them with a sharp gaze, then closed the car door.
He didn’t finish the sentence, but everyone understood.
As soon as he got in, the convoy began to move.
“Man, dealing with reporters drains the life out of me every time. What did you think, Investigator?”
“You did great. I was sweating bullets. Please just keep doing it like that. I don’t want to get fired.”
“Haha. Why would you get fired? We’ll go all the way—me and the prosecution.”
The investigator recoiled.
“Oh no. I prefer to go long and thin. If I get tangled up with you, sir, I won’t live to old age.”
“There you go again. Have I ever treated you badly? I remember your wedding anniversary, your wife’s birthday. Where else will you find a prosecutor like me?”
“Yes, yes. Very grateful.”
His tone was entirely different from how he’d spoken to Han Hyunsoo and the reporters.
Only a few knew this side of Oh Hyunwoo.
“By the way, sir. Why didn’t you arrest Han Hyunsoo immediately? The warrant was already issued.”
“Oh, that? Han Hyunsoo’s just a tail. If we grab him and the big fish runs away, what then? Ultimately, the target is Han Sungjin. He’s the body.”
The investigator nodded in admiration.
Even among close colleagues, one couldn’t reveal everything.
Feigning nonchalance, Oh Hyunwoo urged him on.
“Let’s get back and review the materials. Call your wife and tell her you won’t be home for a few days.”
“Ah... she’ll raise hell.”
“Same here. I wonder how angry my wife will be this time.”
“Should’ve just kept dating. But you love your wife, right?”
“Of course. I married her because I love her.”
They exchanged grins and pulled out their phones.
* * *
A few days later.
A major issue erupted in Japan.
An article exposing suspicions regarding Heaven’s Church’s Japanese branch and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki broke through Yomiuri.
[The Death of Hiroyuki and Heaven’s Church.]
Hiroyuki had already become a lowly politician who colluded with yakuza, but this article—linking him to a pseudo-religion—destroyed even the last scrap of his honor.
Prime Minister Koizumi immediately ordered an investigation into Heaven’s Church’s Japanese branch.
The Metropolitan Police moved swiftly. The Japanese branch was raided just like in Korea.
Then Yomiuri released another bombshell.
A recording of Hiroyuki ordering the kidnapping of Han Hyunsoo.
He never explicitly said “kill him,” but the nuance was enough.
Japan was in shock.
Korea was thrown into chaos as well.
Public sympathy began forming around Han Hyunsoo.
“Public opinion really is a fascinating weapon, isn’t it, Manager?”
“I didn’t expect sympathy to arise.”
His flat tone carried faint exhaustion, and I couldn’t help but smile.
I extended my hand.
“It seems things are roughly settling down. Now we need to deal with China. Has the material on Luo Gan come in?”
“Yes. Not only the old files, but newly investigated material as well.”
Manager Ma handed me a thick folder.
It was heavier than I’d expected.
“There’s more than I thought.”
I opened it and began reading from the first page.
