Joker 1 (Side Story) Ch 9

“Of all times?”

Taeha, on the phone, glanced at the sleeping Hawon, hiding his annoyance.

“Wait a bit.”

It was a narrow room without a terrace, and the bathroom was right nearby. He had no desire to hide there like a cheater to take a call. Taeha grabbed the card key and left the room.

-What, you went outside?

“Yeah, the room is cramped.”

-What about Hawon?

Kwon Jaehee asked out of habit.

“He’s fine. Keep going with what you were saying.”

-Am I supposed to eat Hawon or something?

“Careful, your belly might get split.”

-Fine, fine, never mind. Heo Iljong, some sort of debt collector, has actually disappeared.

Taeha leaned against the hallway wall. The debt collector’s office had been in Macau, where Hawon had been repaying debts.

-When Gangho Inn burned down, the police raided that office too. I think Heo Iljong carried the books out first, but since there’s been no news, maybe someone messed with him.

“You planted Oh Woosung with Heo Iljong too.”

-He’s now in the police station taking the fall for everything Heo Iljong did. The loan sharks were so vicious and relentless toward debtors, they’re even involved in murder cases. It’s safe to say they can’t run their loan business in Macau anymore.

“Tangbang?”

-His resident registration was deleted long ago, and he hasn’t entered Korea under the name Park Sooyoung. No record of him at Jeongseon Casino either.

Taeha had expected as much. Even though Tangbang suggested meeting at Jeongseon Casino, with his deleted ID, entry would have been impossible. He must have forged identification to enter Korea, but the airport would have been a huge risk.

He was flagged as a dangerous person in APIS—passing through the airport safely would have been like threading a needle.

-The tricky part is, if he forged a passport and flew, it’d be easier to track. But as you know, using an illegal boat puts him out of our sight, making it harder to trace.

Kwon Jaehee preferred dealing with things with fists over law.

“Leave the movement tracking to me; finish this matter.” STA’s strategic planning team was tracing Tangbang’s path from Macau.

-Taeha… aren’t you getting a little too tense? That’s not like you. Why are you acting like this? Can’t you just ignore that Tangbang guy?

“Gangho Inn and Heojong Debt Collection were both raided at the same time. Do you think that’s a coincidence?”

Until last year, they had someone planted to monitor Gangho Inn and Heojong Debt Collection, but deciding it was a waste of manpower, they withdrew. Now he wondered if that had been a misjudgment.

-Whoa. You’re jumping too far right now. It could be a coincidence that they were both raided. They both committed countless crimes, after all.

“A week after the incident in Macau, Mailer came in with Tex Corp backing him. Just a coincidence?”

“He’s still eighteen. Are you really reacting this way just because of Mailer? Even if he causes a scene, do you think he could actually hurt us? You even called in the Strategic Planning Team.”

“Because it’s necessary.”

STA Corporation’s Strategic Planning Team had been the department Taeha and Eva Kwon used to grow their influence while Kwon Yijae was still alive. While the team mainly assisted STA’s management, Wagner’s security team also fell under it, useful when dealing with people who favored fists over law.

Kwon Jaehee kept saying it’s probably nothing, but Taeha didn’t think so.

“Even if he’s eighteen, if someone’s behind Mailer, it changes things. You said the Zero stock fraud involved Aeil, but I checked—it wasn’t him.”

-What are you talking about? A former Zero executive testified that Tex Corp approached him first.

“Do you think Aeil is the only one representing Tex Corp?”

-What?

“Felix is more likely.”

Aeil’s biological father and former Tex Corp CEO, Felix, had been charged in a German court for supplying military weapons to a third country. However, his lawyers promptly shifted all the blame to the deceased Kwon Yijae.

The dead can’t defend themselves, so the result was a suspended sentence. He avoided prison, but Felix’s influence was effectively gone.

There was nothing for Aeil to gain by adopting Mailer as his younger brother. Furthermore, Felix’s permission was inevitably required for Mailerto become Aeil’s adopted brother.

Taeha was convinced that the true intentions were hidden, like the way a fake painting covered the real one.

On the way from Jeju to Gimpo, Taeha confirmed Felix’s schedule in Korea over the past two years and found that he had met the Zero representative seven times.

If Felix was involved in the stock fraud, his actions were simple despite the hassle. He probably pretended to offer help to Mailer Kwon to lure him into becoming his adopted son while simultaneously causing trouble for Aeil. Aeil may have acted nonchalant in front of his relatives, but he could have been quietly grinding his teeth. That explained why he had been unusually aggressive.

Peeling back Felix’s plan revealed a new layer of truth, but it wasn’t the end. Mailer had caused confusion, and in the gap, something else was likely being plotted.

While Taeha relayed the information to Kwon Jaehee, Jaehee said nothing, only letting out a faint sigh over the phone.

-If what you say is true and Felix’s last move was to sway Mailer, then what does that have to do with Gangho Inn or Heojong Debt Collection?

“He’d need information if he wanted to mess with me too.”

-But honestly, what information of yours would he even need there? You keep overreacting. Nothing adds up.

Taeha pressed his eyes with his hand and then released them, walking down the corridor while looking at the emergency exit sign. He stepped into the emergency exit that seemed like a possible escape route.

-Unless it’s someone like Hawon, what information of yours could he possibly care about?

“Exactly.”

-Exactly what? What harm could Hawon’s information possibly do you?

Though Taeha shared a lot with Kwon Jaehee, there was one fact he never shared and didn’t want to: the truth he couldn’t bring himself to voice.

If it weren’t for the vacation, he wouldn’t have needed Jaehee’s help. But since every schedule was together, he couldn’t easily take Hawon’s eyes off him, so he needed someone he could trust to act on his behalf.

However, Jaehee didn’t act without a solid reason. Even though he was naturally curious, when questions arose, clear answers were required. That was how the brothers managed to work together.

-Is this about the days Hawon spent in Macau? Are you worried because of what’s being said online?

He had completely misunderstood. Taeha lowered his sharp eyes.

The one who should have confessed wasn’t Kwon Jaehee…

“Hawon is the one who spent ten years on the Macau streets paying off debt.” It felt like an invisible hand was choking him, almost like the delicate hands of Hawon himself.

“It’s me.”

Jaehee’s voice seemed to release the worst possible sigh.

“I bought Hawon’s debts from Heojong Debt Collection from the beginning. Felix probably didn’t even know that. He must have tried to gain something since Hawon is my weakness.” 

Jaehee struggled to continue, only moving his lips a few times. A long silence followed. Perhaps he didn’t scold or yell at his younger brother because he remembered Taeha at that time.

Jaehee knew better than anyone the life of his younger brother after being seeded with hatred at eighteen. He had no idea the path would one day trap the present-day Taeha.

-…Taeha, why don’t you just say it yourself?

It was a response only Jaehee, born of love and raised in love, could give. Taeha twisted his lips.

-Since the Zero Debt Collection is in this state, if Hawon finds out first…

“You want me to say it myself?”

-It’s better than hearing it from someone else.

It was absurdly funny, yet serious.

“If I do, you’ll see me lose my mind again, just like the old times.”

-…Taeha. If not you, I’ll say it. That’s right.

“Don’t get in the way. I’m telling you not to make me regret putting you in that position.”

-Yeah, it’s a filthy position anyway. Kid, if you’re going to drink poison, drink it alone. Why drag me in?

“You didn’t think I wanted that position?”

-When… when are you even talking about?

“I have nothing more to say. For now, start by organizing Killer Whale as planned. I’ll handle Felix at the same time, so if you see anything suspicious, don’t skip it—report everything.”

The true owner of the shipping company Killer Whale was Kwon Taeha. He had appointed a former classmate from his time studying in the UK as a professional manager and was about to push forward the merger with STA. But there were disturbances everywhere—from Heo Iljong to Tangbang.

-When have you ever listened to me? Fine, do it your way.

Kwon Jaehee unusually hung up the phone unilaterally. Taeha removed the phone from his ear but stayed standing in the same spot for a while.

But what if Macau wasn’t Felix’s doing? If the incident in Macau was separate from Zero…

Taeha began recalling individuals who could be suspects.

It didn’t seem likely to be Aeil’s doing; his surroundings were quiet. Spies had been planted near him, yet Taeha couldn’t be completely sure it wasn’t Aeil. Even if it wasn’t him, it was worth considering Baek Hyunseok or Baek Jaetak…

And who knew? The situation could have been heading in a direction he hadn’t anticipated; variables existed everywhere.

This was why he hadn’t ignored Tangbang’s call to Joo Hawon.

Information providers sold the necessary information, buyers paid the money the seller needed. As always, Taeha had to collect even the fragmented pieces of information if possible.

-Since the CEO ignored my contact, I had no choice but to reach Hawon. Do you know what happened with Heo Iljong? Or do you want to check yourself?

As soon as the call was handed to Joo Hawon, Tangbang poured out his words as if he had been waiting. The mention of Heo Iljong caught Taeha’s attention—it was what had brought them all the way to Jeongseon.

When Kwon Taeha entered the room, sensor lights came on above him. The lights flickered weakly, as if it had been a long time since they were maintained. Taeha crouched down, pulling a chair beside the sleeping Joo Hawon.

When deeply asleep, Hawon often curled up like that. Even when placed straight, he eventually returned to his curled position, perhaps tired of lying on his back staring at the ceiling.

Taeha sometimes felt a sense of relief watching Hawon curled up. On days when Hawon couldn’t open his eyes, Taeha felt compelled to wake him forcibly.

Except for the dazzlingly lit casino, it was time for everyone to sleep, but Taeha couldn’t fall asleep easily.

***

At the casino, sitting at the slot machine and pressing the buttons, Taeha’s wins were surprisingly consistent. Well, that was normal. Hawon, curious, soon accepted it.

Even now, he occasionally visited Füssen, but rarely played slot machines or participated in games. Like a tobacco company owner who doesn’t smoke, Taeha, a casino operator, had little interest in gambling. And yet he had once visited his own tables countless times.

Hawon tapped Taeha, who was sending messages somewhere beside him.

“Want to try table games?”

“Here?”

“Yes. Not the VIP tables.”

Although using Taeha’s stakes would naturally put them at VIP status, Hawon had no intention of seriously gambling. He wanted to relax somewhere no one was watching.

In Germany, paparazzi followed them daily, and even neighbors showed an intrusive level of interest. Especially an elderly neighbor, a German aristocrat, who would suddenly appear by the wall and greet them whenever passing. Even if friendly, it was burdensome.

After being poked from every angle, it finally felt like they had reached a safe zone. Hawon might owe this rare holiday to Tangbang.

“Are you going to fight me or be on the same side?”

“Wanna fight?”

They had never played cards together, not even at home. The last time might have been on the Elizabeth ship.

“What’s your seed money?” Hawon held up five fingers.

“Fifty million?”

“Five million won. You too, keep it at five million.”

“Who’s going to care about that?”

Seeing Hawon excited like this, Taeha felt mixed emotions. The enthusiasm was endearing, but he also wondered if Hawon had carried a heavy life before this. Perhaps he had a natural life, while Hawon had endured until now.

He knew Hawon’s stamina was drained, and he was pushing himself to keep up with Taeha’s schedule. Still, Taeha’s desire to keep him close was pure selfishness.

“Let’s exchange the chips.”

Hawon grabbed Taeha’s arm and walked toward the chip exchange. Taeha enjoyed leading or walking side by side, but even being pulled along like this was pleasant—they were going in the same direction.

If Hawon had turned another way, Taeha’s grip would have been enough to pull him back.

“Sir?”

Hawon turned, a curious look on his face.

“What?”

“…Is something wrong?”

Hawon’s concerned gaze made Taeha click his tongue inwardly. If Hawon knew his true thoughts, he’d think it unnecessary worry.

“What could possibly put me in a bad mood while I’m with you?” Taeha deliberately lifted the corner of his mouth.

“We didn’t come here just to play, but I may have… acted a bit thoughtlessly. I got a little excited being just the two of us.” Hawon rubbed his cheek awkwardly.

Taeha felt like he’d been slammed to the floor by Hawon’s conscience. That awareness gripped him entirely. Perhaps it would have been better not to know. Just as he hadn’t felt such guilt for others, he didn’t want Hawon to feel it either.

If he apologized now and asked for forgiveness, how would Hawon react?

The debt Hawon had repaid over ten years in the mud had actually been heading straight to Taeha. Not to Heo Iljong—it had all been for him.

The debt of Joo Sangkyung has already been fully paid by me, and the loan shark who took the interest as if sucking out your marrow—that’s me. Damn it, this feeling runs deeper than guilt. It’s fear.

“We really did come here to play.”

Kwon Taeha wrapped his arms around Joo Hawon, who was fidgeting as if checking Taeha’s expression. To distract him from unnecessary worries, he focused on the guideboard showing how to exchange chips.

“They say you can exchange at the game tables as well, not just at the counter.”

“Sir, we don’t have to play games if we don’t want to.”

“Hawon, I told you to do whatever you want. No one’s going to say a word. I just feel a bit awkward in places like this.” The CEO of Füssen saying he feels awkward at a casino sounded absurd, yet Hawon simply nodded.

“It’s a bit chaotic, isn’t it?”

Even though it wasn’t a weekend, the casino hall was packed with people. Just moments ago, Hawon had struggled to find a free slot machine before finally claiming one.

“It’s to the point where I’m worried you’ll get lost. If you announce ‘Looking for Joo Hawon,’ wait at the entrance with your hand up.” Taeha tapped Hawon’s temple lightly with his cheek and joked.

“If you ever have a problem or concern, tell me. I don’t know if I can help, but…” 

Damn it. If anyone knew that, he would want to pull their tongue out and kill them immediately.

But did Heo Iljong have any definite information?

[Heo Iljong, the head of Iljong Loan Service, had a contract stating that Joo Sangkyung’s child—Joo Hawon’s debt—would be transferred starting today to the account listed below. The transfer must be made within a week of Hawon’s interest repayment deadline, and if Hawon fails to pay, Heo Iljong must cover it. Heo Iljong can collect the interest by any means except handing over Hawon’s custody elsewhere. With this agreement, Heo Iljong notarizes that he received 500,000 HKD.]

No way.

Of course, the contract Heo Iljong held also existed with Taeha as the contracting party. Yet, neither STA nor Kwon Taeha’s name appeared anywhere.

The money Heo Iljong transferred went to a German account, one impossible to trace, so even Heo Iljong suspected it might be a front account. No one knew who actually received it—it was effectively anonymous.

Heo Iljong relied on his instinct honed from years in the loan shark business to guess the creditor.

“Many years ago… the person who sent someone to me regarding Joo Hawon, could it have been…”

“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean.”

“Does Joo Hawon know about this?”

“Old man Heo.”

“Yes.”

“Just think about it. Only think. Don’t say it out loud.”

Back then, he only gave the advice not to spout nonsense.

Even if Heo Iljong told Hawon, it would remain circumstantial—no proof. And would Hawon even believe his innocence? He wasn’t innocent in the first place.

“Why not raise the seed money to 100 million?” Taeha muttered, hiding his true thoughts.

“Isn’t that too serious?”

“If a rumor spreads that you only spent five million after coming all the way here, people will think even the great CEO is stingy.”

“Even if I spend 100 million, they’ll still say that, won’t they?”

“Then just win a lot with 100 million.” Taeha lifted the corners of his tightly pressed lips.

“Fine, let’s start with blackjack.”

Hawon led the way, walking past the row of slot machines to a table with a dealer. There were easily over fifty blackjack tables, but being the only domestic casino for Koreans, almost all were occupied.

While looking around, they made eye contact a few times with floor personnel. Security was tight, as in other casinos.

“Over there.”

While wandering to find a seat, Hawon pointed to an empty one at a table. As he tried to sit, the dealer asked politely,

“May I confirm your reservation name?”

“Reservation?”

Though the table was out in the hall, he wondered if it was for VIPs.

“Yes. Many customers are waiting for blackjack tables; you need a reservation to use them.”

“All the blackjack tables here?”

“Yes.”

“Ah, come on. The flow’s good—let’s not interrupt it.”

A middle-aged man with graying hair, mid-game, snapped at Hawon. His lips were chapped, eyes bloodshot. Hawon stepped back, shaking his head at Taeha.

“They say we need a reservation.”

“I know. But do we have to squeeze into that game?”

Taeha made the same expression as when he first saw the hotel room. Hawon, wary someone might hear, brought him to the nearest staff member.

Each country and casino has different rules, but he hadn’t expected that a reservation and waiting were required. Hawon felt like a beginner again, despite his time as a dealer in Macau.

Taeha, too, had never used a regular table. In Füssen or Macau casinos, most tables didn’t require reservations, so this was an unexpected obstacle.

“How do we join table games?” Hawon asked a nearby staff member, who pointed upward.

“You must go upstairs to make a reservation. Reservations are usually full, so even if you book now, I can’t say when a seat will be available.”

“Thank you.”

Hawon looked disappointed, as if arriving at a famous restaurant only to find a ‘closed’ sign.

“I guess we’ll have to give up on table games.”

He hadn’t wanted to play slot machines, so he’d have to wait for Tangbang’s call. Taeha had made the call from the Jeju hotel, so even without his phone, he assumed contacting them wouldn’t be a problem—but there had been no response.

“Still no answer from Tangbang?” Taeha nodded.

“Did he trick us?”

“If he did, he’ll be drinking seawater soon enough.” Hawon laughed and grabbed a complimentary bottle of water.

“Let’s just go out. We can look around outside too.”

“Shall we?”

Then, someone tapped Taeha’s back.

“Looking for a place to play?”

What now… Taeha frowned and turned to see a man with greasy hair grinning. He glanced at the floor personnel nearby, then quickly shoved a business card toward Taeha.

Taeha didn’t react. The man, realizing it wasn’t working, tossed the card aside and disappeared into the crowd. Hawon, curious, picked up the card.

“Zhizhi-ya.”

Taeha took the card from him. Treating him like a child. Hawon laughed awkwardly.

“Do you think I just pick up things off the ground?”

“I’m not leaving it there.”

“I wasn’t going to pick it up in the first place.”

Taeha placed a quick kiss on the crown of Hawon’s head. Startled, Hawon covered it with his hand. Taeha turned the business card between his fingers.

The plain card had only the company name and address—but it was no ordinary card.

“…Tangbang, right?”

Hawon stood beside Taeha, looking at the front of the card.

[强豪客棧]

The company name read: Gangho Guesthouse.