Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 756: Attack (2)

I ran up onto the wooden floor of the old house without even taking off my shoes. The door to the main room was open, so I could see Chairman Choi Eun-Tae, President Kang Gam-Chan, and Attorney Cheon Jin-Sang in conversation.

"Mr. Chairman!"

As I shouted urgently, Choi Eun-Tae turned toward me in surprise. "What is it? Why the rush?"

"Someone's here again. You need to leave. Right now!"

Cheon Jin-Sang, who had been seated, rose to his feet. "Ah, it must be the security team. I'll go check—"

"No. I think it's someone else here to target Mr. Chairman. I don't have time to explain. Please, let's head out the back immediately."

If they were allies, we would have heard noise from the entrance. However, the only sound was a dull thud like a log falling. That was the sign of an ambush.

Choi Eun-Tae, seasoned as he was, didn't hesitate. "Understood."

Kang Gam-Chan moved to support Choi Eun-Tae. "I'll take you. This way, through the back—"

Choi Eun-Tae shook his head. "No, there's a hidden passage." Then he looked to his side. "Attorney Cheon, open it."

Cheon Jin-Sang hesitated. "Mr. Chairman, let me go confirm what's happening outside first. Then—"

"I trust Chief Jung's judgment. Open it now."

"Understood, sir."

Cheon Jin-Sang approached the folding screen behind Choi Eun-Tae. When he slipped his hand behind it and pressed something, the screen folded leftward like blinds.

Flap.

Behind the screen was a low doorway just high enough to pass through if crouched and only slightly wider than a person's shoulders. Beside it was a touchscreen about the size of an A4 sheet. Cheon Jin-Sang placed his hand on it.

Zing~

The sound of scanning Cheon Jin-Sang's palm echoed quietly.

Click.

The small door opened, and cold air burst out from inside.

"Mr. Chairman. Please go in."

Choi Eun-Tae gave a nod, then looked at me and Kang Gam-Chan. "All of you, follow me. The stairs lead underground, so watch your step."

With that, Choi Eun-Tae bent down and stepped through. Kang Gam-Chan followed behind him.

Cheon Jin-Sang, still holding his hand on the screen, gestured for me to enter. "Go ahead."

I had been through something similar when I visited President Suzuki in Japan, so I stepped inside without hesitation.

Tap.

The moment I entered, a staircase leading down into the underground stretched before me. It was a bit dim, but there were guide lights, making it easy to navigate. I took a few steps down when Cheon Jin-Sang entered behind me.

Clunk.

As soon as the door shut, the stairs lit up fully. However, the descent looked far deeper than I expected and I couldn't see the end. Still, something else was bothering me more.

"Mr. Cheon. If the screen is folded open like that, wouldn't it be obvious where we went?" I asked. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Cheon Jin-Sang shook his head. "No. Once the door closes, the screen resets itself. Come on, the basement's pretty far down, so let's hurry."

"Yes, sir."

A little reassured, I followed Choi Eun-Tae down the stairs.

***

In Myeongdong's old house basement, the stairs spiraled endlessly downward before opening into an enormous underground space. At the center was a large circular main hall with smaller rooms fanned out around it like spokes on a wheel. One wall was covered with monitors, resembling a control room.

Choi Eun-Tae sat on a sofa in the main hall, let out a deep breath, and began explaining. "This place is a bunker built in case of war. We're about fifty meters below ground, and the storage room holds enough supplies for fifty people to live here for six months. So don't worry."

It was no wonder it took so long to get down here. As he settled into the sofa, Choi Eun-Tae gave his next order to Cheon Jin-Sang.

"First, check the external security cameras."

"Yes, Mr. Chairman."

Cheon Jin-Sang moved straight to the control panel and began operating it. After pressing a few buttons, the monitors displayed the house's exterior. Ten masked men were dragging unconscious guards aside and beginning to quietly scale the wall.

"Attorney Cheon. How long until the backup security team arrives?"

"Just about five minutes, sir."

"Then monitor everything closely until they do."

"Yes, sir."

Once he gave his orders, Choi Eun-Tae turned to me. "Chief Jung. Thank you. Thanks to you, we got through that safely."

Choi Eun-Tae looked like he had finally caught his breath, but I couldn't relax. After all, Everyday's fortune still hadn't changed.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 17, 2021]

[Fortune of the Day: You will receive news of a close one's death.]

As long as the fortune remained, it would come true. So I stayed on edge and asked carefully.

"Mr. Chairman. Is the entrance we came through the only access point to this place?" I asked.

Choi Eun-Tae nodded. "Yes. And access is extremely limited."

"Who exactly can open it?"

"Attorney Cheon Jin-Sang here, Attorney Kim Taek-Hoon, Attorney Oh Sung-Ha, and... Choi Man-Sik detained in Japan."

Other than Choi Eun-Tae himself, only four of his most trusted men could draw back the folding screen and access the fingerprint scanner.

"Choi Man-Sik?"

"Yes. I didn't think we'd ever use this facility, so I forgot to delete his fingerprint data."

I had heard Choi Man-Sik wouldn't be arriving in Korea until this weekend. Yet if that was misinformation and he was already outside, the entrance might open again.

Noticing my concern, Choi Eun-Tae shook his head. "Don't worry. Even if he shows up here, we can control access from inside." He then turned to Cheon Jin-Sang. "Make sure no one from the outside can get in no matter what."

"Yes, Mr. Chairman."

Cheon Jin-Sang tapped quickly on the touchscreen and inputted commands.

"It's done."

Still unable to relax, I checked for other vulnerabilities. "Mr. Chairman, what if someone cuts power from the outside?"

"We pull power from multiple sources, so cutting one won't shut anything down. We also have our own generator that can last us several days."

'So it wasn't that either.'

I checked for a few more potential risks, but the fortune still hadn't changed.

'What's supposed to happen to Chairman Choi Eun-Tae?'

Just then, Choi Eun-Tae picked up his phone, preparing to make a call.

I stopped him immediately. "Mr. Chairman. I don't think it's a good idea to share internal information with the outside right now."

"Hm? But I need to notify Assemblyman Yoo Tae-Sik and Assemblyman Choi Soo-Ho if I'm going to sweep those bastards away."

I shook my head. "It seems suspicious that the two of them are coming here at a time like this."

"Suspicious? What do you mean by that"

"If they were really worried enough to come after hearing you'd been attacked, don't you think they could've at least warned you in advance even if they couldn't stop the investigation?"

"Hmm."

"But the fact that those two only called after the incident, and that masked men showed up right after the call ended, makes it seem like they were trying to keep you from escaping."

If I hadn't checked Everyday, we wouldn't have reacted in time before those ten masked men got in and Choi Eun-Tae would have been dead.

Choi Eun-Tae nodded. "That does make sense."

"Yes. It's more likely they're enemies than allies, so don't share any internal details. Just tell them you've relocated."

"Got it. But what about the lack of security? I doubt the police will come if I call them."

"I already contacted Eun-Gi."

Choi Eun-Tae's voice rose sharply. "What? How could you call Eun-Gi here?"

"Eun-Gi has over thirty bodyguards watching over him. Right now, those people are the most trustworthy we've got."

Choi Eun-Tae's expression darkened quickly. Even if he was in danger, he didn't like the idea of putting his son at risk by bringing him here. But perhaps realizing there was no other choice, he let out a long sigh.

"I guess it can't be helped. Fine, I'll call Assemblyman Yoo Tae-Sik and Assemblyman Choi Soo-Ho and tell them not to come."

Choi Eun-Tae first called the ruling party's deputy floor leader.

"Assemblyman Yoo, I've moved to the safe house, so don't bother coming. We'll talk later."

-The safe house? Where is that? I'll come to you.

"It's fine now. You don't need to worry."

-How can I not worry? After what happened to you, sir!

Yoo Tae-Sik's voice grew louder. At that moment, the main hall monitor showed the masked intruders spreading out over the house and beginning their search.

Watching the scene, Choi Eun-Tae scolded Yoo Tae-Sik with a cold voice.

"If you really cared about me, you could've at least warned me about this attack. Don't contact me again."

-S-Sir, please...

Click.

Choi Eun-Tae hung up abruptly and turned to me. "Chief Jung. You were right. This bastard sided with Park Sang-Gon. Since Assemblyman Choi Soo-Ho also said he was coming, they're probably in on it together."

Now certain, Choi Eun-Tae called the Choi Soo-Ho next.

-Mr. Chairman! Where are you?

"I've arrived at the safe house. You can head back."

As expected, Choi Soo-Ho also asked where the safe house was. However, Choi Eun-Tae only scoffed and hung up.

Click.

"Those bastards!"

Grinding his teeth, Choi Eun-Tae swore he wouldn't let them off once he got out of this.

I then called Kang Eun-Gi. I needed to update him on the situation here.

"Eun-Gi, where are you?"

-I'm about three minutes away.

"We've moved down to the basement."

-The basement?

"Yeah. We evacuated because of intruders. We're watching from the security camera now. Ten masked guys scaled the wall, so stay alert. They're probably armed."

-Don't worry. After all your nagging, we've got stab-proof vests, shields, and full gear.

"Good. I'll stay in touch. Be careful on your way in."

At that moment, Kang Eun-Gi hesitated before asking.

-By the way, is Mr. Chairman with you?

"Yeah. Hold on. I'll put you on speaker."

I tapped the screen and held the phone toward Choi Eun-Tae.

-Mr. Chairman.

Upon hearing his son's voice, the angered Choi Eun-Tae paused.

"Y-Yeah."

Kang Eun-Gi forced calm into his trembling voice.

-Please be careful until I get there. If anything happens to you, the twins and my wife will be devastated.

Choi Eun-Tae's face trembled. He looked deeply moved by his son's concern.

"I-I'm fine, so don't worry too much. But those men outside aren't just anyone, so I'm more worried about you. Be careful. Be very careful.

His own life was in danger, yet Choi Eun-Tae was more concerned about Kang Eun-Gi.

-Okay. And no matter what happens, just listen to Yoon-Ho. If you do that, nothing will go wrong.

"I will."

-And Yoon-Ho...

"Yeah."

-...Please take good care of Mr. Chairman.

"I will."

After informing Kang Eun-Gi through a short call, I hung up.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan shouted and pointed to the monitor. "Yoon-Ho! Look at that!"

The monitor for the main hall showed the masked men, having finished their search faster than expected, regrouping on the main deck. One of the bigger men among them approached the folding screen to the master bedroom. At the same time, the man reached behind the screen just like how Cheon Jin-Sang had earlier. From the way he moved, it was clear he knew how to open the door.

I immediately check Everyday to check that Fortune of the Day still hasn't disappeared.

I asked Choi Eun-Tae without letting my guard down. "Mr. Chairman. Is there an emergency exit other than the main entrance?"

Choi Eun-Tae, watching the monitor, responded. "There are two."

"We need to evacuate immediately."

"Evacuate?"

"Yes. I think those men are going to come down." At the same time, I shouted toward Kang Gam-Chan. "Mr. Kang! Take Mr. Chairman and get out first!"

"Y-Yes. Got it."

Kang Gam-Chan helped Choi Eun-Tae head toward the back exit of the hall.

Just then, Cheon Jin-Sang sitting in front of the monitor yelled in surprise. "Chief Jung! Where are you going?!"

"You should evacuate too, Mr. Cheon! Quickly!"

Cheon Jin-Sang hesitated but then got up.

Creak.

He lingered a moment too long, but then ran toward the exit.

"Go ahead of me," I said.

"What about you?"

"I'll follow after I confirm how they get in."

It took a long time to descend the winding stairs to the basement anyway, so I wanted to observe exactly how they planned to enter. We still didn't know enough. At that moment, the masked man opened the folding screen, just like Cheon Jin-Sang had. Now, only the fingerprint scan remained.

I had hoped not, but Everyday was right again. The masked man pulled something thin from his inside pocket and overlayed it onto his black latex glove. He placed his hand on the scanner next to the door. Then, the door slowly opened..

'Damn it.'

That confirmed there had been help from the inside.

Without wasting another second, I sprint toward the escape path Choi Eun-Tae had taken.

***

Tap tap tap.

I ran down the winding path for quite a while. Though the distance was easily over a hundred meters, it wasn't a straight line, so it took time. When I finally reached the fork, Choi Eun-Tae and the others were already there waiting for me.

"What took you so long?"

"I was checking on something. They've already opened the door and entered the basement."

"What? How?"

"Someone must've lifted a fingerprint."

"A fingerprint?"

"Yes."

At that moment, Cheon Jin-Sang burst out, visibly agitated. "No one could've accessed it from outside. How is that even possible?"

'Why is he so angry?'

Doubt began to creep in. Still, I suppressed my suspicion and responded calmly.

"I have no idea."

"I made sure no one could get in, I swear!"

Choi Eun-Tae calmed the agitated Cheon Jin-Sang. "It must've malfunctioned after all this time. Anyway, that's enough. Let's just get out of here."

I took the chance to speak to Choi Eun-Tae. "Eun-Gi's on his way here right now. Please tell me where each of these paths leads so I can update him."

"The right path leads to the safehouse behind Myeongdong Cathedral, and the left leads to the one near Cheonggyecheon."

Two routes were in opposite directions.

"Which of the safehouses does Choi Man-Sik know about?"

"Only my attorneys know the exits."

Apparently, Choi Man-Sik had only been told that this place was an air-raid shelter. That meant either route was safe.

Just then, Cheon Jin-Sang spoke urgently. "Mr. Chairman, the intruders will be here in under two minutes."

"Yes, we'd better hurry. But which route?"

Cheon Jin-Sang quickly cut Choi Eun-Tae off and suggested, "Let's go toward Myeongdong Cathedral. That safehouse is closer, larger, and more secure. Please, this way."

Then Cheon Jin-Sang took the lead down the right-hand path.

Choi Eun-Tae followed without hesitation, trusting Cheon Jin-Sang completely. "Very well."

However, I checked Everyday again.

[Everyday V13]

[Date: March 17, 2021]

[Fortune of the Day: You will receive news of a close one's death.]

The fortune still hadn't disappeared.

That instant, I shouted to Choi Eun-Tae ahead of me. "Mr. Chairman! Let's go the other way!"

"What?"

"The Cheonggyecheon route is farther, but let's take that one."

Choi Eun-Tae stopped and hesitated for a moment.

I shouted again, "Mr. Chairman! You said you'd trust me!"

"Hm~ All right. We'll go to Cheonggyecheon."

With that, Choi Eun-Tae turned around.

At that moment, Cheon Jin-Sang, who had been leading the way toward Myeongdong, froze and shouted, "Mr. Chairman! Chief Jung doesn't know this area! You have to go toward Myeongdong!"

"It's okay. Attorney Cheon, just follow Chief Jung's lead."

Choi Eun-Tae silenced Cheon Jin-Sang and took the left path. Cheon Jin-Sang looked visibly irritated by my decision but reluctantly followed behind Choi Eun-Tae.

'Could it be...?'

Every part of me distrusted Cheon Jin-Sang, so as we took the left path, I checked my phone again. At that moment, my phone buzzed.

Buzz~

[Notification: Your Fortune of the Day has been updated.]

I immediately opened Everyday. But the newly updated fortune made my stomach drop.