Chapter 150 - Busan Trip (7)

An hour later, they pulled up in front of 414 Gyeongju Street. 

"Are you sure this is it?" Ash asked in bewilderment. 

"T-the address seems to be this one," Mirae said with a frown. Were they wrong? 

In front of them stood a giant skyscraper. It was almost over twenty floors and a posh complex. Sprawled across the whole building were two letters in neon signs: SD. 

"I thought he's hiding from enemies," Ash said. "This looks more like an invitation for his enemies. What was the point of all those clues?" 

"Probably wanted a laugh. He's certainly not known for his subtlety," Mirae commented. "Let's go in." 

They cautiously approached the building. Upon reaching the gate, a voice boomed out. 

"Who dares to step upon my humble abode?" 

"I'm the CEO of Abyss," Mirae said warily. A small camera on the entrance spins in on her face. 

"Show yourself," the voice ordered. Mirae looked around before taking off her mask. 

"You shouldn't be doing that," Ash warned in alarm. 

"No other choice," Mirae said grimly. Turning towards the camera, she added, "Happy now?" 

"You may enter," the voice said. The gate before them opened wide. They entered through the threshold. 

"Fourteenth floor," the voice commanded. 

Ash and Mirae made their way towards the elevator. Once in, Ash pressed 14. The gates of the lift closed shut and with a jerk, the elevator began to ascend up. 

"What sort of person is this guy?" Ash questioned. "If he has so much information on people, shouldn't he be hiding?" 

"He does change his address frequently," Mirae said. "But he doesn't hide. There's no need to hide when he holds the crucial information and secrets of so many influential people. His motto is simple. Pay him and he will tell you anything you want to know. Pay him and he will hide anything you don't want to be leaked. As long as you follow his rules, you're safe."

"What if he is paid to leak information about someone after he was paid to keep his mouth shut?" Ash countered. "He's getting payment to be a double agent." 

"Depends on who paid him first," Mirae replied. "If I paid him first to keep my information a secret, he won't leak it even if other people pay him higher prices for it. He may deal with criminals but he's a true businessman."

Ash was unsettled. This person did not seem like a trustworthy man. Even Mirae was apprehensive but there was no other choice. She needed concrete information and only he could provide that. 

The elevator reached the fourteenth floor. They stepped out to see a large office space in front of them. 

It was a Japanese decor. Small bonsai plants in pots were lined along the window while paintings of Japanese artists hung on the walls. There was a small fountain in the middle of the room while shelves of books were stacked neatly on the second floor. 

"Where is he?" Ash enquired. 

Before Mirae could open her mouth, a deep voice greeted them. 

"Welcome, Ms. Mirae," the voice said smoothly. They looked up to see a tall man in his thirties descending from the stairs. 

He was wearing a black shirt which emphasised his toned muscles. His dark hair was sleek and brushed backwards while his face was chiseled and sharp. His blue eyes stared at them in amusement. The man looked like a runway model. 

"And you must be… Mr. Ash Park," he said. 

Ash was startled. He was wearing a mask and sunglasses. No one could recognize him easily. 

"How did you-" 

"Know it was you?" SD mused. "I know things beyond your comprehension."

He held out his hand. Ash hesitated before shaking it. 

"We need information," Mirae demanded. 

"Hello to you too," SD sighed. "I don't know why people forget the simple gesture of greeting someone." 

"We don't have time for all that SD," Mirae snapped. She took out a bundle of cash from her purse. 

"Five thousand dollars as you requested," she said. "What's going on within the Cartel? Are they having some sort of civil war?" 

SD smirked and took the money. He motioned them to follow him. Still apprehensive of the strange man in front of them, Ash and Mirae followed him. 

SD led them to a large board which held the names of the Cartel's leaders. It was similar to the one they drew back in the hotel but more detailed. 

"Ziko," SD pointed at the name. "And Shun started to work for the Cartel for a long time. Shun was well connected with them before even joining Hann Constructions." 

"Why did Grandpa Kwon hire him?" Mirae asked. 

"Ask him," SD said cryptically. "I don't know." 

Mirae groaned and took out more cash. 

"Or I may know a little," SD said cheerfully, taking the stash of notes from her. "Shun was hired to be a double agent for Hann Constructions. Plus, old man Kwon wanted to keep a closer eye on him and keep him in line." 

"Ziko and Shun were never on good terms," he continued. "They were always rivals and tried to undermine each other at every step."

"Then why did they work together to kill my father?" Mirae demanded. SD did not reply but held out his hand. Mirae rolled her eyes and put more cash on his outstretched hand. 

"They didn't," SD stated. "Ziko merely made it look like Shun carried out the transaction. In reality, he didn't. He was a scapegoat." 

"Then who made it?" Mirae asked, holding up money. 

"Unfortunately, money won't help you this time," SD toyed. "Someone already paid me to hide that information." 

Ash was incredulous. They must have spent more than ten grand in five minutes alone. Mirae, on the other hand, knew it was futile. No doubt SD was selling information about Abyss to the Cartel. 

"Fine," she gritted. "Tell me about the rivalry between the factions." 

"Add to the mix, Madam Hong and Madam Lim," SD replied. "They too wanted to ignite the fire and take the top spot. But now with both of them gone, Shun took over Madam Hong's business while Ziko is handling Madam Lim's work."

"And what do you know about this Junhyung?" Mirae asked, holding up more money. 

"Surprisingly, I don't have much on him," SD scowled. If there was one thing he hated the most was the lack of information. "But, I do know he was a student at your mother's school. And that she had saved his life once. But after that, his life was murky. He left school only to emerge as the Secretary of the Cartel's President." 

"Which brings us back to, these two," SD said. "After Junhyung came into the picture, he began to rapidly rise within the ranks. I don't believe he did this without help. He sticks close to the President and is a trusted person. In fact, there are rumors that whomever he is supporting will become the next head of the Cartel. And I can say this. He isn't supporting Ziko nor Shun. So yes, there is a war going on for succession."

"So there's a third person?" Mirae questioned. 

"There is," SD said. "But the question is, who is it?" 

"You don't know?" Ash frowned. "Don't you have all sort of information?" 

"I'm an information broker not God," SD yawned. 

"If there is a war going on for succession," Mirae said slowly. "Does this mean…" 

SD held up his hand, indicating that he wants money. Mirae hastily shoved more cash. 

"The President of the Cartel is dying," he revealed. 

Ash and Mirae looked at each other. The Cartel was vulnerable and it was the perfect time to strike. 

"Thanks SD," Mirae said. She gave him more cash. "This meeting, our identities and any information you gave us so far will remain a secret. You're not allowed to leak any information about Abyss nor of its members and associates. You can't make others leak it for you either." 

"Yes yes," SD said, rolling his eyes. Mirae nodded. She and Ash turned away to leave. 

When they neared the door, SD spoke out, "Tell Kwon Jiwon that the key is 'the day when time changed'."

"What?" Mirae frowned, turning back. 

"Just repeat the phrase to him," SD winked. "He'll know. Consider it a complimentary information from my end." 

He is weird, Ash thought. 

"Let's just go," he said, pulling Mirae's arm. Mirae was still frowning. SD never gave away free information. The day when time changed? She wondered. What does it mean? Did he have an ulterior motive? 

SD watched the couple getting into their car from the window. 

"I hope you remember to pay me on time," he said quietly. "I don't do things foree, you know." 

Turning back, he saw a woman wearing a red coat. She was holding a cane. 

"I saved your life all those years ago," Cherry smirked. "Isn't that enough?" 

"Too bad it didn't bring me any money," SD lamented as he sat on his chair. 

"It can bring you revenge," Cherry commented. She poured a drink for herself and SD. 

"You don't want to know about her?" she asked, handing him a glass. "Sunye?" 

"No," SD said. "I already know everything." 

He took a sip from his glass. 

"Alright," Cherry said. "She's doing great by the way. Just recently became a prosecutor."

SD ignored her. He kept on drinking his wine. 

"But why did you make me give that information to them?" he suddenly asked. "How will it help them?" 

"I'm simply taking them to their destiny," Cherry commented, taking a sip. 

"You really are the devil," SD grinned. "Did I end up selling my soul to you?" 

Cherry was unabashed. "Human beings are more evil than the devil," she said. "Besides, your soul isn't worth anything to me. I need you to do one more thing." 

She opened her purse and took out a paper. SD took the paper and glanced at it. 

"It's a nice portrait of you," he complimented. 

"Someone drew this during the daytime," Cherry revealed. "It's impossible for anyone to see my real face during the daytime." 

SD frowned. "Really?" he asked. "Where was this?" 

"Sailor Cafe," she replied. "In Seoul. Find the artist. I need to know how they managed to see my real face. Who knows, the person may be able to break the curse."

"I'll look into it," SD replied. "Send the money through bank transfer." 

Cherry nodded and stood up to leave. 

"How many more do you have left?" SD asked as she was leaving. 

She turned around. "Just one more," she replied. 

"Will this be our last meeting?" SD raised an eyebrow. 

"Maybe," she said with a hint of sadness in her tone. "Thank you for everything, Kim San."

"You're welcome, Empress Wang," SD said, bowing down. 

With one last glance at her friend, Cherry strutted out. 

I will find you, she swore.