Chapter 49

Chapter 49

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Whatever it may be.

Whatever it may be, he said.

In response, Jung Inho asked as a matter of course.

Are you talking about threats or murder?

Well

His tone was casual.

Even though he used extreme words like murder and threats, Lee Jaehuns face remained largely unchanged.

But the most unethical word Jung Inho could think of was that. In a world where lives were pawned for money instead of blood, and where a few words on a white piece of paper could seal ones fate, he couldnt fathom what else Director Lee Jaehun could possibly do.

Although his answer was ambiguous, his tone was clear, so Jung Inho could tell that his statement of being willing to do anything wasnt a slip of the tongue. Otherwise, such a casual tone wouldnt have been possible.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him.

Is he dangerous?

Ultimately, Jung Inho redefined Director Lee Jaehun as a dangerous person.

He didnt know how much time Director Lee Jaehun had spent in the underworld, but judging by his familiar actions and demeanor, it didnt seem like a short time. It wouldnt be far-fetched to think that he had shed all traces of humanity during that time.

However, Jung Inho believed that regardless of the situation, some basic ethics must be upheld. Therefore, he couldnt trust someone who said they would spare even a murderer as needed. In a world where anyone could die without it being considered abnormal, and considering he didnt particularly like Director Lee Jaehun to begin with, it was understandable.

Yet, when he looked at that casual and pale face, Jung Inho couldnt help but swallow a question. Despite his calm demeanor, the clear voice resonated in his ears like newly shattered fragments.

Under the chilly canopy where not a single breeze stirred, amidst the sound of the collapsing forest. His breath caught for a moment in the silently falling stillness.

In the end, he could only pose one question.

In that case.

Yes.

In that case,

Just in case.

Jung Inho hoped that his response would be delayed as much as possible.

If, hypothetically, Director, if someones death were to solve our problems more effectively

They should die.

He bit his lip.

Otherwise, he felt he wouldnt be able to contain his cursing.

Jung Inho prayed that there wouldnt be the slightest change in his expression. Due to his instinctual aversion to Director Lee Jaehun, he didnt want to reveal any weakness in front of him, at least not consciously.

But he couldnt be as nonchalant as the other.

He could die.

It was a conversation about his own death, of all things.

Of course, Jung Inho knew to some extent that Director Lee Jaehun lacked enthusiasm for life. If someone who self-harmed their arms and neck were in their right mind, it would be even more surprising.

But still, Jung Inho had many things he wanted to say.

From the beginning, Director Lee Jaehun was someone who continued living even through unbecoming acting, so there must have been a reason befitting him. It meant there must have been a reason for him to live like that.

So at least, mentioning death should have evoked some emotion. Whether he clung to life desperately or simply awaited the day of slaughter like a lamb, some degree of anger or joy should have been shown. At least, if he had lived as a human being.

Yet, Director Lee Jaehun simply gave a bland answer.

Thats efficiency.

In a tired, mechanical voice.

As if he were handling tasks at work

For a moment, he couldnt find a response. He was a person in a form he had never seen before, like we were swallowed up by the underworld.

Unconsciously, Jung Inho thought.

Perhaps all of this was somewhat ordinary to him. It didnt need to be feared beyond a certain point because it was part of life, and if he did feel fear, it would be considered shameful.

It was just that everything seemed so natural and worthless to him. Even if the subject were himself, it held no significance. Whether it was a hole in the throat, a severed leg, or a decaying ankle, it all amounted to the same. Director Lee Jaehun didnt attribute any great meaning to his own pain.

Finally, Jung Inho twisted his lips.

Ha.

Because, thats what he believed was right.

Its only natural, isnt it?

My mouth felt dry.

Beyond good and evil, thats just the way life is, and whats considered common sense. Director Lee Jaehun would live his life like that forever. I couldnt even imagine fixing such an unreasonable mindset.

Are you really okay?

What now?

You may have brushed it off, but you were coughing up blood. Even if I dont know much, I know thats serious.

How many times do I have to tell you? Its just a nosebleed, reflux, whatever you call it. Got it?

Youre always lying.

I felt disheartened.

When did I start living with such thoughts?

Despite appearing tough to everyone else, the one who was most strict was himself. According to Director Lee Jaehuns arguments, he should have demanded to show the same results to the team as he did to himself.

Maybe its just stupidity, but Director Lee Jaehun seemed so malicious that I couldnt even bring myself to ask if he had a screw loose.

So its twisted, not ignorance.

On one hand, I knew it, but I judged my twisted thoughts to be more correct. Even if I grimaced at others pain, Id blink at my own.

Ive said it before, I never push myself too hard. Dont you know my personality? Would I have kept quiet if I was really hurting?

So dont worry about it. You must be tired enough as it is. When you reach this age, you should manage your mental state yourself.

For a brief moment, I swallowed my words.

I really dont know.

My breath caught gently.

Director Lee Jaehun undoubtedly didnt know how miserably he died.

If he knew who he died for and how, he wouldnt act so foolishly. There was no way hed act so unconvincingly, at least not to Jung Inho.

Such intense loneliness gnawed at his entire being.

Okay.

I spoke up.

The two bodies stained red, the twisted figure decapitated by the monster. I remembered the charred pieces of meat and the black darkness that stained my feet rather than witnessing it.

I recalled the eyes of the leopards that stared at me, devoid of warmth, and the eyes of the murderer who barely escaped death. I remember the flickering eyes of the flame about to extinguish. And then, with a bright flash.

So thats why.

A piece of glass pierced my ear.

Ill continue to rely on you in the future.

Director.

In reality, perhaps there was nothing that couldnt be changed.

Nothing.

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Rustle

At the sound of the bushes moving without wind, I suddenly lifted my head and looked up at the sky.

Black-and-white leaves on dry branches without a single drop of water gathered like a swarm of ants.

The pitch-black, intricately woven sky with countless unseen stars. The colorless leaves pretending to be the sky looked down on us, covering the entire world.

They sway gently.

Kang Mina-ssi?

Yes.

My stomach churned.

Its a nauseating world.

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