With a calm tone, Jiho dropped a polite bombshell, not moving an inch.

If he was to be given a real handle, gladly, but if it was just for show, why bother?

Joining the special investigation late, if he was to catch the big fish Myungjin, he wanted corresponding authority.

“Full authority?”

The Deputy Chief Prosecutor, with sharp eyes, poured more drinks.

“If my role is to properly investigate Myungjin.”

The Deputy Chief Prosecutor, lips pressed tightly, poured Jiho’s drink too.

“I believe it’s right to focus exclusively on Kim Yoojoon, the Executive Director of Myungjin.”

“What if it’s difficult?”

A cold dose of reality almost slipped out, but Jiho just grinned. It wasn’t the time to plead at length, but a moment requiring a decision from higher-ups.

“I’m scheduled to go on a training course in the U.S. this fall.”

“Already?”

“I need to catch up on my English, don’t I?”

It wasn’t an excuse. He really had a course in the U.S. in a few months. If nothing was guaranteed, there was no need, nor time, to get involved in a complicated case.

“Prosecutor Kang, or rather Jiho.”

“Yes, Deputy Chief.”

“I understand what you’re thinking. Let’s focus on the amount of damage.”

The Deputy Chief Prosecutor leaned forward.

“All that money must have come from someone’s pocket. In any case, it’s all the blood and sweat of the citizens.”

Who didn’t know that?

He had suspected Myungjin’s involvement since the case erupted. So, shouldn’t he block all their escape routes before starting for fairness?

Jiho downed his drink in one gulp.

“Since Kim Yoojoon took control, Myungjin’s directives have changed.”

A competent successor with a promising future.

He wondered how unanimously the employees must have acted to get on this new line. Then they could have concealed evidence in layers, even engaged in loyalty competitions before the truth was even uncovered.

“Considering the opponent is Kim Yoojoon, this case needs even tighter security.”

The Deputy Chief Prosecutor nodded and looked at Hojin.

“That’s why I called Prosecutor Yeo Hojin. Work with those you’re in sync with.”

“I request the inclusion of prosecutors and investigators I choose.”

To prevent Myungjin’s sabotage and information leaks, it was an inevitable condition. He had fallen for it once, but not again.

“So, will you do it?”

If he was this sincere…

Jiho propped his thighs with both arms.

“Catching the bad guys is a prosecutor’s duty, isn’t it?”

“Yes, duty. I’ll have to coordinate with the higher-ups. Give me a specific list of people and their names.”

“Okay, Deputy Chief.”

As the Deputy Chief Prosecutor raised his glass, there were no glittering promises. Just deep breaths and lukewarm drinks. At that moment, Jiho’s phone vibrated.

A call from a fellow investigator. An issue at this hour?

“I’ll take a call and come back.”

Jiho hurried out of the room.

His phone kept ringing, but he looked for a private spot first, heading towards the restaurant entrance.

Standing beside a huge plant, about to redial the cut call.

[Deputy Chief Prosecutor Shim Sanghoon is still dining. Yes, he stepped out for a call earlier.]

Jiho’s temple twitched.

[It’s been about an hour since the meal started. They’re on their second bottle of liquor.]

Who makes such a report? To whom?

Fiddling with his phone, he eyed the man’s appearance.

[His companions entered first, so I didn’t see them. Yes? Oh! Alright. I’ll wait until the Executive Director arrives.]

Executive Director?
Out of all the companies and executives, it was peculiar how someone recognized the Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office. And waiting for an executive to arrive…

Jiho recalled the cases related to conglomerates.

There were numerous minor complaints against various companies, but none as significant as Myungjin recently.

‘Could Kim Yoojoon be here?’

Despite whether his suspicions were unnecessary, having overheard such a dubious conversation, it was right to leave. Meeting with an unidentified executive and a prosecutor was inappropriate in anyone’s eyes. The main discussion had likely concluded anyway; calling Hojin and leaving seemed the only option.

After confirming the man had reentered the restaurant, Jiho moved.

Stepping down the stairs and just reaching the lobby, Jiho’s head involuntarily turned.

The top star, surrounded by sturdy men, reappeared. Was her name Park Rajin?

‘!’

What was this scenario? Upon their second encounter, she was with Kim Yoojoon, Executive Director of Myungjin Group.

“What? The Deputy Chief Prosecutor is at the Japanese restaurant?”

Yoojoon repeated after hearing his secretary’s whisper.

“Yes. Secretary Kim went down for protocol duties and recognized the Deputy Chief Prosecutor.”

While listening to the two men’s conversation, Rajin merely sliced her steak.

Moving the silver knife, red blood seeped out, diminishing her appetite. Or more precisely, since facing Kim Yoojoon, she felt nauseous.

“Rajin, try this lobster.”