Chapter 144

Chapter 144
Chapter: 144

Chapter Title: The Perfect Diversion

—

A vast number of corporate giants had previously bowed in submission to Han Sang-cheol, the head of Geumyang Group.

In contrast to the industry titans Han Sang-cheol had historically dominated, the individual currently in his presence—a simple manager of a gambling parlor—was nothing more than a minor player.

Ultimately, after weighing the situation, the path forward was incredibly clear upon reflection.

“I cannot believe I caused you such trouble. I offer my deepest regrets. Though it is far too late, please accept my sincere apologies.”

Thinking back, the demand for a physical pat-down had been preposterous from the start. As Han Sang-cheol had pointed out, 5 billion won was merely pocket change to a man of his stature.

‘Why would the head of Geumyang Group bother with a petty scam for such a small amount?’

A power player like Han Sang-cheol didn’t visit casinos to turn a profit—he came to burn through cash.

“Very well. I appreciate your change of heart.”

Han Sang-cheol reached out, giving the junket room manager a friendly pat on the shoulder while maintaining a generous expression.

“Operating a junket room within the casino of Playchip Hotel suggests you possess significant industry knowledge and skill. You are aware that Geumyang Group operates its own line of hotels, correct?”

Following Han Sang-cheol’s remark, the manager’s eyes stretched wide with shock before he quickly lowered his head in a deep bow.

“I am well aware, sir.”

There was no way he wouldn’t be. While it was true that Playchip Hotel was considered the global gold standard, that fact didn’t take away from the prestige of the Geumyang Group hotel chain.

Playchip was a solitary establishment. Geumyang Group controlled an entire international brand.

“Our properties also feature casinos. Naturally, we have junket rooms available for lease.”

The manager could immediately intuit where Han Sang-cheol was leading with this. A surge of pure dopamine flooded his brain like a jackpot hitting.

“If you have an interest in the junket operations at our hotels, feel free to reach out. Provide me with a business card if you have one on hand.”

The chance to hand a personal business card to the chairman of Geumyang Group was a statistical anomaly—a stroke of luck that felt like a divine miracle. The manager scrambled to produce his card, bowing low and presenting it with both hands held out.

The gesture looked like an ancient subject offering a gift to a monarch.

“Fine, let’s go inside. Show me the way.”

“Yes, please follow me immediately!”

The manager was caught between the dread of a force too powerful to fight and the electric, soaring thrill of that same force showing him favor.

At this point, the junket operator wouldn’t dream of crossing Han Sang-cheol unless he was holding a live explosive.

To be more exact, the desire to resist had completely evaporated. Han Sang-cheol was guided by elevator to the private junket room set aside for the elite VIPs of Playchip Casino.

A baccarat table occupied the center of the room, where two other gentlemen were waiting. They leaped to their feet the second Han Sang-cheol walked through the door.

“Chairman, it has been far too long.”

“Ha In-seop, it’s quite a surprise to run into you in a setting like this, isn’t it?”

Ha In-seop held the position of CEO at Blue Wrench Scrap Dealers. As Han Sang-cheol pulled off his outer coat, Ha In-seop moved with practiced speed to take it and place it on the hanger.

While Ha In-seop, the leader of Blue Wrench, was usually afforded royal treatment, in the shadow of Han Sang-cheol, he was merely another common corporate executive.

“It is. Being able to assist you in such an informal environment is a massive privilege.”

“Enough with the flattery. We are here to play, not for you to act as my valet. Just look at this as some recreational spending for the afternoon.”

Ha In-seop let out a soft laugh at Han Sang-cheol’s comment.

“If anything, I’ll be the one losing my shirt, won’t I? Your financial fortune is the stuff of legends, Chairman.”

“Then perhaps some of that luck will rub off on you.”

Exchanging pleasantries, Han Sang-cheol and Ha In-seop took their places at the table. The session commenced. Baccarat was a game where capital moved with extreme velocity.

There were two primary ways to watch wealth evaporate in the modern world: baccarat and digital currency. At the very least, crypto offered the potential for a massive return.

Baccarat was a systematic drain designed for loss, making it arguably more ruthless than the crypto market.

However, neither Han Sang-cheol nor Ha In-seop showed the slightest concern as the cards turned their funds into smoke.

“Ha, you’ve got a sharp hand.”

“I am honored, sir.”

Within a mere thirty minutes, a mountain of hands had been dealt. That was the window of time required for 1 billion won of Han Sang-cheol’s starting capital to disappear.

Han Sang-cheol continued to play with total indifference before finally speaking up.

“I’m getting absolutely hammered here. Let’s take a breather. You as well, dealer—take a break.”

At his command, the dealer looked toward Ha In-seop for confirmation. He gave a brief nod, and she performed a respectful bow before exiting the junket room.

Once the room was clear and Han Sang-cheol had taken a sip of his drink, he looked directly at Ha In-seop.

“Do you have any idea why I’ve suddenly taken up gambling—specifically with you—considering I never indulge in this?”

“Well… perhaps you’ve grown bored of League lately?”

Ha In-seop attempted a lighthearted joke, but Han Sang-cheol offered no smile, merely maintaining a steady, heavy gaze.

“I apologize.”

“There is no need for an apology. I simply wasn’t looking for humor. Give me a serious answer.”

Ha In-seop realized instantly that a second attempt at wit would be a mistake. The mood had shifted.

The true reason Han Sang-cheol was sitting in this junket room playing cards with the CEO of Blue Wrench.

He understood.

“Where did you pick up the whispers?”

“Oh, so this has turned into an interrogation now?”

“No! I-I am sorry. I didn’t mean it that—”

Han Sang-cheol felt a quiet frustration at Ha In-seop’s panicked backtracking. The man failed to grasp the core of the issue.

The problem wasn’t offending Han Sang-cheol. The primary concern was the security leak: how had the information surfaced? The business of smuggling depended entirely on total discretion.

If rumors were circulating, the leak had to be identified and stopped. But Ha In-seop was simply reacting to the intimidation standing right in front of him.

“Are you searching for something in particular?”

Han Sang-cheol made a gesture toward the coat hanging on the rack.

“Something durable to put on when the temperature drops would be preferable.”

He was referring to protective armor. Ha In-seop nodded, catching the subtext.

“I will look through our stock and present several high-quality options. If I may ask, do you have a specific budget in mind?”

“The cost is irrelevant. Only the effectiveness matters. The world is becoming a very treacherous place.”

Han Sang-cheol had opted for clothing-based armor for a specific intent. Most functional equipment was designed with pockets. While sleek, pocketless versions existed, those were intended for formal social events.

Equipment designed for hunters was built for utility—and utility required pockets. One only had to look at the number of pouches on a combat uniform to see that.

Ha In-seop nodded in agreement and then placed a call on his device.

“I have three items I can show you. The price points are high, but the quality is absolute.”

“If your confidence is that high, I look forward to seeing them.”

“Of course. Just a moment, please.”

Shortly after, the door to the adjoining room opened, and three men dressed in formal suits walked in slowly, each holding a presentation box.

“Let’s begin with the first. A long coat equipped with a barrier field and emergency blood-clotting functions.”

It featured a barrier, though it was nothing compared to professional-grade hunter equipment.

If actual hunter gear was like steel plate armor, this was more akin to reinforced padding. Even so, it was light-years ahead of anything a normal citizen could obtain.

Following that was a shirt designed with magic resistance and kinetic shock absorption, and finally, a pair of gloves that could only be used three times but were capable of healing major injuries. Everything was laid out for Han Sang-cheol.

He scrutinized the items with care, then spoke.

“And bring me something to drink.”

“What is your preference? Our menu includes…”

As Ha In-seop reached for the drink list, Han Sang-cheol dismissed it with a faint, knowing smile.

“I don’t consume mass-produced spirits. Inform my secretary that I want my whiskey; she will bring it up from the vehicle.”

Han Sang-cheol’s personal whiskey was a custom creation tailored to his specific palate: the type of malt, the specific cask variety and size, the duration and climate of the aging process, the shape of the pot still, the level of peat—every detail was controlled.

Technically, because it wasn’t bottled within the borders of Scotland according to strict laws, it couldn’t be called Scotch. But in this day and age, who was worried about the regulations of the UK Whisky Association?

“Ah, I see. I will get in touch with them at once.”

In reality, this wasn’t about the alcohol. This was the pre-arranged signal for Yoo Chan-seok. Ordering a drink from the casino’s bar would mean the order stayed internal—no signal would be sent.

But requesting a bottle from Han Sang-cheol’s private car?

The act of the secretary retrieving a bottle from the parked vehicle was the signal itself.

Yoo Chan-seok, who was positioned near the car, would see the movement, realize the mission was a go, and start the operation.

“Let’s take a look while we wait for the drink. Do you mind if I try one? Aesthetics are important too, aren’t they?”

“Naturally, Chairman.”

Han Sang-cheol gave a playful, mischievous grin.

“You aren’t going to force me into a purchase just because I touched the merchandise, are you?”

“Not at all.”

Han Sang-cheol took his time picking up the coat, checking it from every possible angle. After a short period, he slowly pulled the garment on.

“What do you think?”

Standing there in the high-tech coat, he directed the question to Ha In-seop, while casually sliding a hand into one of the pockets.

One of the men in suits who had brought the items in began to watch him with intense focus.

“Excuse me?”

The man spoke up toward Han Sang-cheol.

“Do you have a comment? Feel free to speak. I’m in quite a pleasant mood.”

The man’s uncertain look remained locked on Han Sang-cheol’s hand hidden in the pocket.

‘He’s a hunter.’

The man had detected something suspicious. A normal person might miss it, but trying to bypass the sharpened instincts of a hunter was nearly impossible. That was precisely why hunters were strictly prohibited from entering casinos.

‘I suspected this would happen.’

Dealing in black-market hunter equipment meant that hunters would inevitably be present. It was standard security for these kinds of underground transactions.

“I apologize, but…”

“No need for that. Just say what’s on your mind.”

Just as the hunter began to step forward cautiously to confront him, a thunderous explosion shook the entire hotel structure. Emergency sirens began to wail throughout the building.

“What—what was that?!”

An automated announcement blared over the speakers almost immediately.

[A major explosion of unknown origin has occurred within the casino complex. All guests are urged to evacuate the building immediately under the guidance of our staff. Repeating.]

A second blast rumbled through the floor. How would Ha In-seop, a man caught with illegal black-market goods, respond?

“Quick, secure the equipment! Move! Chairman Han, I am truly sorry. We will have to conclude this transaction at another time. I will bring the items to you again when things settle.”

It was as predictable as a script.

‘When you can see the future, you prepare for it.’

Han Sang-cheol had calculated the exact distance from the junket room to the parking area. He had estimated the time it would take for a casino employee to contact his secretary, and for her to go get the bottle.

He had stalled the clock just long enough before putting the coat on, then planted the tracking device in the fabric while asking about the fit—hitting the timing perfectly.

Even if the timing had been off by a minute or two, he was more than capable of handling it on the fly.

Han Sang-cheol was not the type of person to leave his fate to chance or hope. If he were that kind of man, Geumyang Group would never have risen to its current height.