The sudden visit and clumsy probing of the corrupt police officer Lin Wu was like a thorn, piercing Zhang He's heart.
Corrupt police officer Lin Wu
He realized that the trouble Yun Zhi was involved in was far deeper than he had imagined, and the forces entangled were even more deeply rooted, possibly even infiltrating law enforcement agencies.
He alone would probably find it difficult to protect her, let alone completely solve the problem.
He needed help, someone strong enough, reliable enough, and for now, unconnected to local Korean powers.
His gaze fell on Johnny, who was silently inspecting his firearms nearby.
"Hey, Night Owl."
Zhang He spoke, his voice low, "Interested in taking on a temporary job? Help me completely deal with the loose ends and clean up all the trouble."
Johnny didn't even lift his head, continuing to wipe the slide of his glock 34: "My price is very high. Moreover, I'm not interested in your internal Korean grievances."
"One coin."
Zhang He flipped his wrist, and an exquisitely crafted assassin's gold coin with intricate patterns appeared at his fingertips. He lightly flicked it towards Johnny. "This is the deposit. After it's done, there's another one, plus I'll owe you a favor. My favor, in some places, is more useful than gold coins."
The gold coin arced through the air.
Johnny caught it with a backhand, his fingertips caressing the cold and intricate patterns of the coin.
He raised his eyes and looked at Zhang He: "Deal. Target?"
"Everyone who wants to harm that girl, and the people who sent them."
Zhang He's eyes were cold, "Eradicate them completely."
"Alright." Johnny pocketed the gold coin, "But first, we must ensure the goods are absolutely safe. Only then can we act freely."
"I know." Zhang He nodded, "The Continental Hotel also has a branch in Seoul. Their rules are enough to protect her."
The Continental Hotel, Seoul branch.
This was a traditional Korean-style building hidden in the bustling downtown area, seemingly inconspicuous from the outside, but its interior was decorated with a modern flair and understated luxury.
Quiet and solemn, it felt like a world apart from the hustle and bustle outside its doors.
The front desk was manned by a middle-aged man in a meticulously tailored suit, with an impeccable expression.
Zhang He was clearly not a first-time visitor. He directly handed over the assassin's gold coin: "A suite, for long-term silent residence, with the highest level of privacy protection."
The front desk man took the coin, examined it carefully, then bowed slightly: "Welcome back to the Continental Hotel, Mr. Zhang He. Your room is ready. The rules remain the same; within the hotel premises, you are absolutely safe."
His gaze swept over Johnny and the timid Yun Zhi behind Zhang He, without any unnecessary curiosity.
A silent waiter in a black suit led them to an elevator that required a special key to operate, taking them directly to a suite on a higher floor.
The suite was extremely spacious and comfortable, fully equipped with amenities, and even included a secure room-level safe room.
"You stay here, absolutely do not leave the hotel premises, and do not open the door for anyone except us."
Zhang He sternly instructed Yun Zhi, "If you need anything, use the internal phone in the room to call for service. I will settle all the expenses. This is one of the safest places in the world."
Yun Zhi nodded, half understanding, clutching a backpack tightly. Her eyes were full of unease, but also a hint of relief at finally finding a sanctuary.
After settling Yun Zhi, Zhang He and Johnny left the Continental Hotel.
"Now, let's find out who's behind all this."
Zhang He got into the driver's seat, his eyes sharpening. He pulled out an encrypted tablet and began operating it quickly.
Johnny sat in the passenger seat, observing silently.
He noticed that Zhang He was extremely proficient in operating intelligence networks, effortlessly using various dark web interfaces and encrypted communications, far more than a simple retired assassin.
"The people who attacked us last night, although they seemed like small-time thugs from two different employers, their weapon sources, vehicle rental records, and even the bank accounts of a few minor leaders all have a vague common funding flow point in recent days..."
Zhang He's fingers slid rapidly across the screen, pulling up some processed transaction records and surveillance screenshots, "A small gang called the Viper Gang. Their leader, Choi Myung-chul, is a middleman who specializes in dirty work."
"Address?"
Johnny was concise.
"Busan Port, Pier 3, Sea Breeze Waste Recycling Plant."
Zhang He rattled off an address, stomped on the accelerator, and the car shot forward, merging into traffic, speeding towards Busan.
Busan Port, Pier 3, Sea Breeze Waste Recycling Plant.
The air here was filled with the salty smell of seawater, the metallic scent of rust, and the putrid odor of garbage. Mountains of discarded shipping containers and metal scrap created a labyrinthine environment.
Zhang He and Johnny, like two ghosts, silently infiltrated the area.
Zhang He seemed very familiar with the terrain here, leading Johnny past several overt and covert sentries, accurately reaching the outside of an office converted from a shipping container deep within the recycling plant.
Inside the office, several thugs were playing cards and drinking, enveloped in smoke. Their leader, Choi Myung-chul, a burly man with a scorpion tattooed on his neck, was on the phone, his tone arrogant, with his feet propped up.
Zhang He gave Johnny a look.
Johnny nodded, moving silently like a leopard to the back door on the other side of the office.
Zhang He suddenly kicked open the front door!
"Shit! Who?!"
The thugs inside jumped up in surprise, scrambling to grab their weapons!
But Zhang He was faster! His MP5K spat fire!
Da da da da!
Precise short bursts!
Several thugs were instantly mowed down, either dead or wounded!
Choi Myung-chul was so scared that his phone dropped to the ground. He tried to grab the Pistol on the table!
Bang!
A gunshot rang out!
The bullet accurately struck the tabletop next to his hand, sending wood splinters flying! It was a warning shot from Johnny from the back door!
Choi Myung-chul froze in place, cold sweat instantly drenching his back.
Zhang He stepped forward, pressing the muzzle of his gun against his forehead, his voice cold: "Choi Myung-chul, I'll only ask once. Who hired your men to harass me and that girl?"
"I... I don't know what you're talking about..."
Choi Myung-chul still tried to argue.
Click!
Zhang He didn't hesitate, swiveling his gun, and slammed the butt hard onto Choi Myung-chul's knee!
"Ah--!"
Choi Myung-chul let out a pig-like scream, collapsing to the ground.
"My patience is limited." Zhang He's gun muzzle was again pressed against his temple, "Name."
"It's... it's Judge Lee! It's Judge Lee Wi-hyun!"
Choi Myung-chul was in so much pain that tears and snot streamed down his face. He couldn't hold out anymore. "He... he found me through an intermediary and told me to bring that girl named Yun Zhi back! Alive!"
"Lee Wi-hyun?" Zhang He's brows furrowed tightly, "That Lee Wi-hyun from the Seoul High Court?"
"Yes... it's him! He also... also manages the supply for a private club! Specifically... specifically providing 'fresh goods' for some big shots!"
To save his life, Choi Myung-chul spilled everything he knew, "That girl is one of the 'goods' they've taken a liking to! Judge Lee gave a strict order to definitely bring her back!"
Power, young girls, private clubs, transactions... these words linked together painted a sickeningly dark picture.
Johnny listened indifferently from the side, his expression unwavering, as if he were listening to something unrelated to him.
But his grip on his Pistol tightened slightly.
Zhang He had gotten the information he wanted, and the killing intent in his eyes was almost palpable.
He glanced at Choi Myung-chul, who was trembling and begging for mercy on the floor.
"Thanks."
Zhang He said coldly.
Pfft!
A muffled gunshot.
The bullet accurately pierced Choi Myung-chul's forehead.
Zhang He put away his gun, not even looking at the corpse on the ground, and turned to Johnny: "Let's go. It's time to pay a visit to our esteemed High Court judge."
Johnny nodded, and the two disappeared silently into the shadows of the recycling plant, just as they had arrived.
Leaving behind only bodies on the ground and a shocking secret that was about to detonate the dark underbelly of Korean politics and business.
The identity of the mastermind had been revealed—Judge Lee Wi-hyun of the Seoul High Court.
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