42. Meal with Ma Gyeong-rok
‘It’s neat.’
The scene that was full of blood became clean as if by magic.
Jang Seok-hyeon’s body was also nowhere to be found.
This is none other than the common skill I learned this time.
[Common Skill – Erase Traces]
-Effect: Erases all traces of the scene, including corpses, blood, fingerprints, and footprints.
‘Performance is certain.’
As the skill explained, the site became as clean as new.
It’s hard to think that a murder occurred here.
It is worth investing 20,000 gold.
‘It’s good to clean up afterward like this.’
There is no need to think about how this is possible.
Because the ability of the skill was to resurrect even the dead.
‘Because of this, players are so excited.’
Erasing traces is the perfect skill to clean up after committing a crime.
It’s almost as if it’s a skill created to openly commit crimes.
Later, there are even players who say they will erase traces for you.
‘Although they do ask for items in return.’
It’s not free, but there’s a lot of demand.
Rather than collecting 20,000 gold to learn a skill, it is cheaper to give one item and erase traces.
‘It may still be there now, but in the future, the number of players who provide skills on behalf of you will increase.’
When you reach level 40, the [Trade] function appears.
This is a function that allows you to trade items or gold between each other.
At that time, players will start selling gold in earnest.
Common skills such as tracking or erasing traces are used to find people or erase traces of a murder scene.
‘I have no intention of selling gold like that.’
There will be a lot of use for tracking and erasing traces in the future.
Purchasing rather than acting as an agent is a better choice for Ryumin.
‘Besides, I don’t want to get involved in other people’s crimes just to make a few pennies.’
Anyway, I thought of a way to earn gold.
This is none other than using Ma Gyeong-rok’s company.
‘We were supposed to meet for lunch tomorrow, right?’
Ryu Min, who remembered his meal plan with Ma Gyeong-rok, cleaned up the scene and left the abandoned factory.
I didn’t think or worry about murder.
‘I guess I should at least buy a suit for tomorrow.’
I just want to meet Ma Gyeong-rok.
My thoughts about Jang Seok-hyeon have long since disappeared.
* * *
Lunch the next day.
Ryu Won couldn’t help but be surprised when he saw his brother wearing a suit.
Because it was my first time seeing him in a suit.
“Hyung, do you have a date planned for the weekend?”
“What kind of date is a date?”
“It’s because you suddenly wear a suit.”
“It’s an important promise.”
“Who are you going to meet?”
“business partner.”
“Huh? Are you going to start a business?”
As Ryumin nodded, his younger brother looked worried.
If you watch closely, you will inevitably hear your younger brother’s thoughts.
-Last time you went all in on stocks, but this time you’re dabbling in business? What if I fail like this? You will be very disappointed.
Aside from the money, he was worried that he would suffer psychological damage.
‘I’ve been so successful, but I’m still worried. Is it normal to look anxious?’
A smile appeared on Ryumin’s lips.
“I’ll tell you more details when things go well with my business partner. Don’t worry too much. Do you trust me?”
“I trust you! Is there anyone I can trust other than you?”
“Then just wait quietly at home. It’s dangerous outside because of the players.”
“I already saw the news. Players are using their abilities for crimes and causing trouble. I heard that criminals have escaped from prison in foreign countries?”
“Because criminals without exception become players as they grow older.”
It was predicted that the world would change rapidly.
Every month, the population decreases and players become stronger, but it’s strange if it doesn’t change.
‘This is nothing. Later, there will come a time when ordinary people will be hunted and treated as slaves without any hesitation.’
This is an era where the players are king, with no regard for laws.
Before it becomes such a lawless city.
‘We must increase our power overwhelmingly and raise the reputation of the Black Scythe further.’
Ryumin said as he put on his shoes.
“Anyway, be careful when you go out. In this third round, most people have jobs, so the overall level of players has improved. It has become more dangerous.”
“Okay. But when are you going to tell me your job?”
“it is a secret.”
“I’m curious.”
“I’ll tell you soon, so don’t fuss.”
“really?”
Ryumin opened the door, leaving behind his younger brother who was appreciative.
“I’ll go out and have lunch with my business partner. Don’t wait and eat by yourself. Buy something more expensive than Jjajangmyeon.”
* * *
Ohsung, a mega-corporation that everyone in Korea knows.
Ryumin entered the lobby of the hotel under the Ohseong Group.
It is none other than Ma Gyeong-rok’s hotel.
‘I thought you’d say I’d meet you here. ‘Because it is advantageous to play soccer at home ground.’
However, the fact that the hotel is owned by Ma Gyeong-rok is a confidential matter.
Moreover, Cheonma Consulting is also not under Ohsung Group.
This is a company that Ma Gyeong-rok secretly founded to gain recognition from his father.
‘There is probably no one among the general public who knows this information other than me.’
At most, only Ma Gyeong-rok’s relatives know this.
Therefore, we must use this information as much as possible to appeal to Ma Gyeong-rok.
The value of your own existence.
‘Before that, let’s start with image making.’
Ryumin looked around and approached the front desk with a puzzled expression.
“Oh, hello. I have an appointment, but they told me to tell them at the desk when I get to the hotel….”
“Ah, are you talking about your promise with the CEO of Cheonma Consulting?”
“yes.”
The employee touched the in-ear and spoke kindly.
“The representative says he will arrive in a little while. Could you wait in the lounge over there in the meantime? I will guide you when you arrive.”
“Yes, thank you.”
After nodding, I sat awkwardly in the lobby lounge and waited.
While waiting, I stared at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling and gaped like an idiot.
This is all image making just in case.
At that time, I saw Ahn Sang-cheol coming through the lobby door.
‘Now you’re here.’
I looked around the inside of the hotel with an expression of admiration, trying my best not to act like I knew anything.
Ahn Sang-cheol, who was talking at the desk, walks towards me.
“Are you Mr. Ryumin?”
“Ah, yes! Hello….”
Ryumin pretended to be surprised.
Ahn Sang-cheol, who has a poker face, also looks a little surprised.
Because it was spherical.
“When have we seen each other before? At Galleria Forest.”
“Ah… Yes. I think I saw it while I was passing rice cakes upstairs saying that I had moved. You were the person next to actress Seo Ah-rin, right?”
Ryu Min’s words also reminded Ahn Sang-cheol of the situation at that time.
“That’s right. Are you by any chance the majority shareholder of Cheonma Consulting?”
“yes.”
As soon as he answers, Sangcheol Ahn bends his waist 90 degrees.
“I apologize for my rudeness last time.”
He was apologizing on the outside, but it wasn’t on the inside.
-This kid who looks less than 20 years old is the majority shareholder who invested 280 billion won? Doesn’t that make sense?
Although he maintains a blank expression on the outside, he is suspicious on the inside.
Even a faint hint of caution can be seen in the eyes.
‘Well, is this a natural reaction? ‘There’s no way I have that much money at my age.’
However, there is no obligation to convince Ahn Sang-cheol now.
Because the person he needed to talk to was Ma Gyeong-rok.
Of course, the reaction that should be shown now is predetermined.
“Ah, it’s okay. You did it without knowing much. I also didn’t know that the CEO of Cheonma Consulting lived upstairs….”
“Ah! Don’t misunderstand, I’m not the CEO.”
“yes?”
“The introduction is late. My name is Director Ahn Sang-cheol. The CEO is going to be a little late, so I came first.”
“Ah… I see.”
Even though I knew everything, I deliberately pretended not to know.
Because it is right to react like this when you say you don’t know Ma Gyeong-rok.
“I’m going inside and waiting until the CEO comes.”
“Oh, yes.”
I followed Ahn Sang-cheol into the restaurant inside the hotel.
Perhaps because it is a hotel owned by one of the best companies in Korea, the interior of the restaurant is gorgeous.
“and.”
I looked around the restaurant with my mouth open like a country boy who came to Seoul.
Ahn Sang-cheol glances at me from the corner of my eye.
‘You have a distrustful look.’
It wasn’t just the look, but the thoughts I overheard.
Well, as intended.
“Let’s sit here and wait comfortably. The CEO will be here soon.”
“yes yes.”
While I was sitting in the reserved room and waiting quietly, Ahn Sang-cheol was fiddling with his cell phone in front of the door.
-CEO. When I first met him, he seemed like someone had put him in as a substitute. It is not a vessel worth investing a large amount of money directly. Be careful because you may have been instigated by someone.
The contents of the text were transferred to my mind as is.
I can read your thoughts even when you look at the back of your head.
‘Of course it is. Ahn Sang-cheol was sent first for reconnaissance.’
I expected it.
There is no way a person like Ma Gyeong-rok who is as thorough in self-management would be late for such an important appointment.
After a while.
Grumble-
“hello.”
A tall man with masculine appearance appeared.
It was none other than Ma Gyeong-rok.
Unlike Ryumin, who is short and awkward in suits, he looks great in suits.
“My name is Ma Gyeong-rok, CEO of Cheonma Consulting.”
“Ah… I’m Ryumin.”
I hurriedly stood up and grabbed Ma Gyeong-rok’s hand.
“Now, please sit down.”
“yes…….”
“Director Ahn, please sit next to me.”
“yes.”
He humiliates Ahn Sang-cheol without permission.
‘The plan is to subtly take the initiative.’
Ma Gyeong-rok, perhaps feeling Ryu Min’s gaze, smiled as if asking for understanding.
“Director Ahn is an employee I trust more than anyone else. Is it okay if we sit together and listen to his story?”
“Oh, yes. It’s okay.”
“Thank you. Before we talk about work, let’s eat first. I prepared a traditional Korean meal, but I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”
“If it’s served in a luxury hotel like this, it’s going to be delicious no matter what you eat.”
After a while, the food prepared according to Ma Gyeong-rok’s instructions was served.
Soup, cold vegetables, fish porridge, grilled Korean beef, braised ribs, rice in a stone pot, bibimbap, etc.
While we enjoyed the unusual course dishes one after another, starting with the plating.
The three people just focused on eating and didn’t say anything else.
“It’s really delicious.”
“I’m glad you got it right.”
Sometimes we just have conversations like this.
However, it was not a meaningless time for Ryumin, who could read our inner thoughts.
‘When I read your thoughts, your mind seems complicated.’
Because I was able to understand what he was thinking without having to say anything.
‘I’m troubled by the thought that I was instigated by someone else.’
just as expected.
-It’s just as Director Ahn said. He is too young to have invested a huge sum of 280 billion won. Even if you can’t, you look like you’re around 20 years old, right? It doesn’t look like I have the strength to do that.
Looking at Ma Gyeong-rok, complex thoughts come to mind.
-It’s clear there’s a backseat. Someone must have set it up as a scarecrow. Who instigated it? Brothers? uncle? What are you planning to do by taking control of our company?
On the outside, Ma Gyeong-rok was drinking tea leisurely, but on the inside, it was not like that.
-No matter what, I have no choice but to talk about it and get information.
Ma Gyeong-rok started crying without realizing that his thoughts were being read.
“I was really surprised when I first met Mr. Ryu Min. The majority shareholder is such a young person. If you don’t mind, how old are you?”
“I’m 20 years old.”
“Are you 20 years old?”
Ma Gyeong-rok looked surprised, but his eyes were calm.
-You’re young, as expected. Was it also instigated?
As expected, the reaction was that he was young.
-Still, we can’t set boundaries. The fact that he survived until the end of the third round shows that despite his immature appearance, he has skills. Well, maybe I was lucky.
Ma Gyeong-rok did not look down on his opponent because he was young.
Ryumin was inwardly impressed by that sight.
‘As expected, it’s Ma Gyeong-rok. ‘He’s so talented that he survives until the 15th round.’
Like Ahn Sang-cheol, do not hastily ignore or look down on others.
We remain vigilant and watch with an eagle eye until we have a clear picture of our strength.
However, Ma Gyeong-rok, with his perfect poker face, did not reveal his true feelings at all.
“You’re 20 years old. I’m 29. It’s nice to meet you as someone in your 20s too. Haha.”
“Yes… nice to meet you too.”
“How can you have such a large amount of money at such a young age? Are you by any chance the son of a wealthy family?”
‘It comes out pretty straightforward.’
Ryumin responded, waving his hand as if it was absurd.
“A chaebol? No. As you may be concerned, there is no one behind me. Not long ago, I was just an ordinary student.”
“Not long ago?”
Ryu Min, who felt the need to get to the point, opened his mouth.
“Have you seen the article?”
“what……?”
“This is an article about a man who became rich by winning the lottery five times in a row.”
“Ah, yes. I saw it.”
Ryumin raised the corners of his mouth and said.
“That’s me.”
