FILE 12: AUCTION OF HWANDUDAEDO AND DURUMAGI PART 3

"The next item is a katana forged by the famous Kotetsu himself." He unsheathed the sword and held it up for everyone to see. His assistant brought out a piece of wood. The host braced himself as he slashed down. The wood was split into two pieces.

"Sharp as a razor. As you can see, it has not lost its edge. And no damage to the rim." He sheathed the katana. "Bidding starts at six hundred million, and raises by fifty thousand." He gave the sword back to his assistant, and waited patiently.

The reaction to the katana was different from that of the armour. Several people immediately bade.

"Seven hundred." 

"Seven hundred and fifty!"

"Eight hundred and fifty."

"Nine hundred." I smiled with glee. This was awesome. Thanks very much, spirits, for this wonderful gift.

The offers ended with a woman winning the final bid of one billion and three hundred million won. I had one million and two hundred thousand dollars. Excluding taxes. It's time to buy a new house and my motorcycle.

I am so happy. Maybe go for a spa day too. 

Not bothering to sit through the 'surprise' I retired from the auction. I felt offended that my items weren't even considered for shock value. I was shown to a separate room, where a young girl gave me a card.

"Give this card to the bank, and they'll provide you with your money. Thank you for your participation," she smiled. I beam mischievously. I bent forward to receive my card. "No, thank you. My name's Nathan. What's yours?" I flirted.

She shied away. "Oh, er, Hwa Young."

"What a pretty name. Want to go out some time?"

"I'm working."

"That's okay. Here's my card. If you find yourself in trouble of any other kind, call my number or come to my address. I'll help you." I offered my business card. She hesitantly clasped it.

"I will. Have a good day, Mr. Nathan," she whispered, uneasy. I bowed and departed satisfied. What? I couldn't help myself. She was so tiny. She looked like she was about to shatter into pieces. Furthermore, she triggered my protective instincts. 

That very day, I visited Woori Bank. I handed over my card to a clerk, who asked for my information, my ID, and my details. He swiped the auction card and informed me that I'd receive my payment in two working days.

It felt like I was on cloud nine. I went to a fancy restaurant that night and indulged myself. I immediately made an appointment at a famous spa in Busan after receiving my amount. 

Yet, throughout this whole time, I missed my partner, Mars. He loved the spa.

Now, as I stroked a sleeping Mars, I still have over a billion won left in my bank account. For some reason, I can never make myself go house hunting.

Waiting for him was worth it. We'll house hunt together after returning from Scotland. After I beat him in the handsome pageant, of course. I moved to my study and wrote my report. 

 *

Kang Haneul had to say that the building was very impressive as he followed YunHee. She was giving him instructions on the rules and policies.

"After finishing each day, you must clean your desk. Hygiene is very important to the boss. Since you'll be a team leader, you will have to stay behind and inspect your team's stations."

He sighed inwardly. He wasn't very keen on being in a leader's position. He just wanted to do research. 

"Remember never to disturb the boss unless he summons you," she continued. "And depending on how well you do your work, he will eventually summon you. But as long as you remain respectful, he'll treat you well."

"And if I'm not respectful?"

"He'll act as if you don't exist. Which means no salary or benefits. But if you work hard, he's quite generous. So please don't try his patience," she said. Haneul made a mental note to be cautious around the big boss. She showed him around the building. 

It was more modern and cleaner than what he was used to. Even the animal cages were clean. YunHee waved to the bypassers, introduced him, and everyone was very welcoming.

It didn't seem so sketchy, but he remained on his guard. "You will officially start on Monday. The boss will visit you and ask you some basic questions. For now, just do what I told you."

She gave him a manual. "Read this. It will tell you everything you need to know. 

What to look for, why, the history of this institute, etcetera. The contract is also inside." She exhaled. "Any questions?" 

"Yeah-"

"Good. See you on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!" She winked and strode off, leaving behind a frustrated man.

She opened the door to her boss' office. He sat behind his desk, stroking a katana. She bowed before speaking. "I brought Kang, sir. He'll work on Monday."

"Fine. I'll visit him when I have time."

Licking her lips, she asked nervously, "May I ask, why do you have a sword on your desk? Sir."

He got up and carried the katana to the mantle piece. He carefully settled it on a stand. "I bought it at an auction. It is one of the Kotetsu series. I sent my secretary to buy it for me," he said as he stroked it proudly.

"It looks magnificent," YunHee complimented.

"It is. More than the previous owner could have imagined." He smirked. "It's one of the keys I need to become immortal. Including the serum you scientists will create for me."

One of the keys, YunHee thought. "Are there more than one key?" 

"Don't overstep your bounds, YunHee. Or I might kill you," he threatened. She remained silent.

"Leave. I no longer want your presence in my sight," he dismissed her. Frightened, she bolted.

Haneul was listening to an optimistic scientist explain their work when YunHee, breathless, joined them. "So?" she asked nonchalantly. "What are we talking about?"