Chapter 7: 1.7 – New mission – Face

Kwon Taek Joo walked into the room. He ignored the handbag that had been brought before, so he just took off his clothes and went to the bathroom. He walked in and stood under the shower and pulled the lever. Hot water poured over his head. Kwon Taek Joo stood still under the water for a while and then leaned his upper body against the wall. He needed time to organise his thoughts.

He agreed with the police's explanation that the kidnapping on arrival in Russia was the act of forces opposing the energy facility contract. There is no doubt about it. But what he couldn't understand was the crocodile leather shoes that appeared at the scene. After all, who is that person, and for what purpose did he get there? He finally got help from him, but it's hard to make sure he's his ally. Did he not intend to harm Kwon Taek Joo in the first place, or was he just unable to do anything because the police arrived so quickly?

Just thinking that he was there right behind Kwon Taek Joo was enough to make him suffocate. He could barely move, it felt like there was a crocodile lying nearby, and just a little startled, it would tear him to pieces. Kwon Taek Joo feels like he is thrown into a barbaric world without armour. This was the first time he didn't even dare to fight back. He tried with his will to survive but was defeated unbelievably easily. What if his brother is determined to harm Kwon Taek Joo?

Pointy shoes, the smell of cigars, a calm voice and violence do not hesitate. His violence is not merely controlling the enemy, but it is like the process of carving fear into its prey and destroying it little by little.

Kwon Taek Joo gritted his teeth and shook his head. He forced himself to shake off that persistent image. If it's a bad memory, it's best to forget it as soon as possible.

Kwon Taek Joo was trying to finish the shower quickly but the bandage on his arm really made him uncomfortable. He removed the wet bandage without thinking too long. His wrist ached but not to the point of being unbearable.

The artificial skin covering the face is also definitively peeled down. Instead of the tired face that has peeled off is Kwon Taek Joo's refreshing face. He quickly washed his face and washed his hair and put on his coat.

He walked out and opened his bag. The bag used to hit here and there like Kwon Taek Joo himself, messy with mixed furniture. Above the pile of clothes are razors, game consoles, watches, tablets, cameras, etc. He lined them up and took out a small screwdriver from the box of hand tools and began to disassemble the brand new items in a flash.

He took out the necessary parts from each item and assembled them together. A small device connected to a mobile phone for such completed work. It's a high-tech device that periodically changes the IP that uses the hotel's communication network and can prevent eavesdropping or hacking. He plugged it into the laptop and started it up.

Kwon Taek Joo entered the password and waited a moment. Soon a simple screen appeared. Among the countless icons, he clicked on a commonly used SNS messaging app. Immediately after logging in, the logo of the National Intelligence Agency appeared and Kwon Taek Joo was quickly connected to the headquarters. 'Head Lim's face appeared on the screen right after and said ''You're late''.' Kwon Taek Joo also complained discontentedly.

"If you're going to hide your identity for me, shouldn't you choose someone safer?"

"- Must be valuable enough to be kidnapped to meet senior people."

"Looks like you already know this is going to happen?"

"- Maybe that's the case. I'm just guessing it could happen. Since you are an excellent agent, even if you are in danger, I believe you will survive."

No matter how much he can speak. Kwon Taek Joo asked again with an unsatisfied face.

"What happened? 'Apparently you said Gazprom would pick me up.'''

"- That's right. That party contacted me saying that they would send people to the airport."

"Did you really get contact from Gazprom?"

"- What's wrong? His identity was almost revealed. They waited for a long time and said that he had not appeared and immediately called the Itochu Group. I redirected the call and blocked it. I heard that your flight didn't arrive on time due to the riot on the plane? It seems that there was a mistake with the Gazprom staff coming to the airport to pick him up. It is said that an Asian entered Russia before he pretended to be Hiro Sakamoto. It was not until later that I learned that he was not Hiro Sakamoto. Meanwhile, he was kidnapped by a fake employee."

Yes, things started to mess up on the plane because a drunken Russian was behaving discontentedly. Kwon Taek Joo leaves the airport late and meets Vasily, a fake Gazprom employee.

"But much later than expected?"

"There was a small commotion in the plane."

"Are there any drunk people making a mess?"

"…That, how do you know?"

*This is recalling the story with the name Vasily

How to know what? Because of the same group, what else. Sure enough, you killed that Vasily too easily. Kwon Taek Joo clenched his fist in a surge of anger and frowned, because his wrist suddenly throbbing.

He looked down at his right arm. In the place held by the killer, there is still a bruise with a clearly imprinted hand on it. The shame he had suppressed at the time of his face resurfaced. Either way, Kwon Taek Joo must clarify his identity, otherwise the rest of his life will have to live with that bad feeling of surrender forever.

Kwon Taek Joo confided to Head Lim about the murderer. His plan is to borrow the information capacity of the head office. But Head Lim reacted with disappointment.

"- Let's see. If you haven't seen his face, there's no way to confirm who that person is. According to his research, 4 thousand packs of cigars have been sold, which means that up to 4 thousand people may buy. If you try to track them all, it will take a lot of time. Moreover, the shoes he wears are not a limited edition product."

Kwon Taek Joo opened his mouth but then closed it again. It's not wrong either.

"- It's only the first day that it's been hardworking, isn't it?"

Ignoring the consolation of Head of Department Lim, Kwon Taek Joo just hugged his head bored. Head Lim watched for a while and then leaned forward.

"– No matter how much you like to work alone, but you've been messed up like that from the beginning, how can I rest assured in this remote place. I will be very worried about you."

Why do you suddenly say itchy words like this. He continued "I'm afraid something wrong will happen."

"- I have found someone to help you."

"I didn't say that before."

Kwon Taek Joo frowned. This task is only done by him. He did not announce that he would have a partner until shortly before departure.

But now, after he has travelled this far, he has secretly revealed that truth. This sly man is no different from a snake. Kwon Taek Joo stared at the screen. Head Lim didn't mind, continuing to speak.

"– That friend is not only knowledgable about the geography of that place but also the way of power and money. It will help a lot. Looking at the situation, I think the other party will contact you first. When I have time I will send a photo of that friend so please check carefully."

"He brazenly poured out what he wanted to say and then remembered something, he 'Ah.' spoke up."

"– Since you will meet directly with people related to the contract tomorrow, please learn more about the LNG equipment project."

The contact was cut off before Kwon Taek Joo could speak up. A file was sent from Head of Department Lim. He discontentedly opened it. Shortly thereafter, details of the contract signed between Russia and Japan and documents related to the construction of the LNG facility appeared as a 527-page PDF file.

Kwon Taek Joo stared at the pile of documents filled with tiny words and suddenly turned his head. The soft bed without a wrinkle is seducing him. But he had no choice.

Kwon Taek Joo let out a sigh so long that his shoulders drooped and stood up. He opened the minibar and took out the beer and drank half a can and returned to the table. He took a deep breath and sat down. Finally, the fortune of learning exploded after a long time.

***

Kwon Taek Joo sat in the main restaurant with a very depressed face. Key Russian and Japanese figures are expected to enjoy lunch there. Fortunately, there is no doubt from Japanese officials for him, because there is inherently nothing to focus attention on a lower-level employee. All he had to do was safely finish lunch today and attend the congratulatory party that will be held in the next few days. The moment he comes out of the gathering place of Russian political and business tycoons, his role as Hiro Sakamoto also ends.

Suddenly Kwon Taek Joo looked at his watch. The scheduled lunch time is midday, but the minute hand has passed '12' and is heading towards '6'. Those who arrived on time would wry up to stay for about 30 minutes, as Gazprom representatives did not arrive. The person in charge of Gazprom has called to confirm the company several times. The sight of him struggling to stand still looked extremely pitiful.

"…Mr. Sakamoto?"

Kwon Taek Joo is so distracted by that distracting scene that he misses a Russian official's question.

"Yes? Ah, sorry. What did you just say?"

"I heard that you had an unfortunate situation on the day of entry. Are you okay?"

"Ah yes. The Russian police arrived at the right time, so I was safe and sound. He also friendly took me to my place of residence."

"I don't know how to apologise for this... Sorry for causing you to go through such a thing."

"No, why do you have to apologise? 'I should have paid more attention, I really don't have any faces.'"

Kwon Taek Joo politely responded, but his eyes did not seem ashamed at all. He said it was okay, but the other person still didn't stop apologising. After that, even the Japanese delegation began to bow their heads simultaneously. They apologised for scaring him, that it was their fault so he didn't have to worry. They're sorry, I'm sorry, everyone is all messed up.

Then Kwon Taek Joo suddenly felt uncomfortable. He stood up and attracted the attention of both delegations focussed on him. Kwon Taek Joo tried to sneak out and smiled wryly and begged for sympathy.

"Please apologise a little."

He even pretended to wash his hands and went out. A sigh of relief rang out as soon as he closed the door. Kwon Taek Joo was loosening the tie that was tightening his neck when he suddenly stopped. The CEO of Gazprom is still standing in the aisle to make a phone call. He was talking to the person on the other end of the phone in a somewhat angry tone, but with the most quiet tone possible.

"Where is the president? Has he departed? Didn't he come?"

Patience until now has suddenly dissolved into soap bubbles. Not long after, the employee who burst of anger suppressed it.

"The representative? What are you saying? Is the agent coming??"

It was the moment when all his patience so far has been in vain. Kwon Taek Joo clicked his tongue and leisurely went to the toilet.

To find a toilet, he had to go down a separate corridor. He opened a door up to the ceiling 5 metres high and walked in. Kwon Taek Joo checked the inside of the room as a habit and let out a long breath when there were no suspicious signs. He came to stand in front of the sink.

Kwon Taek Joo wipes his hands while looking back at his activities. The other day he fell asleep while viewing the PDF file sent by Head of Department Lim. That night was not too bad except for a rather vague dream. I don't know if it was because he was too tired that he fainted for a while.

Yesterday morning he finished reading the remaining PDF files and this afternoon went to the airport to pick up the Japanese delegation. Even after examining each situation, it seems that there are not any big mistakes at all. Studying is indeed just a cram, but thanks to the contract documents he has read in the past two days, Kwon Taek Joo can understand the conversation without any difficulty.

At the same time there was a sound coming from outside the door. Someone's voice. If it's not talking alone, it seems that he's talking on the phone. Is that the person in charge of Gazprom's work earlier? The door opened, that voice came to Kwon Taek Joo more clearly. His body stiffened for a moment.

"...No. I'm here but it's probably going to be boring."

"It seems that you have heard it. Where is it?"

That memory is not too old either. Although it was not often heard to the level of familiarity, the moment was so powerful that it was imprinted in his mind.

While Kwon Taek Joo was trying to recall memories that seemed to have disappeared, the previous voice sounded again. Right behind him, exactly.

"Let's be clear. If it's support, what happened last time is enough."

It's him. Kwon Taek Joo can be sure without looking back. This is the killer he met in that makeshift building two days ago. As soon as he realised that fact, his entire senses became sharper. The first thing to wake up is the sense of smell.

Kwon Taek Joo can feel the strong scent of wet leaves gently burning. An unmistakeable scent of delicate cognac and rich Aroma. Cohiba Behike. The unstoobled stimulation seemed to weigh heavily on his shoulders, even though the other person didn't smoke a cigar.

His voice was still echoing behind him. He stopped at the door and continued the call.

After that, Kwon Taek Joo suddenly felt a look. He still didn't look back or look in the mirror, but that's for sure. He was looking at Kwon Taek Joo. A chill ran along his spine.

"Enough... I know."

Maybe it was just an illusion, but his tone sounded a little longer. The call ends. The eyes watching behind him became much clearer. Now only he and Kwon Taek Joo are left in the closed toilet.

He kept washing his hands and watching his movements. He always looked down at his hand without realising who he was. The atmosphere quickly became heavy. Time passes very slowly.

"How long has it been?"

The man's footsteps, which had stopped, resounded again. He walked to the sink right next to Kwon Taek Joo. Soon the water poured out with the same click. He began to gently rub his hands. With just that small movement, Cohiba's scent also became richer, along with the memory of the first day he smelled that scent rushed back.

Kwon Taek Joo tries to act as calmly as possible. He turned off the water as if he didn't know him and then used a prepared towel to dry his hands.

I don't know why that murderor bastard appeared at this time right here. If it's a coincidence, it's a damn coincidence. Just considering the economic situation, this is not a place he can't go. The only problem is that he is locked in an enclosed space with him.

Must be avoided. The thought that he should not be in the same space as him took over his entire body. Kwon Taek Joo feels increased brain pressure during stress.

He threw the wet towel in the trash and tried to get out. At that moment, an unexpected word was thrown that made him suffocate.

"Don't you even say hello? 'It seems that we know each other.'"

"So aren't Japanese people so polite?", he continued. Kwon Taek Joo doesn't look back. He couldn't even open the doorknob he was holding. He doesn't know what will happen if he acts in a hurry. Even if something bad happens here right now, even if he kills Kwon Taek Joo by smashing his body, no one knows. And if someone finds out, it's too late.

He continued to be sarcastic again while he hesitated "The Samurai's behaviour is just that much, isn't it?"The tone is slow but not completely comfortable.

He didn't say anything more afterwards. Kwon Taek Joo focussed all his senses behind his back and walked out without saying a word. As soon as the door closed and he escaped from him, Kwon Taek Joo breathed a sigh of relief. His heart was pounding. Maybe he didn't realise it but it seems to have been like it for a while. He doesn't remember the last time he was so nervous.