The memorial table stood pathetically humble. On a small table normally used for meals, he placed an apple and a pear, then lit her favorite cigarette. After taking a puff, he positioned the cigarette upright in a paper cup where he had already stuck some incense.

Following something he’d seen before, he wrote his mother’s three-character name on a piece of paper and attached it to the wall, then bowed twice before filling a paper cup halfway with Bacchus energy drink and halfway with soju. He never understood what she enjoyed about the taste, but his mother had loved this concoction during her lifetime.

The remaining alcohol belonged entirely to Soo-hyun. He clinked the bottle neck against his glass, then leaned against the wall and placed a cigarette between his lips. The small room filled with a hazy mixture of incense and cigarette smoke.

The dark sky gradually brightened. Soo-hyun stared blankly at his mother’s name on the wall. Kim Soon-jung. A name no one called anymore. He regretted not having a photo. If only the house hadn’t burned down…

Time passed, and the incense burned down to black ash. While he sat there absentmindedly drinking and chain-smoking, his phone rang. Dong-seok was calling. When he didn’t answer, a message came through immediately.

[The manager found out. Says there are cameras in the bathroom. He’s furious and says he’ll kill you when you show up. Hide until things calm down.]

Tsk. He clicked his tongue and set the phone aside. The cracked screen and broken corners of his phone mirrored his own situation. Even this shabby device wasn’t truly his. It was registered under a friend’s name, and someone else’s name appeared on the lease for the rooftop room.

As an adult, all Soo-hyun had left was a canceled resident registration and debt. Money he’d never even touched. Suddenly, a face pushed into his mind, making his cigarette taste bitter.

“That f*cking bastard… If it weren’t for him.”

He cursed and tossed the cigarette into the empty paper cup. Curling up on the ice-cold floor with no working heater, he recalled his mother’s final moments. Were she watching him from heaven, she would be crying her eyes out. After all her efforts to keep him alive, who could have predicted he’d end up living such a pathetic life. Right, Mom?

[“If you do this well, the boss will cut your principal in half.”]

Soo-hyun dug through his pocket and pulled out the note Axe had given him. Unfolding the crumpled paper revealed eleven numbers. What kind of job could it be… Surely not killing someone. No, these bastards treat human lives like flies—they wouldn’t reduce debt for something so trivial.

Soo-hyun got up and picked up the phone he had tossed aside. He entered the number exactly as written and pressed call. After a moment, it started ringing. No one answered. Perhaps it was too early. Just when he was about to hang up, someone picked up.

But they didn’t speak. Not even breathing could be heard.

“I’m calling on Kim Chang-nam’s recommendation. I heard you’re looking for someone to do part-time work.”

Still silence. The feeling seemed ominous. Just when he was about to hang up, a raspy, metallic voice came through.

[I’ll tell you the location. Be there by 2 o’clock. Don’t be late.]

Click. The call ended. The alcohol finally hit him. Looking at the disconnected call, Soo-hyun let out a long sigh. Was this a good idea? Should he at least have asked what the job was? But he quickly changed his mind. Whatever. He’d do anything, provided they paid well. That was the only way to escape that insufferable Kim Chang-nam.

***

“What is this?”

“It’s not much, but please accept it as a token of my sincerity. You helped me greatly before. I’ll never forget your kindness until the day I die.”

Chairman Yang, dressed in an elegant jade-colored hanbok, peered through his glasses at the man’s gift. A gold badge gleamed on the chest of the middle-aged man with graying hair.

“A gift?”

Yes, Chairman. Assemblyman Park bowed his head respectfully, but his thoughts wandered elsewhere. Now that he’d been elected, his feelings had changed. How great could an old man who just plays with money really be? But this man had helped him earn this badge, so he should at least do this much. Assemblyman Park momentarily felt conflicted about cursing the old man in his mind while bowing before him.

Chairman Yang set aside the newspaper he was holding and pushed the gift back toward Assemblyman Park. The assemblyman looked up, trying to gauge whether his gift had displeased the chairman. Chairman Yang offered him tea that an employee had brought in earlier.

“Keep your gift. You’re a public servant now—should you be spending money so carelessly? Have some tea instead before you go.”

Yes, sir. Assemblyman Park straightened up and took the teacup. Behind Chairman Yang stood a large folding screen. Each panel featured paintings, mostly symbols of longevity. While turning his head to drink his tea, Assemblyman Park noticed a family photo hanging on the wall. It showed the old man with three younger males—two in black suits and one in a school uniform, apparently a student.

“My grandsons.”

Seeing Chairman Yang’s proud expression, Assemblyman Park set down his teacup. He had heard that Chairman Yang had lost his wife to illness at an early age and had outlived his only son. Rumors suggested it was the work of those who held grudges against him, though he didn’t know if the culprits had ever been caught.

“Your grandsons are all quite handsome.”

Indeed, old people live for the joy of being praised about their children and grandchildren. A smile spread across Chairman Yang’s face.

“Aren’t they?”

“Yes. I know a little about reading faces, and they all seem born with good fortune.”

Pleased with the comment, Chairman Yang pointed to the photo.

“See the one on the left? My daughter’s son. He even earned a doctorate abroad. He’s coming back to Korea next spring—brilliant mind, that one.”

The man the old man pointed to looked intelligent and stern. Assemblyman Park nodded in agreement. Indeed. I do have an eye for people. His face radiates greatness—he’s destined for success.

“Next to him is our youngest. He’s such a good student. He ranked first in his school just recently.”

Assemblyman Park responded with admiration.

“That’s impressive. Perhaps your grandsons might consider working at the Blue House if the opportunity arises?”

Chairman Yang seemed pleased but waved his hand dismissively.

“No need for that. What would people say if they knew their grandfather was involved in such matters?”

“Who would dare! Who would criticize you, Chairman? If anyone did, I, Park Hyo-cheol, wouldn’t stand for it!”

They might not say it to your face, but they’ll talk behind your back. After all, nobody in this field hasn’t received help from Chairman Yang, whether money or connections. Pleased with Park Hyo-cheol’s flattery, Chairman Yang chuckled and reached for his teacup.

Park Hyo-cheol grew curious. There were three grandsons, but while two of them gave off similar impressions, the third differed completely. Even in the photo, his threatening gaze reminded one of a beast, making it clear he must be the blood grandson he’d only heard rumors about. Park cautiously asked:

“Then, the last grandson there is…?”

Just when he was about to ask what intrigued him, the door opened and someone entered. It was Secretary Choi, who had guided Park when he first arrived—a man with a sharp face and body who rarely smiled. Secretary Choi approached and whispered something in the old man’s ear, causing a subtle change in his expression.

“Did you find him?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure he’s Baek Gwang-mu’s son?”

Secretary Choi pulled a photo from his pocket.

“They’re certain.”

Hmm. Chairman Yang took the photo, swallowed, and stroked his chin. Looking at his smooth face, he doesn’t resemble his father at all. While Park tried to gauge the situation, the old man gave him a faint smile.

“What do you think?”

“Pardon?”

“About a son paying for his father’s sins.”

Assemblyman Park hesitated, unsure how to respond. From what he could tell, someone had wronged Chairman Yang, and they had found that person’s son… Whatever the story, he just needed to give the old man the answer he wanted.

“Of course he should pay. I strongly support guilt by association.”

“Haha, I see. Then what punishment do you think I should give?”

“That’s entirely up to you, Chairman. You could beat him until your anger subsides, or if necessary, even—”

Park lowered his voice. How about burying him? Chairman Yang smiled with satisfaction at those words.

“So if your son commits a crime, I should bury you instead?”

What? Park froze. The conversation took a strange turn. He felt uncomfortable agreeing, but disagreeing would contradict what he’d just said, making it difficult to speak. While the old man waited for an answer, Park hastily opened his mouth.

“Of… of course, if my son commits a crime, I should pay for it.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Chairman…”

The old man picked up his teacup. The kind eyes he had shown earlier while boasting about his grandsons had completely disappeared, replaced by snake-like eyes ready to devour prey. An inexplicable anxiety crept up Park’s back.

Chairman Yang set down his teacup and slowly spoke.

“Do you know something?”

“Yes…? What…?”

“It seems your son, Park Yoon-woo, has been gossiping about the source of his father’s funds.”

Assemblyman Park’s face froze. The conversation had taken a completely unexpected turn. He finally understood why Chairman Yang had summoned him today. Just days ago, his son had been brought in by the secretary, drunk and high on drugs… That good-for-nothing brat!

“Let me ask again. Do you still think a son should pay for his father’s sins?”

Oh no. Assemblyman Park’s face turned pale. His eyes darted around nervously. Sweat formed on his clasped hands resting on his knees.

“I, I’ve never heard of such a thing…”

“It seems my subordinate made up a story, then.”

Cold sweat ran down his back at the chilling voice. What had happened to people who displeased Chairman Yang? Assemblyman Park’s mind went blank. No, no, Chairman. He hastily bowed his head. While trying to figure out how to escape this crisis, Chairman Yang set down his teacup.

The sound made him feel someone was about to slice his neck with a knife.

“No need to be so tense. Children never do exactly what we want, do they?”

“Ch-Chairman!”

“I’ll let it go this time. But there won’t be a second chance. Next time, you’ll have to take responsibility for what you said earlier.”

Assemblyman Park bowed until his forehead touched the ground. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Chairman. Thank you. This will never happen again. I promise. While he groveled, the old man placed a photo in front of him. The trembling Park’s gaze fell upon it.

There was a young man who would catch anyone’s eye. In the photo, the young man had a bright smile. He seemed completely unaware of what was about to happen to him.