A light drizzle began as Ha-Joon and Jinyong stepped onto the terrace overlooking the city, the skyline of Seongnam stretching far beneath them. Jinyong folded his hands behind his back, turning to Ha-Joon.
"I want to know," he began, voice filled with curiosity, "what's your plan now?"
Ha-Joon stared out over Seongnam's rooftops, fingers tracing the fence of . The city lights reflected off his eyes with a distant glow. Finally, he sighed and said quietly, "I can't think straight from the last few days. I need to clear my mind for the next stage."
Jinyong nodded, the corner of his lips lifting in an amused curve. "Heh.. Who doesn't get fatigued fighting nonstop for a week." He paused for a moment, before continuing. "And for that, I've got excellent idea for you."
"Hmm."
Ha-Joon gestured him to speak out his idea.
Jinyong looked out over the city's length before speaking, "Let me help you show around my place. Seongnam's got a beautiful places around for relaxing."
Ha-Joon turned, met his new ally's gaze and smiled as he spoke. "I would be honored."
Jinyong nodded. He stepped aside and began calling his two attendant before gesturing towards Ha-Joon. "Daehyun, Jisoo, fetch your boss's guest. We tour Seongnam tonight."
The two bowed and slipped away quickly. Jinyong turned back to Ha-Joon.
"We start with the old market," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Then the new district. There's a hill with the best view of the city. That is, if you can handle a walk."
Ha-Joon gave a faint nod.
The rain had picked up, lightly coating the terrace stones. Jinyong offered his jacket wordlessly, slipping it off against his suit. Ha-Joon accepted without hesitation, before switching his coat.
As they stepped outside the gate. Ha-Joon motioned his two men to follow. As soon as Ha-Joon called the two of them, they quickly walked towards him.
They walked for another twenty minutes through old alleys, following street lamps until they reached the riverside, Seongnam's secret gem. A calm river separated the city from a walking park lit with blue ground lights. Walking bridges scattered across, most empty now, except for a few late night joggers.
As they walked, the rain began to slow down. Ha-Joon and Jinyong quickly closed their umbrella before handing out to the two attendant.
"This used to be nothing," he spoke. "Just muddy riverbanks. We built this to give people something fresh out of nature boosting the value of market."
"Follow me."
Ha-Joon quietly stayed by Jinyong side, as he spoke about the place before his reign and after. He explained how he had managed to elevate Seongnam economy towards new height which further helped him to solidify his position as the king.
Though he is the king of the underworld of Seongnam, even the normal people of Seongnam support him unconditionally just like the wolf, Jinrang. But unlike Jinrang who garnered support through sheer strength, Jinyong used his charismatic ability to garner support.
New ideas seldom fit old spaces... huh thought Ha-Joon as they moved towards the hillside with vehicle.
The SUV slowed to a quiet stop at the gate of a hill overlooking Seongnam.
They ended the tour by climbing the stair-lined hill path. On top, a wide plaza with a metal handrail faced the city. The dark cloud which had gathered around the city due to rain had mostly drifted apart, which was enough to show the top of skyscrapers.
Ha-Joon stepped to the edge, before taking a deep breath. His previous fatigued released from the body.
Jinyong leaned next to him, hands in pockets. "Pretty, isn't it?"
Ha-Joon said nothing right away but appeared thoughtful. Then finally said, "Yes, Seongnam's got real potential for money."
Jinyong nodded slightly, before speaking. "Yeah, same thought. It's got everything it need. Balanced structure filled with natural greenery, cleanliness and enough population for the city unlike the bigger city around."
Ha-Joon smirked lightly. "So different from the west."
"Doksu's chaos?" Jinyong chuckled. "Yeah. That man doesn't care other than earning profit for himself. And me? I chose growth over force."
"So what do you think?"
"Its a good place to start." He said, turning to face him. "We can lay foundation from here onwards rather than different place."
Jinyong smiled hearing his word.
"Well," Jinyong finally said, "you picked a good place to start."
With the groundwork finally set in motion, they made their way down the hill in quiet understanding. When they reached the edge of the city, they parted ways.
....
Morning,
The sky over Seongnam was painted in soft gray light. Ha-Joon stood outside the guesthouse, cigarette between his fingers, his usual coat draped loosely over his shoulders.
He took one last drag before flicking the butt into the gutter. His two men stood nearby, quietly waiting for his next words.
"We're heading to Ansan," Ha-Joon said. "Let's move."
Minjae gave a quick nod. "Are we checking it out or planning something more?"
"For now, just a visit," Ha-Joon replied as he stepped forward. "Need to invite the brightest sun of Ansan. Ansan King, Taesoo Ma."
Hyun-Woo smirked. "So, a scouting trip. The old-school kind."
Ha-Joon didn't replied his word, but slid into the back seat of the black SUV, the other two getting in beside and in front of him.
As the engine rumbled to life and the city began to stir behind them, Ha-Joon looked out the window.
"Taesoo Ma." He muttered. "I really want to taste his ultimate fist."
Hyun-Woo casually asked. "Think they've heard about you already."
"I'm already under the radar of regional kings." Ha-Joon said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "So, of course they should've heard about me."
And with that, the SUV moved out of Seongnam toward the next city,
Ansan.