Chapter 15: Untold Emotions

Taewoo's heart raced as he chased after Mr. Mark, determined to get answers. When Mark finally turned to face him, Taewoo couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

"How do you know that I'm an NIS agent and my name?" Taewoo questioned, his voice steady.

Mark's response was cryptic, "This isn't related to your work. You're here for the map, and I've already told you I don't have it. There's nothing more to discuss."

Taewoo persisted, looking directly into Mark's eyes, "I'm just asking how you know everything. You're making me suspicious."

Mark shrugged, his demeanor cool, "Anyone entering my office is allowed in when I know everything about them. Or you could say people come to know me when I've already known everything about them."

Taewoo, still inquisitive, pressed further, "Then, Mr. Mark, you must know where the map is?"

Mark replied with an air of indifference, "I think it will take you 30 more years to find that. In that time, I can earn money equivalent to the treasure it holds. So, why would I get involved in this matter?"

Taewoo regarded Mark with a hint of distrust, "I hope what you're saying is true, but your words make it hard to believe you. See you soon."

Mark's parting words only added to the intrigue, "That makes things more interesting, Mr. Taewoo. Have a nice day." Taewoo left Mark's law firm, mulling over the enigmatic encounter.

Meanwhile, at Chin's apartment, she and Elly were diligently working on their university assignments. After an hour of chatting, their conversation shifted to the topic of love.

Elly suddenly asked, "Chin, do you believe that people love each other's souls or bodies?"

Chin considered it thoughtfully and replied, "It depends on the person, but I think true love is about the soul."

Elly continued, "Then why do people often believe that a person is dead when their body stops responding? Why don't they look for that soul in someone else's body? Why don't they try to find them?"

Chin's eyes sparkled with insight as she responded, "Elly, tell me this: when your parents died in a car accident, did you try to find their souls in someone else's body? What if you found your mother's soul in a black African man? Would you love that person the same way you loved your mom?"

Elly smiled gently, "Yes ,may be"

Chin pursued the point, "Then why didn't you look for them?Because you were afraid. Afraid that you might not find them, afraid that even if you found a soul similar to your parents', they could never truly become your real parents. They could never love you the same way because, even with the same soul, they would have different bodies, different hearts. Pure love is a blend of the soul and the heart."

Elly's eyes welled up with tears as she continued, "No, I wasn't afraid of this ; I was afraid of experiencing that pain again. A person can't endure the same pain twice, so they try to avoid it. You know, Chin, in this world, the hardest thing is to love someone again. I buried my love along with them that day so I would never be able to love someone with the same intensity again, not ever."

Chin handed her a tissue, realizing that they viewed love from different perspectives. She couldn't help but think that she had seen a soul similar to her mother's in Taewoo.

A few days later, Chin called Mr. Mark. After some hesitation, he answered. Chin's voice was serious as she spoke, "I called you because something is bothering me. If the person who wants the letter knew it was with you, why didn't they try to steal it?"

Mark's reply was chillingly matter-of-fact, "They did try, through their special hound, Mr. Elbork. But I managed to swap the real letter with a fake one before he could read it."

Chin persisted, "Elbork? Do you know him?"

Mark's response was cold, "You don't need to know him. He's long gone. The devil killed him."

Chin attempted to say something else, but Mark abruptly ended the call.

Meanwhile, Taewoo and Hazel were back at the base station when they received a call from Miss Aimin. Her voice was stern, questioning their actions.

"Why are you acting so immature? Why are you chasing after a man who is long dead to find the map? Leave Mr. Kate's case. I believe he might have been helpful in finding the map, but he's dead now. Focus on other possibilities. If you don't solve this case in the next two months, I'll send a new team to England, and you both are coming back. Do you understand?"

Taewoo, frustrated and filled with conflicting emotions, slammed his file on the table and took a seat. He shouted, "Where is that map hidden?"

Hazel attempted to calm him down, "Taewoo, you're one of the best agents we have. I bet you can find that map in a week, but right now, you're focusing too much on finding your parents' killer instead of the map. Come to your senses."

As they were having this discussion, Taewoo received a call. He answered, and it was Chin on the line.

"Taewoo, can we meet? I have something important to tell you. I'll be waiting for you at a coffee shop at 6 pm."

Taewoo hung up without uttering a word. Chin believed he got the message. Later that day, she went to the coffee shop, holding a bouquet of flowers and a card, waiting eagerly for Taewoo. But he didn't show up. She waited for hours, growing increasingly anxious.

At 9 pm, Taewoo finally sent her a message, "I have some work to do. I won't come today."

Chin's heart sank, and she tossed the flowers and card into a nearby bin, feeling shattered. Lost in thought, she crossed the road without paying attention. She narrowly avoided a speeding car, saved only by a last-minute grab from behind.

When she looked up, she found herself in the strong grip of Alex. He was panting with fear and scolding her, "Chin, are you mad? I've told you so many times to be careful while crossing the road. Where were you? What were you thinking? Do you really want to die?"

Chin, her eyes filled with tears, replied, "Alex, I waited for him for four hours, but he didn't come." She went on to tell him about Taewoo.

Alex sighed in relief, cleaned her tear-streaked face with his hoodie sleeve, and scolded her gently, "Chin, I told you that no one deserves you. People out there are mean; they can't understand you. Stop wasting your time and emotions."

Chin, teary-eyed, tried to explain, "Alex, nothing is in my control. I try my best every time."

Alex paused for a moment, then said, "You know, Chin, I don't know why, but every time you do something reckless, I get a feeling. I went to your apartment, and your friend told me you went to a café to meet someone. That's when I realized you might get into trouble. Thank goodness I arrived in time,let's go inside and drink some coffee, you will feel better , my monster."

At which Chin half crying half laughing ,wipes her tears and they both entered the cafe.