Chapter 14: Visiting Cheonliang
After wrapping up his training for the day, Michael Kang took a moment to catch his breath, the adrenaline still coursing through him. He pulled out his phone and dialed CEO Ray Yu, focusing on the upcoming joint development in the Cheonliang region with HNH Group and H Group.
"CEO Yu, I'll come to Cheonliang a day before the press conference. Just go there and handle the details with HNH Group and H Group," Michael said calmly, his voice steady. As the call ended, he took a deep breath and lit a cigarette, the smoke curling into the air as he turned to Oliver, who stood nearby, arms crossed and attentive.
"It looks like I'll have to find a successor to take my place now," Michael said, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Have you investigated the potential candidates?"
"Yes, sir," Oliver replied, leaning forward slightly. "The first candidate is Eli Jang, the leader of Hostel B. He's the one behind the 'Point Organization System' for the four major crews. Raised by Tom Lee, he's been taught fighting by one of the best."
Michael chuckled, the sound rich with amusement. "That Gorilla got one heck of a guy. I can see why he'd be a contender."
"The second candidate is Jake Kim, the leader of Big Deal. He's the son of the legendary Gapryong Kim and has inherited his father's bloodline. Charismatic, too—most of the members of Big Deal, if not all, are fiercely loyal to him," Oliver continued.
"Seems like he has a similar personality that draws people in, just like his father," Michael remarked, exhaling a plume of smoke. He contemplated the potential for leadership each candidate possessed.
"The last candidate is Johan Seong," Oliver added, shifting slightly. "He's one of the most talented individuals in the second generation, with the same copy ability as Jinyoung Park from the 0th Generation. The catch is that he lacks leadership and social skills."
Michael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Hmm. I'll check that out. Let's see if he's just a kid who would be nothing without his Copy ability," he said, his interest piqued.
As Michael flicked the ashes from his cigarette, the gravity of the decision ahead weighed on him. Selecting a successor wasn't just about finding someone to fill his shoes—it required careful consideration. The person chosen would need the talent to master his techniques, and with that, they would inherit the benefits: immense wealth and powerful connections
"Keep me updated on their progress. I want to see what each of them brings to the table," he instructed Oliver, feeling a sense of anticipation for the challenge ahead.
"Of course, sir," Oliver replied, nodding with determination. As Michael stared into the distance, the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the horizon—a reminder that change was on the way.
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Next day
The next day, Michael Kang stood in his sleek, sporty tracksuit, exuding an air of casual confidence. A pair of stylish sunglasses perched on his nose, he spoke with Oliver, who had a look of concern etched on his face.
"Boss, it's best if I go with you. What if something dangerous hap—" Oliver started, but Michael cut him off, waving his hand dismissively.
"Oliver, you worry too much," Michael replied with a smirk, his tone light yet firm. "There's no one in Korea who can threaten me. You know that better than anyone."
"But—" Oliver began again, only to be met with Michael's cold gaze.
"The decision is final," Michael said, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Reluctantly, Oliver nodded, albeit with a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Okay, Boss, but I'll wait at Cheonliang Station to pick you up."
"You can do that," Michael said coolly, brushing off Oliver's concerns. As Oliver turned to leave,
Michael made his way to the bus stop, the early morning sun warming his back as he hopped onto the bus headed for Seoul Station. The rhythmic motion of the bus and the familiar cityscape outside the window lulled him into a contemplative state, thoughts drifting toward tomorrow's agenda.
Once he arrived at Seoul Station, he stepped off the bus and took a moment to absorb the bustling energy around him. Just outside the station, a group of teenagers caught his attention. They were animatedly discussing their plans for a beach trip, their laughter and excitement infectious.
As he got closer, Michael recognized them—it was Daniel and his friends, the main character of the Manhwa.
He continued toward the train he needed to catch. Once he boarded the train and found his seat, He settled into his seat, leaning back against the plush cushion, the soft hum of the train enveloping him. As he slipped his earphones into place, the outside world faded away, allowing him to immerse himself in his thoughts and the music.
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Michael was jolted awake by the sudden loud noise. His eyes flickered open, quickly assessing the situation unfolding before him. Daniel and his friends stood across from a group of hostile-looking guys, the tension in the air palpable.
"That Molka you took, give me your phone," Big Daniel demanded, his voice commanding and unyielding.The assailant lashed out with a punch, but Big Daniel blocked it with ease. Another swing came, and once again, Daniel deflected it effortlessly.
Out of nowhere, a girl stepped in, landing a swift punch on the guy who had been harassing them. She followed up with a flawless aikido move, sending him crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Watching from a distance, Michael smirked in amusement, his sharp eyes catching every detail of the scene. 'It looks like Charles Choi's little girl can fight a bit,' he thought to himself, impressed by the girl's aikido skills.
Without further interest, he slipped his earphones back in, the chaos around him fading into the background as he closed his eyes once more, unbothered and detached from the drama. He allowed himself to drift back into his own thoughts, the noise of the confrontation now irrelevant.