Chapter 13: Under the Radar

Determined to protect his vision and avoid further sabotage, Wang Soo decided to take his project underground. He knew this meant working only with trusted individuals and keeping their progress a secret until the very end. It was a bold move, but Wang Soo had no choice if he wanted to see his plans come to fruition.

Underground

Wang Soo sat in his small makeshift office at Lee's parents' house, the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting in from the kitchen. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts raced.

"We'll go underground," he muttered to himself, tapping his fingers against the desk.

Ja Hid, sitting across from him, frowned. "Underground? What do you mean?"

"It means we keep this project off the radar. No announcements, no public moves. We'll only work with people we trust completely. When we're ready, we'll launch it—fully formed and unstoppable."

Ja Hid nodded slowly, his eyes glinting with determination. "It's risky, but it might just work. Who do you trust enough for this?"

Wang Soo smirked. "I'll start with you. And I'll bring back someone who's always had my back."

Two days later, Wang Soo stood at the bustling Creatis International Airport. Among the throngs of travelers, he spotted a familiar face—Nan Dok, his former personal assistant. The young man, slightly hunched and carrying an oversized backpack, waved enthusiastically as he approached.

"Dok!" Wang Soo called, extending his hand.

Nan Dok ignored the handshake and pulled Wang Soo into an awkward but heartfelt hug. "Boss! It's been too long!"

Wang Soo chuckled, patting the younger man's back. "It's good to see you too. You didn't have to fly all the way back just for this."

Nan Dok stepped back, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "Are you kidding? I heard about everything that happened, and I couldn't sit back while you're fighting alone. You were always there for me when I started out. Now it's my turn."

Wang Soo felt a lump in his throat but managed a smile. "Well, if you're here, let's get to work. I'll fill you in on the way."

With Nan Dok onboard, Wang Soo and Ja Hid began forming their inner circle. They held their meetings in an old warehouse on the outskirts of Creatis, away from prying eyes. The space was modest, filled with folding tables, mismatched chairs, and a whiteboard covered in scribbles and diagrams.

Nan Dok immediately proved invaluable, organizing files, managing schedules, and taking on any task Wang Soo handed him without question. Despite his timid demeanor, his efficiency and loyalty were unmatched.

One evening, as the team brainstormed strategies, Nan Dok hesitated before speaking. "Boss, what if we create a decoy? Something to distract anyone who's trying to sabotage us?"

Wang Soo's eyes lit up. "That… is brilliant. Let's build a fake project to throw them off our trail."

Ja Hid grinned. "Dok, you're a genius."

Nan Dok blushed, ducking his head. "Just doing my job."

Meanwhile, back at Kcreative, Yura and Han Ko's alliance with Albeirt deepened. Albeirt had managed to convince them that Wang Soo's underground project posed a direct threat to their brand stability.

"We can't let him blindside us," Albeirt said during a late-night meeting. "If his project launches and it fails, it'll drag us down with him."

Yura bit her lip. "But what if it succeeds?"

"It won't," Albeirt said firmly. "Not if we're proactive. We'll keep tabs on his every move and make sure he doesn't get the chance."

Han Ko nodded reluctantly. "Let's hope you're right."

Late one night, Ja Hid overheard a heated conversation between Albeirt, Yura, and Han Ko at Kcreative's office. His heart sank as he listened to their plans to monitor and undermine Wang Soo's efforts.

"We need to act fast," Albeirt was saying. "If he's going underground, we'll need to find a way to flush him out."

Ja Hid slipped away quietly, pulling out his phone to text Wang Soo:

"Just heard them plotting against you again. They're ramping up their efforts. Be careful."

Wang Soo's reply came quickly.

"Thanks, Ja Hid. Let's tighten our circle and keep pushing forward."

Despite the mounting opposition, Wang Soo's team made steady progress. Nan Dok's decoy project worked like a charm, drawing attention away from their real plans. With every passing day, Wang Soo grew more determined to see their vision realized.

One evening, as the team gathered in the warehouse, Wang Soo addressed them.

"We've come a long way," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "No matter what they throw at us, we'll keep moving forward. This isn't just about proving them wrong. It's about building something meaningful, something we can all be proud of."

The room erupted in cheers and applause, their spirits united by a common purpose.

As the project neared completion, Wang Soo took a moment to reflect. Sitting alone in the warehouse late at night, he thought about the people who had stood by him—Ja Hid, Nan Dok, and even Celin and Will, despite the distance.

He clenched his fists. "They've done everything to stop me, but this time, I'm ready."

The faint sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts. He turned to see Nan Dok approaching, holding two steaming cups of coffee.

"Couldn't sleep, boss?" Nan Dok asked, handing him a cup.

Wang Soo smiled. "Too much on my mind. But thanks to you and everyone else, I think we're going to pull this off."

Nan Dok beamed, and for the first time in months, Wang Soo felt a glimmer of hope. The road ahead was still uncertain, but he knew one thing for sure: he wasn't alone in this fight.

End of Chapter 13