Gutter Chapter 7.1

🚬

Fortunately, the village hall was only a ten-minute walk away. At first, Yeonjo was nervous, wondering if he wouldn’t be able to walk at all, but when he actually took a step, it wasn’t as bad as he had expected. Of course, it was stiff and numb, but as long as he didn’t put his weight on his left foot, he could hobble along on his right. It was just slow, that’s all.

“Good heavens. What happened to you?”

The young doctor, who had come as a volunteer, looked at Yeonjo’s ankle with suspicion. Yeonjo sat uncomfortably, his left leg propped up on a low stool, searching for an excuse.

“It just… happened.”

“It doesn’t look like you just twisted it on the street.”

The doctor adjusted his glasses and looked up at Boss Gu, who stood beside Yeonjo like a guard. Boss Gu, looking bored, flicked his lighter on and off, killing time. An unlit cigarette hung from his lips.

“I did roll pretty hard. Do you think… it’s broken?”

Swallowing hard, Yeonjo looked at the doctor with pleading eyes. The doctor carefully felt around the ankle and surrounding bones, but instead of giving a clear answer, he tilted his head, looking troubled.

“For a fracture, we need an x-ray for an accurate diagnosis, but as you know, we don’t have such facilities here. You walked all the way here, right?”

“Yes.”

“If you could walk here, it’s probably not a serious fracture. It’s more likely a hairline fracture or a sprained joint. It would be best to go to an orthopedic clinic in the city. You should also get a prescription for painkillers.”

“I see.”

The tension in Yeonjo’s face gradually eased. Relief was evident. The doctor glanced at his pale face, mottled with bruises, then side-eyed Boss Gu.

A man who looked like a gangster, and another with injuries all over his body and a hurt leg. The doctor recalled what the local official had told him before he came to volunteer.

‘Oh, right, Doctor. The atmosphere in that village is a bit unsettling right now… so, if you see anything, just pretend you didn’t and leave quickly. It’ll just get complicated if you get involved.’

He’d wondered what he meant by whispering hesitantly like that. The doctor took out a thermometer and turned it on.

“Let’s take your temperature first.”

“Oh, okay.”

Because it was such a remote place and lacked proper equipment, they still used contact electronic thermometers here. Yeonjo flinched as the doctor pulled his shirt down slightly and inserted the device under his armpit.

“Please wait a moment.”

Yeonjo obediently nodded. He looked uneasy in his baggy purple pants and floral shirt. As if overly conscious of the large man beside him, Yeonjo fidgeted throughout those few seconds.

“You have a slight fever. It’s not serious, but it would be good to get a prescription for cold medicine as well. I’ll write down your condition, so please show it to the doctor when you visit the hospital.”

“I will.”

The doctor was writing on a piece of paper when he stopped and stared at Yeonjo’s bruised face. He noticed red marks on his thin arms and neck as well.

When he’d pulled down Yeonjo’s shirt slightly, more red marks were clearly visible on his paper-white skin.

“…Do you live here?”

“Uh, excuse me?”

“I heard that young people are rare in this village.”

Yeonjo looked distressed, hesitant about what to answer. After his lips parted a few times, he was about to speak, but Boss Gu cut him off.

“Hey, hurry it up.”

“I, I’m almost done.”

The doctor stammered, flustered by the husky voice of the man who had been standing there with a cigarette in his mouth. Not only did the man have a fierce face and physique, but his voice was also chilling.

As soon as the doctor put down his pen, the man grabbed Yeonjo’s arm and abruptly pulled him to his feet.

“Oof!”

“Hey! He’s a patient, you can’t just…”

“What did you say?”

The doctor, who was about to say that such an action would cause vibrations in Yeonjo’s ankle, swallowed his words at Boss Gu’s icy demeanor.

“…Nothing.”

He then watched Yeonjo being led away, obediently held by the large hand.

🚬

Leaving the village hall, Yeonjo saw Boss Gu’s subordinate waiting in a car parked in front of the building. Boss Gu got into the back seat of the small, old car, and Yeonjo was practically shoved into the passenger seat.

With all three men inside, the interior felt cramped. Even though Boss Gu was alone in the back, his broad, thick shoulders made it seem somehow confined.

Boss Gu ordered his subordinate to drive to the hospital in town. “Yes, Boss!” With the subordinate’s taut reply, the engine started. The engine noise and vibrations of the car were unusually loud. While driving on the unpaved road, Boss Gu opened the window and smoked, while the subordinate silently focused on driving.

Yeonjo held onto the chest strap of his seatbelt, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside. Looking at the changing green landscape after so long, he felt a bit of relief.

“Boss, if you haven’t eaten, how about a bowl of ginseng chicken soup before we go to the hospital?”

The drive to town was quick. Spotting a ginseng chicken soup restaurant on the way to the orthopedic clinic, the subordinate, gauging Boss Gu’s mood in the rearview mirror, asked him.

Boss Gu, who was flicking ash from his cigarette, nodded.

“Alright.”

“Then I’ll park here.”

So the three of them entered the old ginseng chicken soup restaurant. Naturally, Yeonjo’s opinion wasn’t needed.

“What are you doing? Get out.”

After parking, the subordinate, giving Yeonjo a suspicious look, urged him to get out. He seemed convinced Yeonjo would run away if left alone in the car. Yeonjo reluctantly got out.

As he lifted the dark brown curtain at the entrance of the restaurant and stepped inside, a strong smell of stale food wafted over him.

Yeonjo limped along, quietly following the two men. Suddenly being told to eat with these gangsters… The heartburn from the shocking meal he had earlier hadn’t even subsided yet. Yeonjo sighed.

All eyes in the restaurant, both customers and owner, turned to the large men, an unusual sight in such a rural area. Boss Gu and his subordinate were already intimidating enough in their size, but Yeonjo, limping with bruises on his face as if he had been beaten by them, drew even more attention.

“Lady! Three bowls of ginseng chicken soup here!”

The subordinate ordered in a booming voice, loud enough to hurt Yeonjo’s ears, regardless of the other customers’ stares. Even before the food arrived, Yeonjo already felt uncomfortable.

It was agonizing to sit at the same table with these menacing-looking gangsters. As if his wish for the food to arrive quickly was granted, the owner appeared a few minutes later, nervously carrying a tray with the ginseng chicken soup.

Yeonjo gulped at the sight of the rich broth bubbling in the earthenware pots. As if he’d forgotten his discomfort, a ravenous hunger gnawed at him.

Ignoring his unease, Yeonjo picked up his spoon and tasted the broth first. It was a rich and refreshing taste, incomparable to what he had eaten in the room. There was no fishy smell, and the seasoning was perfect. As soon as he recognized the food before him as delicious, his dormant appetite surged.

From then on, he abandoned his caution and began to devour the chicken. The meat was tender, and the glutinous rice inside, along with the side dishes, were all delightfully pleasing to his palate. How long had it been since he’d had a decent meal? Yeonjo ate with his head practically buried in the pot.

“That guy eats like a beggar, probably because he’s so skinny.”

Yeonjo lifted his head at the subordinate’s remark, belatedly realizing how ravenously he’d been eating. However, the satisfaction from the fullness he felt after so long outweighed his embarrassment.

He felt Boss Gu staring disapprovingly from across the table, but as Yeonjo wiped his mouth with a napkin, he pretended not to notice.

🚬

Boss Gu left immediately after finishing his meal due to some business, so Yeonjo had to visit the hospital and return to the countryside house with just the subordinate.

Although the shackles were back on his ankle, the hard floor felt much more comfortable than before. He felt drowsy after filling his stomach. Yeonjo slightly lifted his knees and stared at his casted leg.

At the hospital, they’d said the bone had a hairline fracture, but it would heal cleanly as long as he didn’t strain himself. He had to wear a cast for the time being, though.

It was fortunate that it wasn’t broken, as Boss Gu had said, but Yeonjo’s situation was bleak no matter how he looked at it. He had incurred debt, sold his body, and been dragged to this unknown village, forced to give himself to Boss Gu whenever he pleased.

Yet, he felt strangely okay now. Despite being confined and injured, the mere satisfaction of his long-suppressed appetite made him feel this relaxed. He was surprised by how simple a person could be.

With a mix of embarrassment and drowsiness washing over him, Yeonjo slowly blinked. He felt like he could finally sleep soundly, despite his difficult situation.

Yeonjo stared blankly at the crumpled wallpaper on the ceiling, bubbly with air pockets, before closing his eyelids and sinking into comfort.

🚬

Since then, Boss Gu had frequently been away in Seoul, as if his business in the countryside was almost finished. The villagers who had been wailing every day gradually disappeared, and the village became quiet.

Sometimes Boss Gu would come into Yeonjo’s room in the early morning hours after he had fallen asleep and sleep there. When the weather was hot, he would sometimes stretch out and nap on the wooden floor of the main hall. A few times, Yeonjo saw him through the crack in the door, sitting in the back seat of the car parked in front of the house, eyes closed.

It seemed that the business at his shop in Seoul was increasing, leading to more frequent trips there. Ironically, despite having brought Yeonjo to the countryside to satisfy his desires whenever he pleased, Boss Gu hadn’t touched him once during this time.

To avoid provoking him, Yeonjo would pretend to be asleep whenever he sensed someone nearby, even in his sleep, staying perfectly still so as not to wake Boss Gu.

Until a few days ago, the conversations between Boss Gu and his subordinates had been solely about the rural land, but recently, they mostly talked about the shop in Seoul. Perhaps he was planning to move back to Seoul completely soon.

Whatever his plans, Yeonjo couldn’t do anything about it. He obediently stayed confined to his room, sleeping, washing himself with permission, using the bathroom, and eating the meals provided at set times.

For some reason, after the ginseng chicken soup incident, the subordinates had been bringing all his meals from outside restaurants. He sometimes had to eat the meals brought by the elderly man when they were busy, but for the most part, they brought him takeout from restaurants in town or further afield in the city.

Occasionally, the subordinates would bring desserts and snacks, grumbling that he was ridiculously picky and troublesome, telling him to just eat whatever they gave him. Yet, they consistently brought him food from restaurants.

Because he had been so deprived of proper food, he readily swallowed anything that didn’t taste awful. Perhaps because no one hit him except Boss Gu, he wasn’t particularly afraid of the subordinates, no matter how much they cursed at him.

Passing the days without a phone was a struggle, but he killed time reading books and magazines left behind by people, which gradually reduced his racing thoughts. Both his body and mind adapted to this cramped room.

He used to agonizingly search for the reason he had been brought here, but such thoughts subsided, and now he felt almost nothing. He continued to live a dull life, no different from a caged animal.

Then one day, one of Boss Gu’s subordinates opened the door and called for Yeonjo.

“Hey, you. Come out.”

“What is it?”

The subordinate, who seemed to have been in a fight somewhere, judging by the scratches on his face, scratched his forehead irritably.

“The boss told me to take you to the hospital.”

“Oh.”

“Gotta take that cast off before your leg rots.”

Yeonjo finally got up. He thought he wouldn’t be able to go to the hospital until they went back to Seoul.

Only after the subordinate unlocked his shackles could Yeonjo put on his shoes and go outside. He still limped, but his casted ankle didn’t hurt or feel numb like before.

The doctor cursorily examined his leg and said he could remove the cast. He suggested physiotherapy, but with many elderly patients waiting, the subordinate got impatient. So they had to leave the hospital without any physiotherapy.

Yeonjo thought they’d go straight home, but the subordinate took him to a restaurant, as he had before. He seemed to have already eaten, as he slumped sideways in a chair and ordered only a bowl of soup for Yeonjo. He then stared at Yeonjo intently, chewing gum.

“Is it good?”

“Yes.”

“Fucking shovel it in when you’re eating. You’ve put on some weight after eating well for a few days, huh?”

“…….”

Yeonjo wanted to say, how can I shovel it in with you staring at me like that? Of course, he might get hit if he actually said that, so he just quietly continued eating.

“Now that there’s something to grab, the boss will be pleased.”

“…….”

“Girls need some meat on their bones to be fun to touch, don’t you think?”

He casually uttered vulgar words, then stood up, ostentatiously moving his waist back and forth, seemingly amused by himself.

The other customers in the restaurant, having already heard the rumors circulating in the small village and figured out what kind of people they were dealing with, discreetly left. The stares from the elderly people whispering and looking at them were piercing. Having experienced this a few times, Yeonjo had become somewhat accustomed and calmly emptied his bowl.

“Excuse me…”

“Yeah?”

After Yeonjo finished eating, the subordinate stood up to pay. Suddenly remembering something, Yeonjo hurriedly called out to him.

“Could I make a quick phone call at the payphone outside? It’ll only take a moment…”

The subordinate, chewing his gum and raising his eyebrows, tilted his head from side to side, as if considering whether to allow it. Every time he did, a cracking sound came from his neck.

“Ah, right. You said your grandma or grandpa is in the hospital on their last legs, right?”

“…….”

“Why go outside? Just make it quick, in front of me.”

The subordinate tossed him his cell phone, as if doing him a favor.

“Thank you.”

Yeonjo didn’t ask how he knew about his grandmother, even though he had never mentioned her. He simply hurriedly dialed the hospital, afraid the phone would be taken away.

The ringing tone went on for quite a while. The anxiety he had suppressed crept back in.

It had been too long since he’d checked on his grandmother. He had been dragged to some unknown place, with no means of contact, and had been too preoccupied with his own survival to spare a thought for her.

Hoping that his grandmother had been doing well, Yeonjo anxiously bit his nails. However, the call didn’t connect, making him anxious. Had he remembered the number wrong? It was a shared room, so someone should answer even if his grandmother wasn’t there…

—Hello?

Finally, someone answered. It was an unfamiliar voice.

“Hello, I’m Park Sunja’s guardian. Is she in her room right now?”

—Park… who?

The person on the other end stammered, as if hard of hearing. Yeonjo clearly repeated his grandmother’s name.

“Patient Park Sunja.”

—Ah, Park Sunja! Yes, Park Sunja. She’s here!

“Can you put her on?”

—She’s not here right now. That old lady went out a while ago, saying she’s going for a walk. But who is this? Are you the grandson I saw last time?

“Yes, I’m her grandson.”

He heard the sound of clapping from the other end of the line, as if the person remembered him. Yeonjo felt relieved that his grandmother seemed to be alright.

Boss Gu’s subordinate was glaring at him, but Yeonjo didn’t notice.

—Oh, right, right. She said she’s going for a walk in the hallway, so she’ll be back soon. But didn’t you hear the news, grandson?

“What news?”

—That old lady caught a cold a few days ago… She had a fever and a cough.

At the words “cold” and “cough,” Yeonjo’s calmed heart sank.

—The, whatchamacallit. The doctor came and prescribed medicine, and said they need to run a few more tests.

“Tests? What’s wrong with her? How did that happen?”

—How would I know? Is it a day or two that old people get sick? Young people recover quickly because they’re full of energy, but once we start getting sick, we’re bedridden in no time.

“So, did she get the tests done?”

—Well, I think I heard she got them done… Usually, she does things on her own, but this time she was crying, saying she was scared.

Yeonjo, taken aback by the unexpected news, stammered, unable to find the right words.

“My grandmother… cried?”

—Yeah, that’s right. Saying she misses her grandson. She was secretly sobbing at night, saying she can’t reach him. I guess she got scared after seeing the old lady in the next room die a while ago… Even if you’re busy, you young people, why don’t you visit!

Yeonjo’s head hung low at the scolding voice.

“Ah… I’ve… I’ve been very busy. How is she now? Is she still saying she’s sick?”

—How is she? She’s ailing, that’s how. That’s how it is with old folks.

“That’s not what I meant. Why do you keep talking about dying so easily…”

—It’s natural when you get old. I find you more strange. Anyway, is our Yeonjo very busy?

The old man who had been on the phone seemed to have passed it to Yeonjo’s grandmother, who had just returned. A rustling sound followed. Even in that brief moment, anxiety gnawed at Yeonjo, his mouth dry.

“Grandma?”

He called out urgently, but there was no response. Worried that the call had been disconnected, he hurriedly checked the phone screen, and then, finally, a familiar voice came through.

—Yeonjo?

“Grandma!”

A weak, loving voice. It was his grandmother.

—Oh, my dear boy. Yeonjo, what have you been doing? Are you eating properly? I haven’t been able to reach my boy.

Worry and concern were evident in her urgent questions. Tears welled up in Yeonjo’s eyes. He bit his lower lip to hold back his emotions.

“Of course, Grandma. Are you feeling okay?”

—I’m perfectly fine. I just sit here and do nothing, eating the hospital food.

“They said you might need tests and surgery. What happened? What’s wrong? Grandma?”

—Surgery is… It’s fine, it’s alright. Even if I’m sick, everyone dies eventually. What’s the point of more surgery at this point?

“Grandma!”

Yeonjo raised his voice. The restaurant owner, passing by, flinched and stepped back. The subordinate chuckled, saying, “That kid’s feisty.”

—Oh dear. Sounds like you’ve swallowed a firecracker. Yes, your grandma is here.

“That’s not what I’m saying. Why do you keep talking about dying so easily…”

—It’s natural when you get old. I find you more strange. Anyway, is our Yeonjo very busy?

Knowing that his grandmother was changing the subject on purpose, Yeonjo decided to suppress his frustration. He didn’t know when he would be able to return to Seoul, and he didn’t want to waste the short phone call arguing. Furthermore, Boss Gu’s subordinate was pressuring him to finish quickly, so he didn’t know when the call would be forcibly ended.

Yeonjo forced his voice to sound as calm as possible.

“I’m currently down in the countryside for work. I’ve been so busy adjusting that I couldn’t contact you. You’ve been eating well without me, haven’t you?”

—This old lady didn’t even know… I was worried something had happened because I hadn’t seen your face or heard from you in so long. Now that you’ve called, it’s alright.

“I’m sorry, Grandma. When my work is settled… I’ll come see you soon.”

—Don’t be sorry. You’re always working so hard.

“It’s not hard work, stop saying that. You have to listen to the doctor and take your medicine and get all your tests done. Promise me. Okay?”

His grandmother didn’t answer right away. Anxious, Yeonjo strained his ears, waiting for her to agree.

However, what he heard next was completely unexpected.

—Yeonjo, do you remember where your old long underwear and the scarf Grandma knitted for you are?

His grandmother’s voice was weak, like a stretched-out rubber band. But the slight upturn at the end of her sentence suggested a small smile on her wrinkled face. It was her long-standing habit.

“Why are you asking about that all of a sudden?”

—They should be at Mr. Kim’s house, the one we saw a few times at the community center. You should go get them when it gets cold later. Don’t go around dressed lightly.

“Grandma, why do you keep…!”

Anxiety crept up from the bottom of his stomach, raising his voice involuntarily. But he quickly swallowed his frustration, realizing where he was. The subordinate was urging him to hang up.

“Grandma. Grandma. Are you really okay? I’ll be back in Seoul soon, so you have to wait for me. Okay?”

When I get back, we’ll go for walks outside the hospital in your wheelchair, I’ll gently massage your stiff hands and feet, and I’ll buy the chamnamul you said you wanted to eat last time and make side dishes with it, and when you’re discharged, we’ll go see flowers. And I’ll buy you steamed rice cakes from that old market rice cake shop you like, so just wait a little while, Yeonjo pleaded, making promises as cheerfully as he could.

—Just thinking about it makes me happy… Still, I wish I could see my handsome grandson’s face.

“Hey, what the hell, are you filming a drama? Cut it out.”

The subordinate, having reached his limit, kicked the table leg, urging Yeonjo to hang up. Yeonjo quickly covered the microphone of the phone with his hand, worried his grandmother might hear him. And he quickly ended the call.

“I told you I’ll be there soon. Take care of your health until then. Be careful not to catch a cold.”

Yeonjo’s eyes were red as he pressed the end call button. Clicking his tongue at the sight, the subordinate held out his hand, demanding the phone.

“Damn, filming a drama all by yourself. Anyone would think someone died. Huh?”

He grumbled that the battery was low. As he put the phone in his inside pocket, he yelled at Yeonjo to get up, but Yeonjo didn’t budge.

“What are you doing? Get up.”

“Um… I’m really sorry… but could I make one last call?”

Yeonjo looked up at the subordinate with pleading eyes. The man’s rough brow furrowed deeply.

“Huh, what’s this now?”

🚬

Yeonjo coughed repeatedly, his throat sore from the new bruises he’d gotten during the day. It was late at night, but he couldn’t sleep. In the evening, Boss Gu’s subordinates had brought him food from a restaurant in town, as they had been doing for the past few days, but he lay listlessly in his room without even looking at it.

After pleading with the subordinate at the restaurant, Yeonjo had managed to get the phone again and called the hospital. After speaking with his grandmother’s nurse, he learned that her immune system was weak, requiring additional tests and treatment.

The nurse calmly explained that this could happen to any patient who had undergone surgery, but his grandmother was different; she was elderly. Although a caregiver visited once a day, his elderly grandmother now needed round-the-clock care.

Since he couldn’t be there with her all day, they needed to hire someone, which, of course, meant more money. As did the new tests and treatments his grandmother needed.

He had already sent all the money he had to the hospital, but it would be nowhere near enough to cover the upcoming medical expenses.

The subordinate, having allowed him that last call to the hospital, finally exploded when Yeonjo asked to be taken to the bank to send more money. His face red and blue, he grabbed Yeonjo by the collar, shook him, and pushed him away. By nightfall, a bluish bruise had appeared on his sore throat.

Fortunately, he had been in town at the time, so he could immediately send money to the hospital. This was only possible because he had carefully kept the cash he’d received from Boss Gu in his pocket. He had been grabbed by the collar and kicked, falling ungracefully, but such things didn’t bother him anymore.

Touching his still-sore throat, Yeonjo worried about how to cover the upcoming expenses.

Not only did he have to pay the hospital bills, but he also had to repay the money he borrowed from the shop and the fine. To earn enough to cover all that, he had to go to Seoul. Even if he went to Seoul, it was an insurmountable amount, but he couldn’t rely solely on the money Boss Gu gave him.

“Hey, you didn’t eat anything?”

The subordinate, who had come to collect the empty dishes, looked around the room and glared at Yeonjo.

“Where’s Boss Gu right now?”

Before the subordinate could finish, Yeonjo asked about Boss Gu’s whereabouts.

“Huh, look at this guy. What are you going to do knowing that?”

“…….”

“If you know where the boss is… are you going to go find him and offer him your ass with a sweet smile?”

As if retaliating for Yeonjo ignoring his question, he scoffed, as if telling him to know his place.

Judging that he wouldn’t get the answer he wanted even if he pressed him further, Yeonjo closed his mouth.

“Are you really not going to eat? Don’t complain later.”

He left without a word, carrying the bag of food. Yeonjo stared at the closed door. He heard the subordinate’s footsteps as he descended from the main hall and crossed the yard. When his footsteps faded completely, silence descended. Only the chirping of crickets, which he had grown tired of hearing lately, filled the air.

It seemed Boss Gu wasn’t coming. Yeonjo slowly lay down on the floor.

He felt disgusted with himself for needing Boss Gu and being disappointed by his absence. It was foolish of him to desperately cling to even a rotten rope.

Even if he explained his difficult situation to Boss Gu, nothing would change. If he mentioned his grandmother’s hospital bills, Boss Gu wouldn’t feel an ounce of sympathy. Even though he already knew that… he couldn’t let go of that sliver of hope.

Ignoring his crumbling pride, Yeonjo tried to clear his mind.

🚬

That day. The day he ran away from that child. The day he ran from the scorching heat, the flames that felt like they were tearing his skin and devouring everything inside.

When he came to his senses and returned to the building, he found nothing. No matter how much he searched the burning rooms, the person he was looking for was nowhere to be found.

His consciousness faded in the grey smoke billowing from the crackling flames. The last thing Yeonjo felt was someone lifting him up before he briefly lost consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, firefighters were shouting all around him. They were busy moving around the building, working to extinguish the fire. Yeonjo, who was supposed to be transported to the hospital with the other injured, staggered out of bed.

Taking advantage of the chaos, while everyone was busy dealing with the emergency, he slipped out of the parked ambulance.

No matter how much he looked around inside and outside the ambulance, the child was nowhere to be found. Amidst the deafening noise and confusion, he heard adults clicking their tongues in the distance, saying, “I guess that kid who lived in the basement didn’t make it out after all.”

His legs gave way. He managed to support himself by gripping the side of the ambulance. After a brief stagger, Yeonjo, still disoriented, ran towards the end of the alley for no apparent reason.

He didn’t know why. He just wanted to get as far away as possible from the bright red flames that seemed to pierce his retinas.

When he regained consciousness, he was inside a shabby shack filled with a pungent fishy smell. The first thing he saw was the face of an elderly woman looking down at him with concern. Yeonjo immediately recognized her. The grandmother who sold fish at the market.

Had he gone back to that market? Then why was he lying in this unfamiliar place?

Unable to shake off his confusion, Yeonjo slowly sat up. A sharp pain shot through his chest. It felt like hundreds of shards of glass were rolling around inside his lungs.

‘Lie down and rest. You shouldn’t get up yet.’

The grandmother made Yeonjo lie back down as he struggled to sit up. However, the searing pain in his chest forced him to keep moving.

After watching him cry and struggle in pain for a while, the grandmother, fidgeting anxiously, started to put on her coat.

‘This won’t do. We need to go to the hospital.’

The grandmother had debt from taking care of her deceased son. Her son had eventually succumbed to his illness, and she had also lost her grandson, whom she had raised alone, leaving him missing. She still put up missing person posters for her grandson all over the neighborhood, but with no response, she lived alone.

Despite all this, the grandmother had taken Yeonjo in and raised him like her own grandson after finding him collapsed in the market.

In truth, Yeonjo wasn’t sure if he had really grown up like her real grandson. He had lost his own family long ago, and even though there were many people around the orphanage, no one considered each other family. The exact concept of family was vague to Yeonjo.

However, one thing was certain: the grandmother had cared for him more devotedly than any adult he had met at the orphanage. The affection she gave him might have stemmed from the loneliness of living alone after losing all her children, but even if that were the case, it was fine. He should be grateful for the loneliness that had consumed her.

Even though she couldn’t afford to raise a child, the grandmother couldn’t bring herself to send Yeonjo away. After he woke up, they went to the hospital together for a while, chose fish to sell at the fish market, and ate meals together, until they became accustomed to each other’s presence.

Perhaps the grandmother had taken him in because Yeonjo, despite pretending not to be, had desperately clung to her. No matter how many times he replayed the situation, living with a sick child was nothing but a burden for the grandmother.

Because Yeonjo had inhaled toxic gas at the fire scene and needed continuous treatment, their situation became even more dire as they lived together.

As soon as his body began to recover, albeit slowly, Yeonjo found a part-time job. The grandmother encouraged him to go to school, but Yeonjo couldn’t afford it. He wanted to earn money and contribute in any way he could.

He tried to justify his stay in the small shack. The money the grandmother earned from selling fish was far from enough to pay off her debts, cover his medical expenses, and make a living.

In the early mornings, when his grandmother brought in the fish to sell for the day, Yeonjo transported them to the market with ice and set up the stall. He went to his part-time job in the mornings and afternoons, and in the evening, he returned to the market to take over from his grandmother. He also studied for the GED whenever he could find the time, though he ultimately didn’t pass.

On his days off from his part-time job, he helped his grandmother at the market. He cleaned and prepared the fish and refilled the ice boxes. He diligently cleaned the fishy floor and sometimes went to the bank to exchange money for his grandmother.

At some point, people at the market started whispering about Yeonjo, who had appeared suddenly, saying the grandmother had gone senile. Yeonjo was afraid that if things got out of hand, Director Park would come looking for him, so he was reluctant to reveal his name, which made him seem even more suspicious.

People started spreading rumors, saying that after her grandson went missing, she kidnapped a mentally ill child and claimed him as her own. Someone actually reported them to the police, causing them a lot of trouble.

Because of the gossip, their business suffered. They were soon forced to move to another neighborhood, making their situation even more difficult.

Despite his desire to work non-stop and earn money, his body wouldn’t cooperate. Since he wasn’t going to school, he worked in the mornings and afternoons, returned home in the early evening, took his medicine, and rested as if he were sick.

In addition to his regular part-time job at a franchise store, Yeonjo took on side jobs, like attaching eyes to dolls or folding envelopes at a factory. As long as his stamina allowed, he took on any job that would hire him, a minor, including cleaning at a rice cake shop and a bathhouse, and packaging work. However, he couldn’t hold a job for long because even a little exertion would trigger his cough and chest pains, forcing him to constantly switch jobs.

Still, Yeonjo kept looking for work. To pay off his grandmother’s debt, contribute to living expenses, and earn money for his medicine. He felt that if he didn’t do this, his grandmother’s real grandson might appear one day and chase him, a fake family member, away.

If I do more than my share, even if her grandson appears, she won’t abandon me overnight. Since leaving the orphanage, he had lived each day with that single thought.

‘I almost got into real trouble because the part-timer didn’t show up today without a word. Thank you for coming. Especially when you’re not feeling well.’

‘It’s nothing. Please contact me again if you’re in a pinch.’

‘Go home quickly, it’s cold. Here’s your pay for today.’

The rice cake shop owner handed eighteen-year-old Yeonjo his daily wage after he finished his early morning delivery. Although it was less than the legally mandated minimum wage, Yeonjo bowed his head without complaint and accepted the money.

‘Thank you, sir.’

‘Hey, you little punk, you’re wearing a hat while receiving money from an adult? Take it off and bow next time.’

‘Yes, sir.’

Work ended earlier than expected. Yeonjo left the rice cake shop and walked down the dimly lit street before sunrise.

Dim orange streetlights and people hurrying somewhere, their necks wrapped in scarves. Every time he exhaled, a visible puff of breath emerged from his mouth. Aside from the plumes of breath rising here and there, the pre-dawn winter alley was deathly quiet.

Yeonjo suddenly stopped and stared at the faded sign in front of him. 24-hour supermarket. It was a shabby little store at the corner of the alley. Fidgeting with the brim of his hat, Yeonjo hesitated before stepping inside the supermarket, drawn by the fluorescent light spilling out.

‘Where’s the bubble gum?’

The old man dozing at the counter rubbed his eyes and pointed to the side. Yeonjo stared at the displayed gum before picking up one wrapped in colorful packaging. He paid with the coins jingling in his pocket, came out, and unwrapped it.

As soon as he put it in his mouth, a sweet and tangy flavor spread. Just like that child.

It was strange. That child was far from the typical cheerful and cute demeanor of kids his age, yet he was reminded of him while chewing this childish bubble gum.

Yeonjo pulled his hat down low and started walking again. He had no particular destination in mind. He walked diligently, and before he knew it, the sun had risen, and the sweet scent in his mouth had faded, leaving only the taste of bland rubber. As if the sweetness had never existed in the first place.

After wandering aimlessly for a long time, he came to his senses and found himself in a familiar neighborhood. If he turned the corner on this street, he would reach the orphanage he had run away from. And at the entrance to the orphanage, he would usually see the top of that child’s head, waiting for him.

Yeonjo hesitated before cautiously moving forward. As he turned the corner, he saw the familiar building in the distance, as expected. He peered inside, just in case, but he couldn’t see the top of that child’s head.

Even though the sun had risen and people were starting to come out for work, that child’s round head didn’t even shimmer faintly. It was only natural. He was the one who had left that child behind in the building, now scorched and reduced to its frame. That’s why he knew better than anyone. That child wouldn’t be at the orphanage.

‘Hey, are you looking for someone?’

A little boy, who had come out of the orphanage on his way to school, was standing in front of Yeonjo. The boy tilted his head, puzzled by Yeonjo, who had been hesitating in the same spot. With so many people coming and going at the orphanage, he must have mistaken him for a visitor.

Yeonjo looked down at the unfamiliar child before finally speaking.

‘Do you happen to know…’

A child named Rags?

The question seemed to get stuck in his throat, never fully coming out.

‘Huh?’

‘It’s nothing.’

Yeonjo quickly walked past the boy, his face pale as if he were being chased.

He walked for a long time before fearfully looking back. As expected, no one was there.

When winter came, Yeonjo spent his days sitting with his grandmother at the end of an alley in the new market. His grandmother’s arthritis and joint pain worsened in the cold, preventing her from preparing the fish. So, from late autumn to early spring, Yeonjo took over, cleaning and preparing the fish for customers.

After diligently finishing preparations for the morning market, Yeonjo sat on a low plastic stool, idly observing the attire of passersby.

Then someone stopped in front of him.

‘Welcome…’

Thinking it was a customer, he quickly stood up, but it was his grandmother. He hadn’t noticed her approaching because he had been lost in thought.

‘Why did you come out so early? You should’ve rested more at home.’

‘I had something to buy at the market. Did you take your medicine?’

‘Of course.’

‘Aren’t you cold out here? I brought you some jujube tea in a thermos, have a cup.’

‘It’s warm compared to yesterday. What did you buy at the market?’

Yeonjo pulled out another plastic stool from the corner. His grandmother, supporting herself on him, sat down next to him and pulled a ball of red yarn out of the plastic bag she was carrying.

‘I’m going to knit you a scarf.’

Yeonjo closed his mouth at the sight of the knitting tools in the black bag. It was winter, so everyone passing by had a colorful scarf wrapped around their neck. They even sold thick scarves right across from their fish stall.

Perhaps noticing him staring, his grandmother promised to knit him one herself. With her knitting needles, she meticulously read the knitting instructions with her dimming eyes. He wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but the words wouldn’t come out.

Yeonjo remembered his grandmother’s back as she lingered in front of the scarf shop a few days ago. The look on her face as she held her wallet, unsure what to do, was etched in his memory. It seemed the price was higher than she expected.

Selfishly, Yeonjo had hoped she would buy him a scarf. All the kids his age had those bright, long scarves these days.

However, he hadn’t voiced his desire. He felt he didn’t have the right. He didn’t want to be presumptuous towards his grandmother.

‘I bought this color, do you think it’s okay?’

‘Cough, cough! Yes, I like it.’

He hadn’t slept well the night before and felt nauseous. He always had nightmares after visiting the orphanage.

Why did he go back there? Foolishly, even though he knew he would have nightmares like this. Even if he resolved not to go again, after a few months, he would forget the nightmare and find himself wandering in front of the orphanage again.

When he woke up from nightmares about the fire, his grandmother would gently stroke his face and comfort him, saying everything would be alright. He liked the feeling of her rough calluses brushing against his forehead. In those moments, he could delude himself into thinking she was his real grandmother.

As Yeonjo clutched his chest and retched, unable to stop coughing, his grandmother brought him a cup of herbal tea. Even when the medicine prescribed by the hospital didn’t work, his grandmother’s tea would miraculously soothe him.

Once he had calmed down, his grandmother would take the little emergency fund she had saved, penny by penny, and take him to the hospital.

Childishly, he didn’t dislike being led to the hospital by his grandmother’s hand. Her graying hair, hunched gait, kind voice, the bitter herbal tea, and her calloused hands that smelled of fish. He liked everything about his grandmother.

His grandmother finished the scarf before the end of that winter. It was thick and short, making it difficult to tie after wrapping it once around his neck. Still, Yeonjo wore the scarf every day to his part-time jobs. To pay off debts and earn a living.

Sometimes he felt like his body was riddled with holes. No matter how desperately he tried to fill them, everything would leak out through the cracks before long.

Seeing how nothing remained despite his hard work, it might be like pouring water into a bottomless jar. Even if that were the case, Yeonjo couldn’t just leave his jar empty. Even though he knew nothing would ultimately remain, considering his circumstances, he had to keep filling it, endlessly.

🚬

A rustling sound caught his ear, followed by the creaking of hinges. Yeonjo’s eyes flew open at the sound of someone’s presence.

“…Who is it?”

There was no answer. The room was dark and silent. Yeonjo groped around on the floor, got up, and turned on the light. He saw a black wallet, a watch, and a belt on the yellow linoleum floor. Boss Gu had been here. No, not just been here, but had just arrived.

The sound of the shower running in the bathroom outside confirmed Yeonjo’s suspicion. It seemed Boss Gu had just returned from being out.

If he stayed here, he would run into him face-to-face. He didn’t want that. He should turn off the lights and pretend to be asleep. He’d done it often enough, so Yeonjo got up without hesitation.

As he reached for the light switch, his eyes were strangely drawn to Boss Gu’s wallet on the floor.

A plain black wallet, the same as the gloves he always wore.

Yeonjo picked it up without thinking, something he would normally have overlooked. When he unfolded the wallet, a wad of cash poked out. Then he noticed the resident registration card tucked into the card slot.

His resting heart rate began to climb.

Just take it out and check the age. It might not be Rags. Just confirm that the age is different and put it back.

With a flushed face, Yeonjo pulled out the resident registration card. In his excitement, the smooth plastic card slipped from his fingertips and fell to the floor. He hurriedly picked it up and checked the name and age.

Gu Muncheon

25 years old

“…….”

Yeonjo, doubting his own eyes, checked the birth year again. No matter how many times he calculated it in his head, the result was the same.

That child was six years younger than him, so if he were still alive, he would indeed be 25 years old. And Boss Gu, who was said to have been called Rags in the past, was also 25.

Could this be a coincidence? Was Boss Gu really that child?

Yeonjo gripped the ID card tightly, desperately searching for a reason to deny the possibility.

Yes, that child stuttered. And he was small. Boss Gu was the complete opposite. He spoke harshly without hesitation, and he was so tall that Yeonjo, despite being a man himself, had to look up considerably, and his frame was large. Furthermore, his face…

Yeonjo quickly checked the photo on the ID card. The Rags he remembered and Boss Gu shared no resemblance whatsoever. Besides, he was a gangster, so he wouldn’t be carrying a real ID card. It was just a coincidence that their ages matched…

“…Rags.”

His mind, racing with all sorts of thoughts, suddenly went blank.

Yeonjo stared intently at the ID photo. Perhaps taken a few years ago, it showed short-cropped hair and a much younger face. It was both similar and different from his current appearance.

The problem was that in the youthful photo of Gu Muncheon, Yeonjo could see the face of ‘that child’ he remembered superimposed.

Yeonjo stared at the photo of the child he had only seen in his dreams, forgetting to even breathe.

This is impossible. He felt a sinking sensation, as if the ground beneath him was collapsing. It felt like he was being dragged into a quagmire, rapidly and irrevocably.

How could you.

“What are you doing?”

“Aagh!”

Boss Gu suddenly entered the room as the door opened. Startled, Yeonjo dropped the ID card he was holding.

He felt a preemptive fear, like a thief caught red-handed looking at something he shouldn’t have. His eyes darted around, and his heart pounded so hard it felt like it would jump out of his chest.

“…….”

A long silence followed. Water droplets dripped from his damp hair. Yeonjo managed to lift his lowered head and saw Boss Gu standing there with his phone held between his ear and shoulder, as if in the middle of a call.

“Ah…”

Jet-black eyes, as if they had absorbed all the darkness of the night sky, stared down at Yeonjo.

What should he say? He should come up with an excuse, but Yeonjo froze, as if he had forgotten how to move under that dark gaze.

It was clear he had been caught red-handed opening the wallet and looking at the ID card. He should at least apologize before Boss Gu lost his temper and resorted to violence. But he couldn’t make a sound, as if someone was tightly gripping his throat. His mind was completely blank.

While Yeonjo was frozen, Boss Gu reached out his hand.

He’s going to hit me. Yeonjo quickly sensed his movement and covered his face with his arms.

“Eek…!”

His body tensed with extreme fear. However, contrary to his expectation of pain, no pain came even after several seconds. Yeonjo cautiously opened his eyes.

Boss Gu was putting the resident registration card Yeonjo had dropped back into his wallet. Expressionlessly, without any sign of anger or annoyance.

Yeonjo slowly straightened his bent back and looked up at him. Just then, a voice calling for Boss Gu came from the phone he was holding to his shoulder.

—Manager? Boss Gu.

“I’m listening. The work here is in its final stages. It’ll be wrapped up within a week, so prepare for construction.”

He put his wallet in his back pocket and walked past Yeonjo, deeper into the room. The scent of soap from the bathroom wafted around him as he moved. Yeonjo, maintaining his vigilance, followed Boss Gu’s movements with his eyes.

Boss Gu went to the wardrobe and opened a drawer. A large bag was inside, as if it had been placed there earlier. Judging by the metallic clanging as he grabbed the handle and the bag sagged downwards, it seemed to contain tools.

He easily lifted the bag with one hand, placed it on the floor, and unzipped it. Inside, as Yeonjo had expected, were rusty metal tools. Dried bloodstains were visible here and there. A foul, sour, and metallic smell emanated from them.

The thought of him hitting people with those sinister metal objects sent chills down Yeonjo’s spine.

“Tomorrow should be enough. Don’t think about anything unnecessary and just take care of the shop’s aftermath. We’re going back to Seoul.”

He rummaged through the bag, checking its contents, regardless of Yeonjo’s gaze. Plastic bags filled with white powder and rolls of cash.

Yeonjo’s eyes widened at the sight.

Boss Gu took out a few rolls of cash and casually stuffed them into his pockets. As if he were indeed planning to return to Seoul immediately, as the phone call suggested, he zipped up the bag and picked it up.

Yeonjo’s eyes were fixated on Boss Gu’s pockets filled with money. Money. He needed to tell him he needed more money.

He hadn’t even properly repaid the debt he owed to the shop, and frankly, there was no other source of money for him besides Boss Gu.

Contrary to Yeonjo’s desperate wishes, Boss Gu, as if utterly indifferent to him, stood by the door, ready to leave.

Just then, the person on the other end of the phone said something. Boss Gu’s lips twisted. He muttered a curse under his breath, as if displeased with the content of the conversation.

He put down the bag and properly adjusted his grip on the phone.

“So, who took care of that bastard?”

With his other hand, he took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and skillfully lit it with one hand, taking a deep drag. Wrinkles formed on his previously smooth forehead.

Yeonjo hesitated, wondering whether he should let him leave or try to stop him. If he stopped him, how? Should he bring up the money first? Or should he ask to be taken to Seoul? He didn’t know. No, he was so confused he couldn’t even tell if it was right to cling to ‘that child’ like this.

But he had nowhere else to turn. Only Boss Gu…

“Send me the location and photos.”

Come to think of it, it had been quite a while since he had been brought to this unknown countryside, locked up in this room, and subjected to that. Had he already lost interest? There would be plenty of people around who would gladly satisfy his lust with a snap of his fingers, even without Yeonjo.

Then what should he do? Sadly, the only thing he had that could be exchanged for money was his own body, the object of Boss Gu’s desire.

Was clinging to him his only option left? Yeonjo stared blankly at the faded wallpaper, agonizing over his options.

Meanwhile, Boss Gu, having finished his call, leisurely smoked his cigarette and checked the messages and photos on his phone. He completely ignored Yeonjo, as if he weren’t even there.

Yeonjo’s last shred of dignity held him back, but his grandmother’s weak voice from earlier echoed in his ears. Looking at the man’s back, Yeonjo clenched his fists.

Even though he knew what he had to do, it was harder than ever to open his mouth.

“Are you going to Seoul?”

In the end, Yeonjo chose to ask Rags for help. He couldn’t think of any other way. It was better to sacrifice his pride, which had already been trampled countless times, than to lose his grandmother.

The room was silent. Even though he must have heard Yeonjo’s clear voice, Boss Gu didn’t react.

Afraid that Boss Gu would leave just like that after putting away his phone, Yeonjo impulsively tugged on the hem of his shirt.

Finally, his eyes met Yeonjo’s.

“Y, you’re going to Seoul, right?”

“What’s it to you?”

“…Take me with you.”

“You?”

He tilted his head as if he had heard something strange. Faint smoke drifted from his mouth, where a cigarette hung crookedly.

“Why would I?”

“…….”

He pressed his foot hard against Yeonjo’s stomach, as if finding him impertinent for rising to his knees. As Yeonjo fell back, landing on his buttocks, the shackles around his ankles clattered.

“You’ve got a mountain of debt, and you can’t even work properly at the bar. The more you work, the more debt you accumulate.”

Boss Gu mocked Yeonjo’s situation, his eyes asking, what makes you think I should take you with me? Just then, Yeonjo started coughing. Cigarette smoke filled the small room, scratching at his lungs with every breath.

“If you take me with you… I’ll go to work at the bar,” Yeonjo added, barely clearing his throat. His voice was shaky and unstable, lacking any confidence.

I’ll go to work every day. He repeated his promise clearly, but as if to ruthlessly cut him off, Boss Gu’s phone rang.

—Boss. I heard you’re leaving.

“I’m leaving now.”

—I’ll escort you. I’ll be right there, so please wait a moment.

The caller’s voice was loud enough for Yeonjo to hear everything.

Yeonjo’s eyes widened. If he didn’t go to Seoul with Boss Gu now, he might be stuck here for weeks. Then he wouldn’t know how his grandmother’s chemotherapy and further surgeries were progressing.

He had to go with him. It had to be now. Whatever Boss Gu’s true identity was, he wasn’t in a position to leisurely ponder right and wrong.

“This time, I’ll work hard no matter what. I won’t run away… and if you take me, I’ll pay back all the money I borrowed, even if it takes time. Please?”

Yeonjo pleaded, clinging to him as he was about to step out the door. Instead of kicking him away like a rag doll, Boss Gu stopped.

“You think you can pay back all that money by selling your body?”

“I, I can.”

“Your frail body can’t handle multiple customers.”

Boss Gu put his cigarette between his fingers and inhaled deeply, his cheeks hollowing.

At his cold words, Yeonjo felt a desperation bordering on terror.

“No, this time I really will… I’ll go out there and work hard, I’ll do anything you ask.”

“You still don’t understand your role.”

He casually stubbed out his cigarette against the wall and flicked it to the floor. Then he grabbed Yeonjo’s face, where his handprint had left a bruise.

“Stay here like a dog, eating whatever your master gives you. Spread your legs and take whatever I give you after I fuck you. Can’t your tiny brain understand that?”

“…….”

“Just clinging to one guy, acting cute and pleasing him, suits someone like you better.”

He was telling him to live entirely as his plaything. Yeonjo placed his hand on top of the hand gripping his face. Despite his body trembling, he dragged his shackled ankles closer to Boss Gu.

“I’ll spread my legs, so fuck me now.”

His soft cheek gently rubbed against the rough palm. Boss Gu stared down at Yeonjo pleading with him. He reached out and slowly traced Yeonjo’s small, smooth nose with his fingertip.

Yeonjo’s skin, against his scarred palm, was soft and pale as a pearl, as delicate as a reed. An intense, indescribable emotion surged within him as he saw himself reflected in Yeonjo’s pitiful, trembling eyes.

“That barely-alive grandma of yours seems to be costing a pretty penny,” Boss Gu said, his voice laced with suppressed anger. Even after hearing his tone, Yeonjo didn’t deny it and just nodded.

“That’s right. That’s why… I need money.”

“How much?”

“Five million won, n, no, ten million won? Maybe… I don’t know. The more, the better…”

Yeonjo mumbled incoherently, his face pale. He seemed half out of his mind. Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, he flinched. He hesitated, his lips parting, before reaching for Boss Gu’s belt buckle.

Boss Gu, who had been watching Yeonjo’s actions, grabbed his hair, which had fallen over his forehead, and pulled his head back.

“So devoted, it’s fucking bringing tears to my eyes.”

Despite his strong grip, Yeonjo didn’t even flinch and lifted his head without resistance. His long eyelashes trembled slightly. Boss Gu’s jaw muscles twitched at his submissive demeanor.

“Boss.”

Just as he was about to say something, someone called out from the yard. Boss Gu finally released Yeonjo. He turned and walked towards the yard where his subordinate was.

Yeonjo, frozen in shock, scrambled after Boss Gu a few seconds later.

“Wait, wait! Take me too… ugh!”

Yeonjo, who had followed Boss Gu out into the yard without even putting on his shoes, tripped over his shackles and fell. He tried to get up and move forward, but only the chain attached to the pillar rattled; he couldn’t move a step further, tethered to the house.

The subordinate, approaching instead of Boss Gu, scoffed at Yeonjo struggling.

“What’s with the fuss? Get back inside.”

“Don’t leave me behind, take me with you. I’ll do whatever you ask. Please?”

Yeonjo clung to the subordinate’s pants as he tried to push him back inside. With every movement, the skin around his shackled ankles rubbed raw. The subordinate immediately pushed Yeonjo away, sending him tumbling to the floor.

“You don’t have to lend me the money. Just let me go to Seoul, and I’ll… somehow…!”

“Damn, what a show. Hey, get back inside while I’m asking nicely.”

As if giving a final warning, the subordinate pointed inside with his index finger.

“If you go up,” Boss Gu’s low voice cut in. Yeonjo’s eyes widened, and he turned his head towards the yard. The man’s figure, leaning against the car, was a blur in the darkness, only his silhouette vaguely visible.

“…Yes?”

“Are you sure you can behave?”

“I will. I’ll be good, I promise.”

“Unlock him.”

“Boss.”

The subordinate, about to yell, turned to look at Boss Gu at his flat command. He opened the back door of the car he had driven to the front of the yard and got in. After settling in, he took out another cigarette from his pocket.

“Take him with you in the car.”

“Are you really taking him to Seoul?”

The subordinate quickly approached Boss Gu and offered him a lighter for his cigarette. He took a deep drag instead of answering.

Yeonjo looked up, his face brightening. He tugged at the chain as if urging the subordinate to unlock him. Red marks were clearly visible around his ankles where the metal had pressed against his skin, but they weren’t serious enough to hinder his movement.

Finally, the subordinate wordlessly brought the key and unlocked the shackles, and Yeonjo quickly got into the passenger seat without even properly putting on his shoes.

“Thank you.”

Relief washed over him, making his legs weak. He had finally escaped the damp, stuffy room. He nervously fastened his seatbelt, afraid Boss Gu might change his mind and tell him to get out.

It wouldn’t be easy, but once he got to Seoul, he could work again, and he could see his grandmother whenever he wanted. No matter how desperate his situation, it was better than being trapped here like livestock. At least he had a chance to try something.

The subordinate, who had finished cleaning up the shackles and the room, got into the driver’s seat. He started the engine and gave Yeonjo a disapproving look.

“You’ve gotten a lot more docile. This is why you have to teach those who don’t listen with a good beating.”

The car started moving as the subordinate muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Yeonjo to hear.