As True as a Dream Chapter 139

“You must have considered this too, Boss. Governor Saito may be just one man, but he wields resources we can’t ignore.”

At Hae-joo’s words, Yi-ho’s mouth twisted slightly.

 

“Even with your strength—if hundreds, thousands of armed soldiers swarm you at once? Would you still be alright then?”

“I might not be… unharmed, but I’d survive.”

“That’s exactly why I refuse. I won’t let you… get hurt. You’re already in enough pain.”

 

He was terrifyingly, unbelievably strong.

 

Yet also heartbreakingly fragile—his body carrying that ticking time bomb of an illness.

 

“When there are allies to borrow, people who’ll share our rage—why should I make you suffer? And ultimately… we’ll need your help against Man Insa. So for the Governor at least… I don’t want to burden you.”

Hae-joo forced a smile.

 

Yi-ho studied her, then murmured almost to himself:

 

“…You hate seeing me in pain?”

“Of course!”

Her instant glare at his childish question made him smile—genuinely pleased.

 

“Shall we go then?”

Flustered, Hae-joo nodded toward the Bogyeong Daily building. She’d already told Yi-ho about Miyeon’s letter and request.

 

“An old man with a hunched back and large mole under his right jaw, you said?”

“Yes. As a janitor, he should be inside.”

 

The Bogyeong Daily, built by a Japanese entrepreneur during Western cultural influx, was a three-story Renaissance-style structure. Entering through arched doors, they found chaos—countless employees rushing through corridors labeled in Japanese.

 

“Which department?”

“Today’s the Hong Jung-ho art auction! Which tycoon will bid the highest?”

A reporter blew past them.

 

Searching toilets, stairwells, and departments yielded nothing. Just as they doubted the janitor’s presence today, Yi-ho gripped her arm—pointing to a hunched figure eating wrapped food in a corner.

 

Approaching cautiously, Hae-Joo knelt to his eye level:

“Excuse your meal, but may we talk?”

No response. The old man kept chewing dried rice cakes.

 

“Sorry to interrupt…”

He blinked blankly, then pointed to his ears and shook his head.

 

“…Can’t hear me?”

Hae-Joo hesitated—until Yi-Ho pulled her up. Following his gaze, she watched the janitor finish eating and rise laboriously, oblivious to surroundings.

 

Then Yi-Ho flicked a pebble. A cart of supplies toppled nearby, items rolling toward the old man.

 

“Grandpa, look out!” Hae-Joo shouted.

 

He flinched—proving he’d heard.

 

Yi-Ho smirked. Their target was no deaf man but a spy. No wonder—if independence activists were easily accessible, Japan would’ve eradicated them long ago.

 

As the janitor shuffled away, Hae-Joo froze—spotting a familiar profile. Yongzhou, her hometown acquaintance, spoke with a foreign journalist in the lobby.

 

A realization struck.

 

She’d resolved to fight for Eun-sil because she knew the truth. But Governor Saito’s atrocities remained hidden. The “epidemic” lie spread unchallenged.

 

This injustice must be exposed—widely. Even overseas.

 

“Yeon Hae-Joo?” Yi-ho called as she stared at the foreign correspondent.

“We need evidence.”

“Evidence?”

“Proof of Saito’s inhuman crimes against Koreans. To tell the world—beyond Joseon’s borders.”

 

 

* * *

 

Night fell early over Gyeongseong’s deserted streets.

 

“Has he moved?” Hae-Joo asked as a crow landed nearby. The bird took flight instantly—Yi-Ho nodded.

“Yes.”

 

Scooping her up, he raced after it.

 

“Boss, your condition—”

“Much better.”

 

They landed behind a dilapidated hut just as dragging footsteps approached. The old janitor froze upon seeing them.

 

“For Teacher Kim Cheong-ho’s eyes—from Mi-yeon,” Hae-Joo recited the letter’s opening softly. The man’s steps slowed.

 

“We came to deliver Mi-yeon’s final words. We waited here knowing you’d pretend deafness.”

 

Still, the man feigned confusion.

 

“You haven’t heard from Mi-yeon in months, correct?”

His lips tightened briefly.

 

“She’s been living in Governor Saito’s residence all this time. Aren’t you curious… about her last message?”