Chapter 59: < Protect – Episode 58 – Anna-Anne Karusis [3] >
“Welcome to the Philippines!”
A fairly high-up person from Philippine’s tourism bureau came to say h.e.l.lo. When the plane that left first arrived in Manila, there were h.o.a.rds of fans waiting to see the stars. They came to say h.e.l.lo even though no one asked them to.
“Look over here!”
“I love you!”
As soon as the celebrities heard not so fluent Korean, they waved without realizing it.
“Wow!”
The screaming was so loud that it could have knocked down the airport. There were over ten limousine buses that transferred them under the police’s protection, but where they arrived at wasn’t the hotel, but a cruise. They rented a cruise that fits 3000 people, and it was better than a hotel in many ways.
“Since today’s the first day, let’s get some rest.”
No matter how crazy the Philippines was, famous tourist destinations like Manila, Cebu, and Boracay were fairly safe. Since the risks were all pretty much the same whenever people were outside their homes, all they could do was be careful.
“Put two guards on each one and tell them which areas to avoid.”
Just like how Alexa dressed up like a flight attendant, Logan took on the role of leading the security guards. He was fluent in English as well as Korean. Since many of the celebrities had already been to the Philippines, they had more fun looking around the ship.
Since there were no other guests, they could do whatever they wanted without being disturbed.
“There’s really a movie theater inside the ship!”
“There’s a waterpark on the roof!”
“There are lots of shops too.”
The idols had already started pulling out their camcorders and filming. Since there was no image they had to maintain, they didn’t hesitate to show their daily lives. The interactions between idols and actors were refreshing too.
“It’s big news, just as we expected!”
“We’re the top search right now!”
The promotional department was having a hard time. It wasn’t easy to make something go viral in the 21st century. But just the fact that they all went somewhere together attracted a lot of attention.
- They took a private jet! #volunteering #HosooEntertainment #Manila
- Isn’t that how state guests are treated?
- You’re exaggerating! But it’s pretty crazy that they have all those police officers!
- The director of the Philippines’ tourism bureau went to greet them himself!
- They’re staying on a cruise ship instead of a hotel? They’re crazy!
- Is Hosoo Entertainment hiring? I want to join!
- They probably only hire experienced people!
- Mina started her broadcast! Wow! A cruise adventure! #PrettyGirls #YesterdayFlowerRoad
- It looks like she really bloomed after transferring!
- JT really mistreated her! They sent her to a cheap variety show!
- I wish the best from now on! I’m cheering for you!
- Awaken the evil empire!
- Is this the Yankees of the entertainment world? Bullpener1
- Who’s Mariano Libera? Bullpener2
- The country is in rough shape. Isn’t a group vacation abroad a little inappropriate? #CandleWin #ReformationoftheRich
- You’re the only one complaining!
- Here he is, everyone!
- Can you even eat when our country’s in such bad shape?
- Can you even go to a motel with your girlfriend when our country’s in such bad shape?
- Our country’s in such bad shape…
- Stop!
The person in charge of Right Hand Media heard this proposal and was taken aback.
‘Just film.’
He was told to film anything without a single script or itinerary. The synergy between the lively idols and good-looking actors was incredible. Just filming them could ruin the image that was created for them, but top stars were people too. They were all normal people with all the same emotions.
One of the camera-man was in awe.
Each celebrity shined when they were filmed with the beautiful Manila sunset in the background.
Stars were stars no matter what they did.
The prepared party began.
The party on top of the ship was a new experience for everyone. The executives were against this party. That was because no one could predict what the celebrities would do after a few drinks.
“We stopped filming. If we broadcast the party, we could get a lot of backfire.”
“Just from this?”
“Yes. Our country’s broadcasting regulations are very strict.”
Ahn Soo Ho didn’t enjoy watching TV.
However, the programs he watched abroad showed a lot of explicit content. Especially in Venezuela, he remembers seeing a dance show where both dancers stripped naked. They didn’t have any body paint on either. They danced completely naked. He wonders how many of the mercenaries he watched that with was still alive. As soon as Oh Joo Kyung excused herself, Jang Seol Hyun approached.
“Why are you hiding around?”
“I’m just being careful.”
“I don’t care if you tell.”
“If people find out we’re dating, all sorts of rumors will go around about you.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes. Reporters are great story writers.”
Ahn Soo Ho smirked at her exaggerated face and way of speaking.
“I don’t know. They probably can’t write whatever they want about me.”
“Why not?”
“Because the old man won’t stand for it.”
“Oh.”
Jang Seol Hyun had also heard about the rumors about Daesan Group’s Chairman Kim Dae San and Ahn Soo Ho.
“Are you really?”
“Me? Haha. It’s not like that.”
“Then why?”
“Hm. You’ll find out later. Don’t rush.”
If they didn’t break up, she would find out his secret sooner or later. What kind of reaction would Jang Seol Hyun have?
‘Will she call me a bad guy? Or will she continue to love me?’
What she knew about him was very little and it was the nicer part of him. Ahn Soo Ho sometimes felt a distance from reality. There were times when his desire to settle for a peaceful life conflicted with his greed to become an outstanding individual who transcends the law.
‘I have an illness inside my heart.’
It was true. He had a mental illness. So he even had some consultations with a psychiatrist. He didn’t get better, but just letting it all out made him feel better.
‘It’s a side effect from being in the afterlife.’
When he came back from the head, the word was ruined.
Pang, pang-
The party ended with fireworks.
This event was prepared by the Philippines’ tourism bureau.
“Apparently, the president of the Philippines is a huge fan of mine. Take a picture with him before we leave.”
“Are you selling off your significant other?”
“That’s that, and business is business.”
“Hey!”
The next day, the drunk celebrities went to the restaurant while Ahn Soo Ho went to a vacation home nearby. Seeing how there were many security guards, it was either a nice person or a high official. But he was neither. This was one of the foreign operating sites of j.a.pan’s Naicho.
“Murakami.”
“Soo Ho.”
The middle-aged man who came out in a Hawaiian shirt was the officer in charge of CIRO Asia.
“I heard you retired. It’s too bad, but I’m sure you had your reasons. Anyway, now that the Empire problem is solved, the government is very thankful.”
“Since it was a fair deal, you don’t have to thank me. Why did you want to see me first thing in the morning?”
“Since you retired from the scene, consulting must be okay, right?”
“I’m not taking any requests.”
“Then I’m asking you as a friend.”
Ahn Soo Ho was entertained by how the prideful j.a.panese elite was coming off.
“As a friend…okay. But this is the first and last time.”
“Thank you.”
Murakami put on a straight face.
“Do you know Sorren, Soo Ho?”
“Masquesa?”
This was his second time hearing this name today.
“Of course, you do. Nine days ago, the chairman of the board of a Southeast Asian energy consortium and another man were killed in Ho Chi Minh.”
“You think Masquesa did it.”
“That’s what the Vietnamese think.”
“Why?”
“Because they found out who the client was.”
“Ha!”
Ahn Soo Ho laughed. Since the killer wouldn’t have revealed the client, it must have been the investigation authorities or an information division.
‘Or it was a trap.’
In this world, betrayal was very common.
“The problem is the client’s ident.i.ty.”
“Who is it?”
“Chen Mao.”
“w.a.n.gtang Group?”
“Yeah.”
The overseas Chinese, Chen Mao set up w.a.n.gtang Group in Thailand, which was very compet.i.tive with the conglomerates of Korea when it comes to scale. Such a monopolizing company reigned over the law in countries with political instability.
“Did you know Jina Davis committed suicide?”
“She was too young.”
It was unfortunate news. She must have not been able to endure the guilt of being the only one to survive.
“It wasn’t actually a suicide. A family member of someone who didn’t survive in Sao Paulo hit her with a car.
“Didn’t she confine herself to her home?”
“She still went to church to pray.”
“Then why do people think it was a suicide?”
“Because the one who hit her works at the White House.”
“What a comedy.”
It might not stay concealed forever, but it was still known as a suicide.
“After the Sao Paolo scandal, Washington D.C. burned to the ground. The system is so ruined that it can’t be revived, and the public inst.i.tutions are being distrusted. The States is on the edge of a cliff.”
“You look like you’re having fun, Murakami.”
“To be honest…I’m happy that I won’t have to see the Yankees being c.o.c.ky from now on.”
Whether it was the chairman of the board of the energy consortium or Jina Davis, what did either of them had to do with j.a.pan? After reading Ahn Soo Ho’s confused face, Murakami looked around him and whispered it to him.
“A gold depository has been found.”
“Hm?”
What gold depository? When Ahn Soo Ho knitted his brows, Murakami whispered in a quieter voice.
“Rumor has it that it’s called Yamas.h.i.ta’s Treasure or Yamas.h.i.ta’s Gold.”
“That urban legend?”
It was an urban legend that was spread to all mediums. Rumors that claimed that j.a.panese soldiers buried their treasure somewhere in the Philippines after they were defeated.
“Do you believe that?”
“It’s not clear, but there is a record.”
“Ha!”
Ahn Soo Ho laughed once again. Since even an elite agent was going around looking for treasure, j.a.pan’s future didn’t look so bright.
“I called their country, so they’ll send men soon. The problem is…”
“The horrible relationship between the Philippines and j.a.pan.”
“Yeah. That’s the problem.”
Murakami crinkled his face.
“You want me to build a bridge between you and the Filipino government, huh?”
“It’d be nice if you signed a guarantee, but that’s too much to ask, isn’t it?”
“I said I’m retired.”
“Then just arrange a meeting for us.”
“Sure.”
“What do you want in return?”
Ahn Soo Ho continued to smile and shooked his head.
“I’m only going to deliver a few words. It’s not even that hard. Don’t worry about it.”
“Really? You’re really retired after all.”
Ahn Soo Ho laughed along with Murakami, but they were thinking about totally different things.
“I might look weird for chasing an urban legend, but I didn’t believe it either until now. But now that there’s evidence, I can’t help but believe it.”
“Evidence?”
“Yeah. The exploration team employed by the Southeast Asian Energy Consortium discovered an underground cavern on Mindoro Island. They think the chairman of the board’s murder had to do with that.”
He was shocked by the picture Murakami showed him as evidence.
“Huh? This is…”
He failed to notice Ahn Soo Ho’s reaction and spoke pa.s.sionately.
“The b.o.o.by-traps that were planted to block out intruders were there, but the structure wasn’t natural. But it looks too old to be from World War II too. What do you think? Do you recognize it?”
“Yeah, I do.”
Ahn Soo Ho awkwardly laughed.
‘Of course, I recognize it, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d!’
That was his dungeon.
< Protect – Episode 58 – Anna-Anne Karusis [3] > The end.