VDN Ch 158

Fuck, it made sense. Last time, they didn’t even properly keep an eye on Kwon Seo-oh and ran off.

All our information was leaked, and every task we entrusted ended up being manipulated by Chairman Seok. When things reached this point, he began suspecting every one of his colleagues with whom he had been through thick and thin.

Jang Myung held the short cigarette butt in his hand as he checked his phone. There were no messages from Seok Nam-woon today either. 

“Why the hell isn’t this guy getting in touch?” 

I called him several times but he didn’t pick up, so I left countless messages, but I never got a call. Because of Detective Kim, he couldn’t trust the people inside, so he was running around doing everything himself, and he couldn’t even find out where Seok Nam-woon was.

Didn’t Chairman Seok make the first move on this? After returning from Incheon, I think I’ll have to go find where Seok Nam-woon is right away. Detective Jang was chewing on his cigarette while thinking that. Detective Lee suddenly popped out from inside the office and called Jang Myung loudly.

“Sir! There’s a call for you!” 

“A call? Who is it?” 

“They said it was someone named Seo. Do you know them?” 

“Seo? I don’t know.” 

Contrary to his words, Jang Myung hurriedly extinguished the cigarette in the trash can and went inside to answer the phone. He glanced at the caller ID. It was an unfamiliar number. 

“Yes, this is Jang Myung.”

– Detective Jang? 

It was a familiar voice. Jang Myung’s face crumpled as he recognized the owner of the voice. A low voice continued from the other end of the phone. 

– It’s Seok. Are you free to talk right now? 

“Seo my ass… Hey. Where are you?” 

– Here? I’m at a motel. 

At that moment, a strange man’s voice could be heard over the phone. 

– You’ll be changing into these pants, right? I also bought some new underwear. It’s a bit larger.

Has this bastard been in a motel all this time, just getting laid? Meanwhile, I’ve been worried about what’s happened to him. Jang Myung was taken speechless by Seok Nam-woon’s antics and let out a frustrated sigh. 

Then, from the other end of the line, he heard a thank-you and the sound of a door closing. It seemed like he had come out into the hallway, judging by the muffled voices. 

– Has Kwon Seo-oh not contacted you? 

“Why would he contact me? He is too busy looking for you.” 

Even amid his busy schedule, he worried if Chairman Seok would lay a hand on Kwon Seo-oh so he had been keeping an eye on him. Kwon Seo-oh seemed deeply shocked by Nam-woon leaving him and was visiting various places, including the Good People Center, trying to trace his whereabouts. Jang Myung said with a sigh, 

“He’s wandering around like a zombie trying to find you… Hey, when you get everything sorted out, try to get back together. Just because you broke up for a while doesn’t mean you should jump into something new right away, okay? That’s just wrong.” 

It was uncharacteristic of Jang Myung to say such a thing. However, seeing Seok Nam-woon running around with someone else while leaving Kwon Seo-oh and his younger brother behind didn’t sit well with him. Then Seok Nam-woon immediately spouted trashy words.

– …I’m not in a relationship with Seo-oh though?

“You crazy bastard. Just get back together if you want. Your wife is waiting for you at home, practically losing her mind.”

“……”

At Jang Myung’s words, Nam-woon fell silent for a moment and then muttering, “Wife…?” Meanwhile, Jang Myung checked the phone. To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, he saved the eleven-digit caller ID that appeared on the screen to his own phone. 

“You better report to me wherever you go from now on. I have to go now, I’m hanging up.” 

– Wait a second! 

As Jang Myung was about to end the call, Nam-woon urgently stopped him. Jang Myung frowned and put the phone back in his ear, only to hear Nam-woon request his phone number. As soon as he provided it, a low voice came through the line.

– I think I know where the item the detective asked me to find is.

“…What?

Jang Myung’s eyes widened. Nam-woon quickly continued.

– I’ll send the rest to your phone.

“Hey, wait…!”

Before he could urge him to stay on the line, the call was abruptly cut off, leaving Jang Myung stuck waiting for his contact. How many minutes passed, and soon short messages began to arrive on his phone.

「Gayber map]

「Threep]

「I’m going to meet with the boss today]

「I’ll check it out」

The boss?

‘Threep’ referred to a perfume shop under Chairman Seok’s control. While Jang Myung was checking the location, he heard someone calling for him from outside.

“Hey, Myung-ah! Aren’t you going to Incheon?”

“Let go!”

Jang Myung quickly moved his feet and sent a reply.

「I’ll go there after I finish my business.]

Chairman Seok… I will definitely catch you. Jang Myung gritted his teeth and quickly moved his feet.

***

Inside a restaurant where sweet music was flowing, two well-dressed men sat facing each other, having a meal. Mr. Park, with a delicate touch, picked up a tissue and dabbed it at the corners of his mouth before smiling brightly at the man in front of him.

“I never expected Mr. Seok to contact me first but it was worth the wait.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes. To be honest, I’ve wanted to meet you ever since I saw you at the opening event last time.” 

“Oh, really?”

Nam-woon had been responding with the same dead-eyed answer for a while now. Fortunately, Mr. Park, who was overly excited about meeting Nam-woon, didn’t seem to notice. Nam-woon scooped up a forkful of pasta and then set it back down.

What the… a single bite-sized piece.

The portion was so small that he felt like he could finish it in one forkful. He glanced at Mr. Park, who was slowly chewing and swallowing each strand of pasta. To match his pace, Nam-woon set down his fork and picked up the glass of water next to him.

How do I bring up the VIP perfume?

He stared intently at Mr. Park, who was nibbling with his small mouth, racking his brain to think of a good way to approach the topic, but no good idea came to mind. While he was thinking about it a familiar notification sound chimed in for the first time in a long time. It wasn’t a sound he particularly missed.

Ding!

[The reward for Kwon Seo-oh’s rut has been selected!]

…Isn’t this reward coming a bit late? When did that happen?

Nam-woon glared at the air with a sharp gaze. However, the system, as usual, continued what it wanted to say.

[Congratulations! You have obtained Mystical Potion +1!]

[Potion Effect: Alleviates various pheromone-related diseases]

[How to use: Though saliva contact]

Nam-woon opened his eyes wide and then quickly furrowed. He liked the effect of the potion but the method of use was a problem. Exchanging saliva? This meant he would have to meet Kwon Seo-oh no matter what, but he had no intention of doing so for the time being.

Even if they did meet, it would be a problem. Exchanging saliva wasn’t a casual greeting; how could he just brush it off? Moreover, Kwon Seo-oh seemed to be desperately searching for him, likely upset that he had left home without a word.

Kwon Seo-oh punch is really fucking strong… I’m going to be lucky if I don’t get hit by that fist at the moment we meet again.

At that moment, fluorescent letters popped up once again.

[Mission Alert! You must fill the Promiscuous Gauge by 20% within the remaining time!]

[If you fail to achieve 20% on the Promiscuous Gauge, Seok Nam-woon’s heat will occur regardless of time or place.]

[Remaining Time: 5:23:08]

“……!”

Nam-woon’s eyes widened like lanterns. Damn, how could he have forgotten that! He suddenly recalled that he had made a deal with the system when he had received a voucher for a meeting with Ju-ham. The unexpected mission made Nam-woon internally scream. However, Mr. Park, unaware of his predicament, smiled and suggested,

“Mr. Seok, shall we order some wine?”

“…I suppose so?”

Calm down. There’s work that needs to be done. Nam-woon barely managed to gather his thoughts and made eye contact with a staff member standing by the window. Soon, the server approached their table.

Nam-woon handed the wine menu to Mr. Park while taking in his appearance. The soft curls framing his forehead, the subtle sweet fruit scent wafting from him. Looking at the man who seemed to have put in a lot of effort into his appearance, Nam-woon thought he needed to seduce Mr. Park no matter what.

With little time left, going to a club was out of the question. Moreover, Nam-woon had the heavy responsibility of uncovering the clues about the trait drug today. He felt sorry for Mr. Park, but he desperately needed to find the drug and avoid going into heat.

I’m sorry, Mr. Park… After silently apologizing to himself, Nam-woon threw out a question that seemed like something out of a business improvement program.

“How have the sales at the perfume shop been lately?”

“Um, we’ve had a slight increase in customers compared to usual…”

Mr. Park glanced at Nam-woon with a worried expression.

“Why? Is the Chairman curious about it?”

“Oh, it’s nothing related to the Chairman. I’m just asking out of curiosity.”

At Mr. Seok’s words, Mr. Park touched his chest as if he were relieved. From his expression, it looked like he wasn’t too keen on Chairman Seok being involved with the perfume shop. Was he pretending not to know about the drug, or did he genuinely not know? Nam-woon observed Mr. Park with a skeptical gaze and continued to speak.

“This meeting with Mr. Park today is something the Chairman doesn’t know about. I wanted to have a personal conversation with Mr. Park, so I hope we can keep today’s meeting a secret.”

“Oh, I see. Yes, that’s good! A secret…”

Mr. Park blushed slightly, giving a subtle glance. Nam-woon met his gaze and slowly parted his lips.

“As you know, I’m very interested in alpha fragrances. Do you think there’s a scent that would suit me?”

“Oh, of course there is! A few come to mind right now, like Number Six and Golden Palace Eau de Toilette….”

“Not the usual fragrances, but something a bit special.”

“What do you mean by special…?”

“Well, for example, a fragrance that is sold exclusively to VIPs… something unique.”