Matías Pérez's villa consisted of 70 independent rooms with all sorts of luxurious amenities,
Including a banquet hall, a meeting room, two swimming pools, four dining halls, a bar stocked with variety of drinks, a gym outfitted with modern exercise equipment, and a meditation room with magnificent views of the sea.
Additionally, it had a tennis court, a shooting range, and a theater. For its size and opulence, it was comparable to a high-end resort.
But what Kwon Taekjoo liked most was the absence of other people besides himself, Zhenya, and Matias. Matias had assigned both Zhenya and Kwon Taekjoo individual rooms, but it didn't make much sense since they spent most of their time in Kwon Taekjoo's room.
The rooms were spacious and well-equipped with all the essentials, so there was no discomfort in sharing the space. In fact, Kwon Taekjoo felt increasingly uneasy and anxious whenever Zhenya wasn't around.
Inside the room, the panoramic windows offered breathtaking views of the emerald sea. When Kwon Taekjoo opened the glass door leading to the terrace, a warm, salty breeze gently brushed against him.
Despite the scorching sun, the efficient air conditioning kept them from being exposed to the intense heat.
The air was was perfectly balanced-not to humid, not too dry. Since there was always plenty of food and water, there didn't seem to be any issues with supplies, despite being on an island. It was the perfect paradise-if only Kwon Taekjoo could put aside his personal concerns.
However, the place wasn't without its flaws. The island was completely isolated due to its fortress-like nature, with no internet or mobile phone service available. The only way Kwon Taekjoo could communicate with the outside world was through Zhenya, who wasn't particularly restricted by the island's limitations because he used his own satellite network.
The only problem was that Zhenya didn't allow Kwon Taekjoo to use his laptop or phone. Despite Kwon Taekjoo's protests, accusing him of being unreasonable, Zhenya stubbornly held firm, insisting that he couldn't compromise his strict business protocols.
Every time Kwon Taekjoo wanted to report back to headquarters, he had to be affectionate with Zhenya.
As part of his security protocol, Zhenya restricted his phone line to a few numbers, so Kwon Taekjoo had to communicate through Yoon Jongwoo.
["Cuba is still an issue, but Mexico has also been showing unusual activity lately. For the past, two days, they've closed their borders and increased their investigation procedures. The director advises you to stay under the radar until their surveillance eases."]
It was just as expected. Perhaps it was a small relief to have found a place to hide, despite the methods used.
Before leaving the country, he had told his mother that he was going to Russia for government business. He also called her daily, letting her hear Zhenya's voice, which seemed to put her at ease. Even if his return was delayed by a few days, she probably wouldn't worry as much as before.
And so, Kwon Taekjoo continued his days on the island, unable to clearly tell if this was a vacation or a form of imprisonment.
During the first few days, he stayed in his room. Matías Pèrez had promised him that the island was the safest place in the world, but Kwon Teakjoo needed to verify that for himself.
He frequently checked for any signs for activity on or around the island. But aside from the occasional helicopter that arrived every now and then, there were no other visitors, and no one seemed to leave the island.
Kwon Taekjoo had asked Matias Pèrez about this once when they were eating together.
"None of the staff here seem to ever leave the island. Don't they go home after work? Are they something like live-in employees? Or do they take long breaks, like on a cruise?"
"Oh, the attendants? They've chosen to spend their entire lives here."
"What?"
"I'm their family, and this is their home. If they need supplies, I can send them via helicopter. I imagine you've noticed some deliveries during your stay."
Matías had an annoying grand expression on his face. Until then, Kwon Taekjoo thought only mafia bosses bragged about being part of the "family,"
But it seemed the cartel organizations weren't much different. It was hard to understand why anyone would voluntarily give up their rights and freedom. Where did such loyalty come form?
Even if received significantly financial compensation, it wouldn't do them any good if they were confined to one place.
Kwon Taekjoo figured the only incentive more valuable than money was drugs. Maybe they were promised an endless supply of drugs in exchange for a lifetime of servitude.
In any case, Kwon Taekjoo wanted no part in any of it. No matter how friendly or charming his host seemed, he couldn't trust someone with such a notorious criminal background. In fact, that's why Kwon Taekjoo had intercepted all communications within Matías Pérez's villa.
Kwon Taekjoo spent all day inside the residence, keeping a close watch on Matías and his staff. He even snuck into Matías's room when he wasn't around. The room wasn't much different from Kwon Taekjoo's, except for a locked safe hidden behind a desk.
Kwon Taekjoo thought it would be a good idea to inspect the contents of the safe while he had the chance. The only question was how to open it without leaving a trace. As he was leaving Matías room, lost in thought, he suddenly felt a presence behind him.
Kwon Taekjoo immediately drew his gun and aimed at the figure. The person standing calmly in front of the barrel, arms crossed, was none other than Zhenya.
"Damn it! You scared me, you idiot!"
"Taekjoo, is this how you entertain yourself when your bored? Or are you just too obsessed with you work?"
"I'd say you're the one being too careless. What exactly made you trust someone you just met and put my fate in his hands."
"I told you; you just have to trust me."
"Who says I don't trust you?"
Zhenya raised an eyebrow without saying a word, a silent reproach that seemed to say,
"Just look at yourself."
Feeling a pang of guilt, Kwon Taekjoo muttered in disapproval,
"You know, we have an old Korean saying that goes: 'Even a stone bridge should be tested with a tap before closing it' "it never hurts to be cautious."
"So, you still don't trust me."
"It's not that I don't trust you it's just that.."
"You're worried I might put you in danger."
" I told you; you've got the wrong idea."
It wasn't Zhenya that Kwon Taekjoo didn't trust; it was Matías Pérez. This was the first time they had met, and he was supposedly the head of one of the most famous criminal organizations in the world. There was no valid reason to ignore the fact and place his trust in him.
For now, as long as he was with Zhenya, Kwon Taekjoo believed he could navigate any complicated situation, no matter how unexpected. But even so, he couldn't fully relax. Did that mean he didn't trust Zhenya?
"I would never put you in danger."
Zhenya assured him firmly, with no trace of his usual playful tone.
To Zhenya, Kwon Taekjoo's constant worry about his safety seemed like a sign of distrust. Since arriving at Matías Pérez villa, Kwon Taekjoo had been tense, which undoubtedly unsettled Zhenya as well.
"…. I told you I trust you."
With a heavy sigh, Kwon Taekjoo lowered his gun. As he did, the clear seawater beyond the glass wall caught his attention, glittering brightly.
Dark green palm leaves swayed gently in the pleasant breeze, and sunlight filtered through, casting a warm glow on Zhenya's blonde hair.
Maybe Zhenya thought Kwon was trying to change the subject subtly. Zhenya narrowed his eyes and gave Kwon Taekjoo a cynical look.
"What's up now, you bastard?"
"Fine. I'll pretend I don't know what you're up to and play along."
"What are you talking about? Come on, follow me."
Kwon Taekjoo gave Zhenya a light push on the chest and motioned him forward. As they walked, he discreetly checked the locations of the security cameras in each corridor.
Zhenya followed after a moment, shaking his head.