The Next Day
Tom Lee sat in his chair, reading through a file. Yeongcheol, standing nearby, reported, "Major General, Tian Wai Tian's shares have been declining since the whole issue became public. T Group has been acquiring their stakes. Jo Gwigwan may resemble Master Zu Pengguan, but he lacks experience. The situation has become increasingly messy under his handling."
Tom Lee nodded. "What about that adopted son, Taehwa?"
Yeongcheol answered, "He attempted suicide once, but he now seems dedicated to Tian Wai Tian's wellbeing as a way of honoring his benefactor. He's one of the main reasons the company hasn't already collapsed despite all the backlash."
Tom Lee nodded again before saying, "If Tian Wai Tian falls, we who helped them will be in tatters as well."
Yeongcheol wore a thoughtful expression. "We could solve this problem by making a deal with T Group and disposing of Jo Gwigwan."
Tom Lee flashed a smile. "Yeongcheol, how much would it cost to protect Jo Gwigwan from the fall?"
Yeongcheol replied, "At least billions per year, assuming Tian Wai Tian actually falls. Since Taehwa is still alive, we can't be certain. The genes of the mad scientist flow in his blood."
"Yeah? Then let's wait and see. If it comes to that, we'll pass all the fees on to Manager Kim. Since he's indebted to Zu Pengguan, he'll do his best to help his son too." Tom Lee said with a smile.
---
Baki had returned home very late the previous night and crashed directly into bed. The continuous high-stakes fights had pushed his body to its limits.
The next day, Baki woke around lunchtime. After freshening up, he went to the kitchen and found Seongji Yuk warming milk to feed Yenna.
Seongji Yuk asked, "Seems like this mission drained you. Are you going to take a vacation?"
After a moment's thought, Baki nodded. "Yeah, I probably won't take on any missions for a few days. How about we go on a trip or something? Summer break should be coming up soon, right?"
Seongji nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, we could do that. Have you planned anything?"
Baki shook his head. "I'll ask the kids and see if they have any plans."
As Baki was about to leave, Seongji asked, "By the way, now that I'm looking at you—have you grown taller in just a few days?"
Baki scratched his head. "Maybe... I'm not sure."
Seongji muttered, "He definitely got taller though..."
Baki entered the living room, where Sujin was playing with little Yenna. Seeing him, she exclaimed, "Baki-hyung! You're back from work?!"
Baki nodded. He approached little Yenna and pinched her cheek. She seemed annoyed. "Guess she's angry I didn't visit her all this time..." Baki said with an awkward laugh.
Then he asked, "Where are Sally and the boys? I wanted to talk about something."
Sujin answered, "Hyung, Sally went to the grocery store. Warren, Max, and Derrick should be with her. Vin Jin's been training in the garage downstairs."
Baki nodded. "Okay, stay with Yenna. I'll go visit Vin Jin."
Downstairs, the entire garage had been transformed into a gym. Vin Jin was doing bench presses—around nine hundred pounds raw. He noticed Baki but still completed his set.
Baki stood beside him. "What's up, kid? Training hard?"
Vin Jin sat up. "It's been a while, hyung. Did you finally get time to come home?"
Baki laughed. "Yeah, I'm on vacation now, so I'll be staying for a while."
"Baki-hyung, you're back?!" a voice echoed. Warren walked in carrying groceries.
"Yeah." Baki nodded. "Did the others go upstairs?"
Warren nodded. "Yes, hyung."
Baki started walking toward the stairs. "Then let's head up. I wanted to announce something."
---
Guys! Sorry for the short chapter. I finished Manager Kim manhwa last night so I didn't update. Also the next arc from manager Kim manhwa isn't very suitable. So I am thinking of an original arc on Jeju island. Since according to the manhwa, it's summer break. So I wanted to create an arc where vacation goes wrong.