In conversations between characters,
(Summary: Not official translation.)
Korean is marked with "", English is marked with 「」 and Russian is marked with [ ].
Las Vegas at night is more beautiful than during the day. As the sun sets, the sleeping city begins to awaken. Luxury hotels line the main street, flaunting their colorful lights and neon signs. Street lights, bridges, railings, signs, palm trees and giant screens, a colorful light party takes place wherever the eye can reach. Cars lined up on the street flashing their blinding headlights, and there were huge crowds of people pouring into the streets.
Music is played everywhere. Colorful laser beams and streams of water from a giant fountain decorate the pitch-black sky. People line up to enjoy the dinner, shop, and watching different shows while soaking up the dazzling spectacle at a classy restaurant or bar. No kaleidoscope could be more luxurious than that.
There is a pinnacle place in that unreal world. A space where tens of millions of dollars evaporate like a mirage overnight. Casinos opened their mouths and swallowed the flow of customers. Some are constantly looking for a little profit, while others dream of the biggest jackpot of their lives.
The bright lights and bustling tunes from hundreds of slot machines, the stinging cigarette smoke, the strong smell of alcohol in the air, the strict supervision of guards, the international language mingling throughout the tables and sounds. of sharp chips than any other noise. The flood of stimulation quickly numbs the five senses and dull reason.
Gradually, the people here will lose control and become immersed in the game.
The casino side has taken full advantage of human psychology. The clock and windows are simplified to reduce the feeling of reality, and the table arrangement is also carefully considered, the higher the stake the deeper inside.
At the high-priced tables, the dealers are skilled, and most of the players are regular customers. The casino also offers suitable services to steadily attract them. Every time you visit the restaurant, Pit Boss, the person in charge of sales, comes out to greet each customer and mix drinks according to each person's taste. As large amounts of money come and go, monitoring becomes stricter. These make it more difficult to penetrate than any other active location.
Kwon Taek Joo is shuffling cards on the table. He wears the name tag 'Philip' on his chest, a 10-year veteran dealer and Chinese-American. Because he wore a special disguise, his appearance was not much different from him. That was so he could naturally approach the target with a lot of vigilance.
At the table he is in charge of, 'Blackjack' is going on in full swing. 'Blackjack' is a simple card game and incredibly complex. The basic rule is that the dealer and players draw cards at random and the person whose total is closest to 21 wins. However, if your total number of cards exceeds 21 and becomes a 'Boom' (quack), you will lose regardless of your opponent's hand.
None of the four sitting customers were 'squeaked'. The total of the cards changes from 13 to 19. Now it's the dealer's turn, it's Kwon Taek Joo's turn to open the cards. The song that was revealed in advance was '3'. The number is small, so the possibility of 'snapping' is very high. This is because only the dealer must continue to receive more cards until the total number of cards exceeds 17. Players pay attention to the face-down cards with worried eyes.
「Turn the cards over.」
The remaining card is turned over. A strange sigh came from the player when the number '7' appeared. If the card about to be added is 'A', then the blackjack will be completed and the dealer will collect all bets. Even if a '10' card or a card with a letter like 'J', 'Q' or 'K' appears, the sum of the cards is 20 and the dealer wins. 'Blackjack' is usually a 1:1 game between the dealer and each player. However, everyone sitting at the table unanimously hoped that a number of buttons less than '6' would be drawn.
Kwon Taek Joo according to the rules draws one more card. The card is revealed immediately and placed next to the existing cards. That's card '5'. Still has to take one more card because the total is less than 16. The player now clenches his fist and mutters whispers as if reciting a spell, staring at Kwon Taek Joo's hand.
Draw another card. The card's tension reaches its maximum until it is turned over and placed down. :Please: , as if to break the expectations of a player who spoke up, 'Card 6 appears. 3, 7, 5, 6. As a joke, a total of 21.
「Blackjack.」
Declaring another victory, Kwon Taek Joo collected all the chips on the table. The collapsed players gritted their teeth helplessly.
「Asians are very difficult after all.」
They both smoked and openly complained. They are not social, and even if they die early, they will still try to win. Kwon Taek Joo has heard that complaint for three days now.
There is a common misconception that people who visit casinos have. If you get acquainted with the dealer, he will help you a little, and if you win the psychological battle, the hand will turn in your favor. But unfortunately, all card games are completely based on luck. As the number of repetitions increases, the consecutive win rate decreases. Being close to the dealer really doesn't change anything.
Players who blew a lot of money left one by one. An older man who guarded the table until the end lost the remaining chips. He said he owned a large shipping company and always gave generous tips.
:Phillip, it seems you are actually winning right now, but you have to lose often to achieve your long-term goal. If you keep winning, who else will sit at your table?:
(in english.)
Hm.. it really doesn't depend on Kwon Taek Joo. He wanted to refute, but he restrained himself and nodded.
「I will remember. Please come back next time.」
The man laughed loudly.
「You told me to come back after wiping everything away like that.」
Even saying that, he will probably visit Kwon Taek Joo's table again tomorrow. People with greedy minds must win to be satisfied.
After the man left, the table was empty.
It's time to show up.
「Are you alone again? Did you finally win today?」
Kwon Taek Joo was cleaning up his seat for a while when he heard the voice he was waiting for. He looked up, a middle-aged woman was grinning.
「You should play with me too.」
She said and sat down on the middle chair.
Her name is Kiara Chang. She said she is doing fashion-related business in Italy. She was born in China, but mostly lives in Italy. While playing cards, she said she married a local husband 10 years ago, and they had no children, thus the sad story of the estrangement between the couple arose.
It's all a lie. Kiara Chang's nationality is North Korean, not Chinese. Her real name is Choi Yeon Hwa, and she was in charge of North Korea's European funds while living in Italy for nearly 20 years. It would be impossible without the trust of the party leadership because the size of the slush fund she alone manages is several trillion won.
However, like other North Korean elites, she appears to have undergone a gradual ideological change. As her knowledge and thinking expanded through her long life abroad, she became skeptical of the North Korean system, which had been deadlocked for decades. Later, when a large-scale hereditary purge of the leaders was carried out, and her relatives and colleagues who followed the party were killed, she decided to ask for help from a refugee.
Italy, which is discussing and cooperating with South Korea and the United States on this issue, did not provide any information about Choi Yeon Hwa immediately after her deportation. It's for her safety. This was a few years ago, not long after NIS started monitoring Choi Yeon Hwa. Recently, intelligence information obtained shows that a social group with close ties to domestic political forces has created a large amount of slush funds and transferred them to North Korea.
According to intelligence information, this money was laundered in many European countries and transferred to North Korea, so Choi Yeon Hwa must have known about the situation. If it was simply the purchase of support funds from a pro-North Korea group, or if the price was paid in advance to gain some advantage in the political world, then it is necessary to find out in detail who is involved in the matter. Who are they and what is their purpose?
North Korea also aggressively hunted for Choi Yeon Hwa. Not just because of the trillions of won she swindled while in hiding, but because if she told everything, everything from the secret accounts hidden throughout Europe to the fundraising methods, The origin and methods of money laundering will be exposed.
As part of sanctions on North Korea, if secret accounts are tied up, the North Korean government will have no way to raise dollars.
Did she have a premonition that she would be chased for the rest of her life? Choi Yeon Hwa underwent a full body plastic surgery right after being wanted. With the active support of the Italian government, her status was also completely changed to 'Kiara Chang'. It's not a lie that she married a local. I just don't know if that marriage is a limited relationship on paper or a real relationship.
Choi Yeon Hwa, who ended her long secluded life in Italy, recently started visiting casinos in Las Vegas. Is she trying to play the role of 'Kiara Chang', a successful businesswoman who is bored with married life? Or maybe she wants to let go of her true self in a place where everyone loses themselves.
One thing to note in this activity is that there must be no physical conflicts. Choi Yeon Hwa is now Italian, so diplomatic friction must be minimized. If the fact that she is in contact with South Korea is discovered, the North Koreans will be even crazier to eliminate her. You can't alarm an important source.
Kwon Taek Joo tried to find a way to approach her as naturally as possible. The problem is that Choi Yeon Hwa's wariness towards strangers is very high. The plainclothes bodyguards she hired were pretending to be customers, hiding as quietly and neatly as possible throughout the casino.
This is why Kwon Taek Joo disguised himself as a dealer. To dispel Choi Yeon Hwa's suspicions, it seemed more effective to let her approach first instead of hastily approaching. So, four days ago, he disguised himself as 'Philip', a dealer at the biggest casino in Las Vegas, and waited for her.
Due to the nature of the work, supervision is very strict and cannot be neglected even for a moment. Even when the target doesn't appear, Kwon Taek Joo still has to exhaust himself to deal with other guests. He wondered if there had ever been an activity that made him so mentally tired.
Choi Yeon Hwa comes down to the lobby around 2 a.m. every day and enjoys the game. Kwon Taek Joo didn't try to be polite, and he didn't even risk starting a conversation. But she seemed interested.
「Did you want to lose today?」
"Good luck."
She pouted at his industrial answer.
「I will shuffle. 」
He said and shuffled the cards.
Shuffling is the rule at big tables. It is a measure to prevent suspicions of card manipulation by machines. For that reason, Kwon Taek Joo put all his effort into practicing, staying up all night to learn how to handle and follow 'Philip's' habits.
Soon, the waitress approached.
「Do you want something to drink?」
「No, I'm fine.」
Choi Yeon Hwa refused all services provided by the casino. It seemed that caution was ingrained in her. In case something was suspicious, she didn't even utter a word.
「Is this also a casino business secret? Are you going to make me bet money on alcohol?」
「Impossible. It's a special service only for VIPs. If you don't like alcohol, we have water and soft drinks.」
「Thank you for your concern, but I already have water.」
「I see.」
Kwon Taek Joo said and put down the cards one by one. Choi Yeon Hwa silently shrugged her shoulders in sarcasm. The way she touched the chips was somewhat strange.
「But drinking with Philip is another matter.」
「I'm not allowed to drink alcohol while working.」
「It's not necessary to drink it right now.」
The saying is full of meaning. When their eyes met, she smiled and softly closed her eyes. Is she seducing Kwon Taek Joo? He was a bit surprised because the atmosphere was nothing special.
「What's wrong? Don't you like it?」
「This is the first time a customer invited me to drink alcohol.」
「Lie.」
「Aren't you going to bet anymore? I will turn over the cards.」
「You are like stone.」
Choi Yeon Hwa grumbled openly. She had no companions, and guests asked for her own room, but even when eating, she was always alone. She could have found a man to be with if she wanted but she didn't. Kwon Teak Joo wondered why she suddenly expressed such an attitude.
Since learning that 'Philip' is Chinese-American, she has always shown friendly feelings. Of course, he thought even that was just part of acting.
Or, if Choi Yeon Hwa was honest, he had no reason to refuse. Because he didn't bother waiting for her here anymore. Furthermore, there aren't many disadvantages to approaching the target that way.
All Kwon Taek Joo has to do is create just the right atmosphere, then use confession triggers to extract the necessary information. He's just not sure yet. Kwon Taek Joo needs to be careful.
The total number of buttons on the cards that Choi Yeon Hwa received is 17. The card placed in front of Kwon Taek Joo is the '9' card. The card facing down next to it has been turned over. When 'A' appeared, Choi Yeon Hwa's shoulders sank.
「Oh, I lost. Didn't the beauty's plan succeed?」
「Because blackjack is not a psychological battle.」
「Aren't you gay?」
「Does it look like that?」
She smiled and picked up the chips. Choi Yeon Hwa said, :Wow: and suddenly tilted her upper body forward. She began to examine each piece of Kwon Taek Joo's face. There was no way advanced camouflage techniques could be seen through, but he couldn't help but feel nervous under that gaze.
「Looking at this, I don't know if he's gay or not, but he seems gentle. I like a man who listens and understands.」
「You can't be sure just looking from the outside.」
Someone suddenly interrupted the conversation between two people. Choi Yeon Hwa turned her head with a confused expression. For a moment, Kwon Taek Joo's eyes flinched, because the voice that reached his ears was too familiar.
A unique body odor that he hadn't noticed until now because he was too focused on Choi Yeon Hwa. He raised his eyes hopefully. Zhenya was slowly walking closer to the table.
Why is he here?
His cheeks stiffened in shock.
「What do you mean by gentle? He's perfect for a Chippendale show.」
Zhenya looked Kwon Taek Joo up and down and added. Choi Yeon Hwa considered it a mischievous joke and laughed reluctantly. The guy who attracts attention because of his height of over 2 meters and his unnecessarily dashing appearance is dressed a bit colorfully today.
His appearance reminds people of a white peacock, causing people around her to glance at him at him. Of course, unwanted attention focused on Kwon Taek Joo's table.
Without hesitation, Zhenya sat down next to Choi Yeon Hwa.
:Can I sit here?:
:Well, I didn't rent that seat either.:
Choi Yeon Hwa nodded without reservation. Zhenya also squirmed strangely towards Kwon Taek Joo. He seemed to see that his awkwardness was completely because he was surprised.
Without a doubt, 'Chippendale Show' is one of the attractions that represents Las Vegas, and it is a show where male strippers with beautiful bodies will perform various performances for female audiences. The problem is that 'Philip' has an extremely normal body. Telling a woman she would look good if she were to strip is more likely to be considered sexual harassment than a compliment. Is it different for men?
:You better be careful. He will not lose.:
Responding to Choi Yeon Hwa's advice, Zhenya nodded indifferently and stared at Kwon Taek Joo. The two of them made eye contact again. He wanted to ask why someone who shouldn't be in Korea appeared here, but now was not the time. Kwon Taek Joo had to regain composure.
:Winning so easily is no fun. I can't wait to see how scary he is.:
Zhenya laughed provocatively. Kwon Taek Joo tried his best to keep a cold expression while feeling the artificial skin covering his face being pulled away.
(Phillip? Bad name.)
He continued to debate in his mind whether this kid was really planning on ruining everything or not. Kwon Teak Joo shuffled the cards, ignoring Zhenya.
:China or Japan? Or.. Are you Korean?:
Zhenya asked meaningfully. Kwon Taek Joo stopped for a moment and stared at him. Zhenya muttered with a shameless face. Choi Yeon Hwa looked at the two people in a strange fight in turn and shrugged.
:Hmm. Do they all look the same to Westerners? They think that all Asians are Chinese.:
:Really? I Don't know why but he looks like a Korean, you know.:
Kwon Taek Joo's strength is concentrated at both ends of his jaw. Zhenya just raised his eyebrows as if he hadn't done anything wrong. When 'Philip' looked agitated, Choi Yeon Hwa burst out laughing.
:Many people often see it wrong.:
As if listening to Kwon Taek Joo's voice, she even gave advice to Zhenya.
:However, it is rude to say that Chinese people are Japanese or Korean. There are many people who feel offended by the long and intertwined history.:
:I have to remember this. I behaved inappropriately.:
It was casual teasing. If possible, he wanted to immediately grab Zhenya's collar.
After settling in Korea, he often appeared at the places where Kwon Taek Joo worked. He even told Zhenya not to follow him because his status could lead to diplomatic friction that was useless. He is always present and interrupts Kwon Taek Joo's activities. No, if only in terms of results, Zhenya always targets Kwon Taek Joo. However, Kwon Taek Joo was not sure whether he really helped him or not. He sometimes suddenly interrupts the crowd like now.
Zhenya always walks around the scene as he pleases. He probably doesn't know that he always stands out wherever he goes with his special appearance and physical condition. Zhenya never disguises himself like Kwon Taek Joo, it's like advertising to let everyone around him know who he is. In fact, ever since the guy appeared, Choi Yeon Hwa has felt him.
Kwon Taek Joo knows that Zhenya is always watching him. He warned him not to do that and tried to set up a separate work account but to no avail. Zhenya comes like a ghost wherever Kwon Taek Joo is active. He suspected that Zhenya might have installed a listening or tracking device somewhere on his body. That's why he feels even more awkward and worried if he doesn't appear right now. Because he didn't know where Zhenya was and what was happening to him.
Of course so far there have been no major problems. But he couldn't help but worry, because every time Zhenya got involved, he always had to pay a pretty hefty price for him. The worry in Kwon Taek Joo's heart resounded again.
He was awakened by the sound of tapping on the table. When he realized, Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenya were staring at Kwon Taek Joo.
:Shouldn't you deal the cards?:
:Ah, sorry.:
He hurriedly shuffled the cards. While moving his hands out of habit, Kwon Taek Joo thought over and over how to overcome this difficulty. His head was pounding.
:Player Cards.:
He placed a card in front of Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenya. Card '8' and card 'Q' are drawn one after another. He placed a card in front of him.
:The cards are for the dealer.:
The first card is 'A'. Choi Yeon Hwa lamented and said,
:Look.:
If the dealer's open card is 'A', the player is at a significant disadvantage and is asked if they have purchased some form of insurance. With insurance, even if you lose, you only pay half of your bet. Instead, if the player wins, they will receive 1.5x back.
Choi Yeon Hwa and Zhenya shook their heads in unison. Kwon Taek Joo handed out the cards one by one. Choi Yeon Hwa's card is '9' and Zhenya's card is 'A'. Blackjack was completed immediately.
:Wow? Is that real?:
Choi Yeon Hwa couldn't help but be surprised. Of course, it won't end there. If the dealer, Kwon Taek Joo, also hits blackjack, they will not be able to receive the money due to the tie. To prepare for this case, Zhenya can get back 1x of the pre-stake amount.
:Do you want your money back?:
Zhenya shook his head again. Just like usual, even when gambling, Zhenya was still very reckless. Kwon Taek Joo's face down card was turned over immediately. It's a '6'. Zhenya wins.
Winner, winner chicken dinner.
After declaring Zhenya's victory, Kwon Taek Joo took a chip from the bank and gave it to him. The corner of Zhenya's mouth curled up. Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, but for some reason his stomach turned.
Kwon Taek Joo shuffles the cards and starts a new game. Both of Zhenya's cards are '9's. Kwon Taek Joo's face card is 'Q'. At this time, the dealer must check the remaining cards with the reader and notify the player whether they have achieved blackjack or not.
:No blackjack:
Zhenya tapped his index and middle fingers on the table to signal 'split'. because his fingers are long, the hand gesture is especially elegant, to the point that Kwon Taek Joo unconsciously stares blankly.
:I hesitate.:
Choi Yeon Hwa's announcement of giving up suddenly brought Kwon Taek Joo back to his senses. Once again faithful to his duty as a dealer, he split Zhenya's '9' card in half and gave one more card. When the 'A' card and the '3' card are dealt, the total is 20, 12. Zhenya gets 12 buttons in total. With the addition of the '7', the combination of cards created a total of 19.
Choi Yeon Hwa, who was watching, exclaimed,
:Oh my gosh.:
Kwon Taek Joo and Zhenya's eyes met. He quietly narrowed his eyes and observed Kwon Taek Joo's expression. Zhenya's eyes were full of mockery. To be honest, the bet amount was not Kwon Taek Joo's personal money and it didn't matter how much he lost, but clearly, the anger was a lot.
:Do you want to bet more?:
:So boring. We have to do something to have more fun, right?:
Zhenya slyly stacked the chips in his hand. At least $100,000 each. Choi Yeon Hwa watched the betting guy with interest.
The face down card is turned over. A '6' card is drawn. Since the total of the cards is only 16, Zhenya draws one more card. An '8' card is drawn and the sum of the three cards exceeds 21.
:Oh, is that so?:
Zhenya smirked. Is it useless to feel like the taunt was aimed at Kwon Taek Joo.
:It's not fun because I keep winning.:
Kwon Taek Joo was angry at the provocation but he did not show it. He exhausted his patience to the maximum. Zhenya clearly knew Kwon Taek Joo's feelings and continued to move forward.
A few more games were played, and Zhenya showed no signs of leaving. More and more chips piled up in front of him. Zhenha won 6 or 7 games out of 10 bets. The manager comes and observed the games. This is because cheating often takes place or casino robbery occurs due to collusion between players or between players and dealers. Kwon Taek Joo's mentality became even heavier.
It was a game that depended on probability, but he had continuously lost to him. How can Zhenya continuously win without cheating? Or was he born that lucky?
Zhenya's consecutive victories once again attracted public attention. Even Choi Yeon Hwa took her hands off the card game and watched him. Every time they communicated with each other with their eyes, Kwon Taek Joo winked fiercely and told him to go away, but he acted as if he didn't know anything. He even nodded towards the door, but Zhenya pretended not to know and just raised his eyebrows innocently.
:Oh, Philip. Damned, I have met the right opponent.:
:No, I was worried but you didn't realize it.:
Kwon Taek Joo straightened his stiff face and grinned. Zhenya smiled sarcastically.
:But you can't openly show that you're not happy for the guests.:
:Oh. I'm just a little tired.:
The corner of Kwon Taek Joo's mouth pulled out with difficulty, feeling like he was about to spasm. Zhenya rolled a chip between his long fingers and whispered lazily.
:If you're tired, rest a bit. I have a reservation.:
Either way, it doesn't sound like a joke. However, Choi Yeon Hwa thought it was just a joke and said,
:What? Are you really going to rest?:
She laughed. Kwon Taek Joo felt like his blood boiled for a moment.
Kwon Taek Joo is once again confused. The sum of the two cards Zhenya received is 14. A rather ambiguous hand to discard or play and receive a new card. On the other hand, Kwon Taek Joo's card is 'A'. Zhenya makes a bold shot without insurance. Another card is dealt. A '6' was added to complete 20. Immediately, Zhenya pushed all his chips in front of Kwon Taek Joo. Even the onlookers around him were agitated by the sudden all-in.
A crazy man suddenly appeared from somewhere. Does he know how much it costs? Kwon Taek Joo has never worried about Zhenya's wallet, but he also never thought he would throw money on the street like this. Choi Yeon Hwa also expressed concern.
:Are you okay?:
:I'm not in the mood to eat little by little.:
(he's saying he doesn't feel like playing a bit.)
Everyone watching looked nervous as if they had bet their own money, but it was Zhenya alone. Zhenya threw Kwon Taek Joo a meaningful look. He sighed softly and continued playing cards.
:Check the face down card.:
Kwon Taek Joo turned the card face up. For a moment, the surrounding noise seemed to stop. Everyone held their breath and just looked at Kwon Taek Joo's hand.
Card 8 is turned over. Zhenya wins. It was an unbelievable result even though Kwon Taek Joo himself was in charge. Cheers and applause rang out all around.
:You're really good. I just keep losing. Do you have any tricks?:
Choi Yeon Hwa was excited as if she had won. Zhenya leaned back deeply in his chair and stared at Kwon Taek Joo's stunned face. Then he naturally turned to look into Choi Yeon Hwa's eyes.
:Shall I teach you?:
The tone was gentle. Kwon Taek Joo's hand that was pulling out the chip suddenly stopped. Choi Yeon Hwa shows deep curiosity.
:Is there really a way?:
:Maybe. Maybe not.:
:What is it?:
:Why don't you try checking for yourself? I can't tell you myself.:
Once again, the half-hearted statement left room for flirtation with slightly narrowed eyes.
What is this kid saying?
Perhaps because of the light, the long eyelashes seem to sparkle strangely. Kwon Taek Joo's stomach boiled. Choi Yeon Hwa just looked at Zhenya with puzzled eyes at the unexpected suggestion. Immediately after, her smile deepened.
:So shall we go drink together? I have no companions.:
:Okay.:
Zhenya happily nodded. Choi Yeon Hwa immediately packed her clothes and bags. When Zhenya stood up from his seat and met Kwon Taek Joo's eyes, he greeted without hesitation.
:See you next time, Philip.:
He didn't know what to do with this unexpected situation. Zhenya threw back a chip, saying it was a tip. When he received it, it turned out to be $500,000. The man smiled at the speechless Kwon Taek Joo and then escorted Choi Yeon Hwa out of the casino. He was dumbfounded as he watched the two of them walk away.
How long has it been? Someone knocked on the table. Meanwhile, other guests occupied the empty chairs and sat down.
:Aren't you dealing cards?:
:Oh yes. Sorry.:
Kwon Taek Joo awkwardly shuffled the cards mechanically. The manager who was watching from behind squeezed Kwon Taek Joo's shoulder and then stepped back.
He shook his head to clear his mind. Right now Kwon Taek Joo must focus on 'Philip's' work. But even after pushing himself like that, all he could think about was Zhenya and Choi Yeon Hwa. He didn't understand what the hell Zhenya was doing. He was just, vaguely, very worried.
Damn, there's still an hour left until the shift ends.