Ch.22Chapter 22. Entrance Ceremony (1)

The robbery murder case was officially closed.

As expected, it was ruled as self-defense and I was cleared of all charges.

I heard I could file a civil lawsuit to recover damages…

The problem is that I killed both perpetrators.

They don’t seem to have any family either.

They probably hid their assets somewhere, so there’s no way to find them.

“So you didn’t get a penny? Hahaha!”

“Don’t even mention it. Do you know how much money I spent fixing the house and buying new furniture…”

Bob snickered as he teased me.

Strictly speaking, you’re partly responsible for not training your subordinates properly, so why are you so happy about it?

“Then sell me the motorcycles. I’ll buy both.”

“Really?”

Now that’s good news.

I was wondering how to get rid of them without getting caught by the police.

If Bob buys them, I’ll make money and get rid of a headache. Two birds with one stone.

“Twenty thousand for both.”

“Twenty thousand dollars? Are you crazy?”

“I’m buying dangerous goods. Shouldn’t I get a risk discount?”

This crazy bastard is cutting more than half the price under the guise of a “risk discount.”

I didn’t notice in prison, but he’s a complete con artist.

“Fuck that, I’m not selling. I’ll sell them myself.”

“Hey now. Why so difficult?”

As I turned away pretending not to care, Bob grabbed my shoulder.

“Alright. Thirty thousand then. I’ll buy them for thirty. That’s good, right?”

“Forty.”

“What? You mean forty yen?”

“Are you really insane? Dollars, you idiot.”

“I can’t buy them for forty thousand. These models cost seventy thousand new.”

“Then go buy new ones from a store. If you don’t want them, I’m leaving.”

They’re well-maintained and look almost new.

I could probably get at least fifty thousand if I sold them myself without going through Bob.

I was willing to sell them for forty thousand out of gratitude for him keeping the bikes for me…

With this highway robbery mindset, I’d rather not do business with him at all.

“Hey! Jinsoo! You should at least pay for parking!”

“What. Would a hundred dollars be enough?”

“No, that’s not what I…”

As I took out my wallet and started pulling out bills, Bob trailed off.

But shit, I don’t even have a hundred dollars on me right now.

“Okay, okay! How about thirty-five thousand!”

“Forty.”

“I’m being generous. Thirty-seven thousand!”

“I won’t sell for less than forty. Decide quickly. Before I take out all hundred dollars.”

“…”

I slowed down taking out the bills.

Bob’s eyes darted back and forth between my face and my hand pulling money from my wallet.

“Thirty-nine thousand…?”

“If I take out all hundred dollars, that’s all you’re getting.”

“Fine! Fine! Forty thousand! Deal!”

“Deal.”

I stuffed the wad of bills back into my wallet and shook hands with Bob.

Whew, shit.

I almost got caught not having even a hundred dollars.

I’m satisfied with this cool transaction.

Now I can buy a new television.

They say the newer models block some kind of light so your eyes don’t deteriorate as much.

I absolutely cannot stand the thought of Cuss wearing glasses.

Eye health is a serious matter.

“Tsk. Wait a bit. I’ll get the cash ready for you soon.”

“Take your time. There’s plenty of time before the banks close… But shit. Where did Cuss disappear to again?”

She was right beside me until just now.

When did she sneak away again?

“Is she playing with your daughter again?”

“She should be at home right now.”

“Where the fuck is she?”

If she hasn’t left this place, she should be visible somewhere.

I turned my head around, scanning the entire abandoned factory.

Cuss… there she is.

But what the hell is she doing?

“What design would you like? A butterfly? A rose?”

“Hmm… I think this one is pretty.”

“A skull…? You’re quite the scary little lady.”

Motherfucker.

She was sitting in front of some ink-covered bastard, holding out her arm.

This fucker is about to cut into someone’s arm.

“This might hurt a little, are you okay with that?”

“It’s fine. I’m used to pain.”

“Then bear with me a little. I’ll finish quickly…”

“Finish it now, you fucker.”

“Eek?!”

I rushed over and kicked the tattoo guy right in the solar plexus.

Whew. If I’d been a little later, the needle would have touched Cuss’s arm.

“Ow! What’s your problem?!”

“What’s my problem? Are you insane, you piece of shit?”

This crazy bastard is turning things around on me?

You’re asking to die.

When I raised my hand, he flinched and quickly put up his guard.

“Why are you doing this, Jinsoo? He’s just drawing a pretty picture.”

“Do you know that this lasts forever?”

Cuss nodded.

Ah, this is really pissing me off.

“I’m not tricking the child, father. I explained all the precautions. But she still wanted to do it…”

“What the fuck? Stop mumbling and speak clearly.”

“This, this is a matter of personal freedom, and I don’t think it’s something for a father to interfere with…”

When I grabbed him by the collar, he avoided my gaze but still insisted on saying his piece.

Is he crazy?

Even so, isn’t it common sense to notify the guardian before doing a procedure?

“Jinsoo. I want this.”

“Is this free? We don’t have money. You’re not getting it.”

“Since she’s the boss’s friend’s daughter, I’ll do it for free specially!”

“He says it’s free, Jinsoo!”

“…”

Are these two conspiring to drive me crazy?

I really hope that’s the case.

“No. Absolutely no tattoos.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said no.”

“Don’t you have a tattoo too, Jinsoo? On your waist.”

“That’s…”

That was to cover up the scar from my back surgery.

I absolutely cannot allow it if it’s just for cosmetic purposes or out of curiosity.

Tattoos aren’t good for your body, and getting one in a dirty place like this could cause side effects.

And eventually, people regret them and get removal procedures.

It was too bothersome to explain all these reasons point by point, so I decided to drop it.

“Anyway, no.”

“Whyyy!”

“Why ruin that beautiful skin? No. If you get a tattoo, I’ll sell you to a laboratory. Remember that.”

“Hic…”

Is there any need to persuade with reasons?

I can just shut her up by mentioning her weakness.

“Tsk… If you’re going to be like this, why not just lock her up completely?”

“I’m saying this for your own good. If you just listen to me, good things will happen even in your sleep…”

“I don’t care! I hate Jinsoo!”

“You little…”

She seemed genuinely upset as she turned her back on me.

This fucking alien doesn’t understand my feelings at all.

Why would you want to spray ink on that fair, beautiful skin?

It’s beautiful as it is.

There’s a reason for the old saying that you shouldn’t harm the body your parents gave you.

“You’re still so conservative.”

“What?”

“That’s what I like about you. Old-fashioned guys like you are rare in this neighborhood.”

“…”

What bullshit.

I’m not old-fashioned.

“If I stay here any longer, I’ll start thinking like you guys. Let’s go, Cuss.”

“…Hmph.”

She’s still upset.

Stubborn girl.

But knowing Cuss, she’ll be waving her tentacles happily when it’s time to eat.

No need to worry.

“Here.”

“Oh.”

Soon Bob handed me a shabby bag.

Looking inside, there were stacks of bills and the wallets of those two robbers.

I guess it’s forty thousand dollars.

“If you get robbed on the way home, it’s not my problem. Be careful.”

“That sounds like you’re planning to have your men take it back later.”

“Hey now. Do I look like that kind of thug to you?”

“…”

What else would you be if not a thug?

Still, I believe Bob won’t pull that kind of trick.

Despite appearances, he’s a man who keeps his promises.

In the labor camp, he even offered his ass when he lost a bet involving a virgin with some gay guy, rather than running away.

He’s really something else.

“Let’s go home now.”

“Where’s Bella?”

“Bella? Who’s that?”

“I think she’s talking about my daughter. Bella isn’t here today. She misses you too. Should I call you when Bella comes here next time?”

“Yes.”

Cuss nodded as she looked up at Bob.

So that cyber-slut’s name is Bella.

Now I know.

“No way. Despite how she looks, she’s going to attend an expensive private school. I can’t let her hang out with your daughter.”

“Hey. First no tattoos, and now you’re choosing her friends? That’s beyond conservative—it’s a sickness. As expected from a Korean. Like some Confucian Taliban.”

“Confucian Taliban? What’s that… Sigh.”

I had a lot to say, but all that came out was a sigh.

Fine, whatever. It’s not like she wants to be friends with some homeless person on the street.

Bob’s daughter should be okay…

No, thinking about that girl’s appearance, it’s definitely not okay.

“Are you going to stop me from seeing Bella now?”

“…”

Looking at Cuss’s eyes, my heart softened again.

This damn girl only makes those big puppy eyes at times like this.

At this point, it’s clear she knows she’s cute.

“I’ll let you play with her occasionally. Let’s go for today.”

“Okay. I understand.”

Cuss seemed a bit happier as we left the abandoned factory together.

She was smiling and walking right next to me, but then…

“Ah!”

As if suddenly remembering our fight, she turned her head and distanced herself from me again.

What’s with this selective sulking?

Unbelievable.

“We’re having spaghetti for dinner tonight.”

“Really? Meat! Will there be meat in it?”

“I’m going to add meatballs.”

“Meatballs…!”

Cuss’s eyes lit up as she came back to my side.

And I thought she’d be upset all day.

Pathetic alien girl.

I win.

***

“Fuck.”

As soon as I opened my eyes, I knew.

We’re screwed.

I sometimes get this feeling.

“Hey. Move.”

“Mmm…”

I hurriedly pushed Cuss’s leg away and grabbed my phone.

-8:12 AM

“Hey. Hey!”

“Mmm…”

I wanted to escape reality, but there was no time.

Because today is…

“Wake up! We’re late!”

“Eeek! Don’t grab my cheeks!”

…Cuss’s school entrance ceremony.

“Get washed up in 20 minutes!”

“Ugh… I’m hungry…”

“I’ll toast some bread, so hurry up and wash!”

We can’t be late on the first day.

I heard they give scholarships for good grades.

But why…

“Get up! Now!”

“Uhhh…”

Why do I already want to give up?