Chapter 425: Punishment (5)

Kang Jin-Ho reached down and grabbed the giant's collars. He pulled the bigger man closer, then smirked odiously. “It's going to be fun. A lot of fun for us.”

However, just as he got ready to unleash a world of pain, a quiet little voice suddenly came to Kang Jin-Ho from behind. “It doesn't look all that fun to me, though?”

Kang Jin-Ho slowly turned his head and found Jo Gyu-Min standing there.

“...!”

Jo Gyu-Min flinched a little after staring into Kang Jin-Ho's burning glare. He had never been directly exposed to Kang Jin-Ho's killing intent before. n(0)vel(b)(j)(n)was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.

Whenever Kang Jin-Ho did his thing, Jo Gyu-Min was either not present or watching from a suitable distance away... That was until today.

'Ah, so this is what it feels like.'

Jo Gyu-Min used to 'feel' this sometimes. And that would be... The way he looked at Kang Jin-Ho was markedly different from how everyone else looked at him. This was especially true for the people from the hidden side of the world, the one occupied by Bang Jin-Hun and his ilk. They all seemed to view Kang Jin-Ho in a completely different light.

Even though the emotions Jo Gyu-Min felt while thinking of Kang Jin-Ho were 'camaraderie' and 'trust', 'fear' would be the overriding emotion Bang Jin-Hun and Co. would feel.

Jo Gyu-Min couldn't really understand why they were like that. However, looking into Kang Jin-Ho's eyes today helped him remember something from his own past.

'Right, I... I used to be like that, too.'

There was a time when Jo Gyu-Min used to shudder in dread from simply thinking about Kang Jin-Ho. Today helped him recall and 'revel' in that feeling of the past once more.

Kang Jin-Ho quietly scanned Jo Gyu-Min from top to bottom before tilting his head. “Did you go through a war zone, Chief Jo?”

Jo Gyu-Min sighed in relief. Even though Kang Jin-Ho was in a state of agitation caused by extremely-heightened emotions, he still didn't direct any hostility toward Jo Gyu-Min. In fact, he had rapidly regained his usual demeanor after realizing Jo Gyu-Min was approaching him.

'Although, it's hard to say if this is Mister Jin-Ho's true self...'

Considering the meaning of the term 'true self', maybe Kang Jin-Ho's hatred-filled eyes while briefly staring at Jo Gyu-Min suited that term better.

“...It was worse than a war zone, Mister Jin-Ho,” said Jo Gyu-Min with a loud groan. His hair was messed up, and his clothes were ripped in various places.

Trying to break through an ocean of agitated, frightened mob fighting to get out of the amusement park as quickly as possible was as terrible as it sounded. Thankfully, though, Jo Gyu-Min didn't need long to locate the orphanage kids despite the chaos all around them. After helping them escape the park, Jo Gyu-Min forced his way back inside to find Kang Jin-Ho and Choi Yeon-Ha. The reward for that was... Well, Jo Gyu-Min's current appearance was all the proof one needed.

“Someone was worried about you and went through Hell to find you, yet here you are, talking about having fun and stuff,” Jo Gyu-Min sourly tutted.

“I need to punish this bastard, you see.”

Jo Gyu-Min wordlessly nodded. Rather obviously, he didn't want to interfere with Kang Jin-Ho's 'fun' time. However, it was still his job to point out the more practical problems facing them first. “Mister Jin-Ho, rescue personnel and cops are rushing inside as we speak. Having fun is all good and well, but punishing that bastard now might not be the best idea.”

“It won't take long.”

“Dealing with the aftermath also takes time.”

“That won't be difficult, either.” Kang Jin-Ho tutted, evidently not thinking of backing down.

Jo Gyu-Min sighed softly. “In that case, let me say one more thing. If you still can't wait to punish that bastard even after hearing what I have to say, then I'll let you do whatever you want, Mister Jin-Ho.”

Kang Jin-Ho seemed a little annoyed as he stared back at Jo Gyu-Min. This might be the first time he looked at the Chief Secretary of the Jaegyeong Corporation this way. However, Kang Jin-Ho knew Jo Gyu-Min was a smart and capable man. There must be a good reason why he wanted to stop Kang Jin-Ho. A reason that made practical sense. Even so...

That didn't mean Kang Jin-Ho must follow every recommendation Jo Gyu-Min made.

Anyone daring to attack him must be punished. They would never be forgiven or let go! That was Kang Jin-Ho's number one rule. However, Jo Gyu-Min was now getting in the way of that unwavering rule.

Kang Jin-Ho of Zhongyuan would've immediately punished Jo Gyu-Min for this 'transgression'. He had severely punished Azure Demon, who prioritized logic and planning, many times in the past for trying to stop him, after all!

Kang Jin-Ho frowned a little but waited to hear what Jo Gyu-Min wanted to say. Listening to Jo Gyu-Min was the last bit of consideration Kang Jin-Ho had for him.

“The orphanage children are confused and scared after experiencing such a major incident, Mister Jin-Ho. Especially the little Min-Ji and Miss Yeon-Ha, who almost suffered a grave fate at the hands of that bastard. They don't look good at all.”

“...”

“And the children are worried about why you still haven't left the park yet. If you believe taking out the trash takes priority over comforting them, please go ahead and do so. I'll be right outside.”

Even though he said he'd be leaving, Jo Gyu-Min didn't move an inch from the spot and stared at Kang Jin-Ho as if he wanted to hear the answer first.

Kang Jin-Ho stared back at Jo Gyu-Min before yanking the giant closer with the latter's collar. His burning glare stabbed deep into the giant's face, then a deep smirk floated up on Kang Jin-Ho's lips. “I don't need to worry too deeply about this problem, now do I?”

“...?” Jo Gyu-Min tilted his head.

Kang Jin-Ho suddenly punched the giant twice, then threw him toward a far wall.

BAAAAANG!

The whole building rocked precariously. Meanwhile, the giant went limp inside the crater before slowly sliding to the floor.

Kang Jin-Ho briefly dusted his hands. “Okay. Shall we go outside?”

Jo Gyu-Min smiled brightly at that. Kang Jin-Ho was still Kang Jin-Ho. Even if rage was bubbling like magma inside him, Kang Jin-Ho could only be Kang Jin-Ho and no one else.

Jo Gyu-Min pointed at the limp giant. “What will you do about him?”

Kang Jin-Ho glanced at the demonic cultivator. “He won't wake up for a while. Let's contact Mister Bang and have him take custody of that bastard from the police later on.”

“You made the right call,” Jo Gyu-Min smiled brightly.

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow and stared weirdly at Jo Gyu-Min. “You know, I'm a bit unsure about this. It's like I'm mindlessly following your carefully-laid plans..”

“Mm? I don't think that's a bad thing, though? Especially when that plan was founded upon trust and faith in each other.”

“Hmm...” Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded, his brow still cocked.

“In any case... It's this way.” Jo Gyu-Min took the lead and started walking away.

Kang Jin-Ho glanced at the unconscious demonic cultivator to offer a temporary goodbye, then followed after Jo Gyu-Min. If this was in Zhongyuan, Kang Jin-Ho would've never turned his back like this without finishing meting out the punishment first. Showing what the inside of Hell looked like to those daring to attack him would've always taken priority. However, Kang Jin-Ho of now was not Heavenly Crimson Demon Emperor.

Although his head wasn't sure about this turn of events, his heart told him otherwise. Without a shred of uncertainty, his heart told Kang Jin-Ho to go outside. To go and put the waiting children's worries to rest first.

'Does that mean I've changed?'

Kang Jin-Ho did notice here and there that he was changing bit by bit, but today was the first time he got such clear, unequivocal confirmation.

'And it feels pretty good.'

Kang Jin-Ho faintly grinned.

When he looked back to his past self during the Zhongyuan days, all he did was destroy and kill. Erasing and eliminating things out of existence. Doing so helped him reach the apex of that era, but he never got to embrace something or someone.

Even if he somehow failed to live a good life this time, things might not be as lonely and bleak as back then. And that thought made him feel...

“Mister Jin-Ho. It looks like almost everyone has evacuated safely.”

“Mm...” Kang Jin-Ho nodded before stepping outside the amusement park's main building.

***

Choi Yeon-Ha cried out in irritation. “Why hasn't he come out yet!”

Han Jin-Seong's smile was cramped. “...Please calm down, noona.”

“He's been in there for too long, you know!”

“You said the same thing five minutes ago, though...” Han Jin-Seong groaned under his breath at the sight of Choi Yeon-Ha nervously fidgeting around.

'Please, please try to behave with some dignity! You... you mega movie star in the universe!'

Han Jin-Seong was relieved that he didn't have much interest in the world of celebrities. If he had been a diehard follower of the entertainment industry who knew Choi Yeon-Ha... Or, if he happened to be her fan, this sight would've been a massive shock to his system.

'Well, it's a good thing that I'm not, I guess?'

Since he wasn't Choi Yeon-Ha's fan, Han Jin-Seong could view Choi Yeon-Ha's behavior without preconceived notions. And that also helped him grow fond of Choi Yeon-Ha as a fellow human being and not as some famous celebrity.

However... How should Han Jin-Seong describe this feeling?

Choi Yeon-Ha was well-known among the fans as a consummate professional with a whistle-clean private life. And she was rumored to be exceedingly kind, too.

Of course, plenty of online forums spread baseless rumors of... Actually, scratch that, the truth about Choi Yeon-Ha's dogsh*t personality over the years. However, such bad-mouthing was easy-enough to overlook since any well-known celebs would've had their fair share of anti-fans anyway.

The overall impression Han Jin-Seong got while observing Choi Yeon-Ha was... Well, she was like a coin with two faces. At times, Han Jin-Seong wondered how someone as naive as her could become a top actress in the country. At some other times, though, he had to seriously wonder how a woman with such a dogsh*t personality managed to hide her true self and maintain the facade for so long!

“Mister Jin-Ho is still not out yet?!” Choi Yeon-Ha yelled again.

“Argh! Noona, just be more patient, will you! Jin-Ho hyung won't die even if that whole building suddenly collapses, you know!”

“Hah?! Where's your humanity, Jin-Seong! Your big bro is inside, yet you can spout such nonsense without a care in the world? You cold-hearted brat!”

“W-what? Hang on a minute! You know that's not what I meant!” Han Jin-Seong hurriedly tried to defend himself, but it was already too late by then. Other orphanage kids mercilessly pounced on him.

“You ungrateful punk!”

“How can a man say such thoughtless things!”

“And they say raising children can be such a thankless job, too!”

Huh? I don't think anyone here is qualified to say that last thing, though?

Even though he felt so, so wronged by this treatment, Han Jin-Seong knew that carelessly running his mouth now would only lead to digging his own grave. So, all he could do was keep his mouth shut. Besides, being all logical in front of a group of emotional kids would only earn him the label of Mister Boring Logic, anyway!

'And why are you worried about him dying, anyway?'

Whether it was the heavens falling, the ground caving in, or tsunami waves rolling in... Han Jin-Seong just couldn't picture Kang Jin-Ho kicking the bucket.

“I think he's coming out of the building!”

“Mm?” Han Jin-Seong turned his head when one of the kids cried out. He could see two men walking past the yellow police tapes restricting entrance. One was Jo Gyu-Min, and the other was Kang Jin-Ho. “You see? I told you nothing would happen to..”

Even before Han Jin-Seong could finish his sentence, Choi Yeon-Ha broke into a full-on sprint toward Kang Jin-Ho.

Han Jin-Seong's eyes opened wide.

'What's gotten into that noona? Is she crazy?'

There were so many potential eyewitnesses in this place, after all! Despite knowing that, Choi Yeon-Ha still chose to attract even more attention? Even if she wore a large hat and a pair of sunglasses, more than a few people seemed to know she was here, so this could be a huge mistake...!

It seemed Choi Yeon-Ha either didn't know or care what was in Han Jin-Seong's mind. Even as the police officers said it was dangerous and tried to hold her back, Choi Yeon-Ha shoved them aside and continued to run toward Kang Jin-Ho as he left the building.

“Heoool?”

And then... She jumped into Kang Jin-Ho's chest and wrapped her arms around him.

“Kkywaaahk?”

“Oh, my gosh! Oh my goooosh!”

The girls watching the scene began writhing and twisting around in a mixture of happiness and embarrassment.

'What the heck? You lot almost died not too long ago, dammit!'

Han Jin-Seong groaned loudly again, then turned his attention back to Choi Yeon-Ha, currently held in Kang Jin-Ho's arms. What should he say about this situation? Well, it was kind of...

“...Well, at least they look pretty good together,” Han Jin-Seong smirked while watching Kang Jin-Ho gently pat Choi Yeon-Ha on the back.

The orphanage kids began complaining in unison.

“I will never come back here ever again!”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Yup, definitely never!”

“Who suggested we should come to an amusement park first?”

Suddenly, everyone's glare landed on Han Jin-Seong. While receiving their murderous glares, all Han Jin-Seong could do was chuckle affably.

“Yeah, yeah. I'm the guilty one. Yes, it's allll my fault. Sure. Why don't you just kill me already..”

After gifting these kids with some unforgettable memories, the curtains on the Seongsim Orphanage's day out at an amusement park eventually drew to a close.