SW | Chapter 3

“No, it’s not like I was…”

Baek Haegyeon, who had been studying Yoon Sungsik’s face, spoke again. He still wore a faint, ambiguous smile.

“It seems you were very curious about my estranged family. But you’ve been a bit too noisy about it.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The mix of formal and informal speech felt undeniably hostile. Considering the rank difference, it wasn’t unusual for him to speak informally, but the way he openly stared made his aggression unmistakable.

Yoon Sungsik stared blankly at Baek Haegyeon’s lips, which occasionally twitched, and replied in a daze.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I’m sorry. It wasn’t an investigation or anything, I just heard you passed the bar exam and your background is unique, so I was a bit curious…”

His head tilted slightly as he nodded reflexively. He was fully aware of how pathetic he must look, bowing like this.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s fine. It’s always been like this wherever I’m assigned. I just wanted to let you know not to worry about me. Even though I grew up in that kind of family, I’ve always wanted to be a righteous police officer.”

He said something completely unfunny with a faint smile lingering on his face.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

There was a strange sense of dissonance. Why? It’s common for young police officers in their twenties to talk about being “righteous police officers.” Yoon Sungsik himself had been influenced by the teachings of the Central Police Academy. Baek Haegyeon was also in his twenties.

But still… Baek Haegyeon wasn’t an ordinary person, nor an ordinary police officer.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Uh… I wouldn’t dare to worry about you.”

Yoon Sungsik hurriedly replied.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Ding. The ding of the elevator was a welcome sound. Both men, as if they had just shared a secret, turned to look at the elevator door at the same time. Baek Haegyeon gave a slight nod and walked away, his broad back disappearing down the hall. Watching his broad back, Yoon Seongsik walked stiffly, his face burning red.

There’s something… strange about him. It’s hard to put into words.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Is he pure? Or not? Is he intimidating… or not? Is he rude? Or is this kind of reaction just natural…?

Like a pendulum, his thoughts swung from one extreme to the other.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

The entire Narcotics and Organized Crime Division’s dinner gathering was scheduled around the time signs of internal division began to appear. The newly appointed team leader, Shin Myungseok, was a commander who spoke very little.

***

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

A commander with a clear style makes it easier for subordinates to follow their lead, but a commander who never reveals their intentions leaves their subordinates unsure of where to direct their loyalty.

Even during joint meetings between the Narcotics and Organized Crime Divisions, this was evident. Despite it being a joint meeting, Shin Myungseok would often hold additional meetings with just the Organized Crime Division. leaving the Narcotics Division couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being pushed aside.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Moreover, there was an incident that pushed Deputy Chief Han Jongmoo over the edge. It started when Baek Haegyeon sent a message via Pol Messenger to one of the team leaders with the following request:

Baek Haegyeon ([email protected]):

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[Request for Investigation Information]

Hello? This is Deputy Chief Baek Haegyeon from the Organized Crime Division.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Please provide the investigation status (list of seized items) and personnel information from the narcotics teams of each local police agency nationwide.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

The Narcotics Division section chiefs were furious. Who did he think he was, asking for information without any explanation? He could’ve gone through the chief, but sending a direct request like this was just plain infuriating. The section chiefs erupted in fury.

Deputy Chief Han Jongmoo, in particular, declared that he wouldn’t hand over any documents until Baek Haegyeon came and explained himself. That resolve lasted until Commander Shin Myungseok personally came to the Narcotics Division and scolded them. No one knew how Baek Haegyeon had managed to win over the usually silent Shin.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

After that incident, the Narcotics Division banded together and chewed out Baek Haegyeon, the Organized Crime Division, and Commander Shin. It was unheard of for the commander to favor one division over another without considering harmony between the teams.

Ever since the drug distribution problem in South Korea became severe, the Narcotics Division had been held in higher regard than the Organized Crime Division, which dealt with gangsters. Of course, no one would say that out loud, but the deep-rooted hierarchy was evident in their petty grievances.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

There were even complaints that Commander Shin, who had neither attended the police academy nor had strong regional connections, was deliberately trying to humble the Narcotics Division, which was filled with Police Academy graduates.

“Hey, if they want to compete on performance, fine. We know we’ll win, but let’s make it fair.”

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Amid the team leaders’ uproar, Yoon Sungsik, known as the information hub, was also called in several times and grilled about what he knew.

After running into Baek Haegyeon in the elevator, Yoon Sungsik had given up on trying to learn more about him, so he had little to offer.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

Even when asked, “Your colleague works under Baek Haegyeon, right?” he had nothing to say. He only exchanged occasional messages with his colleague.

“Our team leader? Why do you keep asking? He’s definitely a psychopath for how much work he piles on. He’s got insane stamina. Someone just threw up from exhaustion. He’s making everyone review REITs right now… I’m about to throw up too. You’re really living the easy life as a cop.”

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Of course, there was no meaningful information in that.

One of the reasons they were so worked up was that Baek Haegyeon was rarely seen. No one knew when he came to work or left. He was always holed up in his office, working as if he were above the gossip.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Normally, when someone new joins, they’re expected to mingle with colleagues of all ranks, making a good impression to make their life easier.

In this situation, with the entire Narcotics and Organized Crime Division gathering for dinner, the tense atmosphere was inevitable.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

A damp spring rain fell all day, making everyone’s mood worse. Perhaps there were no more fools who would choose sashimi for a gathering on a rainy day. The sushi restaurant was empty except for the police officers.

“Who eats sushi on a rainy day? We should’ve gone for hot soup.”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The officers sitting in the private room of the high-end sushi restaurant all looked miserable. To be precise, the Narcotics Division looked sour, while the Organized Crime Division looked haggard from prolonged overtime.

Had this been a rowdy gathering, the excitement might have carried them through, but here, the awkwardness was palpable.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

At least the menu was an expensive course, so the spread was impressive. Pre-set plates of red slices of fresh fish were arranged like flower petals, and there were countless side dishes.

On the other side, a severed fish head lay on a plate. As if to emphasize the freshness of the fish on a rainy day, the gills of the dead fish opened and closed, its mouth gasping. The bamboo leaf supporting the large fish head glistened with moisture.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Soaked to the bone by the rain and wind that cut through even umbrellas, no one had the energy to be uplifted by the sight of a damp, still-moving fish mouth.

The faint fishy smell in the air made some people’s stomachs churn, and they hunched their shoulders.

Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text

Like a military roll call, over 30 police officers sat in two rows with Commander Shin in the center, their fists neatly placed on their knees.

They were trying to mask their dissatisfaction with solemnity.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Among the chessboard-like arrangement of people, a suddenly moving hand caught everyone’s attention.

A hand holding a chopstick like a tool stabbed across the table. The sudden action was enough to shatter the tense atmosphere.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Thud!

The chopstick pierced the fish head in an instant. The fish head twitched, and clear bubbles oozed from the mouth of the already dead fish.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The fish no longer gasped or moved its gills. The stunned officers could only gasp like fish.

“A-Ah….”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

“What is Chief Baek doing…?”

Ignoring the shocked reactions around him, Baek Haegyeon calmly wiped his hands with a wet wipe. The chopstick he had used as a tool was placed neatly in front of him.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Fish can still feel pain after death because their nerves remain active. I just blocked the nerves.”

“Ahem…”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

While the explanation justified the cruelty of the act, the sound of the chopstick piercing the flesh and the movement of the tense hand lingered in everyone’s minds. Before the uncomfortable atmosphere could fully settle, Commander Shin spoke.

“Alright, alright. Today we’ve gathered the entire Narcotics and Organized Crime Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. We should’ve had a meal together sooner, but… we’ve all been so busy. Finally, we have the chance now. Let’s raise our glasses first.”

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

At the commander’s order, the designated drink mixers from each division skillfully prepared the drinks with a 2:1 ratio of beer to soju. Even though the sushi was expensive, cheap alcohol tasted better, and the 2:1 ratio was the officially recognized mixing method for police officers stationed in Seodaemun.

“Although it’s late, let’s raise our glasses together and reaffirm our commitment to contributing to the safety and security of the people of South Korea. Let this also be an opportunity for us to come together. Cheers!”

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

-Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep…

Strangely, as soon as Commander Shin finished his toast, the officers’ Pol Messenger notifications went off simultaneously.

Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com

“Did something happen?”

Putting down their glasses, a few officers checked their Pol Messenger first, and their eyes turned toward one person.

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

[All] Criminal Investigation Bureau Notice

Baek Dowon, the chief executive of the Hwando crime syndicate, has suddenly passed away.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish

Be on alert for possible backlash from key Baek Dowon-affiliated factions.

A rare smile spread across Baek Haegyeon’s face. The fatigue from sleepless nights softened as a trace of moisture flickered in his eyes. A person who had stayed up countless nights, exhausted, now wiped the corner of his eye, as if laughing too hard at the news of his father’s death had brought him to tears.

For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“He was gone in a hurry. What, was he…pickled¹?”

His soft murmur couldn’t hide his joy. He hadn’t even taken a sip of alcohol, but he already seemed a little drunk.

Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish