Chapter 17: The VIP Party
The Prism's management had pulled some strings to get Ji-Yeong and Ho-Sook invited to one of the most exclusive parties in Seoul. This high-profile event was rumored to attract some of the city's most influential and wealthy individuals, making it the perfect place to gather information on the masked killer.
Ji-Yeong adjusted his tuxedo in the mirror, making sure he looked every bit the part of a high-profile guest. Ho-Sook, dressed in an elegant evening gown, checked her makeup one last time.
"Are you ready for this?" she asked, turning to Ji-Yeong.
He nodded, his expression serious.
"Yeah. We need to find out anything we can about who might be behind the attack on Min. This party is our best shot."
As they entered the grand ballroom of the luxury hotel, the room buzzed with the chatter of Seoul's elite. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the opulent space. Waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, offering trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
Ji-Yeong and Ho-Sook immediately fell into their roles, mingling with the guests and keeping their ears open for any useful information. Ji-Yeong scanned the room, his eyes landing on a group of businessmen deep in conversation.
"Ho-Sook, let's start over there," he suggested, nodding towards the group.
Ho-Sook agreed, and they made their way over. As they approached, Ji-Yeong put on his most charming smile.
"Good evening, gentlemen. Mind if we join you?"
The businessmen looked up, momentarily surprised but quickly welcoming them into their conversation.
"Not at all. Please, join us."
"I'm Ji-Yeong, and this is my associate Ho-Sook," he introduced them smoothly.
"Pleasure to meet you both," one of the businessmen said.
"I'm Mr. Park, and these are my colleagues, Mr. Kim and Mr. Lee."
After a few minutes of polite conversation, Ji-Yeong decided to steer the topic towards more relevant matters.
"So, Mr. Park, I've heard this party is quite the gathering of influential people. I imagine there's a lot of interesting stories to be heard here."
Mr. Park chuckled.
"You could say that. Everyone loves to gossip at these events."
Ji-Yeong leaned in slightly.
"I heard a rumor about some recent... unsettling events involving certain influential figures. Have you heard anything about that?"
Mr. Park's expression grew more serious.
"Ah, you're talking about the recent attack, aren't you? Terrible business, that. Word is, it was a professional hit."
Ho-Sook raised an eyebrow.
"A professional hit? Do you have any idea who might be behind it?"
Mr. Park shook his head.
"Not specifically. But there's been a lot of tension between some of the major players in the entertainment industry lately. Rivalries, power struggles... you know how it is."
Ji-Yeong exchanged a glance with Ho-Sook, his mind racing. This was the kind of information they needed.
"Do you think anyone here tonight might have more details?"
Mr. Park shrugged.
"Possibly. You might want to talk to Mr. Choi over there. He's got his fingers in a lot of pies, so to speak."
Ji-Yeong and Ho-Sook thanked Mr. Park and made their way across the room to find Mr. Choi, a middle-aged man surrounded by a group of admirers. He seemed to be enjoying the attention, holding court like a king.
"Mr. Choi, good evening," Ji-Yeong greeted him warmly.
"Mind if we join you for a moment?"
Mr. Choi looked them over and then smiled. "Of course. Always happy to meet new people."
As they chatted, Ho-Sook expertly guided the conversation towards the topic of the attack.
"We've been hearing some disturbing rumors about recent events in the industry. Any truth to them?"
Mr. Choi's smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly.
"Ah, yes. Unfortunate business, that. I try to stay out of such matters, but it's hard not to hear things."
Ji-Yeong leaned in.
"Anything you can share with us?"
Mr. Choi glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers.
"Well, there are whispers that a certain rival group might be involved. They've been trying to make a name for themselves, and this could be their way of sending a message."
"Which group?" Ho-Sook pressed gently.
Mr. Choi hesitated, then sighed.
"I can't say for certain, but I've heard the name Black Diamond mentioned more than once. They're a smaller outfit, but very ambitious."
Ji-Yeong and Ho-Sook exchanged another look. Black Diamond was a name they had come across before in their investigations. This was a solid lead.
"Thank you, Mr. Choi," Ji-Yeong said sincerely.
"You've been very helpful."
As they moved away, Ji-Yeong felt a surge of determination. They were getting closer to uncovering the truth.
"Let's keep mingling," he suggested to Ho-Sook.
"We need to gather as much information as possible."
They spent the next couple of hours circulating through the party, engaging in conversations and picking up bits and pieces of information. By the time the event began to wind down, they had a clearer picture of the players involved and potential motives.
As they prepared to leave, Ji-Yeong felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see a woman with striking features and an air of confidence.
"Excuse me," she said with a smile. "I couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation earlier. You seem very interested in recent events."
Ji-Yeong studied her carefully. "And you are?"
"Seo-Yeon," she introduced herself. "I work in the industry as well. I might have some information that could be of interest to you."
Ji-Yeong's curiosity was piqued. "Go on."
Seo-Yeon glanced around, then leaned in closer. "I've heard that the masked killer you're looking for has been hiding out in the city, moving between safe houses. There's supposed to be a meeting tonight with some of his associates at a private club downtown."
Ji-Yeong's heart raced. This could be the breakthrough they needed. "Thank you, Seo-Yeon. We appreciate the tip."
She nodded. "Be careful. The people involved are dangerous."
Ji-Yeong and Ho-Sook left the party, their minds buzzing with the new information. As they got into their car, Ji-Yeong turned to Ho-Sook.
"We need to follow up on this lead. If there's a meeting tonight, we can't miss it."
Ho-Sook nodded in agreement. "Let's go."
As they drove through the city, Ji-Yeong couldn't shake the feeling that they were finally on the right track. The masked killer had eluded them for too long, but now they had a real chance to catch him and uncover the truth behind Min's attack.
Arriving at the private club, they parked a safe distance away and observed the entrance. People were coming and going, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
"We need to get inside," Ji-Yeong said. "But we have to be careful. If they recognize us, it could blow everything."
Ho-Sook nodded. "Agreed. Let's go."
They approached the club, blending in with the crowd. Once inside, they scanned the room, looking for any familiar faces or suspicious activity. The atmosphere was tense, with low lighting and soft music creating an air of exclusivity.
Ji-Yeong spotted a group of men in a corner booth, speaking in hushed tones. One of them matched the description of a known associate of the masked killer.
"Over there," he whispered to Ho-Sook. "That might be them."
They moved closer, trying to eavesdrop without drawing attention. The men were discussing something intently, but it was hard to make out their words over the noise of the club.
"We need to get closer," Ji-Yeong said, his eyes locked on the group.
Ho-Sook nodded, and they subtly maneuvered their way to a nearby table. As they listened in, they caught snippets of the conversation, enough to confirm their suspicions.
"They're definitely planning something," Ho-Sook whispered. "But we need more details."
Ji-Yeong's mind raced, trying to come up with a plan. Just then, one of the men glanced their way, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
"We've been spotted," Ji-Yeong muttered. "We need to move."
They quickly and discreetly made their way out of the club, hoping to avoid a confrontation. Once outside, Ji-Yeong breathed a sigh of relief.
"That was close," he said. "But at least we have a lead."
Ho-Sook nodded. "We'll need to report this back to the others. With any luck, we'll be able to stop whatever they're planning."
As they drove back to the Prism's headquarters, Ji-Yeong couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They were getting closer to finding the masked killer and bringing him to justice. It was a dangerous game they were playing, but it was a game they were determined to win.
The stakes were higher than ever, but Ji-Yeong knew they couldn't afford to back down. The safety of their friends and the future of The Prism depended on their success. And with each new piece of information, they were one step closer to achieving their goal.