Chapter 163: Police Station
“Dad?”
Thump, thump—only loud music flowed through the bar’s corridor.
Both Cha Eun-seong and Minsu’s gang stopped their actions and stared at Muyoung.
Under the yellowish light, he tilted his head as if deep in thought about something. And soon, a burst of laughter—pahah.
“Ahaha. So that’s how it was!”
So that’s why the smog disappeared when he was close to Cha Eun-seong. He wasn’t sure if this was a coincidence or fate.
Anyway, the important thing now was that the smog had disappeared. Things might go smoother than expected.
No, they had to go smoothly. The drama’s first broadcast had aired that night, and it would be troublesome if the lead actor caused a scene. There was no turning back now.
“Are you okay, senior?”
“Hmm?”
Muyoung turned to Cha Eun-seong and approached him.
Then, he carefully scrutinized his face from all angles.
“I’m asking if you got hit anywhere.”
Cha Eun-seong merely nodded.
His face darkened even more. It wasn’t a mutual altercation but a one-sided assault. It was undeniably controversial, both legally and socially.
“Then it’s fine.”
“You…”
He almost snapped back, asking what was so carefree about the situation.
But instinctively knowing that Ha Muyoung was his only support in this situation, he could only keep his mouth shut.
“Did you call the police?”
“Huh? Oh. Yes. They’ll be here soon. In about five minutes?”
“Oh, I see.”
In response to Muyoung’s question, the bar staff held up their phones and answered. Being an entertainment district, they were quick to handle such incidents.
A bit disappointing.
It would have been easier to resolve without the police involved.
Minsu only sniffled, holding his nose with the tissue his friends had brought, but said nothing more abusive.
“Still bleeding. This will probably take four weeks to heal.”
One of his friends muttered loudly, as if for Cha Eun-seong’s benefit. They kept taking pictures and also confirmed with the manager if there were any CCTV cameras.
They’re not amateurs at this.
Tsk, tsk. Muyoung clicked his tongue inwardly and spoke to Cha Eun-seong.
“Senior, contact your manager first.”
“Huh? My phone…”
“Here.”
He had meant to say he left it in the room, but Muyoung handed him the phone.
“I brought it out when I got a text after you left.”
Of course, it was a plausible lie.
Cha Eun-seong had told him not to follow, but leaving him alone felt uneasy.
The text arrived just in time.
[Mui.Jamoo. Guaranteed same-day loan up to 3 million! Contact Team Leader Kim Miyoung!]
It was a completely unsolicited ad text, but who cared.
Cha Eun-seong swallowed his almost-escaped laugh and called his manager. Meanwhile, Muyoung returned to the room to explain the situation.
“What? A fight?”
“Yes. The police are coming, and it might get noisier if the teachers get involved, so it’s better if you all stay in the room until it’s over.”
“What about Cha Eun-seong? Is he hurt?”
“No. The senior is fine, but the other guy is a mess.”
“How did this happen…”
He thought it was noisy outside, but it was Cha Eun-seong!?
Director Lim looked worried and stood up, but Muyoung was resolute.
“I can handle this.”
“But Ha Muyoung, you’re an actor too. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. So trust me and follow my lead.”
It would be troublesome if the drunk people got involved, especially since they were a famous director and a production company CEO—the media would love it.
“Don’t worry too much. I’ll tell the senior to contact you in the morning. Don’t come out.”
Thud!
Muyoung, carrying Cha Eun-seong’s belongings, stepped into the corridor.
The situation was still a mess. Fortunately, since it was a room-style bar, there were no other customers around. Muyoung handed him his coat.
“Where’s your manager? Can’t reach him?”
“…Yeah. I told him to sleep since he has an early call tomorrow.”
With his busy schedule, the manager was probably out cold.
He had asked to be picked up after 3 AM…
It was barely past midnight.
“Then let’s move with my brother for now.”
“Police here. You reported this, right?”
“Oh! Yes. Over here.”
Two exhausted-looking officers entered the bar. Seeing the blood on the floor, they clicked their tongues.
“What happened here?”
“We were just standing here, and this guy suddenly attacked my friend. He seems really drunk.”
“Oh dear. Tsk, tsk. Let’s see. He got hit bad.”
“No weapons involved, right?”
“Huh? Wait. Cha Eun-seong and Ha Muyoung?”
The officer briefly examined Minsu’s condition and immediately recognized the two. He looked shocked.
Muyoung politely bowed, and the officer bowed back.
“Hello. You must be tired.”
“Oh, we’re fine. We watch your show all the time. Imagine meeting a star here. So, the perpetrator is… who? Ha Muyoung?”
“It’s that Cha Eun-seong bastard! He thinks he can get away with anything because he’s a celebrity. Throw him in jail already!”
“Oh my. What’s going on here…”
The two officers looked at each other in surprise.
They had worked in Gangnam for years, but this was their first time arresting a celebrity. This was huge!
“So, the assailant is Cha Eun-seong, and Ha Muyoung is…?”
They wanted to know the relationship between them.
Muyoung confidently replied,
“I’m his guardian.”
“…Oh.”
The officer tilted his head, looking puzzled. As far as he knew, Cha Eun-seong was the senior and older. The other officer received a message on his radio, gestured, and said,
“Let’s all go to the police station.”
So this is what it’s like to ride in a police car.
Cha Eun-seong felt like the floor was collapsing beneath him. The police station would surely be swarming with reporters. They would definitely recognize him, and it would be breaking news…
Fuck.
It was over.
If a petition for his removal from Blade’s Path started, he’d have to pay a hefty penalty.
And that wasn’t all. He had five ongoing endorsements and upcoming projects lined up.
“Wow, a police car.”
“Ha Muyoung.”
Cha Eun-seong grabbed Muyoung’s collar and whispered,
“Don’t follow me. Stay out of this.”
He didn’t want to drag Ha Muyoung into this mess.
He was grateful for the help, but that was enough. Cha Eun-seong had no intention of involving him further.
“I don’t want to.”
“What?”
“What can you do alone, senior?”
It was a bold question, and he had no answer.
With the manager unreachable, he’d have to call the company director or even the CEO. Muyoung smiled, brushing off Cha Eun-seong’s hand.
“And Blade’s Path isn’t just your project. I’m the lead too. If it’s affected, I’ll be in trouble too.”
“So—”
“So stay quiet and let me handle this.”
With such confidence, Cha Eun-seong was speechless.
Thump, thump!
“Aren’t you getting in?”
The officer knocked on the car, urging them.
“Yes! Coming!”
Muyoung raised his hand and slid into the backseat before Cha Eun-seong.
Whatever happens, happens…
He had tried to stop him.
Cha Eun-seong sighed and sat beside Muyoung.
At the nearby Gangnam Police Station.
It was already crowded with drunkards and hotheads who had thrown punches. Among them were Cha Eun-seong, Muyoung, and Minsu’s gang.
“Sigh…”
Cha Eun-seong managed to cover his face with a mask, hat, and glasses. Muyoung did the same. All items were provided by Ko Gyeongmin.
“Is the manager still asleep?”
“I called the company directly. They said he’s on his way.”
Cha Eun-seong ended up calling the director.
His groggy voice turned shrill, as if doused with cold water.
-What?! Are you crazy?! You idiot!
Yeah, he was an idiot.
As the alcohol wore off, regret flooded in.
He should have endured it, ignored it…
Seeing Minsu’s gang across the room reignited his anger.
Slam!
“Is this about the fight at Sinabro…?”
“Here, brother.”
Then, Cha Eun-seong’s company director appeared.
Judging by his sweatpants and slippers, he must have rushed over. Seeing Cha Eun-seong, his mouth hung open in shock.
“You… idiot…”
“Sorry. No excuses.”
“You bastard. Why?!”
“Sorry.”
The director grabbed Cha Eun-seong’s shoulder, trembling as if about to collapse. In his mind, he saw the billions in penalties flashing by.
“Are you Cha Eun-seong’s guardian?”
The officer approached them and asked.
“Please fill out these forms.”
“What about the victims?”
“Over there. We suggested a settlement since the perpetrator is a minor, but I’m not sure. Fill this out first.”
The director took the forms with trembling hands.
Minsu’s face was covered with a towel, but his friends glared openly.
“Who’s the victim?”
“My friend. He’s too hurt to speak right now.”
“I see. I’m so sorry. About the hospital…?”
“We’ll go after this is over.”
“What about a settlement…?”
“After hurting someone like this, a settlement? You think money can fix everything? Huh?”
The man shouted arrogantly. Minsu peeked out from the towel and locked eyes with Muyoung.
“If you’re so rich, the settlement should be huge. How about 10 billion?”
“10 billion—”
“Or not. I’ll call the reporters right away. Cha Eun-seong got drunk, beat someone up, and tried to pay them off.”
It was completely unreasonable. The director fidgeted, checking his watch. He wondered why the lawyer he called was taking so long. Then, the door opened again, and a familiar man entered.
“Is this about Minsu—”
“Uncle!”
It was Jeong-gil. He was also in pajamas and slippers, clearly rushed. Muyoung pulled down his mask and called out to him.
“What is Ha Muyoung doing here…?”
“Oh, Dad.”
And soon, his son’s voice called out to him. Jeong-gil seemed confused, alternating his gaze between Muyoung and his son.
“What’s going on here…?”
“We were drinking with Cha Eun-seong, and then a fight broke out.”
Understanding his confusion, Muyoung explained, holding Jeong-gil’s hand.
“Cha Eun-seong beat up your son. Especially his nose—it’s a mess.”
“What?! A mess? How? Why?”
“Your son burst into Cha Eun-seong’s room, causing trouble, grabbing his shoulder, and demanding a photo.”
Muyoung gently patted Jeong-gil’s hand, recounting the events. The man’s face turned pale in shock. But the climax was yet to come.
“He called him a male prostitute, said he sold his body for a living—”
“Fuck, I didn’t say male prostitute! I just said he sold himself!”
“And he called you a bastard orphan with no parents, so reckless—”
As Minsu jumped up to argue, Muyoung casually ignored him and continued.
At that moment, Minsu approached Muyoung to argue.
Smack! Smack!
Jeong-gil’s thick hand repeatedly slapped his son’s face.
“Aaaah!”
“You little bastard!”
His friends tried to stop Jeong-gil, but it was no use.
“Stop him…”
“Let go! If you don’t, I’ll tell your parents about the accident you caused with my car. And you! I specifically asked you to keep Minsu out of trouble, and I even lent you money!”
“Sir, let’s hear our side—”
“Let go! Are you letting go?”
Completely enraged, his face turned bright red.
Cha Eun-seong watched the scene in disbelief. Only Muyoung remained calm, as if he expected this.
“Minsu, come here.”
“Dad, I—”
Rolling up his sleeves, Jeong-gil called his son over.
“How did I raise you? You know what I do, yet you say that to an actor? Selling his body? Then what about me? Did I sell my body to raise you?”
“…Dad, I’m sorry. I was wrong.”
“Come here. I’ll teach you a lesson.”
The usually cheerful uncle was gone.
He was ready to beat some sense into his son. Muyoung turned to Cha Eun-seong and gestured outside.
“Should we stop him?”
“Huh?”
“Should we stop him or not? If not, I’ll go outside.”