Chapter 92: < Protect – Episode 91 – FIFA [1] >

While Ahn Soo Ho got on the plane headed to Monaco, Korean social media outlets went crazy because of him. Many Koreans were interested in the Milano collection, to begin with, and many fashion reporters even went there themselves to cover the topic. Milan was a place that most Koreans loved.

To be honest, Ahn Soo Ho had a common face that was easy to pass by. However, since there weren’t many Koreans here, it was easier to be noticed. But only Koreans knew who he was.

• Ahn Soo Ho and Lila Mile? Isn’t this adultery? #milanfashionweek #versace #bombterror
  • He’s not even married yet.
  • I don’t know if it’s the camera angle, but they do look too close! Poor Seol Hyun!
  • I knew it ever since Lila had a concert in Korea! She wasn’t just here for the money!
  • What are you saying? Then are you suggesting that she has something on CEO Ahn?
  • Maybe there’s an Ahn Soo Ho list!
  • A prince on a white horse!
  • ???
  • Stop it with the lame jokes!
• 19 people dead and 121 injured due to the terrorist attack in Rome! #travelalert #koreanembassyinrome
  • Europe is in chaos! It’s crazy everywhere!
  • I was thinking of going to Greece and Turkey in two months. Should I cancel?
  • Greece is crazy, but Turkey is even crazier these days!
  • Who was it again? That crazy wench who went hitchhiking and then went missing.
• A lot of people dream of going to Europe. But once you get out of the tourist destinations, it’s madness! So much for developed countries!
  • You should all just go to Phuket where it’s cheaper and more beautiful!
  • I don’t like it there because there are too many Chinese and Japanese people there!
  • There are lots of Koreans there, too.
• If Mr. Ahn gets a social media account, he would have so many followers. Why doesn’t he get one?
  • His wife will probably make one soon!
  • He’s not married to Seol Hyun yet.
  • They already announced it, so it’s game over!
  • You obscene sons of bitches! What’s so weird about lovers having sex?
  • It’s still hard to accept in the Korean entertainment industry.
• That’s why our country can’t be a developed country! Worrying about celebrities is the biggest waste of time!
  • Mr. Ahn isn’t a celebrity.
  • If the entire country knows who he is, that makes him a celebrity.

The terrorist attack in Rome became known all over Asia, and Han Kyung Il became famous. The parents of the 3 other girls besides Yoon Eun Ji who went to Italy contacted him through the Korean and Japanese embassies in Rome. After trying to explain the situation in a favorable way, Han Kyung Il ended up becoming known as a hero.

“The symbol of diplomats of this generation?”

“Don’t laugh at me.”

“This is a good thing.”

After arriving in Nice via plane and then in Monaco via helicopter, he unpacked his bags at the hotel. Han Kyung Il had a tiring time dealing with the phone’s ringing all this time. The 3 other girls besides Yoon Eun Ji probably think he helped them, but that wasn’t true. Phone calls asking him why he was acting gloating and why he didn’t consult his superiors beforehand were fine, but those complimenting him and worrying for him made him feel burdened.

“What about the reporters?”

“The embassy is going to conduct the interview themselves.”

“Not through a spokesperson?”

“They want to get in on it, too. I don’t want any more of the attention either.”

The Korean embassy in Italy was being active while the Koreans were focused on the terrorist attack in Rome. They were probably dreaming of entering the political field after retirement.

“Shouldn’t I go back to Rome?”

“Since the president’s orders are superior to the minister or embassy, you’re fine.”

“I guess if I went back now, I’d die of work overload.”

“Haha. That too.”

The aftereffect of the terrorist attack in Rome was sweeping Italy. Since it happened near the Vatican, the Catholic church was probably raging as well. This was similar to the Mecca of Islams getting attacked.

The Italian government stressed their incompetence while the people demanded they find out who the terrorist was. The terrorist organizations were actually quiet. It was expected that they would brag that they did it, but they were actually trying to stay out of it.

“But why did you come to Monaco?”

“To hang out.”

After giving him a joking answer, Ahn Soo Ho noticed Han Kyung Il’s gaze and raised both his hands.

“There’s a reason why Han Chae Kyung’s case got resolved.”

“Did that Eric Rupi from the evening party helped out?”

“Do you know him?”

“I have ears, too, Soo Ho. I’ve heard that there are bad rumors around him.”

“If a French person is coming and going from Italy to conduct big business, there’s no doubt that the mafia is involved.”

There was no reason to tell him that his main business was the mafia.

“Did you come to Monaco because of the mafia?”

“No. Let’s just say the Italian government made an unofficial request.”

“The Italian government? The intelligence agency?”

“Yeah. They want to know more about what might happen in the future regarding these terrorist attacks.”

“Do you have that information?”

“Not yet. But I have a way of finding out.”

Just as before, he had no interest in cleaning up after other people’s messes. But in order to completely wrap up Han Chae Kyung’s case, he needed help from those in power. Since things could get messy if the politicians got involved, it was better to get the help of the Italian security bureau.

‘What’s important is that they made the proposal first.’

In the information world, the ones who showed their cards first was the most important.

“Soo Ho! Let’s go!”

Lila returned dressed in her swimsuit and beachwear on top. When she arrived at the airport in Nice, the airport went into chaos. She followed Ahn Soo Ho to escape, and employees of Holly Corporation trekked through Milan looking for her. So they were taken aback when she arrived at the airport in Nice.

She was an absolute troublemaker.

Her manic-depressive tendencies and only drinking Evian water was not a big deal compared to other top stars. Some singers even transported their own mattress on tour. There were also those who had to party on the night before a concert and demanded cocaine.

If she wasn’t a top star, she would have just been a crazy wench.

The luxury suite with an outdoor pool attached was probably an act of kindness. Han Kyung Il was awkward with Lila at first, but after getting adjusted, they had some good conversation. Was it possible to be friends with someone over a decade younger than one’s self? Even for Han Kyung Il who spent a great deal of time abroad, it was a fascinating experience.

Lila soon got bored and whined to Ahn Soo Ho for some new entertainment.

Grand Casino.

It wasn’t Monaco without this place.

The oldest part of the Grand Casino was designed by Garni, who was a famous designer of Paris’ opera house. The hall was splendid and the floor, walls, and chandelier created such a harmony that made the place look brilliant.

The Grand Casino wasn’t a place that was just for games. All famous people visited this place at least once a year. Even during the madness caused by terrorist attacks, Monaco was booming with tourists.

Lila, who got tired of the wall Ahn Soo Ho put up, felt more comfortable, but she still dragged Han Kyung Il along to strut the casino. Ahn Soo Ho headed toward the security area of the casino. Normal visitors didn’t know this, but there were many disguised guards near the path connecting to the restaurants.

As soon as Ahn Soo Ho stood in front of a disguised guard, he got out of his way. He didn’t know his name, but he knew his name. As soon as he entered the halls, he was greeted by a cleanly-dressed man.

“Louis?”

“You recognize me. Long time no see.”

They took the lift down to the 5th underground floor. Ahn Soo Ho accepted a rabbit mask from Louis and laughed bitterly. Whoever the idea came from, it was very satirical. Despite the terrorist attack in Rome covering it up, the rumors about a rabbit mask were being spread.

He put on the rabbit mask.

The 5th basement floor didn’t feel stuffy. The high ceilings and the shared space of multiple floors proved its scale. Ahn Soo Ho received a glass of alcohol offered by a server and leaned on the banister. An auction was taking place on a stage decorated like an opera. All the customers aside from the employees were wearing a mask.

“700,000! 700,000! Going once, going twice, sold for 700,000 won!”

A small vase got sold for 700,000 euros.

‘They’re just flaunting their money.’

What would they do with a vase that costs 700,000 won? It was common for items of the black market to not be available in a normal auction. The next item was an ancient body suit. Even though they were all wearing masks, they still probably had an idea of who everyone was.

The battle-like vibe only heated up further, and the only ones smiling were the hosts since the fees kept going up. But that didn’t mean they could just leave it alone. The host of the black market started an event and calmed down the vibe.

“Here are the results of the assassination betting results you’ve all been waiting for!”

The war between J-Law and Issac was a tragedy for some but a source of entertainment for others. Ahn Soo Ho bet 10 million US dollars on the results of the war. What decided the results of such a war was death for a specific objective or a sum of the harm done both sides in a set period of time.

The final objective was for either J-law or Issac to die, but if this dragged on, the betting duration would extend as well, a time limit was bet on as well. Since J-law and Issac were both alive, the final result didn’t take place, but since there was a time limit the winner could still be decided.

“The winner…”

The standards of the bets and countless charts went up on the screen.

“J-law!”

There wasn’t any cheering in response to the announcement that sounded like that of a pro-wrestling match. But clapping filled the room. Most expected Issac to win, which meant the money would be allocated between many people.

Ahn Soo Ho went to a nearby booth.

A female employee smiled. He passed her a q-card from his jacket. After inputting the numbers into the reader, she was absolutely startled. The reason why she was surprised despite her training not to do so was the sum that came up on the screen.

$2,828,592, 463

It was nearly 2.8 billion US dollars.

There was no personal information on the q-card. According to the information, he bet 10 million dollars, which meant he earned 2.8 billion dollars. No matter how well she was trained, she couldn’t hide her surprise.

“I apologize.”

“Exchange it to Euros.”

“One moment, please. I need to check something first.”

Before she could finish, the screen in front of Ahn Soo Ho showed 3,015,813,851 euros. The value of euros went down quite a bit.

“Would you like to open an account?”

“No, no need. The black market bulletin board still exists, right?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Post a memo for me. ‘I’m willing to buy terror information besides that regarding J-law and Issac for 3 billion euros.'”

The female employee dropped her jaw.

“I want the money deposited into my Mocano Bank account.”

“You want 3 billion euros put into your deposit account?”

“Yeah.”

“Wait!”

She said something in French into the phone. Her superior showed up 1 minute later.

“You want to deposit 3 billion euros into a deposit account, Sir?”

“That’s right.”

“One moment, please.”

He called someone else, and the person who showed up was someone he recognized.

“Louis? I’m seeing you a lot today.”

“I knew it was you, Soo Ho.”

He was the employee that saw him in. Louis sent the other employees out and sat across from Ahn Soo Ho.

“If you’re only depositing 3 billion euros, what about the rest?”

“You can keep it.”

“Okay.”

The remaining 16 million was a tip for the employees.

“Aren’t you going to bet on the second war?”

“I’m not sure. Since we know how skilled J-law is, there’s no need.”

“You’re still very skilled. Why did you retire?”

“I was just lucky today.”

Making 2.8 billion dollars with just 10 million was luck? Louis clicked his tongue in his head.

“Did you accept Italy and France’s request?”

“Not France. They’ll probably ask soon, though. Why? Do you have some information? I’ll buy it if you do.”

“You know internal dealing is strictly prohibited…our information team might visit you soon. Are you staying at Monte Carlo?”

“Yeah.”

Ahn Soo Ho got up and offered a handshake.

“It’ll be hard to see you again, Louis.”

“Do you think so?”

He just shrugged his shoulders to Louis’ big smile and left. One of the other employees came back in.

“The post is flooding with comments.”

“Of course. It’s 3 billion euros….all the agents in Europe will pounce. It’s possible that the terrorist groups might see some traitors, too.”

“Is he that strong?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you who he is?”

He could have said more, but he held back. In this world, people felt proud to just know someone like Ahn Soo Ho.

‘There’s going to be a blood bath in all of Europe.’

While he worried about that blood bath, another blood bath blew over Ahn Soo Ho once he returned to the main building.

“Lila? Lila?”

“No, just listen to me, Seol Hyun. Please? Relax.”

The sound of Jang Seol Hyun’s voice on the phone gave him the chills that he never got even when he fought thousands of people by himself. Everyone who was at the private Versace evening party did live coverage of the whole evening. And footage of Lila being close and intimate with Ahn Soo Ho was captured as well.

Rumors of Lila getting a divorce because of an Asian man went around like wildfire. And after Korean netizens spread that all over social media, Ahn Soo Ho got caught up in a love triangle with Jang Seol Hyun and Lila.

‘Everyone! You know this is all a lie, right?’

One president said this before he was elected.

‘That’s exactly how I feel!’

In contrast to the president who denied things that were true, he really felt like he was wronged. He tried to comfort Jang Seol Hyun, but a bigger struggle was waiting for Ahn Soo Ho.

“Mother, it’s all a lie. Don’t you believe your one and only son-in-law?”

< Protect – Episode 91 – FIFA [1] > The end.