Blood Empire - 3

Chapter Three

It was a race against time. JangMi was waiting on top of the stairs for SaeHyun and WonBin to wake up. She supported her body against the crystal surface as she sipped her coffee and gazed at the both of them sleeping. “I was right about this... right WonBin? All of this time”. She heard a door open in the hallway and she peeked her head to see JongSuk. He was wearing pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt. JangMi coughed and he looked up to notice her. “Nice time last night?” she asked as she smirked with confidence. JongSuk walks over to her and drags her away from the staircase. JangMi started pulling back by throwing her body backwards, but he grabbed her by the waist and placed her inside his room. She looked over his simple white room fiestly before she looks up and glares at him directly.

JangMi: Yah! Why are you doing this?
JongSuk: Don’t get any dirty ideas. I am not attracted to you
JangMi: Excuse me?!
JongSuk: (snickers)

JongSuk walked over to his door and closed it quietly. He looked over at JangMi while he scratches his face softly. He had a twelve a’clock shadow that made him look very manly. JangMi walks straight to him and asks him “What is it?” JongSuk looked surprised by JangMi’s forwardness. He stumble on his words, but answered back “Please don’t tell anybody about last night”.

JangMi: I was not planning to
JongSuk: Thank you

JangMi walks over to the door and asks “Am I free to go?” and JongSuk answered “Yes”. She smiled at him brightly and opened the door. Before leaving the room she says “That kind of information is too valuable, President Cho”. JongSuk stood there with anger boiling in his veins, but instead of screaming he started laughing. Mister Ji, who was walking in front of his room, heard him and stares at him. Mister Ji bows and says good morning and he leaves while smiling. Mister Ji was supposed to escort our grandfather to Empire, but before leaving the house he was presented with the image of WonBin and SaeHyun sleeping together. He stares at them blankly and smiles, he placed a finger across his lips and signaled Mister Ji into the kitchen. As soon as he entered the kitchen grandfather raised his right arm in the air in celebration.

Grandpa: Did you see that HyunDok ?
Mister Ji: I did President Cho. I believe that your final wish will come true.
Grandpa: I want my grandsons to be happy. Everything that slipt through my fingers has scarred them deeply. (looks sad)
Mister Ji: Even more, the sins that were committed against those two girls. (smirks)
Grandpa: Don’t make me feel worst HyunDok or I will fire you.
Mister Ji: After over twenty years of service? I don’t believe you
Grandpa: (smiles weakly) Somethings must be buried. My grandchildren lost their haunting memories. I believe God has bestowed them with a chance to start over.
Mister Ji: I believe Mister President that you have turned a blind eye on the fact that your grandchildren were used and scarred

Grandpa continued looking at the floor. “He is right” grandpa thought as he looked over at Mister Ji. The fact was that something happened in this house; it involved the thirsty greed of the adults that fought over gold and it affected the innocent. Every sin this walls hid was covered in blood. “This will all end for me soon enough. But, before that I must right my wrongs.” said grandpa as he signaled Mister Ji to get the car. Mister Ji accompanied grandpa to the front door and sent him off. He walked into the kitchen and began to make some phone calls to the candidates for drivers (bodyguards). On the other hand, SaeHyun was opening her eyes slowly to realize that she was not in her room. She blinked a few times to adjust her eyes to the sunlight coming in through a large window. She felt that her hand was holding something and she turned her gaze to see her hand inside another. She felt warm and smiled thinking that she was comforting JangMi. When her eyes looked up to see the person she notices that the person she was comforting was Cho WonBin.

WonBin’s hair was shinning along the sunlight and his face looked innocent. SaeHyun decided to wake up from this “nightmare” so she started opening and closing her eyes fastly. But, she was always faced with the reality of WonBin. She then started trying to retreat her hand from WonBin’s without waking him up, but fate was a cruel game and WonBin woke up to face himself with SaeHyun. He looked down to realize that he was holding her hand and he released it while looking at her with surprise in his eyes. His composure was brought back in microseconds and he smiled at SaeHyun. WonBin tilted his head to the side and asked her “What do you think you are doing?” with an voice.

SaeHyun remembered the reason why she let WonBin hold on to her hand, because he looked broken and scared. “You were having a nightmare, so I. ...” SaeHyun started to explain, but WonBin cut her off by throwing a cushion in her face and screaming “Does that even make sense?!”. He looked at her without even blinking “What if something bad happens to me? Will you sleep with me?” he asked with fire in his eyes. JangMi was looking at them from the top of the stairs with JongSuk. She was about to walk down there when JongSuk stopped her by placing his arm in front of her.

SaeHyun: (laughing hard) NOT EVEN IF THE FATE OF OUR COUNTRY DEPENDED ON IT!!
WonBin: WHAT?!
SaeHyun: YOU CONDESANDING PIG!

SaeHyun pushed the cushion hard into his face and started walking into the kitchen with fire coming out of her ears. She slammed the door opened and walked straight to the coffee machine. As she sipped her newly brewed coffee she heard someone clear his throat and she noticed the kitchen was filled with husky men in black suits.

Her eyes widen and she placed her hands at the side of her face “Oh fuck!” she thought as she started running towards the door. But, before she could make it to the exit she was held back by Mister Ji. “Good morning Lady SaeHyun” welcomed her Mister Ji with a smile. “Lady?” she thought horrified at the suffix.

Mister Ji: These are the candidates for the drivers position for you and Lady JangMi. Also, (he pointed at the window and showed her two black elegant cars) Those are your cars
SaeHyun: I will be right back with JangMi to review your resumes gentleman. Excuse me

As SaeHyun left she saw them bow at her exit. She ran up the staircase and found JangMi in her room. JangMi was already dressed in an elegant white on piece and she was writing in the laptop.

JangMi: Hi!
SaeHyun: I am going to shower! There are about fifty hot dudes in our kitchen!
JangMi: What?

After a few minutes passed SaeHyun walked out wearing some black long pants and a simple red formal shirt. Her hair was up in a bun and she raced to put on make up and her shoes. “Shall we go?” she asked JangMi confidently. JangMi walked over to her and said “I heard what WonBin said” and SaeHyun responded with “Its ok. I know what you’re gonna say”. JangMi locked her arm with SaeHyun and they walked down the stairs into the kitchen. After thirty minutes of interviewing they decided on their own personal driver. SaeHyun picked JiHoon, which was a single parent raised his two daughters.

On the other hand, JangMi picked JiSung which was taking car of his two elderly parents.

Their decisions were made to benefit the drivers, since they have always tried to help the people in need. SaeHyun decided to make grandpa his bento and she filled it with healthy things such as vegetables and fruits. She ended up making one for Mister Ji too. After a few minutes after she finished packing the lunches; JangMi and SaeHyun got called into Empire. They reached the buildings lobby and looked at each other while raising their hands they said “Fighting!”. SaeHyun was on her way to the elevator to the basement when her phone started to ring. She picked it up and said “Hello”.

Grandpa: Are you on your way to the lab?
SaeHyun: Hi grandpa! Yeah I am about to take the elevator

At the same exact time JangMi was receiving a call from Mister Ji. She pressed the button to the floor thirty five and she answered it by saying “Hi Mister Ji!”.

Mister Ji: Are you near the office?
JangMi: I am on the elevator up
　　
SaeHyun got to the basement and realized that grandpa was sitting with every member of the Medical Department. She got a bit uneasy, but she entered the room. All eyes went straight to her and grandpa called her over to his side.
　　
Grandpa: As of today I will be choosing a new Director of the Medical Department

SaeHyun noticed that the men started to whisper a name. She believed that he would be the new Director. Grandpa stood up and placed a hand on SaeHyun’s shoulder. “My granddaughter will be taking over this department” he informed loud and clear. SaeHyun felt a lot of eyes glaring at her and she asked her grandfather “Grandpa ... Aren’t there more competent people fit for this position?”. Grandpa looked at her with confidence “None that I trust” he said and left the room walking tall. On the other hand, JangMi was getting the exact same news from Mister Ji. JangMi looked over at WonBin who seemed honestly indifferent to the news. Mister Ji informed that JangMi and SaeHyun would be carrying out their business plans to save the company. Mister Ji left and the whole room stood there dead quiet.
　　
Man #1: You girls have powerful connections. You even beat his grandson
JangMi: We will be meeting in the conference room in ten minutes

JangMi walked over to the conference room and waited for the lawyers to show, but in the end the only one who showed up was WonBin. He walked into conference room smiling at her.
　　
WonBin: You expect them to listen to you?
JangMi: (glares) I am mad at you
WonBin: Why?
JangMi: I heard what you asked SaeHyun
WonBin: I....
JangMi: Whatever WonBin. So the lawyers aren’t coming?
WonBin: They stood behind at the office
JangMi: Help me carry these folders

JangMi and WonBin picked up the folders from the conference table and walked back to the office. JangMi started slamming the folders at their respective desks with frustration. She spoke with confidence “This is what you will be doing this week” she walked to WonBin and handed him a folder. “I want your detailed reports on the manner next Thursday. And those who refuse to work for me will be terminated”. JangMi walked over to her office and closed the door. SaeHyun’s issue was different. Most workers went back to their respective chores, but one girl.

SaeHyun walked over to her and asked her name. “Hi! My name is Lee MinYoung!” she answered happily. MinYoung showed SaeHyun to her office and also introduced her to the laboratory. SaeHyun was taking meticulous notes while she toured her department. After she finished she sat down in her office with MinYoung while drinking coffee.

SaeHyun: What is you position here?
MinYoung: I am to be your assistant
SaeHyun: What background education do you have?
MinYoung: I actually studied microbiology
SaeHyun: Why aren’t you working in the lab then?!
MinYoung: Haven’t you noticed that we are the two single women in this department?
SaeHyun: Are all departments in Empire like this?
MinYoung: Some. Usually the Medical and Legal Department
SaeHyun: Oh great. MinYoung can you please bring me a list of the employee in this department?
MinYoung: I actually already place that list over there (pointed at a green folder)
SaeHyun: Thank you

After an hour of analyzing portfolios and resumes SaeHyun had made a decision regarding the employees. SaeHyun went by the labs to the her workers. “As of today you are all in probation. Your job positions will be re-evaluated and reassigned”. SaeHyun had a stronger response in the office with the elderly scientist.
　　
Elder Scientist: My name is Tom. I do not approve of your methods. I have been working for this company for over 30 years and I am not comfortable with taking orders from an amateur

SaeHyun: I will prove myself to you. The experimental cancer drug that your previous director messed up I will fix it. In the mean while concentrate on the beauty line. I will be observing you all

Tom glared at SaeHyun and before she could reacted she felt a cold sensation all over her back. Someone threw a bucket of water all over her. She held her breath and turned her head back. She noticed all the scientists were pretending to be innocent. MinYoung was about to tell SaeHyun who did it when SaeHyun stopped her. “Tom I trust that you will improve the behavior of your lab section”. SaeHyun walked back to her office and took off her lab coat. MinYoung told her she was going to bring her an extra change of clothes of hers. Suddenly, her office phone started to ring and she picked up.

SaeHyun: Hello?
JangMi: I am going to do some field work. Are you ok?
SaeHyun: I just got water thrown at me
JangMi: I got stood up by the whole department
SaeHyun: You win

JangMi hanged up the phone and started to make her way out of the department when she felt somebody grabbed her arm. She looked back to see WonBin.

WonBin: Is my assignment some type of joke?
JangMi: It is not. Start working with the director of the medical department
WonBin: Is this your revenge?
JangMi: Yeah (stick out tongue)
WonBin: Alright. I cannot protect you here anymore then.
JangMi: Are you going to abandon me?
WonBin: You know I won’t (smiles)
JangMi: See you later Oppa!

The whole room went quiet and all the lawyers were staring at WonBin and JangMi. JangMi left in a hurry while laughing and WonBin glared at them “She is my little sister” he explained. JangMi was on her way to visit the mother of a victim of the malpractice. This was the only fatal case from the experiment and his name was Lee SungIl. She called JiSung to get the car; he opened the door and started driving. On the way JangMi was catching up on the case. Lee SungIl was thirty five; he had a four year old son; his wife had abandoned him and her son four years ago; he lived with his mother; and his passing was suspected to have been caused by the drugs handed out at Empire. JiSung kept looking back through the mirrors at JangMi and she finally said “Are you curious about something?”.

JiSung: I’m sorry. Its just that I wondered why you picked me.
JangMi: Cause you needed it
JiSung: Thank you
JangMi: You can drop the formalities. You are older than me (smiles)
JiSung: Alright (smiles)
JangMi: Please take care of me
JiSung: You too Lady JangMi
JangMi: Just call me JangMi

JiSung reached the house and opened JangMi’s door. She told him to wait there and walked over to ring the doorbell. A beautiful mid-age women came to the door and looked at JangMi suspiciously.
　　
JangMi: Miss Na?’
Miss Na: You’re new. Why didn’t they send the bald man?
JangMi: I am Go JangMi the new Director of Empire’s Legal Department. May I have a word with you?

Suddenly a cute little boy came running up to Miss Na and hugged her leg. JangMi felt some pressure on her temples and she stumbled back. JiSung who had been observing came up to JangMi and grabbed her. Miss Na told him to bring her inside. JangMi was having a deja vu. She was running up to her mother while she was talking on the phone. She was angry and talking to somebody on the phone “Is that even humane, honey?!”. JangMi came back to her sense and opened her eyes in Miss Na’s living room. She looked beside her and there was JiSung and to her right was the cute little boy.
　　
Boy: Nona! Are you better?
JangMi: (smiles) I’m ok sweetie
Miss Na: Is this all an act?
JangMi: (shakes her head)
Miss Na: I didn’t think so, but you never know
JangMi: I’m very sorry for your loss
Miss Na: (nods) What case did you bring to convince me?
JangMi: Money

JiSung looked over at JangMi stunned. JangMi placed a hang in her head and swiped away the sweat. The little boy excused himself to the bathroom.
　　
Miss Na: Money can’t bring back my son
JangMi: But it can save your grandson
Miss Na: What?! There’s no way I am buying out! You people killed my son!
JangMi: I hate Empire too
Miss Na: Excuse me?
JangMi: Do you remember the mass shooting at the airport twelve years ago?
Miss Na: What...
JangMi: I was one of those girls
Miss Na: How...
JangMi: Everyone knows that it was not a normal murder. I am struggling to find out how is that company related to my parents
Miss Na: I am sorry. But, I will not let them treat my sons life as garbage
JangMi: Your son is gone Miss Na. Think about the living

JangMi decided to excuse herself, since both of them had gotten pretty worked out. She bowed to Miss Na and told her she would come by everyday. JiSung was driving back to the company.

JangMi: Are you hungry?
JiSung: Yes
JangMi: Lets go eat. You pick the restaurant

SaeHyun came up to grandpas office. She gave Mister Ji his lunchbox.

And walked in to find JongSuk and ByungHee talking to grandpa.

SaeHyun: Excuse me. I brought your bento
Grandpa: (smiles happily) Thank you!
SaeHyun: (hands over the lunchbox)
ByungHee: You didn’t bring any for us?
JongSuk: Don’t be rude
ByungHee: I want a bento box....
Grandpa: (opens the bento and starts eating) Look! Look! A panda!

SaeHyun: (smiles)
JongSuk: You are dressed differently
SaeHyun: I am not (glares)
ByungHee: SaeHyun, do you want to eat lunch together?
SaeHyun: Ok sure

Suddenly WonBin enters the office and gives SaeHyun a folder. He looks pissed off; SaeHyun started reading the protocol WonBin had prepared for the future experiments and she shakes her head.

SaeHyun: This is not correct
WonBin: (breaths deeply) Why?
SaeHyun: Can’t we talk about it after lunch? Besides who told you to write this on your own? Aren’t we supposed to work together?
WonBin: I guess we don’t have a choice!
ByungHee: Lets go SaeHyun
WonBin: You are going together?
SaeHyun: Yeah
WonBin: I am starving ...
SaeHyun: Your point is?
WonBin: Lets go eat together!
ByungHee: (disappointed)

The three of them went straight to the lobby and SaeHyun called over her drivers JiHoon. WonBin looked at JiHoon directly “He is an extremely handsome guy!” he thought intimidated. JiHoon drove them to a fancy restaurant ByungHee recommended. They sat down and ordered. WonBin was trying to talk about the protocol, while ByungHee kept interrupting him. SaeHyun stopped them and excused herself. She walked to the bathroom to make a call.

ChangWook: Hello?
SaeHyun: ChangWook, please reconsider and help us
ChangWook: Stop calling, I don’t want to work for that case anymore

ChangWook hanged up on SaeHyun. SaeHyun fixed her makeup and walked back over to the table. She sat down to realize that the two cousins were talking to each other. After an awkward lunch, SaeHyun came back to the office to argue with WonBin.

SaeHyun: The protocol should discuss the patients needs!
WonBin: We can’t only live for the patient!

After a few minutes SaeHyun fell asleep by trying to reach an agreement with WonBin. He ended up drawing on her face. ByungHee was walking back to his office. Inside was his mother waiting for him. She was drinking some tea and looking over at some magazine.

SooHyun: Did you approached them?
ByungHee: I was only able to approach SaeHyun
SooHyun: Good, make her fall in love with you
ByungHee: Why do I have to do that?
SooHyun: Cause Cho JongSuk is beating you in votes at the directors panel. Do you really want to loose the presidency?
ByungHee: Isn’t it be better to just propose to them a deal?
SooHyun: Who do you think they are? They want this company as much as you boys do. And believe me she will jump at the choice of marrying the presidents grandson
ByungHee: I don’t think they are like that.
SooHyun: You don’t know their kind sweet child

The first week of work passed by and it was stressful and complicated. ChangWook was ignoring their calls. WonBin and SaeHyun haven’t being able to complete the protocol. SaeHyun has been working nonstop on the cancer drug. JangMi has been visiting Miss Na everyday. And now SaeHyun and JangMi were laying in bed talking to each other. Happy about the fact that tomorrow they were free. “So WonBin never apologized?” asked JangMi and SaeHyun shakes her head “But, he did buy me lunch all week” she answered back. They were both exhausted.

JangMi: WonBin and ByungHee invited you to lunch for a whole week? Doesn’t that seem strange?
SaeHyun: Why do you say that?
JangMi: ByungHee used to be such a jerk and now he is sweet. And WonBin can’t “stand you” so why did he want to eat lunch with you?
SaeHyun: Stop your demonic theories that WonBin likes me!
JangMi: I know he does (smiles)

JangMi got up from the bed and asked SaeHyun “Do want cookies and milk?” and SaeHyun nodded. JangMi walked into the kitchen to find JongSuk. She said hi and passed him over to grab the cookies and glasses of milk. JangMi was trying to juggle everything and she noticed JongSuk was ignoring her and walking to the door. She tried to pick up the pace so she didn’t have to open the door and she ended up slipping and falling onto JongSuk’s back. Everything broke and slipped all over the kitchen and both of them. JongSuk pushed JangMi off him angrily. “Don’t touch me bitch” he said with fury, JangMi started crying and JongSuk just looked lost. Why did he snapped at JangMi? Why did he called her a bitch? What’s going on with him? He reached out a hand to pick up JangMi, but she pushed it away. SaeHyun, WonBin, ByungHee, SooHyun, and MinHee woke up by the racked coming from the kitchen. The first to enter was ByungHee and he noticed that JangMi had a few pieces of glass stuck to her tights.

ByungHee: What are you doing? Couldn’t you help her? Asshole!

ByungHee picked her up and brought her to the counter. WonBin looked at the blood in the floor and went to check if JongSuk was ok. He ended up leaving before anybody else asked him questions. MinHee followed her son to figure out what happened, but he shut the door before she could. SaeHyun was rushing to JangMi, but she was about to step on the glass so WonBin grabbed her and directed her to JangMi safely. SooHyun ended up treating JangMi with SaeHyun.
　　
SaeHyun: Are you sure you are ok? Don’t you want to go to the hospital?
JangMi: I’m ok

MinHee walked into the kitchen and started checking JangMi. SaeHyun and JangMi shared a look. Why were the aunts worried about them? MinHee even asked SaeHyun if she was ok. WonBin picked up JangMi and signaled SaeHyun to follow him, while the aunts cleaned up the mess. WonBin puts JangMi in the bed and grabs SaeHyun by the arm into the hallway.
　　
WonBin: Can you figure out what happened?
SaeHyun: I think she just fell on it
WonBin: Or maybe she was pushed
SaeHyun: If she doesn’t want to say, its because she doesn’t want to make a scene. Let’s just let it go
WonBin: Are you ok?
SaeHyun: Yeah, thank you
WonBin: This doesn’t mean that tomorrow I will agree with you
SaeHyun: Same here

Everyone went to bed. JongSuk was beating himself about what happened. He keep getting angry and himself and JangMi. He was so confused; he used to love JangMi and she never did anything bad to him. “So, why do I hate her?” he questioned himself.

Blood Empire -2

Chapter Two

     January 13, 2015. Mister Ji’s words unleashed a storm. JangMi was freaking out because she had nothing formal to wear, while SaeHyun was worried about her presentation. After ten minutes, Mister Ji knocked on the door to inform us it was time to leave; he basically pushed us into the car. JangMi asked about a mall near Empire and Mister Ji pointed out one near the house. He dropped off JangMi in front of the mall. On the other hand, SaeHyun stayed in the car to work on both our presentations. After fifteen minutes JangMi open the car door and asked Mister Ji to ride in the front. JangMi threw the clothes she picked out for SaeHyun on her and grabbed the computer. After SaeHyun finished changing into an assemble, that was composed of a gray long sleeve dress, black leggings and short boots, she grabbed the computer so JangMi could change into her pale pink dress and red high heels. SaeHyun started working on JangMi’s make up while she worked on the presentations and then she worked on her own. Suddenly the car stopped and Mister Ji announced that we have arrived at Empire.

JangMi: Already?!
SaeHyun: Mister Ji!

　　Mister Ji exits the car and comes up to open the door for us. SaeHyun looks at JangMi and both of them took a deep breath before signaling Mister Ji to open the door. “Here we are at Empire” whispered Mister Ji. It was more glamorous that we could ever imagine, it had an open concept with a lot of floors. Mister Ji signaled us to ride the elevator. As soon as the doors opened we found ourselves face to face with the two CEO’s of the company; ByungHee and JongSuk. Both of them had a dark aura and it seemed as if they were in the middle of an argument. Mister Ji clears his throat and holds the door of the elevator. JongSuk steps back from ByungHee and looks straight at us. On the other hand, ByungHee smiled at us. He launched his arms around us both, but before he could embrace us JongSuk pulled him back by his collar. JangMi noticed JongSuk was frustrated and uncomfortable with ByungHee. JongSuk released ByungHee and said “Don’t get too close”.

ByungHee: Why not? (pout)
SaeHyun: Because we don’t like it (glares playfully at JongSuk)
JongSuk: (avoids their eyes) right...
Mister Ji: The conference floor is forty. I will return at four.
JangMi: Alright, be careful.

　　Mister Ji released the doors and walked away. Immediately, JangMi stretched her hand over to the numerical panel when she felt JongSuk’s arm reaching from on top of her to push the number forty. The elevator arrived at its destination and ByungHee pointed out to the conference rooms. JangMi grabbed SaeHyun’s arm for moral support and they walked over to a woman in front of the conference rooms.

JangMi: Good morning, we are Lawyer Go and Doctor No. We were invited to give each give a conference.
Luna: Good morning. I am Luna; President’s Cho assistant. We have been expecting you, please follow me

　　Luna was a very attractive woman between her early and mid forties. She led us to the conference rooms and assigned us each to an individual room. JangMi rushed to make copies of the presentations, while SaeHyun organized the presentations and opened them in each room. After all the hard work they waited in the hallway together for the people to arrive.

JangMi: I’m so nervous
SaeHyun: Me too!
JangMi: Oh! I almost forgot! I got the detective’s address last night. The police station provided me with that information. But they were hesitance to provide me with further information.
SaeHyun: After work let’s go find the detective. But, don’t you think this seems strange?
JangMi: What do you mean?
SaeHyun: His absence

　　All of a sudden a bunch of men in suits were heading our way; including WonBin. We bowed as they entered the conference rooms. Before entering our respective room we looked at each other, raised our arms and whispered “Fighting”. JangMi’s conference was a heated place; most men were arguing about the possibilities while she tried to explain her legal work plan. On the other hand, SaeHyun’s conference had a cold atmosphere; since most of the scientists were testing SaeHyun. JangMi decided to sit down with the legal team and discuss the terms of the lawsuits at depth. Her method proved effectively, but not before debating the issues with experienced lawyers. WonBin encouraged her to finish the presentation; and after nine hours the meeting was concluded. SaeHyun had to use her wits to get through the stuck up scientists. She started to get their attention by establishing their fatal errors in past experiments, such as the latest failure to Empire. She gave a list of possible discharges to several scientists. She had water and coffee thrown at her, but she ended up putting them in their place. After explaining the new medical protocols and procedures she ended up terminating the meeting after nine hours. Both presentations were a success, but sadly the truly difficult part was setting those plans into action. SaeHyun and JangMi found themselves in the employees bathroom to wash off the sticky coffee stains on SaeHyun’s dress. SaeHyun took off the dress and started cleaning herself in a stall with wet cleaning towels, while JangMi scrubbed off the remains of coffee on SaeHyun’s dress.
　　
SaeHyun: Today was fun! (she talked from within the bathroom stall)
JangMi: I can’t believe how imprudent Korean men are!
SaeHyun: You’re telling me! Haven’t you noticed that there is not a single women on both teams?!
JangMi: I did! Maybe that is why they were so hostile towards us!
SaeHyun: At least you didn’t have beverages thrown at you!
JangMi: At some point of my conference WonBin joined the legal team’s side and completely abandoned me!
SaeHyun: What the hell?!

　　JangMi started drying SaeHyun’s dress under a hand drier. On the other hand, SaeHyun peaked her head out of the stall to continue with the conversation, she asked “Is he also an anti-feminist?”.
　　
JangMi: I think he is half anti-feminist!
SaeHyun: That doesn’t even make sense!

　　JangMi handed the dress to SaeHyun and noticed her cellphone was ringing. She took it out of her handbag to see Mister Ji’s name on the screen. She answered it “Hello?”.

Mister Ji: Miss JangMi?
JangMi: Yes!
Mister Ji: Can Miss SaeHyun and you come by the President office before leaving the building?
JangMi: Grandfather is here?
Mister Ji: Yes, please hurry.
JangMi: We have to go SaeHyun!
SaeHyun: Ok! (comes out of the stall looking like a hot mess)
JangMi: That will work for today! (giggling)

　　We rushed to the elevator and pressed the number fifty. On our way up we just stood there silently happy that grandfather was out of the hospital. We reached the President’s office were we stood until Mister Ji noticed us and opened the door. Inside was our grandfather sitting in a sofa eating kimbap (sushi) ferociously.

SaeHyun: Grandpa! Are you suppose to be eating that?
Grandfather: (looks up) I am going to die anyway. So I rather eat while I still can.
SaeHyun: (sighs) Can’t you eat healthier food?
Grandfather: If you make me a bento, I promise to eat it!
SaeHyun: Alright! We will be in charge of your food!
JangMi: Stop fighting... (glares at them both)
Grandfather: (clears throat) ... I have heard marvelous things from our fellow employees about you girls
SaeHyun: Did you also hear about the attack to my clothes?
Grandfather: They did what?!
JangMi: Forget Grandpa, we can handle ourselves
Grandfather: But!
JangMi: Is our job done here?
Grandfather: It is not! Tomorrow I need you both here at eight am sharp. I need your help
SaeHyun: Ok, we will do our best
JangMi: Is it ok if we go exploring a bit of Seoul?
Grandfather: Certainly. Mister Ji will accompany you.
SaeHyun: We would rather explore on our own.
Grandfather: I will not allow it...

　　JangMi and SaeHyun looked at each other in frustration. Life for women in South Korea was VERY different from the type of life we lived in New York. We were not allowed to walk the streets alone here. SaeHyun grabbed JangMi by the arm and bow towards grandfather.

SaeHyun: We will not allow your imprisonment

　　SaeHyun dragged JangMi towards the door, while Grandpa started shouting to Mister “Don’t let them leave the building!”. We ran towards the elevator with Mister Ji following us, but thankfully we reached the elevator in time.

JangMi: SaeHyun!
SaeHyun: We can’t let him control us, besides if we drive to the detective’s house he will figure out that we are investigating our parents murder
JangMi: Ah damn it! ... You’re right. But now how the hell are we getting out of the building?
SaeHyun: This is your part. I helped us escape the office!
JangMi: I was afraid of that (places a hand over her eyes)

　　A few seconds past and “ding” the elevator door opened on the first floor. JangMi signals SaeHyun to take off her shoes and they start walking towards the entrance. In a second the entrance was covered with a good part of the security team. They were all dressed in black suits and black shirts, so it looked like SaeHyun and JangMi vs the Korean Mob. SaeHyun and JangMi started to look desperately for a way out. Suddenly SaeHyun noticed WonBin covering the door to the cafeteria. He winked at SaeHyun and she swallow her saliva hard. “Should I trust WonBin?” she wondered, but they were out of time. SaeHyun nudge at JangMi’s side and she noticed WonBin. Without a doubt JangMi started running towards the cafeteria with SaeHyun following her. WonBin pretended that we pushed him to the door and stumbled towards the guards that were trying to catch making them unable to follow us. We sneaked through the cafeteria’s kitchen and exit the back door of the building. We started walking to the subway station, which was a few feet away from the company. JangMi answered her phone while walking.

JangMi: Yes?
Mister Ji: Where are you Miss?
JangMi: We will be back by dinner. Please tell Grandpa that we are sorry.

　　JangMi hanged up the phone and turned it off. She told SaeHyun to do the same. We got on the first train to the Seocho-gu district. As soon as we go there we put on our shoes and started searching for detective Hwang’s house. An old lady pointed us to the house and we ended up knocking on the front door of a Korean Traditional house. A woman in her mid fifties answered the door.

Woman: Yes, how can I help you?

　　We noticed she was wearing black clothes and that her eyes were puffy. She smiled at us and encouraged us to talk.

SaeHyun: Is this Detective Song’s house?
Woman: Yes, how do you know Shin?
JangMi: We have been in regular contact with Detective Song regarding a murder case. Do you mind if we spoke to him?
Woman: Are you the two little girls from the Airport Mass Shooting?
SaeHyun: How do...?
Woman: My name is YooNa. I am Shin’s little sister.

　　YooNa invited us into the house where she served us some juice and homemade cookies. The living room where we were sitting was small and cluttered; there were clothes and paperwork everywhere. YooNa sat down in a chair in front of us and smiled weakly.
　　
YooNa: Why are you here?
JangMi: We need Detective Song’s help. We need to find out what happened to our parents. The real truth behind their murder.
YooNa: He has been helping you for years.
SaeHyun: We realize he may be tired, but its the only way for our parents to rest in peace.
YooNa: I am afraid that he won’t be able to rest in peace either. Not until you girls find the truth.
JangMi: What?
YooNa: He passed away a few weeks ago,
　　
　　SaeHyun automatically looked down and started saying she was sorry. On the other hand, JangMi stood there sobbing. “It was as we had thought” were the only thoughts in SaeHyun’s head. YooNa whimpered a little, but quickly regain her posture.

SaeHyun: We are so sorry for your loss.
YooNa: He had cancer, so it was an inevitable fate.
SaeHyun: I don’t even know what to say...
YooNa: I do. My brother would have wanted me to help you. But, the only person who can do that is my nephew ChangWook
SaeHyun: Do you think he would be willing to help us?
YooNa: He helped his father with your investigation. However, I am afraid he has been mourning his father in an unconventional way.
SaeHyun: What do you mean?
YooNa: He has been drunk since the wake and he only returns to this house to sleep.

　　JangMi finally dried her tears and asked YooNa “Where can we find him?”. YooNa gave us a photo of ChangWook and the address of a club he visit regularly, which was Club Answer. JangMi and SaeHyun embarked on the task of finding Song ChangWook. They took a cab to the club and waited a few minutes in line before going in. The place was packed with people dancing, drinking and smoking. We could not move without touching somebody else’s body, so it was extremely uncomfortable.SaeHyun scream to JangMi "Lets separate to cover more ground" and she pointed to the dance floor. JangMi nodded in frustration and started dancing the choreography to T-ara's little apple.

SaeHyun found her way to the bar with difficulty. She started waving her hand for the bartender to approach her and she asked him "Do you known a guy named ChangWook?”. The bartender shaked his head, but the girl sitting beside SaeHyun started laughing in a high pitch tone.

Girl: Did he sleep with you and never called back?
SaeHyun: Excuse me?
Girl: Did you sleep with him?
SaeHyun: No!
Girl: Good for you. He is an asshole!
SaeHyun: Is he here?
Girl: I saw him a few minutes ago in the second floor

　　JangMi was dancing her way through the dance floor. She escaped the crowd and rested against a wall. She wipes away the sweat off her forehead and decides to check the lounging area near her. She searched for ChangWook’s face, but instead she ended up finding JongSuk sitting with about five girls in a table. She stared at him for a moment to realize he was wearing a blonde wig and square glasses.

He stood out from the crowd. He looked inexperience and gullible, but at the same time he looked cold and heartless; like he always looks. JongSuk’s eyes found JangMi and he jumped up to become standing. JangMi turned away and started making her way into the satanic dance floor with JongSuk following her. JangMi found SaeHyun standing in the stairs at the same time JongSuk noticed that SaeHyun was also there and disappeared into the crowd.

SaeHyun: You ok?
JangMi: Yeah! Yeah!
SaeHyun: ChangWook is in the second floor
JangMi: Lets go look for him!

　　The two of them made their way to the second floor. They started walking though while looking for ChangWook, when all of the sudden someone grabs JangMi by the arm. It was ChangWook.

ChangWook: Play with me?
JangMi: You...

　　ChangWook got very close to JangMi; he smelled like alcohol, tobacco and chocolate. He smiled at JangMi sweetly and said “Play with me”. SaeHyun looked at the guy holding on to JangMi angrily and asked him to release JangMi. Before he could answer SaeHyun kicked ChangWook in the leg.
　　
SaeHyun: Why don’t you play with me?

　　ChangWook examined SaeHyun with a surprise look on his face. “Who is this woman?” he wondered. ChangWook still had a hold of JangMi’s arms. “You are not letting go?” asked SaeHyun, but before he could respond SaeHyun kicked him again.
　　
JangMi: SaeHyun! This is ChangWook!
SaeHyun: What?!

　　SaeHyun bended over to see his face and compare it with the picture. Even in pain he looked exactly like the guy in the picture, which meant that she had assaulted a detective.

SaeHyun: I’m so sorry!
ChangWook: How do you know my name?
JangMi: We know your father
SaeHyun: (continues to bow apologetic)
ChangWook: I need air

　　JangMi grabbed his hand and led him through the second floor, to the first floor and finally to the front of the building. He started puking into a trash can, while JangMi patted his back. After puking for a while he looked back at us and asked us “Who are you?”

SaeHyun: My name is SaeHyun
JangMi: I am JangMi
ChangWook: The Mass Shooting Girls?
JangMi: Yes...
ChangWook: Leave me alone

　　ChangWook started walking back to Club Answer while tumbling around. JangMi ran after him and held him by his arm, which cause him to puke all over her shoes. “We will take you home” said JangMi to ChangWook. JangMi signaled SaeHyun to call somebody. It was late and SaeHyun feared that something may happen to them. “Call WonBin” screamed JangMi frustrated with the drunk man hugging her waist. SaeHyun hesitated, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She noticed JangMi was holding her phone in her hands and she took it away and dialed WonBin’s phone number.
　　
SaeHyun: WonBin?
WonBin: Yes, who is this?
SaeHyun: Its SaeHyun
WonBin: I knew it was you. JangMi’s voice is sweet, while yours is sour. And she uses formal speech. I was just wondering, why are you not using formal speech?
SaeHyun: WonBin we need a favor (formal speech)
WonBin: Of course, but only if you call me Oppa
SaeHyun: I’d rather die!
WonBin: Ok then, bye bye!

　　SaeHyun looked over at JangMi who was patting ChangWook’s back while he puked. She had vomit all over her legs and shoes. SaeHyun’s conscious suddenly divided into two; the angel and the devil. She was arguing with them for microseconds, before she smack her head and said “Wait... Oppa”. WonBin snickered over the phone with delight “What was that?” he asked evilly and SaeHyun responded “Oppa, we need you to pick us up at Club Answer”. SaeHyun took the phone away from her ear, since WonBin started yelling “What are you doing in Cheong-dam district?!” and she replied “I will explain everything when you get here!” while hanging up the phone. Not even half an hour passed when WonBin’s car appeared in front of the club. He exited the car with anger and walked over to us. He went straight to SaeHyun and said “Explain”. His eyes were very intense and SaeHyun started to stumble out words “We... You see... Oppa...”. She was a bit scared of WonBin. WonBin grabbed her by the arm and asked her once again to explain; he looked at her eyes without hesitation, which made SaeHyun's heart beat fast.

     WonBin looked over at JangMi and noticed some guy hugging her, so he walked pass SaeHyun and flying-kicked the guy off JangMi. “Get it in the car” he said to both of us and we stood in place “You don’t want to get in the car?” he asked with anger.

JangMi: Oppa, we need that guy
WonBin: Need?!
SaeHyun: He is the person in charge of our parents murder investigation
WonBin: Investigation? That case was closed twelve years ago!
JangMi: WonBin Oppa... We need that guy

　　WonBin threw his car keys over to SaeHyun, but they fell on the floor. WonBin sighed with frustration. “SaeHyun... drive” he said, while picking up ChangWook over his shoulder and throwing him into the back seat. “You...” he pointed at JangMi “...passenger seat” he growled under his breath. We decided to obey WonBin; he was usually such a childish/cute guy and it was weird seeing him truly pissed off. SaeHyun got on the drivers seat and looked over the instruments inside the car. On the other hand, JangMi was already sitting in the passenger seat with the seat belt on. WonBin was being squished by ChangWook and lets not lie it look so beautiful. SaeHyun drove the car slowly to ChangWook’s house. WonBin helped him out of the car, but ChangWook regained his consciousness so he decided to walk on his own.

JangMi: ChangWook...

　　ChangWook turned around to face us. He looked like a broken child; soulless and empty. YooNa opened the front door to see her nephew shaking.

ChangWook: I apologize for tonight. I was out of line.
JangMi: Will you help us?
ChangWook: I will not

　　He passed his aunt and entered the house. YooNa decided to give us his phone number, yet she send us away. On the ride back we were all silent. SaeHyun noticed that WonBin was clenching his hands; almost to the point of breaking the steering wheel. He burst out like a bomb “Is this why you came back?!” he looked cold and distant. “This is not the reason to why we return to South Korea” SaeHyun said calmly. She noticed his hands relaxed after answering his question. “There is no way you could have been that heartless to grandfather” he said while putting the car to a stop in a red light. “Why are you still searching?” he asked us with melancholia and JangMi answered “We cannot remember it. It’s like a missing piece we need to understand. We need to understand why did our parents had to die.”. WonBin noticed JangMi turning red with anger and he sighed out loud “You want to search? For what reason? Somethings are better left forgotten.” he whispered with sincerity. “Even so... It’s worst never knowing” SaeHyun answered with her voice tone rising a bit. JangMi reached her hand to the back seat and held SaeHyun’s hand. “Do you want me to help you?” he asked while smiling. We both looked at WonBin with surprise and SaeHyun answered “This is not a joke”. “I was a cop” he stated proudly. “Maybe” said JangMi smiling weakly and continued by saying “Don’t tell anybody about this, please”. “I won’t” he answered with honesty. Trust was something earned normally by these types of moments; normally, but we cannot trust that easily. We got to the Cho residence at eleven pm. Obviously our grandfather was waiting to talk to us. He was sitting in the living room near the fireplace he had a frustrated look on his face.  We entered and sat beside him.
　　
Grandpa: I don’t think I can continue to fight you girl. I understand. But, I still worry. Everything that happened to your parents haunts me. And I don’t want the same happening to you. So I ask you “Is this how you are going to react to everything I am against?”
SaeHyun: Grandpa...
JangMi: We were together... (Grandpa still looked worried) ... We were with WonBin Oppa!

　　Grandpa lifted his head with hope to look at us. He turned his head over to WonBin who was standing in a corner with widen eyes. Grandpa smiled at him and nodded in approval.

Grandpa: Which of these two are you going to marry? (big smile)
WonBin: Excuse me
JangMi: Grandpa! No! It’s not like that.. ew...
SaeHyun: (mouth wide open)
Grandpa: (dissatisfied) Anyway, this is not a request. Tomorrow you will be appointed a driver (bodyguard)
JangMi: Grandpa!
Grandpa: Please, let it be for my peace of mind
SaeHyun: Are they going to be reporting back to you?
Grandpa: They will not. You will be there boss. I am too tired for this. (pretends to look tired)
Jang: Ok...
SaeHyun: We understand

　　The loss of life is torture for the living. ChangWook was experiencing the first stage of mourning, and he was doing it sober. He sat on the dinning room with his Aunt YooNa. It was the first night since his fathers death that ChangWook had spend sober. On the other hand, JongSuk was turning around in his bed frustrated “How can I have such bad luck? My first day in a club and I have to be caught by JangMi!”. Nevertheless, SaeHyun and JangMi were analyzing the resumes of the drivers. SaeHyun decided to make hot chocolate, so she lets JangMi in her room and descends the stairs into the second floor. Before she enters the kitchen she finds WonBin sleeping on the floor of the living room.

     He looked like he was having a bad dream. SaeHyun tried to sneak pass him, but he ended up grabbing her hand. She looks down and notices he is still sleeping. He was trembling and shaking his head. SaeHyun out of the habit pets his head and tries to calm him down.
December 10, 1996. WonBin was seven years old. "He was running through the house while playing with his blue toy car. He keep mimicking the noises of the car. He suddenly started to hear the breaking sound of glass hitting the floor. He curiously peaks his head into the kitchen and there he sees his father with a needle stuck in his arm. His eyes were closed and he was trembling (convulsing)".
SaeHyun kept petting his head and after a few minutes past he calms down. WonBin still had a strong grip on SaeHyun's hand. She decides to sit down to find a way to release his grip on her hand. But, ends up drifting into a dream.

After an hour JangMi was getting frustrated at SaeHyun for not bringing the hot chocolate. She goes downstairs to find WonBin and SaeHyun sleeping together. She starts to freak out and the first thing she does is go back to the room get the cellphone and take a picture of them. She smiles evily and asks herself “What is in store for us tomorrow?”.

Blood Empire - 1

Chapter One
　　January 12, 2004. That was the night I lost my father and my mother; my uncle and my aunt. That was the night I lost my voice and my mind. All my scars and fears can be found in that blurry memory, which haunts my subconsciousness. That night is better known to the rest of the world as the Seoul International Airport “Mad” Shooting, while to us it’s known as our parents death anniversary. During that fateful moment I was not alone. My best friend was with me; and she also witnessed her parents murder. That was the night she lost her memories. That was the night she began to experience panic attacks; accompanied by muscle tension.
　　We were officially diagnosed with post traumatic disorders. My best friend suffered with a selective memory loss. On the other hand, I suffered memory confusion. Both of us suffered nightmares of the incident. After a year of concurrency we decided to keep a dream diary to document memories and compare them with facts. The news-articles describe the crime in variations, but there are various conclusive evidences such as the number of known-criminals. The narration describes them as coordinated and ruthless. They invaded the airport well prepared with fire weapons, bulletproof vests and masks. They murdered a total of fifteen people and injured a total of forty. Three of the five men were caught at the crime scene. They confessed their motive, which was the murder of the famous Korean lawyers No SungSoo and Go MinWo. On the other hand, two of the criminals escaped and never were found. The two survivors were young teenage girls, daughters of the lawyers, named No SaeHyun and Go JangMi.

　　January 12, 2015. “I kept hearing gun fire. I was holding onto SaeHyun’s hand as I tried to catch my breath. In front of me, behind the iron metal screen, I glanced at my mother’s corpse bleeding its last remaining drops of blood. I heard police sirens in the background and whispering. The metal screen flew opened and there it was the face of the devil. He smiled and pointed a gun at us.”
　　JangMi woke up with her heart racing. She reached out for her lamp cord, located on the nightstand, to light up her room. Before she could reach the cord the light on the lamp turns on. She finds SaeHyun looking down at her with concern in her Bambi-eyes. She was holding a cup, of what she could guess was tea, in her right hand. And she was wearing her regular work clothes, which were: long black pants, white coat and a button long sleeve shirt.
　　“The same nightmare?” asked SaeHyun while handing JangMi the cup. JangMi simply nodded. SaeHyun smiled and said “It’s our parents death anniversary. It’s normal”. Even so, JangMi examined SaeHyun’s face and noticed that her eyes looked extremely tired. “You too, huh?” responded JangMi smiling. “Yeah” she whispered sounding exhausted. SaeHyun started walking towards the living room while JangMi followed behind her. “You have a night shift today?” asked JangMi, and SaeHyun responded by snickering “I have night shifts all along this month”. SaeHyun arrived at the front of the fireplace, her eyes lingered around the twenty-something photographs placed on top of the fireplace. Those pictures were proof of the many milestones she and JangMi have achieved, and in each one of them ...there he was our grandfather. She reached out to a small crack behind the pictures and retrieved a humongous file.

SaeHyun: I’ve been trying to reach Detective Song, but it’s been three weeks since I last talked to him.
JangMi: Could something had happened to him?
SaeHyun: If it did it means that we are getting close.

　　SaeHyun handed JangMi the file. It was filled with drawings of the potential murderers of our parents and other types of evidence. Twelve years ago, our parents were murdered in front of our eyes. We were barely fourteen. The crime passed on as solved, since the police convicted three of the five criminals. The crime itself seemed like a way to silence our fathers, this hypothesis was given strength since none of the criminals had a connection to our parents. JangMi believed that there was a possibility that the person, or people, that order the murder were somehow connected to our fathers.

SaeHyun: Don’t let your memory cool and draw.
JangMi: Ok

　　After five minutes JangMi finished drawing. The man looked similar to some drawings, he had a square jaw, small slanted eyes and dimples, but there were some specifics that differ from the other drawings like the fact that he had a scar on his left cheek. SaeHyun examined the drawing with detail.

SaeHyun: I don’t remember a scar
JangMi: You don’t remember anything. On the other hand, my memories are blurry and confusing.
SaeHyun: My only recollections come to me in dreams.
JangMi: Plenty of mine too.

JangMi threw all the drawing on the coffee table. None of them had a scar, but she still remembered it. JangMi looked at SaeHyun who looked ever more confused.

SaeHyun: I don’t know. (she pointed at her latest drawing) but, look at the similarities. Both of our latest drawings have the same characteristics.
JangMi: But, they are so different from our original drawings.

　　These drawings. This folder. This life. It all started twelve years ago, when we viewed the murder of our parents. SaeHyun and JangMi’s mother were best friends since college. They continued their friendship until their death. This folder was created when we were sixteen years old. JangMi was taking a Forensic Psychology Class and she came up with the idea of keeping some type of documentation on the matter. Since the murder both of us could not consciously remember the occurrences. It was like playing Jenga, before we knew it everything we could recall was scrambled up again. JangMi placed the file at the back of the fireplace and decides to send off SaeHyun to work. We came to the door and JangMi hugged SaeHyun.

JangMi: Be careful and stop flirting with the cute doctors
SaeHyun: (pouts) But, why? That’s the only reason why I became a doctor

　　We both laughed. SaeHyun started unlocking the seven locks that were implanted on the front door when her phone started to ring. She looked down and rolled her eyes.

SaeHyun: It’s Grandpa again
JangMi: He keeps demanding the same thing. Come back to Korea (imitate grandpa's voice)
SaeHyun: We have been away for twelve years. That is not happening anytime soon

　　The man that we refer to as grandfather, is not our biologically grandfather. Both our father’s started working at Empire, grandfather’s pharmaceutical company. Instantly, President Cho, our grandpa, formed a strong connection with our families. Grandpa always desired to have a son that was competent and responsible. But, his first born son died of a rare disease. While, his second born son was a drug-addict that died of an overdose.

SaeHyun: I’ll be home by one pm
JangMi: I will call grandpa, be safe.

　　Right after SaeHyun left JangMi took a shower and got dress for work. JangMi was a lawyer and SaeHyun was a doctor. Both of them possessed similarities and differences in their personalities. Grandpa supported all of our dreams, that is one of the reasons why we are living a comfortable life. JangMi started to prepare breakfast when she noticed twenty missed calls. All the calls were coming from South Korea. She drops everything and called back her grandfather. His secretary Mister Ji answered.

Mister Ji: Miss JangMi?
JangMi: Yes? Who is this?
Mister Ji: This is Mister Ji
JangMi: Is something wrong? I have twenty missed calls
Mister Ji: Your grandfather collapsed.
JangMi: Why? Is he ok?
Mister Ji: The doctors say it is cancer.

　　It was like the world lost color and sound. JangMi grabbed onto the countertop as she fell down on the floor. On the way down she broke a glass and a plate. She was trying to recover, when she heard Mister Ji say “The doctors say he only has six months to live”. JangMi started sobbing and Mister Ji stood on the line silently. After a few seconds she asks “Is he ok now?”.

Mister Ji: His condition is stable at the moment. But, he requests for both of you to return to South Korea.
JangMi: Ok
Mister Ji: Please inform Miss SaeHyun of this
JangMi: Ok

　　After a few minutes JangMi got up and called her assistant. She said “David, I am going to hand my resignation letter by email” JangMi could hear David freaking out over the phone “I will call you later”. JangMi turns off the stove and rushes to her bedroom. She grabs a backpack from the closet and throws in both of their passports, personal documents and the file of their parents murder. She calls a cab and reaches SaeHyun’s workplace. She walks up to the front desk and asks for SaeHyun. SaeHyun came down and looked at JangMi with concern, since JangMi had a few cuts from the broken dishes. She takes JangMi to a room and starts treating her wounds.

SaeHyun: These wounds aren’t that serious. You didn’t have to come over here.
JangMi: Grandpa has cancer.
SaeHyun: What?

　　JangMi noticed that SaeHyun froze. She got down from the chair and held SaeHyun from her torso. The reaction to this news was deeply painful to these woman. Because, for over twelve years their grandpa was the only person who took care of them. He made several trips a year to New York just to spend time with them. Furthermore, he is the last connection they have to their parents and the truth behind their murder.

SaeHyun: We have to go...
JangMi: Let’s go
SaeHyun: But, we don’t have anything. We must get our passports
JangMi: I brought them and I asked David to look after our apartment. We can buy clothes over there. Let’s just go

SaeHyun got up and nodded. She informed the concurrences to her boss. And before noon these two best friends were on their way to South Korea. We sat beside each other with our eyes red and puffy. SaeHyun looked over at JangMi with a serious expression. “Maybe this is fate” she whispers to JangMi. “What do you mean?” JangMi asks, while SaeHyun grabbed her hand and said “Today, is the death anniversary of our parents. Today, we return to the place where they were unrighteously murdered. Today, of all days”.

JangMi: I think we can use this to our advantage. We should find the detective and reopen the case.
SaeHyun: Yes, we should.

　　During the fourteen hour flight to South Korean both girls were in deep thought. They discussed many elements of their past, like friends, family and their future. It was all unclear to them, the elements that pieced together their past and even more their future. What were they going to do now? How long will they stay in South Korea? What will happen when they meet grandpa’s grandsons, JongSuk and WonBin? What will happen?
　　WonBin and JongSuk were the only childhood friends of JangMi and SaeHyun. Since, they lived a limited and hectic life because of their social status. WonBin constantly bullied SaeHyun. JangMi believed that the reason behind it was love. On the other hand, JongSuk was a gentleman to the girls. Everybody knew he had a thing for JangMi. But, at the moment of the crime he turned away from them. All of this was like playing a game of jenga... hopeless. After a fourteen hour flight we arrived at Seoul International Airport at 9pm. While, SaeHyun talked to Mister Ji about the relative information. JangMi found a cab. Both of them found themselves in the hospital’s thirty floor looking for grandpa’s room.

JangMi: Are you sure he said thirty?
SaeHyun: Yes, I am sure...

　　We took a turn and we found ourselves face to face with WonBin. He was munching on some chips while leaning on the wall thoughtfully. When he saw us his eyes widen and a smile splatter on his face. “Jang-jang!” he said in happiness and hugged JangMi. SaeHyun glared at JangMi, while she stuck out her tongue. He turned back to SaeHyun and waved his hand coldly.

JangMi: I can see that you are still as immature as ever.
WonBin: Jang-jang, why would you say that?
JangMi: (raises an eyebrow) You know why...
WonBin: Grandpa has been expecting you two
JangMi: Where is the room?
WonBin: Follow me

　　WonBin lead us to the end of the hall where we found our grandfather laying on a bed. He looked angry and extremely tired. SaeHyun and JangMi ran over to him and hugged him. He started giggling happily when he saw them.

Grandpa: My girls, you are here
SaeHyun: How are you feeling? You look upset
Grandpa: (glares at WonBin) I’m better (smiles at us)
SaeHyun: What did he do to you?
Grandpa: He doesn’t let me eat anything good
SaeHyun: Is there a reason for that?
Grandpa: (pouts)

　　SaeHyun looks over at WonBin and smiled. He turns away from her gaze and walks to the door. Suddenly, SaeHyun noticed that we were not alone in the room. She found two of our “aunties”, Aunt Yoo and Aunt Kim, sitting in the only couch of the room. She bowed respectfully to them and signaled JangMi to do the same. In the house of Cho, our grandfather, there have always been a struggle for power. The relatives that had a direct relation to the inheritance of Empire were few, which made the atmosphere tense. The aunts have always used us to their liking, but we understand their true intentions. They want to possess Empire. After a few minutes, a nurse came in and announced that visiting hours were over. Grandpa gave orders to Mister Ji before we left. We arrived at the entrance of the Hospital and Mister Ji took our bag.
　　
Mister Ji: Your grandfather has asked me to prepare rooms for you. Is this your only luggage?
SaeHyun: Yes, we are going to buy somethings tomorrow.
JangMi: Where are we suppose to eat?

　　We noticed that both aunts left without talking to us. They shared a car to the house. WonBin was waiting for Mister Ji to give orders.

JangMi: WonBin? Wanna go eat street vendors food?
SaeHyun: (whispers) JANGMI!
WonBin: Sure, I’ll take you. But, what is SaeHyun gonna do?
JangMi: She is going to come with us!
SaeHyun: I can eat at the house...
JangMi: Mister Ji, we will be taking off!

　　JangMi grabbed a hold of SaeHyun’s hand and dragged her to WonBin’s car. His car was a convertible. JangMi forced SaeHyun to ride in the passenger seat. The night was long. They had a lot of fun. They ate a lot of different foods and ended up in the mall buying clothes. WonBin payed for all, since we forgot our wallets. We returned to the mansion exhausted. WonBin offered us some coffee and we walked with him to the kitchen. When we opened the door we noticed that JongSuk was there standing over the countertop, while eating some noodles. His eyes went straight to JangMi, who jumped and avoided his gaze. SaeHyun noticed that his eyes looked tired, confused and even... loving?

JongSuk: Oh you’re here?
SaeHyun: Hi JongSuk
JongSuk: Hi, how was the flight?
SaeHyun: Long... and terrible

　　JangMi sneaked off to help WonBin with the coffee, while SaeHyun and JongSuk had a small chat. JongSuk looked like he was in a bad mood, but he still engaged in conversation. After JongSuk was done with his plate he went over to the sink to clean it, passing JangMi on the way. He looked at JangMi with nostalgia and confusion. He said goodnight and left. After a few minutes of catching up WonBin excused himself, since he had to work tomorrow. SaeHyun and JangMi ended up sitting on the kitchen floor while discussing the days events, but Mister Ji found them and dragged them off to their rooms. As they rise the stairs Mister Ji gives them two documents, he says they are confidentially and for our eyes only. After taking a shower, JangMi ended up in SaeHyun’s room while they opened the files. SaeHyun’s file was about a malpractice in the labs of Empire. While, JangMi’s file was about a lawsuit from some test candidates of Empire. They both looked at each other tired and frustrated. What the hell is going on? Malpractice? Lawsuit? After reading the files, they ended up falling asleep on the floor. They woke up to Mister Jin knocking on the door and he said “You are needed at the company”. We both jumped on our feet and looked at each others messy hairs for a second before screaming in panic.

Blood Empire -CP

No SaeHyun

American name: No Dawn

Age: 25

Occupation: Doctor

Personality traits: Headstrong. Determined. Funny. She is a typical Korean; she hates public displays of affections, she loves ramen noodles and she is not afraid to physically injure someone. Her favorite hobby is photography. She is specially intrigued by nature. 

Go JangMi

American Name: Go Rose

Age: 25

Occupation: Lawyer

Personality traits: Sweet. Caring. Competitive. She is more comfortable with western attributes, such as hugging and skin-ship. But she hates being friendly with strange people. She is loud and perky. Her favorite hobbies involve some extreme sports. But, she is particularly afraid of death. 

President Cho [Cho Dong Il]

Age: 68

Occupation: Business Investor

Personality traits: Harsh. Cold. Compose. He is known for his indisputable business skills. Hard-worker. Righteous. He is a model citizen. But he is surrounded by people full of greed and avarice. Good man. Only loving towards his grandchildren. 

Cho WonBin

Age: 26

Occupation: Lawyer

Personality traits: Just. Playful. Daring. He started off his career as a public defender because he loves to help people. Righteous. Thoughtful. He loves animals; he has a pet snake named Poncho and a dog named SaeHyun. He joined the legal team at Empire because of his grandfather. He enjoys to eat, but he doesn’t know how to cook. On the other hand, his favorite hobby is reading.

Cho JongSuk

Age: 27

Occupation: Co-CEO of Empire

Personality traits: Sarcastic. Perfectionist. Dominant. He has three tattoos; a dove on his neck, a phrase of Shakespeare on his upper left back and a cross on his arm. His favorite hobby is cooking. Organized. A bit of a clean-freak. Because of his hectic life style he has lived through typical experiences, such as vacations and drinking alcohol with friends. He has lived a lonely and unusual life that has turned him into an insensible man.

Cho ByungHee

Age: 28

Occupation: Co-CEO of Empire

Personality traits: Witty. Caring. Noble. He has a special relationship with his employees. Calm. Collected. A bit innocent. He is sot spoken. He can manipulative; but only during special circumstances. He is charismatic. Most female employees have a crush on him. His favorite hobby is to jog. He can be soft hearted. 

Kim MinHee

Age: 42

Occupation: Director of Advertisement in Empire  

Personality traits: Selfish. Cold. Pretentious. She always makes a scene when things don’t go her way. Motherly. Loud. She takes good care of her children. She is too preoccupied with planning her son’s future. She is known as the dragon at work, because she can be mystifying and terrifying at the same time. She married the youngest son of the Cho family. She suffered a loveless marriage.

Yoo SooHyun

Age: 45

Occupation: Fashion Designer

Personality traits: Creative. Serious. Sarcastic. She is the owner of her own boutique which features Korean style clothes. Collected. She keeps her problems to herself. She lives for her only son. She is competitive about her son’s rights in the company. Independent. She married the first son of the Cho family and lived a short marriage.

Mister Ji [Ji HyunDok]

Age: 48

Occupation: Secretary

Personality traits: Professional. Sweet. He has served by President Cho for over twenty years. Funny. Loyal. Honest. Direct. He is secretly an awesome dancer. He lives to pay for his mother's hospital bills. He has lived a lonely life. He is used to being around executives and directors. He used to be a teacher. 

Song ChangWook

Age: 25

Occupation: Detective

Personality traits: Smart. Emotional. Fast. He decided to become a detective because of his father. He is known as red dynamite at work because of his assaults to criminals. Flirty. Funny. Confident. His favorite hobby involves flower arrangement; a hobby he picked up from his mother. On the other hand, he smokes; a bad habit her picked up from his father. He is passionate about his work. 

Lee YuRi

Age: 26

Occupation: Heiress

Personality traits: Positive. Confident. Cheerful. She is used to getting what she wants. Childish. Protective. She lives a life of luxury, but without the hard-work and stress. Her parents own a talent agency named Pink, which is the most famous scouting agency in Korea. She is used to being surrounded by beautiful people. She is used to being a princess.

Hwang EunHye

Age: 26

Occupation: Business Owner of a Coffee Shop

Personality traits: Sweet. Caring. Kind. She owns a coffee shop near Empire. She comes from a poor family. She advanced to a middle class with her own business. Insecure. Low esteemed. Fragile. She is a woman with many issues. She is a good hard-worker, but when it comes to a personal life she is a failure. She has a bad relationship with her parents, because she blames them for her darkness. Terrible things happened to her during her childhood.  

Cho JaeRim

Age: 30
Occupation: Farmer
Personality traits: Country Bumpkin. Cute. Caring. Sweet. He is an orphan sponsored to run an apple farm. He does not know who his father is. Outgoing. Extroverted. Funny. He likes to take care of plants and animals.