Chapter 4 of 100
Chapter 4
8 min read2,089 words
After listening to Jin Yunhao's 'defiance,' the expected storm did not come as anticipated.
He never thought that the previously furious Park Kukwon would turn around and adopt a gentle tone.
"Hehe, not bad, you're quite a talent!"
Park Kukwon, having held a high position for a long time, had experienced all sorts of situations and would not blame Jin Yunhao just because of a conflict in ideals.
In fact, through observation, he had long noticed Jin Yunhao's 'hasty and short-sighted' approach to handling cases. His previous anger was merely a test to see how Jin Yunhao would respond.
If Jin Yunhao had insincerely admitted that his 'hasty and short-sighted' approach was wrong, Park Kukwon would have rated his performance today as 'excellent.'
However, it would only be 'excellent,' and there were many intern prosecutors who could achieve such a rating. He would not pay special attention to Jin Yunhao in the future. But now, he rated Jin Yunhao as 'outstanding' in his heart.
Jin Yunhao's 'defiance,' though somewhat disrespectful to his superior, made Park Kukwon look at him with new eyes: adhering to one's own approach to handling cases is a basic quality for a prosecutor to rise to a high position.
Moreover, Jin Yunhao's outstanding performance today: analyzing the 'anti-prostitution' operation as a drill, showing quick thinking; quickly finding the hidden clue, demonstrating sharp observation and judgment; focusing on major issues while ignoring minor ones, having his own approach to handling cases; not being tempted by women, not fearing authority, and having a strong will. These qualities combined would allow Jin Yunhao to have a long and successful career as a prosecutor.
He saw great potential in Jin Yunhao's future, to the point where he regretted his previous arrangements for him.
Thus, he had a sudden idea and commented meaningfully to Jin Yunhao, "You are very excellent and unique. In the prosecutor's career, you will either become a prominent new star or... the biggest tumor in the system. Young man, I hope you can control yourself, remember your actions today, do not fear authority, and do not be tempted by women!"
Park Kukwon's high praise was a great surprise to Luo Wenshan. Knowing Park Kukwon well, he realized that the prosecutor had a fondness for talent.
He looked at Jin Yunhao enviously, thinking: What a lucky guy, just entering the prosecutor's system and already receiving the attention of the prosecutor. His future success is just around the corner.
As for Park Kukwon's final warning, he couldn't quite understand why he emphasized 'not being tempted by women.' He didn't see Jin Yunhao as someone who was attracted to women.
Luo Wenshan didn't understand Park Kukwon's intentions, but the noble woman understood. She was somewhat surprised; was Park Kukwon going to renege on their previous agreement?
Just as she was about to probe, Park Kukwon stood up and left the room with Jin Yunhao and the others.
She walked to the window, caressed the lavender flowers, and with a seductive glance and slightly parted lips, said, "What a sly old fox!"
---
Jin Yunhao and Shin Donghae were taken out inexplicably and still couldn't understand the meaning of Park Kukwon's last words.
On the way out, they only heard the conversation between Park Kukwon and Luo Wenshan.
Park Kukwon: "How did the other four intern prosecutors perform?"
Luo Wenshan: "One coordinated with the police on the first floor to control the crowd, the other three went to the fifth floor to inspect."
Park Kukwon: "A bunch of good-for-nothings, following others' lead in handling cases won't get them anywhere. The three who went to the fifth floor will have their internship extended by six months. Go back and teach them how to handle cases properly."
Luo Wenshan: "Yes, Prosecutor."
Park Kukwon: "As for the one on the first floor, he will be promoted to a full prosecutor in three months. Regardless of whether he saw the purpose of this operation or his abilities, at least he has a strong sense of responsibility. Such a person will not make mistakes as a prosecutor."
Luo Wenshan: "Yes, Prosecutor, what about intern prosecutor Jin Yunhao...?"
Park Kukwon stopped and glanced at Jin Yunhao behind him, "Have him hand over his work tomorrow and officially take up the position of prosecutor next Monday. As for the unit... wait for notification tomorrow night."
After saying this, Park Kukwon ended the conversation and hurriedly left with Luo Wenshan, leaving Jin Yunhao and Shin Donghae staring at each other.
Shin Donghae was the first to come to life, waving his hands and shouting, "Haha! Boss, did you hear that? You can end your internship early and become a full prosecutor next week!"
"Keep it down, my ears are still ringing," Jin Yunhao's ears had been attacked by sound waves several times in one day, making him very uncomfortable.
Back in the minivan, Shin Donghae's excitement had not subsided. He was jumping around like a monkey, making Jin Yunhao dizzy.
Jin Yunhao, sitting in the passenger seat, said helplessly, "Can't you calm down and drive properly? I'm the one ending my internship early, why are you so happy?"
Shin Donghae turned his head, frowned, and asked, "Boss, don't you know? I'm your assistant! Since you're ending your internship early, I get to end mine early too. I'll be a full investigator next Monday, hahaha!"
...Trouble!
Jin Yunhao asked nervously, "What about you... in the future?"
Shin Donghae quickly answered, "Of course, I'll still be your subordinate! Usually, after an intern prosecutor ends their internship, their assistant becomes an investigator in their future prosecutor team. Don't you know that?"
Know your sister!
Jin Yunhao thought he could get rid of this fool after the internship, but now it seemed he would have to endure long-term torture. Sigh! Whoever gets stuck with this guy is in for a rough time.
---
In the dark night, a few stars diligently kept watch.
This night, Seoul had a temperature drop. The air was cool, making one feel refreshed.
After the operation, he and Shin Donghae had a few drinks to celebrate. Back home, he thought the alcohol would help him fall asleep quickly, but he tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.
He had been an intern for three months, and all the days combined did not match the excitement and ups and downs of today.
It seems I am naturally suited for criminal investigation! Only solving cases can make my blood boil.
After self-evaluating, he stared at the gray and old ceiling, and in a daze, suddenly remembered the noble and elegant woman in the private room. Her alluring figure, delicate features, and noble and elegant demeanor combined to create a beautiful scene that made one's heart race.
Who is that woman? Why was she in that private room?
Was the prosecutor's final warning, 'do not be tempted by women,' referring to her?
When she left, her shy and angry glance, was it at Park Kukwon or at me?
All the questions had no answers.
Gradually, he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
He always slept without dreams.
---
At six in the morning, Jin Yunhao opened his eyes.
The sky outside was already light. A ray of morning light shone on his face.
The ceiling was still gray and old, the electric fan on the desk whirred. The bed, desk, and wardrobe, simple old furniture, bathed in the morning light. A few pots of fragrant purple lavender on the windowsill were in full bloom, adding a touch of vitality to the otherwise lifeless room.
Jin Yunhao sat up, pressed his forehead to clear his head.
Korean soju has a strong aftertaste. He had been drinking it for years but still couldn't get used to it.
His left ear was also acting up, always buzzing.
He rubbed his ear and got out of bed.
He had a strong smoking habit, but due to financial constraints, he couldn't waste too much on it. After some hesitation, he took a cigarette from the box on the desk, went to the window, and smoked while looking at the lavender.
It was a new day.
Jin Yunhao lived in the Tongjeok district, a 40 square meter employee apartment of the district prosecutor's office, very close to the Gangnam district prosecutor's office, a 10-minute walk away. After tidying up, he went out, as usual, and had a bowl of jajangmyeon at a small roadside shop before going to work.
When he arrived at his office area, he saw Shin Donghae busily working on something.
Seeing Jin Yunhao, Shin Donghae wiped the sweat from his forehead and complained, "Boss, why are you so late? Today is the day to hand over the work."
Jin Yunhao pulled over a swivel chair and sat down leisurely, "What's there to hand over? Just some files and archives. Organize them and file them. Leave that to you, I'll take a nap."
Despite Shin Donghae's usual carefree attitude, he was very serious about his work and organized files neatly, giving a pleasant feeling. Jin Yunhao felt very confident in entrusting such tasks to him.
After half an hour, Shin Donghae finished his work and sneaked up to Jin Yunhao, "Boss, the handover is done. What do we do next?"
Jin Yunhao covered his left ear with one hand and lazily replied, "I don't know, if there's nothing to do, go to sleep."
Shin Donghae looked around and whispered in Jin Yunhao's ear, "Boss, aren't you going to find out where you'll be assigned?"
Jin Yunhao half-opened his eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"
Shin Donghae became interested and began to explain with a proud look, "After returning home last night, I asked a senior. Usually, after an intern prosecutor finishes their internship at a district prosecutor's office, they are assigned to a subordinate branch. The Gangnam district prosecutor's office has two branches: the eastern branch and the western branch."
Jin Yunhao: "Is there a difference? Isn't it the same wherever you go?"
Shin Donghae gave him a look of disbelief, "How can it be the same? The eastern branch oversees:江东, Songpa, Gangnam, Seocho, and Tongjeok, all the richest areas in Seoul. Working in the eastern branch, you will interact with high-level people in society, which is very helpful for expanding your social network. Moreover, the cases here are on a large scale. Many third-level prosecutors from other district prosecutor's offices are willing to lower their rank to work here."
The Korean prosecutor's office is divided into four levels: the Supreme Prosecutor's Office (equivalent to the Supreme People's Procuratorate in China), the High Prosecutor's Office (equivalent to the provincial-level prosecutor's office in China), the District Prosecutor's Office (equivalent to the city-level prosecutor's office in China), and the District Prosecutor's Branch (equivalent to the district or county-level prosecutor's office in China).
Correspondingly, prosecutors are also divided into four levels, from low to high: fourth-level to first-level prosecutors. After Jin Yunhao is promoted, he will automatically become a fourth-level prosecutor and work at a district prosecutor's branch. Only after reaching the third level can he work at a district prosecutor's office.
However, there are always exceptions, and the locations of the prosecutor's offices also vary. For example, the Seoul prosecutor's office, due to its economic development and abundant resources, many third-level prosecutors from remote areas are willing to lower their rank to work in the Seoul district prosecutor's branch.
Jin Yunhao had been busy with studies and exams and had no time to pay attention to these matters. Moreover, due to his lack of understanding of Korean culture, he was somewhat ignorant.
Seeing that Jin Yunhao really didn't understand, Shin Donghae became anxious. This was a matter related to their careers, and he couldn't be careless. So he continued to explain:
"In short, working in the eastern branch is the first choice. In comparison, the western branch is much worse. The western branch oversees: Gwangjin, Yangcheon, Guro, and six other districts. These six districts are not as prosperous as the eastern districts and rarely deal with large-scale cases."
After listening to Shin Donghae's explanation, Jin Yunhao understood and rubbed his ear, speechless.
What a fool! I see why Shin Donghae is so enthusiastic; it's all about the 'large-scale cases.' Having such a person around is a good test of one's endurance.
However, Jin Yunhao wasn't anxious. It didn't matter where he went as long as he had cases to handle.
As for where he would be assigned, it was up to the higher-ups.