Loh was driving, fully absorbed in the road. To be honest, they had narrowly avoided disaster before even reaching the plane. Kang Ji-han sat in the back seat beside Ryu Seon-yeon, visibly tense. He looked like he wanted to speak, but Loh's presence up front kept him silent.
Instead, he clutched Seon-yeon's wrist the entire ride, as if trying to crush it. It felt almost like punishment for pushing his hand away earlier in the infirmary. Ji-han's stare was so heavy, so sharp, that Seon-yeon didn't dare turn his head.
Loh pressed on the accelerator and spoke matter-of-factly:
— There's a duffel bag in the trunk. Inside, you'll find your fake ID, Mr. Ryu Seon-yeon. And several containers of hemoplasma — drink them now. We can't bring them aboard. We'll restock once we reach Merai.
— Ah… understood.
Impressed by her decisiveness, Seon-yeon pulled his hand free from Ji-han's grip and reached for the bag. Inside lay a neatly forged ID and several sealed blood packs.
— New documents?
— Yes.
Apparently, the Shinwu Corporation didn't mind using illegal means in their hunt for Im Jin-tae. Now Seon-yeon understood why Ji-han had recognized fake papers so easily during their first encounter.
He wasn't particularly hungry, but out of politeness — and to finally rid himself of Ji-han's iron hold — he decided to drink two packs. As soon as he began, Ji-han reluctantly released his wrist.
Thanks to Loh's borderline insane driving, they arrived quickly at the aviation hub. Following the crew's instructions, Seon-yeon boarded the private jet. Inside gleamed a polished table and four massive seats facing each other, reclining a full 180 degrees.
— Wow.
He had flown at night before, but never on such a luxurious craft. It wasn't about the money — it was simply that on commercial flights, sunlight could never be fully blocked. On a private jet, though, every window could be sealed, which was a huge advantage. Still, with only a four-hour flight to Merai, even arriving at dawn wouldn't be fatal.
Loh took one of the seats; Ji-han sat directly opposite. After a moment's hesitation, Seon-yeon sat beside Loh. Ji-han immediately raised a brow.
"What's wrong with him today? So annoying."
Every time Ji-han looked at him, Seon-yeon felt awkward. Loh pulled the curtains around their seats and said:
— After we land at Merai International Airport, we'll head straight to the SuperLegend Hotel. It's a ten-minute drive, full of tourists — no threats. We'll discuss mission details there. Any questions?
— Uh… no.
— Then please rest.
— Sure.
At that, Seon-yeon glanced out the window at the glowing skyline of the capital. Despite nearly being kidnapped, the view of the shimmering night city was breathtaking.
***
They landed in Merai at 1:20 a.m. local time. Late October here was hot and humid compared to the climate of their homeland. Loh, Ji-han, and Seon-yeon changed into T-shirts and light pullovers.
Their car stopped before a golden building shaped like a giant hand reaching toward the sky. Passing under massive, palace-like gates, they entered through an arched doorway. Inside rose a vast lobby crowned with a domed golden ceiling painted in the style of an Ancient Master — the very definition of opulence.
The reception counter was inlaid with white and brown marble arranged in diamond patterns like a chessboard. White, gold, and beige walls created the illusion of a city built entirely of light and wealth. Even at this late hour, the casino floor below was buzzing with people.
Golden statues taller than humans stood in every corner, alongside intricately carved jade art pieces. It was hard to imagine the kind of fortune one needed to feel at home here. This city, built entirely on capital, pulled the rich from every corner of the world like a gravitational anomaly.
A group of tourists from their homeland passed by, exclaiming,
— Incredible!
Seon-yeon had tried every kind of gambling in his life, but never stayed in a place so luxurious just for the game. He considered himself successful, but compared to this city, he was a modest small-timer.
They took the elevator to the 49th floor — just below the penthouse. Loh tapped a keycard and ushered Ji-han and Seon-yeon inside. From within came a noise, and a young man with chestnut hair rushed out and hugged Seon-yeon.
— Sir! Glad to see you here. How are you feeling?
Then he winked and whispered,
— I was worried about Ji-han — he's been acting crazy. I didn't know you two were ready to risk your lives for each other! So hypnosis works both ways, huh? The adult world is truly mysterious.
— …What is he talking about? — Seon-yeon, forgetting to avoid Ji-han's gaze, turned to him automatically.
Ji-han said nothing, only shot Lo Dan a threatening glare. But Lo Dan seemed delighted.
Inside the suite, So Raon and Lee Hoon were standing by the central table. So Raon stepped forward confidently.
— Mr. Ryu Seon-yeon, it's good to see you well.
— Ah… yes. Thank you.
"Why are they suddenly so polite?"
So Raon continued solemnly:
— We've received the full report from the president. You risked your life to save Ji-han and were unconscious for three days. We are deeply grateful.
— …Thank you.
Both Raon and the stoic Lee Hoon bowed deeply to him. Seon-yeon stared, baffled, then awkwardly muttered,
— Well… it's nothing.
Apparently, the president's report had turned him into a hero. And now that they knew he'd fully recovered — and could use hypnosis again — they still looked him in the eye without fear. As if they genuinely trusted him.
Lo Dan grinned.
— Wow, did you hear what he said? "It's nothing." A true modest gentleman!
They led him deeper into the suite. Papers were spread out on a glass table, and a presentation flickered on the screen.
— You came just in time, — Lo Dan said. — We were discussing tournament details.
He pointed a laser pointer at the screen.
— Our appearance is the day after tomorrow! Well, technically tomorrow, since it's past midnight. We were going to brief you earlier, but things got… complicated. Anyway, here's your new role.
— New role?
— You can't infiltrate the enemy base as "Host Ryu Seon-yeon" or "Vampire Ryu Seon-yeon." As you've probably heard, you'll enter as the hired poker player of an eccentric magnate.
He clicked again, revealing the image of a plump, unpleasant man. Beside it: [Kim Jin-soo], age 52, millionaire investor.
— Kim Jin-soo, — Lo Dan explained brightly, — made his fortune by forty through stocks and real estate. Some say it was luck, but he has good instincts. He spends most of his time on Sirius Island and recently learned about "West Medical's" private tournaments through a local rich men's club. His dream? Eternal youth surrounded by beautiful women.
— …That's the dream of a young man? — Seon-yeon muttered.
Ignoring him, Lo Dan continued,
— He bribed his way into this poker tournament but can't play. Fortunately, he "discovered" a recluse named David Baek — a supposed poker prodigy living in Merai — and hired him to play in his stead.
He clicked again, revealing an image of a glittering golden access ticket.
— And that's the coveted invitation.
Seon-yeon frowned.
— David Baek? Who came up with that?
— Ah, well… It was originally Lee Hoon's cover, so the name stuck. Sorry, no "David Ryu" for you.
— Whatever. But how did this Kim Jin-soo even hear about him? You leaked it?
— What? No need to hack for that kind of fool. Just play with his ego, drop a few "exclusive" secrets about high society — done! Of course, Raon-hyung helped...
Raon coughed awkwardly, clearly embarrassed. Lo Dan went on:
— Anyway, here's what matters: once you're inside, we'll need eyes on you. We'll embed a micro camera into your glasses.
The screen showed a tiny 2 mm lens.
— We considered contact lenses, but with your special eyes, we decided not to interfere. Vampire eyes are the best weapon, right?
He grinned like a TV salesman.
— Plus, long use of lenses in a dry casino would redden your eyes — suspicious. Oh, and we'll add makeup.
— Why?
— Because a young, handsome, rich man who keeps winning in a casino? That's an open invitation for a knife in the back. People like you attract envy. You stand out too much.
He gestured dramatically.
— The tournament's in a day. Until then, wander the hotel as a normal guest, learn the casino's layout. The West Medical event is on the 50th floor — just above us. Only those with verified tickets can enter. We'll stay here and monitor everything.
Seon-yeon raised a hand.
— But how will you get past the metal detector with a camera?
— That's where your hypnosis comes in! A quick "You've already checked me." Easy, right? Or too risky? We have backup plans.
Seon-yeon snorted, laughing.
— …Now I understand why Ji-han keeps hitting you.
— Ha-ha! Thank you!
— Not a compliment.
Completely unfazed, Lo Dan continued cheerfully:
— The players are mostly "avatars" hired by rich old patrons who'll be watching live feeds. We'll use the same network to talk to you. You'll hear us; we'll hear you. Got it?
— Got it. But one thing — if I'm a hired player, doesn't the ticket go to Kim Jin-soo, not me?
— Don't worry. It'll end up with us anyway. He's got too much dirt on him.
— Dirt?
— When faced with a choice — accept the ticket and be exposed or keep his fortune and walk away — he'll always pick safety.
Seon-yeon laughed. They had found the perfect puppet. Though even for them, it was unsettling how casually they discussed blackmail.
— You hacked his files too, didn't you?
— Of course!
— You're insane.
Lo Dan beamed, delighted by the insult.
— Hehe! Hyung gets me! I even won the hacking championship in the Emirates! Breaking into a corporation like that? Child's play!
— So you only hack corporations?
— Anything connected to a network. Just takes time.
Loh interrupted his bragging.
— Mr. Ryu Seon-yeon, here are your wardrobe options. Let's pick your look tonight. The luggage space is limited.
She rolled out a rack packed with men's suits. Seon-yeon blinked.
— Are we filming a movie?
— You could say that.
— Real rich guys usually dress casually, — he said, pointing at himself.
— Not here. This is a contest of gaudiness. The flashier, the better.
— But why, if they're just avatars? It's like dressing up a game character.
— Exactly. People spend fortunes decorating their avatars — to show off. And the tournament will be livestreamed.
Even the usually silent Lee Hoon nodded in agreement.
They were clearly intent on trying every outfit.
— Fine, fine. Have it your way.
He took a sip of water, shook his head, and stepped into the next room. Grumbling followed.
***
A few minutes later, Seon-yeon stepped back out — transformed.
— Oh-oh-oh…
Lo Dan gasped first. Even Loh and Lee Hoon widened their eyes slightly. So Raon's jaw dropped. Ji-han, who'd been anxiously waiting for a chance to speak to him, now looked completely entranced.
The man before them hardly resembled the one they knew.
Tall and lean, with chestnut hair touched by copper, Seon-yeon wore a deep navy suit that made his pale skin glow. Even his sneakers somehow fit the look.
If before he had a roguish charisma, now he looked like a young heir returned from abroad — neat, refined, and dangerously elegant. His slicked-back hair completed the image.
Ji-han's pupils darted from his face to his shoulders to his legs, memorizing every line. Anyone seeing his expression would have called him obsessed.
Loh smiled faintly.
— Setting the mission aside… that suit looks perfect on you.
— …Really?
Seon-yeon scratched his neck, embarrassed. He'd rarely worn such clothes. At the host club, he used to leave a few buttons open for allure — never to look rich.
And Ji-han's silent stare, stripped of its usual sarcasm, was… unsettling.
"Why is he looking at me like that?"
The man who usually snapped and scowled was now watching him like something precious — unnervingly so.
Lo Dan clapped his hands.
— We could take him straight to the casino! Looks like the heir of a conglomerate!
But then Ji-han, still staring, muttered,
— Maybe he should change.
Loh blinked.
— You think so?
— His face stands out too much. Give him bangs or thick glasses. Or make him look like a loan shark — bright shirt, gold chain.
So Raon nodded seriously.
— That might actually work. I didn't expect looks to be such a problem…
— What? I think he looks great! — Lo Dan protested, but no one listened.
Soon, they remade the image per Ji-han's suggestion.
Even in a red tropical shirt, gold chain, and oversized black suit, Seon-yeon looked like a runway model. Unbutton a few top buttons, and he became a sensual idol from a glossy magazine.
Only the extreme makeover — hair parted 8:2, thick glasses, and an oversized suit — finally dulled his allure. Everyone rejected it at once, especially Loh, who shuddered.
— That's too much...
Raon looked lost for words. Loh crossed her arms, analyzing. Lo Dan, sprawled on the couch, sighed.
— Beautiful people really do suffer in weird ways... Right, Hoon?
Lee Hoon turned away wordlessly.
At that moment, Seon-yeon came out in his sixth outfit, visibly exhausted. Nearly an hour had passed.
— Enough. Just give me acne makeup or something. I'm done.
Ji-han, who had been watching the entire "fashion show" with unsettling focus, immediately agreed.
— That's the best option. You're too—
— Too what?
Ji-han answered seriously:
— …Too made to drive everyone insane.
Lo Dan snorted, barely holding back laughter. Seon-yeon blinked in surprise, then smirked.
— So what? Maybe someone will just hand me the ticket out of admiration.
— …You're not planning to seduce them, are you?
— Why not? Might be faster.
It was clearly a joke, but the air around Kang Ji-han thickened at once. Loh, sensing the same strange tension she'd noticed back in the infirmary, quietly held her breath — watching them both.