RB - 67

Chapter 67: If You Want to Attack, Use the Sharpest Blade

Shin Joon-hyuk’s condition had changed remarkably. He now looked so similar to Jung-hyuk that it was almost impossible to tell them apart at a glance. The butler provided a brief summary of Joon-hyuk’s state based on the reports from the counselors.

“He exhibits symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, but there were no signs of disorganized schizophrenia. Blood tests revealed long-term drug accumulation, leading to withdrawal symptoms, but recovery is possible.”

Jung-hyuk and Jin-hyuk were accustomed to clashing with each other. Though their auras were similar, their features were distinct. But in this moment, they shared the exact same expression—eyes burning with both gratitude and deep guilt. Joon-hyuk’s condition could have improved like this all along, yet they had failed to question Sung Ho-yeon—a fact that was undeniable sin.

But Joon-hyuk seemed to offer absolution. “I’m fine now,” he seemed to say. “We can fix things moving forward. Don’t blame yourselves too much.” Alternating his gaze between his brothers, Joon-hyuk smiled brightly like sunlight.

Breaking the heavy atmosphere was Attorney Jung, who cheerfully addressed the elderly butler.

“In conclusion, everything is very positive and optimistic. Excellent!”

What he really wanted to say was, “Joon-hyuk’s condition being positive makes him living evidence against Sung Ho-yeon—a solid card to pressure her.” However, calculating the backlash he might receive for such bluntness, he toned it down.

Attorney Jung turned his attention to Seo-yeon. They say emotional distress is the best diet, and indeed, Seo-yeon had visibly lost weight over the past few days. Yet, she radiated the aura of a warrior embodying Nietzsche’s words: “What does not kill me makes me stronger.” Jung began to vaguely understand why the Shin brothers were so drawn to Han Seo-yeon. With his usual boldness, he addressed her.

“Manager Han, you’ve lost quite a bit of weight. But your eyes still shine brightly—haha, they’re alive. Impressive.”

Meanwhile, the diligent butler had prepared a tea table. Regretfully rubbing his palms together, he apologized.

“I didn’t anticipate such a gathering, so I couldn’t prepare in advance. My apologies.”

The neatly cut fruits, dried meat, and cheeses emitted appetizing aromas, but alas, no one paid them any mind. Everyone understood—it was time to bury old grievances and focus entirely on moving forward.

The strategy meeting began around the dining table. Attorney Jung spread out the evidence he and Jin-hyuk had collected over the past few days. The snacks were sadly pushed to the corner of the table, while Joon-hyuk sat quietly on the sofa, flipping through a comic book.

“Madam Park Yeo-wan and Professor Sung’s accounts are under aliases. The communication records are beside them; take your time reviewing them. Of course, these were obtained illegally. As you know, I’m infamous as a ‘thug lawyer,’ haha. Everything happens for a reason, doesn’t it?”

Ignoring Jung’s jest, Jung-hyuk quickly scanned the documents. Seo-yeon did the same, carefully examining the materials passed to her by Jung-hyuk. Suddenly, she asked Jin-hyuk:

“Did you meet the victims I mentioned? Their evidence could be crucial in court.”

“Of course, Manager Han. Once they heard the Taesung Group brothers were involved, everyone cooperated willingly. Attorney Jung and I verified all the evidence. Listening to the recordings, it was clear they were gaslighting the children using hypnosis-like techniques.”

Anger seeped into Jin-hyuk’s voice. Attorney Jung added bitterly:

“Compared to Professor Sung, I’m practically a saint. Do you know what the hypnotic suggestions were? Things like, ‘You’ll kill the goldfish. Take it out of the tank.’ Ridiculous, right? One victim’s family ran a major ornamental fish business. And sure enough, the child killed the goldfish.”

The aftermath was predictable. The child would have been labeled emotionally deficient, forced into expensive treatments by Professor Sung, and possibly branded a sociopath.

An unspoken scream erupted within Seo-yeon. Her gaze darted to Jin-hyuk, whose calm demeanor masked the devastation beneath. His tranquil eyes pierced her heart like sharp blades.

It became clear why Jin-hyuk, holding scissors, had cried about not wanting to kill rabbits.

Seo-yeon stubbornly stared at the table, her delicate lashes casting shadows under her eyes. Unable to endure the silence for long, Attorney Jung cleared his throat. When Seo-yeon finally raised her head, her face bore an unmistakably grave expression. Her trembling voice followed.

“So, Professor Sung manipulated children into exhibiting sociopathic tendencies, extorted exorbitant clinic fees from their parents, and created a cult-like following by fabricating dramatic improvements in their conditions.”

Attorney Jung snapped his fingers with a crisp sound—a clever way to draw everyone’s attention.

“Exactly. All of Professor Sung’s victims share a common trait—they’re ‘rich kids.’ And among them, the biggest names were…”

Jin-hyuk picked up where Jung trailed off.

“The three brothers of Taesung Group.”

Jung patted Jin-hyuk’s shoulder sympathetically. Irritated by being treated as a pitiable figure in front of his brother and Seo-yeon, Jin-hyuk brushed the hand away, muttering, “Stop.”

Turning to Jung-hyuk, Jung calmly explained his pre-prepared “Judgment Operation against Professor Sung.” His confident tone reflected his expertise in high-stakes legal battles.

Jung-hyuk listened intently for a while before glaring at Jung with icy detachment. His dry, cutting voice sliced through the room.

“So...”

Though Jung maintained his usual sly demeanor, cold sweat trickled down his back. Shrugging, he met Jung-hyuk’s gaze defiantly.

“So, you’re saying we expose everything publicly to humiliate Taesung Group?”

Jung bristled at the phrase “humiliate,” half-rising from his seat. Attacked on his professional pride, he defended himself.

“Our firm—and my success rate—are well-known. Why do you think I thrive despite the ‘thug lawyer’ label? This is strategic warfare.”

Jung loved being the center of attention and relished dominating conversations. But today, he couldn’t. Perhaps his booming voice irritated someone, because Seo-yeon interjected.

“Lower your voice. Didn’t you hear the counselors?”

Seeing Seo-yeon gesture toward Joon-hyuk, Jung scratched his head sheepishly. The counselors had emphasized Joon-hyuk’s psychological stability above all else. Raising his voice wouldn’t help anyone.

Watching the debate silently, Jin-hyuk backed Jung’s argument.

“He’s right. Manager Han, we’ve already met the victims you secured. They stayed silent despite having evidence because of Professor Sung’s reputation. She’s practically a cult leader in this field.”

Seo-yeon quickly added:

“And since children are involved, victims hesitate to act unless victory is certain. Prolonged legal battles risk further harm to the children.”

Pleased by Jin-hyuk and Seo-yeon’s support, Jung grinned smugly. Shrugging again, he addressed Jung-hyuk.

“That’s exactly why we need to make a big move. Use the media to destroy Professor Sung instantly! While we’d win a legal battle eventually, it would drag on. Public opinion is our weapon. Crush her decisively and irreversibly.”

Jung-hyuk fell into a suffocating silence. After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“Then let’s do this. I’ll arrange to move up Taesung Hospital’s year-end charity event. That day, we’ll reveal Taesung’s true eldest son.”

All eyes turned to Jung-hyuk. Jin-hyuk’s eyes flickered with displeasure before his aggressive tone erupted.

“You’re talking about Joon-hyuk, aren’t you?”

“You know who I mean. There’s only one true eldest son.”

“Are you insane? Didn’t you hear the counselors? Joon-hyuk still has seizures when hospitals are mentioned. And you want to drag him there?”

Jung-hyuk’s voice was colder than the north wind. Seo-yeon realized anew that this man was the ruthless Shin Jung-hyuk she had always known.

“I said it before—the true eldest son of Taesung. Bearing the weight of responsibility comes with the title. Being my brother doesn’t exempt him.”

The rhythmic sound of Joon-hyuk flipping comic book pages filled the air. Tension crackled as Jung-hyuk and Jin-hyuk’s gazes collided. Finally, Seo-yeon’s long sigh cut through the icy atmosphere.