Park Jung Won bowed deeply, and Choi Eun Ho immediately followed suit, mimicking his gesture perfectly.
"Everyone, please feel free to take a seat. Allow me a few minutes," Jang Tae Joon invited with a charming smile, gesturing towards the sofas in the living room.
As he flipped through the documents in his hand, he admired Choi Eun Ho:
"Truly impressive, a young talent. I never expected to encounter a prosecutor like you, so self-aware and determined, during my second review in my career. To voluntarily abandon your position to become an undercover agent."
Before Choi Eun Ho could respond, Park Jung Won, standing beside him, interjected:
"It's all thanks to the Deputy Prosecutor's meticulous guidance. Otherwise, how could a newcomer like him possess such a patriotic and selfless spirit, willing to sacrifice everything for the nation!"
He turned, a wide smile on his face, and looked at Choi Eun Ho: "Don't you agree, Eun Ho?"
Damn it! Go to hell! It's not like I did it willingly!
Don't you have any idea how much pressure you put on me? You're so utterly insincere!
Unlike me, I'm always straight-up, never hypocritical.
Choi Eun Ho hastily rose to his feet, bowing deeply to Jang Tae Joon, and said respectfully:
"Minister, you are right. I took on the second review because of my deep admiration for the Deputy Prosecutor's unwavering determination to purge corruption from our country's judicial system.
I engage in daily self-reflection, guided by the Deputy Prosecutor's spirit, striving towards his ideals, and dedicating myself entirely to serving him!"
When flattering someone, never hold back. The more disgusted you feel, the more comfortable and pleased the recipient will be.
"Hahaha, how could I possibly have such influence? Prosecutor Choi's abilities are truly extraordinary."
Jang Tae Joon laughed heartily, then, with a serious tone, reprimanded:
"Eun Ho, you can't say things like that anymore. We're serving the Great Republic of Korea, understand?"
"I'm lacking in knowledge, Deputy Prosecutor. You are right to scold me," Choi Eun Ho hung his head in acknowledgement, exhibiting great deference.
Jang Tae Joon spoke briefly, then lowered his head, immersing himself in the stack of documents, saying nothing further.
Choi Eun Ho and Park Jung Won settled onto the sofas, the atmosphere serene, only the passage of time breaking the quiet.
Choi Eun Ho knew very little about Jang Tae Joon. He only knew that Park Jung Won often revolved around him, and that Jang Tae Joon and the Third Prosecutor were in a tense relationship, both vying for the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's position next year.
As for the First Prosecutor, rumour had it that he was about to be transferred to a remote area due to a misstep, a temporary measure to avoid further scrutiny.
This tactic was commonplace in the Prosecutors' Office. If a prosecutor incurred the wrath of a powerful figure or made a mistake, superiors would "relegate" them to a remote location, claiming it was a "demotion," but in reality, it was a way to shirk responsibility.
Choi Eun Ho's mind raced with various thoughts, making the few minutes feel like centuries.
Just then, Jang Tae Joon rose from his seat, gracefully straightening his suit, and said, "We should head to the venue." He then strode confidently towards the door.
Choi Eun Ho quickly followed.
As they stepped into the venue, they instantly became the center of attention.
Reporters buzzed like hummingbirds, flashes blinding, shutter clicks resounding.
Choi Eun Ho strained to keep his eyes open, trying to adjust to the sudden onslaught of light.
He could hear the reporters' chatter and surprised exclamations ringing in his ears.
"Wow! Is that Deputy Prosecutor Jang?" a reporter exclaimed.
"Yes, why is he here?" another reporter responded in confusion.
"Could the rumored central figure this time be Deputy Prosecutor Jang?" The speculation from the crowd grew louder.
All eyes were fixed on Jang Tae Joon, and the reporters, like a lit keg of gunpowder, instantly erupted into a frenzy of discussion.
But Choi Eun Ho, trailing behind Jang Tae Joon, was like a forgotten shadow, unnoticed by anyone.
Among the multitude focused on the prosecutors, only one person stood out.
This person was Kim Young Soon.
He had arrived at the venue early, but chose to sit in the last row.
He was eager to confirm whether Choi Eun Ho was, as he had claimed, the same person he knew.
Kim Young Soon's gaze was fixed on Choi Eun Ho, observing his confident and composed figure, taking a deep breath, and quietly waiting for the press conference to begin.
When the three men were seated, Park Jung Won began to organize the documents in front of him. He drew the microphone closer and, in a deep voice, said, "Good morning, everyone. I am Park Jung Won, Chief Prosecutor of the Criminal Division Six, Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office.
Today, we have two announcements to make to you...
Next, I will invite my two colleagues to provide more detailed explanations."
Park Jung Won tilted his head slightly, extending his hand towards Jang Tae Joon in the center, inviting him to speak.
Jang Tae Joon gently touched the microphone, cleared his throat slightly, and began to speak in a steady, calm tone:
"Here, my name is probably familiar to you all, so I won't go into details about myself. But today, I have a special task, which is to introduce a new friend to you."
His words immediately ignited a lively and chaotic discussion among the reporters present, all speculating about the identity of this mysterious figure.
"Deputy Prosecutor Jang, is it the gentleman to your right?" an astute reporter asked.
"Deputy Prosecutor Jang, please don't keep us guessing. Tell us." Another reporter chimed in eagerly.
Several reporters known for their close ties with the Prosecutor's Office and their distinguished reputations boldly inquired.
Jang Tae Joon smiled, but remained silent, seemingly enjoying the moment.
He continued, "You are correct, everyone. The gentleman to my right is Prosecutor Choi Eun Ho, our newly joined prosecutor in Criminal Division Six."
With his words, the crowd gradually returned to a state of calm.
Those reporters who were still unfamiliar with Choi Eun Ho couldn't help but feel curious about this newly appointed prosecutor. What kind of person was he, to warrant a personal introduction from Deputy Prosecutor Jang Tae Joon?
Could he have an undisclosed background, perhaps a descendant of a prominent politician?
Prosecutor Choi, a young and energetic prosecutor.
Although he had only been with the Prosecutor's Office for two and a half years.
He had already gone deep undercover, becoming an informant for the infamous Seoul gangster organization, the Seven Stars Society, for a year.
During that time, he provided us with countless valuable pieces of information.
To gain their trust, he even made a startling decision: he married the daughter of the Seven Stars Society's leader.
That's not the most surprising part.
Jang Tae Joon shifted his focus, revealing a stunning secret:
"You might not believe it, but Prosecutor Choi's wife is actually a judge in the Seoul Central District Court!"
This shocking revelation plunged everyone present into a state of shock and confusion.
"Undercover?"
"Wouldn't making it public like this put Prosecutor Choi in danger?" someone worried.
"Prosecutor Choi......"