Questism and Lookism: Am I Suhyeon Kim?

The private office of Black Lotus was immaculate, with the iconic black spade ♤ visible on one wall. Suhyeon and Ji-hyuk reviewed reports as the sunset light streamed through the window.

"Don't forget," Suhyeon said calmly, "its true purpose is far broader."

Ji-hyuk nodded.

"Project Bloom serves as a front, but behind that, it's the network to build strategic contacts."

"Exactly," Suhyeon continued, "the events, workshops, and activities aren't just for marketing. They're meeting points for potential allies, to get important people to know us and trust us."

"Every branch is a node of influence," Ji-hyuk added. "We don't just make money; we gain recognition and social status."

"That opens doors," Suhyeon affirmed. "It gives us legitimacy to move in circles that were previously closed. While others only see a coffee shop, we're weaving an invisible power network."

Ji-hyuk smiled approvingly.

"So, the real goal isn't just economic profit. It's to create a solid base that supports and enhances our influence."

"That's right," Suhyeon said. "And as that happens, our strength becomes unstoppable."

"And every time, the big fish's eyes will focus here. Is that good? Is that bad? It's both. It's a double-edged sword, but also effective," Suhyeon added.

Five days later, in the same private office, Ji-hyuk entered briskly, holding his tablet with a serious expression.

"Suhyeon, I just got a report. It seems someone from the South found out about the Black Lotus business," he said bluntly.

Suhyeon looked up without losing composure.

"Rumors or confirmed information?"

Ji-hyuk frowned.

"It's not just a rumor. There are clear signs they want to stop us before this gets too big. They're worried about the reach we're achieving."

Suhyeon leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"Then we'll have to act fast and precisely. We can't let them sabotage us at this stage."

Ji-hyuk nodded, understanding the gravity.

"What's the next step?"

Suhyeon pressed his lips and answered,

"Strengthen security at the locations, improve surveillance, and prepare a plan to control outgoing information. We can't let anyone manipulate the narrative."

Ji-hyuk took notes and prepared to execute the orders.

"Understood. We'll move right away."

As Ji-hyuk was about to leave, the office landline rang with a sharp, urgent tone.

Suhyeon raised his hand, signaling he would answer.

He responded firmly,

"This is Suhyeon."

On the other end, a calm but determined male voice reported,

"We've captured the target. The Southern student is under control."

Suhyeon frowned.

"Where is he? Is he secured?"

The voice answered without hesitation,

"In a safe place. He won't cause trouble for now."

Suhyeon took a deep breath, then said coldly,

"Good. Keep the operation discreet. We don't want our intervention to be known yet. And bring him here."

He ended the call and looked at Ji-hyuk.

"One of my men did the job."

Ji-hyuk nodded, impressed.

Ten minutes later.

The door opened and a burly man entered carrying the Southern student, who struggled to break free.

"Here he is, my lord. This is the Southern student," announced the man with a cold, firm voice.

Suhyeon observed him carefully and replied in a low but commanding tone,

"Leave him here. Withdraw immediately. I will handle this personally."

The man bowed stiffly and left, closing the door with a sharp sound that echoed in the room.

The student, pale-faced and wide-eyed with fear, tried to stammer,

"Please, wait! I didn't do anything wrong... I just… just followed orders. Seok Kang sent me to watch the West."

Suhyeon approached slowly and deliberately, kneeling before him while holding the young man's head firmly but without violence.

"Seok Kang sent you to watch me?" he asked, his piercing eyes like blades locked onto the student's.

"Yes… yes, sir. They told me there are rumors that executives from the West frequently visit the Project Bloom café. I was ordered to watch and report any suspicious activity," the young man replied, voice trembling, hands clenched nervously.

A heavy silence filled the room as Suhyeon held that gaze, making each second feel eternal, as if the student's fate hung by an invisible thread.

"You know I can't let you go... right?" Suhyeon said, his voice low and heavy with threat.

The Southern student tried to respond, his voice trembling:

"Please, I won't do anything... I won't tell—" but he couldn't finish the sentence.

Suddenly, the black spade ♤ under Suhyeon's left eye glowed with an intense red light, and the student's eyes turned the same crimson hue, as if controlled by an invisible force.

Suhyeon released the young man's head with cold indifference and stood up with a sarcastic smile.

"Listen carefully. You will leave the country. I don't want to see you anywhere in this country a month from now. If you come back, there will be no mercy."

The student, completely subdued, dropped to his knees and whispered,

"As you say, my lord."

Without another word, he struggled to his feet and hurried out the door, leaving behind a tense silence that filled the room.

...

Twenty days later, the private office of Black Lotus was enveloped in warm twilight, lit only by the soft glow of a desk lamp. Suhyeon, dressed in a flawless suit, sat behind his desk, reviewing documents with absolute focus.

Suddenly, the phone rang, breaking the silence. Without raising his voice, Suhyeon calmly picked up the receiver and asked,

"Who is this?"

On the other end came a deep, enigmatic voice, with a tone that left no doubt about the importance of the call:

"Suhyeon Kim. We know what you're doing. We want to talk."

Suhyeon closed his eyes briefly, aware of the gravity of the message, but kept his stance firm.

"I'm listening. Tell me what you want."

A tense silence took over the line before the voice responded in a measured tone,

"We want to evaluate your potential. Discuss your place in all this."

Suhyeon tightened his grip on the receiver slightly and, with a cold, calculating voice, replied,

"Very well. Tell me when and where."

The call ended, leaving the room filled with an air of uncertainty and a new challenge on the horizon.