Return of the Genius Photographer - Chapter 91

After a grueling thirty minutes, the situation finally came to an end.

Only when the entire staff intervened did Kang San’s one-sided beating of Jin-goo come to a halt.

Once the police arrived, Jin-goo clutched his injuries, muttering repeatedly about pressing charges.

“What’s your name, sir?”

“Kang San.”

“You admit to the assault?”

The police officer who arrived asked Kang San.

“It should all be recorded on the shop’s CCTV.”

Without hesitation, Kang San replied, “Yes, I hit him because he deserved it.”

His confident demeanor suggested he believed he’d simply done what was necessary. Somehow, I couldn’t help but feel that this was someone you didn’t want as an enemy.

“We’ll need you to accompany us to the station.”

With that, both Jin-goo and Kang San disappeared in the police car, leaving an awkward silence at the venue.

“Well, this…” PD Jung said, scratching his head sheepishly. “I think this is the first time in Gnet’s history that an after-party got cut short over an assault dispute…”

Deciding it would be best to call it a night, PD Jung ended the gathering, and thus, the wrap-up party concluded in a rather anticlimactic manner.

*****

Regardless of the incident at the wrap-up party, Doshuko was doing well.

The episode reached a peak rating of 3%, an impressive feat for a cable broadcast.

It dominated the search rankings on the day of airing, and viewer reactions and comments were overwhelmingly positive.

[Who’s that photographer? He’s handsome!]

[Total heartthrob. If someone like him took my photos, I’d smile automatically.]

[Listen to him talk—he’s so cool!]

[Did you read the article? He’s in high school?]

[The photos are insane. Is he a genius?]

―Swipe, swipe.

As I scrolled through the comments on my computer in the studio, a smile spread across my face. The Grey Team had received generous airtime, so most of the feedback centered on us. While the majority of comments discussed the models, there were occasional mentions of me as well. The response was positive.

Content with the outcome, I continued reviewing the reactions until I sensed a presence outside the studio door.

‘Who’s that?’

I stood up and looked out to see Photographer Jung Woong and Kang San walking down the hallway together.

“Still, resorting to violence… Was that really necessary?”

“If I’d known he was going to press charges, I would’ve hit him a few more times with everything I had…”

I could hear them discussing the previous night. Curious, I stepped out to greet them.

“Hello.”

“Weren’t you tired from attending the wrap-up party? You’re here today as well?” Photographer Jung Woong sounded surprised.

Kang San, as usual, only gave me a brief look without a word.

“Thank you for yesterday, Photographer Kang San. By the way, what happened after that?”

I asked as I walked alongside them, trying to get an update. Although Kang San seemed reluctant to answer, he finally spoke as we reached Photographer Jung Woong’s studio.

“Not much. Since Jin-goo was drunk, it’s been postponed to later.”

Once we were inside, Kang San began recounting the details. Apparently, Jin-goo, already intoxicated, refused to respond to the police’s questions, simply repeating, “Throw him in jail.”

‘He’s a real piece of work…’

Still, I wasn’t sure what would happen next. Since these situations are rare, I wasn’t familiar with the legal implications either.

“No idea. He said he’d file a lawsuit,” Kang San replied, scratching his head.

“I’m really sorry for all the trouble,” I said, bowing my head in apology. But Kang San remained silent.

In the quiet studio, the only sound was Photographer Jung Woong occasionally groaning.

“Don’t you think it might be wise to consult a lawyer?”

“I probably should.”

“Ideally, you’d get support from an agency… but since your agency is overseas, they probably can’t offer much in terms of legal advice.”

Although Kang San seemed unfazed, it wasn’t an ideal situation. After all, to anyone watching, it had been an unprovoked assault.

‘Maybe if he’d just let Jin-goo hit me a couple of times, things wouldn’t have escalated this much…’

A lawsuit… I wanted to help, but I wasn’t sure how to contribute. I couldn’t ignore this, especially since it happened while he was standing up for me. Offering financial support for any potential settlement would likely be refused, and I doubted that he’d reach an easy agreement with Jin-goo either.

It was a complicated matter.

Was there any way to resolve this…?

As I pondered for a while, a good idea flashed in my mind.

Or rather, a person came to mind.

Someone well-versed in legal matters who might help me without hesitation.

‘If it’s them…’

Maybe this could be resolved more easily than I thought.

“You don’t happen to know a good lawyer, do you?” I suddenly asked. Both of them looked at me at once.

“Would it be alright if I introduced someone I know?”

I smiled at them.

*****

“Call me if you ever truly need help. Just once. I’ll assist with anything.”

As I dialed the number saved in my phone, I recalled the conversation I’d had with Chairman Han Gun-ho. He’d handed me his business card, promising to help with any issue. At the time, I didn’t think I’d need to use it so soon… It would be a lie to say I didn’t feel a bit of regret.

But in this situation, it was the most effective way to ensure a proper resolution. Given that a major company like Hanseong Group likely had a dedicated legal team, I felt hopeful that with their help, this issue could be resolved in the smoothest way possible.

‘And… I don’t want the person who stood up for me to be put in jeopardy.’

Ignoring this solution just because I was reluctant didn’t seem right to me, especially when it was within reach.

Besides, I’m not the type to live indebted to anyone.

―Ring, ring…

―Click!

After only a few rings, someone picked up. A familiar voice came through the phone.

―Photographer Nam Woojin?

It was the chairman’s secretary, a man whose voice exuded competence.

―What can I help you with? I’ll relay your message to the chairman.

I explained the situation to the secretary in detail, and shortly after…

―If that’s the issue, Hanseong Group’s legal team will actively assist with the resolution, so you needn’t worry.

The secretary conveyed Chairman Han’s response in a calm, detached tone.

As his voice came through the speaker, Kang San blinked in surprise.

―Please provide your current location. Our legal team will head over immediately, and you can discuss the details with them then.

Why did the idea of sending a lawyer feel so reassuring? It was as if everything would be resolved smoothly with just one call.

―The chairman also wanted me to tell you not to consider this a debt of any sort. He’d appreciate it if you reached out again only if you truly needed help in the future.

“Ah… Thank you so much.”

―No thanks necessary. It was all at the chairman’s instruction.

“Then please express my gratitude to the chairman as well.”

After expressing my gratitude multiple times, the call ended.

“Hey.”

Kang San, who’d been watching with a dazed expression, turned to me.

“Who exactly are you?”

“Pardon?”

“How do you have such… connections?”

“Oh, it was just luck…” I answered casually, though Kang San continued to stare at me in astonishment.

It was understandable. Getting assistance from Hanseong Group wasn’t exactly something that could happen by chance. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.

Standing up, I said to him, “With a lawyer accompanying us, it’s probably best to head to the police station now.”

The first priority was handling this lawsuit. Thankfully, it seemed the issue would be resolved smoothly, especially with the support of Hanseong Group’s legal team.

*****

Meanwhile, Jin-goo rubbed the back of his head, grumbling.

‘Damn it… It’s swollen…’

Whether it was the pain from the hit or the sting of betrayal, his head throbbed.

Probably both…

‘PD Jung and Kang San… I’ll make sure they regret this.’

The previous night had been a nightmare for Jin-goo—from his portrayal on the show, which was the complete opposite of what he’d discussed with PD Jung, to getting beaten by Kang San.

For someone with his pride, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had crumbled on the spot from sheer humiliation.

Recalling the events, rage flared within him again.

‘Damn PD… betraying me like that?’

When he’d first approached him, the guy had practically groveled. Yet, the moment filming wrapped, he turned his back like that… It was utterly infuriating.

This was why people said you couldn’t trust anyone in broadcasting.

Grinding his teeth, Jin-goo seethed.

‘Did he really think I’d let this go?’

Though he’d taken a hit, Jin-goo wasn’t the type to stay down. He began scheming, thinking of ways to make PD Jung pay.

‘I should contact the media.’

The broadcasting industry was full of secrets—some that should never see the light of day. What would the public think if they knew about the kind of “exclusive” bars that PD Jung Yoon-cheol frequented?

Jin-goo chuckled slyly. ‘Does he really think he can wash his hands clean after discarding me like this?’

He knew exposing this would also ruin his own reputation. But sitting idly by wasn’t an option; his pride and reputation were already down the drain. Jin-goo clenched his fists, shaking in anger.

I’ll make him pay. But first… I’ll deal with Kang San.

*****

“There are quite a few people participating in the investigation, so we’ll need to proceed in the inner meeting room.”

When Jin-goo arrived at the police station with his lawyer, they were directed to a back meeting room.

‘So there are a lot of people involved? Did he bring a lawyer or something?’ Jin-goo smirked, feeling smug. Bringing a lawyer wouldn’t matter much; they’d probably just try to negotiate a settlement. But he had no intention of backing down.

As he settled into the meeting room, his lawyer asked, “It seems the other side has also brought a lawyer. Are you interested in settling?”

“Absolutely not.”

With rumors of yesterday’s incident spreading in the broadcasting industry and his rift with PD Jung widening, he wanted to see Kang San scarred for life.

Just as he thought that, he heard the door open. Kang San walked in confidently and took a seat across from him. He glared at Jin-goo with the same fierce look he’d worn at the bar, as if he wanted to destroy him.

“Is this punk glaring at me when he should be begging for mercy?”

“Last night, you were the one clinging to my leg, begging me to stop.”

“Lawyer, did you hear that? This guy is pure evil. He needs to be thrown in jail!”

If they’d been back at the bar, Jin-goo would still be terrified of him. But here, in a police station, he felt safe.

No matter how crazy Kang San was, he couldn’t act up in a police station, right?

Jin-goo’s excitement grew as he pressed on, only to have the door open again. And this time, it was someone he didn’t expect—Woojin.

“You? What are you doing here…?”

“Who knows?” Woojin shrugged dismissively, clearly uninterested in explaining himself. Jin-goo bristled at his nonchalant attitude.

“You rude little—!”

But before he could finish, a voice interrupted him.

“Who dares to shout and curse at our client?”

Two large men, each standing at nearly two meters, entered through the door Woojin had left open.

‘Who are these guys, gangsters?’

The men were dressed in black suits, their arms practically bursting with muscle, and their expressions were so intimidating that Jin-goo could hardly meet their gaze. They even looked identical, like twins, doubling the intimidation factor.

The men exuded an overpowering presence, enough to make Jin-goo wonder if they really were thugs hired from somewhere.

In his mind, two words flashed: powerful figures.

But that wasn’t even the most shocking part.

One of the men put down a briefcase and introduced himself, “We’re representing the defendant.”

He handed over his business card.

—Hanseong Group’s Legal Firm, Hwadam

As Jin-goo and his lawyer’s eyes fell on the business card, they widened in shock. Hanseong Group? It was one of the biggest corporations in the country; no one in Korea wouldn’t recognize that name.

What on earth…?

“It’s an honor to meet you.” Kang San’s lawyer extended his hand for a handshake, smiling.

“Uh, yes… nice to meet you…” Dumbfounded, Jin-goo took his hand.

“Aaagh!” The lawyer grasped his hand with an iron grip, pulling him close as he whispered menacingly, “Do you have any idea who we are?”

“Huh? First, could you… release my hand…?”

“If you continue to be clueless, things will get very unpleasant for you.”

He then gestured toward Jin-goo’s lawyer with a side glance. “Ask your lawyer. Ask him who we are.” He smiled like a devil.

Whether it was luck or misfortune, just then, the investigator entered the room.

“It seems everyone is here.”

Jin-goo, still wincing from the handshake, looked between his sore hand and the two towering lawyers across from him.

As tension filled the air, the investigation was about to begin.

“Alright, let’s start by taking the victim’s statement…”