You Have Been Defended [EN]: Chapter 214

[Day of Appreciation for the Light and Salt Welfare Foundation for the Disabled]

Wednesday night, 7 PM.

A large banner hung on the foundation building’s wall.

As I got out of the car, the black sedans filling the parking lot caught my eye.

Since only those who donated over 500 million won (approximately $375,000 USD) in a year could be invited, the owners of these cars must all have considerable assets.

“Attorney Cha, I’m a bit nervous,” Kang Min-jae said, sticking close behind me.

“It’s not like you’ve never been to a place like this before.”

“That’s true, but still. What if I run into someone I know?”

“What do you mean, ‘what if’? Just greet them as usual.”

“Do you think I can do well?”

“What’s there to not do well?”

Kang Min-jae stuck to me like glue as we entered the building.

When we arrived at the hall where the event was being held, foundation staff stood at the entrance, checking invitations.

When I presented my invitation, they checked my face and handed me a small name tag.

“You said there were three people attending with you, but I don’t see the other two?”

“Ah, they said they’d be a little late. It’s a bit awkward for me to come out again during the event. Would it be possible for them to enter when they arrive?”

“Yes, if we can identify them as being with you.”

“Would it be okay if they use our office business cards?”

“Ah, yes. That will work. We’ll give them attendee badges after verifying their business cards. Please enter now and take a seat at the place with your name on it.”

Kang Min-jae and I put on the name tags they gave us and entered.

People inside seemed to know each other, gathering in groups of three or five to chat.

It seemed they had prepared luxurious catering, as waiters carrying finger foods and champagne were circulating inside the venue.

Looking at the panel at the entrance, there was a phrase saying that the catering was sponsored by the CEO of a hotel, who was also a major donor to the foundation.

I would feel a bit bitter if the money I donated was used like this, but it’s a relief that it’s a sponsorship.

“Oh? Who do we have here? Attorney Kang Min-jae!”

I was waiting for the ceremony to begin, sitting in my assigned seat, when I heard someone’s voice from behind.

“Ah, Assemblyman Oh Jang-hyun. How have you been?” Kang Min-jae said, jumping up and shaking the hand Oh Jang-hyun offered, bowing his head.

He smiled brightly and patted Kang Min-jae’s shoulder.

Assemblyman Oh Jang-hyun.

The current spokesperson for the Minwoo Party [a fictional political party].

I knew this guy would be here.

“What brings you here?”

“Ah, my law firm made a donation to the foundation this time. So I was invited.”

“Your law firm, oh! Ah, you’re Attorney Cha’s lawyer.”

He turned his gaze as if he had just noticed me.

I know he’s supposed to be in his 40s, but I wonder when we became so familiar that he’s using informal speech.

“Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Good to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. Quite the celebrity.”

Rumors?

The rumors that would have circulated among them are obvious.

That I’m a crazy bastard.

“You flatter me.”

“By the way, how is your grandfather doing?”

“He’s the same as always.”

The political stance of former President Kang Kwan-woong is completely opposed to that of the Minwoo Party.

The party he belonged to changed its name to the Liberty Justice Party a while ago and is still fighting fiercely with the Minwoo Party.

I didn’t expect them to be so friendly with each other despite that.

“The chairman will be here soon, would you like to say hello?”

“Ah, should I?”

“The chairman has praised you a lot, Attorney Cha.”

“Is that so?”

Is that sarcasm?

There’s no way Lee Jung-chan would have praised me.

“Haha. Okay, let’s talk again later.”

After Oh Jang-hyun disappeared, Kang Min-jae whispered to me when he was far enough away.

“My grandfather hates that guy the most. He calls him a ‘bat’.”

“That guy?”

“He was initially flirting with the Liberty Justice Party, but when things didn’t work out, he immediately went to the Minwoo Party and got nominated.”

Oh Jang-hyun wasn’t someone I cared enough about to know the details of his background.

“By the way, Attorney Kang, do you know Lee Jung-chan too?”

“I saw him once when I was young. Lee Jung-chan is a former judge. Before he entered politics, my grandfather cherished him quite a bit as a disciple. But after he entered politics, well, he criticized my grandfather and stuff. Honestly, we’re not on greeting terms. That guy is probably just saying that. Or he’s too naive to know that Lee Jung-chan bashed my grandfather. If not, maybe he’s trying to hedge his bets in case he has to play the ‘bat’ again.”

I didn’t know, but Attorney Kang didn’t like Lee Jung-chan from the start, even apart from this case.

“By the way, I don’t see Lee Se-hyung?”

There were about five minutes left until the event started.

I guess he’ll appear with his father.

“He’s here.”

Sure enough, people started to stir, looking towards the entrance.

It was because Lee Jung-chan appeared in the venue, pushing Lee Se-hyung’s wheelchair.

Oh Jang-hyun and several other Minwoo Party figures rushed towards Lee Jung-chan.

As if the king had arrived, they surrounded Lee Jung-chan like bodyguards.

And at the same time, the reporters who followed behind him began snapping photos busily.

Since only those who donated over 500 million won could participate in the event, it seemed they were creating press releases to show that Lee Jung-chan donates over 500 million won every year.

“Haha, stop it, everyone. It’s an event I attend every year, why are you taking pictures like it’s something new?” Lee Jung-chan waved his hand with a smile at the reporters following him.

Surely those reporters didn’t donate 500 million to enter.

It seemed that the entry of reporters was permitted for press release purposes.

They were wearing name tags that said ‘PRESS’.

I felt like the foundation was giving Lee Jung-chan a lot of favors.

Of course, he’s a prominent politician who donates a large sum of money every year, so it’s understandable.

Just seeing this, I feel like I won’t be able to get the donation back.

“Okay, let’s stop now. It seems like it will interfere with the event.”

When Lee Jung-chan spoke to the reporters once more, they lowered their cameras with regret.

The reporters moved to the press seats prepared below the stage, and Lee Jung-chan and Lee Se-hyung naturally went to sit at the table prepared in the front row.

Lee Jung-chan looked very pleased.

He shook hands with those who came to greet him and welcomed them warmly.

This is a place to select people who can contribute a lot of wealth to the Minwoo Party, so there’s no way he wouldn’t be in a good mood.

And since today is the last day, he should enjoy it to the fullest.

“This year, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has greatly contributed to our Light and Salt Welfare Foundation for the Disabled.”

The event began with the opening remarks of Pastor Lee Seung-jin.

The orchestra, composed of members of the church where Pastor Lee Seung-jin is a collaborating pastor, played music, and Pastor Lee Seung-jin went around the tables, greeting everyone.

“Attorney Cha Joo-han, it’s a pleasure to meet you like this.”

“No, the pleasure is all mine for inviting me like this.”

“Oh, no. We are even more grateful that you graced us with your presence despite the sudden invitation. Have you always been interested in welfare for the disabled?”

“I’ve always been interested, but I’ve just kept it in my mind. But I’ve found such a good foundation.”

“You’ve been a great help. God sent the attorney to us and used him preciously, so He will surely bless the attorney as well. I hope to continue to build good relationships within the Lord in the future.”

“Yes, of course.”

It was insincere, but I accepted it appropriately.

I am once again grateful that the ability to discern truth and lies is only with me.

“Lee Se-hyung is diligently going around greeting people too.”

Around the time the pastor moved to another table, Kang Min-jae whispered to me.

My gaze was also directed towards Lee Se-hyung.

“Oh? He’s coming this way?”

“Have you ever met Lee Se-hyung?”

“No, I haven’t. The last time I saw Lee Jung-chan was when I was really young.”

Kang Min-jae stopped talking abruptly.

Before we knew it, Lee Se-hyung had arrived at our table.

“Hello, Attorney. I’m Lee Se-hyung, a social worker at the Light and Salt Welfare Foundation for the Disabled. It’s nice to meet you. Haha.”

It was a much more friendly and warm tone than the voice I had heard while eavesdropping.

It was the kind impression that Sang-gil had mentioned.

It was the same voice I had heard, but there was a huge disconnect.

I almost missed his handshake and just stared at Lee Se-hyung’s face.

“It must have been difficult to make the decision to donate such a large amount, you’re really amazing. We were all very surprised.”

“It’s being used for good purposes.”

“Yes. Thanks to grateful people like the attorney, all the disabled people in our foundation are living comfortably. All the donors are amazing. I really respect you.”

While I was talking to Lee Se-hyung, I felt Lee Jung-chan’s gaze from afar.

Lee Jung-chan was staring intently at us.

Considering what Oh Jang-hyun said, Lee Jung-chan probably knows me.

Why wouldn’t he?

I’m the one who was investigated by the prosecution due to the collaboration between Wooshin Group and Taekwang [fictional companies].

I’m on good terms with Go Sang-jun, there’s no way he wouldn’t know me, who is a thorn in his side.

I’m quite curious about what he’s talking about with his son.

Maybe he’s worried about me causing a ruckus.

His head must be complicated.

*Why did that bastard suddenly donate here? I haven’t heard anything about that. Was that bastard a Protestant too? How long has it been since the Myunghwa Pharmaceutical incident? Why did that unlucky bastard come here?* etc.

But even if I receive such glares, I’m not really upset.

Because I’m really going to cause a ruckus.

“Then, I’ll see you again next time.”

Lee Se-hyung smiled gently and moved to the next table in his electric wheelchair.

“Attorney, did you see Lee Jung-chan? Wow, I thought he was going to bore a hole through you with his eyes.”

“I thought I was going to get a hole drilled through me too.”

“You must be on his bad side.”

“Attorney Kang probably is too.”

After talking with Attorney Kang for a while, Lee Jung-chan had already taken his eyes off us.

His surroundings were overflowing with people.

Not only Minwoo Party figures, but also several people I had never seen before were hovering around him.

“Shortly, there will be an awards ceremony. Distinguished guests, please take your seats.”

The host tapped the microphone a few times and announced.

The time is now 8 PM.

The atmosphere is completely ripe.

“Lee Se-hyung will be presenting the awards.”

Lee Se-hyung appeared from one side of the stage, riding his wheelchair with the awards placed on his lap.

“Mr. Kim Young-jun, please come forward.”

The named person came up onto the stage and received the award from Lee Se-hyung.

And the time is now 8:15 PM.

[Beep! Beep! Beep!]

That’s when it happened.

The fire alarm started ringing loudly, and all the lights in the building went out.

“What’s going on?”

“Why did the lights suddenly go out?”

“Is it a power outage?”

Everyone in the venue was agitated by the sudden situation.

Now is the beginning.