Choi Young was sitting in a café, dressed in his suit and a coat, his sword placed across his lap, right hand on the hilt, ready to draw any second. His sharp eyes directed at the door, waiting for Mr. Kim to walk in. He had a plan: if this man was the assassin, he will kill him whether here or outside. He figured out that it was not a good idea to kill people in this world in the broad daylight, but he was willing to take his chances. However, if he was not an assassin, - the plan halted there. Eun Soo did not seem to think he was, but how would a woman from the 21st century know how to spot an assassin from Goryeo. Or was he from her time? Even then, assassins don't have it written on their foreheads, they are trained to live and move in the shadows and they don't look like common bandits.
An older man, in his fifties approached his table. He was dressed in a warm coat, a scarf thrown casually around the neck, hair cut neatly and his face clean shaven. He moved toward the table and pulling the chair out, made himself comfortable.
"Hello, Choi Young, I'm Mr. Kim. So glad you decided to see me."
Choi Young stared at the man's eyes, he remembered what it was like when he glanced at the assassin during the fight and when he felt his gaze on his back – his eyes were cold and sharp, like frozen icicles, lifeless and empty as if his soul died a long time ago and was trapped in his body. That was the assassin's eyes, but not this man's. These were not the eyes of the same man. Choi Young could not read anything in his eyes, besides calm, assured sense, a hint of curiosity and something hidden. His hand relaxed over his lap, and he responded, "So you are Mr. Kim. Why did you have to involve my woman?"
"It is nice to know that you consider her yours."
Choi Young glared, anger ran through him for a second, and he grasped his sword again.
"Did not mean to offend you, it was just an observation."
"I suggest you choose your words carefully."
"Yes, General, I think I will."
"You told the Doctor that you know who I am and have information for me."
"I know exactly who you are and how and when you got here." His hand dipped in the pocket, and Choi Young tensed, readying for a defensive maneuver, but a familiar gadget was placed on the table. It was a cell phone. "See for yourself." Mr. Kim pressed a button and the little screen showed tiny images of the assassin and Choi Young emerging from the gate and running.
"Was that supposed to scare me?" challenged Choi Young, although he felt quite freaked out. He was used to the fact that images of people moved, like they were alive, but he did not know his could be captured and used.
"No, of course not. You are not the man to be scared easily, it is not my intention. You seem to consider me an enemy, why, General?"
"I have never made a friend like you, so you must be an enemy."
"You have a simple way of thinking, but not everything in life is black and white."
"This is." Choi Young stared at him, very calm and collected, he was now comfortably settled for this conversation. His intuition suggested that it was not a trap to kill him, but it was another kind of trap, the kind he hated.
"You told Eun Soo that you are a friend who cares about my wellbeing and want to help. Let's start with this. I prohibit you to ever contact or look for her. You will never approach her again."
"I can't promise that our paths won't cross because she is next to you, General."
"Then me and you have nothing to talk about. Unless she is out of this game you are playing, I am not going to listen to a word you have to say."
"All right, I promise, but if you or her are in danger, I might have to break my promise, this is as far as I'm willing to go."
"Fine. So what kind of information you have for me?"
"It is not something I can explain easily or reveal during our first meeting. For now, what I can say is that you may have to stay here longer than you expected."
"What do you know about the Hwata's gate?" Choi Young leaned forward, drilling the man with his eyes
"I know that you will learn more about who you are and what you can do in the future. You possess abilities and power that are very special, Choi Young."
"I do not enjoy aimless conversations. If you know that, you should know the kind of man I am." And he started to get up.
"Wait, wait please." The man got up and went up to the counter, ordering something.
"We can't be here without ordering, it is not appropriate. I presume you still like Omijacha."
"Have we ever met before?" How could this man know his preferences? Choi Young liked this five taste tea: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and hot. It was essential during the summers and always relieved fatigue and thirst.
"Perhaps, in passing."
"I am going to be blunt. Although I do not believe you are my friend, if you are my enemy, I do not think you aim to kill me. What do you want with me?"
"I want you to become my friend. I want to show you that you can trust me. Only then can I tell you more."
"Then I have wasted my time." And Choi Young got up and almost tripped the girl carrying their order.
"Please, just have a cup of tea with me." The man insisted.
Choi Young was not at ease. This man skillfully dangled a carrot in front of him, but would not let him have it. He had something of value to offer and he knew that it was the gamble, otherwise, he would have shown his cards earlier.
"I'm losing my patience." He gritted out and sat back down. The tea smelled good, he has not had it in a while. He sipped and felt the warmth in his stomach.
"I am a person who seeks knowledge. I spent most of my life learning. I learned that General Choi Young from Goryeo is a man who is a part of something bigger than he is. I also know that the Doctor is not just a passerby in your life. Choi Young, the decisions you will make starting from now will shape not only your or her life, but will affect the lives of others. Do not rush to return, as it may not be the right thing to do."
"Did you send an assassin after me?" all of a sudden asked Choi Young.
"Not exactly. Unfortunately that man is very zealous, he lacks finesse."
"At least you don't deny it. Yet, I do not easily make friends with murderers or those they associate with. Thank you for the tea. It is time for us to part our ways."
And this time he got up and left, while Mr. Kim. smiled in satisfaction and slowly finished his drink.