Nightclub Quiz

“Don’t worry, standard airport security is no problem at all—you’re underestimating the organization’s biochip. But remember, if you ever enter the CIA or any government facility, those high-end scanners won’t be fooled by the chip,” Old Xiao said, already striding ahead of Hou Rui. With a charming smile, he handed his ticket and passport to the attendant at the airport counter.

After that, the two had a smooth journey. They boarded their flight and, after a little over an hour, arrived at Incheon International Airport in Seoul. Then came the usual tedium—customs, visa-on-arrival, and so on. But within about forty minutes, Hou Rui and Old Xiao were already at the airport’s parking area, luggage in hand.

“Is someone picking us up, or should I go get a car?” Hou Rui asked, glancing at the hurried locals bustling around them.

“No need. The moment we landed, the mission began. We’ll drive ourselves.” Old Xiao took out his phone and fiddled with it. A few minutes later, a Hyundai pulled up, and a man who looked to be in his mid-fifties—courteous and sharp—emerged from the driver’s seat. After a bow, he handed the keys to Old Xiao.

Old Xiao tossed the keys to Hou Rui, put on his sunglasses, and settled into the back seat. Left with little choice, Hou Rui threw his backpack into the passenger seat and pulled onto the airport expressway.

Thank heaven for voice navigation!

Guided by the English GPS, Hou Rui drove into downtown Seoul. They checked into a folk-style hotel in Gangnam. After a quick wash and tidy-up, Hou Rui headed to Old Xiao’s room. But before he could speak, Old Xiao silenced him with a gesture, then turned on the TV and stereo, cranking the volume to a moderate level before sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing Hou Rui.

“Mission briefing: In Seoul’s Gangnam district, the N gang has risen rapidly in five years and has seriously encroached on the Taiji gang’s territory. Our targets this time are two of N’s senior leaders: Kim Young-hwan and Kim Young-chan.” As he spoke, Old Xiao showed Hou Rui two photos of men and a map of Gangnam’s gang territories on his phone.

“Are we really getting involved in an ordinary turf war?” Hou Rui was surprised—his impression was that the organization usually handled much bigger, more dramatic operations.

“Don’t speculate about the organization’s motives. Just finish the job and collect your pay.” Old Xiao pocketed his phone, stood up, and reached for his coat, fussing with his hair in the mirror, clearly ready to head out.

“We’re starting already?”

“We’ve only got forty-eight hours. Besides, how could you come to Seoul and not experience Korea’s unique nightlife?”

“What about weapons?”

“My hands are the best weapons I could ask for.” With a grin, Old Xiao stepped out, leaving Hou Rui to hurry after him.

They drove the Hyundai through Seoul, wandering around Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, Gwanghwamun Square, and Namsan Tower. As evening fell, Old Xiao found a barbecue joint where they ate their fill, then led Hou Rui to Gangnam’s bar district, choosing a large, flashy nightclub.

This was nothing like the nightclubs Hou Rui had seen in Vietnam—Korea, after all, was the fashion capital of Asia. The interior was sleek and upscale, all silver metallic décor that gave the place a futuristic, high-tech vibe. In the central dance floor, the crowd was well-dressed—men in suits or trendy shirts, women in figure-hugging miniskirts, stylish dresses, towering heels, and sparkling jewelry, moving rhythmically to the pulsing music.

“Gentlemen, good evening! I’ll be taking care of your happiness tonight. My name is Little Dragon.” A server approached, hands wringing. He greeted them in Korean, but when he saw Old Xiao didn’t respond, he instantly switched to English.

Old Xiao handed him a ten-thousand-won tip. Instantly, Little Dragon became even more attentive.

“Get us a table close to the dance floor. We like tall, curvy girls.” Old Xiao, clearly no stranger to the scene, strode inside, leaving Hou Rui to follow.

A few minutes later, they were seated in a booth right by the dance floor, perfect for watching the dancers. Under Little Dragon’s direction, the table quickly filled with drinks of every kind. After a bow, the server returned to his station.

“Since we’re here, let’s have some fun! Don’t worry, I won’t tell your little swan back home.” Old Xiao opened a bottle of whiskey and poured himself a generous glass.

“Fun? Isn’t this place one of N’s main businesses?” Hou Rui cut straight through Old Xiao’s pretense.

“Heh, you’ve got a good memory. Let’s test your eyes—do you see the two girls in red skirts on the dance floor?” Hou Rui’s gaze swept over the crowd and quickly found them.

Same slim build, same waist-length hair, same dance moves. Without seeing their faces, it wasn’t easy to tell them apart. But after only a few glances, Hou Rui turned back, confident.

“The one on the left is in typical clubbing attire, but her ankle movements are stiff—she’s probably not used to wearing heels this high. Look at her fingers: short nails, no manicure. My guess is she works in a job that requires strict hygiene or a serious environment. She’s likely from an ordinary family, just out to blow off steam tonight.”

Old Xiao, grinning from ear to ear, tossed back his drink. Leaning in, eyes bright, he pressed on: “Interesting. What about the other one?”

“The girl on the right—look at her hands. Long, manicured nails with rhinestone art, which needs upkeep every two weeks. And with nails like those, she clearly doesn’t do housework. That tells me she’s from a wealthy family—a classic rich girl.”

As they spoke, the two girls, apparently tired from dancing, left the floor for a high table and sipped champagne. Hou Rui added, “See how the girl on the right holds her glass—so relaxed and effortless. She’s even standing closer to the air conditioner, away from the speakers. She’s definitely a club regular, an experienced nightlife pro.”

Old Xiao nodded in approval, but beneath his calm exterior, his thoughts were churning. Hou Rui had once joined by chance, almost as a prank, but he’d grown into someone whose skills rivaled the organization’s seasoned operatives. Perhaps even Hou Rui himself didn’t realize just how far he’d come—he was made for this line of work.

While Old Xiao was lost in thought, Little Dragon returned, this time bringing two tall, stylishly dressed women.

“Gentlemen, these ladies will be joining you. Have a great time.” With a bow, the server withdrew, leaving the two strangers to settle in gracefully. One, with red hair and blue contacts, wasted no time linking arms with Hou Rui.

“Are they really matchmaking here?” Hou Rui, overwhelmed by the girl’s perfume, leaned away and whispered in Chinese to Old Xiao.

Old Xiao burst out laughing. “This is standard practice in Korean clubs. Single men and women are seated together by the staff—if they hit it off, great, they take it from there. If not, the girls move on and the server brings over new ones. You’ll get used to it, puppy.”

Just as Old Xiao finished, a girl who looked uncannily like a K-drama star spoke up. “So, what do you two do? I don’t think I’ve seen you here before.”

“We’re Americans, here on vacation,” Old Xiao replied fluently, his English flawless and tinged with a New York accent.

“Really? That’s amazing! Tell me about America! I was just there last break. Which city do you live in?” The topic delighted the girl, and she and Old Xiao quickly hit it off. The one next to Hou Rui seemed just as taken by his looks, eagerly trying to make conversation, though Hou Rui remained cool and aloof, offering brief answers only when he couldn’t avoid it.

Two hours later, the girls were tipsy. The one next to Old Xiao asked directly, “Oppa, where should we go eat later?”

Looks like Old Xiao was about to score again. Hou Rui couldn’t help but admire his prowess—wherever he went, women fell for him. From TV hosts back home to girls in Korean nightclubs, Old Xiao could charm them all. Hou Rui just hoped his partner wouldn’t let this sidetrack the mission and get them both killed.

Unfortunately, his fears soon came true. Old Xiao gazed fondly at the girl and said gently, “I’m a little tired. Why don’t we find somewhere to rest first, then go get something to eat? I’ve heard the Italian food near Gyeongbokgung is excellent…”