Chapter 12 - The Choi Family: Part 1

Soo Min was not very surprised by the passing views, she was in similar residences while solving her previous cases. However, Hyun Woo was clearly surprised by the splendor. In Gwangju he did not have the opportunity to visit such places, so he absorbed these views as long as he could. He only escaped from a light trance when Soo Min nudged him lightly on the shoulder with her elbow. At that time, they found themselves in the living room, where on the equally elegant sofa sat a couple dressed in clothes adequately to the luxury surrounding them. It was obvious that Madam Lee, Choi Ye Eun's mother, was tall even though she was sitting. Her figure was thin, skin was pale and kind of dry, she had black eyes and long black hair, but their dark blue shade indicated that they were clearly dyed. Madam Lee had very little wrinkles for her age, but it was certainly due to cosmetics and rejuvenating treatments. Her small movements were full of grace and she was dressed as befits a fashion designer and an artist. She was smiling broadly and warmly. Madam Lee's husband and fashion house CEO, Mr. Choi, was a fairly large and tall man, with broad shoulders, black eyes and short-cut hair of the same color, but heavily sprinkled with gray hair. Mr. Choi was wearing black leather shoes with white socks, a gray suit, white shirt and black tie with barely visible navy blue patterns, a black briefcase lied down on the couch beside him. His face was angular, with well-defined wrinkles, slightly tanned. Unlike his wife, Mr. Choi's face expression was a bit cold and seemed kind of bored, too. An elegant coffee set was placed on a small table near the sofa - a kettle and 4 cups made of porcelain painted in pink flowers. The only part that did not match this beautiful picture were the two detectives.

- Madam Lee, Mr. Choi...- the housekeeper spoke up.- Detective Kim Soo Min and detective Jung Hyun Woo have arrived.- she announced, pointing on the guests.

- Welcome to our house.- Madam Lee greeted them both with a warm smile.- Please sit here.- she pointed to the second sofa located opposite.

- Thank you.- Soo Min replied sitting down on the couch, and Hyun Woo sat down right after her.

- Would you like some coffee?- Madam Lee suggested, pointing to the cups on the table. When Soo Min nodded, Madam Lee looked significantly at the housekeeper, who immediately filled the cups, even for Hyun Woo although he didn't even move. Soo Min drank some coffee, then focused her gaze on the couple sitting opposite.

- My name is Kim Soo Min.- she introduced herself and then pointed to the one sitting next to her.- And this is my partner, Jung Hyun Woo. Forgive him for his nervousness, he was moved from a smaller city.- she explained, and Hyun Woo just bowed slightly and tried to smile.

- I understand perfectly. You can feel at ease in our house, detective Jung.- Madam Lee turned to him, sending another warm smile.

- Anyways...- Soo Min spoke up.- The "Cherry Blossom Reaper" case has been transferred to us, so we would like to ask you a few questions, Madam Lee and Mr. Choi.- she continued, then looked at her partner for a moment.- Detective Jung, could you take notes?- Soo Min asked him, and he agreed right away, pulling out a notebook and pen, making sure it is writing well. It was obvious that he needed something to focus on and that's why Soo Min decided to entrust him with taking notes.

- Could you start the questioning with me?- Mr. Choi spoke up finally.- I would not like to be late for work.- he added flatly.

- Of course.- Soo Min agreed.- First, the standard question. Where were you on Sunday evening when your daughter went missing?- she asked then.

- I was still on a business trip in China. I came home on Monday around noon, then my wife informed me of the disappearance of Ye Eun.- replied Mr Choi.

- Ok. Then maybe you can tell us if you have noticed any strange behavior of your daughter recently? Maybe someone was hanging around her? Anyone suspicious?- she asked immediately, focusing her attention on the man.

- I don't remember anyone I wouldn't know, who would hang around my daughter lately.- replied Mr. Choi.- The security guards I hired for Ye Eun also didn't see anything suspicious, otherwise they would have informed me immediately.- he assured.- But of course I can't guarantee that my daughter didn't meet someone like that during her escapes when she was able to get out of the bodyguards sight. Of course, every guard that lost her was immediately fired.- noted Mr. Choi without emotions, as if it w something quite normal.

- Are you sure he didn't see anything?- Soo Min asked again just to make sure, and Hyun Woo looked at him, finishing his previous notes.

- I certainly haven't seen anything suspicious.- Mr. Choi confirmed.- But I remind you that I am a businessman and spend most of my time away from home. I have a lot of work and I certainly missed many issues, especially when it comes to my children's life.- he continued, sighing slightly.- In particular, it was hard to keep up with Ye Eun. She was popular and constantly met some new people. I also know that she had a few psycho-fans, a lot of haters on the internet... I know that because I filed lawsuits against them with my lawyer. My only suspicion may be one of these people. If you want to know their names, please contact my lawyer, he has all the information.- Mr. Choi added finally.

- I understand. Your lawyer is currently Jang Chang Woo, father of your daughter's fiance, right?- asked Soo Min, and when Mr. Choi confirmed with a nod, she continued.- And could any of the bodyguards have something to do with the case?- she asked again.

- I doubt it.- replied Mr Choi.- I check carefully who I employ. And I'm not just talking about background check, I'm also conducting psychiatric examinations for my potential employees. As I mentioned, my daughter had many psycho-fans. And my son also happened to have a few. That's why I have to be sure that every employee is safe for my family, no matter if it's a gardener or a bodyguard.- he assured.- Besides, I can afford it.- Mr. Choi added at the end.

- I see... If you really have nothing else to say, then it will be everything on my part.- answered Soo Min.

- So I can go to work finally...- Mr. Choi got up from the couch, picked up the briefcase and looked at the watch on his wrist.- Just in time. In that case, I will say goodbye to you, detective Kim and detective Jung.- he added, then left the living room.