Chapter 5

The family never learned about the hole. They never came to know of the showroom in the plastic bubble. Instead, they were delighted with the three new ranges Michael unveiled. They had no idea he had planned a greater spectacle resplendent with luminous tiles beneath their feet and a storm of pixels overhead. They had been content with the oak panels of the boardroom.

Michael was pleased with their response. To launch this many products at once was risky, but he believed a holistic approach was the future. Inter-device interaction would become the standard. Of course, the public wouldn’t see everything at once. The marketing department would release each component in sequence, each launch reminding the world that the next piece of the puzzle was close at hand. People would know that each step made their lives brighter, simpler, better. One sale would lead to two, then three. Michael had seen others succeed with this strategy. He would not be left behind.

As the last head dipped into the cavalcade of black sedans, Michael’s thoughts returned to the hole in his building — and the madman who had made it. He strode through the grey marble halls of the ground floor until he reached his assistant.

“CCTV?” Michael gestured at the street beyond the gap.

“We don’t have any of our own on that side. There are traffic cameras, but you said not to contact the police.”

“Could it be a fault in the building? Those idiots at the construction affiliate have never convinced me they know what they’re doing.”

“To my untrained eyes, sir, it looks very much like someone smashed a hole in our wall.”

“You’re right. You are untrained. Fine. Call the police. Have them check everything. Who knew about today’s presentation?”

“Sir, who didn’t? We’ve all been working towards it for months.”

“Why is there a hole in my wall, Seungi? Who decided last night was the best time to smash up my building? Coincidence? Kids playing a prank?”

“Surely those are questions for the police, sir.”

“Maybe they’ll get me some answers. I leave for Sweden tomorrow.”

“You’re still going on vacation?”

“The presentation went well, the launches are in place. A Vice-chairman never truly goes on vacation — but if I stay, it disrupts the process. It sparks rumours. I won’t tolerate gossip. Keep me updated. When the police know something, I know something. And I want the result of your second inventory check before I leave tonight.”

Blue: “Hey, you found her.”
Boy 1: “Bit worse for wear. Said she wanted to clean her teeth, so I got her a toothbrush. Here you go.”
Blue: “Answer your phone when it rings, yeah.”
Boy 1: “You didn’t call me.”
Blue: “I was using your friend’s phone.”
Boy 1: “Oh. Thought it was just him being stupid—he calls a lot when he’s drunk.”
Blue: “Twelve times?”
Boy 1: “It’s been known. Anyway, she’s fine. I’ll help you get her into a cab.”
Blue: “Thanks.”
Boy 1: “Wait—did you get rid of the toothbrush already?"
Red: “I was born in ’88, I can’t be responsible for everything. What am I supposed to do with a cheap 7-Eleven toothbrush?”
Boy 1: “Memories? No? OK. Let’s get that cab. Where does she live?”
Blue: “Near Mokdong, right?”
Red: “Yessss.”
Blue: “How about you?”
Boy 1: “Olympic Park. Other side of town. You?”
Blue: “Samseong-dong. Closer, but not the right way.”
Boy 1: “We’ll put her in a taxi. Driver can call you when she’s home.”
Red: “I can hear you talking about me. I’m not dead.”
Boy 1: “Just having trouble walking. Hardly a basic human function.”
Red: “Ugh. Point taken.”
Boy 1: “It has been known. Here—TAXI! Come on, get in.”
Red: “You’re sweet.”

Boy 1: “I don’t think she would’ve kissed me if she wasn’t drunk.”
Blue: “She kissed you?”
Boy 1: “Yeah. She’s got a boyfriend, doesn’t she?”
Blue: “No. But…"
Boy 1: But?
Blue: You're not her type. And anyway, how long’s your friend been married?”
Boy 1: “He’s not married.”
Blue: “Then why the wedding ring?”
Boy 1: “Just over a year.”
Blue: “Fucking liars. Don’t give him—or any of those guys—my number.”
Boy 1: “I don’t have your number.”
Blue: “Yes you do. I gave you my card.”
Boy 1: “Right. Don’t worry, I’m not handing it out. Was it that obvious he’s married?”
Blue: “Yeah. The ring’s a dead giveaway.”
Boy 1: “Just like my lack of one proves I’m not.”
Blue: “Yeah, whatever. Stay here till I get a taxi.”
Boy 1: “Sure.”