Inside the sleek, minimalist boardroom of White Tiger Job Center, the atmosphere was sharp with unspoken tension. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the Seoul skyline, neon lights flickering like watchful eyes.
At the head of the table sat Tommy Lee, perfectly tailored, radiating composure. Beside him was Manager Kim, his loyal aide and quiet strategist. Around them were the trusted members of White Tiger: Robert Choi, calm and methodical; Shanghui Han, cold and direct; Yeongcheol Kim, blunt with words; and Sera Shin, sharp-eyed, always observant.
On the screen projected behind them was a dossier—the name glowing bold.
Daniel Park.
Tommy leaned back, folding his hands under his chin.
Tommy Lee: "You've all read the reports. Thoughts?"
Manager Kim was first to speak, his tone measured but laced with genuine respect.
Manager Kim: "Daniel Park… His age belies his ability. He may only be twelve, but his mind works like that of an old businessman—every step calculated, no wasted moves, no blind spots. His control over both Union and Cheongryong, combined with his dominance of Gwangseong, isn't just luck. It's deliberate. He sees ten moves ahead."
A murmur of agreement ran through the table.
Sera tilted her head, breaking the silence.
Sera Shin: "Then what should we do about him?"
Before Tommy could answer, Yeongcheol Kim leaned forward, his words heavy with skepticism.
Yeongcheol Kim: "Do? Nothing. Daniel hasn't directly or indirectly harmed us or White Tiger business. At the end of the day, he's just a kid. He got support by beating boys his own age and then paying off gangsters with money. Without that wealth, he's nothing. Money dries up, loyalty crumbles. He'll fall like dominoes."
The words hung for a moment, but were cut cleanly by Tommy's calm, decisive voice.
Tommy Lee: "No."
Everyone turned to him. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, lingered on Yeongcheol.
Tommy Lee: "That's where you're wrong. Daniel isn't like the others. Boys like him don't rise this far, this fast, without something more. I've seen countless kids with strength. Countless with ambition. Most burned out. But Daniel… reminds me of someone."
The table leaned in slightly, waiting.
Tommy Lee: "Garypyong Kim. But with a brain."
The comparison sent a ripple through the room. Garypyong had been a storm of raw power—a legend. But brains were what he lacked. To combine both… was a dangerous possibility.
Sera pressed again, quieter this time.
Sera Shin: "Then what do we do?"
Tommy let silence stretch, his gaze drifting briefly to the city skyline as if searching for Daniel's shadow in the neon haze.
Tommy Lee: "We do nothing."
The others exchanged glances, but Tommy's voice left no room for debate.
Tommy Lee: "We observe. This boy's empire is still growing. Let him climb higher. I want to see if he truly has the strength to survive the pressure of this cruel world. Will he become a monster like Garypyong Kim once was… or will he break and scatter like the rest?"
Manager Kim watched Tommy with quiet calculation. He had seen that look before—the rare flicker of curiosity in Tommy Lee's otherwise unreadable mask.
For now, the White Tiger would not move.
But in the depths of Korea's underworld, a twelve-year-old boy had already caught the eye of giants.
---
Tommy Lee's Inner Monologue
"Daniel Park… You've already conquered more than anyone your age should. Strength, wealth, vision—rare enough on their own, but together? Dangerous. I've seen monsters rise and fall. I've crushed men who thought themselves untouchable. But you… You might be different. If this world doesn't break you, then perhaps I'll witness the rise of something even I can't predict."
Tommy's gaze lingered on the city lights, his calm mask hiding the faintest trace of intrigue.
---