Chapter 11 - Start Of The Journey

The next morning, very early, Soo Min and Hyun Woo went to the residence of the Choi family, the family home of Choi Ye Eun, for the appointed visit.

- From the information we gathered, there should be 3 people. Choi Young Sik, 60 years old, the head of the family and CEO of the fashion house. Next one is his wife, Lee Eun Hee, called by everyone Madam Lee, 47 years old. She used to be a very famous fashion designer, but now she practically gave up the spot to the Choi family's only son.- Hyun Woo read the information when Soo Min was driving.- And if we're talking about a son... His name is Choi Hyun Sik but for job uses name Hyun Choi, he is 27 years old. A very talented artist and the obvious successor of both father and mother. His designs are now the face of the Choi family's fashion house brand.- he added.

- I hope we will find out something important this time. We miss some point of attachment in this case.- Soo Min replied, turning from the main street into a smaller one, leading to the outskirts of Gangnam, where the Choi family had their residence.

- Maybe the Ye Eun family will know something, for example who might have been interested in their daughter...- Hyun Woo said after a long moment.- In my opinion, the "Cherry Blossom Reaper" does not pick his victims accidentally, from the street. Each abduction is planned so as not to leave any traces, which means that the perpetrator definitely knew where to look for his victims. And he could learn this only by watching selected girls for some time before kidnapping.- he added.

- I think so too.- Soo Min agreed.- The kidnappings were definitely not accidental, but carefully planned.- she turned into another smaller path that led directly to the driveway of the Choi family residence.

The house was large, two-story, with two wings. The style was more reminiscent of European villas, but the color of the building was quite modest, white with blue shutters and balconies. Around it was full of greenery - mainly trees and bushes, but there were also several beautiful flowerbeds full of colorful flowers. Here and there were marble statues depicting characters from Greek myths, angels and animals. Hedge elements were also carved into various shapes. It was visible from afar that this garden also extended behind the house, probably ending somewhere near the small forest, which occupied the rest of the area. However, it was not a natural forest, but a large number of various trees planted here by previous generations of the Choi family.

The property was surrounded by a 3-meter high black metal fence, security guards were hanging around, you could also hear the barking of the dogs. Soo Min stopped the car in front of the closed gate, but before she did anything, Hyun Woo was faster in action.

- I'll do it.- he assured, getting out of the car and approaching the intercom, which was mounted on one of the stone columns supporting the metal gate. The intercom had not only a speaker but also a camera and a screen.- How fancy.- said Hyun Woo, then pressed the intercom button. He didn't wait too long, it wasn't a minute before the older woman's voice could be heard. A woman in her mid-50's appeared on the screen, her clothes indicating she was a housekeeper.

- Choi's residence, how can I help you?- asked the woman.

- Good morning, this is detective Jung Hyun Woo.- he replied, taking out his badge and showing it to the camera.- I came with detective Kim Soo Min, we have an appointment with Choi family members today.- he explained.

- Ah, the guests from the police. Welcome, I will open the gate now. - the woman responded immediately, she was clearly informed about this visit. Shortly afterwards the gate clicked and began to open.

Hyun Woo got into the car before the gate opened completely and then Soo Min directed the car onto the driveway leading to the house. The closest security guards watched their car carefully. When Soo Min drove closer to the mansion, stopped the car and got out, Hyun Woo immediately after her. Another security guard stood at the door and stopped both, gesturing for them to show their badges, which of course they did without hesitation, so the man let them in soon, holding the door. Inside the house looked a bit more luxurious than from the outside. White color still dominated, but there were also a lot of different other colors in pastel shades. Marble floors, elegant rugs on them, furniture beautifully decorated with ornaments. Several mirrors and paintings on the walls, with equally beautifully decorated frames. There was also a large clock that looked antique near the door.

- Detective Kim Soo Min, detective Jung Hyun Woo.- they were greeted by the same maid Hyun Woo saw on the intercom screen.- Please, follow me, Sir and Madam are waiting in the living room.- she added, then led them down the corridor.