Man, what a day! I woke up in Changsu, and I swear, the city was already buzzing. I mean, it’s like the streets were alive or somethin’. I grabbed my coffee from that little joint on Gyeongwon-daero. You know the one? The barista always messes up my name. “Detective?” Nah, it’s “Dectective.” Whatever, I’m used to it.
So, I’m sippin’ my coffee, and boom! My phone buzzes. It’s my partner, Ji-hoon. He’s like, “Yo, we got a situation at the Changsu Market.” I’m thinkin’, great, just what I need. I hop on my bike, zooming down the streets. The air smells like fried dumplings and exhaust fumes. Classic Changsu, right?
I get to the market, and it’s chaos. People are yelling, vendors are packin’ up, and I see this dude in a hoodie. He’s lookin’ shifty, like he’s got somethin’ to hide. My gut’s tellin’ me he’s trouble. I approach him, and he bolts. Typical. I chase him through the narrow alleys of the market, dodging old ladies and their carts. One almost took me out with a cabbage. I’m like, “Lady, chill!”
Finally, I corner him near the old temple on Seongdong-ro. He’s panting, and I’m like, “What’s your deal, man?” Turns out, he’s just a kid, no older than 18. He’s tryin’ to steal some food. My heart kinda softened. I mean, it’s Changsu, and the cost of living is nuts. I let him go with a warning. I’m not a monster, right?
After that, I’m feelin’ all warm and fuzzy inside. But then, I get a call about a robbery at a jewelry store on Dongbu-daero. Ugh, can’t a guy catch a break? I rush over, and the place is a mess. Glass everywhere, and the owner’s freakin’ out. I’m talkin’ full-on panic mode. I try to calm him down, but he’s like, “My life’s work!” Dude, I get it, but we gotta focus.
I start lookin’ for clues. I notice a weird footprint by the window. It’s not just any footprint; it’s a size 12. I’m thinkin’, who wears size 12 in Changsu? I mean, that’s a big foot! I jot it down, and then I see a security camera. Thank the heavens! I ask the owner for the footage, and he’s like, “I don’t have it!” I’m like, “What do you mean you don’t have it?” Turns out, he forgot to pay the bill. Classic.
So, I’m back on the streets, feelin’ frustrated. I stop by the Han River for a breather. The sunset is gorgeous, but I can’t enjoy it. I’m thinkin’ about that kid and the robbery. Life’s a mess, man. I sit on a bench, and this old guy next to me starts talkin’ about the good ol’ days in Changsu. He’s ramblin’ on about how the city used to be peaceful. I’m like, “Yeah, but that was before smartphones and social media, right?”
As I’m sittin’ there, I get another call. It’s Ji-hoon again. “Dude, you won’t believe this!” He found the kid from earlier. Turns out, he’s been hangin’ with a gang. I’m like, “Great, just what I need.” I rush over to the alley behind the old cinema on Jeongja-dong. It’s dark, and I’m feelin’ a bit uneasy. But I can’t back down now.
I find Ji-hoon, and he’s got the kid. The gang’s there too, and it’s tense. I’m thinkin’, this is not how I wanted my day to end. But then, the kid looks at me, and I see fear in his eyes. I can’t let him go down this path. I step up, and I’m like, “Listen, man, you don’t have to do this.” The gang laughs, but I don’t care. I’m not lettin’ this kid ruin his life.
Long story short, I manage to talk him down. The gang disperses, and I’m left with the kid. He thanks me, and I’m like, “Just stay outta trouble, alright?” He nods, and I feel a bit of hope. Maybe Changsu ain’t so bad after all.
I finally head home, exhausted. The city lights are twinkling, and I can’t help but smile. It’s been