(All characters, organizations, places, and events are fictional.)
(Different Dreams, Episode 15, Count Noda)
(Club Gyeongseong)
A part of the Joseon forces has apparently moved to Manchuria.
Was that your doing?
Word spreads quickly.
The governor doesn't seem to be aware of this.
He will be leaving soon.
Many eyes are watching the army.
Be careful.
The killers from the Black Dragon Society...
are all over Manchuria.
They are securing commercial supremacy...
and acquiring lands surrounding their base camp.
They have already conquered Joseon,
so they have moved onto the wide lands of Manchuria.
The Black Dragon Society...
can sniff out wars very well.
There is nothing...
more profitable than wars.
Are you planning to benefit from this as well?
I guess you could say that.
Are you interested?
I'm a soldier.
A soldier can be wealthy as well.
A world where money talks will be here...
No.
We're already living in such a world.
My teary eyes
Already yearn for you
I will be left alone in this darkness tonight
I can do nothing but sigh
When I see your lips
I just become lonelier
My heart is melting for you
Do you know how I feel?
I often dream of sleeping
On your lap
You said your throat hurt. Is it better?
It's so-so.
By the way, Miki.
Count Noda was waiting for you. Did you not see him?
(Count Noda's Residence)
You have no interest in singing.
You just want to receive those young punks' attention.
Singing is just a method for you.
It's not like that.
Are you saying I am wrong?
I saw you with my own eyes.
Bring it to me.
You!
You must really like that.
Here.
I don't like sweet foods.
Try one. I'm sure you've never tried this before.
Here. Here. Here.
I'd like one steamed bun as well.
Thank you.
Prosecutor Fukuda.
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
I know your purpose for joining this team is the same as mine.
You're probably right.
I don't care if you cut us off...
or treat us like your slaves.
I understand that you did not like my method of work.
I was clumsy.
It will never happen again.
There are some misunderstandings.
I don't plan to cut you off.
And at times, your method can be effective.
I acknowledge that.
I just ask that you report everything to me beforehand.
That way, if such a situation occurs,
I will be able to protect all of you.
Prosecutor Fukuda...
visited the boutique.
He disguised himself as a customer...
but seeing how he came immediately after tailing us,
I'm sure he's suspecting something.
A few days ago, he asked me...
about the man I went to Manchuria with.
Did you tell him that it was me?
As you have told me beforehand,
I said that you were an agent for medical supplies...
as well as a businessman.
That means he was the one...
who visited Shanghai.
What is your relationship...
with him?
What if I say that I'm betrothed to him?
Will that make a difference?
I want...
to trust you.
If I deem him to be an obstacle...
to what we do,
I will get rid of him.
If we come to that, I'll do it...
whether you trust me or not.
Let me know if I can help you.
I plan to take out the Japanese hound.
(Hound: An informant)
Count Noda.
Song Byeong Su.
Chief Surgeon Ishida is in the OR right now.
Would you like to see the vice-director?
I didn't know you were the vice-director.
It hasn't been long.
Are...
your calves or ankles hurting as well?
Why?
I saw you walking towards my office, and you were limping.
I'm fine.
Drinking quince tea and sleeping well...
will help your throat recover.
You should refrain from singing for the time being.
Then would you like to have some tea with me right now?
I'd like some iced water, please.
No.
Cold drinks are harmful to your throat.
You should drink warm water.
It has become a habit because of my father, Count Noda.
He doesn't drink water without any ice cubes in them.
Actually,
I have a question.
What's your relationship with Prosecutor Fukuda?
You seem to be pretty close.
My father wanted me to meet him.
So that was it.
What do you mean?
I was wondering whether you really liked him or not.
Can I not like him?
It doesn't matter.
I just don't want you to get hurt.
I've already picked him.
"Picked him"?
He's mine.
I want to call you by your first name.
Would that be okay?
(Seohwa Pharmacy: Secret hideout for the provisional government)
(Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai)
(Ahn Gong Geun: Agent of the provisional government,)
(younger brother of Ahn Jung Geun)
One.
The Heroic Corps is plotting Song Byeong Su's assassination.
Two.
Two agents from Cheongbang have joined the corps.
Three.
Please allow my cooperation for the assassination.
Does she want me to reply immediately?
She said she'd wait until tomorrow.
I know six individuals who failed...
to assassinate Count Noda.
We need the assassination to look as natural as possible.
It should look like an accident or death from a disease.
Young Jin will help us get close to him.
"Young Jin"?
You two must've gotten quite close.
You little...
Anyway...
Why do you keep receiving her help?
Can't we just do this on our own?
The provisional government and our Heroic Corps...
have the same goal despite going down different paths.
I plan to make this assassination...
the first joint operation between us and the Korean Patriotic Corps.
I hope you will all help me.
Fine then.
That's great.
If they show up hand in hand,
it'll look wonderful.
What's wrong, Jung Im?
(Shanghai)
The provisional government may be tapped,
so please contact Cheongbang's hotel for emergencies.
(Geumseong Hotel: Cheongbang's headquarters)
The bluebird disobeys the fisherman.
I'm not against the assassination.
However, if it causes problems at Gyeongseong,
our plan might fall through.
Are you coming up with a new plan?
Lee Bong Chang will go to Tokyo via Gyeongseong and Busan.
It's the grand plan...
that we've been working on.
That's all you need to know for now.
Help them carry out the assassination quietly.
Is Kim Won Bong with you?
Yes.
This is Kim Won Bong.
I've received Intel about Song Byeong Su...
joining hands with the Black Dragon Society.
He will conquer the land,
and the Black Dragon Society will murder the people.
I know very well that the Black Dragon Society...
wishes to bring down the provisional governments.
I'd like them to be our common enemies.
What do you say?
Of course.
Good.
We may be on different paths, but if the destination is the same,
we could walk together for a while.
However,
I hope you will carry out the assassination discreetly.
Young Jin will be helping you,
but don't make her have blood on her hands.
I won't.
The Korean Patriotic Corps must be planning something.
I don't know the details.
I'll get rid of Song Byeong Su.
You just need to help me get to him.
I heard that Count Noda...
is the only Korean who meets the governor in private.
He's not a Korean.
Noda Haijiro.
He gave himself that name.
He fabricated the public opinion,
claiming that we wanted the annexation.
He admired the emperor's mother.
He sold his soul.
Amidst all the wealth and honour that he has acquired...
is his weakness.
I'll arrange a meeting immediately.
I saw those boots at the department store.
Yes.
They looked comfortable, so I bought a pair.
Let me try them.
If they're comfortable, I might buy a pair.
No.
She only wears boots when she feels under the weather.
And she stays that way for a few days.
Mind your own business.
See?
Who are you?
Young Jin.
Is this a gift...
or a bribe?
Make tea with that and drink it. It'll help your throat.
You can't drink anything cold for now.
You remember that, right?
Bringing someone gifts like this means they need a favour.
What is it?
Someone would like to meet Count Noda.
I knew it.
Many want to meet him.
I can't guarantee since he's a busy man.
Someone I know is doing business...
related to suits and medical supplies.
He opens up businesses in places that are under-developed.
He's thinking about opening one in Manchuria.
It's not easy to open up a business in a foreign environment,
you know?
My father maybe influential...
in Joseon, but I'm not sure about Manchuria.
I heard about...
his meetings with an executive of the Black Dragon Society lately.
The Black Dragon Society are opening up a business in Manchuria.
You seem to know more about my father than I do.
Businessmen tend to be quick with receiving information.
All right.
I'll bring him to the boutique.
Before doing business with someone,
he looks into them.
If I do that for you,
what do I get in return?
I'll repay you in any way possible.
You have to keep your word.
- We're here, sir. - Okay.
By the way, what has gotten into you?
You never asked me for such favours.
You told me to befriend Dr. Lee Young Jin.
That is correct.
But still, even if she asked you,
you should be careful when being introduced to someone.
You don't know whether they'll harm you or not.
All right.
It's an honour to meet you. I'm Jin Gook Bin.
Do you know me?
Everyone in Joseon knows you.
Please come inside.
Let's go.
I carried out many businesses with foreigners in China.
That's when I realized...
that power didn't come...
from kings or armies,
but from capitalists.
I'm not saying I want to become one just to gain power.
Capital in itself...
is power.
You're right.
Money can control...
armies and even the government.
You may work hard for your money, but you need to spend it well.
If you don't want to get...
your hands dirty when making money,
you're a doomed capitalist.
You are absolutely correct.
How is this?
Do you like it?
Yes. I love their clothes.
Thank you, ma'am.
You can wear that.
That'll be my gift.
It's a small gift, so please don't feel burdened.
You.
Do you have time this evening?
This evening?
It'll happen this evening. We don't have much time.
It's concentrated ricin.
Once consumed, it'll take 6 to 12 hours to kill someone.
Nam Ok, take this.
Yes, sir.
I would like you two...
to keep a watch on the club's madam.
Buy time so that she won't encounter Nam Ok.
Okay.
No one must suspect this to be an assassination.
Understand?
They might find out after doing a blood test.
We'll just have to trust Lee Young Jin.
Excuse me. Could you lend me a cigarette, please?
Sure.
Could you lend me the light too?
Sure.
What are you doing up there?
Well...
I was peeing.
Goodness.
Could you lend me a shoulder?
I'm sorry.
What was that?
Wait, you're supposed to faint.
Tie his arms and legs.
Cover his mouth too, okay?
It must look like a robbery, so take his cash too. Okay?
- Okay. - All right.
You look great!
I heard...
that you had your eyes on Manchuria.
Yes.
I heard you've made many investments.
It's not that grand.
I'll just be getting some shares...
in the rail road and transportation business.
I didn't want to come empty-handed,
so I brought a nice bottle of liquor.
I hope you'll like it.
Let's see.
Goodness.
This is nice.
Where's Madam Yu?
Tell her to prepare a table for us.
I'll tell her.
This is wonderful.
(Episode 16)
Is this jade?
They were all made by a jeweller...
whose family has been working for the Chinese royal palace.
If you want,
we can bring you the jewellery of the Chinese royal family.
Count Noda is here. He'd like a drink.
Okay.
I have important guests over, so I'll be right there.
I don't see the waiter either.
It's still early, so he's probably in the kitchen.
Can you ask him to serve the count instead?
You don't seem familiar.
Oh, right.
Well...
Someone asked me to fill in.
Who?
You know... What was his name again?
He's quite tall and handsome.
- Soo Beom? - Yes, him.
Apparently,
he has a sore throat so that's why I'm here.
Can you bring some fruit, cheese, and wine...
to the VIP lounge?
Of course. They're already prepared to be served.
Right.
Still,
can you truly put your faith in me with all that money?
Business follows the money...
and money follows where the nation is headed.
You're the man who operates this nation,
so who else can I trust if I can't even...
trust you.
Why you...
Let me open the bottle for you.
I'll do it.
May I pour you a drink?
Sure.
Let me pour you one too.
Here.
Me too.
How dare a girl try to join the men.
I told you...
not to drink anything cold.
It's only this one time.
Do you want to end your singing career?
Young Jin?
Your throat is as bad as it can get.
For the time being,
stay away from cold beverages.
All right.
Miki, listen to your doctor.
Here you go.
In China, we even drink our beer lukewarm.
That's right.
The Chinese don't eat anything cold.
Do you know what clear ice cubes represent?
They are the embodiment of an advanced civilization.
Why aren't you drinking?
I'm waiting for the ice to melt.
Here. Have another.
Please contact me if you come into possession of other goods.
No one in Gyeongseong is better at...
brokering luxury items and converting them to yen.
We appreciate the deal.
Until next time.
Madam Yu.
My apologies. I had important guests over.
Did you enjoy your drink?
How can I even begin to when you're not here?
What a snore-fest.
I'm off to the club to sing.
Sure, you go ahead.
Don't cause any trouble though.
Here you go.
All right.
For the communal prosperity of Great Asia.
For our prosperity.
Did you enjoy your meeting this evening?
Yes, he wasn't so bad.
I'll bring you some warm water.
No, iced.
It's bad for your throat.
As if that cow knows anything.
That clueless chick.
If it weren't for Hiroshi, she wouldn't have become a doctor.
You and that sap...
are only living the dream because you met decent guardians.
Not knowing your place...
I'll bring you some water.
No, wait.
Call for my driver!
- I must go to the hospital. - Count Noda!
Are you all right? Hold on.
Call for my driver!
I must go to the hospital.
The hospital...
Call the hospital.
Now!
You!
A tiger without claws.
No, wait.
Could it be just a cat?
I'd love nothing more...
than to see you dead in the morning.
If someone hadn't made their move,
I would've found a way to kill you myself.
Do you know how they got to you?
"The communal prosperity of Great Asia?"
That ice you praise is what killed you.
I knew something wasn't right.
She grabbed me with so much force...
when it wasn't necessary.
Please, help me.
Please, help...
Help me.
Enough. You're embarrassing yourself.
Someone in tears is asking for you.
I don't know who it is.
Hello?
Young Jin, this is Miki.
Count Noda... He isn't breathing.
Where are you?
I'll send over someone and an ambulance.
Please come to the hospital.
What's going on this early in the morning?
I think Count Noda lost consciousness.
I'll head along to the hospital.
Young Jin...
What do I do now?
Hold on.
Wasn't Young Jin meeting with Count Noda last night?
I heard they had drinks together at Club Gyeongseong.
The call just came in.
At 6am, an ambulance arrived at Song Byeong Su's residence.
He arrived at the hospital at 7am.
Song Byeong Su was carried inside on a stretcher.
Miki, his adopted daughter, was with him as well.
The operation was a success.
Not yet.
What are you doing?
I did the preliminary autopsy.
There's no sign of foul play.
Of course not. He died at his residence.
Considering his medical history,
it could've been an acute myocardial infarction.
Once we open him up and check the coronary artery...
His family does not want an autopsy.
Oh, the female singer at Club Gyeongseong?
What's with that tone?
Her patron has now passed away,
so she's just another stupid cow.
Nonetheless,
there will still be no autopsy.
Isn't it odd though?
He died of unknown causes after going out for drinks.
That's how...
the hospital director died too.
How do you know he had drinks?
Have you tested his blood?
His breath still reeks of alcohol.
Just to be safe though, I'll draw some blood.
Dr. Ishida.
I will report the case to the director when he arrives.
You should go back to work.
(Blood sample)
Let's go.
Vice-director Lee will brief you personally...
since she was the one in charge of the autopsy.
The deceased arrived at the hospital at 7:20am.
He had no pulse and wasn't breathing at the time.
According to the witness,
there were no signs of foul play...
which is why an autopsy wasn't conducted.
Then...
Is there no way to prove a cause of death then?
The cause of death was an acute myocardial infarction.
Isn't that a result of poisoning?
Many wanted to see him dead.
His blood was tested for toxins,
but none were found.
Hiroshi, are you sure that this wasn't an assassination?
There's a witness who was with him around the time of death.
According to her statement,
cardiac arrest is more likely.
Who are you talking about?
Count Noda had family?
Miki is the sole witness and his only existing next of kin.
The girl at Club Gyeongseong?
Has she been officially adopted?
Fukuda, it's been a while. How have you been?
Good, sir.
So what brings you by?
Officially, I must record Miki's statement.
I thought it might help if Young Jin was there.
You should go.
Yes.
I'll see you around.
Count Noda's death...
is sudden, isn't it?
Not exactly.
Thrombi were detected in his blood,
and he has been suffering from high blood pressure.
(Thrombi: blood clots formed from platelets and other elements)
Oh, I see.
I met with Miki separately a few days ago.
We had just gotten close,
but this had to happen.
I'm on my way back from Club Gyeongseong.
I hear that you met with Count Noda last night.
Yes.
I introduced him to Mr. Jin Gook Bin whom I told you about before.
So who was at that meeting?
Me, Mr. Jin,
Miki, and Count Noda.
Did you all eat and drink the same thing?
Is this...
an interrogation?
What?
No, of course not.
I thought the facts would help. I apologize.
When there's only one witness to a crime,
that person automatically becomes a suspect.
Especially if the cause of death isn't certain.
She must be devastated,
so I know it's beyond cruel.
We all had the same drink...
and no toxins...
or irregularities were found in his blood.
I see. Then...
I still can't believe it.
It all happened so fast.
I know this is tough,
but I need to ask you a few questions.
Please consider it as a formality.
Sure.
Please describe the moment you found him.
When was it, where were you, and what was his state?
I'd like a doctor's opinion on this.
Does what Miki described coincide...
with one suffering from myocardial infarction?
Yes.
Then I'm glad.
I'll wrap up the case as is then.
- Miki... - I'll keep her company for a while.
This is quite unexpected.
You and Miki seem to be very different people.
As a doctor, there's something I'd like to check.
Have a seat.
What is it?
I debriefed the officials at the Joseon Governor Office.
The police and prosecution...
are suspicious of you.
In what way?
Do they think I killed Count Noda?
You're his sole heir.
They're wondering if you could've...
saved Count Noda's life had you called...
for help sooner.
It seems to me...
that's what you think.
Is my description of Count Noda's last moments...
different from what you had expected?
Is it different from a myocardial infarction?
I told Prosecutor Fukuda...
that it's consistent.
Then...
there are no issues.
Unless, the ice he put in his drink...
was laced with poison.
If anyone interferes with our revolution,
we will not forgive his life.
The writer is Kim Won Bong.
He could be aiming for the Governor's head.
- Are you really going to do it? - Of course.
Won't you tell me what you will do at the Governor's Office?
I'm sorry, but I can't say.
If you want to protect someone,
I will protect you.
the start will be to trust that person.