Chapter 1 The First Encounter

A village nestled in the middle of lush green mountains, with fresh air and breathtaking scenery, radiated warmth and hospitality. The residents knew each other well, creating strong familial bonds.

They lived a simple life. This was where Moon, a young girl known for her natural beauty and cheerful personality, lived with her grandmother. With her long hair flowing in the wind, Moon pedaled her bicycle enthusiastically toward the beach.

06:00 AM

Moon arrived at the shore, taking a deep breath of the fresh morning air. She crouched down and played with the sand where two figures once stood. The cool, soft grains of sand slipped between her fingers. The sound of the crashing waves added to the tranquility of the chilly morning.

In the distance, a handsome man in elegant attire stood gazing at the sea. From his refined clothing and confident demeanor, it was clear he was not from this small village but from a big city.

As he turned to leave, his eyes landed on Moon, who was immersed in playing with the sand. He paused for a moment, captivated by the sight of the young girl who looked so free and peaceful. Without realizing it, a faint smile appeared on his lips. With a swift motion, he took out his phone and secretly snapped a photo of her.

"Young Master, everything is ready. They will soon demolish all the buildings in this village," a voice interrupted his thoughts. It was his secretary.

"Finish it today. I don't like wasting time," he commanded firmly. His once gentle smile faded into a serious expression.

However, as he started to walk away, his gaze lingered on Moon once more. A small smile reappeared before he finally left the scene.

At the Village Entrance

Two massive construction machines stood tall at the village's edge, ready to level every building in sight. The villagers, from the elderly to the young, gathered with unwavering determination to resist the workers and officers sent from the city.

At the center of the crowd, a distinguished yet arrogant man represented the corporation determined to seize their land.

Tension filled the village that morning. The people, deeply attached to their land, fought with all their might to stop the demolition.

"Even if we die, we won't leave!" a villager shouted passionately, his voice filled with emotion and defiance.

"I am Manager Kim. Let me make this clear-this land no longer belongs to you. If you cooperate, the company will offer compensation. You can move anywhere you like," he said, as if this were just another business deal.

An elderly man, who had lived in the village for most of his life, stepped forward, his face burning with anger.

"Why do you rich people always oppress the weak? I am 75 years old. I have lived here since I was ten. Even in death, I will not leave!" his voice trembled, but his resolve remained strong.

Manager Kim, infamous for his ruthless nature, smirked.

"That's your problem, old man. I'm still kind enough to offer you compensation. You'd better take the money and leave. If you resist, you'll get nothing," he said coldly, his tone laced with menace.

"We will sue you!" another villager yelled, trying to show courage despite knowing they were powerless.

"Go ahead! I'll hire ten lawyers to handle it. And what do you have to fight against us?" Manager Kim retorted with a smug smile, convinced of his inevitable victory.

Enraged, the elderly man stepped forward, his fist raised, ready to strike. But before he could land a punch, Manager Kim swiftly caught his wrist and shoved him, causing the old man to stumble to the ground.

"Grandfather!" the villagers cried out in panic, rushing to help him.

Manager Kim dusted off his hands as if ridding himself of filth, then pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

"Pathetic," he sneered as he wiped his hands, further igniting the villagers' fury. They clenched their fists in anger, their frustration boiling over.

Moon's Fury

Moon, who had just arrived at the scene, witnessed everything firsthand. Without a second thought, she rushed toward Manager Kim.

"Slap!"

The sharp sound of her palm striking his face echoed in the air, stunning everyone into silence.

Manager Kim's cheek turned red from the force of the slap. He glared at Moon, but instead of anger, a dangerous, enigmatic smile crept onto his lips.

Their eyes locked in an intense stare, an unspoken battle of wills raging between them.

"How dare you bully an old man? Have you no shame?" Moon spat, her voice trembling with fury.

Manager Kim's subordinates moved in to defend their boss, but he raised a hand, halting them.

With a piercing gaze and a faint smirk, he observed Moon, intrigued by her boldness.

"Interesting," he muttered, loud enough for Moon and a few others to hear.

Moon stood her ground, her eyes blazing with anger. She lifted her hand again, ready to strike the arrogant man before her once more.

"Just because you're rich, you think you can oppress us? Even an old man isn't spared from your cruelty. Don't you have any shame?" she shouted, her voice shaking with emotion.

Before her hand could land another blow, a strong grip caught her wrist.

Manager Kim tightened his hold, his eyes darkening with authority.

"Defying us means facing the consequences," he warned coldly, his grip tightening. "Unless... you choose to obey me."

Moon glared at him, then forcefully yanked her hand away.

"Obey you? Dream on!" she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.

Manager Kim smirked, then suddenly pulled Moon closer. Their faces were mere inches apart. His breath ghosted against her ear as he whispered,

"You'd better cooperate... unless you want your entire village to suffer."

The atmosphere grew heavier, thick with fear. Moon met his gaze head-on, her heart pounding. She knew this wasn't an empty threat. But surrendering was not an option.

The crowd murmured anxiously, all eyes on them.

Would Moon give in? Or would she stand her ground against Manager Kim's overwhelming power?