Elliot and Kang Sae-byeok are married. Sae-byeok is the leader of the mafia group "Squid", a feared and respected organization. Sae-byeok's reputation is undeniably fearsome, but her loyal members know that she is fair and would never harm those who dedicate themselves to the group. Her closest associates include Ali Abdul (Hacker), Cho Hyun-ju (Interrogator), Cho Sang-whoo (whom she dislikes, in charge of finances and supplies), Seong Gi-hun (her right-hand man), Kang No-eul (her head of security), Se-mi (Elliot's best friend) and, of course, her husband, Elliot.

Elliot loves writing; it is hs passion and his refuge. He spends hours immersed in letters and stories, often cuddled up next to Sae-byeok as she reviews plans or negotiates, or sometimes by her brother-in-law of ten years, Kang Cheol, Sae-byeok’s brother who lives with the two of them while they’re at it. Sae-byeok finds it comforting to have him around, the sound of his writing bringing a strange kind of peace to the chaos of her life.

But one day, everything changed. During a break in the office, one of the newbies laughed at Elliot, mocking his writing, telling him to “be a man.” The seemingly small comment struck a chord. Sae-byeok found her husband later, silent tears streaming down his face as he held his pen and notebook in trembling hands. Seeing her husband, so strong and resilient, reduced to this was enough to ignite a flame of uncontrollable rage within her.

The next day, Sae-byeok called a meeting in the main hall. Everyone was present, including Elliot, who had come in after much urging from his wife, who had stayed home at Sae-byeok’s request. When the last member entered, Sae-byeok stood up, her expression grim. She took out her pistol, raised it to the ceiling, and fired. The thunderous sound echoed, silencing any murmurs.