Chapter 421: Chapter 421: What Are You Planning Now?
Congratulations, Secretary General."
I offered my congratulations to Hu Jintao who was on the other end of the line.
At the recently held 16th National Congress, Hu Jintao was elected as Secretary General.
Even Wen Jiabao who had fallen from grace was appointed Prime Minister of the State Council as history dictated.
"I'm not sure if it's worth celebrating."
"Worry about the future later. For now just enjoy the moment."
The reason for Hu Jintao's anxiety was simple.
He knew Jiang Zemin would continue to rule like a shadow emperor even after stepping down.
China's collective leadership system divided power among seven Standing Committee members including the Secretary General.
But when Jiang Zemin handed over the Secretary General position to Hu Jintao he increased the Standing Committee members to nine.
And he filled six of those positions with members of the Shanghai faction.
He also appointed his closest Shanghai ally as Vice Chairman of the Military Commission.
It was a clear statement of his determination to maintain influence over the military.
With his power base still weak Hu Jintao had no choice but to accept.
In the end only two Standing Committee members could be considered his allies.
"He agreed to transfer the presidency next year but made no promises about when he'll give up his Military Commission chairmanship. How utterly shameless."
Hu Jintao vented his frustrations.
As Mao Zedong said power flows from the barrel of a gun and in China the ultimate power lay with the Military Commission Chairman.
"Even Jiang Zemin will have to hand it over within three years."
"That's exactly the problem. Shouldn't all power be transferred at once to give the successor real authority? But he's parceling it out piece by piece."
"Yes that's true."
"Who's going to fear me at this rate?"
This incident must have left a deep impression as Hu Jintao would later transfer all power to his successor at once.
But that decision proved disastrous. It ended up creating a monster.
The dictator who would break the tradition of transferring power every decade was born from Hu Jintao's hands.
"Still you're number one in the Communist Party. You need to stay strong. I'm sure you and Premier Wen Jiabao can handle this well."
"Do you really think I can?"
"Of course."
"Thank you. Even if it's just empty words I appreciate them."
"They're not empty words. The national economy will grow rapidly and China's international status will rise."
During Hu Jintao's term China's economic growth would exceed all expectations.
Though whether that was due to his leadership or simply the natural progression of the times was debatable.
Hu Jintao cleared his throat and changed the subject.
"I heard about the Japan situation. Accomplishing what no one else could – Boss Kim truly is remarkable."
"You're being too generous. I simply did what needed to be done."
"Just did what needed to be done? Even in China with its countless criminals no one has managed to unite them. Yet you've created a cartel spanning all of East Asia. This was only possible because it was you Boss Kim."
His words were true. As far as I knew no cartel spanning East Asia had ever existed before.
The Russian Mafia Japanese Yakuza Chinese Black Society – they all expanded their influence independently.
But I united them into a single cartel. A massive organization connecting Korea China Japan and Russia.
This was something no one else had ever achieved.
"If we can effectively manage these criminals that's a good thing. You've accomplished something very difficult."
The future ruler of a nation caring about the underworld?
Bullshit. He's just interested in the money it could bring.
"Hao Xun will handle the details. He'll do well."
"Thank you. For saving him and placing him in such an important position. I'll make sure to repay you."
I'd noticed before but Hu Jintao seemed to view Hao Xun as more than just a subordinate.
Well it doesn't matter to me. If he values Hao Xun he'll feel indebted to me which works out better.
"I'll send you an invitation to next year's presidential inauguration. I'll make sure you have an excellent seat."
"Thank you for the invitation. I suppose I'll need to prepare a gift."
"Haha you don't need to bring anything. Your presence alone is gift enough."
I glanced at my watch while halfheartedly responding to Hu Jintao's pleasantries. This call was getting quite long.
"Ah and I've received reports that North Korea is acting strangely. It seems they're planning another nuclear test soon."
"So it's come to this after all."
"Well with their secret negotiations with the U.S. falling through this was their only remaining option."
"They'll go ahead even if China objects?"
"When has Kim Jong-il ever listened to anyone else?"
I had to agree with that assessment.
Kim Jong-il's paranoia was getting worse with time.
He trusted no one not his inner circle not China not Russia. He trusted no one and listened to no one.
"Any news about Jang Seong-taek? Have you heard anything?"
"I asked them to send Director Jang to my inauguration next year. They won't be able to refuse."
"I see. Thank you for the information."
"Haha it's nothing compared to what you've done for me. Ah and Wen Jiabao asked me to pass on his thanks. He said he still has many watching him so he can't contact you directly."
Of course Jiang Zemin is a suspicious person so it's natural he hasn't lifted his suspicions about Wen Jiabao yet.
"I understand. I'll probably get to see him when I visit China next year. Please tell him to stay healthy."
"I will. Let's talk again soon."
After ending the call with Hu Jintao I sat on the sofa organizing my thoughts.
As history dictated Hu Jintao became President and Wen Jiabao became Premier.
I'd considered trying to make Wen Jiabao the next President but quickly abandoned the idea.
He was too old. It would be unreasonable to plan for ten years ahead.
But we need to prevent that monster from taking power.
The monster who would lead China into an era of arrogant pink nationalism.
I pushed aside these thoughts and picked up the documents in front of me.
It was a report detailing the recent activities of Cheon Ji-won and Cheon Ji-su.
I started reading through the document about Cheon Ji-su's activities.
As I turned each page I couldn't help but smile.
"Would you look at that? She's quietly buying up Il-seong Group subsidiary stocks."
Il-seong Group's stock prices kept falling.
And Cheon Ji-su was gradually accumulating those shares.
"That's so like Cheon Ji-su."
But would Seo Jae-hoon not know about this?
He must already know. Like the madman he is Seo Jae-hoon valued his own safety above all else.
So he must have noticed Cheon Ji-su's movements.
"I wonder how Seo Jae-hoon will react."
I need to think about how to use this.
I set aside the documents about Cheon Ji-su and picked up the report on Cheon Ji-won's activities.
"Ha this bastard still hasn't gotten his act together."
The contents of the report were appalling.
It detailed all sorts of misdeeds committed while hanging around with other worthless chaebol heirs.
Alcohol drugs and gambling – it couldn't get any worse.
But the final contents caught my eye.
"Hmm… looks like he's planning something."
The report indicated Cheon Ji-won had rented several offices and seemed to be preparing something.
He was mainly gathering people who specialized in operations particularly technicians.
Not just Cheon Ji-won but other notorious chaebol troublemakers had gathered and appeared to be plotting something.
"What are you planning now?"
I clicked my tongue and tossed the report aside. Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
Manager Ma entered and bowed his head.
"Boss I have something to report."
"Is there a problem at the funeral hall?"
"It's not a major issue but Cheon Ji-won showed up at the funeral hall. I'm reporting because Miss Cheon Ji-young asked him to transfer some money."
My brow furrowed at the mention of Cheon Ji-won. Manager Ma quickly glanced at my face before continuing.
"According to our staff there was some shouting before Cheon Ji-won went to change into mourning clothes. Miss Cheon Ji-young asked him to transfer 10 billion won. How should we handle this?"
I could roughly picture what had happened.
'Ji-young you must be struggling too.'
After letting out a deep sigh I nodded. If she made the request through staff she must want me to know about it.
"Transfer it through Taesan Bank."
"Understood."
"So at the funeral hall now we have Cheon Ji-young Cheon Ji-su Cheon Ji-won and Kim Jung-hee. Just these four right?"
"Yes that's correct. Since the maternal relatives were already decimated… everyone just paid their respects briefly and left."
The relatives kept harassing Ji-young so I had them dealt with once and this is how it turned out. Well it couldn't be helped.
"Have there been many other mourners?"
"Not many have come. There weren't any visitors we needed to be concerned about."
"Alright. Tell them to hang in there until tomorrow."
"Yes Boss."
"After the funeral give those staff members a week's vacation. Make sure to include a generous vacation bonus."
Manager Ma bowed and left. Alone in my study my thoughts deepened.
I unconsciously drummed my fingers on the desk while muttering to myself.
"10 billion won…"
He's definitely preparing some kind of operation but is Cheon Ji-won really so short on money that he needs 10 billion?
The buildings and land he inherited from his grandfather were worth hundreds of billions.
It hasn't even been a few years yet he couldn't have burned through it all.
If all that money has vanished it means someone must have been playing games.
I'll need to look into this properly. I had a feeling something interesting was about to unfold.
* * *
The funeral hall was empty without a single mourner when Cheon Ji-young prepared to close for tomorrow's funeral procession.
At that moment a group rushed in. The Il-seong Group's board of directors had arrived with Seo Jae-hoon.
Cheon Ji-su's face hardened at the sight of them while Cheon Ji-won couldn't even raise his head.
"My deepest condolences."
While Seo Jae-hoon spoke with the bereaved family Il-seong Group's executives and their attendants filled the empty spaces.
The previously quiet funeral hall suddenly became noisy.
"Ji-su and Ji-won let's talk."
"Yes."
Taking advantage of the commotion Seo Jae-hoon called Cheon Ji-su and Cheon Ji-won. After entering the family waiting room he flashed a friendly smile.
"Ji-su Ji-won it's been a while for both of you."
"Y-yes it has been a while brother."
"Why are you trembling Ji-won? Let's sit down first."
Though Seo Jae-hoon spoke casually Cheon Ji-won became even more frightened barely managing to find his seat.
Watching this with emotionless eyes Seo Jae-hoon ordered his subordinates.
"Everyone out. Don't let anyone in here."
Soon only the three remained in the room. Seo Jae-hoon spoke first.
"Neither of you even bothered to greet me before coming here?"
When no response came Seo Jae-hoon raised an eyebrow.
"Why so quiet? I'm hurt really."
After staring at the floor for a long while Cheon Ji-su finally raised her head and spoke.
"What do you want? Can't this wait? Do we really have to do this here?"
"What's wrong with here? Where else could be better than this place with no visitors and no watching eyes?"
"…"
At these cold words Cheon Ji-su's lips trembled. An instinctive fear surrounded her.
"Ji-su I warned you didn't I? Not to harbor unnecessary greed. Yet you've been doing something interesting."
"What?"
"You've been buying up Il-seong Group subsidiary stocks. Did you perhaps join hands with Kim Mu-hyeok?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Haha! Ji-su why are you playing dumb? Do you really have a death wish?"
Seo Jae-hoon laughed loudly. Knowing his casual mention of death was sincere Cheon Ji-su unconsciously swallowed hard.
Yet even while rubbing her goosebump-covered arms Cheon Ji-su spoke up.
"I have rights too."
"Rights? You?"
"Yes. I also inherited grandfather's blood…"
"Say one more word and you're really dead."
"…"
After coldly cutting off Cheon Ji-su's words Seo Jae-hoon turned his gaze.
"Ji-won."
"Yes brother."
"Do you feel the same way?"
"No brother. I have no desire for Il-sung. Didn't I transfer all my shares to you? Please believe me."
"Right that's right. That's why I like our little brother. But why can't our Ji-su let go of her greed?"
Turning back to Cheon Ji-su Seo Jae-hoon smiled.
Though his mouth was smiling his snake-like eyes scrutinized Cheon Ji-su.
Feeling that gaze Cheon Ji-su trembled.
"Transfer all the shares you've collected to me."
Though it was a shocking demand Seo Jae-hoon spoke as if it were nothing.
When Cheon Ji-su didn't respond his lips twisted strangely.
"Ji-su Cheon Ji-su. If you don't want to lose your sister's share too listen to me. I'm planning to give the department store division to your sister so be satisfied with that. Understand?"
"…Yes."
"Good. You're a smart girl so I'm sure you understand what I mean."
Nodding with satisfaction Seo Jae-hoon stood up.
"I'm planning to allow visits to father soon."
Seo Jae-hoon looked down at Cheon Ji-su and Cheon Ji-won with emotionless eyes.
"Don't have any expectations. Father won't be getting up again."
At Seo Jae-hoon's firm words Cheon Ji-su could be certain.
Their grandfather's health problems weren't coincidental but something that bastard Seo Jae-hoon had engineered.
"So remember this well. Il-seong Group is the kingdom of the Seo family. Not the Cheon family. Got it?"
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