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49.14% Genius Grandson of the Loan Shark King / Chapter 403: Chapter 403: A Promise That Must Be Kept

Capítulo 403: Chapter 403: A Promise That Must Be Kept

You must listen to this request.

As people age they find it harder to apologize, especially politicians.

They know each action carries weight so they rarely apologize unless absolutely necessary.

Kim Hak-gwon was that kind of person.

"I misjudged you. I made many mistakes during my term regarding you. I hope you can understand."

Yet Kim Hak-gwon offered a sincere apology.

Well he should apologize. He tried to put a leash on me and even had me watched.

But he'd paid a sufficient price and now no bitterness remained.

"It's fine. That's all in the past now."

"True and looking back the benefits outweighed the losses. Back then I didn't understand and suspected you were trying to profit from the financial crisis."

As Kim Hak-gwon said I provided a lot of material support but also helped in many unseen ways.

Like the relationship between Korea and Russia for example.

Putin focused most on Korea among East Asian nations due to our friendship.

His friendly gestures toward South Korea over North Korea were benefits that would've been impossible without me.

"But you didn't do that. You never harmed national interests. Instead you protected and thought of your country. All my worries were unfounded."

Protecting the country huh. I simply want Korea my stage to remain peaceful.

"Truth is could this latest incident have been resolved so easily without you? Your methods were extreme but you solved it quickly and decisively didn't you?"

"You're too kind."

"I'm no longer concerned about your plans. But please promise me one thing. Don't leave Korea."

I flinched at Kim Hak-gwon's desperate look. The advice of others telling me to give up my citizenship and live comfortably flashed through my mind.

"This is where I was born and where I'll live. So you don't need to worry."

"Good that's all I needed to hear."

As the night deepened their conversation grew longer.

Over drinks Kim Hak-gwon shared his innermost thoughts and I responded with equal sincerity.

Kim Hak-gwon's face had turned quite red.

"So you see… when I started in politics…"

Was he always this talkative? Even if he cleared his schedule today he must have work tomorrow.

I checked the time looking for the right moment to end the meeting.

"Mr. President it's getting late. You should get up now to handle tomorrow's schedule."

"Haha it's fine. In the old days I used to drink until dawn and still attend morning events. I'm not that weak yet."

Kim Hak-gwon took another drink while looking at me. Despite the alcohol his eyes remained sharp.

Looks like I'm stuck here a while longer.

"By the way what are you planning to do with Il-seong Group?"

"I'm planning to wrap things up soon. So I need a favor. Please change the Fair Trade Commission chairman to someone I designate."

"What?"

The Fair Trade Commission.

A central administrative agency under the Prime Minister it was like the grim reaper to business leaders.

It designated major business groups and investigated unfair trade practices and collusion leading to this joke in business circles:

While a chaebol chairman might decline a dinner invitation from the Deputy Prime Minister of Economy they'd run over in their underwear if the Fair Trade Commission chairman called.

With investigation rights and a unique system of exclusive complaint rights prosecutors couldn't even investigate major companies without the Commission's complaint.

They could also impose fines without court judgment.

Even Chairman Song Young-ju of Daehyeon was summoned by the Commission multiple times after losing the presidential election.

That's how much influence the Commission held over the business world.

"Give me the Fair Trade Commission chairman position."

I repeated firmly.

Kim Hak-gwon drank a glass of cold water as if sobering up.

After setting down his cup he asked with a serious expression.

"You must know what kind of position the Commission chairman is right?"

"Of course. It's the President's sword for keeping the business world in check."

"Yet you're asking for that position. It's obvious how you'll use that sword."

Korean chaebols could be crushed with massive fines if the Commission decided to target them.

The reason presidents didn't use this card recklessly was the risk of destabilizing the economy.

But I don't have to worry about that.

"It's the final puzzle piece for taking down Il-seong Group. I've been planning this for a while. No matter who becomes the next president I intend to fill both the Commission and Financial Supervisory Service with my people. Consider this an advance notice."

"…"

"Surely you can do this much? You heard how far I went this time."

This was why I deliberately revealed all information to Kim Hak-gwon.

"That's true but… Boss Kim I've maintained neutrality until now. Suddenly doing this what happens to my reputation?"

"Yes you've stayed neutral and should continue to. But this request you must grant."

I was determined to secure the Commission chairman position today.

Il-sung had survived far longer than I expected. Time to cut off their air supply.

"So you're saying you must have this."

Kim Hak-gwon muttered seeing the determination in my eyes.

"Yes I must have it. I hope for your wise decision Mr. President. This way you can remain a good president even after retirement."

"Haha! That sounds almost like a threat."

Kim Hak-gwon laughed heartily then his expression turned serious as he stroked his chin.

He pondered for quite some time. Finally Kim Hak-gwon spoke.

"Alright. But it can't happen immediately. I need to talk with the current chairman and discuss it with my senior secretaries."

"I understand. Next month should be enough right?"

Kim Hak-gwon nodded.

"That should be enough. But who do you plan to appoint?"

I pulled another memo from my pocket.

"This person will do."

After unfolding the paper and checking the name Kim Hak-gwon spoke in surprise.

"Huh… Director Park was your man too?"

The name on the paper was Park Young-geun.

Director Park passed laws strengthening the ban on circular shareholding and financial-industrial separation with my help.

But afterward he had to retire due to criticism from the business world.

He seemed satisfied just getting the laws passed though.

"We ended up that way somehow."

Kim Hak-gwon neatly folded the memo and put it in his pocket.

His face previously full of burden seemed somewhat relieved.

"Director Park is trustworthy. He's someone I appointed to that position. He must have had quite the animosity toward chaebols I'm surprised you won him over."

"I'm not your typical chaebol am I? He refused to take money so I had trouble. Instead I granted what Director Park wanted. Could such laws have passed the National Assembly without my help? Anyway he's too valuable to be forgotten so I want to help him."

He succeeded in reform but had to step down because of it.

Just as when I first met him Park Young-geun remained an upright person. It seemed a waste for such a person to fade into obscurity.

"This should pass the State Council meeting easily right?"

Kim Hak-gwon nodded with a look that suggested it was obvious.

"Of course. Nobody dislikes Director Park except business people. By the way are the current Financial Supervisory Commission chairman and Financial Supervisory Service governor your people too?"

I just smiled without answering.

Kim Hak-gwon let out a quiet exclamation.

"Huh… People would flip if they knew. The business world too."

"Even if they're my people I don't make them do anything improper. You know that right? Companies associated with me don't evade taxes. I'm actually an exemplary taxpayer."

"That's true. If only other companies were like you. But why won't you list on the stock market? The Economic Secretary occasionally asks about that."

Is this such a curious matter? Kim Byung-woo had mentioned that others were curious too.

With sufficient funds I had no intention of listing and being swayed by shareholders' opinions.

"It's easier to do business as an unlisted company. The reason for listing is to raise funds but I have no need for that."

"Haha! I asked needlessly. Money isn't an issue for you. Still think about it. Having such excellent companies in the stock market would energize our stock market."

"I'll consider it."

The alcohol seemed to wear off as Kim Hak-gwon's face returned to its normal color.

"Any other matters to discuss?"

"That's all."

"Then let's wrap up."

"Yes Mr. President."

Kim Hak-gwon who stood up first extended his hand.

"Thank you again. Others might not know what you've done but I do."

I shook his outstretched hand lightly.

No one knows huh. Suddenly I recalled what Chairman Song Young-ju said about Grandfather.

Though slightly different somehow I felt closer to Grandfather.

"I didn't do it for recognition. I simply removed what was in my way."

"You're too honest that's your problem."

Kim Hak-gwon smiled raising his lips. I followed suit with a smile of my own.

"Are you leaving now?"

First Lady Lee Sun-kyung asked seeing us leave the dining room.

"Yes sorry for staying so late. The appetizers you prepared were delicious First Lady. I'll visit often even after your retirement."

"Hoho I'd appreciate that."

As I finished my greetings and turned to leave Kim Hak-gwon made a small exclamation as if remembering something.

"Talk with my wife for a moment."

Leaving those words Kim Hak-gwon walked toward the bedroom.

"He can be a bit frustrating sometimes right?"

I turned to Lee Sun-kyung who asked this while watching Kim Hak-gwon's back.

"Please understand. He wasn't like this before but he changed as time passed. Still he truly loves Korea and its people."

I think so too.

He wasn't completely clean either. He extorted political funds from chaebols and faced criticism for his family and associates' corruption.

But his political life was genuine.

When no one else would speak he led the criticism against the military regime raising his voice. That took putting his life on the line.

I can't condemn his past path just because he's changed a bit now.

"Yes I know well."

"Thank you for understanding."

Kim Hak-gwon who had returned from the bedroom called me.

"Boss Kim take this."

Kim Hak-gwon held out a box. When I took the small box and looked at it questioningly he smiled sheepishly.

"It's a watch. Not expensive but please take it as a memento."

Opening the box I saw indeed a watch. A Blue House watch with Kim Hak-gwon's name on it.

"I'd like to give you a medal or something but that's difficult. Please accept this instead. It's my heart that counts right?"

The design was completely different from the presidential watches I knew.

As I looked between the watch and him he added:

"Only ten were made. It's not as good as the watch you're wearing but please accept it. Ah of course it was made with my personal funds not tax money."

I closed the box again and bowed slightly.

"Thank you. I'll keep it well."

"Haha good. It's late. You should go."

After saying goodbye to Lee Sun-kyung I left the Blue House residence.

Escorted by the Blue House security team I headed toward the parking lot where Manager Ma was waiting.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok."

Just then I saw a man running toward me calling my name.

"Chief Secretary haven't you gone home?"

The Chief Secretary who gestured for the security guards to step back spoke:

"How could I go home now? What were you discussing at the residence until this hour? Tell me."

What's this about? Coming up suddenly asking what I discussed with the President.

He should know well that anything not discussed in the office shouldn't be leaked.

"I have no obligation to tell you that. Ask the President directly."

"Listen Mr. Kim. Where would I find time to ask such a busy person? And I can't be unaware of what the President does. Please tell me."

Seems he's already fallen out of favor with Kim Hak-gwon and become a lame duck.

Even after such criticism earlier he still hasn't learned his lesson.

"I have nothing to say and no desire to say it. It's late. I'm leaving."

I walked past him.

"Mr. Kim. Kim Mu-hyeok!"

The Chief Secretary ran up and blocked my path again.

"Tell me. Things will get difficult if you don't."

A Chief Secretary appointed just to fill time until retirement trying to threaten me.

Wonder if he's just gutsy or has backing from someone other than Kim Hak-gwon.

"Chief Secretary don't say things you can't handle. If you don't want your name splashed across tomorrow's front page headlines stop being a nuisance."

The Chief Secretary bit his lip and glared at me.

I met his glare head-on with a raised smile.


Capítulo 404: Chapter 404: I Did Something Worth Dying For

I Did Something Worth Dying For

Inside a vast dark room.

Choi Seon-man bit his lip hard while glaring at the map of Korea hanging on the wall in the darkness.

His face had turned dark with anger.

"Your Excellency may I come in?"

"Yes come in."

Upon Choi Seon-man's permission Jang Min-hyuk opened the door and entered.

"Did you find out?"

"Yes. Daigo Tadashige's death has been confirmed. He died along with the Yakuza bosses."

"What? Is that really true?"

"While it hasn't made the news yet this information comes from a reliable source."

"…What in the world is going on."

It was exactly as Kim Mu-hyeok had said. Choi Seon-man muttered in despair.

"What's really going on here… Was it really Kim Mu-hyeok who did this?"

"That's not certain. The public believes they all died during a conflict between drug organizations. But the operation was too clean for that to be the case."

After hearing Jang Min-hyuk's words Choi Seon-man let out a deep sigh.

Jang Min-hyuk kept his head bowed as he continued speaking.

"…They say everyone died instantly without even putting up a proper fight. The attack was over in one swift strike using snipers and grenades. They escaped before the police and Self-Defense Forces could arrive. The whole thing took less than ten minutes."

"Hyuk-ah isn't the Japanese media being too quiet about Daigo Tadashige's death? He had close ties with political business and media circles."

Jang Min-hyuk's expression darkened at Choi Seon-man's notably weakened voice.

Choi Seon-man had never shown such vulnerability in front of others before.

Even when he received a death sentence he had remained dignified but now he seemed incredibly small.

Pushing aside the thoughts that surfaced in his mind Jang Min-hyuk spoke again.

"Your Excellency what follows is my speculation."

"Speculation? Go on."

"If Kim Mu-hyeok was involved there's a high chance he received support from Russian special forces."

"…So the rumors about him being Putin's friend were true?"

Unlike Choi Seon-man who still showed traces of doubt Jang Min-hyuk nodded firmly.

"Their relationship seems even closer than what's publicly known."

"I see Putin helped him despite the diplomatic risks?"

"Yes. They completed the operation swiftly and left immediately. This would be impossible without proper training. Otherwise they might have hired mercenaries."

"So either Russian special forces or mercenaries you say. Hah… well well."

Choi Seon-man clicked his tongue. What a mysterious man.

The more they dug into Kim Mu-hyeok's background the more it felt like entering a labyrinth.

"There are rumors that Kim Mu-hyeok is the real owner of Black Bear. Black Secret the Korean branch of Black Bear is essentially Kim Mu-hyeok's private security company. They handle security for all his associates. Lee Chan-jong the former Director of the National Intelligence Service is their representative."

"What? Lee Chan-jong that bastard is their representative?"

"Yes that's correct. They're recruiting all former NIS agents and Korean special forces personnel offering attractive compensation."

Jang Min-hyuk felt similarly to Choi Seon-man.

The deeper they investigated Kim Mu-hyeok the more mysterious he became instilling a sense of fear.

"Your Excellency I believe we should back down this time."

"…What if we mobilize the military?"

Choi Seon-man still couldn't let go of his obsession.

He wanted to see Kim Mu-hyeok's mocking face contort in pain.

"He must have everything prepared already. Otherwise he wouldn't have revealed everything to Your Excellency. We should at least keep our military connections for any future opportunities."

"…"

"Your Excellency you must think of your family."

Choi Seon-man couldn't bring himself to respond.

Just then Jang Min-hyuk's phone vibrated in his pocket.

He checked the number on the screen and reported.

"It's Lieutenant Colonel Kim."

"Is that so? Answer it."

"Yes Your Excellency."

Jang Min-hyuk bowed his head and answered the phone.

– Senior Jang! Something terrible has happened.

An urgent voice came through the phone.

"Lieutenant Colonel Kim speak slowly. What happened?"

– Senior everyone's been dismissed from their positions. All of our seniors. The Minister of Defense issued the order directly despite it not being personnel season.

Jang Min-hyuk asked in disbelief.

"What? Is that true?"

– Yes. Everyone from the Defense Security Commander to the generals has been dismissed.

"…Why so suddenly? Are you alright?"

– I'm not sure what will happen to me either. I called to inform you of this emergency. I need to go now.

With those words Lieutenant Colonel Kim quickly hung up.

Jang Min-hyuk stood dazed holding his phone after the call ended.

Choi Seon-man urged the stunned Jang Min-hyuk.

"What is it? What happened?"

Jang Min-hyuk looked at Choi Seon-man with a bewildered expression. Choi Seon-man could sense anxiety in his face.

"…Your Excellency. It's all over now."

As Jang Min-hyuk spoke these words Choi Seon-man's expression changed moment by moment.

* * *

The new CIA Director Alan W. VanZeeberg was reading a report brought by Deputy Director David.

As he read through the thick report Alan's brow furrowed.

After reviewing the entire report he tossed the binder onto his desk and asked.

"Is all this true?"

"Yes Director it's all true."

Alan sighed and stood up from his seat saying.

"Let's head to the conference room. Call all the deputy directors. This seems like a major issue so I'm calling a full meeting."

Alan walked toward the conference room inside his office.

But David didn't move. Alan stopped walking and asked in a puzzled voice.

"Why aren't you responding?"

David who had been standing rooted to the spot finally spoke.

"Director very few people know everything about Kim Mu-hyeok. Besides me only the East Asia branch director knows."

Alan frowned at these unexpected words.

"What do you mean by that?"

"…"

The CIA director position had long become the property of politicians.

Alan too wasn't someone who had risen through CIA ranks but an outsider appointed by the White House.

As a result the director didn't properly understand CIA internal affairs.

Alan's face turned irritated as he walked toward the sofa.

"Sit down for now. I want to hear the details."

David followed and sat down. After confirming David was seated Alan gestured with his chin.

"Now tell me. What exactly do you mean?"

"It started with Clinton's orders. Destroy all official records about Kim Mu-hyeok. That's when I began handling Kim Mu-hyeok exclusively."

"What? Why?"

Alan couldn't understand at all.

If the report's contents were true Kim Mu-hyeok was a dangerous individual.

It made no sense to manage him with just a handful of people when the CIA should be going all out to keep him in check.

"Does President Bush know about this?"

"Yes he was briefed right after taking office."

"And there were no other instructions?"

"None. I report Kim Mu-hyeok's movements directly to him once a month."

"…You a deputy director report directly to the President bypassing the Director?"

Alan glared at David with displeasure.

"Why are you given such special treatment?"

"I've served here for over thirty years. I've been offered the director position several times. But you know don't you? It's a position where your head could roll at any moment."

Though displeased David's words were true.

Alan himself had been appointed after the previous CIA Director was dismissed.

He already knew that his predecessor had been forced to step down taking responsibility for an operation failure in Iraq.

"I want to work here for my country until I die. I have no interest in the director position so you don't need to be wary of me."

Alan cleared his throat feeling his intentions had been exposed.

Seeing this David smiled slightly and bowed his head.

"That's why I opposed calling a meeting. I apologize."

"No it's fine. We must follow the President's orders. But still… no matter how I think about it this guy is too dangerous. What's your opinion?"

Alan waved Kim Mu-hyeok's photo from the file as he spoke.

"He's more dangerous than any individual we're monitoring."

"Then why is he still alive? Shouldn't we launch an operation immediately?"

"Keeping him alive aligns with U.S. interests."

Alan slowly shook his head. He thought the man was too dangerous to keep alive just for the sake of interests.

"Even if it aligns with our interests he's too dangerous. Are you saying this even after seeing what happened in Japan?"

"Those are the President's orders. We're just to watch him no operations are permitted."

"…"

"Besides he's never acted against U.S. interests. No he's actually brought us more benefits. In my judgment there's no reason to eliminate someone just because they're dangerous."

Of course David planned to kill Kim Mu-hyeok if he deemed him dangerous even if the President opposed.

If that was the path that would benefit America.

But from what he'd observed Kim Mu-hyeok wasn't the type to attack first if lines weren't crossed.

There was no need to complicate things by provoking him unnecessarily.

"Kim Mu-hyeok doesn't attack unless someone picks a fight first."

"…Weren't the Dae Dong-hui people under our headquarters' management? He killed them. How will others view us if we don't take any revenge?"

A cold smile appeared on David's face.

"They did something worth dying for. I heard they were planning to illegally occupy Dokdo using the Self-Defense Forces."

"What? Is that true?"

Alan asked startled.

"Yes Prime Minister Koizumi noticed this sought out Kim Mu-hyeok and they struck a deal right there. This incident was the result. All connections between Dae Dong-hui and us have been severed. You won't be held responsible Director."

"…"

"I'll compile everything and report soon."

"Alright I understand. I need to organize my thoughts so you can leave now."

Alan dismissed him and David left the CIA Director's office without a word.

As soon as David left Alan made a call somewhere.

Having left the director's office and reached the end of the long corridor David's eyes gleamed as he looked at the firmly closed director's office door in the distance.

* * *

Several days had passed since visiting the Blue House.

"Everyone made it out safely."

Igor's Russian mercenaries had safely escaped Japan through predetermined routes.

Fortunately they were able to leave Japan without any casualties.

It would have been difficult without Russia's help.

"Still haven't found Araki's whereabouts?"

While Daigo Tadashige was dead his successor Araki's whereabouts remained unknown.

"No Boss. No body was found and he hasn't shown himself yet. Koizumi is searching frantically for him."

"Koizumi's going to have quite a headache if they can't catch him."

I'd already achieved my goal so there was no reason to help further.

"Let's leave it for now. Keep watching and let me know if anything unusual comes up."

I interlocked my fingers and stretched. My joints made quite a loud cracking sound.

I felt tired after spending the past few days working without proper sleep.

"Ah and Yamamoto called. He wants to speak with you Boss."

"Yamamoto? Why would he want to talk to me?"

"I think it's about the recent incident."

I had ordered him to be kept alive. I planned to use him to stir up chaos among the Yakuza.

But being the sole survivor would inevitably raise suspicion from other organizations.

I caressed my teacup while contemplating.

'What should I do? Is he useful? Or should I dispose of him.'

I organized my thoughts. No matter how much I thought about it the scales wouldn't tip to either side.

Letting out a small sigh I waved my hand dismissively.

"I'm too tired today. Tell him I'll contact him tomorrow."

"Understood Boss."

Seeing Manager Ma nod I stood up from my seat.

"Manager you should rest today too. You've been pushing yourself these past few days."

I moved to leave the study.

At that moment suddenly both my phone and Manager Ma's phone started ringing simultaneously.


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