Chapitre 506: Chapter 506: Request for a Private Meeting
In response to my question about whether Hu Jintao knew, Wen Jiabao paused for a moment before answering.
— An hour. We were informed via hotline just one hour before the nuclear test. To be precise, we were completely unaware. The notification was so rushed that we couldn't prepare in advance.
Wen Jiabao specifically used the word 'notification.'
It was clear evidence that Kim Jong-il had conducted the experiment without even informing China, his only lifeline.
"What was Chairman Hu Jintao's reaction?"
— He was furious. Both Chairman Hu Jintao and former Chairman Jiang Zemin felt the same outrage. How dare Kim Jong-il conduct nuclear tests without our approval?
It revealed the attitude of the Chinese Communist Party toward North Korea.
"I see."
— For now, we need to investigate how this happened. An emergency meeting of the Standing Committee was convened. Let's talk separately later, Boss Kim.
Before I could say anything, Wen Jiabao abruptly ended the call.
The urgency of the situation was palpable. I let out a deep sigh, and before I could put away my phone, Myeong-su asked.
"What did he say? Did they know in Beijing? There's no way they didn't."
I shook my head. I thought at least China would know, but it turned out they didn't.
"They notified me unilaterally one hour before via hotline. This is completely different from North Korea's usual diplomatic behavior."
"Crazy… Are these guys totally out of their minds? Is Kim Jong-il losing it already?"
"Yeah, I have no idea what that guy is thinking anymore."
I thought the sudden nuclear test caused by Kim Jong-il's whim was the end of things, but that turned out to be a major misjudgment.
Two hours after the nuclear test, North Korea made an exceptionally unusual announcement through the Korean Central News Agency.
— The entire nation of the people is building a strong socialist country… and safely and successfully conducted its underground nuclear test in the year Juche 92…
After North Korea's official announcement, countries scrambled to connect hotlines with Pyongyang, but no one was able to reach them.
This included China, Russia, South Korea, and the U.S.
Then, two hours after the official announcement, they launched seven objects, presumed to be ballistic missiles, off the East Coast.
All of this was a provocation from North Korea that unfolded within a single day.
"They've really lost it. Seriously."
Myeong-su had been on his way to the Korean Embassy to discuss countermeasures long before.
Left alone, I turned on the TV. News channels were urgently broadcasting reports about the situation.
"I need to change this up quickly."
No one could predict where this madness would lead. One thing was certain—it would only escalate with time.
Perhaps they would act crazily and provoke us even further.
Last year, the skirmish at Yeonpyeong in the West Sea occurred, after all.
At that moment, the hotel phone rang loudly. Manager Ma answered it.
A moment later, Manager Ma turned to me with a serious expression.
"Boss, it's the White House."
I nodded and reached out my hand. After receiving the receiver from Manager Ma, I spoke.
"Yes, this is Kim Mu-hyeok."
— Charlie. It's Colin Powell.
"Go ahead, Secretary of State."
— Can you come to the White House? President Bush wants to meet with you.
"President Bush?"
I repeated the question, and an odd silence fell over the line. After a brief cough, Powell spoke up again.
— Yes. As you might know, I have some questions regarding North Korea. He also wants to discuss subsequent matters with you.
"Why does he want to discuss that with me?"
— Charlie, let's not play coy. It's time for us to drop the masks and have an honest conversation.
"…I'll head over right away."
If Powell was so insistent, it meant the White House was taking this more seriously than I had anticipated.
For them to call me meant they didn't plan to use conventional channels but wanted to approach this covertly through me.
"Manager, we need to go to the White House. Prepare for it, and we'll move with the minimum personnel possible."
"Got it."
After Manager Ma left, I quickly prepared to head out. As I suited up, my mind drifted deep.
"Is everyone ready?"
"Yes. Only two vehicles will be moving—the one you'll be in and the one with the bodyguards."
"Alright, let's go."
We exited the hotel and headed towards the White House. It seemed either discussions were already underway, or they had streamlined the usual three-step security checks to get into the main building.
Thanks to that, we arrived at the main building without wasting time.
"From here on, only one person may accompany you."
Before entering the main building, we sent the bodyguards elsewhere and proceeded inside with Manager Ma.
We walked past the main building to the West Wing, where the President's office was located.
Upon reaching the President's office, I underwent another security check.
"You may enter solo. I'll have the attendants wait outside for now."
I nodded and entered through the door opened by a staff member from the White House.
Inside the office, key figures from the U.S. had already gathered.
Secretary of State Colin Powell, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and Undersecretary for International Security John Bolton, along with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.
The very people who steered America were all present.
As I stepped in, they looked up at me from their seats.
Unhappy about this meeting itself, Dick Cheney wore a frown.
Rumsfeld's face was blank, and only Powell smiled genuinely. He got up from his seat to guide me.
"Sorry for the rush, Charlie. This way, please."
In the center of the President's office was a small table, with the President's staff on either side and President Bush seated in the middle.
I was directed to a position facing Bush but a little distance away.
Even for me, who usually doesn't get nervous, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.
Most of them were familiar faces, but I had never seen John Bolton before.
I gave him a light nod as I greeted him and took my seat.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kim Mu-hyeok. Feel free to call me Charlie."
John Bolton nodded curtly at me.
As soon as Powell sat down, he started speaking.
"Charlie, we called you here today because of the rapidly changing situation in North Korea. Let's have an honest dialogue about it."
"Do you really need to summon me for this discussion? I'm a businessman, you know."
"Haha, of course I know that you're a businessman. But no one understands North Korea better than you do."
Powell laughed loudly, yet no one else joined in; instead, the atmosphere grew even heavier.
"Charlie, do you have any information regarding this nuclear test?"
I expected that to be the first question. I shook my head firmly.
"I have absolutely no idea."
"Really? What about China?"
"…Why would you ask me about China?"
"Let's not pretend we don't know each other. What we discuss here will not leave this room, I assure you."
"Well… How can I trust that?"
Someone among this gathered crowd maintained deep connections with the Baltic states in Europe.
I had no desire to share anything that could become my weakness.
The first to react to my words was John Bolton.
"Are you saying you don't trust us?"
I looked at Bolton and replied.
"I'm not saying I don't trust everyone here."
"Isn't that essentially the same thing?"
Bolton stroked his mustache, speaking disdainfully. A subtle displeasure crept into his tone.
"Everyone present here is a key decision-maker for America. These are not people who you can afford to mistrust, understand?"
Bolton was dismissively overlooking me. His aggressive tone revealed a lot about his character.
This fiery man was a core member of the Neocons, standing shoulder to shoulder with Dick Cheney…
I couldn't help but smirk in response.
"Is that so? Then shall we stand up? I doubt anything good can come from a businessman like me interfering in a matter that threatens American security."
"What did you say? Do you really want to provoke us? We can take you down if we choose to."
"Then go ahead. It'd be amusing to see the land of the free use its authority against a single businessman. You'd create an issue out of nothing to ruin me. That would be quite a story."
Instead of cowering at Bolton's threats, I mockingly clapped my hands and smirked even wider.
Even if you enter the tiger's den, as long as you keep your wits about you, you will survive. You must never show weakness, even if the tiger yawns.
Whether my strategy worked or not, the others simply observed in silence.
"Enough! What are you all doing? I'm the one who called him here. Let's stop this pointless power struggle. We all know North Korea's nuclear issue is far more pressing!"
"Hey, Bush. Still…"
"John!"
As Bush raised his voice, Bolton fell silent.
"Charlie, don't take it too personally."
"It's fine. This type of power play is common on Wall Street. Everyone here is aware of how dirty that place can be."
For the first time, everyone present nodded in agreement.
"I've survived in that filthy place. This is nothing unusual."
"I see. I like your confidence. So, will you not answer the question I asked earlier?"
Soon, those present would learn the truth. Telling them a bit earlier wouldn't change much.
"I spoke to Premier Wen Jiabao. He mentioned they received unilateral notification an hour before the nuclear test."
"So, China was unaware."
"Yes, that seems to be the case. Unless they're lying, that is."
"There were no indications of any movements from China. They can't be lying. Let's move on to another question. What did you discuss with Jang Song-thaek in China?"
Not this discussion again. I barely managed to suppress a sigh rising from within me as I answered.
"We just had a drink as friends who knew each other."
"When did South Korea become a nation able to drink openly and build relations with the North? Are you claiming you're above Korean law, Charlie?"
Bush asked with a peculiar smile. He clearly knew everything; I shrugged it off casually.
"Of course not. We met with the Korean government's permission. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to meet at all."
"I see."
Bush nodded and asked with a gleam in his eyes.
"So, what did you discuss?"
"Are you conducting an interview with me?"
"Charlie, we're in a hurry. South Korea is in more dire need than we are. Yet, you don't seem too pressured, though."
I glared at Bush. He met my gaze evenly, refusing to back down.
A heavy silence hung in the office. After a while of staring at him, I finally spoke.
"Mr. President."
"Go ahead."
"I request a private meeting."
"…A private meeting?"
Everyone in the room turned their gazes towards me.
"Yes. I would like to have a conversation just between us."
"Korea and the U.S. are different. I can't make decisions alone."
"I understand that. However, after our private conversation, if decisions need to be made and discussions with the staff are required, I would still like us to talk alone first."
Bush looked around the room. Everyone shook their heads except for Powell.
"Alright."
"Bush!"
Dick Cheney and Bolton called out to Bush. However, Bush firmly stated.
"Everyone stay outside. After we talk, what needs to be shared will be communicated."
"Bush, this is dismissive of us."
"Dick, don't you think your actions are dismissive of me?"
"…"
"Stay outside."
Powell was the first to get up, followed by Rice and Rumsfeld.
Bolton and Dick Cheney were the last to remain seated stubbornly.
"Dick, John. You should leave as well."
"…Bush."
Dick Cheney and John Bolton shot me a glare as they left the room. Now, only Bush and I were left.
"Come over and take a seat."
I stood up and walked over to the seat Powell had just vacated.
With a weary expression, Bush asked me.
"What conversation do you want to have? I trust it's important. If not, there was no point in sending everyone else out."
People call Bush a feeble man swayed by the Neocons.
However, I don't believe he's as incapable as they say.
Soon, he would strip Dick Cheney, a core figure of the Neocons, of his power and then unilaterally dismiss Rumsfeld.
Even now, he was studying me intently with sharp eyes.
"This nuclear test has made it impossible to predict Kim Jong-il's actions."
"Right. We share that perspective."
I deliberately interrupted him to seize the narrative.
Taking a breath, I continued.
"If this continues, both Korea and the U.S. are left watching as the unpredictable Kim Jong-il possesses nuclear weapons. Isn't it burdensome for you, Mr. President, to go to war again?"
The more I spoke, the more Bush's facial expressions shifted.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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