Chapitre 541: Chapter 541: You Kept All Your Promises
After shaking hands with Jang Seong-taek, Lee Eul-seol spoke curtly.
"I followed your orders. Is this really how we protect the Republic?"
"Yes. I will ensure that happens."
"And we're letting Kim Jong-il live, right?"
With Lee Eul-seol's question, Jang Seong-taek smiled as he replied.
"Indeed. Killing Chairman Kim Jong-il wouldn't yield any benefit for the Republic. I wouldn't be free from consequences either."
Lee Eul-seol nodded and took a seat.
"Let's sit down for now."
"Yes, Comrade Chairman."
Jang Seong-taek was the first person to make contact with Lee Eul-seol, backed by Kim Mu-hyeok's support.
Excluding Kim Jong-il, he wielded considerable influence within the Korean People's Army and held the symbolic title of a first-generation partisan.
Additionally, above the Guard Headquarters, which protected Kim Jong-il, was the Escort Command.
All the troops defending Pyongyang rested in this man's hands.
If Jang Seong-taek couldn't persuade this man to eliminate Kim Jong-il, it would be the end.
To gain his help, Jang Seong-taek handed over half of the funds Kim Mu-hyeok had provided to Lee Eul-seol.
"I will never forget the contributions of those first-gen leaders, including Comrade Chairman, who sacrificed for the Republic. I recognize the significance of Baekdu bloodlines. I'm not at ease myself. Yet, as I mentioned before, I have to make this choice for the sake of the Republic's survival."
"...…"
"Everything surrounding the Republic is changing. Just a while ago, it seemed there was thawing relations with South Korea, and we had some communication with the U.S., China, and Russia. But now, all those countries have turned their backs on us. If the resolution to blockade the Republic passes next week, we will be doomed."
Lee Eul-seol, feeling troubled, ran his fingers over his face.
"This Republic was built and safeguarded by great leaders like Comrade Leader and you. I cannot stand by and watch it crumble like this. That's why I felt compelled to act."
"It's true that if you take power, the U.S., China, Russia, and South Korea will ease their pressure on the Republic, right? Otherwise, I can't agree to this plan at all."
Kim Mu-hyeok had promised as much. Jang Seong-taek believed in the man's influence.
"Yes, absolutely. What they want is stability on the Korean Peninsula, not the Republic's downfall. Times have changed. The once powerful Soviet Union has collapsed, and even China is opening up. Our Republic can't just continue living in isolation. The people are starving. We can no longer overlook that. It's something no politician should allow. Now, the Korean People's Army must choose whether they'll support Baekdu bloodlines or serve the people."
Lee Eul-seol responded in a firm voice to Jang Seong-taek's words.
"I'll do my best to convince the military."
"Thank you. But not yet. Everything isn't ready. No matter how much of a comrade you are, you can't stop the Guard Headquarters, or even Chairman Kim Jong-il's elite guard, can you?"
"That side has only been filled with those who follow Kim Jong-il's orders over mine."
"Yes. Once all preparations are complete, we will proceed. Time is on our side, so please hold your position, Comrade Chairman."
Lee Eul-seol nodded.
"Of course. I'll ensure that the troops of the Escort Command do not move without my order. Shouldn't that suffice? But I won't use those troops to attack Kim Jong-il. That's what you told me to do."
All the risks were Jang Seong-taek's responsibility. It meant he would merely watch as an observer.
Jang Seong-taek understood this unspoken message; however, he felt he had no choice but to stay silent since there was no one else to replace him.
'Or maybe it might be better for me to stay cautious like this.'
The moment Lee Eul-seol acted, he would lose his leverage.
Securing Kim Jong-il, then using Lee Eul-seol to take over the regime—this was Jang Seong-taek's best shot at seizing power.
There was no need to provoke Lee Eul-seol or others unnecessarily and risk losing control.
"Definitely. After we secure Kim Jong-il's health, you should just keep the military from moving recklessly. Just that much will be fine. But I'm not going to use the troops to take down Kim Jong-il. That's what you told me to do."
All the risks were to be taken by Jang Seong-taek. This also meant he would simply watch passively.
Jang Seong-taek nodded at Lee Eul-seol's words.
"That makes sense. It'll be ensured that without my order, the Escort Command's troops won't move. That should suffice, right?"
This thoughtful demeanor hid Jang Seong-taek's calculations—if he ever failed, he could act quickly to secure Kim Jong-il or arrest everyone connected to him.
"Alright. I, Lee Eul-seol, won't make any moves. I simply wish for the Republic to remain intact, as a friend of Kim Il-sung."
"Yes, Comrade Chairman."
"Good. Did Kim Jong-il say anything special? There must have been a reason you were left here alone, right?"
"We just shared a drink together. He told me to keep an eye on the military's movements. He seems to be plagued by suspicion. He doesn't trust anyone. I'm his brother-in-law, so at least…"
Jang Seong-taek trailed off. Lee Eul-seol smirked at Jang Seong-taek's discomfort.
"Hah… You act smart, but it seems Kim Jong-il trusts the most untrustworthy person."
"...…"
Instead of answering, Jang Seong-taek stood up.
"I need to take my leave. Our meeting has likely reached the ears of Chairman Kim."
"Indeed, Kim Jong-il's eyes are everywhere and nowhere all at once."
Jang Seong-taek slightly bowed before turning to leave.
Watching Jang Seong-taek exit, Lee Eul-seol murmured to himself.
"If that bastard captures Kim Jong-il, I'm going to have to deal with this. Am I not able to do what Kim Il-sung did?"
A different dream on the same bed (同牀異夢).
Two men shook hands to seize the power of the Republic, yet they held different thoughts while holding onto that hand.
* * *
At a time when the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises were in full swing.
North Korea responded by firing several rounds of rockets towards the West Sea.
However, since they didn't cross the military demarcation line, South Korea and the U.S. continued with their scheduled exercises without any response.
Time passed, and finally, President Yoon Chang-ho arrived at the airport to visit the United States.
Members of the Moderate Party and key personnel from the administration came out to greet the President.
"Haha, while I'm away, please take care of the country. Can I trust you with this?"
Prime Minister Han Dong-ha smiled and clasped the President's hand.
"Of course. Trust us and return safely after a successful visit to the U.S., President."
"I'll count on you, Prime Minister. If North Korea provokes us, respond immediately as I said. If they hit us once, hit them back tenfold. No need to hold back. I'll bear all the responsibility."
"...…"
Han Dong-ha's response was not heard. President Yoon Chang-ho tightened his grip on Han's hand and said.
"This isn't a request, Prime Minister."
"Yes. Understood."
It was only then that the Prime Minister answered with a serious face.
After hearing the response, President Yoon Chang-ho smiled and released his handshake.
"Then I'll take my leave."
After saying goodbye to the Prime Minister, Yoon Chang-ho greeted others and boarded the code one.
Moments later, the private jet carrying the President and his entourage soared into the sky.
"Huh… This is tiring."
As the flight began, Yoon Chang-ho called Lee Myeong-su a short while later.
With his tie loosened, Yoon Chang-ho complained to Lee Myeong-su sitting opposite him.
"He insisted on going separately when I asked him to join us. I don't understand what he's thinking."
Lee Myeong-su chuckled in response to Yoon Chang-ho's remarks.
"If I had someone without any official title on the President's private jet, it could lead to unnecessary gossip, don't you think? Maybe that's why he left beforehand?"
"Who cares what anyone thinks?"
"Haha. Besides reporters, top executives from major companies are also on board. There's no benefit in being a subject of gossip. Moreover, there are both domestic and international reporters to be cautious of."
As Lee Myeong-su spoke calmly, Yoon Chang-ho nodded along.
Feeling slightly upset, he soon let go of his negative feelings.
"Then he's meeting us in Washington, right? Kim Mu-hyeok, I mean."
"No. He said he would join us only if something unexpected happens. Until then, he is meeting various people. I'll keep in touch with him, and if any emergencies arise, I'll call right away."
"Alright. You're working hard."
"It's my job. I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do."
While Yoon Chang-ho and Lee Myeong-su chatted, there was a knock on the door.
When permission was granted, the Chief Secretary entered.
"President, the meeting is about to start."
"Is everyone here?"
"Yes, everyone is present."
"Let's go then, Director Lee."
"Yes, Mr. President."
With a nod, Lee Myeong-su stood up from his seat.
Whether flying in the sky or on land, the work that needed to be done was always the same.
* * *
While President Yoon Chang-ho's plane soared through the sky, I was on my way to the Apple headquarters.
"They should be taking off by now."
"Yes, they must have just departed."
"I hope nothing goes wrong. Who knows what tricks those Washington folks might pull?"
"The Boss kept all his promises."
"Indeed he did."
A few days ago, a resolution regarding North Korea passed unanimously in the UN Security Council.
Even China and Russia cast their votes in favor.
The same was true in the General Assembly.
Despite the vehement objections of North Korea's UN ambassador, the resolution was adopted, leading to North Korea's absolute isolation.
I had kept all my promises to the White House. Now it was their turn to uphold their end of the deal.
"Boss, we have arrived."
We reached the Apple headquarters in Silicon Valley.
Stepping out of the car, I looked around the HQ building. Not bad at all.
"Charlie!"
At that moment, Steve Jobs appeared alone, spotted me, and waved excitedly.
Passing staff members paused, surprised at such an amiable showing from the usually gruff Steve Jobs.
I waved back reluctantly, shaking my head.
Steve Jobs came over and embraced me tightly.
"It's been ages."
"Yeah. It's been a while, Jobs."
"Haha, welcome! This is your first time at Apple headquarters, right?"
"Yeah, it is."
"This is the place where the history of Apple was built. I'm glad you could make it. Let's go, I'll show you around."
Whatever he found exciting, Steve Jobs quickly set off at a fast pace.
My Manager Ma and I followed suit.
Jobs stepped past the main entrance toward the reception desk, causing the reception staff to jump to their feet in greeting.
Ignoring them completely, Jobs grinned and spoke enthusiastically.
"This is the first place people see when they visit Apple!"
As Jobs began explaining, I followed along, taking in the sights.
We strolled through the sky bridges connecting the buildings, stopping at a souvenir shop for a look around.
It took about two hours just to tour part of the headquarters building.
Now, we arrived at the development area, which was off-limits to the public, where engineers gathered.
Jobs took me to the innermost office and exclaimed excitedly,
"Here it is! This is where we can turn your and my dreams into reality!"
"Oh, have they started already?"
"Not quite yet; we're still in the preparation phase. But it'll become a reality soon."
Contrary to Jobs' overconfidence, there were no signs on the office door.
"Only those who work here, myself included, have access to this place."
"So you've prioritized security?"
"Absolutely. We plan to keep this project under wraps until the announcement. So, Charlie, let's not talk about it elsewhere."
I playfully replied to Jobs' teasing statement.
"Where would I share it?"
"Right! By the way, the phones released by Motorola are garbage, just like you said. I can't market something that has Apple's name attached to junk like that."
"So you're not selling them?"
"Exactly. We terminated the contract and settled any penalty fees."
Huh? That wasn't part of the plan. My eyes widened in surprise.
"The first phone to carry Apple's name will be the iPhone. No, it must be."
Jobs spoke in a firm voice, his eyes dreamy as if envisioning the future.
This man… he's fully committed, isn't he?
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone