After my friends left, I returned home with Grandma.
Her cozy home, brimming with warmth, felt comforting—so different from a hotel.
Holding Grandma's hand, we sat in the living room, chatting like old times.
"Oh my, my little one. When did you grow up so much?"
I was already over thirty, yet in Grandma's eyes, I still seemed like a child.
"I've been grown for a while now. Are you feeling alright, Grandma?"
"Oh, I'm fine. At my age, it's faster to find something wrong than the opposite!"
I just chuckled at Grandma's banter. But then she hit me with a sharp question.
"So, you've grown up… when are you bringing home a granddaughter-in-law?"
"Why? Are you eager to meet her?"
"Come on, how long do you think I have left? I'd like to see my great-grandchild before I go!"
"… Grandma."
Gripping my hand tightly, Grandma gently patted it.
Feeling the increased wrinkles in her hands made my heart sink a little.
"Just don't bring home some woman you don't really like and call her my granddaughter-in-law."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"That's all I need to hear. Even though I might want to see my great-grandchild, your happiness comes first."
Suddenly, I recalled the fond look in Grandma's eyes when she held Hyeon-seong's daughter yesterday.
She had been trying to hide her jealousy behind all the affection.
"I understand. If I meet a good woman, I'll bring her straight home."
"Ah, it's about time for a rest now."
Was it because of the change in sleeping arrangements, or did the celebration go on too long?
Grandma's face showed an undeniable fatigue.
"I should head up too. I'll come visit again soon."
"Are you already leaving?"
"Yeah, it seems I'll be busy again soon. But I promise to come back often."
As I stood up, Grandma looked up at me, a bit disappointed. Then she stood as well.
"Don't come out, just go inside and get some rest quickly."
I tried to stop her from coming outside, but she insisted on following me until she saw me off.
"I'm off now. I'll call you when I arrive in Seoul, so you go back inside."
"Okay, hurry back."
Seeing Grandma hesitate made me want to pull her into a hug.
It struck me how much smaller she felt compared to my memories.
"Grandma, you have to live a long time so you can see my wedding and hold my great-grandchild. So, if anything's wrong, go to the hospital. And if you want something to eat, just eat it. It's a promise."
"Okay, okay. Promise made. Don't worry about me; just make sure you eat well, my little one. Got it?"
After our long hug, I finally got into the car. Looking back, I saw Grandma waving me off.
I needed to get going, or she would want to come inside.
"Let's get moving."
Grandma stood there like a stone statue until my car disappeared from sight.
I also turned around and watched her become a dot until she faded away as I waved.
Once she was out of sight, I finally let the smile on my face disappear.
"Let's head back to the hotel."
I told Grandma I was heading to Seoul, but I was actually going back to the hotel I stayed at yesterday.
"Kim Mu-hyeok! Long time no see!"
As I entered the hotel room, Han Ji-ho greeted me.
He arrived earlier than our scheduled time and was waiting for me in an empty room.
This showed how eager he was, but…
It was hard to read what he was thinking, so rushing to conclusions seemed unwise.
Seeing me remain silent, Han Ji-ho spoke again with more emphasis.
"Kim Mu-hyeok, it's been a while."
"Yes, Representative. It has been a while. When did you arrive?"
"I just got here. So, how was Grandma's seventieth birthday?"
Look at this! Acting like he didn't already know. I crossed my arms and scoffed.
"Thanks to you, it went well. If it weren't for the messenger you sent, it could have ended up a disaster."
"Ha! You underestimate the value of the mayor attending a citizen's birthday celebration. I sent him over thinking of you."
Despite my jab, Han Ji-ho just laughed and continued his banter.
"If seeing a congressman is a blessing, then I should have invited the president instead. I'm sure he would've come if I called. You can't be serious you thought I'd invite someone of that stature, can you?"
Whether he sent the mayor to ruin the birthday or for a genuine greeting, that was beyond my concern.
What was clear was that he certainly knew where I stood with him.
"Ha! Your confidence is still intact. That youthful spirit exclusive to you is something I now envy."
"I'm not here for word games. You sent the messenger thinking you could handle my anger, didn't you?"
"Oh, come on… Let's have some tea first before you throw a fit."
Acting relaxed, Han Ji-ho asked for tea. I wanted to slap the smug mask off his face, but I needed to hear him out first.
I sighed deeply and instructed Manager Ma to prepare some coffee.
Manager Ma nodded and left the room. Only then did I face Han Ji-ho.
"What exactly is your purpose for being here? I've thought about it on my way, but I still don't understand your intentions. Do you have some grudge against Mayor Ahn Young-soo?"
The files Manager Ma had given me in the early morning contained details about Mayor Ahn Young-soo.
It outlined who he was, how he got into politics, and included everything from minor infractions to major scandals awaiting a spark to ignite them.
If the files got into the hands of the prosecutors or the media, they could take him down thoroughly.
"No way. I wouldn't do that. Ahn Young-soo is a valuable asset. Where else can you find someone as influential in Busan?"
Indeed, as Han Ji-ho claimed, Ahn Young-soo's influence was much greater than I had imagined.
He was born in Busan and went through elementary, middle, and high school before enrolling in Korea University.
After securing a public office position in Seoul, he returned to Busan in 1988 as the direct mayor.
Even after his tenure as mayor, he served as the head of the port authority and later as the president of a local newspaper, twice being elected mayor through public voting.
It would be an utter waste to use him merely as a messenger.
"Well then, you aren't plotting to kill someone because you didn't support the independent candidates in this election, are you?"
Despite being from the Conservative Party, Ahn Young-soo received no support in this general election.
He also didn't support centrist candidates or any independents who graduated from the Conservative Party after leaving.
Centrist. He was literally walking down the middle in this election.
Was that the action that upset Han Ji-ho? Did he feel that way?"
"No. I quite sincerely sent him to congratulate your grandmother on her birthday."
"You could have just waited until later to reach out to me."
"I intended to meet; I'm sure the congressman already spilled everything to you, didn't he?"
"…"
"So it's fitting to send someone directly. And thanks to that, we find ourselves here facing each other."
True. I had no intention of meeting with Han Ji-ho—my curiosity about Ahn Young-soo was the only reason I was sitting across from him now.
"They say there's a saying: 'As long as you're headed to Seoul, it doesn't matter how you get there.'"
How crafty of him. As I stared at him in silence, he spoke again.
Manager Ma returned and set the coffee down.
"I would prefer to have this conversation alone between us."
As Han Ji-ho lifted his coffee cup, he glanced at Manager Ma.
"Not going to happen. He's the only person who knows everything I'm involved in. He is someone I trust deeply, the one who ultimately ensures my safety. If you don't like that, you can leave."
I had no intention of sending Manager Ma away. Why would I trust Han Ji-ho enough to meet him alone?
Han Ji-ho glanced at Manager Ma with a strange expression before returning his gaze to me.
"Having someone you can trust is a blessing. But to me, having that man means I can also hold you hostage in my dealings."
I smirked at his words.
Would Manager Ma really betray me? If that happened, I would definitely crumble.
Though he may not know everything about me, he was the person who knew me the best apart from myself.
Moreover, he had been the one to carry out all the shady dealings I had never touched.
But something like that would never happen—not while the sky remains firmly above us.
"That is a possibility."
I suspected he was trying to shake me, but during his sip of coffee, he continued to throw out nonsensical chatter.
It seemed he had a lot more to say. As I put down my empty coffee cup, I looked at him.
"I think I've given you enough time. Now get to the point. I'm a businessman, not a politician like you. I hate superficial conversations that don't lead anywhere."
His straightforward reply made Han Ji-ho put down his coffee cup and smile.
"Why's the hurry, young man?"
His disinterested attitude annoyed me; I couldn't help but wonder how long he would maintain such a laid-back demeanor.
"I'd like you to stop the investigation of the politicians currently being examined by the prosecutors."
"You've got the wrong person. Shouldn't you be heading to the Prosecutor General or even the President about that?"
"Didn't I say I wasn't here to play games? You think I wouldn't know if you're behind all this?"
I wiped any friendly smile from my face and retorted coldly.
"You're well-informed. So why break our agreement? Even if these politicians speak out of both sides of their mouth, I'm disappointed, Representative. You clearly pushed for the merger of the Conservative and Moderate Parties while ensuring the TK region's interests were safeguarded. So why are you risking everything for more greed?"
Whether it was due to the rapid shift in tone, Han Ji-ho also dropped his mask.
"Ah, an agreement. But as you pointed out, a politician's promise can easily be broken, can't it? Just a figurehead? What is that to anyone? What I wanted was the power of the presidency that Yoon Chang-ho possessed. You and Yoon Chang-ho broke your promise first."
When Yoon Chang-ho handed over control of the party, the Moderate Party chose to go with collective leadership instead of a single leader.
The Moderates decided the party's direction through a majority vote with both the head and senior members.
Though the party head had ample power, it paled in comparison to when he was its president.
Furthermore, more than half of the senior members were from Yoon Chang-ho's camp.
That meant just as easily they could drift away from what Han Ji-ho yearned for.
"That's the shift of the times. It's a declaration of intent to keep power from being concentrated in the hands of one individual. The people welcomed it too, didn't they? What do you think contributed to this overwhelming victory in the latest election? Most of the regions that lost candidates in the nomination process defeated even as independents. People are starting to realize they need change."
"…"
"The transformation of the Moderate Party succeeded. Is that something only you don't understand, or are you pretending not to?"
Before Yoon Chang-ho's time, the president often held the party presidency, monopolizing power.
Though the benefits included compact decision-making, the centralization of power also resulted in significant downsides.
Even Yoon Chang-ho found it hard to relinquish the power he held.
Yet, I had no intention of allowing Yoon Chang-ho to grab a monopoly again.
Even if he chose a different path, I had to move the party to counter any possible hindrance.
Though I was confident that he would continue to walk the same path as mine, who could tell what a person wielding power might do in the future?
"Well, there's no need to lie. I reported their corruption to the media. That's why the prosecutors moved in on this matter. But on the flip side, the core issue is their guilt. If they had no wrongdoing, they wouldn't be facing the prosecutors' questioning like this."
"There aren't many pure politicians around. When power changes hands, the politicians remain the same. Why do you think that is? They are all the same. Each knows the other's weaknesses. So, they reach a compromise somewhere along the line."
Han Ji-ho spoke in an almost patronizing tone, lulling me like a child.
It made me chuckle at how little he understood the situation.
"I think you're mistaken. I'm not a politician."
"That may be true, but what about your friend Lee Myeong-su? Would he think the same? Surely dirt must come out on him as well. I don't plan on dying alone, Kim Mu-hyeok."
Han Ji-ho threatened to take Lee Myeong-su down too.
Was he crazy? How dare he threaten my friend?
A chill ran through my veins at that moment.
I called out coldly to Han Ji-ho without showing any anger or amusement.
"Representative."
Ignoring my reaction, Han Ji-ho smirked as he continued.
"Why? Do you think I can't? Ending the political future of a promising individual has its perks."
"I didn't realize you wanted to end a real life, rather than just his political career. Should I go about making you a martyr?"
My priority was ensuring my people's safety.
Yet somehow, Han Ji-ho crossed the line I had drawn.
It's foolish to oppose everyone just because they disagree with me.
I negotiate with those who can be reasoned with, and if money can persuade them, then that's what I use.
Even with just this approach, most have bent to my will and cooperated with me.
However, one thing I cannot tolerate is anyone touching those around me.
I will protect those inside my fence at all costs.
That was my first promise in this second life.
I prevented my grandmother's death and stopped Myeong-su from getting into an accident.
And I exacted thorough revenge over Hyeon-seong's forced withdrawal from sports.
I eradicated the organization that kidnapped Eva and brought down Kim Jong-il, who injured Manager Ma.
I will never forget this promise.
"Is this a new suicide method? Have you lived enough to want to die so desperately? Do you not know who I am, or are you just showing off? I'm the one who took down the Cheongpung Group that you feared. I eliminated everyone who stood in my way and dismantled the Cheongpung Group. And now you have the audacity to defy me."
When the Cheongpung Group was thriving, you were on the ground, unable to breathe properly.
And now here you are, looking me squarely in the eyes.
"Killing you is trivial. In fact, it could be done easily. Yet, I'm a human being, so I'm here talking and negotiating with you, offering you vast amounts of money. Why are you trying to cross the line I've drawn?"
Caught off guard by my relentless tirade, Han Ji-ho stared at me in shock.
"Are you planning to act like the Cheongpung Group? Kidnapping families, removing those around you? Going so far as to painfully kill if they don't comply? Is that what you want? Is that your desire?"
You dared send a messenger to disturb my mood, and all you can say is that you want to die alongside Myeong-su?
I thought you had your wits about you, but it turns out you're just a senile, helpless old man.
"Answer me. What the hell are you thinking? If Myeong-su's political career collapses because of you, do you think I'll just sit back and take such a ridiculous threat?"
I was genuinely curious. Did you really think I'd cave under such a lowly threat?
I wondered if you were hiding an ace up your sleeve while mocking me, and I was intrigued by Han Ji-ho's true intentions.
"You could have at least begged for your life. I might have reconsidered, you know?"
My taunting made Han Ji-ho stiffen.
But still, as a politician who's survived for a long time, he quickly regained his composure.
Once his expression was back in order, he called my name in a stiff voice.
"President Kim Mu-hyeok."
"Stop with the nonsense and answer my question. I really want to kill you right now. I told you it wouldn't be difficult to snap your neck."
Han Ji-ho met my gaze as if trying to gauge my intent.
He then exhaled deeply, which was understandable.
Because I wasn't making idle threats; I was speaking from the heart.
"…You're serious, aren't you?"
"Why would I lie?"
"Hah… Is that the kind of person the chief of police considers precious? So precious that you'd want to kill me to protect them? Even if you have the media and legal circles backing you, turning on me will render you untouchable. I am nothing like I was with Cheongpung Group now."
Han Ji-ho furrowed his brow, as if genuinely displeased.
He was still hiding his true desires within his words. It seemed he hadn't snapped out of it yet.
"Representative, let me warn you one last time. Speak plainly. Don't beat around the bush, and don't use political jargon to leave loopholes. I'm asking you clearly. What were you thinking when you said that?"
"…"
Under my threat, Han Ji-ho hesitated to respond and could only move his lips.
Watching him, I smirked slightly.
"Is Myeong-su precious to me? Yes, he is. I'd gladly give up all my assets if the reason is justified. I'll do anything to keep those within my fence safe. That's the reason I built it."
As I declared firmly, Han Ji-ho bit down on his lip.
Myeong-su is a precious bond that has been passed down from my previous life.
He probably didn't expect such an intense reaction over what he perceived as just a friendly neighborhood friendship.
"Did you dare to test me? I've thought of you as someone who values their safety more than anyone else. You wouldn't throw your well-being away for such words, would you? Did you dare to test me? If so, you've succeeded. That single word has cemented my decision on how to treat you now."
I called for Manager Ma. He bowed as if he had been waiting.
"I'm at your command, Boss."
"Manager, hand over all the information we have on Han Ji-ho to the Prosecutors' Office. Everything related to the current investigation and the Conservatives, too—gather it and blow it open to the media. I'll speak with Myeong-su separately."
Kicking out the Conservatives right now would be a bad move for the Moderates.
But since things had come to this, I had to cut ties properly. Otherwise, I'd be dragged around by them forever.
There's still plenty of time until the presidential election, and the National Assembly elections just ended.
Now is the perfect time to strike down the Conservatives.
Originally, I intended to issue a warning by setting an example out of those who left the party, but that's no longer the case.
"K-Kim President."
Han Ji-ho called my name in panic. I smirked disdainfully at him.
"Do as you will. Spread whatever you know; create rumors. I will mobilize everything I have to crush it. It disappoints me to see someone who knows well how I brought down the Cheongpung Group saying this. You still don't understand me well."
At my cold words, Han Ji-ho hurriedly bowed his head.
"I misspoke, President Kim. Please forget what I just said. As I get older, I tend to be forgetful."
"Forget it? I couldn't help but laugh at that."
You know the weight of words from a politician, right?
"Representative. Once spilled, water cannot be retrieved. Especially words from someone in a prominent position carry even greater weight. I'll let it slide today, but how can you expect me to believe you won't say something like that again?"
"President Kim. No, that's not what I meant at all. I just wanted you to know how much pressure I've been under. There's no way I'd ever say something like that sincerely. I sincerely apologize again."
Han Ji-ho bowed his head as if ready to slam it against the table again.
You sure can talk your way out of things. But can you really be trusted? I scrutinized him with my arms crossed.
"I can't trust you. It would be best to settle things right now."
"President Kim…"
If left alone, he would likely stir up the Conservatives again and create chaos.
It might be wise to deal with this opportunity.
Seeing my icy glare, Han Ji-ho squeezed his eyes shut.
"Please, President Kim. I will do everything you say. Just spare my life. I don't want to end my political career like this. I have no interest in being president either."
That man clearly isn't presidential material.
Everyone knows he isn't fit for the presidency. However, he could still serve as support from behind the scenes.
Although he can't become a king, he can firmly establish himself as a kingmaker. That was Han Ji-ho's role.
There's a saying that the strong don't survive, but the survivor is the strong one.
I looked down at Han Ji-ho, who kept his head bowed.
Those who only care for their own safety often end up leaving their names in the margins of history.
But these kinds of people are most dangerous when they bow their heads like this.
Once they get out of this situation, who knows what tricks they might pull.
"So you'll do what I say?"
Han Ji-ho kept bowing his head and begging. I let out a deep sigh and called for Manager Ma again.
"Manager, hold on to my last orders for a moment."
"Yes, Boss."
Upon giving my orders to Manager Ma, I took out my phone and contacted Myeong-su.
Before the signal could ring too many times, Myeong-su's voice came through.
—What's up? Why did you call?
"Where are you?"
—Me? I'm at home. Just had dinner with my parents and I'm lying in bed. Why? Want to grab a drink with Hyeon-seong tonight? But I don't know if the sister-in-law would allow it.
Hearing Myeong-su speak so calmly somehow drained my energy.
That carefree punk. Some are getting ready to draw swords around here.
"I'm currently with Representative Han Ji-ho."
—Oh… Right. I did say I was meeting with Representative Han Ji-ho today? I totally forgot. Coming home can be a hassle…"
If I leave them to it, they'd ramble on forever. I cut off Myeong-su mid-sentence.
"No time for filler. Get to the hotel, now."
—Why the hell would I go there? What? Did the situation turn sour?
"That's for you to listen and decide. I mentioned before that I respect your opinion. So, you need to hear what Representative Han Ji-ho has to say and form your own judgment on it."
Noticing the unusual tone in my voice, Myeong-su quickly agreed to come over.
After ending the call, I informed Han Ji-ho sitting across from me.
"I've called Congressman Lee Myeong-su over."
Han Ji-ho's face tensed slightly but quickly shifted to a servile expression.
I pretended not to notice and continued speaking.
"The treatment of you will be determined by Congressman Lee Myeong-su's opinion. If he agrees with your requests, I will forget everything that happened in today's meeting with Representative Han Ji-ho. But if you refuse, I will proceed as I said earlier. Know that there's no room for negotiation here."
Is it hurting his pride to leave his fate to Myeong-su? Han Ji-ho bit down his lip.
"If you don't like it, say so."
When stepping on someone, you must do so decisively. If you hesitate, they may wriggle free.
Deep down, I wanted to retire him and then finish him off right away. But since Han Ji-ho had bet on Myeong-su's life, I needed to heed his opinion.
Han Ji-ho still just chewed on his lips and did not respond to my inquiry.
"I'll take it positively. Think carefully while you wait."
As I waited for Myeong-su to arrive, silence enveloped the hotel room.
How much time had passed? Myeong-su walked in, opening the door.
Myeong-su greeted me with a nod and bowed respectfully to Han Ji-ho.
"Representative. It's been two days. I never expected to see you in Busan."
"Heh heh. Yes, Congressman."
Han Ji-ho, glancing at me, wore a congenial smile.
"Come sit here with me."
I relinquished my seat facing Han Ji-ho to Myeong-su and moved to an upper seat.
Myeong-su sat to my left, while Han Ji-ho took the right.
"Representative Han Ji-ho has agreed to all your conditions."
"What?"
Amidst trying to assess what happened, Myeong-su's face turned pale with surprise.
He turned his head toward me and quickly back to Han Ji-ho, clearly flustered.
Such commotion… I stifled a laugh at him.
"You have the conversation, then decide. I'll follow whatever you want."
Myeong-su swallowed hard. I wanted him to not just be a puppet but rather my political partner.
In this situation, I hoped to gauge just how he would handle himself, to be honest.
"Representative, are you truly saying you will adhere to all my conditions?"
Han Ji-ho turned to look at me.
I merely stared at him with a blank expression, unmoving.
Han Ji-ho swallowed, dry, and nodded at Myeong-su.
"I will follow the terms you present. But I desire that newly elected congressmen be exempt from this investigation and likewise, return to the party."
Despite the circumstances, I chuckled inwardly at Han Ji-ho, unyielding even now in setting conditions.
He prostrates himself in front of me but considers Myeong-su fair game?
"Didn't I tell you? No reinstatement. If it sets a precedent, it will happen again. The Conservatives and Progressives always accept their former members, leading to chaos during elections. No reinstatement. This was made clear before and there's no leeway for negotiation here."
Myeong-su said firmly. His posture conveyed an unwillingness to yield in negotiations.
I'd often seen Myeong-su dealing with politicians, but this was quite interesting.
"I'll assist with the prosecution's investigation as far as I can. I'll talk to the President to coordinate, but that's the limit. No reinstatement. If you wish to atone, you may support us from outside. That would be the right form of assistance."
Seeing Myeong-su's resolute tone and expression, Han Ji-ho faltered.
Myeong-su, glancing back at Manager Ma, feigned ignorance.
"Manager, could you get me a bottle of water?"
"Yes, Congressman. I'll fetch it right away."
Manager Ma retrieved a bottle of mineral water from the fridge.
What a performance! He's showing off how he can get Manager Ma to acquiesce.
Showing Han Ji-ho his upper hand. Lee Myeong-su has truly grown.
"Thank you."
Taking the water, Myeong-su quickly drank half the bottle at once.
Setting the bottle down, he raised an eyebrow, looking at Han Ji-ho.
"What will you do, Representative? If you agree to my proposal, I'll share my terms as well."
I couldn't help but admire. Myeong-su was clearly enjoying both the situation and the position.
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