บท 396: Chapter 396: I’m Glad to Hear That
In response to my greeting, Choi Seon-man nodded with a relaxed smile.
"Yes, nice to meet you. Please, have a seat."
A cushion was placed where Choi Seon-man gestured.
He pushed aside the Go board that was on the table and scrutinized me as we sat facing each other.
I felt uneasy as I noticed an unusual gleam in his eyes.
"I've heard a lot about you."
That was Choi Seon-man's first comment after examining me for a long while.
"I was quite shocked to hear that Lee Yong-hyun from Cheongpung Group had died. He wasn't someone who would go down easily. Yet, I hear he was killed by the grandson of Cheon Tae-san, who isn't even thi Do you have any idea how surprised I was?"
I deliberately responded calmly to his exaggerated manner.
"Is that so?"
"Of course it is. I know best how smart Lee Yong-hyun was. He was very skilled at using the power he held. Thanks to that, we maintained a good relationship. He did overstep at times, however."
"He was just a greedy old man."
"Hah…"
Choi Seon-man let out a deep sigh.
"To describe him like that, you've got some character yourself."
"And the one who nurtured that old man's greed was the President. He should have removed him while the President's power was strong. Leaving the descendants of collaborators unhindered is problematic. In the end, he forced our parents to their deaths."
When I retorted coldly, Choi Seon-man's eyebrows twitched.
"Well, the President had no reason to eliminate him while collaborating with Cheongpung Group. Let's pretend I didn't hear that."
The smile that had been playing on Choi Seon-man's face vanished in an instant.
I continued speaking.
"I initially thought the President was just a pawn of Cheongpung Group. But that turned out to be my misunderstanding."
"You think I'm just some pawn of Cheongpung Group? You don't really know how to choose your words, do you? You really need to learn."
"Dancing around the point is something only politicians do. I prefer direct conversation. I believe the President does too, doesn't he?"
Choi Seon-man asked, intrigued.
"You seem to know me well?"
"How many people in this country don't know the President? Whether they like him or not, everyone knows him."
"Hahaha!"
Choi Seon-man laughed heartily, slapping the small table in front of him several times.
"This is interesting. Very interesting."
He was laughing for quite a while before finally calming down.
"You're quite an entertaining friend."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"So Chairman Cheon had a reason for choosing you as his heir. Now that I've met you, I understand why."
Choi Seon-man brought up my grandfather, a perfect opportunity to probe further.
"I've heard rumors that you had a good relationship with your grandfather."
"Who said that? That I had a good relationship with Chairman Cheon?"
"Isn't that so?"
"Well, whether it was good or not depends on how one perceives it. But I think we had a good relationship. I'm not sure if Chairman Cheon thought the same, though."
Not entirely lacking in conscience. I replied with a smile.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"What? Hahaha!"
Choi Seon-man was laughing incessantly, seemingly delighted about something.
His demeanor was too relaxed, which put me on edge.
"During his presidency, I supported your grandfather's business substantially. If I had obstructed Chairman Cheon's ventures, would you be sitting here before me now?"
"You extorted that much money. You pressured him to donate a hefty sum to Heaven Church. My grandfather merely received what he was owed."
Choi Seon-man nodded in agreement.
"That's true. But I didn't expect that name to come up here. Yes, I did pressure him to donate to Heaven Church."
"A president and a cult. They seem like an odd match, yet it feels strangely fitting. Am I mistaken?"
"What? Hahaha! The only people who insult Heaven Church like it's a cult are Protestant believers. Are you perhaps one of them?"
"No, I'm not. I don't believe in religion."
Of course, I always thought there might be a presence that can't be explained in words, something called God.
After all, I existed with memories of having gone back in time.
That doesn't mean it could be an object of worship.
"I doubt anyone really knows much about Heaven Church, but it can't just be dismissed as a cult either."
I said with a smirk.
"Is it due to the influence of Han Seong-jin, the head of Heaven Church?"
"What can I deny? His influence is significant, far beyond what meets the eye. I needed his influence, and he wanted his safety in Korea."
Just then, I heard Jang Min-hyuk's voice from outside.
"Sir, I'm coming in."
"Come in."
Jang Min-hyuk slid open the sliding door while carrying a tray of refreshments.
A small round tray was placed in front of me.
Choi Seon-man's table was also set with refreshments, teacups, and a pitcher of tea.
Jang Min-hyuk bowed and stepped back. I took in the sight of him closely.
A devoted man who would stay by Choi Seon-man until the day he died.
Even though I had already gained Manager Ma's trust, I couldn't help but ponder how things might have turned if I had recognized this author first.
My greed seemed to grow day by day. I unknowingly let out a laugh.
"Seems like you've discovered something interesting."
Choi Seon-man pulled me back from my thoughts with his voice.
"Ah, it's because of Manager Jang Min-hyuk. Seeing him still at the President's side, like a secretary, makes me think a lot."
"Are you talking about Hyung? I've taken care of him since he was young. He's the only one I trust completely."
"He looks too old to be called a 'kid'. Isn't Manager Jang nearing sixty soon?"
"What? Haha! You're right. Hyung is also approaching sixty. Yet, he still seems like a kid to me."
A smile surfaced on Choi Seon-man's face. He gazed into the distance with nostalgic eyes before closing them.
Is he reminiscing about their first encounter?
It felt strange to catch a glimpse of the monster's human side, leaving a sour taste in my mouth.
"We have plenty of time, so let's chat slowly. I've talked too much, and my throat is dry. First, have a cup of tea. This is fine tea that Chairman Jiang Zemin gifted me."
Choi Seon-man, who had opened his eyes, poured tea into his teacup.
I followed suit and poured tea into mine. The tea in my cup was warm.
It must be tea gifted by Chairman Jiang Zemin. Does that mean there's a deep connection with China?
Now that the Defense Security Command was no longer a hindrance, I could continue digging into his background.
I lifted my teacup, taking in the aroma.
"This is Pu-erh tea."
"How did you know? But it's different from other teas. The leaves are grown from the waste of pandas living only in China. It hasn't even been made public yet."
To bring out tea reserved for the upper echelons of China, he surely had ties on that side.
"The aroma is definitely pleasant."
"This tea is more expensive than gold. Haha!"
He's taking credit for tea he didn't grow himself.
After savoring the aroma, I brought the cup to my lips.
"This is certainly good tea."
"Isn't it?"
Choi Seon-man also savored his tea. There was a silence in the room as we both drank.
I set down my empty teacup to speak.
"Mr. President."
Choi Seon-man also set down his cup and looked into my eyes.
"Step back from this presidential election."
His expression hardened, perhaps not expecting such words.
"What did you say? To step back from the election? Did I hear wrong?"
"You heard correctly. Greed leads to destruction. You surely wouldn't want your later years to be filled with anguish, would you?"
Choi Seon-man attempted to maintain his composure, but I could see his cheeks quivering.
I poured more tea into my cup again, waiting for his response.
"…You're quite arrogant. So bold. It's more than just youthful imprudence."
"If that's how you see it, there's nothing I can do. Chairman Yoon Chang-ho is my ally. I made him a candidate worthy of the presidency. Together, we're aiming to improve this country."
"You think Yoon Chang-ho could become president? If I decide to interfere, you know well what could happen."
Choi Seon-man's voice was chilling.
"It would be troublesome, yes. But it wouldn't significantly alter the trend."
"Yoon Chang-ho isn't exactly spotless. The mere knowledge of your relationship with him would deal a heavy blow. Am I wrong?"
I nodded as I lifted my teacup, savoring the pleasant aroma at the tip of my nose.
"That's right. Is that why you instructed Seosin Ilbo to publish an article about me?"
"…"
"Did you think I wouldn't know? Thanks to that, innocent people are getting hurt, Mr. President."
"What are you talking about?"
Just in time, I heard Jang Min-hyuk's voice from beyond the door.
"Sir."
"What is it?"
"It's urgent. May I come in?"
Before Choi Seon-man could grant permission, Jang Min-hyuk opened the door and stepped in.
He glanced at me before heading straight to Choi Seon-man.
As Jang Min-hyuk whispered, Choi Seon-man's expression darkened.
At last, I got the reaction I was hoping for.
I memorized the sight before me as I slowly eased my grip on the warm teacup.
* * *
Jeong Tae-hoon arrived at the headquarters of Heaven Church, holding the arrest warrant issued by the court.
Their kingdom located in Gyeonggi Province.
As he caught sight of the magnificent building erected on around five thousand pyeong of land, he mumbled to himself, seemingly in disbelief.
"It's even bigger than I heard. This is a downright palace, a palace!"
"You're right. Thanks to you, Prosecutor Jeong, we're getting a good view today."
Hong Jun-seong, who was holding a camera beside him, was smiling. He had been following Jeong Tae-hoon ever since transferring to Goryeo Daily recently.
Jeong Tae-hoon nodded slightly and issued instructions to the prosecutors and police special forces accompanying him.
"Charge!"
As Jeong Tae-hoon gestured, the police waiting nearby dashed towards the main entrance of Heaven Church.
Men in the guard post at the entrance rushed out shouting.
"Who are you! Who are you to barge in like this!"
Standing at the forefront, Jeong Tae-hoon presented his warrant.
"This is an arrest warrant for Han Hyun-jin. Please cooperate."
"What nonsense is this? This is private property! This is our holy ground! Get lost!"
"Step aside. You're obstructing a public execution."
Though the men shouted wildly, Jeong Tae-hoon responded in an emotionless, firm tone.
Burly men emerged from the palace to block the entrance.
They were determined not to back down, forming a human barricade with arms crossed.
"There's no choice. Subdue them. Arrest everyone who resists."
"Yes!"
Hong Jun-seong was capturing every moment up close.
"Prosecutor, you'll also need to turn over the video footage to us."
"I got it, so stop pestering me."
"Thanks to you, Prosecutor, we got some good shots!"
Though they had become friends in just a few days, Jeong Tae-hoon only chuckled and said nothing in response.
While they seemed relaxed on the surface, their eyes stayed fixed on the people pouring out from Heaven Church.
The crowd was desperately trying to fend off the police.
"Stop them!"
"Protect the holy land! The Messiah will save us!"
It's said that one goes mad once they fall into a cult. The members of Heaven Church were holding out tenaciously.
But given the mighty police force deployed for this operation against a religion, they were quickly subdued.
In the end, everyone present was arrested and the police forcibly opened the gate.
As the police entered, Jeong Tae-hoon slowly followed behind.
After walking for a while, he spotted a large house in front of him. Hundreds of believers stood in front of it, confronting the police.
They were armed with farming tools that looked like pickaxes.
They appeared to be the people who managed the rice paddies adjacent to the road.
"Step aside, or you will all be arrested."
Jeong Tae-hoon delivered a final warning, yet their eyes reflected a firm resolve not to retreat.
Taking a deep breath, Jeong Tae-hoon spoke again.
"Is there anyone here who can engage in dialogue?"
At that moment, an old man stepped forward.
"What on earth is going on? This is the holy ground of Heaven Church. You can't just barge in like this! Don't you fear divine punishment?"
Jeong Tae-hoon instantly recognized the old man.
He was Hong Cheon-woon, the housekeeper from Han Seong-jin's family.
"Pastor Hong Cheon-woon. Please tell everyone to step back. Otherwise, there will be injuries."
"What is going on?"
"We are executing the arrest of Han Hyun-jin. We will also conduct a search and seizure of the building in front of us."
"What? Stop talking nonsense. This is our holy ground, the place where our Messiah stays…"
Jeong Tae-hoon interrupted the old man with a chuckle.
"Come now, an intellectual like you shouldn't be spouting nonsense. Enough of this talk, everyone should back off. If not, you will all be arrested."
While others might not know, Hong Cheon-woon recognized the hollowness of claims about holy grounds and the Messiah.
"This is your last warning."
"…"
Hong Cheon-woon slightly turned, looking upward.
He glanced towards the direction where Han Seong-jin was before turning back.
With determined eyes, he glared at Jeong Tae-hoon.
"Subdue them all. Arrest everyone."
Realizing they had no intention of backing down, Jeong Tae-hoon gave the order to subdue them.
"Phew, quite the refreshing attitude, our Prosecutor Jeong."
Hong Jun-seong kept snapping photos while chatting away.
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