Hong Kong had already seen Britain transfer many powers to China ahead of the handover.
It's the center of international finance and logistics in Asia.
Many foreign companies and banks have their headquarters or branches here.
HSBC (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).
Before the handover, it acquired Midland Bank, moving its headquarters to the UK while keeping its subsidiary, HSBC, in Hong Kong.
The person I wanted to recruit was an employee with little achievement at HSBC.
However, after leaving HSBC, she became a crucial player for a private equity firm, achieving unimaginable feats.
When it came to lucrative real estate companies, she spared no effort, doing whatever it took for her employer.
Sometimes it was with money, other times with power, and if that didn't work, she'd go as far as throwing her body into the mix.
Her name is Eva Zhu.
Her father is Korean and her mother British; she's a mixed-race individual who lived in Korea for a while during her childhood, allowing her to speak Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese, which caught the attention of the private equity firm.
Of course, her youthful and attractive appearance also scored her major points.
Her nickname is Miss Valentine.
Ten years later, she leaves Korea, providing her employers with a twenty-fold return on their investments.
After landing at Hong Kong International Airport and completing the necessary procedures, she got into a rented vehicle.
She had already arranged to meet Eva.
When Manager Ma rented the vehicle, he informed the driver of the meeting location.
No one fits the role of a bad cop better than this woman. I just hope she isn't already signed with someone else.
While sorting my thoughts, we arrived at the hotel, the appointed meeting place.
It was also where I would be staying.
"Miss Zhu?"
I recognized Eva instantly.
Eva stood up and extended her hand.
Her long hair was tied up high, and she wore a navy suit with subtle vertical stripes.
Despite her reliable appearance, her face looked surprisingly youthful.
After shaking hands, we sat facing each other.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kim Mu-hyeok. I can't believe I' meeting such a stunning beauty right after arriving in Hong Kong. It's a real treat for the eyes!"
"Hohoho, I appreciate the compliment, even if it's flattery. But how did you know about me and reach out?"
"Well, that's not the important part. What matters is whether I can provide what you want, right?"
"You speak as if you know exactly what I desire, but we've just met today."
"It's not the number of meetings that matters, but how sincere we are and what we could gain, don't you think?"
Our conversation circled like a dance, each probing the other.
"Let's start with a meal. This is my first time in Hong Kong, so I'd love some food recommendations."
"Hotel restaurants are all the same. If we meet again, I'll properly introduce you to Hong Kong's cuisine."
After finishing her sentence, Eva called a staff member to place an order, then crossed her arms, gazing into my eyes.
I returned her gaze.
"Now, let's get to the point. Why did you seek me out?"
"You're currently in the middle of a trial, right?"
Her face stiffened at my blunt remark.
HSBC was under suspicion for laundering money for the underworld.
Founded in the age of imperialism in the 1800s, it would be a lie to say HSBC didn't engage in various corrupt activities.
Yet, even with the fall of imperialism and the rise of democracy, their business practices remained unchanged.
The color of money was irrelevant; what mattered was whether it benefited them.
Eva was currently on trial for turning a blind eye to her clients' illegal funds; it was a classic case of scapegoating…
"What do you mean?"
"It seems the bank has no intention of helping you at all."
"Huh…"
Eva pressed her forehead and let out a heavy sigh.
"Mr. Kim, when discussing someone's weaknesses, at least show a hint of remorse. I don't know who your boss is, but seeing you send someone like this to negotiate tells me we don't need to talk further."
"If I offended you, I apologize. But your flaws don't matter to me. It's your unwavering resolve in meeting your client's demands that brought us here. Your expertise in real estate played a part too."
Eva furrowed her brow and looked at me.
"And just to clarify, there's no one above me. I came to negotiate with you directly because you'll play an important role in what's to come."
Not hiding her skeptical expression, Eva shrugged her shoulders.
"You may find it hard to believe, but it's true. Right now, I'll assemble the best legal team for your trial if you work with me."
Eva's contemplation didn't last long.
"…I don't really believe it, but I will. So what do I need to do? Are you planning to use me as a scapegoat?"
She seemed furious about being abandoned by HSBC.
Despite diligently handling her duties, she was met with betrayal and cold indifference.
"I can't promise anything else, but I assure you I won't abandon you first, Eva, as long as you don't betray me. If anything happens while you're doing what I ask, I'll mobilize all resources, including the best legal team, to save you."
Eva uncrossed her arms as she sensed my sincerity.
"What's my role?"
"You'll be the vanguard for the invading forces entering Korea. You can hire any personnel you want."
"Hmm…"
"Soon, Korea will sell everything—real estate, gold, companies, even people. You can buy whatever you desire. It's as simple as that; it's pure shopping for you."
Instead of nodding, Eva flashed a charming smile.
"And why did you choose me?"
"Do you want a lip service or the truth?"
"Just give me the facts."
"Your appearance and your unwavering silence regarding your client during this trial. I don't need a clean person; those are everywhere. I need someone like you, who can handle anything. I already know your abilities. I just needed someone who would reciprocate trust with competence."
At that moment, the food we ordered arrived.
"Think it over while you eat. I can't spare you much time as my schedule is tight."
I picked up the knife and fork and started cutting into the steak on my plate.
Eva shook her head a few times before starting her meal.
In what felt like a brief yet long 20 minutes, we focused on our meals in silence.
Eva finally spoke as we finished eating.
Setting down her knife and fork, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and asked,
"What's the name of the company?"
"It will be a company shared by five investment firms. You can name the corporation we set up in Korea."
"You mean nothing is ready? No company or staff?"
"Correct, it's pre-establishment. You'll be in charge of everything. You can hire whoever suits your taste or buy any investment company in Korea; that's entirely up to you. What I want is to acquire good assets before other hyenas get them."
"What about the operating funds?"
"You won't find it lacking. Just say what you need."
"I'd like to see it with my own eyes."
"That'll be possible when you enter Korea, but… it might be difficult right now because of the trial."
I couldn't bring those crucial documents to Hong Kong.
Let's wrap up the trial quickly. Please hire the best law firm in Hong Kong starting tomorrow. Don't worry about the money; just aim for the lightest sentence possible, even if it means only paying a fine. Then, come back to Korea.
Eva, who had been silently watching me, suddenly spoke up.
"A meal isn't enough. How about we grab a drink tonight? I'd like to talk more with you."
"Sure, especially with a beauty like you."
We left the restaurant and moved to a bar inside the hotel.
As we drank, we shared a lot of conversation.
The next day.
Morning arrived.
As I sat up in bed, Eva, who had been lying beside me, stirred.
"Mu-hyeok?"
"Go back to sleep."
When I came out of the shower, Eva was sitting on the bed, smoking a cigarette.
"Are you heading straight back to Korea?"
"Yeah, I can't stay long; it's a busy time. You should come back to Korea quickly too."
Eva shrugged her shoulders with a charming smile and headed off to take a shower.
Over breakfast, we discussed the company establishment that we hadn't finished talking about the day before.
"In Korea, you need to pretend we don't know each other. We have to meet secretly every time we do."
"So, what should we name the company?"
"The name isn't as important as the substance of the business."
"But a brand name matters a lot. How about 'Future Investment'?"
"Do as you wish."
Eva laughed playfully.
I shook my head.
"I won't be involved much. Buy up anything that seems like a good deal, whether it's a building or land. Just make sure to buy it by any means necessary, no matter the cost."
Eva smiled confidently.
"Then, let's finish up the trial well. I'll see you in Korea by autumn at the latest; that's when we start."
"Yes, boss!"
I handed her a credit card.
"Until the corporate card arrives, use this for anything you need. There's no limit, so buy whatever you want."
It was a credit card I made specifically for Eva, known as the Amex Black Card, a symbol of wealth.
Eva's eyes were glued to the black card.
"Is this mine?"
"No, it's mine."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll be getting a bigger corporate card soon, so what are you worried about? For now, live off that one."
"Thanks, boss."
Eva held the card in her hands, inspecting it curiously from front to back.
As we exited the hotel, Eva lightly kissed my lips.
"See you in Korea, Mu-hyeok."
As I nodded, Eva turned back into the hotel.
On the way back to the airport, Manager Ma, who was sitting in the passenger seat, asked,
"Aren't you giving her too much authority?"
"With authority comes responsibility. I understand your concerns, but if I want something at a scale of 100, she'll deliver 200."
"Understood."
I understood Manager Ma's worries, but to me, Eva was an untapped lottery ticket, given that I knew the future.
Once the real estate market in Korea opened and various regulations loosened, her abilities would truly shine.
"How is the establishment of PMC going?"
"Han Gyeong-yeong and Eric are moving quickly. The funds Eric requested are being disbursed promptly, and by June this year, all preparations should be completed."
"Is it possible to establish a branch in Korea?"
"It might be tough for now. We need relevant legislation first, but for now, we should register as a security company to enter the market."
"Sounds good. Send A-class personnel to Korea. We need to prepare for the war with Cheongpung Group and also protect our people."
"Understood."
In Korea, where firearms cannot be used, mercenaries might not be very helpful in the war against the Yakuza, but if a trusted bodyguard can protect my people, I could move more confidently.
Soon, I boarded the plane heading back to Korea.
In the meantime, Korea was charging ahead like a runaway train with broken brakes.
You wouldn't believe how hard it was to keep a straight face in front of them. But thanks to Mu-hyeok, I got to witness something really entertaining," the voice chuckled.
"Did you now?"
"Where did a treasure like him come from? I never envied the Cheon family before, but now I do. Raising kids never goes as planned, does it?"
Chairman Cheon burst into hearty laughter.
"Don't laugh too much. Now, are you really planning to step down completely?"
"Not yet. Mu-hyeok still needs my name to carry some weight. I'll stick around for a while longer. But what about you, Chairman Song? Still can't let go?"
"When I die, my kids will probably tear each other apart."
"You're blessed, my friend…"
"Chairman Cheon."
"No matter how much you try to sort things out before you go, it'll be tough. The Daehyeon Group is too complicated for a clean handover. Just do your best to minimize the complaints."
"I'll have to."
After hanging up the phone, Chairman Cheon stared at the receiver for a long moment before finally lifting his head.
"Where's Mu-hyeok?"
"He said he'd be arriving today, sir."
"Why did he go to Hong Kong?"
"I'm not sure, but he mentioned recruiting someone."
Chairman Cheon nodded, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Make sure Ji-soo and Ji-soo don't get any funny ideas. If they get greedy, things could get bloody again."
"I'll keep a close eye on them, sir."
"After I'm gone, if Mu-hyeok tries to get rid of them, Myung-hoon, I need you to stop him—just once."
"…Chairman."
Chairman Cheon waved off Chief Ha, whose face had darkened.
"History repeats itself. Even if they're no real threat, it's hard to just let them be. Especially the greedy ones."
"You're still in good health, sir."
"I'm not dying yet, but just in case, you understand?"
"…Yes, Chairman."
"What about Su-man?"
"He's slowly starting to reappear in public. He's even attending Korean community events and seems to be making connections."
Chairman Cheon's brow furrowed.
"He hasn't made any big moves, has he?"
"No, sir. He poses no threat to the young master."
"I'm worried about Su-man, not Mu-hyeok. He might be foolish enough to challenge him. And what about Su-han?"
"…"
"Well? Speak up."
"It seems he'll need to be transferred to a mental institution soon."
"Tsk…"
Chairman Cheon clicked his tongue but didn't give the order to move him.
That decision was up to Mu-hyeok. If he intervened, it would only give Mu-hyeok a justification he didn't need.
"Have you looked into how the money in the U.S. is being used?"
"Aside from Han Gyeong-yeong managing it, we couldn't gather much else. But it seems it's generating significant profits."
"I see. You can go now."
After Chief Ha left, Chairman Cheon sat alone in the study, silently gazing out the window.
In that moment, he looked less like the king of the loan shark world and more like an old man nearing the end of his road.
* * *
The collapse of the Hyeonbo Group was a burden on the government. Only days after their final bankruptcy, Chairman Jang was arrested and jailed.
Meanwhile, the fallout from the Hyeonbo scandal spread through the political and financial sectors, and other major corporations continued to fail.
By March, the bankruptcy of Seommi Group, ranked 26th in the corporate hierarchy, sent shockwaves through the economy. Just when tensions were rising, IMF President Kandehshi made a statement that gave the government a convenient excuse.
'There is no economic crisis in Korea.'
Kandehshi's words headlined the front page of the Goryeo Daily, and the economic crisis was dismissed as mere conspiracy theory.
Then in April, Yoon Chang-ho, head of the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office, was appointed as the new Prosecutor General.
"Congratulations, Prosecutor General."
"Haha, thanks. It feels best coming from a junior."
A smile never left Prosecutor General Yoon's face.
"Now, you've got nothing left but smooth sailing ahead."
"The mood isn't great. Everyone's talking about some economic crisis."
"How's the Hyeonbo Group investigation going?"
"There's a hearing soon. We'll see what orders come down from the Blue House then."
The Hyeonbo scandal led to the arrest of several bank presidents.
Seven current and former bank presidents from Jeil Bank, Choheung Bank, and others were summoned by prosecutors, and three were detained.
Numerous politicians were also investigated, with five of them ending up behind bars.
As the presidential election loomed, the political landscape grew more unpredictable, shrouded in a fog of uncertainty.
"Isn't the president's eldest son caught up in this too?"
"Heh… Your information network never fails. We don't know the VIP's stance yet, but it's unlikely he'll escape arrest. He took far too much money for that."
The fall of the man once called the 'Little President' seemed inevitable.
"You can't just remain the Blue House's mouthpiece forever. You need to think about your future."
"Exactly. With the lame-duck period already here, why hold back? Still, I'll do what they want for now, but I'm also going to focus on my own goals."
It was clear Prosecutor General Yoon had his eyes set on bigger ambitions.
"This economic crisis won't be over anytime soon. Your role in this will be crucial. With corruption rampant and companies collapsing left and right, economic crime will skyrocket. Political pressure will mount as well. You'll need to stay strong."
"The economic crisis isn't the end?"
Prosecutor General Yoon's eyes widened.
"No, sir. It's going to get much worse. Worse than anything you can imagine. We could even lose our economic sovereignty, as we did during Japanese rule. But if you stand firm and conduct an investigation without fear, you could be eyeing the presidency after your term."
"Haha, even if you're just flattering me, it feels good to hear."
Flattery or not, the thought had crossed his mind.
When they first met, Yoon hadn't considered it. But now, with the public's support behind him, the idea of aiming for the presidency wasn't so far-fetched.
Still, this presidential race was a poisoned chalice.
"By the way, I have a favor to ask."
"Go on, anything you need."
"Could you start an internal investigation into Jungwoo Group?"
Jungwoo would collapse after 1998, but by then, their debts would be too large to leave much to take.
Their astronomical accounting fraud and slush funds had already eroded trust in the company.
It was time to speed things up.
"Jungwoo Group?"
"Yes. They're almost certainly guilty of embezzlement and breach of trust. I'd like you to time their summons with my schedule."
"Hmm… That's quite a heavy request. You know that, right?"
"I do, which is why I'm asking. But if you catch them before they become an even bigger problem, it'll be a huge achievement for you."
"Are you planning to take over Jungwoo? Do you even have the money for that?"
"I'm not the one who's going to eat them up. My friends are."
Prosecutor General Yoon studied me, as if trying to gauge my intentions.
"There won't be any blowback for me, right? If I'm aiming for the Blue House, I can't afford a single blemish."
"Of course not. I'll pave you a path of roses. Just keep walking, and the Blue House will be yours."
And once he sat in the Blue House, he'd become my puppet.
"Fine. We'll start the investigation right away."
"Make sure it's handled by people you trust."
"Don't worry. I've got just the guy."
The one who was sent down to the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office?
"You brought him back to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office?"
"There was a lot of opposition, but I've placed him in a key position in the Central Investigations Department."
"If it's him, then it's in good hands. He's always exceeded expectations."
"His career's on the fast track now."
It was true. Both ruling and opposition politicians were now clamoring for his favor.
"Fill the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office with your own people. Don't share power. We're entering an era where the prosecutors will wield unprecedented influence."
The prosecutors were often seen as little more than the government's attack dogs, but with Yoon at the helm, I was confident he could weather the pressures and carry out my requests.
"Alright, let's eat."
As Prosecutor General Yoon picked up his chopsticks, I followed suit.
After a pleasant meal, Yoon stood up first.
"I've got some delicious apples for you. Three boxes are already in your trunk. They're pesticide-free, so you can eat them straight away."
Of course, those three boxes were stuffed with ten-thousand-won bills, personally delivered by Manager Ma.
"I'm always grateful to you."
After my meeting with Prosecutor General Yoon, I began my preparations for the post-IMF era step by step.
"Grandfather, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?"
It had been a while since I'd had a private conversation with Grandfather.
"Yes, a favor."
"Heh… What's with the tone? You're going to give this old man a heart attack."
Grandfather, who had finally let go of most of his burdens, was in a good mood these days, even cracking jokes—a side of him I'd never seen in my previous life.
"Next year, the Interest Limitation Act will likely be repealed."
"What?"
Grandfather's voice rose in surprise.
It was a shocking revelation.
"There's a high chance it'll happen. When it does, a flood of Japanese capital will pour in. Korea's crisis has always been Japan's opportunity."
After Korea's liberation, Japan, as a defeated nation, had its economy revitalized by the Korean War.
Thanks to U.S. and Allied support, Japan experienced explosive economic growth during that time.
But now, Japan's golden age was over, and they were entering what would later be called the 'Lost Decades.'
Korea's economic crisis would be another chance for Japan.
"The Cheongpung Group will make their move."
Once the Interest Limitation Act is repealed, the Myeong-dong private loan market will fall into chaos.
Illegal loan sharks will pop up like weeds, but more importantly, Japanese capital, backed by the Cheongpung Group, will eventually control half of the market.
In an effort to eliminate their competitors, the Cheongpung Group will push for the enactment of the Loan Business Act.
Despite their efforts, the law wouldn't be established until 2002. It needed to be expedited.
We had to create a legal framework for the loan market before it descended into chaos.
I wasn't planning on giving them a single opportunity.
"Grandfather, I'd appreciate your support in pushing that law through as quickly as possible."
"What? Why on earth?"
Grandfather's expression was one of utter confusion.
He couldn't understand why I would want to create a law to limit interest rates, especially when the repeal of the Interest Limitation Act was a golden opportunity.
"It's an opportunity for us, but it's also an opportunity for the Cheongpung Group. I won't give them even an inch. We'll establish legitimate loan companies in Myeong-dong, offering lower interest rates than they could. I'll use Hyeon-seong and his connection to Twin Blades to handle it. And as for the underground market, Viper will manage that."
"Hmm…"
"Just because there's no interest limit doesn't mean big companies will take out high-interest loans. Our main clients will be small businesses and ordinary people, not corporations. We'll handle the big companies separately. I told you, they'll be bowing their heads to you again soon."
At the top of our loan companies, I planned to place Hyeon-seong as the figurehead.
I would assign Twin Blades Kim Ho-sik to oversee operations, letting his subordinates and veterans of the Myeong-dong loan shark market run individual loan companies.
I reiterated my case to Grandfather, who still seemed hesitant.
"If we let this opportunity slip, it'll be hard to keep the Cheongpung Group in check. They'll strengthen their ties with Japanese capital. We need to throw a wrench in their plans before they get too far."
By slightly advancing the timeline from the original history, I could create a more favorable situation for myself.
I couldn't afford to give them even the smallest chance while missing out on seizing the upper hand.
I didn't know what kind of butterfly effect this would have, but there was no need to repeat the failures of the past.
"Please, Grandfather."
Grandfather remained silent for a long time.
As someone who had spent his entire life in the shadows of the loan shark world, it was no surprise that even the thought of curbing the Cheongpung Group would give him pause.
I waited patiently for him to respond.
"Alright. I'll do as you ask."
In the end, Grandfather agreed to my request.
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