Chương 304: Chapter 304: Rest Well on Your Native Soil
In his previous life, Yoon Chang-ho was a prosecutor who never quite earned recognition, bouncing between lowly positions until he finally threw in the towel when a junior prosecutor rose to the top.
But this time was different. He grasped the hand I offered him. As a result, the current Yoon Chang-ho had transformed into a powerful politician on the brink of the presidency.
"I was the one who extended my hand first, but you're the one who grasped it, Chairman."
"That's true. It was indeed my hand that took yours."
Chairman Yoon set down the coffee cup he had been holding.
"I still believe that holding your hand was the best choice I ever made in my life."
"Is that so?"
"So, I don't intend to let go of your hand. But that doesn't mean I plan to make you my puppet."
"I've never once thought of you as a puppet, Chairman."
Yoon shook his head. The smile on his lips looked tinged with bitterness.
"Maybe that's how you see it. But do others feel the same, Boss Kim? Even today, Kim Hak-gwon asked for me instead of you. Doesn't that suggest he thinks he's above you?"
"...…"
"Isn't it proper for someone to reach out to me first to suggest holding a summit or making a call? What do you think?"
From Chairman Yoon's perspective, it made sense.
However, with time running short, it was impractical to solve this through formal channels. That's why Kim Hak-gwon bypassed all protocols and contacted me directly.
Kim Hak-gwon, with decades of experience in the political arena, wouldn't reach out without a good reason. This urgency was evident.
However, bringing that up now wouldn't yield any benefits.
I simply nodded, offering a gentle smile towards Chairman Yoon.
"You could see it that way, Chairman."
"I've been pondering over this."
"I understand."
As my tone softened, Chairman Yoon's expression also relaxed a bit.
"It's a relief to hear you say that. To be honest, I'm not feeling great. I'm not mad at you but rather angry at President Kim Hak-gwon. That's why I've been in a dilemma. But if that's what you want, I'll comply."
"Thank you. I know it's an unreasonable request. I rushed here without bringing anything. Feel free to take what you need from President Kim Hak-gwon if necessary."
With a nod, Chairman Yoon sighed and spoke again.
"I'm not sure it's the right move. Don't you think so?"
"Honestly, I agree. But if I were Chairman Song Young-ju, I'd never want to be buried in my hometown. Since I can intervene in Daehyeon's moves, you don't need to worry about that."
"That's true, but…"
Chairman Yoon trailed off and absentmindedly checked his watch.
Glancing at my wristwatch, I realized time had flown by.
"I've kept a busy man too long. Let's resume this talk another time. For now, please head to the venue and align the opinions of the lawmakers. Then, as a party spokesperson, hold a press conference. The Blue House will respond to that."
With a nod, Yoon and Myeong-su stood up.
"Myeong-su, let's chat just a bit more."
Myeong-su paused, glancing awkwardly at Chairman Yoon.
"Hurry and get going. The rookie lawmakers will listen to the Chief Prosecutor more than they will to me."
"Understood. I'll send him off immediately."
When given permission, Myeong-su bowed his head to Chairman Yoon.
As he lifted his head, a playful grin was on Myeong-su's face.
"I'll be right behind you. Take your time, Chairman. Haha."
"Man, you are something else."
Chairman Yoon chuckled softly, shaking his head as he left the study.
Only then did Myeong-su wipe the smile off his face and plop down in his chair.
"Can't I make a scene when I'm gone?"
"Yeah."
"Damn. I was scared stiff for a moment."
Myeong-su grumbled as he gulped down the cold coffee in one go.
"Still, I understand Chairman Yoon's stance. No matter how much we coexist, it's Chairman Yoon who's involved in politics. If the President asks him to set party policy without any call to him, who would be okay with that? I'd be annoyed too."
"I get it. So what were you going to say then? The answer would obviously be yes, right?"
"Is that even a question? Of course, I'd say yes. For you, I'd drink poison if you asked me to."
The tension in Myeong-su's face eased thanks to my words.
"But why did you want me to stay?"
"I wanted to get a better sense of the Moderate Party's dynamics."
"Well, nothing's changed. The next presidential candidate is already being designated as Chairman Yoon. The approval ratings say it all. That's why everyone is so eager to please him; it feels less like a party and more like a personal faction."
From Myeong-su's account, it sounded like the Moderate Party was already back on its feet. He stroked his chin, pondering before asking again.
"Really? What about you?"
"I have completely taken control of the rookie lawmakers. But it doesn't stop there. I've also formed a gathering of rookie lawmakers across the Progressive and Conservative parties."
A smile spread across my face at Myeong-su's proud declaration.
"You're doing great. What about Chairman Yoon's activities? Nothing noteworthy, right?"
"Nope. That man simply can't escape me. Still, you never know how a politician might change, so I'm keeping a close watch."
"True. Once Chairman Yoon becomes President, he'll likely relinquish his chairmanship. If he gains control of both the Blue House and the party, he might even have different aspirations. I never trust politicians."
Every president so far had also served as the ruling party's chair.
If everything from the party to the Blue House and the entire cabinet ended up in the same hands, it could lead to unpredictable outcomes.
Kim Hak-gwon changed once he became President. So who's to say what might await Yoon Chang-ho?
"Theoretically speaking, it's possible, but do you think Chairman Yoon will easily give that up?"
"We need to subtly build the atmosphere from now on. Is there anyone worthy to support as Chairman? You need to be the first Chairman after we revise the constitution into a cabinet system. I need someone to hold that position until then."
"Let me think about it. There are a few people that come to mind, but they're all close to Chairman Yoon…"
Myeong-su, lost in thought with his words trailing off, soon continued.
"Most seasoned politicians with four terms or more are all part of Chairman Yoon's circle. There are a few outsiders, but if we give them party control, we can't predict what they might do."
"It's all about power. Just pick some candidates and relay them to me. We can meet and decide."
"Are you serious? Alright, I'll start wrapping up here. I'll quickly choose candidates and send them over."
Checking his watch, Myeong-su stood up.
"You don't have to see me off."
As he reached for the doorknob to leave the study, Myeong-su stopped and turned back.
"And are you going to come out to the gatherings? You set them up and then barely show your face. Even if no one says it, I think your friends feel neglected. I'm really going now."
Having said what he needed to, Myeong-su opened the study door and left.
Looking at the closed door for a moment, a smile crept onto my face.
Everything progressed smoothly. The scheduled funeral for Chairman Song Young-ju was postponed by three days.
I had to figure out who would go to North Korea alongside the family of Chairman Song Young-ju.
Once all administrative procedures were complete, many gathered to cross the division line, following the path Chairman Song Young-ju once took with his herd of cattle.
I was also there to witness Chairman Song Young-ju's final moments.
"You should have gone too. Aren't you feeling regret?"
Ha Myung-hoon said in a hushed tone, just enough for me to hear.
"Not at all. The timing just isn't right. I can visit him personally next time."
"Understood."
I spoke with concern to Ha Myung-hoon, who nodded readily.
"Please take care of the Chairman. No matter what happens, it's not a bizarre situation here."
"Do you really think an incident will occur? If something happens to those going this time, the South Korean government would do anything to avert war."
"That may be true."
While conversing, the coffin vehicle created by Daehyeon Automotive solely for Chairman Song Young-ju finally arrived.
Following it were multiple buses.
From the first bus, Song Chan-woo emerged, followed closely by other family members.
The reporters were in fierce competition to capture as many shots as possible.
Even in death, Chairman Song Young-ju was rewriting the history of Korea.
"Boss."
"Chairman Song, please travel safely."
"You should have gone with them…"
"No. I'm sorry I can't. I will personally visit your grave next time."
"Alright. Since time is tight, I'll visit you later after wrapping things up here."
"Let's do that."
In a hurry, Chairman Song Chan-woo turned and rushed back to where the family was gathering.
"I'll be heading up as well."
"Take care on your journey."
I nodded at Ha Myung-hoon's words.
As Ha Myung-hoon finished his goodbyes, he gave a reassuring pat on Manager Ma's shoulder, who was casting worried glances.
"Why the long face?"
Manager Ma had urged Ha Myung-hoon not to go multiple times.
Due to the memory of the gunshot wound, it seemed he was hesitant to send Ha Myung-hoon to North Korea.
"Just stay calm and take care of Boss. I'll be back soon."
After giving a slight bow to me, Ha Myung-hoon walked towards the gathering with his secretary.
As the last of the family and attendees boarded the buses, the hearse carrying Chairman Song Young-ju's remains set off first, soon crossing the military demarcation line.
Right behind it, the buses carrying the family and guests followed.
The procession soon disappeared from sight. Only then did I turn away.
I briefly gazed at the sky, lost in thought.
'Chairman. Please rest well on your native soil.'
Snapping out of my reverie, I patted Manager Ma's shoulder, who was still looking worriedly after the buses.
"Nothing will happen."
"Yes, Boss."
"Let's get going too."
At Panmunjom, where the reporters had vanished, only soldiers aiming their guns at one another remained.
* * *
Chairman Song Young-ju was buried on a mountain not far from his birthplace.
From the grave, the neighborhood where Chairman Song Young-ju was born was visible at a glance.
"This is where my father was born."
Returning to Seoul, Song Chan-woo sought me out first.
He showed me several photos and explained things to me.
"Ah… What a beautiful place."
"Right? I had only heard of it, but I never knew it was this beautiful. My father once mentioned seeing it when he herded cattle up here."
A longing for his father was evident on Song Chan-woo's face.
"Do you think of the Honorary Chairman often?"
"It's been so short since he passed, but I can already hardly recall his voice. I only remembered it again after watching a video of him at home."
"Everyone goes through that. After my grandfather passed, I almost forgot his voice. I still watch videos of him from time to time."
I felt a strange kinship with Song Chan-woo.
"I will lead Daehyeon well to uphold my father's name. I'll dedicate my efforts to North Korean business too."
"Please do. I'll help however I can."
We chatted over coffee, discussing various matters.
Though over fifty, Song Chan-woo had lived a life dedicated to his father's legacy, which had been tougher and lonelier than I had anticipated.
"I'll never hand this over to my children. I have no intention of passing the company onto them."
The determination in Song Chan-woo's face reflected the true love he had for his children.
"I didn't force my children into business school; I want them to do what they love."
With that, the discussion about his personal life concluded.
"Boss Kim, did you know about this?"
With what followed, I could only be left in shock.
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