Chương 629: Chapter 629: I Will Ensure You Don’t Regret It
The gift I planned to give him was shares from the Soul Company I had discussed with Han Gyeong-yeong.
I can always support the Democratic Party with legitimate political funds.
But politics isn't done solely with clean money. Sometimes, there's a need for a bit of dirty cash.
I intended to use the money from the shares of the Soul Company to funnel to Obama.
The question was who would receive the shares…
"A gift?"
"Yes. I'm planning to establish a small corporation in Korea and would like to offer you some shares in it."
"Korean company shares? Is that truly a gift?"
"It will be a limited liability company with less external scrutiny. The annual dividends will exceed your expectations."
"Hmm."
Barack Obama only fidgeted with his hands, his facial expression clouded, reluctant to accept the offer.
"I know it might seem like a problem later, but don't worry about it. Let's sit down again; I'll explain everything to you."
After finishing the handshake, I took a seat first.
"To put it simply, the company we're forming is a special purpose vehicle for the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. It's a completely legal entity, and you're not going to have any issues with it. You can rest assured about sharing profits."
"The reconstruction effort in Iraq?"
At the mention of the Iraq reconstruction project, Barack and Michelle Obama's eyes widened.
Looking at them together, they do seem somewhat alike.
"Yes, and this is confidential. It can't be disclosed externally. I'm mentioning this because you two are going to be working closely with me."
"Is the Iraq reconstruction plan already in motion? And the U.S. government is giving you that?"
Michelle Obama asked in disbelief, her mouth agape.
Is it really that shocking? Well, I suppose it is to some extent. I shrugged nonchalantly.
"The primary reasons I visited the U.S. were twofold: to support the senator here and to claim my share of the Iraq reconstruction project. Both efforts have met with promising success."
To earn their trust, especially those who still didn't grasp who I am, I figured it was best to drop some critical information.
While Michelle only appeared surprised by my words, Barack looked deep in thought.
The Iraq reconstruction project could become a variable in the upcoming elections, after all. He asked me seriously.
"So, are you solely in charge of the Iraq reconstruction project?"
"No, I'll take care of housing and transportation infrastructure. The rest will likely be divided among American companies."
"Are you saying such a significant task will be handled without public knowledge? That's unacceptable."
I started to understand what Michelle meant when she said she felt frustrated.
I smirked slightly as I looked at him.
"Senator, unacceptable? What grounds do you have to declare it invalid? Do you suppose you're President already? No, you're just one of the numerous senators. Even if you insist that it's invalid, this is an unstoppable tide of events."
"Even so, this is something the public should know. The Iraq War was meaningless! Because of it, many American soldiers have been injured and killed. Yet here we are, talking about the reconstruction and dividing the spoils without their knowledge?"
Something the public should know, huh?
It's an admirable sentiment from a future president, but…
That wasn't a particularly welcome response right now.
"Eventually, everyone will find out. But not now. I explicitly mentioned it was a secret from the start. So if this information leaks, it's not me but you two who will be blamed. The others involved are simply those who have taken part in the profits, so they wouldn't risk exposing this. At this very moment, Bechtel is taking heat for landing mere hundreds of millions in contracts; who would willingly publicize this?"
Despite my calm explanation, Barack Obama merely shook his head slowly.
"Charlie, regardless, this isn't right. And you expect me to take such profits? Didn't you just ask me to continue my politics as is? How can you already expect me to receive this illegal money…"
It seemed he didn't fully grasp my message. I let out a deep sigh, interrupting his train of thought.
"When I say practice your politics, it doesn't mean to keep up appearances like now. I mean to deal realistically in politics. Good fish don't swim in completely clear water. There's a balance in cleanliness."
Though Barack Obama seemed to be treated like an outsider now, that wouldn't last once he declared his run for president.
Many people would gather around him, and he would inevitably have to take care of them.
However, if he remained excessively pristine as people perceived, he wouldn't attract anyone around him.
No, they would gravitate toward him only to scatter away.
That wouldn't do. A president can't exist in isolation.
If he continued his politics like this, he would never become the President of the United States.
In due time, he'd inevitably conform to reality and change, but I wanted to help him acclimate to that reality a little easier.
"As for the illegal money? Where exactly do you see wrongdoing? I have procured the legitimate rights to bid on contracts for the Iraq reconstruction project through my contributions. It's only fair."
"Haven't the contracts already been divided up behind closed doors? That's…"
"Why is that illegal? In a capitalist society, it's perfectly normal for capable people to lead the business. So do you plan to turn the Iraq reconstruction project over to the EU or some other country?"
"Aren't you American?"
My expression hardened without my realizing it.
I thought he was a sharp individual, but he already forgot the favor I just asked him and crossed a line.
"Senator, it seems you've forgotten my earlier request. Please don't discriminate against me. Is that such a difficult request to honor?"
"It's not that…"
Barack Obama realized his blunder and spoke haltingly with a flustered look.
I held his gaze firmly as I continued.
"The Iraq reconstruction project cannot be carried out by the U.S. alone. Ultimately, you need to share a stake with other countries, and that's what I've secured. Plus, I'm only asking for about 10% of the reconstruction efforts; at the most, 20%."
Of course, saying merely 20% seemed to downplay the amount; it was still substantial given the reconstruction would last at least ten years.
While my intervention eliminated the source giving rise to IS, I couldn't afford to let my guard down.
Should IS make a resurgence, the reconstruction could take not a decade but over twenty years.
"Now do you understand it's not illegal? If you don't get it, that's just too bad. Still, it's a gift you'll require from me if you want to be my partner. Politics demands considerable funding. You can cover some with donations, but political maneuvering inevitably requires untraceable funds."
Barack Obama hesitated, glancing at Michelle.
When Michelle nodded, Barack appeared to struggle but finally spoke.
"…Understood. Let's do this."
"Good choice. And let me remind you once again, if this information leaks, I'll see both of you as culprits. Relationships that share secrets hinge on trust and faithfulness."
This isn't a mere gift; it's a test for Barack Obama.
The Iraq reconstruction project could corner President Bush.
"As I mentioned earlier, I don't let anyone who betrays me go easily. Regardless of who they are, I crush them with the money and influence at my disposal. Keep that in mind."
If he fails this test, he could never become president. I'd ensure he crumbled entirely.
I had confidence in containing any doubts he might raise, so revealing this information was ideal for a test.
Aside from my statements, no evidence of this agreement exists in the world. This agreement lies in trust between us.
Therefore, he will need to prove his faith in me.
"Well then, I'll be in touch soon. From now on, use this number to contact me."
I pulled out a phone and offered it to him. Holding the phone, his gaze seemed to ask for further explanation.
"I won't communicate through any other number. If someone approaches you under my name, be suspicious. The only one aware of our relationship is James Han, the representative of Dream High. Should I be reachable, he will act on my behalf. Do not trust anyone else's words."
"Understood."
Barack Obama swallowed dryly as he accepted the phone I offered him.
"And make sure to find someone to hold the shares I'm giving you. It can't be a family member. Prepare a trustworthy individual. Next time you contact me, you'll need to provide their details."
"How long until I need someone ready?"
"Two to three weeks? No later than a month."
"That works for me."
After that, I organized all the tasks needing to be accomplished.
Before leaving, I reminded Barack Obama, who still appeared troubled, in a decisive tone about our agreement.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Senator. I'll make sure you won't regret joining hands with me."
Barack and Michelle Obama drove away.
As their car vanished from my sight, I couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.
"Are you all right, Boss?"
"I'm fine. Every encounter with politicians drains my energy."
"I'll get a car ready shortly. But, Boss… May I ask you a question?"
It's rare for Manager Ma to ask me questions first. I looked at him with a curious expression.
"I know and trust that your choices are always right. But can that man really become president? He has far too many weaknesses. Not just in terms of race but in several areas. I've dealt with mercenaries and noticed that white people often look down on black individuals. That sentiment seems ingrained in their blood. But a black president in the U.S…? It's hard to believe."
Given Manager Ma's long time spent abroad, I could understand his perspective.
"That's possible. However, the U.S. is a country where anything can happen. Being black might even become a strength. There are plenty of other races in the U.S. besides whites and blacks. If he could gather their votes, plus the votes of those who would blindly support the Democratic Party… Would being black still be a weakness then?"
I lightly patted Manager Ma on the shoulder, who appeared deep in thought.
"Watch closely as I create the first black president of the United States with my own hands. For that, I'll need my Seong-woo to support me significantly."
I couldn't help but crack a smile at Manager Ma, who nodded in response.
After wrapping up my schedule in the U.S., I arrived in Russia.
I was scheduled to meet directly with a consultative group heading into North Korea, then arrange for them to travel by train into the country.
Upon arriving in Russia, I engaged in a lengthy discussion with the consultative group.
All members of the consultative group shared the same opinion on how to proceed with North Korea's currency reform.
I found my thoughts aligned with theirs.
Considering North Korea's unstable situation, we had to fix the exchange rate to the dollar without exception.
While we shared the opinion of strengthening the peg system, our methods varied based on our expertise.
The discussions showed no signs of winding down, and we ended up talking through the night, ultimately arriving at a consensus.
"Just one thing to remember. No matter how we implement the currency reform, it's absolutely vital that we do not adopt the methods used by Africa or other dictatorial countries. Outside of that, we can tailor the reforms to suit North Korea's needs. Additionally, absolute confidentiality must be maintained. If you enter North Korea now, you likely won't leave until the currency reform concludes. Once inside, you can't meet anyone other than Jang Seong-taek."
Judging by the lack of objection from the economic scholars associated with Han Gyeong-yeong, I assumed he had already briefed them thoroughly.
"If the currency reform in North Korea is successful, I will reward you with twice the commission James Han promised."
Finishing the meeting with the consultative group, I led them to a person exiting North Korea.
After confirming the train carrying them had departed, I spoke to Manager Ma.
"Let's head back to Seoul."
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