After finishing all my schedules in the United States, I returned to Korea.
As soon as I arrived, I headed to Seocho-dong to meet Prosecutor Yoon, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
"It's been a while, Prosecutor."
I arrived earlier than the scheduled time, but Prosecutor Yoon was already seated.
"Welcome, junior. It's been a while."
Prosecutor Yoon greeted me warmly.
As I sat down, I offered some pleasantries.
"I heard there are rumors in political circles that you'll become the Chief Prosecutor next year? Congratulations in advance."
"Hehe. Thank you."
Although the current Chief Prosecutor's term still has a long way to go, he has not achieved much despite being pro-presidential.
His role was limited to following the Blue House's instructions.
Despite this, there has been consistent pressure on Prosecutor Yoon, but due to the significant cases he solved at the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office, there wasn't enough justification to remove him.
"Are you getting a lot of attention from political circles?"
"Hahaha. Both the ruling and opposition parties are trying to get close to me, but it's like they're stabbing me in the back."
"Don't waver. You can reach the top of the prosecution and then enter politics. I'll provide ample political funds, so focus on maintaining a strong image."
His expression seemed to brighten at my words.
"Are you suggesting I go into politics after retiring?"
"Of course. With the current public support, you could win any election. After becoming the Chief Prosecutor, the highway to Yeouido will be open."
The thought seemed to please him, and a bright smile spread across his face.
"I see."
As the meal was coming to an end, I brought up the reason for our meeting.
"When do you think the historical rectification will be completed? The two former presidents are the ultimate targets, right?"
Prosecutor Yoon put down his spoon, looking surprised.
"How did you know that? It's a secret investigation."
"Hahaha. You know I do."
Ultimately, the end of the historical rectification would be the arrest of the two former presidents.
The Cheongpung Society, which had been weakened by continuous presidential pressure, gained even more power during the foreign exchange crisis with Japan's support.
We needed to take over Gangnam when the Cheongpung Society was weakened. Missing this opportunity would mean a lot of bloodshed.
"Is the prosecutor who investigated the slot machine case still at the Jeju District Prosecutors' Office?"
"Who? Oh, that stubborn one?"
"Yes, is he still a prosecutor?"
"He seems to have a strong attachment to being a prosecutor. He seems to be getting tired, but I told him I would transfer him to the Central Investigation Department next year."
"Don't do that. Transfer him to the Seoul District Prosecutors' Office's Violent Crimes Division. Let's clean up the Gangnam gangsters this time."
Prosecutor Yoon choked a few times while drinking his tea.
"What? Gangnam? It's tough. They have many connections in political circles, so the pressure will be immense. They survived the war on crime and even disguise themselves as legitimate businesses, making it even harder."
"The moment the two former presidents are arrested, politicians will be cautious. We can arrest them all under the Organized Crime Control Act, Article 4."
"Hmm..."
After a moment of contemplation, Prosecutor Yoon asked worriedly.
"There's not enough evidence to arrest them as a criminal organization. Even if the entire Violent Crimes Division gets involved, they're not just any small-time gangsters but three major nationwide organizations. They'll likely try to cut their losses."
"We'll create the justification for you. In return, please give our people lighter sentences."
I explained the plan I had in mind.
Listening to me, Prosecutor Yoon, who had not wasted his time as a prosecutor, made a few adjustments to my plan on the spot.
"Good. This should work. I'll send that friend back to the field. He'll be happy."
"The D-day is the day the two former presidents are arrested. When everyone is distracted, Park Dong-soo will launch a surprise attack. Just be ready to arrest them all."
"Street fights in the heart of Gangnam... It'll be noisy."
Although Prosecutor Yoon sounded worried, the corners of his mouth were curling up.
After all, catching the leaders of nationwide gangs with his own hands would be a proud achievement.
After finishing the meal, I got back into Manager Ma's car.
"Take me to Geumseong Construction."
After a long drive, we arrived at Geumseong Construction.
Following the staff's guidance, I reached the CEO's office.
"Welcome, CEO."
Park Dong-soo was not there, and Lee Sang-geun was buried in a pile of documents.
"Where is CEO Park?"
"He'll be here soon. He mostly works near construction sites."
I heard he had entered Daecheong-dong without a fight and was now establishing a foothold. It seemed that Geumseong Construction was completely under Lee Sang-geun's management.
Sitting in the main seat, Lee Sang-geun also took a seat next to me.
"Are you busy?"
"It's interesting."
"Is the orphanage well-supported?"
"Thanks to you, it's running smoothly."
Since Lee Sang-geun had become fully loyal to Park Dong-soo, he had been providing proper support to the orphanage where Park Dong-soo came from.
The cost of winning someone's heart was surprisingly low.
At that moment, the CEO's office door opened, and Park Dong-soo entered.
"Hey, Dong-sang!"
Park Dong-soo, with a smile, sat opposite Lee Sang-geun.
"You should have called. I'm late."
"How's Daecheong-dong?"
"What's there for us to do? It's just a stepping stone for entering Gangnam. Just be prepared."
"A full-scale war with Gangnam would be disadvantageous for us. How can we deal with the Baekho Gang alone, let alone the Shin-Gangnam Gang and the Honam PK Gang? We'll all die."
No matter how much Park Dong-soo had taken over Busan and the southwestern part of Seoul, including Yeongdeungpo, he couldn't handle all of Gangnam alone.
Not without the prosecution's help.
"If you and your subordinates attack their core business locations, the prosecution will move in simultaneously."
"What? Then our subordinates will all be arrested?"
"Most of them will be released from the police station. If the situation escalates, prepare someone to take the blame. What's the name of the person in charge of Busan?"
"Who? Su-hyeong?"
"Yes, put him forward."
Park Dong-soo's smiling face suddenly stiffened.
"Su-hyeong is like my brother. How can I use him as a scapegoat?"
"Don't worry. I'll make sure his sentence is as light as possible. They'll be charged under the Organized Crime Control Act, Article 4, with a minimum of five years."
"Still..."
"CEO Park, this is about taking over Gangnam. Not just a district, but the entire area. If you can't accept some losses, how can we achieve our goal?"
"Ugh..."
Park Dong-soo, looking frustrated, untied his tie like an office worker.
"Make sure his sentence is as light as possible. Got it?"
"Yes. It's a contingency plan in case the situation escalates. A street fight in the heart of Gangnam won't be easy to resolve."
No matter how much Prosecutor Yoon and I exert our influence, we can't control all the media and public attention. Not only the Gangnam gangs but also some of Park Dong-soo's people need to be arrested.
Yang Su-hyeong, who manages Busan, would be a good story for the media.
They could sensationalize it as a gang war between Busan and Seoul.
"Since there's still time, clean up the area near Yeongdeungpo thoroughly. I'll let you know when the plan is set."
"Got it. Want to have a drink today?"
"I just got back from the U.S. I'm tired. Let's do it next time."
Leaving the disappointed Park Dong-soo behind, I left Geumseong Construction.
I was exhausted from moving around without rest after returning from the U.S.
When I arrived at Pyeongchang-dong, Cheon Ji-yeong was talking with my grandfather in the living room.
"I'm back."
"Back so soon? What's so urgent?"
I smiled and replied to my grandfather's scolding.
"Hehe, yeah."
"Brother!"
"Ji-yeong, you're here?"
"Yeah, I've been coming for a few days because I thought you might be lonely without Brother."
"Thanks. Come often."
"Sure!"
Cheon Ji-yeong was gradually returning to her former lively self.
"I'll go up and rest now."
"Sure, let's talk tomorrow."
"Sure, see you next time, Ji-yeong."
After saying goodbye, I went upstairs.
"Manager, rest well. Thank you for your hard work. Prepare for the PMC establishment slowly."
Manager Ma, who had been waiting for me to enter my room, bowed and left.
Only then did I finally relax and rest.
For a while, I focused on recovering the bonds my grandfather owned.
Time passed quickly, and finally, on November 1st, the unprecedented event of a former president being arrested occurred.
History had not changed.
The Cheongpung Society was likely preparing to form a new party for the 1