While having a meal and chatting, Han Gyungyeong and Eric seemed to have gotten quite close, as they suggested having a drink and headed to the hotel bar.
"You two look like a good match."
"Eric is very approachable."
"Let's leave it to Eric for now."
"He's a reliable person. He was popular among the subordinates when I was at EO. The chances of survival are higher with a competent superior."
"Please keep an eye on the PMC project, sir. I don't know enough about it to manage it as well."
"Understood."
It seemed that the establishment of the PMC could be entrusted to Manager Ma.
The issue was the management of the shell companies in tax havens... and immediately, someone was needed to infiltrate the invading force in Korea.
I had someone in mind.
Although he now works at a Hong Kong investment bank, he is someone who thrived with the support of Wall Street hyenas during the IMF crisis.
Han Gyungyeong's role is that of the good cop.
The other person is the bad cop.
These two needed to work in harmony.
I planned to go to Hong Kong in person to recruit him.
"In January, I think I'll have to go to Hong Kong. Please book my flight and schedule."
"Understood."
I needed to make as much money as possible this time.
A few days later, Han Gyungyeong and Eric left for the United States.
"Brother, now that we're starting, manage the staff well and wait. Leave the stocks we've already invested in alone and hold the rest."
"Okay."
The plane took off for the United States.
The long contrail in the sky signaled the end of the break.
* * *
1996 was the worst year.
Politics regressed, and the current account deficit hit a record high.
Most importantly, a series of bankruptcies among small and medium-sized enterprises continued.
Yet, the public did not feel a significant sense of crisis.
However, large corporations had already sensed the crisis at Hyundai.
They were merely watching Hyundai, thinking, "Will there be anything left to eat if Hyundai collapses?"
No large corporation, whether Daehyun or Il Sung, could afford to be complacent.
"Mr. Cheon. Please help me just once."
In Mr. Cheon's study in Pyeongchang-dong, Mr. Jang, the head of Hyundai Group, was kneeling and pleading with Mr. Cheon.
"Man... why did you set your sights on steel?"
"I will never forget your kindness if you help me just once. Please consider our past connection and help me one more time."
"I've already let go of it. I'll have Muhyuk talk to the boy and get back to you."
"Mr. Cheon."
"Go now. You should be applying for personal loans to put out the immediate fire instead of begging me."
Mr. Jang, who was scolded by Mr. Cheon, bit his lip tightly.
"I'll contact you as soon as possible."
Mr. Jang, who stood up, bowed his head.
"I beg you."
After confirming that Mr. Jang had left, Mr. Cheon said to Secretary Ha.
"Muhyuk predicted this would happen years ago. That guy is really something..."
"It seems so."
"When is Muhyuk coming to Seoul?"
"I'll contact him to come up."
Mr. Cheon, who thought for a moment, shook his head.
"No. I'm sorting out my thoughts after a long time. He'll come on his own. Leave him be."
"But Mr. Jang seemed very urgent."
"Muhyuk will probably never help. You don't board a sinking ship."
"Understood."
"Still, keep in touch."
"Understood."
Secretary Ha left the room.
Mr. Cheon, sitting in his chair, quietly tapped his fingers on the table.
'The day will come when the CEOs of large corporations will kneel before Grandfather and beg for money again.'
Muhyuk's words were coming true.
"I'll see some interesting things before I die."
A big smile spread across Mr. Cheon's face.
* * *
"Mr. Jang from Hyundai Group came to Pyeongchang-dong and asked for help."
"Hahaha. He said he wouldn't come back, but he ended up here. What did Grandfather say?"
"He said he would talk to the boss and then send him away. It seems he has no intention of helping since he didn't ask him to come to Seoul."
"Hahaha."
It was expected.
Grandfather would have already assessed the situation.
He was the fastest to react.
"I need to go to Seoul. Let's go the day after tomorrow."
"Understood, I'll prepare."
Manager Ma, who answered, did not leave.
"Do you have something to say?"
"It's about the part you instructed before."
"What part?"
"You told me to investigate the suspicious people around the boss. We caught them, but... they won't talk."
"Where are they now?"
"We've detained them at Park Dongsoo's office in Busan. There are eight of them, and it took a long time because we had to monitor them in turns. I apologize."
"No, it's not easy to catch rats. You did well. Let's go see them."
I arrived at the department store where Park Dongsoo's office is located.
His subordinates greeted me, recognizing me.
Inside the office, eight men were kneeling, and Manager Ma's subordinates were watching over them.
"Have you found out anything yet?"
"I'm sorry."
The subordinates who were apologizing.
"What is it? Why were you watching me?"
They remained silent in response to my question.
"Sigh... why do I always get this kind of treatment when I'm polite to people?"
"Manager, please contact Park Dongsoo to secure a quiet place outside Busan. Find out everything these guys know by tomorrow. Use whatever methods you see fit."
"Understood."
"You'll regret not talking now."
I don't know who was watching me, but whoever it was, I couldn't forgive them.
The Busan house meant a lot to me.
On the way back home,
"I think we need to protect Grandma. Always have reliable people on standby."
"Understood."
The driver, sensing my mood, increased the speed of the car.
That evening, with Park Dongsoo's help, we moved the eight men to an abandoned factory in Gimhae, outside Busan.
The next day, Manager Ma reported.
"They were Japanese yakuza."
"All of them?"
"Two were Japanese who came directly from Japan, and the rest were drug dealers following their orders."
"Unrelated to Park Dongsoo's side?"
"Yes. They were a small organization. They had no specific territory and acted as intermediaries, receiving drugs from China and delivering them to Japan. They also handled drug distribution in Busan. They probably didn't get caught by Park Dongsoo because they operated completely undercover."
"What was their objective?"
"The main objective was to investigate and monitor the boss's activities in Busan. They also had plans to eliminate him if possible, according to direct orders from Japan."
"How did they know I was in Busan?"
"They said they only received orders from Japan. They didn't seem to know anything about that part. During the investigation, one of the Japanese died. He was the main person in charge of this operation, but he never spoke until he died. He probably knew everything."
"He must have been a tough talker."
"He was really ruthless. We had to increase the pressure... but it's okay now."
I expected the yakuza wouldn't back down.
I didn't think they would target the main house in Busan, but... the problem might be that I've been staying here for quite a while.
'I need to bring Grandma to Seoul.'
That would be the best solution, but it would be difficult.
I've already talked to her a few times, but she refused.
"First, send about four employees to Busan. Make sure they don't interfere with Grandma's movements."
"Understood."
"Let's buy the house next door. We can station our employees there. Communicate well with Park Dongsoo's men so we can get immediate support in an emergency. Grandma's safety is the top priority. Once the PMC is established, we can entrust proper security to them."
"Understood."
While giving instructions after receiving Manager Ma's report, it was time for the dinner I had promised to Myungsoo's and Hyunseong's families.
"It's been a while, Muhyuk."
"Hello, Father."
Myungsoo's parents welcomed me warmly.
"Myungsoo will only have time next year. This kid doesn't even come home during holidays."
"It's the last stretch. I'll finish the judicial training next year. It's an important period, so please understand, Father."
"True, who would have thought he'd become a judge? Anyway, Muhyuk."
Myungsoo's father was already grinning at the thought of his son becoming a prosecutor.
Hyunseong's parents looked a bit worried about him.
"Father, I need Hyunseong to help me in Seoul this time. Is that okay?"
"Your business? Something illegal?"
"Of course not. I want him to work on something legitimate."
I was thinking about what to assign to Hyunseong.
Since he is the person I trust the most, I planned to have him oversee the management of the loan shark companies. Even if others handle the practical work, it's a job that needs to be done by someone I trust.
While we were talking, Hyunseong came out separately with his father.
"Father, please keep an eye on Grandma. I'm worried that the people targeting me might harm her."
"Understood. I'll send patrols more often and have Hyunseong's mother visit frequently."
"Thank you."
"But, what do you want Hyunseong to do?"
Father showed interest in what Hyunseong would do.
"I plan to have Hyunseong manage the loan shark companies."
"Loan sharks? Legal ones?"
"Legal, but they will likely be regulated soon. I want him to manage them properly. Since it involves money, Hyunseong is the best person to trust with this."
"Hmm... can he do it?"
"He needs to learn. Even if others do the work, he needs to understand the flow of money and the books."
"Looks like he'll have to study something he never thought he would."
"He's smart, so he'll do well. The problem is whether he wants to do it."
"Go ahead. Where else can he go and be useful now?"
"Hahaha... right."
I needed to hear Hyunseong's opinion.
The dinner ended in a warm atmosphere.
That concluded all my plans in Busan.
I asked Grandma if she wanted to move to Seoul, but her answer was the same as always.
I could force her to come, but... that wouldn't be for her benefit.
It would only satisfy me.
"Next year will be very busy."
"I know. Don't come down just to worry about Grandma."
"I'll call often."
"Come here. Let me hug my grandson."
After hugging Grandma, I got into the car with Hyunseong.
"Go inside. Grandma is cold."
"I'll watch you leave and then go in."
The car slowly started, leaving behind the stubborn Grandma who was watching us drive away.
When I turned the corner and could no longer see Grandma, I said to Hyunseong,
"Hey, let's go to Seoul and learn how to do things properly. Can you do it?"
"..."
"Are you going to keep being like this? I need someone I can trust. Please help me."
"Alright. What do I need to do?"
"Go to the Myeongdong loan market and start by learning how to read the books."
"Alright."
If I could entrust Myeongdong to Hyunseong, I could work more comfortably.
'I should hand him over to Kim Hosik in Myeongdong.'
I need to make sure he learns properly.
The car, carrying me and Hyunseong, moved quickly towards Seoul.
'From now on, it's crucial. Even a small mistake can derail the plan.'