The Genius Grandson of the Loan King - Chapter 21 (21/840)
< You manage the secret account. >
#21
You manage the secret account.
"Is the atmosphere for the dissolution of the One Society?"
The head of the secretariat, Mr. Ha, who received Chairman Cheon's gaze, spoke.
"Yes, it seems they are planning a major reorganization of the military. They say that not a single member of the One Society will be spared. The meetings of the One Society are increasing."
After a moment of thought, Chairman Cheon spoke.
"The president has made up his mind. It's not an easy decision, to start by dissolving the One Society right after taking office."
"You have suffered significant losses under the military regime. Although he eventually had to work with them to seize power, he is not someone who would sit idly by."
"What about the Blue Wind Society? Are they quiet?"
"They seem to be lying low for now. The political climate is harsh, and the president is wielding his power at the strongest point of his term. The Blue Wind Society must avoid the knife."
"Muhyuk, what do you think?"
The question was directed to me, who had been listening quietly.
"It seems it will proceed without much trouble. They have already replaced key positions such as the Chief of the Army Staff and the Commander of the Military Security Command. This reorganization was completed in just 4 hours after calling the Minister of National Defense. Even if the One Society is dissolved, the conservative government label won't disappear, and the people won't allow a coup to seize power again. Other military personnel, excluding the One Society, won't join in either."
"You seem to have a keen interest in politics. You have a good grasp of the situation."
"Can I not be interested? It's an important variable in what Grandfather is doing."
"Hmm?"
Grandfather, who seemed to be in a good mood, chuckled and looked at Mr. Ha, as if asking him to continue the report.
Mr. Ha, who received the gaze, spoke again.
"Right now, there doesn't seem to be any major issue other than the dissolution of the One Society... Almost no one knows the president's intentions. Even the chiefs we have placed don't seem to know what the VIP is doing. However, at the recent chief's meeting, they mentioned a war on corruption."
"Corruption?"
"Yes, they said they want to disclose the assets of high-ranking officials. There is a lot of opposition, but given his character, he will likely enforce it."
Chairman Cheon rubbed his forehead, as if he had a headache.
"He's bringing in a sudden wave of change. Hmm... I knew it, but it's still hard to predict."
"Are you feeling unwell? I'll get some medicine."
"No need. What about other matters? Is there anything on the economic front?"
"Well... strangely, there was no mention of the economy."
Chairman Cheon's eyes narrowed.
"Isn't the economic chief on our side?"
"Yes. I understand that other large corporations haven't obtained much information either."
"What do you think?"
"Financial real-name system, if it happens, will likely be after next year at the earliest, and at the latest, towards the end of his term. Given the significant opposition to the dissolution of the One Society and the disclosure of high-ranking officials' assets, it would be difficult to implement the financial real-name system as well."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes."
Chairman Cheon nodded and looked at me.
"What do you think, Muhyuk?"
"The financial real-name system will definitely be implemented. It has been discussed since the 1970s but has always been thwarted by political opposition. Given the president's character, I believe he will complete the preliminary work using a few people secretly and then announce it suddenly."
"Hehehe."
Chairman Cheon burst into laughter.
After laughing for a while, he looked at me and said,
"You're smart, but you still don't understand the nature of politicians. Even if this president is not a military man, he cannot escape the shackles of political funding. It's not something that can be achieved in a short period."
"Still, I think it's necessary to move the funds to people we trust."
"Alright, Myunghoon."
"Yes."
"Muhyuk, I have something to discuss with you. Please leave."
"Yes, Chairman."
Mr. Ha left the room.
"Muhyuk, are you that worried about the financial real-name system?"
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Don't worry. The funds are distributed among people we trust. The rest are not large amounts."
"Grandfather, human greed knows no bounds. Right now, there's no problem because you have the accounts and the seals. But if the financial real-name system is implemented and only you can access them, there will definitely be issues."
It was true.
The financial real-name system would deal a significant blow to Grandfather.
He would lose about 25% of his total assets.
Not only the anonymous accounts in the names of dead or nonexistent people, but also the accounts in the names of others would suffer significant losses.
"Hmm..."
"Grandfather, I think it's best to clean up now. We should also review the overall assets. As you said, trust the money, not the people."
"Hehehe. You remember that, do you?"
"Yes."
"I see. I'll think about it. But Muhyuk."
"Yes."
"How did you know about the secret account with Mr. Kim? It was supposed to be a secret. How did you find out?"
I had been waiting for this question.
"I could tell from Mr. Kim's expression. There was something. Grandfather clearly told me to take over all the accounts, but his expression when handing over the accounts felt strange. After sending Mr. Ha out, I asked him directly, and he confessed quickly."
"What? Hahaha! Confessed quickly? That Kim Hosik, the double-edged sword? The arrogant one who thinks he's the smartest in the world?"
"Yes, I did threaten him a bit, but he answered easily."
"Hehe, you. The more I see you, the more I like you."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
I met Chairman Cheon's pleased gaze without flinching.
Grandfather couldn't wipe the smile off his face, seemingly impressed by my confident demeanor.
"Do you think the financial real-name system will be implemented this year?"
"I think so."
"How do you plan to recover and distribute the funds?"
"Even if we leave the money in the accounts of people Grandfather truly trusts, the most urgent task is to consolidate the accounts in the names of nonexistent people. It's best to gather them in a place we trust. These will be the funds that can't be found by any means later."
"Hmm. Do you know how much this Grandfather's assets are worth?"
"I don't know exactly, but I've learned some things while working."
"Tell me."
"The person with the most cash in Korea. Even including known stocks and real estate, one of the richest people in Korea, the Loan King, Cheon Tae-san."
"Hehehe. You're gilding this Grandfather's face."
"But I don't believe that. I think no one can compare to Grandfather's wealth. Am I right? The unknown assets are more than the known ones?"
"Perhaps. It could be true, or it could be false."
Even after Grandfather's death, his assets were never accurately determined.
There were too many accounts managed under pseudonyms...
My uncles and I fought bitterly to find and claim Grandfather's assets.
In the end, I was killed in the struggle...
Even Mr. Ha, who was said to be a close confidant, didn't know everything about Grandfather's assets.
"Muhyuk."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"This Grandfather has a great debt to your mother. My poor youngest daughter, Misook. I want to give you a chance. Don't ever disappoint this Grandfather."
"Yes."
"After you receive all the accounts from the Myeongdong managers, you will manage the secret account. Use it for what you want. But if you lose all the money, that will be the end of what I give you. Understand?"
"Yes, I will not fail you if you trust me."
"Good, go and rest."
I bowed to Grandfather and left the room.
Mr. Ha was waiting at the door.
I nodded to Mr. Ha and returned to my room.
'Huh. I never thought he would entrust this to me. This will allow me to proceed with my plans faster than I expected. I need to find someone to manage the money.'
The conditions were set for me to advance my plans earlier than anticipated.
Being entrusted with the management of Grandfather's slush funds gave me more options.
* * *
"Myunghoon."
Chairman Cheon, alone in the study, called Mr. Ha.
Mr. Ha entered and bowed.
"Yes, Chairman."
"We need to clean up the accounts."
"Clean up the accounts, sir?"
"Yes. Leave the pseudonyms for now and consolidate all the accounts in the names of dead or nonexistent people."
"Where should I consolidate them?"
"In your name. You are the person I trust the most, aren't you?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Also, clean up the stocks and report to me. How long will it take?"
"Cleaning up the accounts will take at least until July. They are scattered everywhere..."
"Only the pseudonyms, not the anonymous accounts, are that scattered?"
Chairman Cheon rubbed his forehead.
"Yes. But I'll do my best to clean them up as quickly as possible."
"Alright."
"Also, how much are the pseudonym accounts entrusted to the Myeongdong managers? Is it around 500 billion won?"
"Probably around that much."
"Transfer them to Muhyuk's name. There shouldn't be any issues, right?"
"To the young master's name?"
"Yes. Make sure it's done without any problems."
"Understood."
"First, have Muhyuk receive the accounts from the Myeongdong managers and start the work."
Mr. Ha bowed and left the room.
Muhyuk, who had unknowingly received a significant gift, was sleeping soundly.
* * *
The next day.
I went to the Viper's office in Myeongdong.
Unlike the Double-Edged Sword, the Viper greeted me respectfully.
"Welcome, young master."
"Hello, I'm Kim Muhyuk."
"This is the first time I'm meeting you in person. Please sit down."
The Viper's office was empty.
Only the Viper, I, and Mr. Ha were present.
As soon as we sat down, the Viper, No Eok-seon, took out the ledger and the accounts.
"Please check the ledger and the accounts. There shouldn't be any problems."
"Yes."
While I was checking the ledger, the Viper waited silently.
The same was true when I checked the accounts.
"There are no issues. I will now take the accounts. I will check the ledger every two weeks. Is that okay?"
"Yes, young master."
"Mr. Ha? I need to have a word with the Viper alone."
Mr. Ha left without a word, as he had done before.
As soon as the door closed, I got to the point.
"Mr. No, you have more accounts, don't you? Give them to me."
"What? What do you mean?"
"The accounts that Grandfather entrusted to you secretly."
No Eok-seon's scar twitched subtly. His gaze wavered.
"Is there a problem with the accounts?"
"No."
"Then give them to me."
"Should I confirm with Grandfather...?"
I stopped No Eok-seon, who was trying to stall for time.
"The fact that I know about the accounts that only Grandfather and you know about speaks for itself. There's no need to confirm and waste time. Just give them to me quickly."
No Eok-seon, who was trying to read my intentions, remained silent.
"Hmm... Do you need more time, Mr. No?"
The Viper's reaction was no different from the Double-Edged Sword.
It seemed that both the Double-Edged Sword and the Viper had been doing something with Grandfather's slush funds.
...Could it be?
The money in the anonymous accounts didn't just disappear during the financial real-name system...
Could these guys have taken advantage of the situation and claimed the money for themselves?
Swallow.
The sound of the Viper swallowing hard echoed in the office, in response to my intense gaze.