Chapter 168: Isn’t That Difficult?

The right-hand man of Chairman Kim Jong-il, the key figure controlling North Korea’s economy.

That’s the public perception of Jang Seong-taek.

“Boss Kim, please choose your words carefully,”

Jang Seong-taek said in a stiff tone.

Wen Jiabao shook his head in agreement.

“The key figure, huh…”

“That’s how things are known in South Korea.”

Although he’s under scrutiny, with China’s support and Kim Jong-il’s trust, there’s no denying that Jang Seong-taek is a true power player.

Jang Seong-taek let out a deep sigh, trying to hide his displeasure.

“In any case, I ask that you refrain from making direct statements. It could lead to a crisis for me.”

“Understood. It seems the conversation is straying. Anyway, I cannot handle the concealment of slush funds.”

With no room for compromise in his refusal, my eyes locked with Jang Seong-taek’s.

Feeling the heavy atmosphere in the reception room, Wen Jiabao stepped in.

“Boss Kim, how about introducing a suitable broker? That should be a fair compromise, right?”

“Deputy Prime Minister, such matters…”

“The world is vast, and there are many brokers who don’t care about the U.S. But the problem lies in finding someone trustworthy among them, which is Jang’s dilemma.”

Wen Jiabao glanced subtly at Jang Seong-taek.

“It would be good to reach a compromise like that, don’t you think, Manager Jang?”

“Yes, that’s right. Deputy Prime Minister.”

Wen Jiabao looked back at me.

His eyes seemed to convey an urging to settle things at this point.

“A broker, huh.”

“I believe Boss Kim knows trustworthy brokers.”

“There are plenty of capable brokers out there, even without me.”

The conversation was going in circles.

As irritation began to rise, Wen Jiabao spoke in a subtle voice.

“In matters like this, trust is crucial. Some people think of slush funds as free money.”

“So, do you trust me?”

The question could sound bold, but Wen Jiabao laughed heartily as he replied.

“Why would I ask Boss Kim to launder money? I have no reason to expect anything from you.”

“…Is that so? Understood.”

With Wen Jiabao saying this, it was difficult to refuse further.

Resigned, I shook my head and turned to Jang Seong-taek for one last question.

“I will connect you with a broker as soon as possible. Since you seem to expect me to take responsibility if anything goes wrong, I’ll ensure it’s under the Deputy Prime Minister’s guarantee. Will that suffice?”

At this, a smile returned to Jang Seong-taek’s previously tense face.

“Will you?”

“Yes, but an agent will represent me. I won’t be involved in this matter.”

“Fine, that’s good.”

Whether it was important for me to guarantee things if problems arose, or if he simply didn’t care about anything else was unclear.

“Manager Jang, please tell me about Jang Dae-ho’s family now.”

“Sure. Jang Dae-ho’s family currently lives in Daegwan. Both Jang Seok-do and Jang Mi-do are married and have children. His wife passed away in the ’70s.”

Despite my thorough investigation, I couldn’t find much on Jang Dae-ho’s family, but it spilled from Jang Seong-taek’s lips effortlessly.

“How’s the economic situation?”

“I can’t say it’s good. They’re not from a prestigious background. They’re under government surveillance.”

Still, learning that they were managing to live as a family gave me a slight sense of relief. I hoped their environment wasn’t too harsh.

“Do you have any photos or documents I can verify?”

Jang Seong-taek nodded and pressed the bell.

A secretary who had been waiting outside entered and handed a folder to Jang Seong-taek.

“These are family photos of Jang Seok-do and Jang Mi-do, along with the last picture taken of Lee Soon-ok before she died.”

Inside the folder were several photos and documents detailing personal information.

I studied the photos attached to the documents closely.

A family photo taken in front of their dilapidated house, nearly ready to collapse.

In it, a man wearing a happy smile posed with his family.

Although he looked older than his years due to hardships, it was Jang Dae-ho’s face.

“He looks quite similar to his father. But why on earth did he not respond to the reunion for separated families? His family is still alive, after all.”

“During my inquiry at the request of the Deputy Prime Minister, I learned about Jang Dae-ho as well. I’ve heard he was an evil landlord.”

The unexpected remark made my brow furrow involuntarily.

The Jang Dae-ho I knew was not capable of such actions.

He was an upright person who helped those in need while discreetly observing his surroundings.

“He fled to the south to escape government monitoring during the chaotic time of the Liberation War.”

The tone in Jang Seong-taek’s voice was chilling.

Considering he worked under a dictator who seized power during such turmoil, his words were particularly galling.

I found Jang Seong-taek distasteful, yet I held back my feelings.

“I’d assume you understand how families of reactionaries are treated without me saying much. Allowing a family of such people to participate in reunions is, naturally, impossible from the party’s perspective.”

Instead of responding, I set down the photo and picked up the family tree with detailed personal information.

I had heard that North Korea’s resident registration system wasn’t well organized, yet the details were surprisingly detailed.

“The personal information is quite well detailed.”

“Yes, it was easy to find. They’re under special management.”

While putting the documents and photos back into the folder, I asked.

“When might bringing them over be possible?”

“After the North-South summit, I will take them to China. Of course, Boss Kim, you will have to visit North Korea.”

Perhaps trying to intimidate me, Jang Seong-taek emphasized again.

“This is the Chairman’s intention. Nothing can be done in the North without the Chairman’s approval.”

After the North-South summit…

If it’s a request from the Chairman, there’s no way to refuse.

I slowly nodded my head.

“Understood. Please request it again from the South Korean government. I’ll proceed with an acceptance method then.”

“Hahaha. That will work, good.”

Seeing Jang Seong-taek, who seemed satisfied that things went his way, I couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“Come, since we seem to have reached an agreement, let’s all share a drink.”

Wen Jiabao, who had been silently observing, called for the butler.

Before long, a table of drinks was brought in.

“Boss Kim, this liquor is delightful.”

Wen Jiabao, approaching me warmly, poured a drink of a type I’d never seen before.

“It’s called Botte Duhsiekel. A bottle goes for around $200,000, haha.”

Following that, Wen Jiabao poured drinks into his and Jang Seong-taek’s glasses as well.

“Meeting friends who appreciate my taste in drinks, a thousand glasses wouldn’t be enough.”

In response to Wen Jiabao’s toast, Jang Seong-taek echoed back.

“Without a mutual understanding, even half a word can mean too much.”

I joined in and raised my glass with a fitting toast for them.

The taste of French cognac sliding down my throat was exquisite.

I couldn’t help but let out a gasp.

“Wow…”

“Hahaha. How does it taste, Boss Kim?”

“It’s excellent.”

“Try some of the food too. They’re dishes made by my chef.”

The food laid out in front of me was pleasant as well.

It felt clear that Wen Jiabao was making an effort to treat us well.

“Boss Kim, don’t get too caught up in work. Make sure to enjoy life. Sometimes you look like you’re being chased by something.”

As he filled my empty glass again, Wen Jiabao added.

Do I really come off as someone rushed?

“Is that so?”

“If a person is always running, they’ll eventually collapse. Taking breaks sometimes is a good strategy too.”

Thinking back, Chairman Song had recently said something similar to me.

He was the only one who allowed my grandfather to have a visit from outside family.

Before leaving, Chairman Song gazed silently at my grandfather lying in bed and casually offered me advice.

‘You should also take a break sometimes. Even the fastest routes sometimes require detours. Since I’m saying this as a friend of the Cheon family, I urge you to remember it well.’

The clinking of glasses never ceased.

As the drinking session deepened, Wen Jiabao’s expression became more relaxed.

“Isn’t it wonderful? That three people can gather like this to share drinks. Who would have guessed such a thing could happen ten years ago?”

Jang Seong-taek, setting down his drink, nodded at Wen Jiabao’s words.

“Indeed. There’s absolutely no reason for the North and South to fight. It’s all America’s fault. Right, Boss Kim?”

“Well, I wonder. Wouldn’t reconciliation between the North and South require mutual recognition of differences?”

When I answered vaguely, Jang Seong-taek looked at me with curiosity.

“Boss Kim, do you see room for improvement in North-South relations?”

“That’s a matter for politicians to consider. What do my opinions matter?”

“I’m interested in the perspective of a businessman, not a politician. I wish to expand the market like China, so people can have a better life.”

Though it was a heavy conversation for casual chit-chat, I grasped that he wanted my viewpoint as a businessman and replied, swirling my empty glass.

“Isn’t that difficult? Maintaining the system would be a challenge. There are far too many obstacles for things to materialize as Manager Jang envisions.”

Markets do exist in North Korea.

Of course, the party does not recognize private property, but in situations where rations are almost nonexistent, markets naturally formed as people jostled to survive.

“Manager Jang knows what the greatest issue is, doesn’t he?”

“Hmm…”

Only groans escaped Jang Seong-taek; he offered no response.

After all, someone sensitive to the label of being a key figure wouldn’t dare voice such sentiments.

For Jang Seong-taek, who had suffered the restraints of authority and ideological indoctrination, every single action would naturally be cautious.

At that moment, Wen Jiabao, perhaps under the influence of alcohol, spoke directly.

“As you said, Boss Kim, the North is different. Power is too concentrated in one person. Isn’t that right, Manager Jang?”

“…”

In response to this, Jang Seong-taek raised his glass and drank as if to swallow his words.

Wen Jiabao smirked and turned his attention back to me.

“Manager Jang seems a bit awkward with you, Boss Kim. Personally, I think this man fits well as the ruler of the North. Don’t you agree, Boss Kim?”

Before I could articulate a response, Jang Seong-taek shouted.

“Deputy Prime Minister!”

But Wen Jiabao squinted his eyes and retorted sharply.

“What’s the matter? Did I say something incorrect? This isn’t a dynasty; is there any reason hereditary rule should even be considered? Look instead at our party.”

“…I hope you can hold your tongue on such matters, Deputy Prime Minister.”

“Aww, don’t be boring.”

I couldn’t help but inwardly laugh.

In twenty years, China will become no different from North Korea.

All power will consolidate under Xi Jinping, stepping into a long-term governance structure; who could blame whom?

Wen Jiabao’s remark caused the light-hearted atmosphere to become faintly heavy.

To shift the mood, I redirected the conversation to Jang Seong-taek.

“Manager Jang, you seem to enjoy your drinks.”

“Hahaha, I’m fond of liquor.”

Receiving the topic change with gratitude, he laughed heartily.

“You seem to enjoy your drinks as well, Boss Kim. Your face is still unmoved.”

“I wouldn’t say I am a huge fan, but I certainly enjoy this liquor.”

I lifted the bottle to pour drinks for Wen Jiabao and Jang Seong-taek, continuing the conversation.

“By the way, how did the two of you become close?”

I already knew Jang Seong-taek was pro-China, but I was unaware of his closeness to Wen Jiabao.

The fact that such reserved individuals stayed at each other’s homes demonstrated a strong level of trust.

“I’ve known the Deputy Prime Minister since thirty years ago, back when we first met in the Soviet Union for studies.”

Jang Seong-taek spoke more openly as he appeared to loosen up.

“I’ve been busy with everything, so we lost touch afterward, but we met again when the Deputy Prime Minister first visited North Korea. We bonded over drinks after the official schedule was done. Common ground, so to speak…”

Trailing off, Jang Seong-taek raised his glass to drink.

Wen Jiabao, who set down his cup, continued.

“I share many thoughts with Manager Jang. We’re alike in politics and philosophy. It’s rare to meet someone like that in life, making it a good relationship. I hope to forge something similar with you, Boss Kim.”

His endearing words brought forth numerous thoughts.

After Kim Jong-il’s death, Jang Seong-taek had a major role in installing Kim Jong-un as the successor.

However, shortly after Wen Jiabao’s retirement, he was swiftly removed from power.

Was this purely coincidental?

As thoughts spiraled endlessly, the drinking session continued, with Wen Jiabao being the first to leave, tipsy.

As I considered wrapping up the evening, I exchanged farewells with Jang Seong-taek.

“Well then, Manager Jang. Until next time. This was a good meeting.”

“Yes, we’ll meet again in Pyongyang.”

“That seems likely.”

“Let’s have a drink when that happens. It feels good to make a good drinking friend after so long.”

“Understood.”

As we stood up, we shook hands.

With Wen Jiabao and Jang Seong-taek alternating to pour drinks, I felt a pleasant buzz but acted as if nothing was amiss.

“Boss.”

“Let’s head back to the accommodation.”

“Yes, understood.”

Noticing my condition, Manager Ma approached me to support.

The man who had brought us here walked over.

“Shall I take you to the hotel?”

Manager Ma answered in my stead, and we climbed into the car with their guide.

The vehicle soon began cruising down a quiet road.

‘Jang Seong-taek…’

Instead of watching the continuously changing scenery, I closed my eyes, reflecting on my encounter with Jang Seong-taek.