Chapter 180: Don’t Cross the Line

Several days had passed since the National Assembly elections concluded.

Due to both of us being busy, it was after midnight when I finally met with Yoon Chang-ho.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, junior!”

I had summoned him to a secretly prepared space. Upon entering, Yoon Chang-ho gave me a warm smile.

I stood up to greet him in return. After such a long time, Yoon Chang-ho looked exceptionally well.

“Yes, Chairman Yoon. It’s been tough to meet during the election period.”

With many eyes on us, it would have sparked unnecessary rumors if we had met during the election.

Yoon Chang-ho nodded, took off his suit jacket, and draped it over a chair before loosening his tie.

His casual attire, combined with him relaxing his neck, made it feel like an initiation ritual to ease the tension. I waited in silence for him to speak first.

“It’s been harder than I expected since becoming Prosecutor. Reporters are tailing me at every turn, desperate for a scoop. I have to be careful with every word…”

Yoon Chang-ho’s words carried a hint of lament, yet his face radiated a calm confidence that contradicted his tone.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, sensing he was exaggerating his troubles.

“Well, there’s nothing we can do about it. Politics is as unpredictable as a living organism. Since you’re thinking about running for higher office, you need to be cautious at all times.”

The sweet hint of ambition at the mention of higher office relaxed Yoon Chang-ho’s expression as he looked around.

“Speaking of which, there’s no waiter around here, is there?”

“From now on, we’ll only meet privately, Chairman. It’s best if fewer people know about our meetings. Manager Ma will bring anything you need.”

Lifting the whiskey bottle on the table, I offered it to Yoon Chang-ho.

“This is a fine liquor, Chairman. Good occasions deserve good drinks.”

“Oh, this looks splendid!”

I poured whiskey into his glass and filled mine as well.

Yoon Chang-ho raised his glass to inhale the rich aroma, his eyes sparkling with appreciation.

“It already smells different from the usual brands.”

After transferring the liquor into a glass filled with ice, he swirled it before continuing.

“I’ve been feeling a sense of change these days. When I entered politics, both the Conservative Party and the Progressive Party seemed insurmountable. I wondered if we could really make a difference…”

My chest swelled with pride at his words.

“As they say, nothing lasts forever. Eventually, all things must change.”

With the newly formed Moderate Party recently defeating the established parties, it made sense for him to feel elated.

“But don’t mistake this victory for a decline in their power; they’ve influenced Korea’s politics for 50 years. They can turn on you like hyenas the moment they catch a whiff of your weakness.”

Yoon Chang-ho nodded thoughtfully, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he raised his glass.

“I’ll heed your advice. Let’s drink.”

Our glasses clinked together, and we took a sip of whiskey.

No formal toast was necessary; this drink represented our hopes for bright futures ahead.

“Mmm… this is really good.”

Yoon Chang-ho remarked, clearly enjoying the whiskey.

“Take a bottle with you on your way out. It’s a rare liquor. I managed to find a bottle just for you.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Our conversation meandered through lighthearted topics as the atmosphere warmed.

As the alcohol started to kick in, Yoon Chang-ho abruptly shifted gears.

“Alright, it’s time to hear your plan. You’ve won the elections and secured a majority. What’s next? Making me President isn’t the endgame, is it?”

I hadn’t yet shared my plans with Yoon Chang-ho.

“Oh no, let me take a guess first, and you can tell me if I’m right.”

With his confidence boosted by whisky, Yoon Chang-ho placed his glass down heavily on the table and thoughtfully scratched his chin.

“A parliamentary cabinet system, isn’t it?”

“…”

I was honestly a bit taken aback. I hadn’t expected Yoon Chang-ho to accurately deduce my plan.

Suppressing my surprise, I continued to listen without interrupting.

“I’ve pondered why you wanted to create a new party. Even if I become President, it’s only for five years. Despite Lee Myeong-su, I can’t immediately endorse anyone else—need to be at least forty to run for office.”

Instead of replying, I twirled my glass and listened quietly.

It seemed my silence only fueled Yoon Chang-ho’s conviction.

“You’ve experienced betrayal from Kim Hak-gwon, so you wouldn’t just support anyone. Hence, your only option is the parliamentary cabinet system.”

I knew he had an interest in politics, but he grasped the situation more astutely than I anticipated.

A thought of Kim Hak-gwon crossed my mind momentarily.

Without confirming or denying, I poured whiskey into Yoon Chang-ho’s glass.

“You’re becoming quite the politician now, aren’t you? I see you know how to gauge your surroundings.”

The flowing whiskey quickly filled the glass, but I didn’t stop pouring.

“However, Chairman… I hope you won’t contemplate turning on me like Kim Hak-gwon if you become President.”

A fine whiskey overflowed, spilling onto the table.

“You…”

Yoon Chang-ho’s face reflected shock as the whiskey pooled on the table. He looked taken aback by my words.

‘He still has a soft spot left in him.’

Setting the liquor bottle on the table, I spoke gently.

“Remember, Chairman, who put you in that position. You could easily find yourself ousted from it at any time. I imagine you wouldn’t want to lose the position you worked so hard to achieve.”

When I heard Myeong-su’s resentment towards forming factions, I had planned to give him a warning, but I didn’t expect it to come out like this.

I had intended to celebrate our election victory today.

Wiping the spilled whiskey off my hands, I met Yoon Chang-ho’s gaze again.

“Right now, you may think you’ve got the world in your hands, and I understand that. But until I speak, don’t conclude my motives. You’re wise, Chairman; surely you can discern my intentions.”

I pressed the bell beside me. Manager Ma, who had been waiting outside, entered.

“Please bring another bottle of the same whiskey. I’ll gift one to the Chairman, so please wrap it.”

As Manager Ma fetched the liquor from the basement, a heavy silence fell over the room.

Yoon Chang-ho’s expression turned stiff.

As I smiled and held the cool bottle of whiskey that Manager Ma brought, I noticed him swallow hard.

Feeling a weighty silence overwhelming the space, I decided to break the ice.

“Chairman, are you feeling flustered?”

“…”

“I respect you, Chairman. Even if I have offered much support, it’s no simple feat to have accomplished this.”

Without Yoon Chang-ho, the future of the Moderate Party seemed uncertain.

Despite any attempts to reward him financially, politicians are the keenest to sense hidden agendas.

If the Moderate Party couldn’t secure a guaranteed victory in the elections, it was easy to visualize potential discontent brewing.

“Don’t cross the line, Chairman. Understand?”

Right now, there’s no one else who can replace Yoon Chang-ho.

He might believe he has become my equal partner now.

I raised my glass and turned it. The sound of ice clinking shattered the silence.

“…Why are you so angry, junior? If I have offended you, I apologize.”

Yoon Chang-ho chose to humble himself by apologizing. I could see a slight tremor in his fingertips.

“I need to know your plans to assist you better. So I’ve been considering it.”

That was quite a provocative statement.

Once preparations are complete, I’ll automatically share what’s on my mind. Why the need to test the waters like this?

“I’ve been watching you since you were a child. Would I dare to think otherwise?”

Feeling that I had already given enough warning, perhaps it was time to wrap this up.

I gently patted Yoon Chang-ho’s trembling shoulder and smiled as I got up to fetch a new glass.

“Here, have a drink.”

Yoon Chang-ho accepted the new glass. I poured whiskey into his cup.

“The next President will be you, Chairman. We must make constitutional amendments a pivotal issue in the elections, so you need to firmly take charge of the party.”

For now, I still needed Yoon Chang-ho. Finding a skilled hunter like him wouldn’t be easy.

“Don’t restrain Myeong-su. You’ll handle the senior members while he manages the new Assembly members.”

I set the liquor bottle down and extended my glass.

“Your term will be secured. Even after your term ends, you’ll still share power. But in return, everything I want to accomplish must be executed.”

Clinking my glass with Yoon Chang-ho’s, he smiled awkwardly.

His smile faded, and I could see the tension creeping in.

“Haha, of course.”

Yet Yoon Chang-ho maintained his composure and tilted back his head, draining his glass in one go.

“Your vision of a parliamentary cabinet system is indeed my final goal. I intended to finish all preparations before discussing this. It’s not something that can be done overnight just by wishing for it.”

To amend the constitution, numerous obstacles lay ahead. Even with the President’s proposal, it requires a majority from the National Assembly to move forward.

After the proposal, it must be announced to the public, and within 60 days, it needs at least two-thirds approval from the sitting members.

The Moderate Party had secured a majority of seats, but successfully amending the constitution would require at least 200 votes of approval.

“From now on, you need to work on garnering public support. In these remaining two years, you must create a favorable atmosphere, Chairman.”

If it passes in the National Assembly, it will then require a majority vote from the public in a referendum in which more than 50% of eligible citizens participate.

Preparations must begin immediately.

There was a reason for forging an image of Yoon Chang-ho as a politician working for the people alongside righteous young politician Lee Myeong-su.

“You need to highlight the flaws of the presidential system and solely promote the benefits of the parliamentary cabinet system.”

It’s tough to assert that any particular form of government is perfect.

In our country, after the long tenure of the first President, which met with considerable opposition, the new government that took power adopted a cabinet system.

However, conflict continued over ministerial positions. Most of the public likely held a negative view of a parliamentary cabinet system.

To change this perception, the National Assembly, the government, and the media must unite to persuade the citizens.

“Myeong-su is not your enemy. He’s a companion and colleague you must walk alongside.”

“I know that.”

“Don’t undermine him. The more you do so, the more I will have to doubt you.”

Yoon Chang-ho nodded, as if understanding my words.

“It’s not me undermining him; it’s the senior members. Knowing that is why I called Lee Myeong-su for a chat.”

“That’s where you should intervene, Chairman. Although I’ll manage to win him over, the internal control largely relies on you. I trust you to handle it well.”

Lifting the bottle with a grin, Yoon Chang-ho addressed me.

“Alright, if there’s anything troubling you, feel free to express it. I have no intention of becoming your enemy.”

“I have no complaints. If you have anything you wish to say, please do so anytime.”

At that, Yoon Chang-ho shook his head vehemently.

“Why would I have anything against you? Isn’t it thanks to you that I’m in this position? You’ve eliminated any potential threats early on.”

Despite Yoon Chang-ho’s public image, he was far from clean.

He had received support since he began as a Prosecutor, using his position for real estate speculation.

While there would have been no trouble had he stayed out of politics, these actions could come back to haunt him later.

I made sure to take care of everything. I helped send off anyone who could be a problem abroad and pushed those who resisted or refused to comply across a metaphorical river they could never return from.

“There wasn’t much to clear up. We’ve already crossed the first summit. There are still many mountains ahead. You and Myeong-su will need to work together in the political arena.”

We clinked our glasses one last time before tossing back our drinks.

“I believe you have a busy schedule tomorrow. You should head out now.”

“Haha, let’s do that.”

As Yoon Chang-ho rose from his seat, he picked up his suit jacket.

“Your trip to North Korea is coming up, isn’t it?”

“Word spreads fast.”

“Then let’s meet again after your trip, Boss Kim.”

“I’ve heard Madam adores apples. I’ve prepared ten boxes, so please share them with the others. I also tucked a bottle of whiskey in there with it.”

Maintaining a faction demands a significant amount of money. In the realm of politics, relationships are often defined by the flow of money.

“Thanks again for everything.”

“If you need more, don’t hesitate to call me. Don’t worry about being polite.”

“Understood.”

Yoon Chang-ho patted my shoulder before stepping out of the bar.

After a moment, Manager Ma returned.

“They just departed. I instructed our staff to drive them. They will notify us upon arrival.”

“Got it. Ask someone to clean up here, and let’s head back as well.”

I realized lately how intertwined business and drinking have become.

Having to drink for work feels somewhat exhausting.

‘I wonder how Hyeon-seong is doing. Did his parents give their permission?’

Suddenly, the image of Hyeon-seong and Kang Mi-jin from earlier crossed my mind, and a smile crept onto my face involuntarily.

I hope they obtained approval without much opposition.

‘After returning from North Korea, my first order of business should be helping Hyeon-seong prepare for his wedding. I can’t just leave it all to Manager Ma.”

As I organized my thoughts, Yoon Chang-ho’s upcoming trip to North Korea came to mind.

The day was drawing near when he needed to head to North Korea to meet with Kim Hak-gwon and government officials for the inter-Korean summit.

Time flew by like the flickering streetlight, slipping away in an instant.