Chapter 182: It’s Not Good to Spread Rumors

While President Kim Hak-gwon and the officials held a historic first meeting at the Baekhwawon Guesthouse, the corporate delegation was busy settling in at the hotel.

The room they arrived at, guided by Baek Cheol-soo, was at the end of the hallway.

“You’ve got about an hour to spare. I’ll come back to get you when it’s time,” he informed me.

I couldn’t help but smile at his demeanor, talking only about himself and leaving without even listening to my response.

He was likely someone carefully chosen based on his background and loyalty to the party, meant to face the heads of South Korea’s major corporations. I understood why he was so stiff with me.

Left alone, I sat on the bed and took a good look around the room.

They said this was Pyongyang’s top-class hotel.

I had expectations, but in reality, it was little better than a decent motel back in South Korea.

From the outside, it looked good, but the inside was quite underwhelming. The décor was outdated, and the orange-hued auxiliary lights were harsh on the eyes.

‘They must have installed surveillance equipment too.’

The North Korean government wouldn’t miss a thing. They’d be watching everything—who I met, where I went, all of it.

I almost called for Manager Ma out of habit but closed my mouth. It felt strange moving on my own without him after such a long time.

I recalled the old saying—it’s hard to fill a spot if you don’t know what’s missing. Manager Ma’s absence was especially apparent.

Sighing, I pulled back the curtains to get a view of Pyongyang. The dark hotel room brightened as light flooded in.

From high above, the streets of Pyongyang looked nearly deserted.

‘Nothing much to see here.’

How could the capital of a nation be so empty?

It was a sight that most would rarely witness, but the lack of attractions left me feeling indifferent.

I threw myself onto the bed, burying myself deep underneath the crinkly comforter.

‘I wonder when they’ll come looking for me.’

Gazing at the ceiling, I drifted into thought.

There was no telling when I would meet Kim Jong-il. We had an appointment, but nothing was set in stone regarding where or when.

Just as I was starting to enjoy the peaceful solitude, a knock sounded at the door, and time felt like it zoomed by.

I opened the door to find Baek Cheol-soo standing there. He wore a sharply pressed military uniform and spoke in a neutral tone.

“It’s time to head downstairs for your meal.”

“Let’s go,” I replied.

I put on my discarded suit jacket and stepped out of the room.

Baek Cheol-soo led me to the restaurant inside the Goryeo Hotel.

Guests, including Chairman Song and various corporate heads, were gathering in the dining area. I quietly took my seat at the spot Baek Cheol-soo indicated.

“Today’s lunch is cold noodles. Our Finance Minister will be joining us soon, and after lunch, there will be time for you to all meet him,” he announced.

Finally, Seo Jae-hoon stepped into the dining room, just in time to sit at my table.

When he spotted me, he flashed a friendly smile and joined me.

“Looks like fate has linked us together,” he remarked.

“Haha, seems like it,” I agreed.

As we shared what could be considered idle chatter, the staff soon began serving cold noodles to each table.

They kindly explained how to eat the dish before silently retreating to the side.

“This isn’t the cold noodles I remember from Pyongyang.”

I nodded in agreement with Seo Jae-hoon’s observation.

I was only familiar with clear broth cold noodles, but these had a red sauce mixed in.

Noticing my confusion, one of the staff added some context.

“Even within Pyongyang, cold noodles from Goryeo Hotel differ from those at Okryugwan. You might have your preferences, but it’s hard to designate one as superior to the other. Go ahead and try it out.”

Taking a bite, the rich buckwheat scent enveloped my nose, while the chewy noodles danced in my mouth.

“Oh, this is delicious!”

It seemed to hit the spot, as Seo Jae-hoon murmured to himself.

I nodded as well, quietly enjoying my cold noodles. During meals, I preferred not to engage in conversation with Seo Jae-hoon.

“Did everyone enjoy the cold noodles?”

Seeing that everyone was satisfied, others nodded in agreement.

Just as I set down my chopsticks and swished some water in my mouth, a stranger approached us.

“I’m Gi Kwang-ho, head of the External Finance Bureau,” he introduced himself.

He seemed to be in a bit of a hurry as he proceeded to explain our schedule.

“Once you’ve finished eating, we’ll move to the conference room. The Finance Minister is waiting for you there.”

The Finance Minister was responsible for North Korea’s economic policies. He was equivalent to the Minister of Economy in our country.

Following Gi Kwang-ho’s lead, we arrived at the conference room on the third floor.

Upon entering, we found a long wooden table, with several men seated at one side.

“Chairman Song, it’s been a while,” one large man rose to greet us first.

Clearly acquainted with Chairman Song, he greeted him with a smile and even embraced him lightly.

“Welcome to Pyongyang. I’m Choi Kwang-jin, and I’m responsible for the economy here.”

With a commanding presence, he shook hands with the chairmen from the five largest groups before noticing me and Seo Jae-hoon, bursting into a hearty laugh.

“I see some young folks from the South have come as well.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Seo Jae-hoon,” he introduced himself.

“Ah! You must be Seo Jae-hoon, the vice president of Il-sung!””

Being the face of North Korea’s economy, he seemed to know most prominent figures from the South.

After finishing the handshake with Seo Jae-hoon, Choi Kwang-jin turned to me with a broad smile.

“So, you must be Kim Mu-hyeok, the chairman.”

“Yes, I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. Nice to meet you,”I replied.

“Haha, I’ve heard plenty about you from Deputy Director Jang.”

It seemed our conversation could be heard from afar due to our close proximity. Seo Jae-hoon glanced at me, confused, but I ignored his look and shook Choi Kwang-jin’s hand with a smile.

“What is there to discuss?”

“It seems Deputy Director Jang takes quite a liking to you. I’d appreciate it if you could take care of him.”

If someone of his standing, a high-ranking official in North Korea, was asking for a favor, there was no reason to decline.

“No, I should be the one to ask for your help,” I replied.

All eyes from the South seemed to momentarily fall on me, but I pretended not to notice.

After the greetings were done, representatives from both sides took their seats facing each other.

Choi Kwang-jin was the first to break the ice.

“Chairman Song has visited our republic several times, but I believe this is the first meeting for the rest of you.”

With a pleasant smile, Choi Kwang-jin continued to steer the more formal discussions.

“The reason for gathering several company heads like this is that we wish to collaborate on various projects with your government, which we specifically requested from the South Korean administration.”

Since they had heard similar from the Blue House, no one asked any further questions. Choi Kwang-jin simply shrugged it off.

“In a prior meeting, Chairman Song agreed to collaborate with us, and I would appreciate it if the other chairmen would also consider investing in our republic.”

I took a step back, observing the situation.

Everything was unfolding in a way different from what I had anticipated, leaving me feeling somewhat startled.

‘The North Korean government is more proactive than I expected. But why hasn’t any real investment happened since the summit? I remember that aside from Daehyeon, no one engaged in business with the North.’

Even while Seo Jae-hoon was engaged in the discussion, he kept glancing my way. Despite having noticed his gaze, I pretended to focus on the other chairmen’s conversation.

The discussions went on for quite some time.

“Alright, let’s wrap things up for today. The Chairman and the President should have finished their meeting by now,” he said.

Choi Kwang-jin seemed quite satisfied with the conversation, looking more relaxed.

“Now, let’s join you over there to enjoy the performance we’ve prepared, and then dinner will conclude today’s schedule,” he added.

After finishing his words, Choi Kwang-jin stood up, followed by the North Korean officials who all exited together.

Inside the conference room, only the representatives from the South remained. Everyone seemed eager to ask me questions.

Chairman Song inquired on behalf of the group.

“Do you know Deputy Director Jang Seong-taek?”

“…I wouldn’t say I know him well. We just crossed paths once in China.”

“No way! You should’ve told me about that!”

Chairman Song scolded me, squinting his brows in frustration, as I smiled awkwardly.

“It’s not good to spread rumors,” I replied.

“Indeed…so the government is already aware?”

Chairman Song’s voice reflected his concern as he cautiously asked. I understood his worry and simply nodded lightly.

“Yes, some people in the Blue House likely already know.”

“Ah, so that’s why you’re part of this North Korean visit. Everything makes sense now.”

Chairman Song’s connections in North Korea were solid enough that he didn’t need my help to get introduced to Jang Seong-taek, unlike others.

“Hey, Manager Kim. Can you connect us with Deputy Director Jang?”

Starting with Ye Seung-jin, the chairman of Kyung-sun Group, the others also requested for introductions to Jang Seong-taek.

“If time allows, I’ll consider it. It really depends on Jang’s willingness to meet.”

“Please lend a hand. We could use all the support we can get for inter-Korean cooperation.”

It raised questions why it was not just bridging the connection but also expecting help from Jang Seong-taek.

“Help?”

“North Korea is indeed an attractive place to invest. They have rich underground resources, and labor costs are cheaper than in other countries too,” he explained.

Without proper infrastructure, investing in North Korea was like blindly charging into the unknown.

However, once the infrastructure was established, the situation would change. North Korea’s lower labor costs, as well as the language barrier being less problematic compared to foreign laborers, would turn into significant advantages.

That way, there would be no need to build factories in China.

“But the safety aspect is still a concern. That’s why we’re grappling with this dilemma. This is the consensus of everyone in Hanjong,” he added.

Others nodded, seemingly in agreement with these thoughts.

“Chairman Song has been preparing for this for years, so he may be fine, but we’re in a different situation.”

“Understood. If there’s a chance to meet, I’ll bring it up with him,” I assured.

“Will you?”

“Yes, but I can’t guarantee it.”

“I’d appreciate that. Having a clear reply from Deputy Director Jang or Chairman Kim would ease our worries about moving forward.”

I quietly scanned the conference room, knowing it was probably under surveillance.

Conversations like these were unfavorable for Jang Seong-taek.

“I see what you mean. But for now, let’s move on,” I interjected.

I intentionally cut the conversation short. To make it harder for others to engage, I deliberately asked Chairman Song,

“How are you doing, Chairman Song?”

“Haha, don’t make me sound like an old man. I’m still quite spry,” he chuckled.

“I understand. But if you ever feel tired, please let me know.”

“Haha! Sure thing, I got it,” he said as he laughed heartily, patting my shoulder.

Without anyone calling for them, the conference room door opened, and Baek Cheol-soo along with our military representatives entered.

“Let’s move out,” he instructed.

Everyone began to leave with their assigned personnel towards the Mansudae Art Theater for the performance.

* * *

After watching the performance at the Mansudae Art Theater, we arrived at the People’s Cultural Palace for the banquet.

“Welcome!”

Kim Yong-nam, the Chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly, greeted President Kim Hak-gwon.

With the abolishment of the presidential office, Kim Yong-nam served as North Korea’s de facto head of state.

Kim Jong-il consolidated power over the party and military after Kim Il-sung’s death, delegatingg the formal head of state position to Kim Yong-nam and the management of the cabinet to a prime minister.

Although he was a mere puppet with no real power, they maintained a respectful relationship in public.

The banquet hall was filled with many high-ranking officials, but it seemed that neither Kim Jong-il nor Jang Seong-taek were present.

“Let’s head inside for now.”

Kim Yong-nam led President Kim Hak-gwon inside, followed by the entire visiting delegation.

They took seats at the same table while we grouped together with the North Korean officials at separate tables. By some twist of fate, I ended up at the same table as Seo Jae-hoon.

The North Korean official at our table was Im Dong-ok, the first deputy drector of the United Front Department, along with his subordinate staff.

“I’m Im Dong-ok. It’s nice to meet ou all,” he introduced haughtily, already seated at the table.

“I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. Pleasure to meet yu,” I replied.

“Seo Jae-hoon,” he added.

“So, what do you think of Pyongyang? How does it compare to Seoul?”

As the head of an intelligence agency engaging in South Korean operations, it was a bold question.

Seo Jae-hoon appeared somewhat flustered, struggling to respond. I interjected on his behalf,

“There’s no comparison.”

“No comparison? What do you mean by that?”

“Surely, you, who engage in South Korean operations, cannot be unaware of the differences between Seoul and Pyongyang?”

“…Let’s keep it to answers, please,” Im Dong-ok said, glaring at mewith cold eyes.

“You’re aware of the economic power disparities between the two regions, right? Pyongyang is akin to Seoul from twenty years ago.”

“What?”

Im Dong-ok’s voice raised at m provocative response.

He likely wished to enjoy our visible discomfort, but I refused to fall for the shallow provocation.

“I’ve merely provided an answer to the question.”

“Hmm…this is why we shouldn’t mix with Southern brats like you. Why does the Chairman insist on inviting such people all the way to Pyongyang?”

“Chairman Kim, please, don’t provoke too much, alright?”

Seo Jae-hoon whispered anxiously, but Im Dong-ok had reached his boiing point.

“Repeat what you just said! What is your point?”

In the banquet hall of the People’s Cultural Palace, Im Dong-ok’s furious voice eched loudly.