Chapter 205: Can You Trust It? Are You Sure?

Rather than groaning, Lee Sang-geun responded flatly.

“I’m alright. I see this as just the pain I have to endure to get to the sunny side.”

“Is that so?”

Sang-geun’s demeanor was completely different from Park Dong-su’s.

While Dong-su was the type to dive headfirst into plans with intuition, Sang-geun meticulously followed his strategy to reach his goals.

Even before, he had a cold nature, but after Dong-su’s death, he became even more detached, doing whatever it took.

“Chairman Lee is quite the interesting character, isn’t he? Using this situation to completely weaken the opposition within the organization. He’s definitely different from Dong-su.”

Sang-geun spoke with a smile, his lips twitching as if unsure how to react.

Chairman Lee was no ordinary person. Even without my help, he managed to lobby the Prosecutors’ Office and the police using his own ability.

To seize the opportunity to completely suppress the power of the Gangbuk elders within the organization, he handed over their information to the Prosecutors’ Office.

The Prosecutors’ Office needed evidence to catch Sang-geun directly, and since continuing the investigation would bring significant political pressure, they accepted his proposal.

The Gangbuk elders landed at the top of the police crime syndicate’s watch list.

It was a prime opportunity to ensnare them. Their names had long been known in the media as the veterans of organized crime, a perfect bait.

Sang-geun turned the crisis into an opportunity, eliminating the seeds of internal strife.

“It was an entertaining watch. I was curious how Chairman Lee would act, but he moved even more interestingly than I thought. I liked it.”

Ultimately, most of the direct subordinates of the Gangbuk elders within Geuksung Group fell into the hands of the Prosecutors’ Office.

However, the Dong-su faction, which followed from Dong-su to Sang-geun, didn’t escape unscathed either.

“Let’s start cleaning up. It feels like I’ll need Chairman Lee’s assistance.”

“Understood.”

“Please pass the list of our members who need to be extracted from jail to Manager Ma. I’ll take care of the rest.”

The conversation was briefly interrupted as an employee walked in with coffee.

I raised my cup, taking a sip of the coffee. I gestured to Sang-geun, who remained still in a rigid posture, and finally he moved.

“I’ll have the Prosecutors’ investigation wrapped up by next week. However, someone must take responsibility. The situation has escalated too far for the Prosecutors to simply bury it quietly. It should be fine for Chairman Lee to shift all the blame onto the elders.”

“You knew everything, didn’t you, Boss?”

Sang-geun gave a bitter smile while holding his coffee cup. Suddenly, thoughts of Dong-su crossed my mind.

Things didn’t feel like this when Dong-su was alive. I set my cup down and interlocked my fingers.

“Even with one suppression after Dong-su’s death, these men were born thugs. If you leave any openings, they’ll always be ready to bite. Chairman Lee isn’t someone who would just let that slide.”

If things escalated to the point Sang-geun could be caught too, I would have inevitably intervened to sort things out.

It would be foolish to throw Sang-geun away over something so trivial.

However, Sang-geun had shown his capabilities without my aid, and I certainly needed to support him.

“Once this matter is settled, take Jungwoo Construction from Geuksung Group. If you merge Jungwoo, it would instantly elevate Geuksung Construction’s ranking to second place.”

“What?”

Sang-geun’s eyes widened at the mention of taking Jungwoo Construction.

Even combined, all of Geuksung Group’s subsidiaries couldn’t match Jungwoo Construction in terms of capital.

For the trivial Geuksung Group, Jungwoo Construction was like a massive elephant. It was no surprise Sang-geun was shocked.

“And among the Dong-su faction, is there anyone with deep loyalty to Chairman Lee?”

“Are you referring to the direct subordinates of Dong-su?”

Nodding, I prompted for an answer. After a moment of thought, Sang-geun named someone.

“Currently, the Executive Director, Yoo Sung-jin, is reliable.”

“Yoo Sung-jin?”

When I asked for more details about the unfamiliar name, Sang-geun nodded and elaborated.

“Yes, you probably wouldn’t know him since he was released last year. He was well-regarded in the Dong-su faction, and I heard the reason he entered the organization was to carry the front for Dong-su.”

“I see. A person like that existed.”

“It seems Dong-su intended to fully entrust Busan to him once he got out. He visited me after his release, and I liked him, so I kept him by my side.”

Thinking most in the Dong-su faction were aware of him, I couldn’t help but ask more about someone that hadn’t been mentioned before.

“Can you trust him? Are you sure?”

“Without you, Boss, he could aim for my position anytime. Unlike me, he’s a direct subordinate of Dong-su, and having spent a long time in the organization, he’s recognized in the lineage.”

I rubbed my chin as I contemplated Sang-geun’s answer. The thought of him potentially surpassing Sang-geun, who had already secured his position, was surprising.

Although my backing wasn’t the premise, it was still no easy feat. How had I not known such a person?

“Of course, since I’m Dong-su’s successor, I wouldn’t do anything to him. This was a conclusion we reached after speaking. But why do you suddenly ask?”

“Let’s strip the name of Geuksung from all operations that blend legality and illegality. Transform Geuksung into a comprehensive civil engineering group so that neither the government nor the police can touch us easily.”

The reason Geuksung Group had come under attack this time was due to its façade as a civil engineering company while straddling the line between legality and illegality.

“Are you suggesting a split?”

“Entertainment, private casinos, entertainment venues, distribution, and everything else should be handed over to others. Focus solely on civil engineering and construction, Chairman Lee.”

Sang-geun hesitated, unable to readily accept my proposal.

“What? You don’t want to?”

“If it’s an order, I’ll follow. But doing so will significantly reduce my influence. There’s a big difference between keeping it under me and completely separating it from me to hand it off to someone else.”

It felt uncomfortable to undermine my own order. Now wasn’t the time to indulge in the drama of a capable person.

“Isn’t one of the two factions of Geuksung already mostly sorted out? You’re still anxious, aren’t you? It seems I misjudged your status, thinking you were just this kind of person.”

Sang-geun’s smile faded as he crossed his legs, staring at me with cool eyes.

The sudden shift in atmosphere made him swallow hard.

“It’s been quite some time since Dong-su died. Yet you still haven’t completely dominated the organization. After resorting to intra-faction strife, do you still feel it’s insufficient?”

“No. I’ll do that.”

Sang-geun bowed his head in a hurry at my cold tone.

“This is a gift for you, Chairman Lee. Even if his nature is that of a thug, once we merge with Jungwoo Construction, in just a little while, the government won’t dare touch you. Even without my help.”

“I underestimated my own thinking.”

It was this thug’s group that caused all this trouble.

Chairman Lee was someone who would have to do many more things moving forward, so I could offer him this much.

I waved my hand lightly, dismissing him.

“Please leave. Return tomorrow with Yoo Sung-jin. I’ll meet him in person and judge for myself.”

“Understood.”

Sang-geun stood, bowed once more, and left. After he was gone, I called for Manager Ma.

“Do you know Yoo Sung-jin?”

“The Executive Director of Geuksung Group?”

Nodding, I prompted him to continue.

“I heard he was released last year.”

“What kind of person is he?”

“I’m not sure about the details. Should we find out?”

Given that he wasn’t in the information network, I hadn’t heard any substantial information. Besides, we would meet tomorrow, so it wasn’t necessary.

“No, tomorrow Sang-geun will bring him along, so we’ll get to know him then.”

He was someone Park Dong-su trusted enough to consider for Busan… I was curious.

The next day, Sang-geun arrived at the Myeong-dong office with a large man.

Bowing his head, Sang-geun introduced him.

“Boss, this is Executive Director Yoo Sung-jin.”

“Hello! I’m Yoo Sung-jin!”

Yoo Sung-jin immediately bent at ninety degrees, enthusiastically introducing himself.

Having not received such an introduction in a long time, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Refreshing. Please, take a seat.”

We sat facing each other. He’d just been released, yet he seemed sharp and presentable.

“You said you’re Yoo Sung-jin?”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Do you know me?”

“I heard a few things from Dong-su.”

“From Park Dong-su, then?”

If Park Dong-su mentioned my story, then it meant he trusted him.

“What did he say about me?”

“…Can I speak honestly?”

His cautious look made me smile softly as I replied.

“Whatever Park says is fine. Just say what you heard.”

What had Park Dong-su said about me? Suddenly, I recalled the day we met on the hospital roof.

“The first time Dong-su shared about you was a decade ago. He said he met an interesting kid.”

Yoo Sung-jin recounted everything Dong-su had told him without omitting a single detail.

“…And the last time he reached out was when he seemed to have resigned himself to die for Suhyeong’s revenge. I couldn’t stop that Dong-su. If I had been outside, I would have done the same.”

I could almost feel the weight of his emotions from back then and remained silent, listening.

Park Dong-su’s last words echoed in my ears, urging me to do as I pleased, accepting the burden himself.

“That last time, he spoke about you, too. The kid who was once small as a bean has become a big man that he now looks up to. He told me not to let you catch my eye if I’m ever in need of you.”

Yoo Sung-jin’s tone reflected the shadow of Dong-su, bringing to mind the steadfast and unwavering figure of Park Dong-su.

“But now you’ve called me here today. It’s an honor, President Kim Mu-hyeok.”

Suddenly, Yoo Sung-jin bolt upright, bowing once more.

From his tone and behavior, I gathered what kind of person he must be. It also explained why Sang-geun wished to have him around.

“That’s enough. Please be seated.”

Yoo Sung-jin took his seat once more. He was refreshing, highly loyal to Park Dong-su, but also had an unpredictable side.

“But don’t ever rise from your seat without permission again, and don’t move either.”

As expected, Manager Ma stood in front of me as Yoo Sung-jin appeared behind me.

Ma had vacated his spot when Sang-geun had come alone, but now he stood close, ready since there was an unfamiliar face.

“I’m sorry. That was my mistake.”

With a furious expression, Yoo Sung-jin lowered his head, while Manager Ma towered over him with a fierce gaze.

“Manager, stand down. It’s fine.”

“Yes, Boss.”

I waved my hand to dismiss Ma. Even as he moved back, he shot a glare at Yoo Sung-jin.

“I got a general sense of what kind of person you are. How long have you worked with President Park?”

“We’ve known each other since childhood. Park Dong-su, Yoo Sung-jin, and Yang Su-hyeong. The three of us wee a trio in Yeongdo. Later, we all entered Sa-seong’s side together.”

“But I’ve never heard a thing about you from Park Dong-su.”

Why hadn’t Dong-su mentioned Yoo Sung-jin to me? It was a question I’d had ever since I heard the name from Sang-geun yesterday.

“That’s… it’s likely because I was considering leaving the organization and thinking about retirement.”

“Retirement? You sought out Chairman Lee right after your release, didn’t you?”

Nodding, Yoo Sung-jin replied. He spoke quite seriously, unlike earlier when he had hesitated.

“My existence became a burden for Sang-geun. After Dong-su passed, people suddenly started looking for me, both outside and within the Dong-su faction.”

Having already informed Sang-geun of everything, he remained unfazed even as his name came up.

I could almost imagine what people would have shared if they had sought him out.

I could easily see Yoo Sung-jin being portrayed as Dong-su’s true successor, inciting division wherever he went.

“Even if I decided to retire, they wouldn’t have stayed quiet. I doubt my family would have either. If they had any minor grievances against Sang-geun, they would have come to me.”

Under such persistent pressure, Sang-geun wouldn’t remain calm, and eventually, he would have to eliminate Yoo Sung-jin.

Since Dong-su’s death, Yoo Sung-jin had two paths open before him.

Either align with Sang-geun or oppose him, vying against him for the position.

“Dong-su said this: his successor is Sang-geun. He also said that if I decide to retire, he wouldn’t stop me, but warned me that people wouldn’t let me go so easily.”

It seemed Park Dong-su had anticipated what might happen after his passing, organizing things before he left this world.

“I believed that Dong-su’s choice was right, and the one he acknowledged shouldn’t face difficulties because of me. Thus, I approached Sang-geun.”

As Yoo Sung-jin spoke, he looked me directly in the eyes with a steady gaze. The more I engaged in conversation with him, the more I found myself liking the kind of person he was.