Chapter 21: Manage the Secret Bank Account

“They’re planning to dismantle Hanahoe?”

Chief Ha spoke up after receiving a glance from Chairman Cheon.

“Yes, it seems they’re planning a major military restructuring. They say they’ll strip every single Hanahoe member of their position. Hanahoe meetings are increasing.”

After a moment of thought, Chairman Cheon said,

“The President has made up his mind. It’s not an easy decision, but to think he’d start by dismantling Hanahoe right after taking office.”

“He suffered greatly under the military regime, didn’t he? In the end, he may have joined hands with them to take power, but he’s not the type to just let things be.”

“What about the Cheongpung Group? Are they keeping quiet?”

“It seems they’re planning to lay low for now. It’s a tense political situation, isn’t it? Even the Cheongpung Group has to avoid the sword wielded during the most powerful period of the new administration.”

“Mu-hyeok, what do you think?”

The question was directed at me, who had been quietly listening.

“I think it will proceed without much trouble. They’ve already replaced key positions like the Army Chief of Staff and the Defense Security Commander. I heard it was a restructuring carried out in just 4 hours after summoning the Minister of National Defense. Even if they dismantle Hanahoe, it doesn’t change their conservative regime title, and the public won’t allow another coup to seize power. Other soldiers, excluding Hanahoe, won’t support it either.”

“You seem to have a keen interest in politics. You’ve grasped the situation well.”

“How could I not be interested? It’s an important variable in your work, Grandfather.”

“Oh?”

Grandfather seemed pleased, chuckling as he looked at Chief Ha, signaling him to continue the report.

Chief Ha, receiving the look, spoke again.

“Apart from the Hanahoe purge, there don’t seem to be any major issues yet… They say almost no one knows the President’s true intentions. Even the senior secretaries we’ve planted seem unaware of what the VIP is planning. However… I heard he brought up the war on corruption in this senior staff meeting.”

“Corruption?”

“Yes, he reportedly said to disclose the assets of high-ranking public officials. There’s a lot of opposition around him, but… given his personality, he’s likely to implement it regardless.”

Chairman Cheon rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache.

“He’s bringing in winds of too rapid change. Huu… I knew, but still, it’s unpredictable.”

“Does your head hurt? I’ll bring some medicine.”

“It’s fine. Anything else? Nothing in the economic sector?”

“Well… strangely, there was no mention of the economic sector.”

Chairman Cheon’s eyes narrowed.

“Isn’t the economic secretary one of our people?”

“Yes, I understand other major corporations haven’t obtained much information either.”

“What do you think?”

“The real-name financial system will probably be implemented next year at the earliest, or at the end of the term at the latest. They’ve already faced significant opposition with the Hanahoe purge and the disclosure of high-ranking officials’ assets, so to also implement the real-name financial system…”

“That’s your opinion?”

“Yes.”

Chairman Cheon nodded and looked at me.

“Mu-hyeok, what do you think?”

“The real-name financial system will definitely be implemented. It’s been discussed since the 70s but consistently failed due to politicians’ opposition, right? Given this President’s personality, I think there’s a high probability he’ll complete the preliminary work secretly using a small number of people and then suddenly announce it.”

“Ho ho ho.”

At that, Chairman Cheon burst into laughter.

After laughing for a while, Chairman Cheon looked at me and said,

“This boy is smart, but he still doesn’t understand the nature of politicians. No matter how much this President isn’t a soldier, he’s still a politician who can’t escape the shackles of political funds. It’s not something that can be achieved in a short time.”

“Still, I think there’s a need to move funds to trustworthy people.”

“That’s enough, Myung-hoon.”

“Yes.”

“I have something to talk about with Mu-hyeok, so wait outside.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Chief Ha went outside.

“Hey, boy, are you that worried about the real-name financial system?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“Don’t worry. It’s dispersed among trustworthy people. The rest isn’t a large amount.”

“Grandfather, human greed knows no bounds. Right now, there’s no problem because you have the bankbooks and seals, but if the real-name financial system is implemented and only the account holder can withdraw, there will definitely be issues.”

It was true.

Grandfather would suffer a big blow from the real-name financial system.

He’d lose about 25% of his entire fortune.

Not only the anonymous accounts under non-existent people’s names… but also accounts under borrowed names suffered great losses.

“Hmm…”

“Instead of that, why don’t you take this opportunity to sort things out? It would be good to check your overall assets while you’re at it. You told me, ‘Trust money, but don’t trust people,’ Grandfather.”

“Ho ho ho, you remember that too?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll think about it. But more importantly, Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes?”

“How did you know about the secret account with President Kim? I had entrusted it without anyone knowing, how did you find out?”

I had been waiting for this question.

“I could tell from President Kim’s expression. There was something off when he handed over the bankbooks. You clearly told him to hand over all the accounts, but there was a strange discomfort in his expression when he gave them. When I asked him directly after sending Chief Ha out, he confessed quickly.”

“What? Kuhahaha! He confessed quickly? That Kim Ho-sik, the infamous ‘Twin Blades’? That know-it-all who thinks he’s the smartest in the world?”

“Yes, I did threaten him a bit, but he answered easily.”

“Ho ho, the more I see you, the more I like you, boy.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

I didn’t avoid Chairman Cheon’s gaze as he looked at me with a pleased expression.

Grandfather couldn’t wipe the smile off his face, seemingly pleased with my confident demeanor.

“So you think the real-name financial system will be implemented within this year?”

“I think so.”

“How do you think we should recover and disperse the funds?”

“I think the most urgent matter is the accounts under non-existent people’s names, even if you leave the money in the accounts of people you really trust. It would be best to gather those into a trustworthy place first. That money will become completely irretrievable later, no matter what method we use.”

“Hmm, do you know how much your grandfather’s assets are?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I’ve learned some things while working.”

“Tell me what you know.”

“Cheon Tae-san, the man with the mcash in Korea, one of the richest in the country including known stocks and real estate, the King of Private Loans.”

“Ho ho ho, you’re gilding this old man’s face.”

“But I don’t believe those words. I think no one can compare to Grandfather’s wealth, not just one of the richest. I’m right, aren’t I? The undisclosed assets are more than the known ones?”

“Well, that might be true, or it might not be.”

Even after Grandfather’s death, we couldn’t accurately assess his assets.

Maybe because there were too many assets managed under borrowed names…

How much did my uncles and I fight to find and claim Grandfather’s assets?

In the end, I died in that fight, but…

Even Chief Ha, who was known as his confidant, didn’t know all of Grandfather’s assets.

“Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“This grandfather has committed a great sin against your mother. I’ve sinned greatly against my poor youngest daughter, Mi-suk. That’s why I want to give you a chance. Don’t ever disappoint this grandfather.”

“Yes.”

“After you’ve collected all the bankbooks from the Myeong-dong managers, you manage the secret accounts. Use that money for whatever you want. But, if you lose all that money, that will be the end of what I give you. Understand?”

“Yes, I’ll manage it without any mistakes if you entrust it to me.”

“Good, now go and rest.”

I bowed to Grandfather and went outside.

Chief Ha was waiting outside the door.

I nodded to Chief Ha and returned to my room.

‘Huh, I didn’t expect he’d entrust that to me. This way, I can proceed with my plans faster than I thought. First, I need to find someone to manage the money.’

The conditions to advance my plans earlier than expected had been set.

My options had increased unexpectedly as I was entrusted with managing Grandfather’s slush funds.

* * *

“Myung-hoon.”

Chairman Cheon, left alone in the study, called for Chief Ha.

Chief Ha opened the door and entered, bowing his head.

“Yes, Chairman.”

“We need to sort out the accounts.”

“Sort out the accounts, sir?”

“Yes, leave the borrowed names for now, but consolidate all the accounts under deceased or non-existent people’s names.”

“Where should we put them, sir?”

“Under your name. You’re the person I trust the most, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Also, sort out our stock holdings and report back to me. How long will it take?”

“The account consolidation will take until July at the earliest. They’re scattered all over the place…”

“That long for just the anonymous accounts, excluding the borrowed names?”

Chairman Cheon rubbed his furrowed brow with his finger.

“Alright, but try to sort it out as quickly as possible.”

“Yes.”

“And how much is in the borrowed name accounts entrusted to the Myeong-dong managers? Is it about 50 billion won?”

“It should be about that much.”

“Transfer that to Mu-hyeok’s name. There won’t be any problems, right?”

“To the young master’s name?”

“Yes, make sure there are no issues.”

“I understand.”

“Start with organizing Mu-hyeok’s takeover from the Myeong-dong managers, then begin the work.”

Chief Ha bowed and went outside.

Mu-hyeok, who had unknowingly received a great gift, was sound asleep, unaware of everything.

* * *

The next day

I visited Viper’s office in Myeong-dong.

Unlike Twin Blades, Viper greeted me respectfully.

“Young Master, welcome.”

“Hello, I’m Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“I’ve only heard about you, but this is the first time we’re meeting face to face. Please, have a seat.”

There was no one else in Viper’s office.

Just Viper, me, and Chief Ha, the three of us.

As soon as we sat down, Viper, the seasoned veteran, immediately took out the ledger and bankbooks.

“Please check the ledger and bankbooks. There should be no issues.”

“Alright.”

While I checked the ledger, Viper waited silently.

It was the same when I checked the bankbooks.

“There are no problems. I’ll be taking the bankbooks now. I’ll check the ledger every two weeks. Is that okay?”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Chief Ha? Could you step out for a moment? I’d like to have a private conversation.”

Having experienced this before, Chief Ha left without a word.

As soon as the door closed, I got straight to the point.

“Mr. Roh, you have more bankbooks, don’t you? Please hand those over too.”

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

“The bankbooks that the Chairman entrusted to you secretly, without anyone knowing.”

The scar on Noh Ik-seon’s face twitched subbtly. His gaze also wavered, unsure where to look.

“Why? Is there a problem with the bankbooks?”

“No, there isn’t.”

“Then please hand them over.”

“I need to confirm with the Chairman…”

I cut off Mr. Roh, who was trying to buy time.

“The fact that I know about the existence of bankbooks that only the Chairman and you know about itself speaks to the Chairman’s intentions. Is there any reason to waste time by confirming further? Just hand them over quickly.”

Mr. Roh didn’t answer and just looked around nervously.

“Sigh… Do I need to give you time too?”

Viper’s reaction was no different from Twin Blades’.

Following Twin Blades, now Viper too – it meant they were all doing something with Grandfather’s slush funds.

…These bastards, don’t tell me…

The money that supposedly evaporated from the anonymous accounts during the real-name financial system… was it actually these guys who took it as a windfall while doing something else?

Gulp.

In the office, only the sound of Viper swallowing dry saliva echoed as he faced my piercing gaze.