Chapter 233: Not Much Different from America

Stepping into the waiting limousine, I left Dulles Airport behind.

The car carrying me entered Washington D.C., the heart of American politics and the nation’s capital.

We had been moving quickly right until leaving the airport, but now the gridlock forced us into a crawl.

“”Boss, I heard there’s a protest up ahead,””

Manager Ma, seated in the passenger seat, received word from the lead security vehicle.

“A protest?”

“Yes, there are Democratic supporters gathered in front of the Capitol for a demonstration against the presidential election results,”

“Didn’t the Democratic Party already concede?”

At the mention of protests, I pulled down the heavily tinted window slightly.

“It’s dangerous, Boss,”

Manager Ma cautioned with concern, but I smiled gently and replied.

“If there’s someone skilled enough to kill me in the middle of Washington, they could do it anywhere.”

Through the slowly passing window, I caught sight of a crowd marching past, impeded by the traffic.

In my previous life, the fierceness of the election had caused a lot of controversy after a hard-fought battle. But this time, without such worries, Bush of the Republican Party had achieved a complete victory.

Even so, witnessing the throngs pushing towards the Capitol, crying out fraud, I couldn’t help but shake my head. I’d hoped American protests would be different, but there was nothing unique about it so I rolled the window back up.

“Not much different from America,”

I muttered softly, prompting Manager Ma to turn back.

“What did you say?”

“Oh, nothing. Just got lost in thought for a moment. It seems there are people everywhere who only feel satisfied when the side they support wins, whether it’s America or Korea.”

I spoke offhandedly, but my thoughts were quite tangled. Even in the supposed paradise of democracy, Americans were protesting elections…

The terrible traffic finally cleared after the protestors amassed before the Capitol.

Leaving the demonstrators behind, we sped towards the hotel I had booked.

After a long stretch of driving, the car finally came to a halt.

Manager Ma exited first, assessing the positions of the security team and scanning for any potential threats. Satisfied there were none, he opened my door.

“Boss, we’ve arrived.”

As soon as I stepped out, all eyes turned in our direction. Manager Ma naturally shielded me as he guided me inside the hotel.

Upon hearing news of Eva’s attack, Manager Ma immediately requested security assistance from the Black Bear in the U.S.

Thanks to the overwhelming number of security personnel that arrived, it was impossible for anyone not to stare as we moved.

The security team, having arrived before me, completed the hotel check-in and was waiting by the elevator. Without a moment’s pause, we headed straight to the top-floor suite.

As soon as we reached the room, I loosened my tie and declared.

“I’m going to rest well today. Don’t connect any calls, no matter what.”

“Understood, Boss.”

“Is there time left until dinner? Once Manager Han arrives, I plan to eat together, so wake me when he gets here.”

After sending Manager Ma out of the room, I was alone. The fatigue from the long flight and the turmoil over Eva’s assault left me desperate for the comfort of the bed.

I threw myself onto the bed and closed my eyes. I hadn’t realized how tired I was until I lay down; I fell asleep almost instantly.

Manager Ma woke me up. It seemed Han Gyeong-yeong had arrived.

Opening my eyes, I found the room dim. It seemed I had not just napped but slept through the night.

Perhaps I had a nightmare while sleeping; I felt clammy from the sweat I’d shed. I quickly showered and stepped out of the room.

As I made my way down to the hotel restaurant, I found Han Gyeong-yeong and Eric chatting while waiting for me.

As I pushed the door open and entered, both stood to greet me. I smiled at their familiar faces, happy to see them after so long.

“What were you two discussing so seriously?”

I asked while sitting down, and both followed suit.

“We were talking about the incident where Eva was attacked.”

No wonder they looked so serious. Nodding at Han Gyeong-yeong’s response, I acknowledged.

“Boss, I also received contact from the team dispatched to Japan.”

Eric’s expression was as serious as ever.

Had I not requested Black Bear’s extraction, I couldn’t imagine what would have happened to Eva. That’s why Eric wore such a serious expression.

“What kind of damages did we receive? I was so overwhelmed earlier, I couldn’t get a proper look.”

“Fortunately, there were no fatalities. A few were seriously injured, but that’s all.”

I exhaled a sigh of relief at hearing that no one had died. Still, questions lingered.

“I heard firearms were used?”

“Yes. It was a Russian-made handgun. It’s not exclusive to Russia; it’s also sold in the U.S. under the name ‘VIKING.'”

For contingencies, the armored vehicle, usually reserved for presidents, had been prepared for Eva.

Japan, like Korea, had strict gun control laws, but gun-related incidents happened frequently enough, as the Yakuza regularly wielded automatic rifles.

Still, having gunfire erupt in the heart of Tokyo must be significant, yet the silence around it was suspicious.

“However, it doesn’t seem the firearms used in the recent attack came from the U.S. While guns are legal there, they are extremely well-regulated. We suspect they might have been smuggled to Japan through the Russian mafia.”

Firearms coming from Russia… perhaps this situation could be resolved more easily than expected.

“You’re saying the gun was sourced from Russia?”

“Yes, we’re already looking into it. Igor in Russia should be investigating directly.”

I turned slightly to give a nod to Manager Ma standing next to me.

“Please contact Medvedev to request any information on the mafia smuggling firearms into Russia. They should already be aware of our situation, considering they know we were attacked in Japan.”

After Putin took office, the activities of Russian mafia within Russia had sharply decreased.

This was primarily due to the arrests of Berezovsky and his faction, who were virtually their godfather. The only survivor among them was Roman, who had been like Berezovsky’s foster son.

“Reach out to Roman too and ask him to look into it. Perhaps he could find out the information faster than anyone else.”

First, I wanted to clarify the route through which the handguns had entered our possession.

Who dared to lay hands on my people? They must be prepared for the consequences. While I contemplated further action, Eric spoke up.

“We sent all the remaining security personnel from our Korean branch to Japan. I figured protecting Representative Eva would take precedence.”

“Well done.”

Seeing Eric swiftly complete the follow-up actions even before I issued my instructions made me naturally smile.

They say having capable people around makes life easier, and that couldn’t be truer.

“How’s Black Bear doing?”

“Yes, Boss. The company is operating smoothly now, even without James’s assistance. We’re the top PMC out there now.”

In Eric’s voice and demeanor, I could sense a strong pride and confidence.

“You’ve managed to grow it this much already? I know there are quite a few PMCs out there.”

The funding that went into establishing Black Bear had been substantial, even more than the total capital spent acquiring Jungwoo Group.

Noticing the look of surprise on my face, Eric’s smile deepened.

“There are wars everywhere. Our involvement in the Kosovo conflict really showcased our capabilities. The treatment given to our special forces by the U.S. and other countries is far better compared to other PMCs, which allowed us to recruit some exceptional talents.”

Being a mercenary was always a profession close to danger. But the pay was pitifully low in comparison.

It was often cheaper than the equipment they used, and that was an undeniable reality.

“Moreover, the advanced gear that dramatically enhances survival rates has caught the attention of mercenaries. As a result, the company’s hiring costs have skyrocketed. Still, the demand for our services is so high that we’re nearing a shortage of personnel.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard to make money.”

The establishment of the PMC was meant as a way to protect my own and those around me, not purely for profit.

“I understand that well. I’m fully aware of the reason you recruited me and founded the PMC. I will fulfill that role to the best of my ability.”

Nodding at Eric, who spoke confidently and smiled, I felt reassured.

If Black Bear was doing well, it must be time to focus on Dream High. I turned my gaze towards Han Gyeong-yeong.

“What about you? How are things for you?”

“I don’t have much to do now. It’s mostly up to the staff beneath me to handle things.”

Han Gyeong-yeong looked relieved as he spoke, suggesting he must have gone through quite a lot of stress.

“That was pretty dangerous, huh?”

As he recalled the moment when the NASDAQ was endlessly soaring, he shook his head in dismay.

“Don’t remind me. I unexpectedly secured a lot of contracts. It was a nightmare watching the deficits pile up before my eyes while everyone under me insisted we had to jump into the rising market…”

Seeing him flail his arms animatedly, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“This isn’t a laughing matter. If it weren’t for your orders, I’d have bet on the market rising too. Whether in stocks or futures, there’s always a flow. Everyone was saying YES, while you were the one saying NO.”

“You also predicted it. The situation shifted as others got involved, which extended the duration beyond what I’d anticipated. Still, you did well.”

Thanks to the longer-than-expected bullish market duration, I was anxious even though I knew the future. Han Gyeong-yeong must have felt even more restless not knowing.

But even if I had to go back, I had no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.

“The New York market hasn’t taken a significant dive, right?”

After a moment of contemplation, Han Gyeong-yeong nodded.

“True, the NASDAQ bubble popped, but the entire New York market didn’t plummet into panic. By the way, you said there aren’t any major events coming up?”

“Right. We can either go on a trip or do something else after the Qualcomm acquisition wraps up.”

“A trip?”

I gently smiled at Han Gyeong-yeong, who looked puzzled.

Even a horse, if it is only driven with a whip, will falter eventually. It was time to offer him a carrot.

“Remember the small island I bought in Greece? They just wrapped up the organization there. You should visit when you get the chance.”

I had purchased a small island in Greece, doing my utmost to create a space for my people to enjoy without disturbance from others.

Large-scale construction projects were undertaken to develop the facilities needed for a peaceful retreat, and I finally received word that all the work was completed.

“A team of mercenaries is stationed there. I’ve heard it’s paradise; I would love to see it myself.”

As I shared this, Eric, who had been listening quietly, chimed in.

“Is that so? I haven’t gotten a chance to visit after setting it up. I must take Eva there once everything calms down in Japan.”

Though I described it as a small island, it had its own private runway as well as a helicopter landing pad among other essential facilities for emergencies. There were ample reasons for a mercenary team to be stationed there.

“One team is too few. This place should be a vacation spot for my people. So please send anyone who’s served long periods in combat to rest there.”

“Yes, understood. I’ll increase the personnel there.”

I recalled Chairman Song’s advice from long ago—running nonstop would eventually wear one thin.

While that was advice aimed at me, it equally applied to my people.

“Now, let’s stop talking business and enjoy dinner. Eric, how have you been? Are you still working every day?”

Having met after such a long time, I shifted the topic away from work. I lifted my knife, prompting both to follow my lead.

After enjoying a pleasant dinner, Eric eventually left.

I ascended to my room with Han Gyeong-yeong, as there was still some conversation I wanted to have with him.

“Stay here tonight. Let’s have a drink after a long time.”

Upon entering the room, I found Manager Ma had quickly set up a drinking spread with hotel staff.

I picked up the whiskey bottle from the table and opened it. Pouring a drink for Han Gyeong-yeong.

“Here, have a drink. It’s been a while since we’ve shared a drink together.”

Han Gyeong-yeong smiled as he accepted the drink. Perhaps having had wine with dinner, his expression seemed more relaxed than usual.

“It’s true. There’s hardly any time now for relaxed drink sessions like this.”

After filling our glasses, we toasted, and the sound of clinking glasses resonated cheerily.

I downed my drink in one go and set my glass down, turning to Han Gyeong-yeong.

“Have you met with any of Bush’s associates?”

Han Gyeong-yeong nodded and picked up some fruit from the plate.

“Most of them. I’ve attended almost all the fundraising or charity events.”

“What do you think of them? How do they compare with the Clinton Administration?”

In response to my question, Han Gyeong-yeong furrowed his brow in thought. I refilled his glass again.

“Their dispositions are completely different. It isn’t just a party difference, like Republican vs. Democrat.”

His understanding didn’t seem far off from what I already knew. I nodded, agreeing with him.

“Do you think they lean more towards hard-liners?”

“Even though the Republican and Democratic parties have policy differences, they prioritize America above all. But these guys take it to an extreme. It almost seems like they’re prepared to wage war against any nation they see as opposing America.”

Waging war without hesitation… I found myself frowning.

We continued sipping our drinks, discussing Bush, the next occupant of the White House, and his advisers.

When the atmosphere was no longer strained, I finally spoke up.

“I’ve been asked by Kim Jong-il from North Korea for a favor. He wants me to facilitate negotiations toward a peace treaty between the U.S. and North Korea. I plan to mention this when I meet Bush this time.”

Han Gyeong-yeong’s face transformed with visible shock at my bombshell revelation.