Chapter 301: A Piece of Advice

“Are you referring to Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund?”

Internally flustered, I maintained my composure and met Bae-hoon’s sharp gaze squarely.

“Jang Seong-taek has been overseeing most public projects. Naturally, some of the profits would stick to him, right? But I can’t seem to track down the whereabouts of his slush fund.”

Bae-hoon scrutinized me with piercing eyes.

Annoyed by his intense stare, I instinctively edged my voice to a sharper tone.

“Why are you asking me?”

“Strangely enough, the investigation into Jang Seong-taek’s funds hit a dead end right after he met Kim Mu-hyeok in China. So, doesnt it make sense to look into Kim for answers?”

“I have no knowledge of that.”

I stated firmly, but Bae-hoon clearly did not believe my words.

“Is that so? I suspect Kim is involved. I hope you’ll share what you know.”

“I’ve already said I don’t know anything.”

Bae-hoon slammed his hand on the table in frustration.

“Don’t just brush me off. If you know anything, please share! Times are tough for the Republic, you know? That slush fund could help alleviate the people’s hunger.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle internally at Bae-hoon’s display of concern for the people. It was more about filling his own pockets.

“I really don’t have any information.”

This wasn’t a lie; I genuinely had no clue.

I had introduced him to a broker but cut ties after that.

I hadn’t met or contacted the broker at all.

Even if I tried to find the broker, I was sure all records had been destroyed.

So it was clear, only Jang Seong-taek knew the whereabouts of that slush fund.

“You should be asking Jang Seong-taek instead of me. Why ask someone who knows nothing?”

“I can’t ask him, that’s why I’m here.”

“Huh? What does that even mean?”

You can’t ask him? I needed clarification on that.

Was he already dead? Or had he been taken somewhere inaccessible for Bae-hoon?

“Is something wrong with Jang Seong-taek?”

“I believe Kim is somehow involved in tracking down Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund. So please tell me what you know.”

Despite my attempts to extract information, Bae-hoon remained unfazed.

I couldn’t understand why he was so keen on finding out about the slush fund.

Kim Jong-il would never care about Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund if he was leaving his own unchecked.

“Why are you so interested in Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund? Is it an order from Chairman Kim Jong-il?”

The mention of Kim Jong-il changed Bae-hoon’s expression for the first time.

“Don’t carelessly invoke the name of our great leader. You’re not worthy to speak it.”

I couldn’t believe it; I scowled at the outburst, feeling offended.

“Who do you think you are, coming here and interrogating me? Even Chairman Kim Jong-il wouldn’t dare approach me like this! Do I take your actions as a reflection of the Chairman’s will?”

“…What an absurd statement.”

I was at a loss for words, unsure who was truly talking down to whom. I voiced my thoughts without restraint.

“Ha… I truly can’t believe this.”

Bae-hoon, undeterred by my sarcasm, kept pressing the same questions.

“Please tell me the whereabouts of Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund, and I’ll grant you any favor you desire.”

“I already claimed I don’t know. Even if you continue to inquire, my answer remains the same.”

I indicated that I had no interest in speaking further about Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund; it felt like an unproductive cycle.

“Huh…”

Bae-hoon sighed heavily.

“Our people are starving. Does the U.S. plan to let our Republic perish? If we had that money…”

Emotional appeals only cloud reason. I raised my hand to interrupt him.

“Talk politics with the politicians at the Blue House, and tell me why you really came to see me.”

Kim Jong-il had halted secret negotiations with the U.S. and stopped all economic cooperations with Korea, leading to a declining economic state in North Korea.

Recently, I received news that the ‘Arduous March’ believed to be over had restarted.

Simultaneously, the number of defectors crossing the border had surged exponentially.

However, unlike Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il was noot friendly with China or Russia.

He hadn’t extended a hand during the ‘Arduous March’ either.

“Please tell me the real reason you wanted to meet. If you have nothing more to say, I’ll have to take my leave; I’m just a busy businessman here.”

“…”

Ignoring the glare Bae-hoon shot me, I rose from my seat.

“I’ll assume there’s nothing to talk about and take my leave now.”

“But we haven’t finished our conversation yet.”

I didn’t sit back down. I looked down at him with a cold stare and said, “If you’re planning on spewing nonsense again, don’t bother opening your mouth. If you came to pay respects to Chairman Song Young-ju, you should focus on that matter.”

“…You might deeply regret this later on.”

“Regret?”

I smirked, and Bae-hoon’s discomfort was evident from his expression as he witnessed my reaction.

Some people, upon rising to power, behave like this.

Wrapped in the illusion of having it all, it’s easy to see others as beneath you.

“I have no regrets. Didn’t you hear the saying about loose lips in North Korea?”

“The Leader did pass on a warning. So, please, take a seat.”

Seeing him dropping the name of Kim Jong-il disgusted me, and I rolled my eyes as I settled back into my chair.

“You’re just throwing around threats without even grasping the true nature of your role. As a messenger, convey only what you’re told. That’s your main duty.”

Bae-hoon gritted his teeth, glaring at me as if he wanted to tear me apart. However, he offered no further provocation.

“Then let’s hear it. What did Chairman Kim Jong-il want to convey?”

This time, all outside communication had been severed; he had no means of contacting Kim Jong-il, not even a satellite phone.

“First, accept this.”

Bae-hoon pulled out a neatly folded paper from his suit pocket and handed it to me. I took it while locking eyes with him.

“It’s a new satellite phone number. He asked me to pass it along.”

Opening the paper revealed a series of numbers. As I memorized them, I asked, “Is that all?”

“No. He wishes for you to wrap up the unfinished business you had. ”

“Really?”

“He believes you’ll know what to do based on your understanding.”

“Understood.”

I nodded, acknowledging, but I sensed Kim Jong-il’s memory had entirely faded regarding what he had entrusted to me.

If he remembered, he wouldn’t be making such a request. Regardless, he must have strong connections to be still standing.

“Is there any way you could let me know what the matter was that the Leader mentioned?”

Just as I thought about Kim Jong-il, Bae-hoon inside interrupted me, inquiring about what Kim Jong-il had charged me with.

“Here’s a word of advice: If you want to stay close to Chairman Kim Jong-il, just stick to your given tasks and not overthink things.”

I lightly tapped my temple with my finger as I spoke.

“You should ignore logic for survival. That’s how you can live longer.”

Clearly, Kim Jong-il trusts no one anymore. While he had empowered the military through Songun politics, what returned was a coup.

“The same goes for Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund. If someone new to the power circle already has their sights set on something like a slush fund, they won’t last long. I don’t know what happened with his safety, but erase thoughts of Jang Seong-taek’s slush fund from your mind.”

I stood first.

“Do not forget my advice. You don’t want regrets later on. I’ll take my leave now; Daehyeon Group has probably made their decisions by now.”

Bae-hoon’s twisted expression revealed just how enraged he was feeling.

Blinded by power, he clearly must not have heard my warning.

‘There’s no need to investigate this person further; he’ll likely face repercussions soon enough.’

Jang Seong-taek, who married Kim Jong-il’s sister, kept his head low as best he could.

Even being called the second-in-command by other countries or within the party, he hadn’t fallen for power’s allure.

This was why he could maintain his role as second-in-command until Kim Jong-il’s passing.

However, this coup altered Jang Seong-taek’s future as well. Surely, Kim Jong-il wouldn’t kill Jang Seong-taek, would he?

“Should I leave first? I don’t want to ruin the mood.”

I remarked while observing Bae-hoon with a frown.

As I spoke, Bae-hoon got up and exited without a backward glance.

Such a temper. I shook my head in exasperation as I followed him out.

“Looks like no decisions have been made yet.”

The family members were still not out.

“Have they been standing there this whole time?”

I asked Manager Ma as I looked at the mourners who stood without taking a seat.

“Yes, they indeed have. Even when offered seats by the unification department staff, they continue standing just like that.”

“What a hassle.”

They could have just relaxed; I didn’t get why they were making things harder for themselves.

But probably, they’ve faced rigorous ideological screenings before coming to Seoul.

Among those in suits, more than half looked like soldiers from the security department, likely there to monitor the mourners.

Their sturdy build, short haircuts, and watchful eyes gave it away.

The Minister of Unification, who was talking outside, re-entered through the door.

“Huh… Let’s discuss the details inside the Blue House.”

“In South Korea, the President can’t personally make decisions like this?”

“Every task has its order; procedure is essential in all matters.”

“Tsk, what’s taking so long for them?”

Bae-hoon seemed to be vexed, wanting to express the humiliation he endured to the officials of the unification department.

However, as the Minister of Unification and the officials maintained their low stance, he lost interest and sat on a chair, muttering to the person beside him.

“South Korean businessmen have no guts. If the great leader made a significant decision, wouldn’t they just accept it? Am I wrong?”

“That’s right, comrade manager.”

At that moment, the door of the family waiting room swung open. Chairman Song Chan-woo spoke with a grave expression.

“If we bring my father’s remains back to the Republic, will we be able to visit him?”

“Don’t worry. Our beloved Leader has granted permission for everything.”

Upon hearing the response, Chairman Song Chan-woo turned to Song Young-jae behind him.

Song Young-jae nodded solemnly in agreement.

“Once we receive government approval, we will proceed. Minister.”

Chairman Song Chan-woo called for the Minister of Unification.

“Yes, Chairman Song.”

“What has the President said?”

“Well… there’s nothing decided yet. As you know, there are procedures…”

“I sincerely hope for your approval. My father’s motivation for doing business with North Korea was to set foot on his hometown once again. I believe he would find peace if laid to rest in that land, even in death.”

“Yes, I will do my best for a favorable outcome.”

Finally, Chairman Song Chan-woo relaxed his demeanor and turned to Bae-hoon once more.

“Manager Bae-hoon, let’s have a meal together.”

“Sounds good.”

“Everyone, please eat. I’ll have a talk with Manager Bae-hoon for a bit.”

“Make sure you all eat too.”

After beckoning to the others, Bae-hoon stepped into a separate room with Chairman Song Chan-woo.

Now, those who had come with me from Pyongyang finally grouped together and took their seats.

“We should take our leave now.”

“Boss.”

I turned to exit the funeral hall, but Manager Ma halted me by stepping closer.

In a hushed tone, he whispered, “One of the mourners wishes to have a quiet conversation with the Boss.”

“Who is it?”

Instead of answering, Manager Ma tilted his head slightly.

Following his gaze, I spotted someone lurking quietly at the back of the mourners.