Chapter 312: Is That Really the Case?

Upon checking the loan-related documents that Yoo Sung-jin brought, he looked up with a surprised expression and asked,

“I was aware of it, but wasn’t it a directive from the President?”

I nodded. After all, there was no way the Heavenly Group was unaware of the illegal loans.

If they were oblivious, they would have no right to complain about losing their bread and butter.

Even as I nodded, I stole glances at Kang Joon-woo, but his expressionhadn’t changed at all.

“I received a report from the director in charge of the loan sector. I assumed it was something the President directed since you told me last time not to obstruct President Noh Ik-seon’s expansion into Gangnam.”

“I did direct that project, but this isn’t the case. If you noticed something odd, why didn’t you ask me?”

“I thought Noh Ik-seon was one of your people. I didn’t expect him to operate behind your back.”

Yoo Sung-jin responded with a puzzled expression. I could understand his reaction perfectly.

Since I hadn’t said anything, he probably assumed it was my order.

“You may have thought that. However, I handed the loan business over to Myeong-dong, while the smaller illegal loans went to the Heavenly Group. Do you think I would start that again without informing Chairman Yoo? Honestly, I feel like everyone puts too much trust in me.”

The illegal loan market in Myeong-dong was gradually disappearing due to the implementation of the Loan Business Act.

It was an era where ordinary citizens could easily obtain small loans from lending companies.

There were even those who managed to get multiple credit cards and used cash services to live off that.

However, many still benefitted from the formal system. Those who didn’t eventually stepped into the realm of illegal loans, knowing full well the outrageous interest rates they would face.

Illegal loans were the monsters that thrived on the blood, sweat, and tears of the people.

I detested that. There were plenty of other ways to make money.

Thus, I resolved to expedite the passing of the Loan Business Act and take control of the legitimate lending sector.

I entrusted the lending for ordinary customers to the Myeong-dong bosses, while the general loans for large corporations were managed by Ha Myung-hoon at Taesan Financial.

“I’ve heard that some of my subordinates are expressing discontent. They say that Viper is targeting businesses in Gangnam for huge profits, yet is still unsatisfied and eyeing their own necks as well.”

“They’re bound to have some complaints. Nobody is unaware that lending to corporations is lucrative. That’s why I handed over all other loan businesses to Chairman Yoo.”

“I appreciate that part.”

All loan-related businesses outside of the formal sector were handed over to the Heavenly Group.

“Anyway, the issue with President Noh Ik-seon is my mistake. I apologize, Chairman Yoo. Please understand.”

I slightly bowed my head, expressing my regret. Yoo Sung-jin, however, bowed even deeper than I did.

“…It’s fine. No worries.”

Seeing his abundantly flustered expression made me smile softly.

“Can we just overlook a mistake? I’ll pass all those bonds over to you, and I’m planning to transfer all the businesses that Noh Ik-seon was handling too.”

“What? You’re going to hand that over to us?”

Yoo Sung-jin’s eyes widened in surprise, then he shrugged and continued.

“But you’ll have to give us half of the business profits in return. Is that agreeable?”

“Hold on a moment. I’ll call the director in charge of the loan business.”

Chairman Yoo nodded toward Kang Joon-woo in front of him.

Kang Joon-woo received the signal stood up, and bowed before opening the conference room door.

I stared at Kang Joon-woo’s departing figure ith a cold gaze.

Yoo Sung-jin seemed too focused on the documents in front of him to notice my expression. I inquired of the absorbed Yoo Sung-jin.

“Aside from the war with the Chinese organization, isn’t Director Kang in charge of any other projects?”

“No. He’s only leading the war under my command; he doesn’t have any other ventures.”

Yoo Sung-jin took his eyes off the documents and looked back at me, saying.

“There’s no discontent regarding that?”

“He’s my trusted younger brother. He won’t harbor any resentment. I’m providing sufficient compensation too.”

“Hmm… is that really the case?”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

“Let’s say, if Director Kang decides to rebel, can you withstand that, Chairman? All the combat personnel in the organization are under him, right?”

Yoo Sung-jin straightened his posture, indicating he understood the intent behind my question, and answered with a serious expression.

“That won’t happen, but even if Director Kang were to oppose me, the people below wouldn’t follow him.”

“Really? You seem quite confident.”

Though his confidence was refreshing to see, it also needed a reasonable basis.

When I hinted at that sentiment, Yoo Sung-jin awkwardly chuckled.

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but life has changed a lot, hasn’t it? Now it’s all about money; money is loyalty.”

“Wasn’t it always like that?”

“It wasn’t to this extent before. It was different when I lived with Dong-soo Hyung.”

“Looks like Dong-soo and Chairman Yoo are just lost in romance.”

Yoo Sung-jin nodded grimly at my words.

“I suppose so. Still, thanks to you, my mindset has changed a lot.”

“If money is loyalty and money is brotherhood, then anyone who offers enough money could easily rebel, don’t you think?”

Yoo Sung-jin, lost in thought for a moment, shook his head.

“You have no idea how much the people who used to survive on brute force in Korea now look up to the Heavenly Group.”

“Is that so?”

“People who have always watched out for the law aren’t the same. Managing a legitimate company has reduced the frequency of outright violence compared to before. Plus, the war with the Chinese organization hasn’t generally affected civilians, making it easier to navigate dealings with the police and prosecutors. Of course, you must have influenced things greatly, but still.”

As he spoke, Yoo Sung-jin’s confidence grew.

“Even the retired seniors visit me often. I treat them kindly every time they come by. Even if they are retired or forcibly retired, over half of them began their careers as enforcers in the Heavenly Group. Very few would think of opposing me. And even if they did, there wouldn’t be many who would support them.”

That was a satisfactory answer. I nodded naturally with a soft smile.

“It’s nice to see you so confident.”

“All this is thanks to you supporting me, President. But why did you ask that question?”

“That’s…”

Just as I was about to articulate my thoughts, there was a knocking on the conference room door.

“Chairman, Director Chu Dong-bin has arrived.”

Yoo Sung-jin surveyed my face. Nodding slightly, I signaled that he could enter.

“Tell him to come in.”

The door opened and Kang Joon-woo entered along with man.

“Did you call for me, Chairman?”

“Yes. Come over here and greet me.”

“Alright, understood.”

The man walked over and bowed in greeting.

“Hello, I’m Chu Dong-bin.”

“Nice to meet you.”

I stood up, extended my hand, and he took it while still bowing.

“You can stand up. You don’t have to greet me that formally.”

“Yes!”

Seeing him immediately straighten up brought a smile to my face.

“Why is he so rigid? It’s not like we’re in the military.”

“I come from a military background.”

That explained the different demeanor compared to the other directors. I laughed heartily at Yoo Sung-jin’s explanation.

“A soldier, huh? How did a soldier end up in the Heavenly Group?”

“I was dishonorably discharged due to assaulting a superior. I brought in Director Chu, who was drifting around.”

“I see. Please, have a seat.”

I said as I took my seat. Chu Dong-bin responded with a strong voice and sat down as well.

“You can leave now.”

Yoo Sung-jin said to Kang Joon-woo, who was trying to ake a seat next to Chu Dong-bin. Kang Joon-woo asked with a puzzle expression.

“What?”

“We’ll handle this ourselves, so you can leave.”

“Ah, alright. Understood.”

At that moment, I caught the flicker of anxiety in Kang Joon-woo’s eyes. It seemed Yo Sung-jin noticed it too.

Kang Joon-woo, who had been standng awkwardly, bowed before exiting the conference room.

Once he confirmed Kang Joon-woo was gone, Yoo Sung-in pushed the documents lying in front of him toward Chu Dong-bin.

“Take a look. I just can’t make heads or tails of it.”

“What’s all this paperwork for?”

Chu Dong-bin held a sheet of paper and read its contents. After skimming the document, he looked up.

“These are all loan documents, aren’t they?”

“Yes. Apparently, you’re going to take all these over?”

“Are you saying all of this?”

After confirming the numerous promissory notes on the table, Chu Dong-bin’s expression finally shifted.

“You know Noh Ik-seon, right?”

“Yes, I know him.”

“These are all the documents for the money he lent out. The total amount will be over ten billion won.”

“You mean… You intend to hand all that over to us?”

I nodded slightly, and Chu Dong-bin addressed Yoo Sung-jin, who was facing him.

“Chairman, President Noh Ik-seon won’t just sit back and let this happen. This is a poisoned apple.”

“Why?”

“It’s not like you just ordered Noh to set up a base in Gangnam for no reason. The money backer behind him is someone formidable. Bringing their money here won’t be beneficial for us.”

I listened quietly to their discussion. It seemed that Chu Dong-bin knew nothing about me.

“Didn’t you mention that those below were dissatisfied?”

“Dissatisfaction is unavoidable, isn’t it? I don’t know how you obtained these documents, but this doesn’t seem right.”

“Oh, this frustrating idiot.”

Yoo Sung-jin sighed heavily and shook his head.

“I’m sorry, Chairman. He’s new to the organization and doesn’t know much yet.”

“It’s fine. How many people in the Heavenly Group really know me?”

“Dong-bin, show your proper respect. This is the owner of Heavenly Group.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that…”

Chu Dong-bin looked back and forth between me and Yoo Sung-jin as he stuttered.

However, seeing that Yoo Sung-jin was completely serious, his face paled.

“What are you doing? Bow properly and greet him.”

“Stop! I don’t want to be greeted like that.”

“But it’s better to give a proper greeting…”

I smiled gently at the bewildered Chu Dong-bin, who seemed confused about the situation.

“I understand if it’s hard for you to grasp this situation.”

“…Honestly, yes. I figured you were someone important when I saw you sitting in that chair, but I never imagined you’d be the owner of the Heavenly Group.”

“Chairman Yoo exaggerated; don’t misinterpret his words. Regardless, you can accept it. Noh Ik-seon is involved here as well.”

Chu Dong-bin’s eyes widened. When he first entered the office, he hadn’t shown any expression but now, he reacted distinctly.

“What?”

“I was the one who directed Noh Ik-seon to set up in Gangnam, and I also told Chairman Yoo to look after him, so accepting those documents is fine.”

“…”

Chu Dong-bin seemed at a loss for words.

“Chairman Yoo, how confident are you in this man?”

“Entrusting a money-related task to him means I trust him to that extent. But why do you ask?”

“Shouldn’t we eliminate the traitor inside our ranks?”

“A traitor? Surely you’re not suggesting…”

Yoo Sung-jin’s expression hardened.

“I captured President Noh to trace where his money was coming from. I suspect Noh Ik-seon found another financial backer. They happen to be Chinese, and the person who connected us is…”

I glanced at Chu Dong-bin and continued, “Kang Joon-woo, the director who jst left.”