Chapter 321: Hand It All Over to Manager Ma

“Building trust with Masood won’t hurt. After all, he’s set to become the new president of Afghanistan soon.”

Everything I’d planned was going according to my desires.

Afghanistan wasn’t a region known for wealth. At least, not yet—it was about to change.

“There’s no doubt trust in Black Bear has increased. They typically don’t like to rely on outside help. Looks like things went your way, right?”

The amount of money the U.S. was ready to invest in Afghanistan was staggering. On top of that, rumors of significant rare earth deposits were circulating.

Establishing a connection with Masood, the leader of the Northern Alliance now in power, was quite a beneficial achievement.

“Yeah. Just keep building that trust with him. Or maybe I’ll give him a call later. Eric is doing a good job.”

Speaking directly over the phone makes a world of difference compared to relaying messages through others.

“For now, let’s stick to that plan. You should stay out of Korea for a while, and keep an eye on Wall Street and the Jewish community’s movements. It feels a bit too quiet lately.”

Next up was Eva.

“Eva, focus on the collapse of Il-seong Group. That matter is impportant too. If you notice any strange movements, let me know immediately.”

“Got it, Boss.”

“Have you organized what’s gone out to the politicians?”

“Yeah. Dates of the exchanges, amounts, even videos have been recorded. You can’t trust politicians, right?”

Eva winked at me with one eye.

Well, Eva wouldn’t slack on her work, that was for sure.

“Hand it all over to Manager Ma.”

“Sure, I can do that right away.”

“And keep an eye on the movements in Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan as well. We’re not short on cash, are we?”

“The money in the account you gave me won’t dwindle quickly. It might even grow. If it’s needed, I’ll let you know.”

“That’s good to know.”

I couldn’t manage everything by myself.

The presence of Han Gyeong-yeong and Eva was a significant help to me.

My greatest asset was money. 2002 was the year I laid the groundwork to completely seize Korea with that cash.

If money could solve everything, this wouldn’t take so long. No matter what I did, stubborn politicians and journalists always appeared.

I had to identify their weaknesses.

If offering carrots doesn’t work, then I had no choice but to crack the whip.

“Manager Ma, please take the ledgers from Eva and organize them. We’re set to enter Russia at the end of this month, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll leave that to you until then.”

I’d talked about work for only a moment, but already the outside was turning dim.

“Wow, time really flies. How long do you plan to stay in Korea?”

“Me? Maybe a week or two? I’ll meet some people, take a bit of a break, then head to England to check in on the club and maybe go on a date with Aili. New York might be lively, but I really have nothing big to do there right now.”

“How’s everything with the club?”

The Premier League had already completed half of its season.

“Currently, we’re ranked 3rd. The chemistry between the newly signed players and the existing squad is still off. The coach needs to change too. But honestly, I’m not great at football. It’s all up to the management team. Aili fills me in, though.”

“Maybe I should take a look as well. I have dinner plans tonight, but let’s grab a drink before you head to England.”

“Sure. I’m feeling a bit drained from the flight. I should head home and rest today.”

Just then, there was a knock on the study door.

“Boss, Jin-tae has arrived.”

“Oh, tell him to come in with the lady.”

The study door opened, and the Ajumma and her son, An Jin-tae, stepped in together.

“Hello.”

Jin-tae entered the study with a slightly awkward expression, bowing his head in greeting.

“Yeah, come on in. I’m sorry for summoning you so suddenly for dinner. Gyeong-yeong is here for the first time in a while, and he wanted to get you a gift for passing the entrance exam.”

“Hey, Jin-tae. Congratulations!”

“Thank you!”

Seeing Han Gyeong-yeong, Jin-tae’s face brightened a little as he took a seat.

“I was thinking of getting you a car as a gift for your acceptance. Do you have a specific model in mind?”

Jin-tae looked a bit troubled, glancing at the Ajumma.

“I’ve already gotten permission from my aunt. Don’t hesitate to tell me anything.”

I wondered why Han Gyeong-yeong was so pleased about giving a gift.

“I don’t have my license yet. I don’t really know what kind of cars are out there.”

“Really? Then let’s go look together later. You need to see the car in person before you can choose.”

Watching Han Gyeong-yeong chuckling while Jin-tae was bewildered, I couldn’t help but shake my head.

“Don’t mess with the kid.”

“Messing? Never! Anyway, are we done here? I’ll be heading out now?”

“Well, the important discussions are wrapped up. Have we ever completed things exactly as planned? If changes arise, we can talk then.”

“Okay. Let’s go, Jin-tae! Shopping time!”

Han Gyeong-yeong sprang to his feet.

Honestly, what age is he acting like?

“Then I’m off. Keep in touch.”

With that, Han Gyeong-yeong excitedly wrapped his arm around Jin-tae.

“Ajumma, now that Jin-tae is an adult, can I buy him a drink? I’ll make sure he gets home safely before it gets too late.”

“Of course.”

“That’s our Ajumma for you—so cool! Jin-tae, let’s go grab a drink!”

“······.”

“Don’t chicken out! Let’s go!”

Being dragged out by Han Gyeong-yeong, Jin-tae turned back to me to say goodbye.

“Boss, I’ll see you next time.”

“Sure. Oh, wait a moment.”

I called Jin-tae back just as he was about to leave and turned to Manager Ma at my side.

“Could you get Ji-young’s gift, please?”

Manager Ma left the study and soon returned with a small shopping bag.

Jin-tae looked back at me with a slightly surprised expression, holding the shopping bag.

“Ji-young said that this is a gift for your acceptance.”

“Is it your sister Ji-young?”

Jin-tae’s face instantly brightened.

I smiled too, but Han Gyeong-yeong, who was watching, looked puzzled.

“Hey, I offer to buy you a car, and you say ‘I’ll just accept the gesture, Hyung.’”

“That’s not it!”

Jin-tae’s face turned red from embarrassment.

Unlike me and Han Gyeong-yeong, Ji-young had known Jin-tae since childhood, so she was undoubtedly much more comfortable around him.

“Ji-young apologized for not being able to give this to you herself. She said let’s all meet up and have a meal together next time.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“Oh, feeling neglected?”

“You should know when to stop too.”

After Jin-tae and Han Gyeong-yeong left the house, I got up from my seat.

“Eva, I have some plans, so I need to leave now. Let’s continue our conversation as we go.”

“Sure, Boss.”

I stepped out of the Pyeongchang-dong house with Eva.

“What’s the vibe in China?”

“China? With Jiang Zemin’s era coming to an end and Hu Jintao’s beginning, everyone seems restless with anticipation for the new leadership. But those in high positions know better; they’re aware Hu Jintao is just Jiang Zemin’s puppet.”

“Is that so?”

I closed my eyes, lost in thought.

The dawn of Hu Jintao’s era was near, yet a proper transfer of power was still lacking.

This time, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was out of the picture. It put them in a more challenging position for power.

“For now, let’s back off from China and focus on the Middle East. Especially make connections with the royal families in OPEC member countries.”

“Royal families in the Middle East?”

“Yeah. Try to establish connections with the royal families in countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. You can do that, right?”

“If Boss commands me, I have to follow. But the Middle Eastern royals are notoriously secretive, so it will be tough in the short term. They’re not lacking in wealth either, so I’ll need to think carefully about how to approach them. Is it alright if it takes some time?”

“No rush, just take your time. That’s your specialty—winning people’s hearts. I trust you.”

Eva’s eyes widened, and she smiled.

“Just leave it to me, Boss.”

As I got out of the car and before entering the restaurant, I told Eva.

“Next time, let’s eat at a place with good ambiance just for the two of us.”

“Sure. Boss.”

After sending Eva back, I stepped into the restaurant with Manager Ma.

Before creating a dedicated space to meet with my people, I frequently visited a Korean restaurant in Seocho-gu with Yoon Chang-ho.

I followed the waiter’s guidance and opened the door to a reserved room.

Beyond the sliding door, Oh Hyeon-woo and a middle-aged man were seated.

Oh Hyeon-woo stood up happily and waved at me.

“You arrived early.”

“We just got here too. This is Manager Kim Woong-rae from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.”

The wiry middle-aged man stood up and extended his hand for a handshake.

“I’m Manager Kim Woong-rae.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Kim Mu-hyeok. You’re a senior frm Korea University, so please speak comfortably.”

I smiled as I grasped Kim Woong-rae’s hand.

“We can get to that later, but I’m curious about what the owner of Myeong-dong wants from me.”

Though slender, his eyes had a steady bear-like quality.

“Manager, why don’t you have a seat first? Mu-hyeok, you should sit too.”

Oh Hyeon-woo tried to shift the atmosphere as he seated Kim Woong-rae.

I took a seat next to Oh Hyeon-woo.

Noticing my gaze, Kim Woong-rae looked directly at me.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, not at all. But honestly, I hope you can speak comfortably. I’m quite junior, after all, so it feels a bit awkward.”

“Right. Comfortably, please. This guy’s a real gem from Korea University. You know about him, right?”

As Oh Hyeon-woo chimed in, Kim Woong-rae finally nodded.

“Let’s keep it that way.”

“Sure, let’s enjoy a drink first.”

Picking up a nearby pitcher, Kim Woong-rae raised his glass in front of me.

“I asked to meet because I wanted to be introduced to you through Hyeon-woo.”

“I’ve heard plenty about you, too. There’s word you’re reportedly the wealthiest in the country.”

“You’re flattering me. That’s not quite true.”

Kim Woong-rae downed the shot I’d poured him in one go and then extended the pitcher.

“Take one too, junior. After this, let’s just pour for ourselves.”

“Sure, senior.”

“Are you close with Oh Hyeon-woo?”

“We got friendly quickly since we were in the same year. We met up often after graduating as well.”

“I see. But what does a businessman like you want to meet with someone like me? You must have a reason other than to socialize. Are you perhaps in some sort of trouble?”

Does he really not know who I am? I had that thought for a moment, but it seemed ridiculous for the head of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office not to know someone like me.

He must have a well of information, surpassing even the National Intelligence Service. So, if he doesn’t know me, that’s just absurd.

“Ha ha. Nothing of the sort.”

“Is that so? Because Oh Hyeon-woo has mentioned you, I looked through all the records in the Prosecutors’ Office. But there’s nothing about you in the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office files either, which seemed odd. So I did some digging, and the more I learned, the more ridiculous it became.”

A strange glint flashed in Kim Woong-rae’s eyes.

“So they say you’re the shadow who holds all of Korea in the palm of your hand. Is that true?”