Chapter 335: Not Going to Let It Go Easily

After sending Cheon Ji-su away, I couldn’t help but think deeply.

If only I could just wipe them all out like I did overseas, it would be so much simpler.

But killing the head and heir of Il-seong Group was on a whole different level than taking out a mafia or a criminal organization.

I couldn’t act rashly, knowing I would have to hide and leave Korea if I did.

I spent the day in a daze, unable to make sense of my jumbled thoughts.

The next day.

I sat in my study, sipping coffee while watching the news about Seo Yong-geon.

The main broadcast was focusing heavily on Seo Yong-geon’s hospitalization, covering it for quite some time.

It felt almost comical to see related stories popping up all over the channels.

“Finally, there’s news about it.”

“There’s only so much they can suppress. It seems like a mistake to release the people from the VIP room first.”

“That might be true. Or it could have been intentional, meant to inform everyone.”

“That’s a possibility too.”

Manager Ma nodded at my words, both of us glued to the television.

Watching Seo Jae-hoon’s interview with a solemn expression, he added quietly.

“Seo Jae-hoon will have to announce whatever’s happening to keep things moving forward.”

I rubbed my chin slowly, pondering his words.

I also couldn’t predict how Seo Jae-hoon would behave.

From what I knew of him, he was exceptionally good at self-promotion.

Even average folks had a favorable impression of him, despite not knowing him well.

In a way, he was more bothersome than Seo Yong-geon.

“For now, let’s just keep an eye on how things unfold. No matter how hard Seo Jae-hoon tries, there’s not much he can do.”

Unlike my previous life, many things had already changed in this one.

No matter how much Seo Jae-hoon used his brain, there weren’t many ways to fully claim Il-seong for himself.

Given that even Il-seong Electronics, their biggest ship, was running dry on funds, it would be even tougher.

“Boss, what are you thinking about Ji-soo?”

After a brief silence, Manager Ma brought up Cheon Ji-su.

“What do you think, Manager?”

“That’s a family issue. I don’t think it’s my place to share my thoughts on it.”

That was a narrow view. It wouldn’t be polite to ask Ha Myung-hoon or Ma Seok-dae for their opinions on the grandfather’s bloodline.

“For now, I plan to leave her be. If Seo Jae-hoon makes a move, that would be even better.”

“…”

“I have no reason to save Cheon Ji-su, after all.”

“Understood, I will keep that in mind.”

Although I hesitated for a moment while looking at the trembling Cheon Ji-su, it wasn’t necessary for me to step in.

I picked up the remote and turned off the television.

“Today is the day President Bush is visiting, right?”

“That’s right, Boss.”

President Bush had delayed his tour of East Asia for a year due to a series of events after taking office.

He was arriving in Korea today after passing through Japan.

“What was discussed in Japan?”

“The announcement was about strengthening the Korea-U.S.-Japan alliance in principle. Rumor has it there might have been discussions regarding the Iraq War as well.”

The Bush Administration was channeling all its efforts into the Iraq War.

This trip to East Asia was also part of efforts to garner support from allied nations.

Japan had inherently blocked the dispatch of its Self-Defense Forces abroad, so troop support was impossible.

But Bush would surely find some way to persuade them to send troops.

“What about the meeting with Powell?”

“That’s scheduled for tomorrow evening. They also requested your presence at tonight’s dinner. What will you do?”

“Dinner, huh? Is it mandatory to attend?”

“The Blue House strongly encouraged attendance, but it’s not compulsory.”

The unexpected hospitalization of Seo Yong-geon had my mind in a jumble, and now I had to attend a dinner.

I hesitated for a moment, sighed deeply, then nodded.

“Say I’ll attend.”

“I’ll convey that.”

Rising from my seat, I gazed out the window. The warmth of the study contrasted with the chill of the wind outside.

“Looks like winter is coming to an end.”

I looked at the snow piled outside the window, organizing my troubled thoughts.

As night fell, I set off with Manager Ma to the Goryeo Hotel for the dinner.

“Who is expected to attend?”

“I heard most politicians and business leaders will be there.”

It wasn’t often that one got to meet the President of the U.S., especially one who had led the Afghanistan War to victory.

It was obvious that politicians and business magnates alike would want a conversation with him.

Though whether the stiff-necked Bush would accept their meetings was another matter.

The car came to a halt at the main entrance of the Goryeo Hotel. As Manager Ma and I stepped out, security personnel were already stationed at the entrance.

It looked like the entire Goryeo Hotel had been cleared out for the dinner, and there were armed police guarding the premises, possibly due to terrorism threats.

I walked slowly towards the entrance. One of the security guards stepped in my way.

“Excuse me. May I see your invitation?”

The guard’s demeanor was surprisingly polite given he was blocking my path, but it seemed they were being extra careful in anticipating VIP guests.

I signaled to Manager Ma, who retrieved the invitation from his pocket and presented it to the guard.

“Ah, please go in.”

After verifying the invitation, the guard stepped aside with a measure of courtesy.

I smiled in appreciation before entering through the main door.

The hotel lobby was bustling with people observing the attendees.

“Security seems surprisingly tight, must be due to the threat of terrorism.”

I whispered just loud enough for Manager Ma to hear.

“That’s correct. I see many who look well-trained for special operations.”

After the 9/11 attacks, President Bush declared a war on terror.

Though Korea was considered a clean country from terrorism, the Blue House appeared disproportionately prepared for security.

As I took the elevator to the banquet hall floor, I quickly exited the elevator as security personnel approached.

“Without an invitation, entry is difficult. Please show your invitation.”

After the invitation was checked once more, I was finally allowed in.

Many acquaintances had already gathered in the banquet hall, chatting amongst themselves.

The first to approach me was the head of Jungwoo Group, Kim Byung-woo.

“President Kim Mu-hyeok. It’s great to see ou here.”

“Chairman Kim, it’s been a while.”

Kim Byung-woo, greeting me with a smile on his face, radiated joy. No wonder, considering he had just surpassed Il-seong Electronics.

“I’ve heard about Jungwoo Electronics’ impressive advancements. I heard it happened at a speed even beyond expectations.”

“That was made possible because of the foundation you set, President. If I couldn’t manage it, I wouldn’t be able to keep my position.”

Even though I had laid the groundwork, it wouldn’t have been possible without Kim Byung-woo’s efforts to achieve results so rapidly.

With that in mind, I couldn’t help but smile gently.

“I hear the deficits are significant. Hasn’t that chicken game been ongoing for quite a while? You’ve had a tough time.”

“But Representative Eva is providing sufficient funding. Being a non-listed company has its advantages in times like this. I don’t have to worry about shareholders’ opinions.”

The reason I decided to push for the delisting was exactly for this reason—even if I push ahead with acquisitions, I wouldn’t be slowed down by shareholders’ scrutiny.

Most people, including Kim Byung-woo, would have a hard time understanding my decision, but those who had been through it knew all too well.

If a non-listed company’s owner has the right managerial mindset, they can operate their business stably without outside interference.

In that regard, Jungwoo had tasted the advantages of being a non-listed company, so they wouldn’t be able to advocate for going public again.

Currently, apart from the Jungwoo Group, the only conglomerate that wasn’t listing its subsidiaries in Korea was Daehyeon Group, which operated in Japan and Korea.

“President, there’s something I wanted to discuss.”

As Kim Byung-woo continued the mundane small talk, he stepped closer and spoke in a low voice.

“You’ve heard about Chairman Seo’s incident, right?”

I nodded, and Kim Byung-woo looked around briefly before continuing.

“That has stirred quite a bit of talk in the business world.”

“In the business world? What reason would they have to show interest in Il-seong Group?”

“Seo Jae-hoon hasn’t shown any substantial performance. So, if Il-seong Group’s affiliates look to be on the cutting block, he might be thinking of making a bid.”

“The news of Il-seong’s financial difficulties is a well-known open secret in the business community. Not to mention, Chairman Song’s attempts to isolate Il-seong during his lifetime were significant.”

This guy has become quite the cunning fox. I got the gist of what he was implying but pretended not to know.

“So?”

“Would Jungwoo Group enter the bidding if Il-seong Group goes on sale?”

“What do you think, Chairman?”

“I think it would be wise to join the bidding if it’s possible.”

“Then go for it.”

Kim Byung-woo seemed surprised by how easily I acquiesced.

“Would that be alright?”

“Of course. If it’s a good company, you should definitely acquire it.”

“Thank you! There are quite a few smaller but solid affiliates. I think they might be looking to raise cash by parting with them if pressurized a bit.”

Chaebols have sizeable smaller affiliates under their listed ones.

If they sold them off, they could acquire some decent cash—they were small yet valuable companies with good technology.

Il-seong Electronics itself had numerous subsidiaries, each with their own merits.

Their technology was among the best globally, and it seemed Kim Byung-woo was eager to take advantage of them.

“They won’t be letting go of them easily.”

“Il-seong Group’s major pillar is its financial services, which have already dried up. With few options left, they’re bound to sell off several affiliates to douse the immediate crisis, won’t they?”

“Understood. If anything goes up for bid, join the bidding war. No matter the cost, you need to secure it if necessary.”

“Thank you.”

Kim Byung-woo beamed with happiness.

Even though he wasn’t the owner of the company, his dedication to Jungwoo Group was evident, and I admired his drive.

After that, I talked with various chairmen from the business world, starting with Kim Byung-woo.

Unlike my grandfather, who avoided social engagements, I found it easier to deal with the business folks now that I was moving around frequently.

In the midst of our conversations, a foreigner approached me.

“Charlie Kim?”

I turned to face him. The blond man wore a wide smile.

“Yes, I am Charlie.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m John.”

“Nice to meet you. But may I ask who you are?”

He was someone I didn’t remember at all. Even as I tried to stay cautious, the man continued to smile warmly.

When he stepped closer, he whispered in my ear.

“I’m with the NSA. Can we talk for a minute?”

Why would the NSA be looking for me? I shot him a puzzled glance.

“It’s about something important.”

“Alright, just a moment.”

I excused myself from Kim Byung-woo and other chairmen, moving to a corner with the man named John.

“Why has the NSA been looking for me?”

“I hear you’ve been up to some interesting activities in Russia.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

I answered casually, but my mind was racing faster than ever.

How did they find out I was involved? Ignoring everything was my best option right now.

“You don’t need to play innocent. We’ve been tracking you since your meeting with Mogilevich.”

My face hardened. These intelligence agencies seemed hell-bent on devouring me whole.

“Are you saying you’ve been surveilling me?”

“Of course not. We were monitoring Mogilevich, and Charlie, you just got caught up in it.”

“…”

I should’ve connected the dots on how Mogilevich was a high-profile target for numerous intelligence agencies. That was my mistake.

“Yes, I met him. But does that pose any problems?”

“It was certainly unexpected to see a businessman like you meeting a criminal like Mogilevich. I wanted to ask the CIA for your information, but they weren’t forthcoming.”

The relationship between the CIA and NSA was far from friendly. In fact, they were more like rivals.

They were both monitoring each other for any leverage, so there was no way they’d hand over my information.

“Anyway, while observing, we detected some indications of your involvement in Mogilevich’s death.”

“What? Mogilevich is dead?”

“You don’t have to pretend you don’t know, Charlie. We’re already well informed, haha.”

Were all intelligence agents this smug? I felt the urge to smack John’s grinning face.