Chapter 349: Beyond Expectations

— The man in the video isn’t me. I’ve never met Lee Song-hee in my life. I love my family. I love my wife, who faced tough times with me, and I love my two daughters. Please stop the defamation. This is a political conspiracy.

As anticipated, Congressman Jeong Chan-seong held a press conference to express his outrage, stating the man in the video was not him.

When opinions among the onlookers were split, Goryeo Daily released an exclusive article.

[Suspicious dealings between Congressman Jeong Chan-seong and a violent organization from China.]

The allegations against Congressman Jeong Chan-seong continued to pile up in Goryeo Daily’s follow-up articles.

Once photos of suspicious financial transactions with a Chinese drug organization were revealed, favorable public sentiment towards Jeong Chan-seong vanished.

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office seized the opportunity and took over the case from the Central District Prosecutor’s Office.

They eventually summoned Lee Song-hee, but she did not respond.

Ultimately, an arrest warrant was issued, leading to Lee Song-hee’s capture, which became major news that shocked everyone.

A drug test returned positive, resulting in Lee Song-hee’s detention.

Soon after, Oh Hyeon-woo promptly summoned Congressman Jeong Chan-seong.

Having already gathered testimonies related to Lee Song-hee, the prosecution had no reason to delay.

Oh Hyeon-woo leaked information to the media that confirmed the man in the video was indeed Jeong Chan-seong, who had met with him weekly.

Under pressure from public opinion, Congressman Jeong Chan-seong accepted the prosecution’s summons.

Standing in front of the media at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, Jeong Chan-seong made an appeal.

— This is all a political conspiracy. I will face the prosecution with my head held high. Citizens, please believe in me.

Having only spoken those words, Jeong Chan-seong did not respond to further questions from reporters and entered the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office with the awaiting Oh Hyeon-woo.

“It’s just as I expected.”

I shook my head as I turned off the TV.

Well, if he didn’t resolve it after whining to Yoon Chang-ho, he really had no other choice but to give such a clichéd response.

Just then, my phone on the table rang. It was Myeong-su.

— Mu-hyeok.

“Oh, what happened?”

— For now, any congressmen I can control will vote in favor when the arrest consent proposal comes up. The problem is I can’t guarantee that it will pass with Yoon’s people involved…

Among the many privileges that congressmen enjoy, the most unrealistic one is the privilege against arrest.

A congressman cannot be arrested or detained during a session without the Congress’s consent unless they’re caught in the act.

This law exists to ensure that congressmen can perform their duties smoothly.

However, over time, the privilege against arrest has been misused as a shield to protect each other among congressmen.

“Is it going to be a secret ballot?”

— The arrest consent proposal is always conducted via secret ballot, so I think it will be the same this time.

“Is it difficult to change it to a public ballot?”

— That may be tough… Is there no proposal to abolish this ridiculous arrest consent?

Every time, they convene a temporary session to cover for each other. It’s frustrating to watch.

Myeong-su’s honest complaints alleviated some of my lingering discomfort.

I smiled slightly as I said, “You can get rid of it when you gain power later. For now, it is what it is. Anyway, I got it. I’ll see if I can meet someone from the Progressive Party.”

— Alright. After Jeong Chan-seong’s predicament, the actions of the senior members have become more passive. It’s a positive change.

“That’s a relief. Let’s talk again later.”

After hanging up, I sank deeper into the sofa, burdened by my thoughts.

“I need to ensure an arrest occurs; that’ll serve as a warning to them.”

Most congressmen likely knew I was behind this.

No politician could be so naive as to lack that level of awareness.

Lost in thought, I heard a knock on the office door.

“Come in.”

Manager Ma opened the door and entered.

“Boss, Congressman Huh Tae-min has refused the meeting.”

“Hmm… They turned me down even though I asked in my name?”

“Yes, what should we do?”

Congressman Huh Tae-min didn’t have any major weaknesses. He hadn’t taken political funds, but he wasn’t someone who would crumble so easily.

“You haven’t found any connections between Huh Tae-min and former President Choi Seon-man?”

“No, we’ve been looking through past records, but there’s nothing indicating those two would work together. The more we dig, the more their ties seem detrimental. There’s no reason for them to collaborate.”

There must be a significant reason behind Huh Tae-min ignoring such a detrimental connection with Choi Seon-man.

That was likely a devastating weakness that could end Congressman Huh Tae-min’s political life.

I needed to uncover that to persuade Congressman Huh Tae-min to join our side.

“We need to meet. I guess I’ll have to go through President Kim Hak-gwon.”

Even Huh Tae-min wouldn’t dare disrespect President Kim.

“Hu Jintao’s visit is next week, right?”

“That’s correct. We received a request for him to come to the Blue House. As for a private meeting, it’s scheduled for the second day of his visit. I believe it will be at the Chinese Embassy.”

“On that day, I should have a preliminary meeting with President Kim Hak-gwon to discuss Congressman Huh Tae-min’s matters. Contact the Blue House and arrange my schedule ahead.”

“Got it.”

After dismissing Manager Ma, I was left alone, sinking deeper into my thoughts.

* * *

Having finished a separate meeting with the head of the special investigation unit, Jeong Chan-seong sat in the interrogation room, awaiting Oh Hyeon-woo.

There was not a hint of tension on Jeong Chan-seong’s face.

He sat cross-legged, arms crossed, with his eyes closed.

Through the glass of the interrogation room, Kim Woong-rae and Oh Hyeon-woo were in conversation.

“He’s no ordinary person. Can you handle him?”

“We must. Someone like him shouldn’t hold a position in Congress, right?”

“Hmm… You have too much idealism. That path could lead to trouble. Don’t get too excited; apply pressure calmly. The evidence is solid, so he can’t twist the narrative. From our earlier conversation, it seems he believes the arrest consent proposal will fail in Congress.”

Oh Hyeon-woo furrowed his brow and raised his voice.

“What? Even with public sentiment being this? Are they really going to protect him?”

“Ha ha, calm down. What can we do? This is their privilege as congressmen. We’ll have to apply for an arrest warrant when it’s certain to pass. For today, let’s just do a casual investigation and let him go.”

Oh Hyeon-woo didn’t like the fact that they couldn’t even arrest such a person due to the privilege of congressmen.

“Isn’t that privilege against arrest getting abolished? This isn’t the 1980s; who can persecute congressmen…”

“The ones who can abolish that law are the congressmen themselves. Would they relinquish that privilege?”

Unable to contain his frustration, Oh Hyeon-woo cursed. Kim Woong-rae chuckled and patted his shoulder.

“Don’t get worked up, just go in there. I’ll be watching over things from here.”

“Yes, Chief.”

Oh Hyeon-woo nodded to Kim Woong-rae and exited the room.

Left alone in the recording room, Kim Woong-rae muttered as he watched Congressman Jeong Chan-seong.

“Boss Kim insisted that he be arrested without fail.”

Sighing, Kim Woong-rae’s eyes betrayed his worry.

After emerging from the recording room, Oh Hyeon-woo entered the inquiry room, bowed his head, and spoke.

“Congressman, I’m sorry for the delay.”

“Ha ha, not at all. I’m a busy man, you know.”

“But when will my lawyer arrive?”

“Why would I need a lawyer? I haven’t committed any crime.”

Oh Hyeon-woo, suppressing his rising irritation at Jeong Chan-seong’s overconfidence, took his seat.

“So, you’re the grandson of Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok?”

Oh Hyeon-woo furrowed his brows slightly as Jeong Chan-seong suddenly mentioned his grandfather’s name.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I learned about the mindset of a legal professional from him at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He always said that legal professionals should stay clear of money and power. Is he still in good health?”

“He’s doing well.”

Nodding, Jeong Chan-seong relaxed his arms and placed his clasped hands on the table, saying, “Indeed. However, you’re investigating me on the orders of Kim Mu-hyeok. Don’t you realize hat this tarnishes Chief Justice Oh’s name?”

“………..”

“Don’t deny it. I know about your connection with Kim Mu-hyeok.”

Stun at the mention of his name, Oh Hyeon-woo replied incredulously.

It was absurd how Jeong Chan-seong dared suggest that the very dangers of money and power were speech made by him.

“It’s true that I have a connection with Mu-hyeok, but the reason you’re here is that you committed a crime. If you still think it’s a political investigation…”

“Stop pretending to be naïve. How many congressmen are as clean as I am? Lee Song-hee had a falling out with Kim Mu-hyeok, and I simply foundmyself caught in the middle. So, let’s just pretend to catch Lee Song-hee and let me appear to be investigated.”

Jeong Chan-seong spoke slyly, but keeping his composure, Oh Hyeon-woo replied firmly.

“I’ll handle this.”

“You seem quite young and naïve. Be careful; you could get hurt. No matter how powerful Chief Justice Oh is, he may not be able to protect you. Even he could face danger.”

Jeong Chan-seong used a reverse threat. Just how low did he think of the prosecution?

Anger welled up in Oh Hyeon-woo, but he chose not to express it. Taking a deep breath, he opened the laptop in front of him.

“Let’s cut the chit-chat.”

Hearing the continued insensitivity in Oh Hyeon-woo’s tone, Jeong Chan-seong leaned back again and crossed his arms.

“Name.”

“O Pro. Let’s not engage in needless power plays.”

“Name.”

“Ha ha, are you kidding me?”

“Name.”

Oh Hyeon-woo maintained a resolute tone and repeated the same question without reacting.

Jeong Chan-seong’s expression darkened at Oh Hyeon-woo’s demeanor.

* * *

Jeong Chan-seong has faced the prosecution’s summons three times.

— Ha… I’m going insane.

Oh Hyeon-woo’s voice on the other end of the line was thick with frustration.

It felt refreshing to hear him vent like this since it was the first time.

— This guy is no ordinary person. No matter how much pressure we apply, he stubbornly denies everything and claims any evidence is fabricated.

“He probably has some backup to feel so confident. We have every piece of evidence and testimony secured, he’s bound to be convicted if it goes to trial.”

— I know that, but invoking my grandfather’s name enraged me.

“What did the Chief Justice say?”

If he’s using the Chief Justice’s name to provoke, he must have a strong foundation.

— He told me to investigate according to the law and principles. He supports me not to yield to external pressure.

“Typical of the Chief Justice. Just endure for a few more days, and I’ll show you that smirking face twisted in distress. You haven’t just prepared a request for an arrest warrant, right?”

— Right. I’m going to make sure this guy pays for this. Whatever it takes.

Unlike his usual demeanor, Oh Hyeon-woo’s anger was genuine.

“I’m about to arrive at the Blue House. I’ll contact you later.”

After hanging up, I reached the Blue House.

I entered the main building with Manager Ma to meet President Kim Hak-gwon.

Upon entering the office with the secretary’s guidance, President Kim Hak-gwon, seated, smiled upon seeing me and walked over.

“Boss Kim, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, Mr. President. Long time no see.”

“Come now, take a seat. There’s still some time before Vice Premier Hu Jintao arrives.”

After the handshake, President Kim Hak-gwon patted my shoulder and spoke.

Perhaps because his term was nearing its end, he seemed less sharp than before.

I couldn’t tell if he appeared relaxed or like he had let go of everything.

As we took our seats, tea was soon served.

“This tea was gifted by the Chinese Embassy, anticipating Vice Premier Hu Jintao’s visit. Let’s have a taste.”

Following President Kim Hak-gwon’s lead, I picked up a steaming cup of tea. I could tell he wanted to create a harmonious atmosphere.

Silently sipping the tea, we casually chatted. As the tea started cooling, I checked my watch and shifted to the main topic.

“Mr. President, I want to meet Congressman Huh Tae-min separately, but he refused our meeting.”

“Hmm…”

Setting down his teacup, President Kim Hak-gwon rubbed his chin. Though he pretended to be indifferent, his gaze subtly scrutinized me.