Chapter 724: I Knew It in Advance

Manager Ma stepped out to make a call, leaving me to focus again on Myeong-su’s words.

‘Once the verification is somewhat complete, President Yoon Chang-ho will address the nation.’

Thinking about a nationwide address is concerning. It seems things are more serious than I expected.

After all, a shooting incident in the heart of Seoul warrants such a response.

“Aren’t they overreacting?”

‘This is no ordinary place; it’s the center of Gangnam in Seoul. If it had just been a simple fight, they wouldn’t react this strongly, but a gun was used. This isn’t a country where firearms are easily accessible. Plus, it’s not the ’80s anymore; have there been any large-scale conflicts between gangs lately?’

Since the war on crime, gang wars have vanished from Korea.

Gangs didn’t disappear; instead, the times have changed, and they’ve learned to lay low.

With citizens lacking immunity to such violence, even Yoon Chang-ho seems anxious to take action.

‘President Yoon asked if it was related to you. I told him I didn’t know anything.’

He immediately thought of me. President Yoon isn’t completely clueless.

“All traces are gone, but it was an incident caused by me.”

‘I didn’t hear that. I need to head into the Blue House now. Let’s talk later.’

“Alright, take care.”

I set down the phone, and as if waiting for the cue, Manager Ma walked back in.

“Boss, they said the call is possible tonight.”

“Alright. Let’s wait.”

* * *

Premier Wen Jiabao received word through his secretary that Kim Mu-hyeok wanted to speak with him.

“Hmm.”

Is this incident related to that friend Kim Mu-hyeok?

After pondering for a moment, Wen Jiabao spoke.

“Tell him we’ll arrange a call tonight.”

“Yes, I will pass that along.”

“Now, don’t take any more calls.”

“Understood.”

With that command, Wen Jiabao opened the large door and stepped inside.

The spacious assembly hall, richly decorated in red, featured a large round table where several people were already seated.

“I apologize for being late.”

Wen Jiabao bowed his head to Hu Jintao.

“Ha ha, no problem! Please, have a seat. Now we can get started.”

As Hu Jintao laughed heartily, the others joined in.

Wen Jiabao naturally took his place to Hu Jintao’s left.

“Now that everyone is here, let’s begin the meeting.”

Under the leadership of Hu Jintao, the standing committee of the Central Politburo of the Communist Party commenced.

The meeting, starting with domestic issues, stretched on for quite some time.

Finally, the violent incident in Korea made its way to the table.

The one who brought up this topic was Vice Chairman Zheng Qinghong.

“We need to discuss the bloody incident involving our people in Seoul.”

All eyes turned to Zheng Qinghong.

“Although a few Joseonjok caused this trouble, perhaps it’s a good opportunity for us to teach Korea a lesson.”

“Teach Korea a lesson?”

Hu Jintao inquired with a curious expression, and Zheng Qinghong nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. It’s time we put them in their place.”

“I received reports that our citizens were using firearms in Korea. How do you propose to put pressure on Korea?”

“I’ve already instructed the ambassador to send a protest letter to the Blue House, using the excuse that our people were severely injured.”

“Hmm…”

Jumping into action before bringing the agenda to the table.

Hu Jintao stroked his chin, trying to conceal his displeasure.

It seemed Vice Chairman Zheng Qinghong, a pawn of Jiang Zemin, wanted to blow this situation out of proportion.

That meant this entire scenario was Jiang Zemin’s idea.

Hu Jintao scanned the faces sitting at the round table.

Out of the nine present, three were partisans of Hu Jintao.

Five were loyal to Jiang Zemin or from the Shanghai faction, while the last one straddled both factions.

“Blowing this issue out of proportion may not be beneficial for us.”

At that moment, Wen Jiabao stepped in to counter Zheng Qinghong’s words.

“Our citizens engaged in a major fight in Korea. While everything isn’t clear yet, I’ve heard they used firearms. A justification? We might end up handing that justification to Korea.”

This incident could potentially involve Kim Mu-hyeok.

Wen Jiabao thought it unnecessary to stir up trouble for no reason.

Receiving Wen Jiabao’s remarks was Luo Gan, the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee.

“According to our agents in Korea, our people entered the country employed in a fight within the Heaven Church religion. And…”

As Luo Gan relayed the gathered information, the expressions of everyone present shifted subtly.

As Luo Gan finished speaking, a strange silence enveloped the room.

“Haha!”

The first to break the silence was Hu Jintao, bursting into a hearty laugh.

“This is getting interesting. So, Luo Gan, what are you trying to say?”

“First, we need to repatriate all those involved in this incident back to our country. After that, we must manipulate the case to our advantage.”

“Will Korea accept that?”

“They will have to. We must spare no means. And although they are our people, ultimately, they are Joseonjok. Depending on how we manage this incident, it could work to our great benefit.”

Hu Jintao glanced around the room and asked.

“What does everyone think? Should we proceed as Luo Gan suggests? Or does anyone have other ideas?”

Everyone except Hu Jintao’s supporters raised their hands to express their approval of Luo Gan’s proposal.

“Hmm…”

After scanning them again, Hu Jintao contemplated.

It could be stopped if necessary, but that would come with substantial political costs.

They were moving in perfect synchrony, almost as if they had conspired from the start.

The shadow of Jiang Zemin loomed large.

“…Then let’s do it.”

“Chairman.”

Wen Jiabao cautiously spoke up, but Hu Jintao raised his hand to silence him.

“Spare no means; pressure the Korean government to get what we want. I’ll leave this matter in your hands, Luo Gan. Can you manage it?”

“As long as you assign it to me, I will deliver what the people desire.”

“Good. You can handle this matter as you see fit. I trust you.”

“Thank you.”

Luo Gan stood and bowed his head.

“Now, let’s move on to the next agenda item.”

The meeting of the standing committee continued.

After the meeting wrapped up, Wen Jiabao and Hu Jintao sat across from each other with teacups in front of them.

“They are really trying to corner me.”

Hu Jintao couldn’t hide his discomfort.

“It must be Chairman Jiang’s directive.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not at all. What could you possibly have done wrong? Luo Gan, I didn’t expect him to be so proactive.”

Among the Politburo members, Luo Gan was the oldest.

As the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, he held the position overseeing all judicial institutions.

Officially ranked ninth, his influence was on par with Hu Jintao’s.

Thus, Hu Jintao had no choice but to accord Luo Gan the proper respect in public settings.

“But tell me, why did you oppose that idea? I can’t fathom why you’d be against it.”

As Hu Jintao brought the teacup to his lips, he inquired.

A cold glare scanned Wen Jiabao like a serpent.

Even if Hu Jintao was often dismissed as a mere puppet under Jiang Zemin’s shadow, he was still a leader of China.

Feeling the mounting pressure, Wen Jiabao hastily began to explain.

“The truth is…”

Wen Jiabao revealed he had received a call from Kim Mu-hyeok, and they’d arranged to speak tonight.

“The timing seems off. Just as the embassy protests, Kim Mu-hyeok reaches out to me?”

After putting down his cup, Hu Jintao stroked the armrest while closing his eyes.

A moment later, gathering his thoughts, Hu Jintao said.

“I want a full report on everything discussed.”

“Yes, of course.”

“This situation is escalating. The Korean government isn’t the issue. But if Kim Mu-hyeok is involved, it implies there’s more we don’t know.”

“I share the same sentiment. But should we let Luo Gan do as he pleases?”

Worried, Hu Jintao replied casually.

“Let it be. Just inform Kim Mu-hyeok that this isn’t our decision but Jiang Zemin’s will. While we can’t attack directly, he’ll do whatever he pleases.”

Hu Jintao thought of Kim Mu-hyeok, a man unafraid of anyone, be it Jiang Zemin or anyone else.

“I’m curious how this will unfold.”

If things go smoothly, it feels like I might resolve this without having to lift a finger, and a smile crept onto Hu Jintao’s face.

* * *

I kept an eye on the news from Korea, waiting for Wen Jiabao’s call.

How much time passed? Manager Ma handed me the phone.

“Boss, it’s Premier Wen Jiabao.”

I nodded and took the phone.

“Premier Wen Jiabao, this is Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“Ha ha. Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. It’s been a while.”

Wen Jiabao’s relaxed voice came through the receiver.

“Indeed. I’ve been a bit neglectful.”

“I understand how busy you are, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. Still, you should visit China sometime; I always hear you’re off to Russia or the U.S. It’s a bit disappointing. You’re in Japan right now?”

“Yes. I’m here for some work.”

He probably already knew where I was.

He likely also anticipated we’d be discussing the shooting incident in Korea.

But before that, Wen Jiabao brought up another topic.

“I regret the incident in the Seven Islands. China is quite interested in the Seven Islands, you know? It isn’t the territory of either Korea or Japan, but ours.”

“That area has already been recognized as Korea’s territorial waters under international law.”

“Still, things have changed a lot since then.”

“This issue is settled. Can it be changed now? It involves not just Korea and Japan but also Russia and the U.S. Good luck changing it.”

“I know you’re capable if you set your mind to it.”

Wen Jiabao had already acknowledged that I led all negotiations.

I countered firmly in response to his seemingly pressured remarks.

“There’s no justification. Additionally, both the Korean and Japanese governments likely wouldn’t consider that. Even I can’t act at my own discretion.”

“Hmmm…”

Yet, even if Wen Jiabao was aware of the negotiations, he wouldn’t think China could intrude on the Seven Islands’ development.

It was simply political rhetoric to gain an upper hand in conversation.

“Let’s leave that topic aside. The reason I contacted you today is the violent incident caused by Chinese individuals in Korea.”

I steered the conversation back to avoid losing control.

“I’ve received reports. Were you involved in this incident, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok?”

“You could say involved, or you might not. I was aware beforehand. But I didn’t expect things to become this big. I heard that the Chinese ambassador protested to the Blue House; the victims clearly lie with the Korean government.”

When I subtly pressed for details, surprisingly, Wen Jiabao admitted it freely.

“I also received that report. However, that wasn’t my or Chairman Hu Jintao’s intention. It was Jiang Zemin’s unilateral action to address the incident in advance. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hinder us since the Korean government has been pushing us away.”

“Jiang Zemin is involved? Over something like this?”

“I don’t know the reason, but yes.”

If Jiang Zemin’s influence extends, the pressure on Yoon Chang-ho might increase.

“What methods can we use to stop this?”

“It’s difficult. You know? While Hu Jintao is the leader, China follows a collective leadership model. If opinions align among the standing committee members, Hu Jintao will lack grounds for intervention. The standing committee already indicated unity among the Shanghai faction and Jiang Zemin’s supporters; their numbers are overwhelming.”

“Who is spearheading this effort?”

“The proposal originated from the vice chairman, but leading the charge is the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee. If he acts, the Korean government may find itself in quite the predicament.”

The current secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee is Luo Gan, right? If so, it looks like Jiang Zemin is truly set on escalating matters.

“Is it Luo Gan?”

“Yes, indeed. He intends to act personally.”

“So, Jiang Zemin is looking to escalate this situation.”

Despite their nationality as Joseonjok, they were still Chinese citizens involved.

It was unbelievable how the Chinese government aimed to exploit this incident shamelessly.

I suppressed a sigh rising within me and asked again.

“Is there really no way to stop it?”

“If Hu Jintao takes on the political risk and pressures them, it could be stopped. But there’s no reason for him to do so, right?”

Even if he conveys it indirectly, it suggests he would block it if it served his interests.

I deliberately remained silent for quite a while.

When Wen Jiabao finally called my name, I opened my mouth.

“I thought you and I, Premier Wen Jiabao, shared a mutual understanding, but perhaps I was mistaken.”