Chapter 728: We Must Consider Retreating

“You’re the most unique politician I’ve ever seen.”

My eyes began to ache after reviewing Luo Gan’s documents for hours without rest.

I closed my eyes and put down the papers. As I pressed my temples, Manager Ma brought over some eye drops.

“Thank you, Manager.”

I blinked a few times after applying the eye drops, and my dry eyes felt a bit better.

I took a sip of the tea Manager Ma had brought along with the eye drops and said,

“Ha, I wasn’t like this before. I guess I’m getting old.”

Manager Ma gave a faint smile at my jest.

“Anyway, the more I dig into this Luo Gan the more mysterious he seems.”

He was a politician who didn’t stand out but he wasn’t without influence either.

He held the positions of both the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee and a member of the Standing Committee which gave him power comparable to Hu Jintao.

Absolute power couldn’t exist in China which operated under a collective leadership system.

This was because after Mao Zedong, the Chinese Communist Party had insisted on a collective leadership system.

It was a peace maintained by the agreement of those in power who had deeply felt the harm caused when all the power was concentrated in one person.

“He’s a man who holds great power in China’s collective leadership system and doesn’t seem to have any particular weaknesses. He did lead the suppression of Falun Gong during the Falun Gong incident, but that’s something I shouldn’t touch…”

He was a man difficult to control with money or power. How should I approach him?

“First, I need to meet with Prime Minister Li Peng.”

The man who pulled Luo Gan into the central political arena.

A tragic politician who failed to become the General Secretary after falling out of Deng Xiaoping’s favor during the Tiananmen Square incident.

I had met him once before in Shanghai.

“We might be able to easily arrange a meeting through Bo Xilai.”

“Yes, I’ll contact him.”

Seeing Manager Ma bow his head, I stood up.

“Ah, and please keep stoking the fire regarding the Heaven Church issue so that it doesn’t die down.”

People’s interest tended to fade over time.

But if I kept adding fuel, the fire wouldn’t easily be extinguished and would continue to burn.

I planned to maintain interest at a level that I could control.

“What about Yamamoto?”

“He’s holed up at headquarters.”

“I need to meet him and talk before I return to Korea.”

“I will prepare that as well.”

After Manager Ma left, the room fell silent once more.

It was a brief moment of rest.

I wouldn’t have any time to rest otherwise so I quickly headed to bed.

* * *

The investigation into the Heaven Church was narrowing, and the infighting within the Japanese denomination of Heaven Church was reaching its end.

Suspicious articles continued to pour out relentlessly.

Not only was the Japanese political world focused on it, but the eyes of the citizens were all on Heaven Church as well.

Now, the Japanese denomination of Heaven Church was at a crossroads, facing the question of survival rather than whether to remain with the main sect or split off on its own.

“It’s been a while, CEO Kim Mu-hyeok.”

Moon Kyung-duk greeted me with a slight bow.

He had visited unofficially last time, but this time, he had come to Japan officially, leading a special envoy.

“It has been a while. I didn’t expect you to come see me right after you arrived.”

“I am here to deliver a message from the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.”

A message from Jang Seong-taek? I was a little curious about what news he had brought.

“Let’s hear it then.”

“He wanted to express his gratitude for this matter. He said that he was able to resolve the relationship with Japan under better conditions than expected.”

“It was possible because of the generous decision of Chairman Jang Seong-taek. The abduction issue exposes North Korea’s weaknesses.”

“Even so, there were internal complaints.”

“I guess so. There must be many people who are afraid to admit ‘mistakes’.”

Those who had directed the abduction of Japanese citizens were still in key positions.

“The Chairman of the State Affairs Commission has decided to consolidate related agencies.”

It was something I had already anticipated so I wasn’t surprised. But when I pretended to be surprised, Moon Kyung-duk gave an awkward smile.

He continued to talk in detail after that.

He was talking too much. I raised my hand to interrupt him.

“The introduction is too long. Let’s get to the main point now.”

Moon Kyung-duk glanced at me and then let out a deep sigh before speaking.

“…China is pressuring the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.”

“China? For what reason?”

“They are using the development of the Sinuiju Special Economic Zone as a pretext, but ultimately, they are using the aid supplies that support our Republic to shake the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.”

Look at that? China was pressuring Korea and North Korea at the same time.

It seemed they were acting deliberately as they were afraid that China’s influence on the Korean Peninsula would disappear.

“I roughly understand what’s going on. What does China want?”

“They haven’t made any demands. That’s why it’s more frustrating. Do you have any information?”

“There were no demands?”

Moon Kyung-duk furrowed his brow, as if he were frustrated, and continued.

“Yes. That’s right. If they presented demands we could try to negotiate, but there’s no indication of what they want. If the aid coming in from China is cut off now, the Republic will fall into great chaos.”

“That will never happen. They are just trying to pressure you. Even if they cut off aid, it’s not something China can decide alone. The agreement was made by six countries including the U.S., Russia and Japan, they can’t break it unilaterally.”

“But…”

Moon Kyung-duk trailed off, sighing once again.

I knew what he was worried about.

If problems with China arose right now before there were any tangible results, more people would start questioning Jang Seong-taek’s capabilities.

“The most urgent thing is oil, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I’ll have it supplied through Russia.”

Moon Kyung-duk’s face brightened noticeably at my words.

“Thank you. You are truly a hero of the Republic, CEO Kim Mu-hyeok.”

I chuckled at the trite praise.

Hero my foot. I just didn’t like China’s behavior.

“It’s nothing. Tell the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission not to be swayed by China. If you yield once, China will want more. That’s the kind of people they are.”

“I know but… it’s not easy. There are pro-China factions in key positions.”

“True, even the Chairman himself was pro-China. But now that you have power, it’s not good to be led around.”

“The Chairman also thinks the same as you, CEO Kim, so he will gradually find his balance.”

I could see why Moon Kyung-duk brought up China.

Jang Seong-taek was probably planning to get the resources he needed through me.

Since Korea was also being pressured by China, it was a good time to bring up the issue.

“Also, it would be good to cooperate more closely with the Korean Government. What China wants is influence over the Korean Peninsula. If the two countries unite, China won’t be able to pressure you so easily.”

“The Chairman also said the same thing.”

It was a great achievement just to learn that China was pressuring Korea and North Korea at the same time.

Once I knew the situation, figuring out how to respond was simple.

“Is there anything else you need to tell me?”

“Is there any issue with the Heaven Church?”

“Heaven Church? Why are you suddenly asking about that?”

“The Heaven Church issue has come up simultaneously in both Korea and Japan. And you, CEO Kim, are still in Japan. The Chairman of the State Affairs Commission thinks this issue is related to you. He asked that you be helped if there is anything he can do.”

Really? I didn’t want to create any variables now.

I just smiled.

“What could there be to help with?”

“There are Heaven Church churches in our Republic as well. If you want, we will close them.”

“Ah, now that I think about it, Chairman Han Seong-jin was quite enthusiastic about North Korea. No, leave it be.”

As I spoke gently yet firmly, Moon Kyung-duk nodded.

“I’ll take care of the Heaven Church issue, so this time make sure to negotiate the North Korea-Japan relationship properly. This visit is the cornerstone for the North Korea-Japan summit, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It will be better for both countries to deal with it quickly while Japan is distracted by the scandal. Don’t drag it out, finish it as agreed then.”

Moon Kyung-duk talked for another thirty minutes before leaving.

“China is pressuring both Korea and North Korea at the same time. This is more difficult than I thought.”

“What are you going to do, Boss?”

“We need to consider retreating from China as well.”

Giving up the Chinese market, which had great potential for growth, would be a considerable loss for me.

But being dragged around like this would be even more detrimental.

“It’s not the time to trust Hu Jintao or Wen Jiabao. If Jiang Zemin is directly involved, Hu Jintao or Wen Jiabao won’t be able to stop him. Not yet anyway. And we can’t be sure that Hu Jintao doesn’t think the same way as Jiang Zemin.”

“Understood, Boss. I will prepare.”

“What about the appointment with Li Peng?”

“They are refusing to meet.”

“Even when contacting them through Bo Xilai?”

Manager Ma bowed his head lightly, looking embarrassed as he replied.

“We just received an answer that there’s no reason to meet.”

I frowned without realizing it. There was no way that Li Peng had reconciled with Jiang Zemin.

It was possible that Li Peng thought the same way about this matter.

“We have no choice then. Let’s leak some of Li Peng’s weaknesses through Murdoch. Then he’ll reach out.”

“Yes. I will contact Murdoch.”

“Let’s resolve that slowly for now…. How is the Japanese denomination doing?”

“The main sect has gained the upper hand.”

“That’s good. If there’s anything they need support, provide it.”

It was time to finally wrap up this long journey.

At that moment, news came on the TV.

— North Korean special envoy visited Tokyo. This visit is a preliminary negotiation for the establishment of diplomatic relations between North Korea and Japan….

I was lost in thought listening to the news about the North Korean special envoy’s visit.

* * *

Han Hyun-soo broke his seclusion at headquarters and moved towards the harbor where Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyun-woo were being held.

As scripted, the investigation into the Heaven Church was headed in the direction of putting all the responsibility on Han Seong-jin, Kim Seon-ja, and the disappeared Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyun-woo.

“Power is so amazing isn’t it?”

The mercenary captain did not answer.

But Han Hyun-soo continued to speak, as if he didn’t expect an answer.

“I can put everything I did on someone else. I can take this opportunity to shake everything off and start over.”

As the matter was serious, the scale of the Heaven Church would decrease.

However, if everything was handled cleanly, increasing its size would be a piece of cake.

“It’s time to end it. For a new beginning.”

Han Hyun-soo’s face wasn’t bright at all as he spoke calmly.

The harbor was shrouded in deep darkness as the clouds covered the moon.

Han Hyun-soo, who had headed to the harbor late at night to avoid people’s eyes, got out of the car.

As he slowly walked forward, the warehouse door opened.

Everyone inside turned their gaze to Han Hyun-soo.

The three men tied up and lying carelessly on the floor also moved rapidly as they saw Han Hyun-soo.

“I’d like everyone to leave.”

At Han Hyun-soo’s muttering, the mercenary captain approached the Heavenly Group manager.

“I would appreciate it if you could leave for a moment.”

The manager, who was smoking a cigarette, raised one corner of his lips.

“Why should we? Our orders are only to guard those three over there and not to kill them.”

“I am not trying to pick a pointless fight. Isn’t it time to wrap things up?”

The manager, who was frowning at the mercenary captain’s words, threw his cigarette butt on the ground and stomped it out with his shoe.

“Wait. I’ll call upstairs.”

He pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Yes, Director. Han Hyun-soo is here. Yes, yes. I understand.”

The manager who had finished his short call said.

“They said we’re to take care of the aftermath. We’ll wait outside. Call us when you are done.”

Before the mercenary captain could answer, the manager led the Heavenly Group employees outside.

The heavy iron door closed.

Only the mercenaries, the mercenary captain, Han Hyun-soo and the three men remained inside.

Han Hyun-soo pulled up a chair and sat down. Then he threw a newspaper he had prepared in front of the bound men.

“Do you see this? All the responsibility for the illegal activities that occurred in the Heaven Church has been shifted to you guys. Even the things I did.”

“Ugh, ughh.”

“It would be troublesome for me if you guys were still alive.”

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

“That’s why I came to finish it. But I came to see it with my own eyes for the last time. So…”

Han Hyun-soo stopped speaking mid-sentence, his mouth snapping shut. He’d tried to sound calm but the tremor in his voice annoyed him.

“Why did you make me go this far?”

Just then Han Hyun-jin and Han Hyun-woo, crawled like worms, reaching Han Hyun-soo’s feet.

“Ooph!”

They seemed to be trying to say something, but the gags in their mouths made it impossible to understand them properly.

Han Hyun-soo, however, seemed to know what they were trying to say and spoke.

“It’s too late to turn back. For me, for you guys, and for mother too… I’ve given up far too much to get to this point.”

Having finished speaking, Han Hyun-soo rose from his spot.

“Let’s wrap this up. Older brother. Younger brother. Let’s meet again in hell later.”

Han Hyun-soo turned his back and started walking towards the entrance.

“Ooph, uuuph!”

The iron door opened and a Heavenly Group manager who had been waiting outside approached him.

“Is the story finished?”

Han Hyun-soo didn’t respond, so the mercenary chief answered instead.

“You can take care of the rest.”

“Understood.”

Once Han Hyun-soo completely exited the warehouse, the Heavenly Group staff entered.

The iron door slammed shut with a heavy thud.

Han Hyun-soo gazed up at the moon, obscured by clouds, and said,

“…Now I need to send Mother off as well.”

The next day.

Kim Seon-ja was found dead at the main faction of the Heaven Church.