Chapter 762: How Should I Accept This?

Yoo Sung-jin visited China to check on his business ventures there.

“Chairman, you’ve arrived?”

Kim Hyun-jung was at the airport to greet him.

“It’s been a while. You look great.”

“You too, Chairman.”

Kim Hyun-jung smiled softly at Yoo Sung-jin’s compliment and led him away.

Yoo Sung-jin got into the car that had been prepared in advance and got straight to the point.

“How’s the atmosphere lately? It doesn’t seem so good. I’ve heard that Korean companies are being subtly disadvantaged.”

“Our business isn’t facing any major issues. Probably because it’s a business closely linked to high-ranking officials.”

Yoo Sung-jin nodded.

“That’s a relief. I heard that every project the director invested in has had good results. Hao Xun was full of praise for you.”

“It’s my job.”

They arrived at the company while talking.

The two entered the president’s office on the top floor of the building together.

“Welcome, Chairman Yoo Sung-jin.”

“Vice Chairman Hao Xun, it’s been too long.”

The two shook hands and gave a brief hug before sitting down.

Kim Hyun-jung sat next to Yoo Sung-jin, following him.

Sitting next to Hao Xun was Jung-jung, who had taken the position at JK Cinema on his behalf.

Originally, it had been agreed that Seo Hyung-jun would take the president’s position.

However, during the process of establishing the corporation, Seo Hyung-jun’s opinion that it wouldn’t be good to appoint a president of Korean nationality was accepted, and Jung-jung, who had been appointed as vice president, took the position of president.

Although Jung-jung held the president’s position, she was only a figurehead, and all business was handled by Vice President Seo Hyung-jun and Director Kim Hyun-jung.

The four briefly exchanged pleasantries before moving on to discuss business matters in earnest.

“President Seo Hyung-jun went on a business trip to Taiwan and couldn’t attend this meeting today. I apologize on his behalf.”

Kim Hyun-jung bowed slightly before continuing her report.

“We’re establishing JK Cinema branches throughout China, starting with Shanghai. Our goal is to secure 30 branches and 1,000 screens by next year, starting with the Shanghai branch tomorrow…”

Kim Hyun-jung started by reporting on the multiplex business.

“And here are the results of the movies distributed by JK Films.”

She continued, pointing to the results of the movie distribution business.

Yoo Sung-jin listened to Kim Hyun-jung’s report, looking at the documents in front of him, and immediately asked when she finished.

“Director Kim, the progress of the agency business seems to be too slow.”

“We’re aggressively recruiting actors. However, it’s inevitable that it’s slower compared to other businesses. There are areas that can’t be solved with just money.”

Yoo Sung-jin asked questions and Kim Hyun-jung answered several times.

Yoo Sung-jin nodded, a satisfied look on his face.

“Still, you’re doing well. It was a good decision to send Director Kim.”

“Thank you.”

Kim Hyun-jung bowed her head again.

“Haha. I can vouch for Director Kim Hyun-jung’s abilities. Jung-jung is always full of praise. There’s even a rumor going around that she’s the Empress of Shanghai.”

Hao Xun also praised her, and Yoo Sung-jin smiled faintly at the praise.

“It’s a relief that you see her in a good light, Vice Chairman.”

The meeting, which had been going on for quite a long time, was nearing its end.

Hao Xun checked the time on his wristwatch and spoke to Jung-jung.

“Jung-jung, you can go wait outside.”

Although it was her office, Jung-jung got up without complaint at Hao Xun’s instruction.

This action also revealed the relationship between the two.

“Hyun-jung, you go wait outside too.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

The two left, and the door closed. Hao Xun was the first to speak.

“The atmosphere in Beijing is reportedly very bad. If things continue like this, this business could be affected.”

“I’ve also heard rumors. What exactly is going on?”

“Jiang Zemin has made a move, and Chairman Hu Jintao is doing everything he can to stop the Shanghai faction. And Prime Minister Wen Jiabao…”

Hao Xun, with a stiff expression unlike before, conveyed the current atmosphere in Beijing.

“Jiang Zemin won’t directly attack Chairman Hu Jintao. That’s why it’s safe here. But if this standoff continues for too long, we can’t be sure about what will happen here.”

“I don’t understand. No matter how powerful Jiang Zemin is, isn’t Chairman Hu Jintao the most powerful person right now?”

“The old guard of the Communist Party are all supporting Jiang Zemin. So it’s a bit…difficult for Chairman Hu Jintao to step forward.”

Hao Xun answered gloomily, his face clouded.

“President Kim Mu-hyeok has said that he has no intention of backing down from this fight.”

“Knowing President Kim, I expected as much. That’s why I’m so worried. Besides, Shanghai is a region where Jiang Zemin has a stronger influence. The Shanghai city government might act unilaterally before anything happens at the central level. It can’t hurt to be careful, so Chairman Yoo, you should shorten your schedule and return to Korea as soon as possible.”

Yoo Sung-jin’s face grew serious at Hao Xun’s warning.

“Is it that serious? Won’t Vice President Seo Hyung-jun and Director Kim Hyun-jung be in danger? I think it would be better to have them return to Korea first.”

“Nothing major will happen for now. At least from what I know. It’s not like my influence doesn’t reach Shanghai. If there’s any movement, I’ll contact you immediately…”

At that moment, Hao Xun’s phone rang. At the same time, the door to the president’s office burst open.

Jung-jung, who had rushed in, looked pale.

“Vice Chairman, we’re surrounded.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“The Public Security Bureau is surrounding the building.”

Hao Xun jumped up from his seat and walked to the window.

He looked down through the clear glass window where the view was unobstructed.

Hao Xun’s brow furrowed when he saw the troops surrounding the building.

“What is this? What happened?”

“I don’t know what happened. You need to escape right now.”

“Where the heck am I supposed to go! It doesn’t look like a single ant could get out of here.”

Yoo Sung-jin got up from his seat following Hao Xun, looked down, and asked with a blank expression.

“Vice Chairman, didn’t you say you could find out before the city moved? What is going on?”

“I also have no idea what…”

Before Hao Xun could finish his sentence, the phone in his hand rang again.

Hao Xun checked the caller ID and quickly answered the phone.

“Mayor! What is going on? Why is the Public Security Bureau surrounding us?”

— Vice Chairman, this is something I couldn’t stop with my power. The Party Secretary personally ordered the head of the Public Security Bureau to send them.

“What? Han Jung! How can you do this to me? After everything I’ve done for you…”

— I’m sorry. It will be difficult to contact you for a while.

While Hao Xun was talking to the mayor of Shanghai, Kim Hyun-jung returned to the president’s office.

Her face was ashen.

“Chairman, what do we do? They’ve already passed the lobby.”

“Don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”

“I can’t reach anyone. We’ve put so much effort into this…”

The amount of money Kim Hyun-jung had put into China was enormous.

But the connections she had built up were of no help now.

“Tell Vice President Seo Hyung-jun to return to Korea alone.”

Kim Hyun-jung nodded and took out her phone to call Seo Hyung-jun.

“Vice President, please return to Korea immediately.”

— Director Kim, what are you talking about without any explanation?

“The Public Security Bureau has raided the headquarters. There’s no time to explain. Put everything on hold and return to Korea.”

— …I’ll do that for now. Is the Chairman alright?

“We’ll somehow manage. I think it’ll be resolved if at least you’re safe. I think they’ll storm the president’s office soon.”

— …

“I’ll hang up now. Be careful.”

Kim Hyun-jung ended the call. Meanwhile, Yoo Sung-jin had also contacted Korea.

Yoo Sung-jin threw his cell phone to the floor and reached out his hand.

Kim Hyun-jung handed him her phone, which he also threw to the floor and crushed under his shoe.

“Hyun-jung, it seems I’m the target. Even if you are caught, make sure you say you know nothing about it.”

“Chairman…”

“Under no circumstance should the president’s name come out. Do you understand what I’m saying? That’s the only way we’ll survive. He will find a way. Until then, no matter what…”

Yoo Sung-jin couldn’t finish speaking. The door to the president’s office was violently flung open, and a man entered.

The man surveyed the president’s office and greeted them with a playful smile.

“I am Xu Xin, the head of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.”

Hao Xun stepped forward.

“I am Hao Xun.”

Xu Xin’s lips curled up even more.

“Well, look at that. I didn’t expect such a big shot would be waiting for me. Aren’t you the real owner of the Black Dragon Society?”

“…What is the matter?”

“Why else would the Public Security Bureau be here? To catch criminals, of course.”

“This is not something that a mere head of the Public Security Bureau can handle. If you back down now…”

“Hahahaha! Vice Chairman, haven’t you heard my rumors? I’m the mad dog of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.”

Hao Xun said nothing.

He also knew who Xu Xin was.

He was called the hunting dog of the Shanghai faction, and he would bite anyone if the Shanghai faction gave the order.

“…Are you confident that you won’t regret this?”

“Look at this Black Society brat sitting there acting tough. Hey, Vice Chairman. You’re not the target today, so step aside. We came here for a different reason today.”

Xu Xin’s gaze turned to Yoo Sung-jin.

“Are you Yoo Sung-jin?”

Yoo Sung-jin replied in a calm voice.

“Yes. I am Yoo Sung-jin.”

“And next to you is Kim Hyun-jung.”

Kim Hyun-jung did not answer.

Xu Xin rubbed his chin a few times, then took away the playfulness that had filled his face.

Then, he said in a serious voice.

“We are from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. From now on, we will conduct a search and seizure of JK Media, and the three of you, Jung-jung, Kim Hyun-jung, and Yoo Sung-jin, must accompany us to the Public Security Bureau.”

Yoo Sung-jin asked.

“What if we refuse?”

“Then it would be great for me. It’s because the higher ups told me to bring you in politely, that’s why I’m doing this. Catching criminals is my specialty, but it seems like that won’t be happening today. So, are you going to try resisting?”

There was no way out of here. Yoo Sung-jin sighed and nodded.

“Lead the way.”

“I’m grateful for your cooperation. Since you’re cooperating, we won’t handcuff you. Please follow me then.”

Yoo Sung-jin and Kim Hyun-jung, upon arriving at the Public Security Bureau, were each assigned to different interrogation rooms and made to wait.

* * *

The search and seizure and arrest that took place half a day after Yoo Sung-jin entered China was not a short operation.

Have they been deliberately not touching them until now?

Why didn’t Hu Jintao stop them? Or was he unable to?

His head spun with complex thoughts. Yoo Sung-jin was an important figure helping me from the shadows. Are they planning to attack me through him?

At that moment, a knock sounded.

“Come in.”

Manager Ma entered, holding a phone in his hand.

“Boss, it’s Hao Xun on the line.”

As he took the phone, Hao Xun’s gloomy voice was the first to speak.

— President, this is Hao Xun. I’m sorry. I couldn’t protect Chairman Yoo Sung-jin.

“What exactly happened?”

— The Shanghai Party Secretary moved directly. Chairman Hu Jintao didn’t know about it. Upon finding out he was furious and said he’d investigate what happened.

“I want to speak with Chairman Hu Jintao.”

— I don’t think that will be possible. That’s why I called you.

Look at this. He is acting like this even in this situation.

“Vice Chairman, how should I accept this?”

— …I’m sorry.

“My people have just been arrested in China, and the first thing you say is sorry? Now is the time to talk about countermeasures, not make useless apologies. Tell me how to get them out.”

— First of all, all information coming out of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau is blocked. Even requests for visitation through a lawyer have been rejected.

All normal procedures were blocked. It meant that there was no way to get Yoo Sung-jin and Kim Hyun-jung out through the normal legal system.

“So you’re saying there are no countermeasures?”

— I’m sorry.

“Vice Chairman, don’t make me repeat myself. This happened in China. And it was a business we did trusting Chairman Hu Jintao. You must take responsibility for this. I won’t say anything else. Find a way to get them out, by any means necessary.”

Hao Xun answered with a voice full of military discipline at his cold words.

— I understand. I’ll do my best.

“I’ll look into it separately, but it’ll be faster if you move. First, find out if they’re safe.”

— Yes, I will do that.

“I’ll wait for good news next time.”

After finishing the call with Hao Xun, he handed the phone to Manager Ma and asked.

“What about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”

“They say they’re looking into the situation first.”

“Looking into the situation my ass. They’re just being cautious even though our people were arrested in China for no reason. Tell them to move now.”

“Understood. I’ll contact the Minister of Foreign Affairs right away.”

I nodded and slightly gnashed my teeth.

It wasn’t an area that could be handled even if the government moved, but I still had to do everything I could.