Free Web NovelA fist flew in, brutally straightforward.
I twisted my head to dodge it and drove my own fist straight into his face.
The guy staggered back, reeling from the punch to his nose.
In that moment, the two others who had been watching rushed at me.
Ignoring the ones charging in, I closed the distance between myself and the one named Hyunwoo, grabbed him by the collar, and slammed my fists into him multiple times.
Wham! Thud!
As the bastard reeled, the other two flinched in panic and tried to hold me back.
“You fucking bastard!”
The rest charged at me even more aggressively.
I smashed an uppercut into the jaw of the guy on my left. Blood sprayed from his mouth.
The one on the right, stupidly enough, tried to throw a kick.
I launched a short jab right into his windpipe.
“Ggh! Ghh... hhk.”
The guy who took the blow to the throat wheezed as if he were going to stop breathing, clutching his neck.
“...You want more?”
It had taken only a few minutes to end everything.
“Jiwon-hyung?”
When I called his name, Cheon Jiwon finally came to his senses and looked at me with a trembling gaze.
“Hyung, I’ll say this just one last time. We both know this is uncomfortable. So let’s not cross paths anymore. And stop playing gangster with punks like this. What the hell are you doing? Isn’t it time you stopped acting like a rabid dog? You’re already in your late twenties. Grow up, for fuck’s sake.”
Cheon Jiwon couldn’t say a word, standing there like a mute who swallowed honey.
He looked so pathetic I clicked my tongue before I realized it.
“Sigh... this is seriously the last time. If anything like this happens again, I don’t give a shit if you’re my cousin—I won’t let it slide. Got it?”
The three who had come at me were now either sprawled out on the floor or collapsed in place, groaning. I looked at them and said,
“You guys, too. You really want to kiss up to a guy like that just for a free drink? Fucking pathetic.”
I picked up the coat I had taken off earlier and turned my back to them.
On my way out, I whispered a final word to Cheon Jiwon.
“Hyung, you clean up the mess. You’re good at that kind of thing, right? Just don’t let this come back to me. Otherwise, we’ll be seeing each other again.”
Leaving Cheon Jiwon speechless behind me, I walked out of the store.
Outside the building, Myungsoo and three others were waiting.
“Hey! Muhyuk! You okay?”
“What do you mean? Let’s just go.”
“Huh? Oh... You didn’t get hurt, right?”
“I just went to talk.”
I gave a slight nod to the older guys.
“Then we’ll be heading off now, sunbaenims.”
With Myungsoo, I walked toward the spot where we had parked the car.
The March night air was still cold.
* * *
“He’s living with the old man now, right? Learning the ropes under Manager Ha?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Pfft... I really don’t know what the hell that old man is thinking all of a sudden.”
Cheon Sooman leaned back into the sofa with a frown, clearly irritated.
His secretary, giving the report, cast a sideways glance to gauge his mood.
“Manager Ha’s personally taking him to big corporate meetings and introducing him to powerful figures in the business world. If people start thinking he’s some kind of successor...”
At that, Cheon Sooman’s roar shook the entire office.
“What?! Successor? When the eldest son is still very much alive, who the hell would say that?!”
“...My apologies.”
“This is seriously pissing me off.”
He vented his frustration on the poor secretary.
“What’s Suhan up to these days?”
“He appears to be working under Assemblyman Kim.”
“And you don’t know doing what?”
“No, sir. Not exactly...”
“Sigh... Well, if it’s for Assemblyman Kim, it’s probably not easy work. Look into that more. What about the Myeongdong Four’s movements?”
“They haven’t made contact with Kim Muhyuk yet. But it looks like they’ll be meeting soon. Should I dig into it?”
Cheon Sooman scratched the back of his head in annoyance.
“I’ll handle that. You keep an eye on Suhan and Kim Muhyuk. And see what the old man’s up to.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Leave.”
After the secretary exited, Cheon Sooman, now alone, flipped through his notebook.
“Let’s see... That bastard Snake’s number... Ah, here it is.”
He dialed.
― This is Noh Ikseon speaking.
“Hey, President Noh. It’s Cheon from Myeongdong. Got time? I’d like to meet today.”
― Today, sir?
“Yeah. I was thinking it’s been a while—maybe we should all gather for a drink. You free?”
― Hmm, alright.
“Good, good. I’ll call the others. Let’s meet at the usual place.”
― Yes, Mr. Cheon.
After hanging up, Cheon Sooman kept flipping through the notebook and began making more calls.
A few hours later, in a bar in Myeongdong—
Four men were waiting for Cheon Sooman.
“Hey! Marauder. Do you have any idea why Mr. Cheon wants to see us?”
“No idea. You don’t know either, hyung?”
“Nope. Why’d he call us again? Do you know anything, Mangchi-hyung?”
“Nothing. I’m sure he’ll tell us when he gets here. Let’s just wait.”
“Ugh~ Every time he pulls this kind of shit, how are we supposed to like the guy? Why do the two Cheon bosses treat us like this?”
At that moment, the door opened, and Cheon Sooman walked in.
“All four of you are here. It’s been a while.”
The four men quickly stood and bowed toward him.
“Yes, Mr. Cheon. Long time no see.”
“Sit, sit. Let’s talk sitting down.”
Only after Cheon Sooman took the head seat did the four take their seats.
“Let’s all have a drink first. We’ll get the boring talk out of the way, then call the girls and really have fun. How’s that sound?”
“Yes, sir.”
Everyone lifted their glasses and drank them down in one shot.
“Ahh! It’s nice to drink together again after so long.”
Watching Cheon Sooman’s expression closely, Mangchi stepped up and asked the question.
“So, sir. What brings us all here? You don’t usually call us all together like this.”
“President Yoo, are we the kind of people who only meet when there’s a reason? Don’t be so cold.”
“It’s just... We may meet individually, but it’s only once or twice a year that all five of us get together like this.”
Cheon Sooman scratched his chin.
Everyone seemed to agree as they looked at him.
“Jeez~ I can’t hide anything from you guys. Alright, I called you because there’s something I need to talk about.”
“Please, go ahead.”
After another sip of whiskey, Cheon Sooman spoke.
“You all know there’s a kid living in the Chairman’s house these days, right?”
“You mean the Chairman’s grandson?”
“‘Grandson,’ my ass. Anyway, that punk’s tagging along with Manager Ha to learn the business. But that’s got me thinking... I’m right here, and people might start getting the wrong idea. So I figured I’d ask you gentlemen for a little help.”
“Help?”
The bosses exchanged looks.
Cheon Sooman, calm and composed, watched their darting eyes.
“Honestly, the Chairman doesn’t have much time left. As the eldest son, I should be stepping up more, don’t you think? It doesn’t sit right with me that some random punk is hanging around clouding the Chairman’s judgment.”
At that, Marauder—Shin Seongil—suddenly snapped.
“Mr. Cheon. Please be careful with your words. How can you say the Chairman doesn’t have much time? He’s still in good health.”
Cheon Sooman frowned at Shin Seongil.
“It’s just a figure of speech!”
“Still, he is your father, isn’t he? I think that was out of line.”
Cheon Sooman clicked his tongue inwardly.
‘You big dumb bear...’
Feigning a smile, he shrugged.
“Alright, alright. That was a slip of the tongue. But think about it, President Shin. For the Chairman’s own good, shouldn’t we get rid of anything clouding his eyes and ears?”
“Hm...”
No one responded immediately.
The first to speak was Twin Blades.
“Are we sure he’s really the Chairman’s grandson?”
“According to the Chairman, yes. Said he’s the son of Misook, the youngest.”
“If that’s true... Then we’ve got no grounds to interfere, do we? It’s a family matter. Even if we want to help, what could we actually do?”
That was Twin Blades—Kim Hosik.
He was an elite graduate of Yeonseong University.
But because of debt, he had no choice but to start working under Chairman Cheon.
With his sharp mind, he had quickly seized the position of boss.
It was a pointed observation, but after hearing Kim Hosik’s words, Cheon Sooman simply chuckled.
“Sigh~ President Kim. No—Hosik. This isn’t some family squabble. You think I’m doing this because I’m scared of that brat? I’m worried Father might make the wrong decision, that’s all.”
But none of the four men listening believed a word he said.
“Anyway, soon enough, Manager Ha will probably bring that kid to visit you all. When that happens, don’t just bow your heads and grovel because he’s the Chairman’s blood. Test him. That much you can do, can’t you? Each of you has been rolling under the Chairman for at least ten years.”
Twin Blades, Kim Hosik.
Marauder, Shin Seongil.
Sledgehammer, Yoo Jigang.
Snake, Noh Ikseon.
All four of them fell into thought.
The first to finish thinking was Shin Seongil.
“As for me, I don’t think it’s right to test someone the Chairman has already chosen. I’ll just listen to what Manager Ha has to say and decide then.”
Cheon Sooman nodded, as if he hadn’t expected Shin Seongil’s support to begin with.
“Fine, President Shin. You do that. What about the rest of you?”
“I’ll test him. Since you’re asking, and frankly, I’m not going to take orders from some young brat. This business isn’t soft, you know? Am I wrong?”
The oldest of them, Sledgehammer Yoo Jigang, spoke first, then looked to Twin Blades and Snake.
Kim Hosik and Noh Ikseon also nodded in agreement.
“I agree with Sledgehammer-hyung. What could a twenty-year-old brat possibly know about this business? Sure, he’s the Chairman’s grandson, so we’ll show him some respect, but when it comes to business—we need to test him. How about you, Hosik?”
Prompted by Snake’s gaze, Twin Blades spoke.
“Well, entering Korea National University’s law program at the top of the class shows he’s smart, sure...
But this isn’t something you can handle just by being smart.
You all know how long I had to grind it out after graduating before I got here, don’t you?
Took my beatings from Marauder-hyung, got cursed out by Snake-hyung, and it was Sledgehammer-hyung who talked me down through it all to make me what I am today...”
The others chuckled at the memory of old times.
“Just being the Chairman’s grandson doesn’t mean we should blindly obey.
Mr. Cheon, we follow you because you’ve been in this game with us.”
All except Shin Seongil nodded in agreement, cracking grins.
As things started to go just as he planned, Cheon Sooman clapped in satisfaction.
“Hahaha. You guys really are the Chairman’s loyal men. My old man sure had a good eye for people.
Now it’s time I showed my nephew just how brutal this business can be.
Alright, enough of this boring talk—let’s drink.”
Their drinking session went on for quite some time.
* * *
I followed Manager Ha around and met with all sorts of people.
I picked up on things quickly, and Manager Ha couldn’t hide his surprise.
“You learn quickly, young master.”
“Haha. It’s because you explain things so well, Manager Ha.”
I laughed sheepishly, but he shook his head firmly.
“No, it’s innate.
The ability to see the flow of money, the ability /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ to detect what’s hidden in documents—
those aren’t things you can pick up just because someone explains them.
You have to realize it on your own.
It took the other two presidents quite a long time to get it.”
Of course.
They learned from you for years. I’d better be able to keep up.
I brushed off the compliments and followed him into Chairman Cheon’s study.
Grandfather was sitting alone at his desk, reviewing documents, and he raised his head.
“How’s the work? You managing?”
“Yes, I’m learning a lot and enjoying it.”
Chairman Cheon glanced toward Manager Ha.
Even though he wasn’t asked, Manager Ha began reporting enthusiastically.
“He’s a natural.
You teach him one thing, and he grasps two or three more on his own.
By now, there’s no need to even explain how to read financials or track fund flows.”
“Oh? Is that so?”
Manager Ha wasn’t the type to exaggerate about work.
Knowing that better than anyone, Grandfather’s eyes gleamed with interest as he studied me.
“Then... do you think I could entrust you with Myeongdong?
What’s your opinion?”
Manager Ha gave me a quick glance, a slight concern on his face.
“Um... Isn’t it a bit too early?
The Myeongdong bosses aren’t exactly pushovers.
Would they even accept the young master?”
“Is their acceptance necessary?
I said I’m assigning the job.”
“Still...”
I stepped into the conversation.
“I’d like to try. If it’s something I’ll have to face eventually,
better to face it now—even if it means getting beaten or bleeding, I’ll come out of it with something.”
“Young master!”
Manager Ha stared at me in surprise.
Grandfather waved him off and looked long at my face.
“Are you confident?”
“I’m always confident.”
Grandfather smirked, raising the corner of his lips.
“Oh? Those guys aren’t the kind to back down.
Even your uncles don’t treat them lightly. freewēbnoveℓ.com
You really think you can handle them?”
He was testing me.
I met his gaze head-on, full of challenge.
“If once doesn’t work, I’ll try twice.
If twice doesn’t work, then three times—
I’ll keep going until it does.”
At that, Chairman Cheon leaned back and laughed loudly.
Manager Ha couldn’t hide his startled expression.
“Hahaha! You’re making my twilight years fun, kid.
Alright, give it a shot.
But if it gets too tough, say something.”
“Even if it’s tough, I won’t complain.
I’ll bring you good news.”
At my words, Grandfather dropped his smile and turned to Manager Ha.
“Who should he start with?”
“Start with President Shin.
He’s the most loyal to you.”
“Hm...”
Chairman Cheon paused, then quickly turned back to me with a spark in his eye.
“Nah, that’s boring. Start with Hosik.
That guy’s the sharpest—send him first.”
“President Kim is...”
Manager Ha looked between me and the Chairman with concern.
But the old man waved it off.
“Send him to Twin Blades first.
Have him do the handover—management ledgers, shadow accounts, all of it goes to Muhyuk.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Muhyuk, you step out for now.”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
Once Kim Muhyuk left the study, Chairman Cheon’s face changed completely.
“The eldest met with the bosses, didn’t he?”
“Yes.”
His face, already hard, twisted even more.
“Tsk, tsk.
Is he already getting scared?”
“I couldn’t confirm exactly what was said, but the meeting did take place.”
At Manager Ha’s report, the Chairman rubbed his temple in frustration.
After a short pause, he sighed and spoke.
“Phew... For now, take Muhyuk to Twin Blades first. freёwebnoѵel.com
You keep an eye on him.
Make sure he doesn’t push himself too hard. Got it?”
“Yes, Chairman.”
A few days later—
Kim Muhyuk headed to the office of Twin Blades, Kim Hosik, in Myeongdong, with Manager Ha.
< The Four Loan Shark Bosses of Myeongdong > End.
