Free Web Novel“They’re dismantling Hanahoe?”
At Chairman Cheon’s glance, Manager Ha began to speak.
“Yes. It seems they’re planning a massive reorganization of the military. They say not a single member of Hanahoe will be spared—they’re all being forced to step down. Hanahoe gatherings have been increasing lately.”
Chairman Cheon fell into a moment of thought before he spoke again.
“So the president really made up his mind. That’s no easy decision. To go after Hanahoe first thing after taking office... he’s serious.”
“Wasn’t he one of the people hurt most by the military regime? Sure, he joined hands with them to seize power in the end, but he was never the kind to sit quietly.”
“What about the Cheongpunghoe? Staying silent?”
“For now, it seems they’re keeping their heads down. It’s a ruthless season of purges. And this is the early phase of the new administration—the time when power is at its peak. Even Cheongpunghoe can’t afford to get slashed by that blade.”
“What do you think, Muhyuk?”
The question came to me, who had been silently listening.
“I don’t think it’ll cause too much trouble. They’ve already replaced key positions like the Army Chief of Staff and the Defense Security Commander. And it was all done within four hours after summoning the Minister of Defense. Even if they dismantle Hanahoe, the conservative government label won’t disappear. There’s no way the public would tolerate a coup now. And the military, except for Hanahoe, wouldn’t support one either.”
“You seem to have a strong interest in politics. You’ve got a good grasp of things.”
“How could I not be interested? It’s an important variable in what you do, Grandfather.”
“Oh?”
Grandfather laughed, clearly pleased, and looked at Manager Ha as if to say, “Continue the report.”
Receiving that look, Manager Ha spoke again.
“There doesn’t seem to be any major issues beyond the purge of Hanahoe... But almost no one knows what the president is thinking. Even our planted secretaries don’t have a clue what VIP is planning. But... apparently he did bring up a war on corruption in the latest senior staff meeting.”
“Corruption?”
“Yes. He reportedly ordered senior officials to publicly disclose their assets. Despite considerable opposition from those around him... he seems determined to follow through.”
Chairman Cheon rubbed his forehead, clearly troubled.
“He’s summoning a storm of radical change... I expected this, but still, it’s unpredictable.”
“Do you have a headache? I’ll bring some medicine.”
“No need. What else? Anything in the economic sector?”
“Well... strangely, there hasn’t been much talk about the economy at all.”
Chairman Cheon narrowed his eyes.
“The Chief Economic Advisor is one of ours, right?”
“Yes. And from what I’ve heard, even other conglomerates haven’t been able to gather much information.”
“What do you think?”
“I think the real-name financial system, at the earliest, will be implemented next year—at the end of his term if delayed. Right now, the administration is already facing huge opposition from the military purge and asset disclosure demands... I doubt they’ll add financial reform on top of that.”
“That’s what you think?”
“Yes.”
Chairman Cheon nodded and turned to look at me.
“What about you, Muhyuk?”
“The real-name system will definitely happen. It’s been in discussion since the 70s, but always got blocked by politicians. With this president’s personality, I think he’s already done the groundwork quietly with a few trusted people. The odds of him announcing it suddenly are high.”
“Hahaha.”
Chairman Cheon burst out laughing.
After laughing for a while, he looked at me and said,
“You’re smart, but you still don’t fully understand how politicians work. Even if the president isn’t a military man, he’s still a politician. And no politician can escape the chains of political funding. It’s not something that can be done quickly.”
“Still, I believe we need to move the funds to people we truly trust.”
“Enough, Myeonghun.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I have something to discuss with Muhyuk. Please step outside.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Manager Ha left the room.
“You’re that worried about the real-name system?”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Don’t worry. The accounts are scattered among people I trust. The rest isn’t that much money anyway.”
“Grandfather, human greed knows no end. Right now you still hold the bankbooks and the stamps, so there’s no problem. But if the real-name system goes into effect and money can only be accessed by the actual holder, there will be an issue.”
It was true.
Chairman Cheon had taken a massive hit from the real-name system in the previous timeline.
He lost about 25% of his total assets.
Not only anonymous accounts under dead or fake names but even nominee accounts suffered major losses.
“Hmm...”
“Please, take this opportunity to organize everything. Use it as a chance to review your assets as a whole. You’re the one who always told me—‘You can trust money, but never people.’”
“Hahaha. So you remember that?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. I’ll think it over. But more importantly, Muhyuk...”
“Yes?”
“How did you know about the secret account with President Kim? I entrusted that to him without telling anyone. How did you figure it out?”
I’d been waiting for that question.
“I saw it in his face. There was something off. You clearly told me to retrieve every account, but his expression while handing over the bankbooks... there was this strange unease. After I asked directly—once we were alone—he confessed right away.”
“What? Hahaha! He confessed right away? That Kim Hosik, the almighty Twin Blades? That fool who thinks he’s the smartest man on Earth?”
“Yes. I did threaten him a bit, but he answered without much resistance.”
“Hoho... The more I see of you, the more I like you.”
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
I didn’t avoid Chairman Cheon’s pleased gaze—I met it head-on.
My confidence seemed to please him even more, and the smile on his face never left.
“So you really think the real-name system will come this year?”
“I do.”
“How would you recommend we handle the redistribution?”
“Even if we leave the funds in the accounts of people you truly trust, the biggest issue is the anonymous accounts under nonexistent names. Those need to be gathered somewhere secure immediately. Otherwise, they’ll become completely inaccessible—no matter what method you try later.”
“Hm. Do you know how much wealth this old man actually has?”
“Not exactly. But I’ve learned a lot while working.”
“Tell me.”
“The person with the most cash in Korea. One of the wealthiest in the country even when you include real estate and stocks. Loan Shark King Cheon Taesan.”
“Hahaha. You’re gilding this old man’s face.”
“But I don’t believe you’re just ‘one of the wealthiest.’ I believe no one can compare to your assets. Am I right? Your hidden assets outweigh the known ones, don’t they?”
“Well... that might be true. Or it might not.”
Even after his death, no one could fully grasp the scope of his assets.
The nominee-managed wealth was just too extensive...
I remembered all the fighting between me and my uncles over finding and claiming it.
And in the end, I died because I lost that fight.
Even Manager Ha, considered the most loyal aide, didn’t know the full extent of Chairman Cheon’s wealth.
“Muhyuk.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“I wronged your mother deeply. My poor youngest daughter. I owe Misook a great debt. That’s why I want to give you this chance. Don’t ever disappoint me.”
“I won’t.”
“Once you retrieve all the accounts from the Myeongdong bosses, the secret accounts... you manage them. Use them for something you truly want. But—if you lose that money, that’s all you’ll ever get from me. Understood?”
“Yes. If you entrust it to me, I’ll never make a mistake.”
“Good. Go rest now.”
I bowed and exited the room.
Manager Ha was waiting outside.
I nodded to him and returned to my room.
‘Hah... I never imagined he’d entrust them to me. With this, I can move faster than I planned. First, I need to find someone to manage the money.’
Thanks to this unexpected opportunity, I could now accelerate my plans.
The moment I was handed control of Grandfather’s secret funds, my list of options expanded exponentially.
* * *
“Myeonghun.”
Left alone in the study, Chairman Cheon called for Manager Ha.
He entered with a bow.
“Yes, Chairman.”
“We need to start organizing the accounts.”
“You mean the accounts, sir?”
“Yes. Leave the nominee ones for now, but consolidate all accounts under dead or fake names.”
“Where should I transfer them to?”
“Put them under your name. You’re the one I trust most, aren’t you?”
“Yes. Understood.”
“Organize the shares too, and report to me. How long will it take?” fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
“For the accounts alone, even at best, it’ll take until July. They’re too scattered.”
“That long just for the anonymous ones?”
Chairman Cheon rubbed his furrowed brow.
“Yes, sir. But I’ll do it as quickly as possible.”
“Alright. How much are the nominee accounts entrusted to the Myeongdong bosses? Five billion won?”
“Roughly, yes.”
“Transfer those into Muhyuk’s name. There won’t be any issues, right?”
“Young master’s name, sir?”
“Yes. Make sure it’s done cleanly.”
“Understood.”
“For now, focus on wrapping up the handover Muhyuk’s doing with the Myeongdong presidents, and then start.”
Manager Ha bowed and left the room.
Unaware that he had just been gifted something enormous, Muhyuk was already fast asleep.
* * *
The next day.
I visited Snake’s office in Myeongdong.
Unlike Twin Blades, Snake greeted me with courtesy.
“Young master, welcome.”
“Hello. I’m Kim Muhyuk.”
“I’ve heard about you, but this is the first time we’ve met in person. Please, have a seat.”
Snake’s office was empty.
Only Snake, Manager Ha, and I were present.
As soon as I sat down, Snake—Noh Ikseon—produced the ledgers and bankbooks.
“Please check them. There shouldn’t be any issues.”
“Yes.”
While I reviewed the documents, Snake sat in silence.
The same when I checked the accounts.
“Everything looks fine. I’ll take the bankbooks now. I’ll check the ledgers every two weeks—is that alright?”
“Yes, young master.”
“Manager Ha? I’d like to have a word alone with him.”
Perhaps remembering the last time, Manager Ha stepped out without comment.
As soon as the door shut, I got to the point.
“President Noh, you have more accounts, don’t you? Please hand those over too.”
“...I’m sorry? What do you mean?”
“The ones the Chairman entrusted to you secretly.”
The scar on Noh Ikseon’s face twitched slightly. His eyes darted restlessly, unsure where to settle.
“Why? Is there a problem with the account?”
“No.”
“Then please, hand it over.”
“I’d like to check with the Chairman—”
I cut him off before he could stall.
“The fact that I know about an account that only you and the Chairman are aware of already tells you everything. Is there a reason ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) to waste time double-checking? Just hand it over.”
Snake remained silent, trying to gauge the situation.
“Sigh... Do you need more time too, Mr. Noh?”
His reaction wasn’t any different from Twin Blades’.
Which meant that—just like him—Snake had been using the Chairman’s slush funds for something.
...These bastards.
Maybe the money from the anonymous accounts didn’t vanish during the real-name system reform after all...
Maybe these fuckers snatched it in the chaos for themselves.
Gulp.
The only sound echoing in the office was Snake’s dry swallow, caught under the cold light of my sharpened stare.
< You Will Manage the Secret Accounts > End.
