Free Web Novel“Building up Massoud’s trust is nothing to lose. After all, he’s about to become the new president of Afghanistan.”
Everything I had planned was falling into place exactly as I wanted.
Afghanistan wasn’t a profitable region—yet. No, to be precise, it was about to become one.
“The trust in Black Bear has definitely grown. He’s not the type who likes foreign intervention. Things are going the way you wanted, aren’t they?”
The money America was about to pour into Afghanistan was astronomical. On top of that, there were rumors of massive rare-earth deposits.
Establishing contact with Massoud, the leader of the Northern Alliance that would seize power, was a very profitable outcome.
“Yeah. For now, just keep building trust with him. No, I should probably call him myself later. Eric is doing well.”
Even just saying something directly over the phone was completely different from having words delivered through someone else.
“Let’s keep it that way. For now, don’t come back to Korea. Keep a close watch on Wall Street and the Jewish networks. It’s been way too quiet lately.”
Next was Eva.
“Eva, focus only on the collapse of Ilseong Group. That’s important too. If you notice anything even slightly strange, report it immediately.”
“Got it, Boss.”
“You kept separate records of what went out to the politicians, right?”
“Yeah. Dates, amounts, even video footage. You can’t trust politicians.”
Eva winked playfully with one eye.
Of course—Eva would never handle work sloppily.
“Hand everything over to Manager Ma.”
“Yeah, I can give it to him right away.”
“And keep an eye on Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. We need to watch their movements too. You’re not running out of money, are you?”
“The account you gave me isn’t going to run dry that fast. If anything, it’s growing. If I need more, I’ll tell you.”
“Good.”
I couldn’t do everything myself.
The presence of Han Kyungyeong and Eva was a huge help to me.
My greatest strength was money. 2002 was the year to lay the foundation to seize Korea completely with that money.
If money alone solved everything, it wouldn’t take so long. But politicians and journalists who insisted on being stubborn always appeared.
I had to hold onto their weaknesses.
If the carrot didn’t work, I’d have to use the stick.
“Manager Ma, receive the ledger from Eva and organize it. You’re entering Russia at the end of the month, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll leave it to you until then.”
We had only talked business for a short while, but it was already dark outside.
“Time flies. How long are you staying in Korea?”
“Me? Maybe two weeks? I’ll meet some people, rest a little, then head to England to take care of club business and go on a date with Ailee. Going to New York is just noisy. Nothing urgent to do right now anyway.”
“How’s the club?”
The Premier League season was already halfway through.
“We’re 3rd in the league right now. The new recruits and the old players haven’t meshed yet. We need to change the coach too. I don’t really know football. The executives handle everything. Ailee explains things to me, but still.”
“Then I should take a look myself. I have dinner plans tonight, but before you leave for England, let’s grab a drink.”
“Sure. I’m tired anyway after the flight. I’ll just rest at home tonight.”
Then, a knock came at the study door.
“Boss, Jintae has arrived.”
“Ah, let him in with his mother.”
The door opened, and the lady entered with her son, An Jintae.
“Hello.”
Looking a little awkward, Jintae bowed as he stepped into the study.
“Sit down. Sorry for calling you so suddenly this evening. Kyungyeong came back after a long time, and he wanted to give you a gift for getting into university.”
“Hey, Jintae. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
Seeing Han Kyungyeong, Jintae’s face brightened as he sat down.
“I was thinking of buying you a car as a gift. Do you have a model in mind?”
Jintae glanced nervously at his mother.
“I already got her permission. Don’t hold back—say whatever you want.”
Why did Han Kyungyeong look so triumphant when giving a gift?
“I don’t even have a license yet. I don’t really know cars.”
“Really? Then let’s go look together later. You have to see them in person to choose.”
Watching Kyungyeong grinning and Jintae flustered made me shake my head.
“Don’t tease the kid.”
“Who’s teasing! Anyway, are we done here? I’ll get going.”
“Yeah, we’ve covered the important things. But when has anything ever gone according to plan? We’ll adjust when things change.”
“Okay. Let’s go, Jintae! Shopping!”
Kyungyeong jumped up from his seat.
He’s too old to act like this. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
“I’m off then. Keep in touch.”
He threw his arm around Jintae’s shoulder, pulling him up.
“Auntie, Jintae’s an adult now. Can I take him for a drink? I’ll make sure he gets home safely and not too late.”
“Of course.”
“See? Our auntie is the best. Jintae, let’s drink tonight.”
“······.”
“Don’t be scared! Come on!”
Dragged along by Kyungyeong, Jintae paused, turned back, and bowed to me.
“Boss, see you again.”
“Yeah. Oh, wait a second.”
I stopped him and looked at Manager Ma.
“Bring Jiyoung’s gift.”
Manager Ma left and returned with a small shopping bag.
When Jintae received it, he looked surprised.
“Jiyoung asked me to give this to you as a congratulatory gift.”
“From Jiyoung noona?”
At once, his face lit up.
I smiled too, but beside me, Kyungyeong frowned.
“Hey, I offered to buy you a car, and you just said, ‘Your heart is enough, hyung.’”
“T-that’s not it.”
Flustered, Jintae’s face turned bright red.
Unlike with me or Kyungyeong, he had known Cheon Jiyoung since they were little. Of course he’d feel more comfortable with her.
“She said she was sorry she couldn’t give it herself. Next time, let’s all meet together. She said let’s have a meal.”
“I’ll do that.”
“That hurts, you know?”
“Cut it out.”
After Jintae and Kyungyeong left, I stood up too.
“Eva, I have an appointment now. Let’s talk more on the way.”
“Yes, Boss.”
I left the Pyeongchang-dong house with Eva.
“How’s the atmosphere in China?”
“China? Jiang Zemin’s era is over. Now it’s Hu Jintao’s. Everyone’s buzzing with expectations. But the elites know the truth—that Hu Jintao is still Jiang Zemin’s puppet.”
“Really?”
I closed my eyes and sank into thought.
The Hu Jintao era was beginning, but the real transfer of power hadn’t happened yet.
This time Premier Wen Jiabao had also fallen, so he wasn’t by his side. That made it even harder to grasp power.
“For now, step back from China and focus on the Middle East. Especially make contact with royals in OPEC member states.”
“Middle Eastern royals?”
“Yeah. Saudi Arabia, the UAE emirates, try to connect with their royal families. Can you handle it?”
“If you order it, I’ll do it. But they’re extremely closed off. It’ll take time. They’re not short on money, so figuring out an approach won’t be easy. Is it okay if it takes a while?”
“There’s no rush. {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} Take it slow. You’re the best at winning people’s hearts. I trust you.”
Eva widened her eyes, then grinned.
“Leave it to me, Boss.”
Before entering the restaurant, I told her,
“Next time, let’s have a meal somewhere nice, just the two of us.”
“Yes, Boss.” frёewebnoѵēl.com
I sent Eva off and went inside with Manager Ma.
Until I prepared a private meeting space, I often met with allies at a Korean restaurant in Seocho-gu where I had met Governor Yoon Changho.
I followed the staff to the reserved room.
Through the sliding door, I saw Oh Hyunwoo and a middle-aged man already seated.
Oh Hyunwoo stood with a wave.
“You’re early.”
“We just got here. This is Kim Woongrae, Chief of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s Central Investigation Department.”
The lean middle-aged man stood and shook my hand.
“Kim Woongrae, Head of Central Investigation.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Muhyuk. Since you’re my senior from Korea National University, please speak comfortably.”
I smiled as I gripped his hand.
“Let’s save that until we know each other better. I’m more curious why the master of Myeongdong wants to see me.”
He was lean, but his eyes were steady and unyielding like a bear.
“Please, have a seat, Director. Muhyuk, you too.”
Oh Hyunwoo eased the mood, guiding him back to his seat.
I sat next to Oh Hyunwoo.
Kim Woongrae felt my gaze and looked at me directly.
“Is something on my face?”
“No. But really, please speak comfortably. I’m your junior—it feels awkward otherwise.”
“Yeah, Chief, talk casually. You know he’s a famous name at Korea National.”
With Oh Hyunwoo’s prompting, Kim Woongrae finally nodded.
“Very well.”
“Yes. Let me pour you a drink first.”
I picked up the kettle beside me, and Kim Woongrae raised his glass.
“I asked Hyunwoo to introduce us because I wanted to meet you.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you. There are rumors you’re the richest man in Korea.”
“You flatter me, senior. Not quite.”
He downed the drink I poured, then pushed the kettle back.
“Have one yourself. From here on, we pour our own.”
“Yes, senior.”
“So, are you close with Prosecutor Oh?”
“Since we were classmates, we became close quickly. Even after graduation, we’ve met often.”
“I see. But why would a businessman like you want to meet a prosecutor like me? Not just for friendly drinks, I assume. What, you guilty of something?”
Does he really not know me? For a moment, I thought so. But there was no way the Head of the Central Investigation Department wouldn’t know.
His information network was sharper than even the NIS. If he really didn’t know about me, that would make no sense.
“Haha. Nothing like that.”
“Really? But when Prosecutor Oh told me about you, I checked all the records the prosecution has. There was nothing on you. That made you even more suspicious. So I looked deeper. And the more I dug, the more outrageous it became.”
Kim Woongrae’s eyes gleamed with a strange light.
“They call you the shadow hand gripping Korea in your palm. Is that true?”
