Free Web NovelA private villa owned by the Cheonha Group on the outskirts of Gyeonggi Province.
The men seated along both sides of the long table—facing the head seat—couldn’t conceal their discomfort.
As Yoo Sungjin entered the conference room, he let out a small, amused snort. The meeting hadn’t even started, yet the atmosphere was already this tense.
Leaving behind the men glaring at each other in silent rivalry, Yoo walked toward the head of the table.
His footsteps echoed through the quiet room, and every pair of eyes turned toward him.
“Seems I’m a little late.”
He smiled, attempting to ease the tension—but no one responded.
The only man in the room who wasn’t East Asian finally opened his mouth.
“It’s not polite for a host to keep his guests waiting, is it, Chairman Yoo?”
The man spoke in Russian, but his subordinate quickly whispered the translation into his ear.
Yoo nodded slightly, his smile widening even more.
Then he replied smoothly in fluent English.
“My apologies. But it seems you, Mr. Usoyan, are the one lacking manners here. I thought we agreed to communicate in English for everyone’s sake. Ignoring a notice that was shared in advance—that’s far more discourteous, don’t you think?”
Usoyan’s brow furrowed. Ignoring his obvious displeasure, Yoo took his seat at the head of the table.
“Thank you all for coming. It’s an honor to host such distinguished guests. Of course, we’re all familiar with one another, but let’s make introductions anyway. Since someone here values etiquette so highly, I should do my best, shouldn’t I?”
Usoyan’s expression hardened further, but Yoo only smiled mildly and continued.
“I’m Yoo Sungjin, as you all know, head of the Cheonha Group here in Korea.”
After his brief introduction, he looked toward Usoyan.
Usoyan cleared his throat and spoke.
“Usoyan of Russia. Some call me the godfather of the Bratvas.”
Once he finished, Yoo turned to Hao Xun.
“Hao Xun, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Black Dragon Society. I didn’t expect to meet so many bosses face to face.”
Lastly, Yoo looked to Yamamoto.
“Yamamoto Ken of Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. A pleasure to meet you.”
No sooner had Yamamoto finished than Usoyan sneered.
“What’s that guy doing here? His organization’s finished. Doesn’t fit the level of this table.”
“What did you just say?”
Provoked, Yamamoto’s tone rose sharply.
“Am I wrong? Yamaguchi-gumi? No, Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi? A bastard offshoot without pedigree doesn’t belong here.”
“And you think you have pedigree? Didn’t you snatch your position after Semyon disappeared?”
“What did you just say, you bastard?”
The one who’d started the provocation was the first to explode. Usoyan slammed the table and jumped to his feet, pointing furiously at Yamamoto.
“You want to die? How dare you speak that name in front of me?!”
The room filled with noise. Only ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) Hao Xun remained calm, watching the two with a glint of amusement in his eyes.
“Gentlemen, calm down. Enough of this pointless show of dominance. Or would you rather start throwing punches here? If you want blood like uncivilized thugs, I won’t stop you.”
Yoo’s voice was cold and sharp.
“The meeting hasn’t even begun, and you’re already posturing. Isn’t it a bit early for that?”
“Before we continue, answer my question, Chairman Yoo. Why the hell is he here? I can’t comprehend it.”
Usoyan pointed at Yamamoto, his gaze dripping with contempt.
“I know you’re impatient, Usoyan, but don’t raise your voice before I’ve even explained. You’ll understand soon enough.”
“Hmph...”
Yoo’s calm tone made Usoyan click his tongue and slowly sit back down.
“Fine. But you’ll have to convince me.”
With the disturbance finally settled, Yoo nodded.
“Good. First, let’s have a drink.”
He gestured lightly, and his attendants entered, setting bottles and glasses along the table before filling each one.
Once everyone had their glass, Yoo signaled with his eyes, and the attendants bowed and exited.
The three men couldn’t help but notice how disciplined Yoo’s subordinates were.
Yoo raised his glass first.
“Well, it’s rare for men like us to gather in one place. Let’s each take a drink.”
Hao Xun raised his glass first, followed by Yamamoto.
Reluctantly, Usoyan lifted his own.
“To our meeting.”
Yoo downed the whiskey in one motion, and the others followed suit.
“Now, let me explain why I’ve brought us together today. It’s to decide the path we’ll take forward.”
At his words, the men exchanged glances.
Unbothered by the variety of looks directed at him, Yoo continued evenly.
“Russia’s Usoyan. China’s Hao Xun. Japan’s Yamamoto Ken. And me, Yoo Sungjin of Korea. If we join hands, the balance of power across East Asia connects as one. No one would dare move against us. That’s why we’re here today.”
Having already discussed this beforehand, Hao Xun feigned surprise as he spoke.
“So, you’re suggesting we merge our organizations?”
Yoo shook his head slowly.
“Merging wouldn’t work. What I propose is a coalition. We cooperate when problems arise, lend each other support when needed.”
“A coalition, hm...”
Hao Xun murmured and then nodded.
“That sounds reasonable. The world’s already functioning as interconnected zones. We’re geographically close; unity makes sense. I like the idea. The Black Dragon Society is in favor.”
Hao’s approval was expected—he and Yoo had agreed on this beforehand.
“Chairman Yoo,” Usoyan interjected, frowning, “a coalition only works when the players are of similar weight. The Black Dragons don’t even control all of China, and that Japanese gang? They’re finished. Doesn’t fit, does it?”
He turned his gaze to Yoo.
“And you—no offense—but the scale of your Korean business hardly compares to the Bratvas’. Partnering with you would be like teaming up with a street vendor.”
The insult tightened Yoo’s jaw, but he remained silent. Usoyan continued without pause.
“Looks like a losing deal for us. I see no reason we need this. Even in the Japan incident, the Black Dragons only provided manpower. We supplied the weapons and logistics.”
“We paid well for them,” Hao Xun shot back.
“Paid well? Maybe to you. To us, it was a giveaway.” Usoyan smirked.
“While you were hesitating to attack the Yakuza, do you even know how many of my people died?” Hao Xun’s voice rose, anger blazing in his eyes.
“If you’d given support sooner, our casualties would’ve been half! And now you dare boast about the weapons? Those lives were worth more than any shipment! Watch your tongue unless you want to pay their blood price!”
He glared at Usoyan with murderous intensity. Usoyan only scoffed.
“Ha! Even if hundreds die, that won’t make those weapons cheaper.”
“You bastard—!”
Hao slammed the table and stood up.
His bodyguard—who doubled as interpreter—slipped a hand into his jacket. frёewebnoѵēl.com
Noticing the motion, one of Usoyan’s men reached for the back of his waistband.
“...Vice Chairman, please, calm down.”
“Chairman Yoo.”
Hao turned toward Yoo, his expression filled with frustration.
Yoo nodded slightly.
He was well aware of Usoyan’s deliberate provocations.
“I understand your anger, Vice Chairman. But we’re here to talk, aren’t we? Please, sit.”
“......”
After a moment, Hao exhaled sharply and sat back down.
He couldn’t afford to go against Yoo—not when he knew who stood behind him.
“Usoyan, what exactly is your problem? Let’s hear it.”
At that, Usoyan seized the chance to speak.
“I don’t like any of this. I don’t even know why I’m here. I don’t like that Yakuza sitting across from me, and I especially don’t like that sly, slit-eyed bastard next to him...”
On the surface, it sounded childish. But his contempt was clear.
Looking at Yoo’s calm face, Usoyan twisted his lips into a sneer.
“And I don’t like you sitting there either.”
Yoo smiled faintly. So that’s what this is really about.
“Ah, so that’s the problem. You don’t like me presiding over this meeting. That’s why you’re making a scene.”
He went straight for the throat.
Usoyan didn’t deny it. In fact, he leaned forward, voice heavy with greed.
“If this is to be a coalition, shouldn’t the biggest organization lead it?”
Yoo was reminded of something Kim Muhyuk had told him just days earlier.
— Hao Xun will follow your lead completely. Yamamoto has no choice, so don’t worry about him. But Usoyan’s different. He’s ambitious. He’ll question your authority. If you need help, call me. Still... I trust you’ll handle it without me.
Yoo let his gaze sweep over the room.
Hao Xun glared at Usoyan. Yamamoto had his eyes closed. Usoyan sat back, arms folded, smirking.
Calling Kim Muhyuk might be an option... but no. He wants me to handle this myself.
Yoo took a slow breath and spoke.
“Do you want this seat, then?”
“......”
“Be clear, Usoyan. Do you want the seat—or something else? You know this chair represents more than a title.”
Usoyan’s smile faltered.
“Well, I’ve no burning desire to keep it. I’m busy enough running my own organization. If you want it, you can have it.”
His tone was mocking, but Yoo didn’t blink.
“Then why isn’t Charlie here? Shouldn’t he show his face if he called us together?”
“He’s too busy to bother with something so trivial. That’s why he sent me in his place. Now, stop dodging and answer me.”
Still smiling, Yoo rose from his seat.
“Would you like to sit here?”
“......”
That wasn’t the reaction Usoyan had expected. He’d only been trying to grab a bit of control, not actually take over.
But Yoo was offering the seat without hesitation—it was disorienting.
“Is it difficult to answer? It’s a simple question. I’m offering you this seat, Usoyan. Will you take it?”
Yoo’s gaze was unwavering.
“...I misspoke, Chairman Yoo.”
When Usoyan backed down, Yoo nodded, satisfied.
“Then I’ll take that as agreement. You have no objection to me leading this meeting, correct, Usoyan?”
“That’s right. But I have no intention of forming a coalition with the Black Dragons or Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. Let’s make that clear.”
“And why is that?”
“Didn’t I say it already? A coalition needs equals. Better idea—how about they just become our subordinates?”
“......”
The arrogance in his words made both Yamamoto and Hao’s eyes blaze.
“How about this: you and I lead the coalition, with the Black Dragons and Yamaguchi-gumi beneath us. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?”
Silence fell across the room.
So that’s your move—pretend to compromise but plant discord.
Just as Yoo opened his mouth to respond, the door burst open and one of his men hurried in.
Before Yoo could scold him, the subordinate rushed over and whispered urgently,
“Chairman, President Kim Muhyuk is calling. Shall I connect him?”
“Put him through.”
Without hesitation, Yoo picked up the receiver. freeweɓnovel.cѳm
“President Kim, this is Yoo Sungjin.”
— How’s the meeting going? I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.
“No, sir. We were just about to begin.”
— Perfect timing. Mind putting me on speaker?
Following his instructions, Yoo switched to speaker mode and set the handset down.
“It’s on speaker, sir.”
— Good. Hello, everyone. This is Kim Muhyuk.
