Free Web Novel“Congratulations, General Secretary.”
I offered my congratulations to Hu Jintao over the phone.
At the recently held 16th National Congress, Hu Jintao had been elected as General Secretary.
Wen Jiabao, who had fallen from grace before, was also appointed Premier of the State Council, just like in the original history.
― I don’t know if it’s something to celebrate.
“Think about the future later. For now, enjoy this moment.”
The reason Hu Jintao sounded so uneasy was simple.
He knew that Jiang Zemin, who had stepped down, would continue to rule from behind the scenes like an emperor.
China’s collective leadership system allowed seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, including the General Secretary, to share power.
But Jiang Zemin, when handing over the position to Hu Jintao, expanded the Standing Committee to nine members—
and filled six of those seats with figures from the Shanghai Clique.
He also appointed one of his closest allies from the same faction as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
A clear declaration that he intended to keep control of the military as well.
Hu Jintao, whose power base was still weak, had no choice but to accept it.
In the end, among the nine Standing Committee members, only two could be considered his own people.
― I agreed to hand over the presidency next year, but he still hasn’t promised when he’ll give up the Military Commission chairmanship. How brazen can one man be?
Hu Jintao burst out in anger.
Just as Mao Zedong had said that power comes from the barrel of a gun, the true ruler of China was the Chairman of the Military Commission.
“Even Jiang Zemin won’t hold on forever. He’ll hand it over within three years.”
― That’s the problem. If you don’t hand over all the power at once, the successor never gains real authority. But this way, he keeps dangling it piece by piece.
“Yes, that’s true.”
― Who’s going to be afraid of me under these circumstances?
That incident left a deep scar in him. Later, Hu Jintao would be the one to hand over all authority to his successor at once.
But that decision turned out to be a grave mistake. It ended up creating a monster.
The dictator who broke the tradition of transferring power every ten years was, in a way, born from Hu Jintao’s own hands.
“Still, you’re ranked first in the Communist Party hierarchy. You must stay firm. I’m sure you’ll manage well with Premier Wen Jiabao.”
― ...Do you really think I can?
“Of course.”
― Thank you. Even if you’re only saying that out of courtesy.
“It’s not just courtesy. The national economy will grow rapidly, and China’s international status will rise.”
During Hu Jintao’s term, China’s economic growth would reach an unimaginable level.
Of course, whether that was due to his leadership or simply the spirit of the times was another matter entirely.
Hu Jintao cleared his throat once before changing the subject.
― I’ve received the report about Japan. To accomplish what no one else could... You really are an extraordinary man, President Kim.
“You flatter me. I only did what had to be done.”
― ‘Only did what had to be done’? Even here in China there are countless criminals, yet no one has ever managed to unify them. But to build a cartel encompassing all of East Asia—that could only have been done by you.
He was right. As far as I knew, no such cross-border cartel had ever existed before.
Russian mafia, Japanese yakuza, Chinese triads—all of them had grown within their own territories.
But I had united them into one, forming a massive network that spanned Korea, China, Japan, and Russia.
Something no one in history had achieved.
― If you can manage criminals efficiently, it’s not a bad thing. And you’ve done the impossible.
The soon-to-be head of state of China taking interest in the underworld?
Nonsense. He was only interested in the money it could bring.
“You can ask Hao Xun for the details. He’ll handle it well.”
― Thank you—for saving him and for giving him an important position. I’ll repay you for that someday.
He seemed to think of Hao Xun as more than just a subordinate.
Well, that was fine by me. If he cared about Hao Xun, he’d feel indebted to me. That only worked to my advantage.
― I’ll send you an invitation to next year’s presidential inauguration. You must come. I’ll prepare an excellent seat for you.
“Thank you for the invitation. Then I’ll have to prepare a gift.”
― Haha, just come empty-handed. Your presence itself will be the gift.
I half-listened to Hu Jintao’s easy laughter, glancing at the clock. The call was dragging on.
― Ah, and I’ve received reports that something strange is happening in North Korea. They might resume their nuclear testing soon.
“...So it’s come to that, after all.”
― After their secret negotiations with the U.S. fell apart, there’s nothing else left for them to do.
“Even if China opposes it, they’ll push ahead, won’t they?”
― When has Kim Jongil ever listened to anyone else?
I could only agree.
Kim Jongil’s paranoia had worsened with time.
He no longer trusted anyone—not even his own aides, not China, not Russia. He believed in no one and listened to no one.
“Have you heard anything about Jang Songthaek?”
― I told them to send Deputy Director Jang to my inauguration next year. He won’t be able to refuse.
“I see. Understood. Thank you for the information.”
― Haha, compared to what you’ve done for us, it’s nothing. Oh, and Wen Jiabao asked me to pass along his gratitude. He said he still has too many eyes watching him to contact you directly.
Naturally, Jiang Zemin still hadn’t stopped suspecting him.
“I understand. When I visit China next year, we’ll meet then. Please tell him to stay healthy.”
― Will do. Let’s talk again soon.
After ending the call with Hu Jintao, I sat down on the sofa to organize my thoughts.
As in the original history, Hu Jintao had become President, and Wen Jiabao had become Premier.
I’d briefly considered grooming Wen Jiabao as the next president—but quickly abandoned the idea.
He was too old. Waiting another ten years would be unrealistic.
Still, that monster must be stopped—
the one who would lead China into the era of arrogant little pinks.
I brushed aside the idle thoughts and picked up the document before me.
It was a report on the recent activities of Cheon Jiwon and Cheon Jisoo.
I began reading the section on Cheon Jisoo first.
As I turned the pages, a faint smile tugged at my lips.
“Well now... buying up Ilseong Group’s affiliate shares bit by bit, are you?”
Ilseong Group’s stock prices had been steadily falling.
Yet Cheon Jisoo was quietly accumulating them.
“That’s more like you, Jisoo.”
But could Seo Jaehoon really be unaware of this?
No—he must already know. Seo Jaehoon was the kind of lunatic who valued his own safety above everything else.
Of course he’d be keeping track of Cheon Jisoo’s moves.
“I wonder how he’ll react.”
I needed to think about how best to use this.
Putting down Jisoo’s file, I picked up the one detailing Cheon Jiwon’s activities.
“Ha... this bastard still hasn’t come to his senses.”
The contents were absurd—
every kind of depravity committed alongside other spoiled third-generation chaebol brats: drinking, drugs, gambling—there was no end to the list.
But the last section caught my attention.
“Hmm... looks like he’s planning something.”
It said Cheon Jiwon had rented several office spaces and was preparing some kind of operation.
The people he was gathering were mostly technicians specializing in planning and execution.
Not only that—he was working with other notorious troublemakers among the chaebol heirs. They were clearly plotting something together.
“What the hell are you planning now?”
I clicked my tongue and tossed the report aside. At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
Manager Ma entered and bowed.
“Boss, I have something to report.”
“Something happened at the funeral?”
“Nothing serious, but Cheon Jiwon showed up. Miss Cheon Jiyoung asked him to transfer some money to her, so I thought I should report it.”
The moment I heard Cheon Jiwon’s name, my brow furrowed. Seeing my expression, Manager Ma continued carefully.
“According to the staff, after a brief argument, Mr. Cheon Jiwon went inside to change into mourning clothes, and Miss Cheon Jiyoung asked him to transfer ten billion won to her account. How should we handle it?”
I could roughly picture what must have happened.
‘Jiyoung... you must be having a hard time too.’
Letting out a deep sigh, I nodded. If she had made the request through the staff, it meant she wanted me to know about it.
“Send it through Taesan Bank.”
“Yes, sir.”
“So at the funeral, it’s just Cheon Jiyoung, Cheon Jisoo, Cheon Jiwon, and Kim Jeonghee left, right?”
“Yes. The maternal side of the family has already been wiped out. They all stopped by briefly, then left the funeral hall.”
After I’d crushed those relatives once for harassing Jiyoung, they’d completely disappeared. Oh well—couldn’t be helped.
“Any other mourners?”
“Not many. No one noteworthy.”
“All right. Tell the staff to endure just a bit longer until tomorrow.”
“Yes, Boss.”
“After the funeral’s over, give all the staff a week off—and make sure they get a generous bonus.”
Manager Ma bowed and left. Alone in the study again, I sank into deeper thought.
I tapped my desk out of habit, muttering to myself.
“Ten billion won, huh...”
So Jiwon’s definitely planning something. But is he really so short on money that he needs to borrow that much?
The buildings and land he inherited from his grandfather alone were worth hundreds of billions.
It hadn’t even been a few years—there’s no way he could have blown it all already.
If all that money had truly vanished, then someone had been playing tricks behind the scenes.
I needed to dig into this properly. I had a feeling something interesting was about to happen.
* * *
The funeral hall was empty, without a single mourner. Cheon Jiyoung was about to close it for the night before tomorrow’s burial.
Just then, a group of people arrived—Seo Jaehoon, accompanied by Ilseong Group’s board of directors.
Seeing them, Cheon Jisoo’s face stiffened, and Cheon Jiwon couldn’t even lift his head.
“Our deepest condolences.”
After offering his respects, Seo Jaehoon began speaking with the bereaved family. The Ilseong executives and attendants filled the once-silent hall with noise.
“Jisoo, Jiwon—let’s have a talk.”
“Yes.”
Seizing the moment, Seo Jaehoon called for the two siblings and entered the family waiting room. His smile looked friendly enough.
“Jisoo, Jiwon—it’s been a while.”
“It has, Brother.”
“Why so nervous, Jiwon? Sit down.”
Though he spoke casually, Jiwon’s fear only deepened as he hesitantly took a seat.
Seo Jaehoon looked at him with eyes utterly devoid of emotion, then gave a quiet order.
“Everyone out. No one comes in until I say so.”
Soon, only the three of them remained in the room. Seo Jaehoon was the first to speak.
“You two came here without even greeting me?”
When no answer came, his brow twitched.
“Why so silent? You’re making me feel hurt.”
After a long pause, Cheon Jisoo finally lifted her head.
“What do you want? Can’t this wait? Do we really have to talk here?”
“What’s wrong with here? No one’s visiting, no eyes watching—there’s no better place.”
“...”
Her lips trembled at the chill in his voice. A primal fear coiled around her.
“Jisoo, I warned you, didn’t I? Don’t get greedy. But you’ve been up to something amusing.”
“...What do you mean?”
“Ha! Don’t play dumb. You really have a death wish, don’t you?”
Seo Jaehoon laughed loudly.
The casual way he said it—you want to die?—carried the weight of a genuine threat. Jisoo swallowed hard. fгeewebnovёl.com
Still, even as goosebumps ran down her arms, she managed to speak.
“I have a right too.”
“A right? You?”
“Yes. I carry Grandfather’s blood as well—”
“One more word, and you really will die.”
“...”
He cut her off coldly, then turned his gaze toward Jiwon.
“Jiwon.”
“Yes, Brother.”
“Do you think the same way she does?”
“No, Brother. I have no ambitions toward Ilseong. I already handed over all the shares that came to me. Please believe me.”
“Yes, that’s right. My good little brother. That’s why I like you. But why can’t Jisoo let go of her greed?”
Turning back to Jisoo, Seo Jaehoon smiled again.
His lips were smiling, but his eyes—snake-like—glided over her coldly.
Feeling that gaze, Jisoo shuddered.
“Transfer all the shares you’ve bought to me.”
It was a shocking command, but Seo Jaehoon spoke as if it were nothing.
When Jisoo didn’t answer, his mouth twisted °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° into a cruel grin.
“Jisoo. Cheon Jisoo. If you don’t want to lose even your sister’s share, do as I say. I’ll give you the department store division. Be satisfied with that. You understand?”
“...Yes.”
“Good. You’re a smart girl. You know exactly what I mean.”
Satisfied, Seo Jaehoon stood up.
“I’m planning to allow your father a visitation soon.”
His emotionless eyes looked down on Jisoo and Jiwon.
“Don’t expect anything. He’ll never stand up again.”
At those firm words, Cheon Jisoo was certain.
Her grandfather’s sudden illness wasn’t a coincidence. Seo Jaehoon had done something.
“So remember this—Ilseong Group is the kingdom of the Seo family, not the Cheons. Understand?”
