Genius Grandson Of The Loan Shark King

For a full day after the engagement, tense anxiety hung in the air.

But no further provocations or local clashes occurred.

North Korea insisted through Korean Central Television that South Korea had launched a preemptive attack, fiercely condemning the Yoon Changho administration.

In response, the administration released video footage of the incident.

The footage showed multiple warning broadcasts followed by warning shots.

It had been a unilateral violation of South Korean waters and a clear breach of the Armistice Agreement by North Korea.

But not everyone can share the same opinion.

The next day, a progressive-leaning media outlet criticized the incident as an excessive response, publishing a negative article.

However, the mainstream view was that the South Korean military had handled it well.

As time passed, the nationwide “Jindogae One” alert was downgraded to “Jindogae Two,” and the tension that could have exploded at any moment gradually eased.

“At least it didn’t escalate into something bigger.”

I put down the newspaper I was reading and lifted my coffee cup.

What is Kim Jongil trying to accomplish... by doing something like this?

A last-ditch struggle?

Or simply a ritualistic show of provocation to impress the hardliners?

A swirl of thoughts drifted through my mind.

By the time the coffee had gone cold and I still hadn’t taken a single sip, the door opened and Ma entered.

“Boss, Director Jang contacted us.”

Welcome news. I accepted the phone Ma handed me.

“Director Jang, this is Kim Muhyuk. What exactly happened with that West Sea provocation? What were they thinking pulling something like this?”

— It was not Chairman Kim Jongil’s doing. The military hardliners acted on their own.

“And you expect me to believe that?”

My voice naturally rose. But Jang Sungtaek didn’t retreat and spoke firmly again:

— It’s the truth. That is how far Kim Jongil’s authority has crumbled. China’s border blockade appears to have been the trigger.

“You’re saying the military moved without Kim Jongil’s orders? And still thought they could survive? After the coup attempt, Kim Jongil has been watching every military movement. Isn’t this just a staged performance?”

— I won’t say the thought never crossed my mind. But all the generals who led this incident have been arrested. The atmosphere in Pyongyang is extremely volatile. Something could happen at any moment.

Could the military truly carry out such a provocation without Kim Jongil’s approval?

Unless this was Kim Jongil staging a purge as theater...

Otherwise, this was clear evidence of how much his control had deteriorated.

“Are you safe, Director Jang?”

— Yes. For now. The arrest order ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) for those generals went through me, so I personally mobilized the State Security Department to apprehend them.

“Even so, be careful. If anything happens to you, the entire plan is over.”

Right now, Jang Sungtaek’s survival was the top priority.

If he were removed or captured, the plan would fail before it even began.

— Understood. Ah, we may soon be able to move Chairman Kim Jongil to the special villa.

“That is excellent news. My mercenaries are training in Vladivostok right now. As long as the operation goes as planned, there won’t be any issues. By the way—did you receive the funds?”

While I was in Vladivostok, I had sent him ten million dollars through a smuggling route.

— Yes. Thanks to you, I can breathe a little easier.

“Good. Use that money to make sure the personnel can cross the border without interference.”

— Understood. Then I will contact you again. I only had a short window to call you.

Jang ended the call first.

I handed the now-silent phone back to Ma.

“Whew. Seems this wasn’t Kim Jongil’s doing after all.”

“What? Is that even possible in North Korea?”

“According to Director Jang, at least. He says he personally arrested the generals involved. Hard to know how far this will spread. Well... the greater the internal chaos, the more it helps Jang Sungtaek seize power.”

If not Jang Sungtaek—if the military launched a coup first and someone else seized control—

then all of this groundwork would be for nothing.

So I hoped this would be the opportunity for Jang to leave a strong impression.

“By the way, did you secure the lunch reservation with Chairman Yoo?”

“Yes. I booked a room at the Myeongdong Hotel.”

I nodded and stood.

“And you contacted someone from the entertainment side as well, right?”

“Yes. He said he would bring the director in charge of the entertainment division. But... apparently it’s a woman, not a man.”

What?

Someone is above gangsters in that company?

And those thugs listen to her without complaint?

“What’s her name?”

“I heard it’s Kim Hyunjung.”

“Well, this is interesting. Even most men can’t last there, but she managed to control those gangster punks? I’m curious to meet her. Bring me any information you can find on Kim Hyunjung. I want to read it on the way to the hotel.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare it.”

The North Korea issue was one thing—but fulfilling my promise to Hu Jintao was just as important.

China’s government had already kept their end. I had to keep mine.

I left home in time for the meeting.

“These are the documents on Director Kim Hyunjung.”

After I got into the car, Ma turned and handed me a file envelope.

I opened it and began reading through Kim Hyunjung’s profile.

Her résumé was impressive.

A Korea University graduate who had bounced between small acting roles before shifting into this industry.

Her personal network was more valuable than her entertainment career, allowing her to handle various intermediary roles—until she caught Chairman Yoo Sungjin’s eye and joined Chunha Group.

Within a year, she had risen to director overseeing the entire entertainment division.

“There’s also a rumor she’s Chairman Yoo’s lover?” freeweɓnøvel.com

“It’s not confirmed.”

“I don’t care about her love life. What matters is that she does her job well. Graduated from Korea University... Seems she met the right supporter early on.”

There are many capable people in the world.

Most fail simply because no one ever gives them the chance to shine.

Kim Hyunjung had been one of them.

Fortunately, she encountered Chairman Yoo later in life and finally had a stage to show her talent.

I set the file aside and smiled.

“Let’s meet her. We can decide afterward.”

We arrived at the Myeongdong Hotel and went straight up to the reserved restaurant.

“Welcome, sir.”

“Chairman Yoo is here, correct?”

“Yes, he is waiting inside.”

The manager escorted us to the private room at the far end.

When we entered, Yoo Sungjin and Kim Hyunjung stood and bowed.

“Chairman Yoo. Long time no see.”

“Welcome, President Kim.”

“And this is Director Kim Hyunjung, correct?”

When I said her name, she lifted her head slightly and spoke.

“Yes. I’m Kim Hyunjung. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Nice to meet you. Please, sit. Let’s talk.”

They both sat on my gesture.

“Let’s talk while we eat.”

I began explaining the business I had discussed with Hu Jintao, and we started dining.

By the end of our meal, every explanation was finished. I put down my fork and knife and wiped my mouth.

They had also finished eating. Yoo was the first to speak:

“So, you’re saying... we should send someone to China?”

I nodded and lifted my water glass.

“Yes. Someone needs to work there for quite a long time. But... since the person you brought is a woman, I’m concerned whether she can endure the environment in China.”

I wasn’t trying to belittle her.

The issue was that she had to work in China.

China was still a place where women’s abilities were often dismissed with prejudice.

The question wasn’t whether to send someone—

but whether she could withstand their attitude.

When I looked at her, Kim Hyunjung answered calmly:

“I’ll be fine. I’ve been underestimated like that all my life. I know I can break that prejudice now.”

“Is that so? You think you can handle it?”

“Yes. If you entrust me with this, I will finish it with everything I have.”

“I like that confidence.”

I shifted my gaze from her to Chairman Yoo.

“Chairman Yoo, do you believe Director Kim can handle China?”

“Yes. I trust her. I’ve left everything regarding the entertainment business in her hands. And with her connections in the industry, she’ll be extremely useful in China as well.”

“If that is your judgment, then let’s proceed.”

After the meal, over dessert, we discussed the China project again.

Kim Hyunjung spoke her thoughts openly, even in front of me—and I listened closely.

She pinpointed the future of the China entertainment market perfectly.

Her ideas aligned exactly with the future I knew.

Since she couldn’t possibly have regressed like me, this could only mean one thing:

She was genuinely talented.

“Chairman Yoo.”

“Yes, President Kim.”

“This project is also an opportunity for Chunha Group. If you establish a joint venture with the Chinese side, the profits will be significant.”

This wouldn’t be just another China joint venture.

It would be a joint venture backed by a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party.

“Even if Director Kim goes to China personally, you need to oversee the bigger picture. There will be no resistance. This is something powerful Chinese Party officials want. Contact Hao Xun and move forward.”

“Yes, I understand.”

When everything was settled, I stood up first.

“Director Kim, it was nice meeting you today.”

Both Yoo and Kim stood. Kim Hyunjung’s face seemed subtly brighter.

Quite an ambitious one.

“Yes. It was an honor to finally meet the President I had only heard about.”

“If you handle this well, good things will come your way. See you next time.”

After they bowed, I walked out of the room.

“Did the meeting go well?”

As soon as I got into the car, Ma asked. I smiled faintly.

“She has backbone. Speaks honestly even in front of me. Answers my questions instantly. It’s clear why Yoo trusts her. Whether she survives China... that’s the part we’ll have to see.”

“You seem to like her. Weren’t you surprised at first?”

“I like people like that. If someone is competent, gender doesn’t matter to me. Woman or man—what matters is ability. Like you, Ma.”

Ma let out a rare laugh.

At his signal, the car began moving.

I watched the scenery passing quickly outside the window, thinking.

Chairman Yoo would do as I instructed, so no problem there.

The question was whether JC Entertainment would accept this business.

Anyone with business sense would accept immediately—so that wasn’t a major concern either.

And if they refused, I already had replacements in mind.

“Boss. Someone who said he would report upon arrival in Korea has entered the country. Andy Rubin. He is currently at the Ilseong Electronics headquarters meeting the executives.”

I had been staring blankly outside the window and suddenly turned in surprise.

“Andy Rubin entered Korea?”

“Yes. He arrived this morning.”

“Perfect timing. Let’s go straight to Ilseong Electronics.”

The car, originally heading to Pyeongchang-dong, turned sharply toward Ilseong Electronics headquarters.

I got out of the car and entered the building with Ma.

“President Kim Muhyuk.”

Chairman Lee Taekgi was waiting in the lobby.

“Chairman Lee, good to see you.”

“Let me escort you.”

He led me to the elevator and pressed the button for the 38th floor—his office floor.

I asked:

“Chairman, I heard that an American developer named Andy Rubin is here at Ilseong Electronics.”

“Yes. President Hong Seokhyun is meeting with him personally.”

“Is that so? Then take me to them.”

“Why... why there...?”

At his flustered question, I lifted one corner of my mouth.

“I’m going to meet the man named Andy Rubin.”