Genius Grandson Of The Loan Shark King

President Yoon Changho and Vice Chairman Jang Songthaek’s delegation moved to have lunch.

Kissinger and I waited until they disappeared, then left the Peace House through the back entrance.

As we exited Panmunjom, I glanced sideways at Kissinger and let out a small laugh.

“What are you laughing at?”

Seeing me laugh at him, Kissinger grumbled irritably, clearly displeased.

“I spoke quite a bit from your perspective, didn’t I? At that point, I’d say I earned my keep.” fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

The discussion about ending the war had only just begun.

Kissinger was the highest-ranking American figure Jang Songthaek had ever met in person.

Because of that, Jang Songthaek had fired off many questions at him, and Kissinger, within the limits of what he could say, had explained the U.S. government’s stance.

Most of it was framed as his personal opinion, but given that it came from his mouth, it was fair to regard it as Washington’s position.

Jang Songthaek looked deep in thought the entire time—sometimes furrowing his brow, sometimes lifting the corners of his mouth in a smile.

“That’s why I’m grateful. I suppose I was surprised at how cooperative you were. Or should I take it to mean... that the United States is just that desperate?”

“My position doesn’t represent the White House. Especially not on the issue of ending the war—that’s beyond my authority. But aside from that, it was all within a range I could more or less manage, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

I nodded.

There was no way Kissinger, without any official title, could decide something as monumental as ending the war.

Still, the mere fact that we’d received a positive signal was enough to send both Yoon Changho’s and Jang Songthaek’s minds spinning.

They were probably already punching numbers into mental calculators, figuring out how to play this.

With a faint, knowing smile, I said to Kissinger,

“By the way, you used Germany and Japan as examples...... but you left out the most important part.”

“What? What are you talking about? There’s no better comparison than that.”

“Don’t play dumb. Germany never apologized or paid reparations to countries outside Western Europe. The weaker nations they colonized in Africa still haven’t received a proper apology or compensation to this day. You conveniently left that out while holding Germany up as a country that knows how to repent. Isn’t that a contradiction?”

It wasn’t just African colonies—there had been no proper reckoning over the genocide of the Roma, or with Eastern European countries either.

“Th-that’s......”

When I pointed it out so bluntly, Kissinger hesitated, clearly caught off guard.

So even this man had moments like that.

Germany’s apologies were still ongoing. The German government hadn’t apologized and compensated for the Holocaust just once and moved on—it had done so repeatedly, over many years.

Yet when it came to its former African colonies, there still hadn’t been a proper apology or compensation.

Given that Kissinger was Jewish, it was only natural that he felt favorably toward a German government that had apologized and paid reparations multiple times to Jewish victims—but the fact that he had quietly omitted the other cases when citing Germany as an example was telling.

“I don’t believe you left it out because you didn’t know. Take Namibia, for example. Germany apologized for its colonial rule there, but still hasn’t even acknowledged the genocide. They’ve also refused the reparations being demanded. Instead, they’ve offered economic aid—which isn’t much different from what Japan did.”

“.......”

Discomfort showed clearly on Kissinger’s face. After hesitating for a while, he finally spoke.

“International society isn’t a place where morality takes precedence. In the end, it follows the logic of power. There was no need to bring that up in that setting.”

“Agreed. There was no reason to dive into such a complicated topic there. And the two of them probably know it too—that the Germany–Japan comparison you gave is contradictory. They knew it, and still didn’t object, because it worked to their advantage.”

Everyone moved for their own interests. Politics was no different, and business was no exception.

Picking and choosing what suited you was only natural.

In any case, Kissinger had been a great help, so I smoothly changed the subject.

“You’ll be entering the Blue House together with the U.S. ambassador, right?”

“The Blue House visit is an official schedule, so I’ll have to move with them.”

“Then I’ll see you at the banquet.”

Just then, the car carrying us stopped in front of the Myeongdong Hotel.

“Very well. Today was interesting.”

Kissinger greeted me as he stepped out of the car. I returned the greeting with a simple nod.

After dropping him off, the car drove away.

“That slippery old fox.”

I chuckled as I watched Kissinger through the rearview mirror.

* * *

After finishing lunch with President Yoon Changho, Jang Songthaek arrived at the Koryo Hotel, where he would be staying during his time in Seoul.

Throughout the summit, the Koryo Hotel had been designated exclusively for Jang Songthaek and the North Korean delegation, with all rooms cleared out.

Inside and around the hotel, soldiers from North Korea’s Guard Command provided close protection, while the outer perimeter was controlled by South Korean police.

Under ironclad security, Jang Songthaek and the high-ranking North Korean officials who had come with him gathered in the top-floor suite.

“Director of the General Political Bureau. Director of the United Front Department.”

At Jang Songthaek’s call, Choi Ryonghae and Kim Younggun bowed their heads and answered.

“Yes, Comrade Vice Chairman.”

“What do you think you’re doing? Interrupting me while I’m speaking? Are you daring to disrespect me?”

At the icy question, Choi Ryonghae hurriedly offered an excuse.

“No, sir. But President Kim Muhyuk was making utterly outrageous remarks......”

“Hey, Choi Ryonghae!”

Jang Songthaek slammed his hand down on the table and shouted.

“Do you want to be sent back to the provinces again? Has becoming Director of the General Political Bureau made you blind to everything? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

At Jang Songthaek’s ferocious rebuke, Choi Ryonghae slammed his head down on the table.

“I’m sorry. I’ve committed a crime worthy of death.”

The sound was loud enough to echo through the room.

Even so, Jang Songthaek ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) continued to glare at him, breathing heavily.

Sensing Jang Songthaek’s fury, everyone seated around the table swallowed dryly.

“Do you know what kind of place that was? I was there as the ruler of the Republic, meeting the president of South Korea. And yet you dared—dared—to interrupt me?”

What angered Jang Songthaek even more was the attitude of Yoon Changho and the people seated at his table.

They hadn’t said a single word without President Yoon’s permission.

“This was an insult to me. Unforgivable.”

Choi Ryonghae remained trembling, his head still pressed against the table.

Jang Songthaek turned his gaze to Kim Younggun, seated across from him.

“Director of the United Front Department. You’re no different. You of all people know what constitutes a diplomatic discourtesy—so why did you do it?”

“I apologize. But if we hadn’t stepped in there, the atmosphere would have flowed entirely in the direction the South wanted. We believe the expression of regret was already more than sufficient. That alone is the maximum extent to which you could go, Comrade Vice Chairman, in representing the Republic. Anything beyond that would be humiliating diplomacy. That’s why......”

“This is rich. Then why do you demand apologies and compensation from Japan? Doesn’t that contradict everything you’re saying?”

“That’s a separate matter, Comrade Vice Chairman.”

Fear was plain on Kim Younggun’s face, but he didn’t stop speaking.

“What Japan did to Joseon was exploitation. But the clash in the West Sea was merely a military confrontation. Our Republic also suffered enormous losses. To be honest, even expressing regret was excessive.”

“Listen, Director Kim Younggun.”

“Comrade Vice Chairman. Even if you cast me aside, I must say this for the sake of the Republic. We must not continue with humiliating diplomacy. Discontent will erupt internally. This could become a trigger that shakes your authority. Too much radical change is dangerous.”

At Kim Younggun’s words, Jang Songthaek’s cheek twitched.

But unlike with Choi Ryonghae, he didn’t explode in anger.

Letting out a deep breath as if trying to calm himself, Jang Songthaek pressed a hand to his forehead.

“The South Korean government said it would handle the compensation issue, didn’t it? If bowing once diplomatically brings greater gains, wouldn’t that be worth it?”

“It’s the supreme leader of the Republic bowing his head. He may bow to the people, but bowing to South Korea is absolutely unacceptable.”

Kim Younggun replied firmly. Jang Songthaek sighed again and looked around the room.

“Do you all think the same as the Director of the United Front Department? That clinging to pride and refusing to bow your head even once is the right thing to do?”

“We do.”

Jang Songthaek narrowed his eyes.

“Does pride put food on the table? The people are starving to death right now. All it takes is me lowering my head once...... How frustrating.”

Shaking his head, Jang Songthaek clicked his tongue.

“This is only the beginning, so I’ll think it over slowly. Until the welcome banquet, all of you rest. Choi Ryonghae stays. Everyone else, get out.”

He dismissed them all.

Until then, Choi Ryonghae hadn’t moved an inch, his head still pressed to the table.

“Lift your head.”

Only after Jang Songthaek’s command did Choi Ryonghae raise his head.

His forehead was split open, faint blood seeping out. Seeing that, Jang Songthaek frowned, pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, and handed it to him.

“Wipe your forehead. We’re heading to the banquet hall soon—what are you planning to do with your forehead like that?”

Without a word, Choi Ryonghae took the handkerchief and wiped his forehead.

The wound wasn’t deep; it quickly looked clean again. Watching him silently, Jang Songthaek spoke.

“Listen, Ryonghae.”

“Yes, Comrade Vice Chairman.”

“We’ve known each other for a long time. I thought you’d understand what’s going on in my head. Do you think I have no pride? Do you think I enjoy hearing things like that? No. I felt humiliated too. But for the sake of the Republic, I can throw away my pride. That’s how I govern this country.”

“.......”

“I don’t intend to be driven out like Chairman Kim Jongil. Even if I step down someday, it’ll be after I’ve made the Republic prosperous with my own hands. That’s why I need your help. That’s why I put you in that position. How many people do you think I truly trust, hm?”

After a long silence, Choi Ryonghae replied in a very small voice.

“It was my fault for failing to understand your intentions, Comrade Vice Chairman.”

“That’s enough. Go wash up and get some rest. You’ll be busy at the banquet.”

Choi Ryonghae bowed and left the room.

After sending him out as well, Jang Songthaek began tapping the table, sinking into deep thought.

* * *

I left Pyeongchang-dong to attend the welcome banquet being held at the Blue House State Guesthouse.

Before long, I arrived at the entrance to the Blue House.

For security reasons, even Director Ma was made to wait outside, and from the entrance to the guesthouse, I proceeded on foot.

“Hey, Muhyuk!”

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind. Myungsoo came running over, waving his hand.

“Have some sense of decorum, will you? What’s the rush that you’re running like that?”

Stopping beside me, Myungsoo took a moment to catch his breath, then lightly punched my shoulder.

“What does decorum matter when it’s you? More importantly—so you went into the Peace House today?”

We started walking again.

“That news already reached you?”

“Is there any such thing as a secret anymore? I’m Lee Myungsoo, Lee Myungsoo—the ruling party’s secretary-general and one of the president’s most trusted power brokers.” freewēbnoveℓ.com

He grinned smugly as he joked. I let out a dry laugh at the sight.

That hyper personality of his really would never change.

“I failed to recognize such an esteemed secretary-general. How rude of me.”

When I played along, Myungsoo laughed and smacked my back again.

“Enough of that. What did you talk about inside?”

“What, you bragged that much and still didn’t hear that part?”

“Everyone in that room is part of the president’s inner circle. Without the president’s permission, no one can disclose what was said. I’ll have to hear it directly from him—but he’s swamped with the banquet and briefings, so I didn’t get the chance.”

I nodded. True enough—between the banquet and press events, Yoon Changho probably didn’t have a second to spare.

“Did you see the expression of regret over the First Battle of Yeonpyeong?”

“Yeah. I was shocked. The party leadership was watching the special live broadcast together, and everyone’s jaws hit the floor. There’s never been a precedent of North Korea apologizing directly.”

“So since they’d brought it up anyway, I told them they should go beyond an expression of regret and offer a proper apology—and compensation.”

At that, Myungsoo came to an abrupt stop. I naturally stopped as well and looked at him.

The smile vanished completely from Myungsoo's face, leaving it stiff and frozen.

“What did you just say...... Kim Muhyuk, you crazy bastard!”