Free Web NovelYoo Seongjin visited China to inspect the Chinese operations.
“Chairman. You’re here?”
Kim Hyunjung came out to the airport to greet him.
“It’s been a while. You look well.”
“You too, Chairman.”
At Yoo Seongjin’s compliment, Kim Hyunjung smiled softly and guided him forward.
After getting into the vehicle that had been prepared in advance, Yoo Seongjin immediately got to the point.
“How’s the atmosphere these days? It’s not good, is it? I’ve heard Korean companies are being subjected to disadvantages, openly and subtly.”
“Our business hasn’t faced any major problems. I suppose it’s because high-ranking officials are involved.”
Yoo Seongjin nodded.
“That’s a relief. I heard there’s quite a buzz that every project you’ve invested in has turned out well. Hao Xun keeps praising you.”
“That’s my job.”
While they talked, they arrived at the company.
The two entered the president’s office on the top floor of the building together.
“Welcome, Chairman Yoo Seongjin.”
“Vice Chairman Hao Xun. It’s been a while.”
The two men shook hands and briefly embraced before taking their seats.
Kim Hyunjung sat beside Yoo Seongjin.
Next to Hao Xun sat Zheng Zheng, who had taken a position at JK Cinema on his behalf.
Originally, it had been agreed that Seo Hyungjun would serve as president.
However, during the process of establishing the corporation, Seo Hyungjun’s opinion that it would be unwise to appoint a Korean national as president was accepted, and Zheng Zheng—who had been designated as vice president—took on the role of president instead.
Although he held the title of president, Zheng Zheng functioned merely as a figurehead; all operations were being handled by Vice President Seo Hyungjun and Division Head Kim Hyunjung.
After briefly exchanging updates, the four began discussing business in earnest.
“President Seo Hyungjun is on a business trip to Taiwan and couldn’t attend today. I apologize on his behalf.”
Kim Hyunjung bowed her head slightly before continuing her report.
“Starting with Shanghai, we’re building JK Cinema branches across China. Beginning with the Shanghai branch tomorrow, our goal is to secure thirty branches and 1,000 screens nationwide by next year...”
She began by reporting on the multiplex business.
“And here are the performance results of films distributed through JK Film.”
She pointed to the figures for the film distribution business.
Yoo Seongjin listened while reviewing the documents in front of him. As soon as she finished, he asked:
“Director Kim. The agency business seems to be progressing rather slowly.”
“We’re aggressively recruiting actors. But compared to other sectors, it’s inevitably slower. Some areas can’t be resolved with money.”
Yoo Seongjin asked questions, and Kim Hyunjung responded, several times over.
Eventually, Yoo Seongjin nodded with a satisfied expression.
“You’re doing well. Sending you here was the right decision after all.”
“Thank you.”
Kim Hyunjung bowed her head again.
“Ha ha. I can personally vouch for Director Kim’s abilities. Zheng Zheng praises her constantly. I hear rumors are spreading that she’s the Empress of Shanghai.”
Hao Xun joined in praising her, and Yoo Seongjin smiled faintly.
“I’m glad you view her favorably.”
After a lengthy meeting, things were nearly concluded.
Hao Xun checked the time on his wristwatch and spoke to Zheng Zheng.
“Zheng Zheng, wait outside.”
Though it was technically his office, Zheng Zheng rose without protest at Hao Xun’s instruction.
Even that alone revealed the nature of their relationship.
“Hyunjung, you step out as well.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Once the two left and the door closed, Hao Xun spoke first.
“The situation in Beijing is turning very unfavorable. If this continues, it could affect this business as well.”
“I’ve heard some rumors. What exactly is happening?”
“Jiang Zemin has moved, and President Hu Jintao is doing everything he can to block the Shanghai faction’s pressure. As for Premier Wen Jiabao...”
Hao Xun’s face hardened as he described the current atmosphere in Beijing.
“Jiang Zemin won’t attack President Hu directly. That’s why we’re still safe here. But if this standoff drags on, I can’t guarantee anything.”
“I don’t understand. No matter how strong Jiang Zemin’s influence is, isn’t President Hu the current supreme authority?”
“The Party elders are all backing Jiang Zemin. So it’s difficult for President Hu to act openly...”
A shadow fell over Hao Xun’s face as he answered gloomily.
“President Kim Muhyuk said he has no intention of backing down in this fight.”
“If it’s President Kim, that’s exactly what I expected. That’s why I’m worried. And Shanghai, after all, is a region where Jiang Zemin’s influence is particularly strong. The city could act independently before the central government does. There’s no harm in being cautious. Chairman Yoo, you should shorten your schedule and return to Korea as soon as possible.” freewebnσvel.cѳm
At Hao Xun’s warning, Yoo Seongjin’s expression grew serious.
“Is it that severe? Won’t Vice President Seo Hyungjun and Director Kim Hyunjung be in danger? Perhaps it would be best to send them back to Korea first.”
“For now, nothing major should happen. At least, that’s what I believe. My influence in Shanghai isn’t nonexistent. If there’s any movement, I’ll be notified immediately—”
At that moment, Hao Xun’s phone rang. Simultaneously, the office door burst open.
Zheng Zheng rushed in, his face pale.
“Vice Chairman. We’re surrounded.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“The public security bureau has encircled the building.”
Hao Xun shot to his feet and walked to the window.
Through the full-length glass that offered a clear view, he looked down.
Seeing the forces surrounding the building, his brow furrowed.
“What is this? What’s going on?”
“We can’t determine that yet. You should leave immediately.”
“Leave where? There’s not even a hole for an ant to slip through.”
Yoo Seongjin rose as well, looking down with a blank expression.
“Vice Chairman. Didn’t you say we would know before the city moved? What is this?”
“I don’t know what’s happening either—”
Before Hao Xun could finish, his phone rang again.
He glanced at the caller ID and answered urgently.
“Mayor! What is the meaning of this? Why is public security surrounding us?”
—Vice Chairman. This was beyond my power to stop. The Party Secretary directly instructed the head of public security.
“What? Han Zheng! How could you do this to me? After everything I’ve—”
—I’m sorry. It will be difficult for me to contact you for a while.
While Hao Xun was on the phone with the Shanghai mayor, Kim Hyunjung returned to the office.
Her face was drained of color.
“Chairman. What do we do? They’ve already passed the lobby.”
“Don’t worry too much. It’ll work out.”
“No one is answering. After everything we invested...”
The money Kim Hyunjung had poured into cultivating connections in China was enormous.
Yet those connections were now completely useless.
“Tell Vice President Seo Hyungjun to return to Korea immediately—even if he has to go alone.”
Kim Hyunjung nodded and dialed Seo Hyungjun.
“Vice President. Return to Korea immediately.”
—Director Kim. What are you talking about without any explanation?
“Public security has raided headquarters. There’s no time to explain. Drop everything and return to Korea.”
—...I’ll do that. Is the Chairman safe?
“We’ll manage somehow. At least you must be safe for us to resolve this. They’ll be in the president’s office any moment.”
—...
“I’m hanging up. Be careful.”
She ended the call. Yoo Seongjin had already contacted Korea as well.
Throwing his phone to the floor, Yoo Seongjin held out his hand.
Kim Hyunjung handed hers over. He tossed it down and crushed both phones under his shoe.
“Hyunjung. I think I’m the target. Even if you’re taken, say you know nothing.”
“Chairman...”
“The President’s name must never come up. You understand what I’m saying, right? That’s how we survive. He will find a way somehow. Until then, no matter what happens—”
He couldn’t finish.
The office door was violently flung open, and a man stepped inside.
He surveyed the room and smiled playfully. free𝑤ebnovel.com
“I am Xu Xin, Director of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.”
Hao Xun stepped forward.
“I am Hao Xun.”
Xu Xin’s smile widened.
“Well, well. An unexpected big fish waiting here. Aren’t you the true master of the Black Dragon Society?”
“...What is this about?”
“What do you think public security is here for? We’re here to catch criminals.”
“This isn’t something a mere bureau chief can handle. If you withdraw now—”
“Ha ha ha ha! Vice Chairman, haven’t you heard about me? The mad dog of Shanghai Public Security—that’s me.”
Hao Xun remained silent.
He knew exactly who Xu Xin was.
A hunting dog of the Shanghai faction. When given orders, he would bite anyone.
“...Are you sure you won’t regret this?”
“A gangster trying to act dignified. Listen, Vice Chairman. You’re not today’s target. So step aside. We’re here for a different purpose.”
Xu Xin’s gaze shifted to Yoo Seongjin.
“You’re Yoo Seongjin?”
Yoo answered calmly.
“Yes. I am Yoo Seongjin.”
“And that must be Kim Hyunjung beside you.”
She said nothing.
Xu Xin rubbed his chin, then wiped the playful look from his face.
In a solemn tone, he declared:
“We are from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. From this moment, we will conduct a search and seizure of JK Media. Zheng Zheng, Kim Hyunjung, and Yoo Seongjin—you three will accompany us.”
Yoo Seongjin asked,
“And if we refuse?”
“That would be even better for me. I was instructed to bring you in politely. My specialty is beating criminals into submission—it’s almost disappointing. Shall we give it a try?”
There was no way out.
Yoo Seongjin sighed and jerked his chin.
“Lead the way.”
“You should be grateful. Since you’re cooperating, we won’t put handcuffs on you. Follow us.”
Thus, upon arriving at the public security bureau, Yoo Seongjin and Kim Hyunjung were assigned to separate interrogation rooms and made to wait.
* * *
The search and arrests that took place within half a day of Yoo Seongjin’s arrival in China were not an operation executed overnight.
Had they deliberately refrained from touching them until now?
Why hadn’t Hu Jintao stopped this? Or had he been unable to?
My thoughts churned.
Yoo Seongjin was a key figure helping me from the shadows. Were they planning to attack me through him?
A knock sounded.
“Come in.”
Chief Ma entered, holding a phone.
“Boss. It’s Hao Xun.”
I took the phone.
Hao Xun spoke first, his voice heavy.
—President. This is Hao Xun. I’m sorry. I failed to protect Chairman Yoo Seongjin.
“What exactly happened?”
—The Shanghai Party Secretary moved directly. President Hu Jintao was unaware. Once informed, he was furious and said he would investigate.
“I’d like to speak with President Hu.”
—I don’t think that’s possible. That’s why I contacted you.
I see. Even now, this is how it is.
“Vice Chairman. How am I supposed to take this?”
—...I’m sorry.
“My people were arrested in China. And the first thing you say is sorry? This is the time to discuss countermeasures, not useless apologies. Tell me how to get them out.”
—All information from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau has been cut off. Lawyer visitation requests have all been denied.
All normal procedures were blocked. That meant there was no extracting them through official channels.
“So you’re saying there’s no solution.”
—I apologize.
“Vice Chairman. Don’t make me repeat myself. This happened in China. And it’s a business undertaken in trust of President Hu Jintao. You must take responsibility. I won’t say more. Find a way—no matter the means.”
My cold tone straightened Hao Xun’s voice.
—Understood. I will do my best.
“I’ll make my own moves as well, but it’ll be faster if you act. First confirm whether the two are safe.”
—Yes. I will.
“I’ll wait for better news next time.”
After ending the call, I handed the phone back to Chief Ma.
“What about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?”
“They say they’re looking into the situation.”
“Looking into it? Our citizens have been arrested in China without cause, and they’re worrying about optics. Tell them to move immediately.”
“Understood. I’ll contact the Foreign Minister right away.”
I nodded and ground my teeth.
There wasn’t much the government could do in this domain—but we had to try everything we could.
