Free Web NovelA diplomatic delegation led by Wen Jiabao made a sudden visit to Pyongyang.
Knowing that tensions existed between China and North Korea, the eyes of the entire world turned toward Pyongyang.
“Welcome, Premier.”
Jang Songthaek personally came to receive Wen Jiabao at the airport.
Wen Jiabao greeted him warmly.
“It’s been a long time, Chairman.”
The scene of the two men shaking hands and embracing was recorded by invited international media.
After completing all the scheduled formalities, the two finally managed to sit down for talks after a long delay.
“...Ha. This kind of thing isn’t easy.”
“Your position has changed, Chairman. It can’t be helped.”
As Wen Jiabao said, Jang Songthaek was now the supreme authority of North Korea.
Nodding slightly, Jang Songthaek looked at him.
“My position may have changed, but I still consider you a decent man, Premier. We’ve known each other for a long time. However, what your country did to our Republic this time is unforgivable. Encouraging and supporting a coup from behind?”
“...That was not the will of our government. Didn’t President Hu Jintao publicly state his support for you?”
“Does a statement made after the fact erase what has already happened?”
Jang Songthaek’s sharp response made Wen Jiabao frown.
But he quickly steadied himself and continued calmly.
“Our government supports you and intends to assist your country as much as possible as a friendly nation.”
“A friendly nation... You may think so, Premier, but does President Hu Jintao think the same? I cannot trust him. Of course, I understand the circumstances. I know he went into hiding due to assassination threats. But that is nothing more than an excuse.”
“Chairman, that’s crossing the line.”
“I’m crossing the line? It was your country that crossed it first, not our Republic.”
Even at Wen Jiabao’s words, Jang Songthaek did not soften.
The atmosphere froze, and everyone present in the meeting room stiffened.
“We have already conveyed our apologies several times through the ambassador.”
“Anyone can apologize with words.”
The conversation continued in parallel lines.
“Chairman. Let’s speak alone.”
Sensing that nothing would be resolved like this, Wen Jiabao sighed and suggested it.
Unexpectedly, Jang Songthaek accepted without hesitation.
Turning to the tense Foreign Minister, he said:
“Foreign Minister Baek Namsun, take the Chinese delegation elsewhere. Go to the banquet hall and let them enjoy the party.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Baek Namsun bowed and led the delegation out.
Only the two men remained.
“Now that it’s just the two of us, let’s speak freely.”
“Very well.”
“What do you want? What exactly do you want, Chairman?” freewebnovёl.ƈom
“That is something you must figure out yourself, Premier.”
Even alone, the tension did not ease.
Wen Jiabao sighed deeply.
“Are you saying you won’t restore relations with us? Do you think that benefits North Korea?”
“I cannot trust °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° China. I trust you as a friend, because we’ve known each other for a long time. But I can no longer trust the Chinese government.”
The distrust ran deep.
Finally, Wen Jiabao brought up the name.
“...Did President Kim Muhyuk not say anything?”
“I heard from him. He told me to resolve things amicably.”
“We must restore relations. We share a border. We will make significant concessions, so speak. We were already warned by President Kim—we would have to give up a lot. The one in a difficult position is not you, but us.”
Only then did Jang Songthaek’s expression soften slightly.
During Kim Jongil’s rule, North Korea had no choice but to follow China.
But now, with strengthened ties to South Korea, Russia, and Japan—and major joint projects—its dependence had significantly decreased.
If time passed like this, China’s influence would almost disappear.
Jang Songthaek knew that better than anyone.
That was why he held firm.
And finally, the bait came.
— Rather than demanding an official apology, extract what benefits North Korea economically. Apologies mean nothing. What North Korea needs now is the economy. Remember—first is the economy, second is the economy. Neither side can sever ties forever. But China also has a limit, so settle at an appropriate line.
That was Kim Muhyuk’s advice before Wen Jiabao’s visit.
“Then...”
Following that advice, Jang Songthaek began listing his demands.
The more Wen Jiabao listened, the darker his expression became.
“Isn’t that too much?”
“If you think my life is worth less than that, I have nothing more to say. I will treat you as a friend, but don’t expect anything beyond that.”
Most of the demands were economic aid.
But the scale far exceeded previous agreements.
“It wasn’t our Republic that broke the agreement—it was China. Are my demands unreasonable?”
“Then what about halting the Sinuiju development? Wasn’t that your side?”
“You struck first. We merely responded.”
Every reply was sharp.
Wen Jiabao sighed deeply.
“I will speak with President Hu. If we accept all conditions, will you resume the Sinuiju project?”
“If all conditions are met, we will once again consider China a friendly nation.”
They continued negotiations late into the night, reaching several agreements.
At last, Jang Songthaek checked the clock and stood.
“Let’s go to the banquet hall. We’ll discuss details tomorrow. You still need President Hu’s approval, don’t you?”
Even with full authority, Wen Jiabao still needed approval.
They entered the banquet hall.
The lively atmosphere instantly fell silent.
Jang Songthaek smiled and waved lightly.
“Why so stiff on such a good day? Enjoy yourselves. Isn’t that right, Premier?”
Wen Jiabao nodded.
They walked together to the central table, raised their wine glasses.
“To the friendship between our Republic and China!”
“To friendship!”
Music resumed, and the first day ended.
* * *
News of Chen Liangyu’s fall spread tension across China.
Shanghai authorities called for stability and reform, while the central government declared a war on corruption.
The Liberation Daily aligned itself with Beijing’s decision.
Rumors spread that Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao had seized control from Jiang Zemin’s Shanghai faction.
The tension was strongest in Shanghai itself.
He Guoqiang was dispatched immediately.
At a major meeting chaired by acting Party Secretary Han Zheng, anti-corruption efforts were declared.
Han Zheng publicly supported the decision—formalizing the Shanghai faction’s surrender.
Soon, state media announced Bo Xilai as the new Party Secretary.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been to Shanghai.”
I arrived at Hongqiao Airport for Bo Xilai’s inauguration.
Though most flights had moved to Pudong, I was granted special permission.
As I exited, I clicked my tongue.
The number of security personnel was overwhelming.
“Isn’t this excessive?”
“Black Bear and I believe it’s still insufficient.”
I nodded.
It was for my safety.
I got into the car.
“The executives we invested in—they’re all coming?”
“Yes. All confirmed.”
After Wen Jiabao’s trip, pressure on my companies vanished overnight.
Some had stayed loyal.
Others had tried to cut ties.
“...Good. Let’s settle everything today.”
My cold smile made Manager Ma nod.
I had no intention of sparing those who abandoned me.
We quickly arrived.
The area was locked down by Armed Police and PLA.
As our convoy approached, guns were raised.
“Identity check. Everyone out.”
“I’ll handle it.”
Manager Ma stepped out.
“We’re from Korea.”
The officer stiffened.
“...Are you President Kim Muhyuk?”
“The boss is inside. The rest are security. This was pre-approved.”
“...Understood. But we must confirm visually—”
“Are you asking the boss to step out?”
“T-that’s protocol...”
Before things escalated, I lowered the window.
“It’s fine. Let them confirm.”
Recognizing me, the officer saluted sharply.
“Welcome, President Kim Muhyuk!”
The barricade opened.
We entered.
The entire downtown had been secured.
The scale was overwhelming.
Bo Xilai was unfamiliar to Shanghai citizens—hence the grand ceremony.
At the parking area, a Party official approached.
“President Kim Muhyuk?”
I nodded.
He guided me to the front row.
“Thank you.”
I sat and looked around.
Then I locked eyes with Jiang Zemin.
He glared at me.
I smiled.
The smile of a victor.
“Please welcome Party Secretary Bo Xilai!”
Traditional music played.
Bo Xilai entered in ceremonial attire.
As he passed, he bowed slightly toward me.
Then he ascended the stage.
“Bo Xilai. Congratulations.”
Jiang Zemin embraced him.
One by one, high-ranking officials—including Wen Jiabao—gave their congratulatory speeches.
And just like that, the inauguration began.
