Chapter 172.1: Let’s Go by Temperament (1)
“The Eurasian Rail is a complicated project. Starting this October, Saudi Arabia will be producing ten times more oil,” Lanok informed Kang Chan.
Kang Chan just blankly looked at him.
Lanok seemed to be telling him that people were trying to prevent the construction of the railway, but what did oil production have anything to do with it? Kang Chan didn’t see any connection between the two.
“It means they are attempting to bring down Russia’s economy,” Lanok added.
“Will Russia’s economy really fall just because Saudi Arabia started producing a lot more petroleum?” Kang Chan wondered, genuinely unable to not understand what Lanok meant. He wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, though. Lanok seemed to think that his question was valid anyway.
“Russia is one of the world’s top three oil production countries. If Saudi Arabia sells their petroleum at reduced, bargain prices, Russia’s economy will be shaken so much that the people in power within their country will change. Once they have defeated Russia, Saudi Arabia will raise their fuel prices again,” Lanok explained.
“Can’t Russia just sell their oil at cheap prices as well, then?” Kang Chan asked.
“They certainly can, but Saudi Arabia will last longer in that battle of attrition. Their supply is the world’s greatest. On the other hand, Russia is simply structured in a way that allows it to support its economy despite its limited supply. They will not be able to weather things out.”
“Are you trying to tell me that there’s a connection between Saudi Arabia producing a lot of oil and my training at an intelligence agency, Mr. Ambassador?”
Lanok smiled from ear to ear, causing the ends of his eyes to curve.
“That is indeed correct. While Saudi Arabia provides an unlimited supply of fuel, the United States will attempt to render South Korea helpless through the dollar. To prevent that, the National Intelligence Service’s incredible potential has to be unlocked,” Lanok said.
Not only oil but dollars too? Kang Chan had no idea what Lanok was saying. This subject was like a thorn in his side.
“They will most likely try to take control of Russia and South Korea first. The only way to solve this is through political negotiations.”
“Isn’t that something for the president or other politicians to solve?” Kang Chan inquired.
“The negotiation between intelligence agencies comes first,” Lanok replied.
“So what you’re ultimately saying is that I have to propose something,” Kang Chan confirmed.
“First and foremost, you have to establish a firm partnership with Russia.”
“With Vasili?”
“Yes.”
Lanok tapped his cigar in the ashtray to shake the ash off.
“To do that, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service requires power. At the very least, they have to be on the same level as Russia’s intelligence agency. Of course, developing an entire organization that much in such a short amount of time is difficult. That’s why a hero is needed during times like this,” Lanok added.
I can’t be a hero just because I led a few successful operations.?
Thinking there was probably an actual future hero out there, Kang Chan just chuckled.
“It’s only right that you stand at the forefront of turning the Eurasian Rail into reality. In that process, South Korea will gain actual power. First will be intelligence, then politics, then, lastly, the economy,” Lanok stated.
Lanok’s eyes seemed to be full of hope that Kang Chan would accept.
Kang Chan knew Lanok would never suggest anything that would bring him harm. However, it was also true that Lanok had never pushed anything on him until now.
“Mr. Kang Chan, a battle will soon begin between the countries that will be connected to the Eurasian Rail and the countries that won’t. Of the latter countries, those that have immense financial power will be more proactive during the fight. Saudi Arabia is afraid of Russia and China’s resources being utilized through the Eurasian Rail. China’s connection to the railway will mean a bond with Mongolia,” Lanok informed him.
“And what does Mongolia have to do with this?” Kang Chan asked.
“They’re a repository of minerals.”
Kang Chan felt as if he was in class. He knew all the words that Lanok was saying, but he couldn’t understand a single thing—just like whenever he listened to a math teacher reading a formula.
“The abilities you have shown to the world are the center of attention right now. This is a fight that Russia, France, and Germany won’t be able to do alone. However, with you by our side, the enemies will have no choice but to yield,” Lanok continued.
“You’re the one who planned and actually made the Eurasian Rail happen, Mr. Ambassador,” Kang Chan protested.
“You have become someone whom multiple countries desire to connect with, Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok rebutted.
“That’s my first time hearing of this.”
“I’m saying that will be the case soon. You asked me what I think you should do before. Consider this my answer to that question,” Lanok stated.
Kang Chan came here trying to set down a burden, but he ended up picking up a few more instead. He was also looking forward to obtaining some information about Wui Min-Gook, but it seemed he would have to suddenly take a tour around the European intelligence agencies instead.
“Now! That’s enough for the complicated talk,” Lanok exclaimed, then turned to the side. “Please bring me the documents and the phones.”
His aide appeared seemingly out of thin air and handed Lanok Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho’s phones and a large paper envelope.
“Here. First off, here are your phones, Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok said.
Kang Chan used to be too lazy to carry his phone around when he first got it. Now, having it back in his hand made him feel as if he could breathe again.
“Now, I prepared this as an apology for sending you the wrong guide for the operation in China,” Lanok continued.
Kang Chan took the paper envelope from Lanok and pulled out the contents—huge pictures of Wui Min-Gook that filled the envelope to the brim.
In the photos, Wui Min-Gook was standing in front of a gray van parked on the road. Behind the ten or so pictures was a rough map to a certain location.
Kang Chan questioningly gazed at Lanok.
“We deployed three satellites. Our intelligence agency and the DGSE practically dropped everything they were doing to find this man as well. The information from the employee who betrayed us was the most decisive,” Lanok said.
The traitor obviously wouldn’t have truthfully answered their questions, which could only mean that they could not endure the DGSE’s torture.
Lanok was clearly the type to use any means to achieve his goals. There could be no better ally, but if he was an enemy, killing him should be prioritized.
“While you were carrying out the operation in China, he moved his base to Ansan and even stopped by the Chinese embassy,” Lanok stated.
“How could Yang Bum not be aware of that?” Kang Chan asked.
“Yang Bum still hasn’t taken full control in China. The Chinese ambassador is playing a double game as well. Yang Bum being defeated in this scenario will be a decisive turning point.”
With his gaze still firmly on Kang Chan, Lanok continued in a low voice, “La nuit tous les chats sont gris.”
It was a French idiom that translated to “At night, all cats are gray,” which meant that it was difficult to distinguish things in the darkness. He was essentially advising Kang Chan that the situation was so messy that it was difficult to discern who was on their side.
“Thank you for the gift,” Kang Chan gratefully said.
“I heard that the gunshots at the apartment parking lot yesterday were covered up as plumbing issues. Nothing good would come out of it for the current political party if word got out that there was a shootout in the middle of the city, especially since it was so close to Seoul. That matter has to be dealt with delicately,” Lanok stated.
Only Lanok could give him advice like this. Kang Chan thanked him again and sipped some of his tea.
“Mr. Kang Chan.”
When Kang Chan set down his cup and raised his eyes, he found Lanok looking as if he suddenly put a mask on.
“Everyone has a life that they want to live. However, there is surely a difference between what someone wants to do and what someone is good at. I hope you can live a life where you do what you’re good at while enjoying what you want to do as well.”
Their conversation ended with that.
As Lanok stood up, his aides and agents headed out from one of the rooms and opened the door. At the same time, the agents waiting in the hallway stood in attention.
“Let’s meet again once I’ve taken care of Wui Min-Gook,” Kang Chan informed him.
“I’ll be seeing you again soon, then.” Lanok smiled.
Kang Chan accompanied Lanok to the elevator. After seeing him off, he immediately went to the nineteenth floor.
Chk.?
“Seok Kang-Ho, can you come to my room?” Kang Chan asked.
Chk.?
“I’m already here,” Seok Kang-Ho replied.
The bastard was always a step ahead.
When Kang Chan opened the door, Seok Kang-Ho, who was watching TV, stood up from the sofa.
“Here, your phone,” Kang Chan said.
“Whew! I’m so glad to see this old friend!” Seok Kang-Ho gleefully exclaimed. He immediately looked through his recent calls.
“That gentleman even charged it,” he said in astonishment.
“Yeah. Have a seat,” Kang Chan said.
Kang Chan brought a bottle of water over to the sofa and told Seok Kang-Ho what Lanok told him. He showed him the pictures as well.
“Huh? We shouldn’t be lounging around like this. Let’s go over there right now,” Seok Kang-Ho urged him.
“Let’s call Manager Kim first,” Kang Chan stated.
Kim Hyung-Jung became the first person Kang Chan called after getting his phone back.
- Mr. Kang Chan! You found your phone?
“I have, Manager Kim. There’s something I wish to speak to you about in person. Can you come here?”
- Is it urgent?
“It’s about Wui Min-Gook. I’d prefer it if you don’t tell anyone that you’re coming here,” Kang Chan politely requested.
- I’m on my way.
Kang Chan set the phone down on the table and leaned back on the sofa. The noise coming from the TV seemed to have bothered Seok Kang-Ho, considering he took the remote and turned it off.
This stressful and annoying fight would finally be over once they left for Ansan and eliminated Wui Min-Gook.
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