While Kim Muhyuk was mediating the sale of Bear Stearns in the United States, suspicions surrounding him continued to surface elsewhere.
Truth and lies were mixed together, and the political climate was like walking through thick fog, unable to see even a step ahead.
Choi Seohyeon had become the Progressive Party's presidential candidate, but internal opposition was severe.
The Centrist Party had also selected its candidate.
Yet the public's attention wasn't on the upcoming election.
It was focused on Kim Muhyuk.
“Boss, we've confirmed that Choi Taeuk received investment from Baltiche. They've had ties for quite a long time.”
I lowered the newspaper I had been reading after hearing Manager Ma's report.
“Choi Taeuk received money from Baltiche... Why are we only finding out now? We approached him ourselves to invest.”
“At the time, we only investigated surface-level information. Their relationship was hidden deeply enough that it required digging much further.”
I tapped the armrest of the sofa and thought.
“Can we use this information to bring down Choi Seohyeon?”
“I don't think so, Boss. Choi Seohyeon doesn't even know Choi Taeuk exists.”
“Is that possible? Didn't we locate their information team because of their contact with Choi Seohyeon?”
Manager Ma shook his head.
“Choi Taeuk only provided funds. He never directly interfered with the information team.”
“Sounds like their relationship might not be as close as we thought.”
“That appears to be the case for now.”
“Then a way to bring Choi Taeuk over...”
After organizing my thoughts, I picked up my phone.
“Hello, Muhyuk.”
“Hyunseong. Busy?”
“No. I've shut down the company for now and am taking a break.”
“Good. Wall Street's going to get hit even harder soon. It's best to stay conservative right now.”
“Yeah. But... are you okay?”
I chuckled at Hyunseong's cautious question.
“What can I do? I doubt this controversy would end no matter what I said. I've already done everything I can through interviews with the American media. Anything more would just create extreme situations.”
Appearing in the media nonstop to reverse the situation would only feed the wolves.
“We've been discussing how to respond too. It'll die down eventually.”
“Thanks.”
“Don't thank me. We're friends. Friends help each other. Just like you helped me. No, even without that, how could we sit still when you're in trouble?”
It had been a long time since Hyunseong had spoken this much.
It reminded me how much my friends cared about me.
“Still, some feelings need to be expressed with words. Anyway, that's not why I called. You know Choi Taeuk, right?”
“Choi Taeuk? CEO Choi Taeuk of X-Pi?”
“That's right.”
“Of course. We contacted him several times for investments.”
“Well...”
I told Hyunseong everything about Choi Taeuk.
“Damn... So that bastard funded all this manipulation? Is he suicidal?”
Hyunseong cursed violently.
“Don't get worked up. I need you to meet him. Out of all of us, you're the only one who can do it naturally. A venture capitalist meeting the CEO of an IT company isn't strange.”
“Even though I might punch him the moment I see his face?”
“Haha. Think of your wife and child and hold back.”
It had been a while since I'd seen Hyunseong this angry.
He sighed lightly before asking,
“What do you need me to do?”
“I'll send you all the relevant information first. Meet Choi Taeuk and negotiate with him...”
I explained everything Hyunseong needed to do.
After listening to everything, he summarized it in one sentence.
“Simple enough. You want me to bring him over to our side.”
“Exactly. Make sure he understands that joining us benefits him too.”
“Got it. I'll arrange a meeting right away.”
“Sorry. You should be on vacation, but you're stuck in Korea because of me.”
“Don't say that. You'll hurt my feelings. Trips can wait. This is more important.”
“Thanks. Let's have a meal together after this is over.”
After hanging up, I turned to Manager Ma.
“Manager, contact Black Bear in Korea. Tell them to help Hyunseong. Give them all the information on Choi Taeuk and provide whatever assistance they can.”
“Yes, Boss.”
If we could bring Choi Taeuk over, he'd become a very useful weapon for counterattacking.
* * *
A luxury restaurant in Seoul.
Park Hyunseong sat quietly in a private room waiting for Choi Taeuk.
Soon the door opened.
Choi Taeuk entered and smiled as he extended his hand.
“It's been a while, President Park.”
“Yes. It's been a while. Please sit.”
Park Hyunseong forced a smile as he shook hands.
Since everyone knew he was naturally stoic, Choi Taeuk found nothing strange.
As the meal progressed, they exchanged casual conversation.
But throughout it all, Kim Muhyuk occupied Hyunseong's thoughts.
As the meal neared its end, Hyunseong set down his knife and fork.
“President Choi. Let's get to the point.”
Choi Taeuk smiled after taking a sip of water.
“Of course. I've been wondering when you'd bring it up. Why did you want to see me? My company doesn't need investments anymore.”
Hyunseong stared at him and said calmly,
“President Choi. We know you're privately using an information team to help Candidate Choi Seohyeon.”
The smile vanished from Choi Taeuk's face.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
“Denying it won't erase the truth.”
Hyunseong pushed the dishes aside.
Then he took out a stack of documents from the briefcase beside him and tossed them onto the table.
“What is this?”
“Read it and let's talk.”
Frowning slightly, Choi Taeuk picked up the documents.
As he turned page after page, his expression stiffened.
“What is this?”
“As you can see, proof that Baltiche funded X-Pi. And documents showing how some of that money found its way to the information team.”
Choi Taeuk couldn't hide his panic.
“This information was obtained illegally. Legally, it has no value—”
“Do you think I brought these to hand them over to the prosecutors? I thought you were smart. Why are you acting so stupid? What do you think happens if these end up in the media?”
Hyunseong had dropped honorifics.
“To be honest, I want to grind you into powder right now. But Muhyuk thinks differently. That's why we're sitting here like gentlemen.”
Choi Taeuk fell silent.
If these documents became public...
Everything he'd built would vanish.
He'd become nothing more than a corrupt businessman serving foreign capital and manipulating politics.
“I can hear the gears turning in your head.”
Hyunseong sneered.
Choi Taeuk glared at him.
Hyunseong didn't care.
“There is no escape, so don't entertain stupid ideas.”
“...What do you want from me? You didn't bring these here just to expose me.”
Leaning forward, Hyunseong spoke coldly.
Choi Taeuk flinched unconsciously.
“The fact that trash like you tried to use my friend pisses me off. If I followed my personality, I'd have broken something already. But Muhyuk wants you, so we're having this civilized conversation.”
...
The intimidating voice.
His massive frame.
And the documents in his possession.
Choi Taeuk was afraid.
Seeing him remain silent, Hyunseong curled one corner of his lips upward.
“It's simple. Take the hand we're offering. Lead the charge when we attack Choi Seohyeon. Tell the world you supported her and that European nobles are behind her.”
“Then my company...”
“Don't worry. We'll protect your safety and business. So what'll it be? Take our hand? Or...”
Hyunseong casually tapped the papers on the table.
“Should I release these? And don't think that's the end. Bringing down both you and Choi Seohyeon isn't difficult for us.”
Still hesitant, Choi Taeuk asked,
“Specifically how—”
“You'll find out later. Just make your decision.”
After some thought, Choi Taeuk nodded.
“I'll do it. But you must protect my safety and my business.”
“We keep our promises. And the information team you funded is already in our hands.”
“Really?”
Hyunseong nodded casually.
“We're going to use them for counterintelligence. Act normally. Move as you always have. Step forward when it's time. And don't get any ideas. If you disappear...”
Hyunseong pressed the service bell.
The door opened.
Instead of waiters, several burly men in black suits entered.
“They'll come looking for you.”
Choi Taeuk turned pale.
Hyunseong stood.
“Get up.”
Choi Taeuk rose awkwardly.
A man who had spent his life studying couldn't adapt to this atmosphere.
After watching him silently, Hyunseong clicked his tongue.
“Just take one punch. Then I'll forget everything.”
“P-President Park!”
Before Choi Taeuk could finish speaking, Hyunseong's fist flew.
Bang!
The punch landed squarely on his face.
Choi Taeuk collapsed sideways.
Straightening his tie, Hyunseong greeted him gently.
“President Choi Taeuk. I look forward to working with you.”
As he walked out, he spoke to the man standing at the front.
“He's agreed to work with us. Explain everything he needs to do.”
“Understood. Good work, President Park.”
“It wasn't difficult.”
After Hyunseong left, the door closed.
Looking down at Choi Taeuk on the floor, the man spoke.
“Get up. How long are you planning to lie there?”
Choi Taeuk struggled to his feet.
Blood streamed from his split lip.
Two front teeth lay on the floor.
“Go to the hospital. We'll contact you with this phone. Answer every call. We'll be watching nearby.”
The emotionless man handed him a burner phone.
Choi Taeuk accepted it silently.
“Come out in ten minutes. Wipe your face first. It won't do you any good to leave like that. Goodbye.”
The men left.
Choi Taeuk was alone.
And he cried out loud.
* * *
“Boss, Choi Taeuk has agreed to work with us.”
While Eva, Han Kyungyeong, and I were in a meeting, Manager Ma entered with his report.
“Good. Let's take a break.”
Han Kyungyeong stretched and laughed.
“I was wondering when we'd finally rest. Nice timing, Manager!”
Stretching loudly, he asked,
“So Choi Taeuk switched sides?”
“Yes. He agreed to do whatever we ask.”
I smiled.
“Looks like Hyunseong talked to him well.”
“But Boss... President Park punched him.”
“What?”
“Hahahaha!”
Han Kyungyeong slapped the sofa and burst into laughter.
“Damn it, Muhyuk. No wonder he's your friend. He's exactly like you.”
“James, not in front of the Boss...”
“Come on, it's just us. Relax a little, Eva.”
“James!”
I raised my hand to stop them.
“Calm down. Manager, explain.”
After hearing everything, I couldn't help laughing.
“I thought marriage had mellowed him. Guess nothing's changed.”
“He's huge. Didn't he nearly kill him? Choi Taeuk looked skinny.”
“He lost two teeth and several more are loose. He ran straight to the dentist.”
Han Kyungyeong burst out laughing again.
Even Eva and I laughed softly.
Then my phone rang.
Hyunseong.
“How could you hit him?”
“You heard already?”
“Of course. I heard things ended well too. Why use your fists? You'll only dirty your own hands.”
“Looking at his face made my blood boil. He's lucky it was only one punch.”
“Muhyuk! Can I punch him once too?”
Myungsoo's voice came from the side.
“You're with Myungsoo?”
“Yeah. Everyone's here.”
“Really? That's too bad. I should've been there. Tell everyone I said thanks. Tell them they've all worked hard because of me.”
“What hard work? We stepped up because it's for you.”
“Thanks. We'll talk properly later.”
After ending the call, I found myself smiling.
I could feel the corners of my mouth lifting all the way up.
