Chapter 121: The Toast of the Patriot

As soon as the word "private audience" was uttered, the people who had filled the banquet hall ebbed away like the tide.

In an instant, silence fell.

The President took out a silver cigarette case from his inner pocket.

Chairman Cha sprang up to light it with his lighter.

The President inhaled the cigarette smoke deeply.

"Not bad."

The President tossed the silver cigarette case onto the table.

Even as he did so, his eyes never once left Chairman Cha.

"How did you manage to win them over?"

A question with the object omitted.

Chairman Cha swallowed dryly and carefully set the lighter down on the table.

"Your Excellency, I believe there may be some misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding, my foot."

The President took a drag on his cigarette and furrowed his brow.

"These are not easy people to sway. Yet, you managed it somehow."

"Your Excellency, that's not the case."

"You must have slipped them a little something while offering up the election funds. You even brought the purge ledgers as tribute. No wonder they found you so commendable. That one has rather simple tastes, after all."

He was referring to the Chief of the Presidential Security Service.

"And by providing a lifeline for someone shriveled between the Prime Minister and myself, it's no wonder that one is so jubilant."

This was clearly directed at the Chief Presidential Secretary.

The President's smile grew increasingly cold.

"But when it comes to the Director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency and the Commander of the Army Security Command, that's a different story."

"...Pardon?"

"Don't play dumb."

Tap. Tap tap.

The President flicked the cigarette ash with his fingertips.

Not into the finest glass ashtray, but into the wine glass he'd been drinking with his meal.

"Those types aren’t swayed by money or flattery. How did you win them over?"

"Y-Your Excellency."

"I despise asking the same question twice."

Ssshhh.

The President stubbed his cigarette out in the wine glass.

The burning tip extinguished with a faint hiss.

When the President picked up the wine glass and gave it a gentle swirl, the cigarette ash and butt bobbed about with each wave of red wine.

"Would you rather drink a penalty than a toast?"

Thud.

The President set the wine glass in front of Chairman Cha.

"While I still treat you as a person, act accordingly. Don’t overstep your bounds."

Chairman Cha stared at the red wine with the slowly sinking cigarette and ash.

To hide his trembling hands, he clenched his fist tightly beneath the table.

"Your Excellency, may I ask just one thing first?"

"Go ahead."

"In your eyes, do you truly think I have that kind of skill?"

"..."

The President’s cold, suspicious eyes narrowed for a moment.

Rather than answer, the President stared at Chairman Cha.

Chairman Cha also met his gaze head-on, not avoiding it.

"Hmm."

The President leaned back leisurely in his chair and pulled out another cigarette.

Neither Chairman Cha, nor the President, nor Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang, who was kneeling on the floor, said a word.

In the heavy silence, only the raspy sound of smoking cigarettes was heard.

"If you ask whether Taesung has that kind of resourcefulness..."

He did not bother to hide his skepticism.

The President stared at Chairman Cha until he finished his cigarette.

"If I’d had such tricks up my sleeve to begin with, I wouldn’t have been called inflexible as steel."

"It's certainly odd to see someone unaccustomed to this sort of thing suddenly play the part so convincingly."

Though he said so, the suspicion did not fade.

His gaze, scrutinizing from head to toe, was as sharp as a serpent’s.

"Unlike the two Secretaries at the Blue House, they simply didn't voice opposition. All they said was that Taesung’s technical capabilities were to be acknowledged."

Even then, only two sentences were added.

—Supplying military equipment with Taesung's technology. I look forward to it.

—It's certainly not bad.

Chairman Cha silently looked at the red wine in front of him.

"Your Excellency, to be honest, I know little of politics and have no desire to get involved."

There was no response, but he didn’t stop him from speaking.

It meant he should continue.

"I decided to enter the defense industry simply because I resolved it was time to repay Your Excellency and my country for your favor."

"Why?"

"I heard that the pressure from the United States has been immense because of the Korai Gate."

Korai Gate.

It was reported by the Washington Post that Korean lobbyists, allegedly under the direction of the Korean government, conducted illegal lobbying in the U.S. Congress as part of a political scheme.

The lobbyists had three goals.

To prevent the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Korea, to block the communist bloc from approaching the United States, and to hinder the raising of human rights issues within Korea.

"The U.S. not only threatened to cut off military aid, but also reduced food loans and played the U.S. troop withdrawal card."

After Korai Gate broke out, distrust between the Republic of Korea and the United States grew rampant, leading to diplomatic friction.

It was inevitable that, once the nation’s weaknesses were exposed, relations between Korea and the U.S. government would deteriorate.

"While North Korea's military provocations are growing stronger, the ROK-US military alliance is shaking at its very foundation. I believed this was the time when self-reliant defense and military strength are more necessary than ever."

"And so?"

"Taesung simply made a decision. We decided to actively jump into defense to repay Your Excellency and our country."

"......"

"Is this Taesung's disloyalty?"

The corners of the President's eyes twitched.

Chairman Cha gripped the stem of the wine glass filled with cigarette butts.

"If even sincerity gives rise to suspicion, then it must be the fault of my past conduct. In that case, I should drink it."

At the moment Chairman Cha, without hesitation, brought the wine to his lips—

"Stop."

Thud.

The President grabbed Chairman Cha’s wrist.

"I believe you."

Chairman Cha could not forcibly shake off the President’s hand.

He simply released his grip.

"I can't make a patriot drink this filth."

The President took the glass from Chairman Cha and poured it out onto the floor.

"Really. A man who's stood tall as steel with a knife at his throat wouldn't suddenly bend like a reed just to pick up scraps from an affiliate."

The President smiled in satisfaction.

"The one who, rather than wag his tongue in front of me, kept his pride, surely wouldn't bow and flatter my subordinates."

Unable to hide his satisfaction, the President grabbed the wine bottle.

"Pride is not something others keep for you. You have to guard it yourself. Here."

"Th-thank you, Your Excellency."

The President tilted the wine bottle.

Glug glug glug glug.

He poured a glass of the finest red wine until it overflowed.

"I have great expectations for Taesung."

The same words, but in a completely different tone.

The swelling suspicion and mistrust were washed away, replaced by delight and confidence.

"If you’re going to jump into defense, do your best. I’ll support you."

"Please trust me and leave it to us."

"The Chief of Security and the Chief Secretary. Did they boast about what they would give you?"

At the President’s abrupt fastball, Chairman Cha flinched.

But he answered honestly.

"They subtly probed my intentions, but I was too flustered to dare answer."

"Did you say you wanted Chosun earlier? Take it."

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

With a single word from the President, Woogwang Shipbuilding fell into his lap.

The red wine tasted sweet and rich as he toasted the air.

"You spent so much time growing the chemical division, so why did you ask for shipbuilding?"

"In the first place, an agreement had already been made separately about the chemical company with Woogwang."

Chairman Cha produced a three-page contract his youngest grandson had prepared.

It was the contract regarding the acquisition of Taesung Chemical.

"You're trying to settle 15 billion won in shares without spending a penny in cash, just covering it with promissory notes? That's as good as daylight robbery."

The President shot a cold glance at Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang, who was kneeling on the floor.

"So you wanted to bankrupt tiny Woogwang Construction and take a 30-billion-won chemical company for nothing."

"Y-Your Excellency! That—that was because Woogwang’s cash flow was so poor at the time..."

"Follow the contract."

The President tossed the three-page contract to Chairman Cha.

"You couldn't cover the promissory notes, so you have to hand over the chemical company to Taesung."

Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang mouthed soundlessly in shock.

"Why? Do you object?"

"N-no! I’ll do it. I’ll follow the contract."

"Then you have no objection to Taesung also taking Woogwang Securities, which was pledged as collateral, and Woogwang Construction, which is about to go bankrupt?"

"......Yes."

It was as if he were swallowing mustard while crying.

Having already thrown away pride and face, pleading only for Woogwang’s survival, he could not even dare to covet more.

"Chairman Cha, but I’d like to keep the securities and construction companies."

"Pardon?"

"Instead, how about trading them for two out of the automobile, heavy equipment, steel, and refining divisions?"

Both Chairman Cha and Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang were shocked.

"Pardon?"

"Pardon?"

For the same reason.

"The heavy industries subsidiaries of Woogwang are much larger than securities and construction."

Woogwang Securities could be valued at a minimum of 8 billion to a maximum of 12 billion, with Woogwang Construction around 5 billion.

But the heavy industries divisions, which require large capital investment, are worth at least double or even up to seven times more.

"Consider Taesung to have struck gold."

"Well, that..."

"Isn’t it a fitting reward for loyalty?"

It was pure generosity.

So Chairman Cha, dumbfounded by this windfall, could only jump up and bow in gratitude at ninety degrees.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Meanwhile, Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang, who had not been given permission to speak, could only groan wordlessly.

His lips, parched and dry, were moistened with his tongue, for not even a drop of cold water was allowed in his burning throat.

The President, paying no attention to Kim Dae-sik, clinked glasses with Chairman Cha.

"By the way, Chairman, why do you want to swap securities and construction for heavy industries?"

"You said you would handle the funding and money laundering, didn’t you?"

Construction companies had mainly served as sources and laundries for political funds.

For the same reason, the securities and financial subsidiaries would also be left with Woogwang.

"It won’t be a losing deal for Taesung."

Measured by gains and losses, it was an absolute windfall.

"I will accept Your Excellency's proposal."

"Good."

Thus, Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang couldn’t say a word, and Woogwang’s fate was decided then and there.

He bit his lip until it bled.

"Your Excellency, Woogwang, too, can perform just as well as Taesung..."

"You were just begging for your life a moment ago."

The President's gaze turned icy.

"Do I seem like a fool to you?"

"N-no!"

"I’ve spared your life instead of dragging you off to the KCIA, left you some affiliates, and am even willing to overlook your barking."

"Your Excellency, Woogwang—!"

"Enough."

The President set down his wine glass.

"Worried that if the ninth-ranked chaebol is taken over, Korea will fall too?"

The President turned his wine glass upside down over Kim Dae-sik’s head.

"Don’t delude yourself. Even if the number one to nine chaebols were all brought down, Korea wouldn’t fall."

Blood-red wine soaked Kim Dae-sik’s hair and dripped down his chin.

"I can just cut you into pieces and feed you to the other dogs. Do you think Woogwang is the only company in Korea?"

Kim Dae-sik sprawled flat on the floor.

"I was wrong."

"Do you know why I’m letting Woogwang live?"

"To contribute to the Korean economy, in accordance with Your Excellency's wishes..."

"Wrong."

The President hurled the empty wine glass.

Crash—came the sound as it shattered at Kim Dae-sik’s feet.

He trembled violently.

"Stop talking nonsense and bark."

"Woof, woof! Bark bark bark!"

The President wiped his hands with a napkin.

"If you want to play the mouthpiece, you’ll need a TV station and newspaper, so I’ll leave those for you as well."

"Bark!"

If told to bark, he’d bark; if told to bite, he’d bite.

He’d dress up public opinion more glamorously than anyone.

It was Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang who had spoken those words with his own mouth.

"Chairman Cha, have you decided? Which ones will you take?"

"I’ll take the automobile and heavy equipment divisions."

"Why? I thought you’d jump at the refining business?"

"I think it’s better to solidify what we have than to expand into something new. We’ll focus on serious technological development through our research institute."

"Very good. Then Taesung should also take over the Woogwang Research Institute."

Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang looked as if he might burst into tears, while the President smiled in great satisfaction.

"You were planning to acquire Woogwang’s other affiliates separately, weren’t you?"

"Yes. Taesung intended to acquire Woogwang Hospital and Woogwang Pharmaceuticals..."

"I’ll let you have them dirt cheap. But that’s all."

No, that was actually something Jeong-hyuk had mentioned.

At the group level, Taesung wanted to acquire certain affiliates separately.

But since the President raised his hand and cut off his words, the answer was already set.

"Yes, thank you."

"You know what I mean by ‘dirt cheap,’ right?"

It meant to feed the underlings as well, in exchange for taking full control and the factories.

Trying to devour all the prey alone would only bring trouble.

"How will you pay?"

"In shares."

Trading in shares was the cleanest way to turn it into cash.

Kim Dae-sik of Woogwang had to lower his resentful gaze.

"Why? Don’t like it?"

"Woof woof!"

At no point did Woogwang have a say.

Thus, the conversation ended.

---

"Grandpa."

I opened the gate with a bright smile.

Grandpa looked down at me with a dazed expression.

"Did everything go well today?"

"Oh, my lucky charm!"

Seeming to come to his senses, Grandpa grinned ear to ear and scooped me up in a hug.

"How did a lucky charm like you just drop into our family! Hahaha, Jeong-hyuk! Grandpa struck gold today!"

Grandpa hugged me and spun around.

He spun and spun again, bursting out with hearty laughter.

Chief Go looked bewildered, not knowing what to do, but Grandpa kept spinning until he was out of breath.

"If it weren’t for Jeong-hyuk’s tip-off, our Taesung might have ended up just like Woogwang!"

Grandpa rubbed his rough, scrubby cheek against mine.

Ouch, that stings!

But he looked so overjoyed that I couldn’t bring myself to complain.

I could only gently push his cheek away with both hands.

"Giving a present instead of a bribe was a stroke of genius!"

I knew it.

Thanks to that, I could read the hidden meaning behind Grandpa's earlier words—‘Taesung could have ended up like Woogwang.’

‘So he avoided the President’s suspicion. That must have been tough on Grandpa’s pride.’

Grandpa set me down and pulled out several dazzling, golden-hued documents from his inner pocket.

"How did things go so smoothly? Today, Grandpa managed to snatch several affiliates for free..."

Grandpa trailed off mid-sentence.

"Wait! By our agreement, since I got these for free thanks to Jeong-hyuk again, do I have to give them all to him, too?"

His voice was full of confusion, his eyes shaking as if in the midst of an earthquake.