Chapter 514: Isn’t My Money Worth It?

The door opened again, and I stepped into the room where the round table awaited.

The atmosphere was palpably different than before.

All eyes turned to me. With a smile, I slowly walked over and took my seat at the spot I had occupied earlier.

"Hey there, esteemed businessman."

The first to speak was Li Peng.

"Yes, Prime Minister Li."

"Can you keep your promise about the oil pipeline construction? Will Russia proceed with that project?"

His tone was laced with suspicion, clearly evaluating whether I could be trusted.

"It wouldn't be a bad deal for Russia, so they will definitely move forward with the pipeline construction. No—it's something they absolutely must do. But as you know, there are various minor issues at play. If China resolves those, we can start immediately."

The share of Russia's GDP from oil and other mineral resources was significant.

Moreover, I realized this time around just how much power Russia wielded by shutting off gas pipeline valves.

I understood that they could wield energy as a weapon against nations dependent on it, and that weapon was quite powerful indeed.

"Even if we support the construction funds, Russia has rejected it. Do you think they would accept it just because it's your proposal?"

I barely stifled a laugh.

Of course, they wouldn't accept it.

Russia aimed to weaponize energy. There's no way they'd accept China's money to move forward with the pipeline construction.

However, it seemed they were entertaining ideas like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Up until now, China had a peculiar method of lending infrastructure development costs, allowing Chinese companies to win the contracts and dispatching Chinese workers to the construction sites.

But infrastructure projects were typically conducted as state projects with expected trickle-down benefits.

Thus, Russia would never hand over the lucrative benefits of such a project to China.

"I'll handle this. I believe I'm closer to the owner of the Kremlin than anyone here. Ultimately, what matters is his intent."

"You're quite confident, aren't you?"

"For a businessman, trust is my greatest weapon. When I give my word, I keep it no matter the cost—even if it means suffering a significant loss. So you can trust me."

Li Peng nodded in agreement.

"Very well. Let's do this: if the pipeline approval doesn't come through within a year, I will seize all your investments in China."

"…Are you aware of how much we invested in China?"

What the hell is this insane guy saying? My brows furrowed involuntarily, and Li Peng's expression brightened.

"I don't know the exact amount, but I do know it's quite substantial. So I'm saying, use that as collateral."

I glanced around the room.

Everyone seemed to agree with that idea. Save for Wen Jiabao, everyone was nodding their heads.

This meant even Hu Jintao had consented to this notion.

If I backed down now, this deal would fall apart.

"…"

As I hesitated to respond, Li Peng wore a victorious smile and spoke up.

"Are you unsure? Didn't you say that a businessman always keeps his word? So just stick to it, right?"

Li Peng was deliberately provoking me. Yet, even aware of the provocation, I had to play along.

"Alright. I will go along with that. But the cost balance needs to be right. A mere sanction won't be enough to guarantee our investment in China."

I had to respond to provocation with provocation. I raised one corner of my mouth in a smile.

"Do you have another proposal?"

"Close the borders."

"Close the borders? Did you just suggest a border closure?"

"Yes. Surely, if I'm betting my money, you should be willing to take such a step?"

The atmosphere in the room became tense with unsaid words. Everyone looked at me as if to say, 'Is this lunatic serious?'

Li Peng scowled in disbelief, while Jiang Zemin finally spoke up.

"…Mr. Kim, do you not understand what a border closure entails?"

"Of course, I do. This sanction will certainly include maritime closure, but a land closure is impossible unless China is genuinely willing to implement it. So I suggest China propose a land closure as a part of the sanctions. And you must promise to maintain that."

Historically, closing borders hasn't been unprecedented. However, it was primarily an act reserved for hostile nations.

Much like the Soviet Union's political maneuvers during the Berlin blockade.

That action had been taken by the Soviets because they had something to gain from the U.S. and Western European countries.

Of course, it ended poorly for the Soviets with the U.S. airlift operation leading to their defeat.

In any other circumstances, closing a nation's borders was politically and militarily burdensome.

"Do you really think that's possible?"

"That's for those present to decide, whether it is possible or impossible. What is decided here will become China's policy and position."

My question hung in the air, creating an awkward silence.

In a way, it was a cheeky comment, so nobody could immediately refute it.

But soon, the silence was broken.

"Alright, I can arrange that."

Jiang Zemin replied promptly.

"Hey, Comrade Chairman Jiang."

Li Peng called out to Jiang Zemin to contest.

Without answering, Jiang Zemin glared at Li Peng. Their gazes clashed in the air, igniting sparks.

"Prime Minister Li. If we're going to do this, we must do it decisively. If we hesitate now, we might walk away with nothing."

"Chairman Jiang. Even so, a border closure is a definitive line drawn with North Korea. We must leave a way out for them."

Even with me in their presence, the two argued fervently, ignoring my presence.

"Surely everyone agrees that China's interests take precedence over North Korea?"

"Yet a border closure is a river that cannot be crossed! That's an issue we need to discuss further among ourselves."

At that moment, an elderly man spoke up.

"Both of you, enough."

As the old man spoke, both Li Peng and Jiang Zemin instantly fell silent.

The old man appeared frail but his gaze was sharp.

"Kim Mu-hyeok."

"Yes, Comrade Bo Yibo."

"Oh… You know who I am?"

Bo Yibo was the father of Bo Xilai, the leader of the Princelings, with whom I had previously clashed over unfortunate issues.

He was also the only elder from the initial eight who had retained his position this long.

Most of the others had taken their places after the original elders had passed away.

Thus, Bo Yibo's words weighed heavier than anyone else's in this room.

"I'll just ask you one thing."

"Go ahead, please speak."

I had heard fleeting rumors about Bo Yibo's declining health.

But for him to appear here…

"What do you think about taking the lead and toppling North Korea?"

"Pardon?"

In that instant, my mind went blank. I looked at Wen Jiabao, wondering if he had spoken, but he too looked astonished at Bo Yibo's words.

In fact, disbelief had painted every face in the room, except for Bo Yibo.

"I'm asking if China should interfere in removing Kim Jong-il from power."

"…Is that even feasible?"

"It is entirely possible. If we resolve to do it, nothing is beyond reach. The issues lie with how the U.S., Russia, and your home country, Korea, might respond."

Could China really intervene to oust Kim Jong-il?

No, I needed to first consider whether it would benefit me.

"If the Chinese military intervenes, that'd be a mistake."

"That's not my intention. All we need to do is win over those sympathetic to China, subtly suggesting that we're in their corner."

One figure came to mind who seemed to be showing a pro-China inclination.

"Are you referring to Jang Seong-taek?"

"You have a close relationship with him, correct?"

"Yes, I'm on pretty good terms with Jang Seong-taek and the Prime Minister Wen Jiabao over there."

I drew Wen Jiabao into this discussion.

"Prime Minister Wen Jiabao."

"Yes, Elder."

"What are your thoughts?"

"What exactly are you asking?"

"About toppling the North Korean regime."

Wen Jiabao, who had been clearing his throat, briefly glanced at me before replying.

"…It is possible."

"Exactly! I know that you have deep ties with North Korea's upper echelons. That's why I thought if you said it's possible, then we could pull it off."

Wen Jiabao seemed to have more to say, as he continued quickly.

"Elder, while it's possible, the probability of failure is quite high. If our military intervenes…"

"The military is absolutely out of the question. Otherwise, the Americans and Russians will move their armies too."

Bo Yibo interjected as he shook his head, turning to face me.

"So, what do you think, Mr. Kim?"

"…What are you implying?"

"I've been mulling over this. You're quite eager in sanctioning North Korea. The conclusion I've reached is unavoidable: it's like you're looking to enable someone to topple North Korea, am I wrong?"

"…"

I neither affirmed nor denied his statement.

Instead, I shot a glance at Wen Jiabao. However, seeing his shocked expression, it seemed unlikely that he was the one who suggested this idea.

"You need not answer me. I wasn't expecting an outright reply. Ousting Kim Jong-il doesn't sound like a bad idea to me, provided it benefits China."

Few people can take such small hints and turn them into potential plans that they express openly.

Indeed, this was a politician who had successfully survived the tumultuous eras of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.

"So, how about joining forces and making this happen together?"

There was no reason for Bo Yibo to be fond of me. I met his gaze squarely.

"Is there a reason you're sharing this with me? Especially since I have previous confrontations with your son?"

At that, Bo Yibo burst into loud laughter. It was a hearty sound that seemed unbelievable coming from the frail old man.

"Ha ha, my friend! Bo Xilai was merely foolish; you bested him. I appreciate competent individuals. Mr. Kim, I'm about to meet Mao shortly. If I could leave any mark on history before I go, I would spare no effort to do so."

No one present tried to stop Bo Yibo. Initially taken aback, they now watched our conversation, intrigued.

"I'm not keen to discuss my son. That foolish boy only knew to hide behind my name, attempting to satisfy his greed without competence, ultimately losing out to investors in his own land."

Bo Yibo clicked his tongue in disdain for Bo Xilai's failures against me.

"Even bedridden, I'm not oblivious. I simply distanced myself from everything. Chairman Jiang."

"Yes, Elder."

The arrogant Jiang Zemin showed the utmost respect towards Bo Yibo.

"I want to carry this out as my last deed. May I proceed?"

"…Are you speaking seriously?"

Bo Yibo firmly nodded. In the midst of his determination, he suddenly broke into a fit of dry cough.

He coughed for a long while, and his complexion only worsened.

"Elder!"

Everyone present sprang to their feet instantly.

This alone spoke volumes of the respect Bo Yibo commanded within the Chinese Communist Party.

I needed to rethink. My understanding of Bo Yibo had been flawed.

He wasn't a toothless tiger; rather, a predator quietly sharpening its claws.

If he had intervened when Bo Xilai clashed with me, things might have been quite challenging.

Bo Yibo finally stilled his coughing and raised a hand to calm those around him.

"It's fine, everyone. It happens often."

"You should get to the hospital!"

Despite Jiang Zemin's worried words, Bo Yibo merely continued to call for him.

"Chairman Jiang."

"Yes, Elder. Please, speak."

"I still haven't received an answer. May I undertake this task of mine as my final endeavor? Ah, now I should be asking Hu Jintao since you're here. What's your say on this?"

Hu Jintao scanned the room awkwardly before replying.

"If it's your last wish, I believe no one here will oppose you."

It sounded oddly like he was passing the decision off to someone else.

Perhaps displeased, Bo Yibo clicked his tongue softly.

"Tch… I only asked what you think! My friend, you're well-intentioned, but that timidity is an issue. If you hesitate, no one will follow your lead."

"…I apologize."

"So, what's your answer?"

"If you wish to, then please go ahead."

Bo Yibo looked around at the other elders and Jiang Zemin.

"Will you all be fine with this? If I am to do what I wish, may I? After all, it's my last venture before I set off?"

"Yes! Elder!"

I couldn't help but chuckle. It felt like I was watching a well-scripted play.