Chapter 252: What on Earth Happened?

The inspecting delegation that departed from Pyongyang crossed the divided line overland. They entered Seoul under the protection of the Korean military.

After overcoming traffic control, the delegation arrived smoothly at the Blue House, where they were warmly welcomed by President Kim Hak-gwon and his cabinet.

"Welcome!"

President Kim Hak-gwon greeted them with a broad smile.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr. President."

Baek Nam-gi shook hands with President Kim Hak-gwon on behalf of the delegation.

"Let's head inside."

President Kim Hak-gwon led the delegation to the dining hall at the Blue House, and this scene was being broadcast live on TV.

Upon seeing the delegation enter the Blue House, I turned off the TV.

Han Gyeong-yeong, who had been watching with me, was the first to turn his head away.

"How's the oil situation?"

"Reactions are starting to come in slowly."

"They haven't even begun yet. They'll start with Afghanistan and then move on to Iraq."

"Iraq too? Isn't it daunting for the U.S. to engage in simultaneous wars with multiple countries? The war with Afghanistan isn't even over yet."

Backed by strong air support and utilizing guerilla fighters, the U.S. managed to seize the capital without significant casualties among its troops. Rumors were circulating within the U.S. that they would soon declare victory.

But there was one crucial aspect they overlooked.

It was how much power the Soviet Union had expended in its war with Afghanistan, a war that some claimed led to its collapse. They were ignoring the strength of the Taliban.

The Taliban chose to retreat underground and into the mountains, persistently tormenting the U.S. with their tactics.

"Well, they'll probably declare victory soon enough. After that, Iraq will be their next target."

"Right. I've heard such rumors circulating on Wall Street. They're quick to act on such news, after all."

Han Gyeong-yeong, who held a lot of disdain for Wall Street, remarked sarcastically.

"Of course. By the way, have you gotten any details on that?"

"Yeah. But they really cleaned up their tracks. The last connected one is already dead…"

If Dick Cheney was right and someone made a fortune through this incident, it was evidence of some power's involvement behind the recent terror.

Having used experience washing money through ghost companies, Han Gyeong-yeong had instructed him to dig deeper into who was behind this.

"I didn't expect much. The CIA went all out to investigate, but they reportedly lost the trace as if it vanished like a ghost."

"Still, I plan to keep digging. The more I investigate, the more interesting it becomes. I'm curious who would pull off such a bold move."

Perhaps enjoying the pursuit, Han Gyeong-yeong expressed his desire to continue with the investigation.

"Alright. But don't push it too hard."

"Got it. By the way, I think Eva's busy too. When's she coming?"

That evening, a meeting was scheduled between Korean businessmen and an economic inspection delegation.

Eva, Han Gyeong-yeong, and I were all invited. I had called Eva to the Myeong-dong office so we could head out together.

As I was chatting with Han Gyeong-yeong, Eva opened the door and stepped in.

"Boss! I see James is here too."

"You made it? Come over and sit down."

Nodding with a smile, Eva took a seat facing Han Gyeong-yeong.

She looked bright, as if her current work was going well.

"How's Jungwoo Group doing?"

I shot the question to Eva immediately after she sat down.

"I've already received all the designs from Ilseong Electronics. Next month, we're set to initiate the acquisition process for NEC. This time, Japan kept their promise."

"Really? That's a relief."

Though she had gone through tough times, Eva had managed to wrap this task up safely.

Perhaps recalling the past, she shrugged her shoulders, her face laden with questions as she asked me.

"But how did Koizumi gain power? No matter how I think about it, I can't grasp it. You know something, Boss?"

"Well, it's probably his capabilities. Still, thanks to him, everything has gone smoothly, hasn't it?"

After meeting with Koizumi, we halted our attacks on Japan and retreated swiftly, even if it meant incurring greater losses.

On the other hand, other forex dealers didn't stop their attacks against Japan, but their momentum gradually waned as food became scarce.

Because of this, the Japanese economy, which seemed to be stabilizing, was shaken again when the major bomb of U.S. terror exploded.

Ultimately, with his position at stake, the Japanese Prime Minister activated the right to dissolve the National Assembly as a last resort.

Even after mobilizing the final means to regain power, this served only to hand internal influence over to Koizumi.

"For a while, there shouldn't be any reckless actions. Eva, everyone involved in your attack has faced the law, so you're safe."

"Thank you, Boss."

I responded to Eva's words with a smile.

Japan promised to bring the culprits to justice instead of handing them over to us.

Though the final verdict hadn't come in yet, it was clear the Japanese government wouldn't have a reason to protect them, and long sentences were anticipated.

"Once the amendment on the separation of finance and industry and the prohibition of circular investment passes in this National Assembly, Il-seong Group will face a significant blow. That's when it all begins."

"Understood. I'll ensure there's thorough preparation so everything proceeds smoothly."

While conversing with Eva, the office outside grew chaotic.

The noise became so disruptive that I frowned, and just then, Manager Ma's subordinate rushed in through the door.

"What's happening outside?"

"Sorry, Boss. Someone showed up unannounced… We tried to send them back, but they insisted they must meet with you, causing a clash with the staff."

Whether that clash really occurred was evident by the clothes of the subordinate who rushed in, looking disheveled.

"…No one was scheduled to visit today?"

"That's what we thought as well, but while attempting to send them back, a few of our staff got taken out, leaving Manager Ma and the others in a standoff right now."

I furrowed my brows. The guards protecting the Myeong-dong office were the elite among the elite.

Even if they hadn't used weapons, the fact that a few had gone down was nothing to take lightly.

I stood up, eager to confirm who it was.

"Boss, it's dangerous."

"If I'm in danger in my office in Myeong-dong, what's the point of you all being here?"

"…"

Ignoring the subordinate trying to stop me, I stepped outside the office.

The scene outside was even more chaotic. Guards were struggling to contain a man surrounded by them.

Unable to see the man's face clearly, I moved closer to get a better look.

"What's going on? What happened?"

Manager Ma turned his head to check me out before hastily bowing his head.

"I'm sorry."

"Apologies are enough. If even Manager Ma is getting involved, this person must be something special."

At Manager Ma's feet, I noticed two of my subordinates lying unconscious. I recalled them being the tough ones, yet they were down.

I frowned and asked Manager Ma.

"So who is it? Let's see their face."

"I won't reveal my identity."

"But they said they came to see me."

At that moment, the man surrounded by subordinates called out loudly for me.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok!"

I recognized that voice from somewhere. Unable to place it, I waved my hand lightly.

"Get out of the way. Let me see his face."

At my gesture, the men quickly stepped aside, revealing an unexpected figure.

Seeing his face left me momentarily speechless.

"No, why the hell are you… Baek…"

"Mr. President, I need to speak with you alone."

Baek Cheol-soo hurriedly cut me off as I tried to call his name.

He shook his head subtly, signaling me not to call out his name. Catching on, I pointed toward the office.

"Come in for now. I see why your men went down so easily."

To have Baek Cheol-soo show up at my office like this; even my carefully selected guards could easily fall before him.

Manager Ma would be different, but no other person could block Baek Cheol-soo.

To try and halt the man tasked with protecting Kim Jong-il? That was utterly impossible.

I should rather be thankful that he didn't kill my guards.

"Only Manager Ma follows you in, and send those two to the hospital. They ought to be thanking their stars they're alive."

"…Yes? Yes, understood."

Manager Ma had a curious look on his face, but he held back any comments regarding my orders.

"You and Eva go ahead to the dining hall. I'll talk with this man and follow right after."

After sending Han Gyeong-yeong and Eva out first, I took Baek Cheol-soo inside the office.

"Have a seat. I never imagined I'd see Baek Cheol-soo's face in the middle of Seoul."

However, instead of sitting down, Baek Cheol-soo kept his guard up against Manager Ma standing behind me.

"Mr. Kim, I need to speak with you alone."

"If you're here with Kim Jong-il, then I have him at my side as well. Just go ahead and speak freely."

I turned to introduce Manager Ma to help ease his guard.

"Manager, please meet Baek Cheol-soo, the man assigned to protect Kim Jong-il. Do you understand why I said I'm thankful that I didn't kill those two?"

At the mention of Kim Jong-il's guard, Manager Ma's expression slightly shifted.

After hesitating, Baek Cheol-soo stepped closer to Manager Ma, extending his hand.

"I apologize for earlier. I violated protocol for security's sake. There wasn't any benefit in my being here being known by many."

"It's alright."

Although Manager Ma and Baek Cheol-soo spoke plainly, their eyes exchanged a chilling glance.

Seeing them sizing each other up made me chuckle lightly as I called them over.

"Let's skip the greetings and please both take a seat."

At my suggestion, both men released hands and took their seats. Even sitting down, I could see them still evaluating each other.

"Now, let's start with why you, who should be by Kim Jong-il's side, are here in Seoul. What on earth happened?"

"I came down to Seoul with the inspection delegation. The general asked President Kim Hak-gwon for me to break away from the group."

Look at that? I couldn't help but raise one corner of my mouth at his words.

No matter how much he claimed it was General Kim Jong-il's request, allowing a North Korean soldier to roam freely in Seoul seemed outrageous.

I found myself questioning how President Kim Hak-gwon would manage this situation should it come to light. Even if the South and North were fostering a reconciliatory atmosphere, allowing this was clearly a stretch.

Noticing my expression, Baek Cheol-soo offered further explanation.

"In exchange for allowing my movements, he promised to withdraw troops from Kaesong. It was a significant concession from the Republic."

That left me chuckling inwardly.

After all, they were eventually going to withdraw troops from the Kaesong Industrial Complex anyway, yet they were trying to make it sound like a grand concession.

Kim Jong-il was quite the fox. Hiding that from Baek Cheol-soo, I questioned him.

"So, he simply asked to meet with me?"

"…There's another matter to discuss as well."

"What is it?"

"I can't disclose that information."

Of course, whatever Baek Cheol-soo was up to in Seoul didn't concern me.

However, considering he was now in my territory, I couldn't just let it slide.

"If it's classified, it makes it harder to inquire. But please don't do anything foolish, like plotting someone's assassination, regardless if it's a directive from Chairman Kim Jong-il."

"I've never received such a directive."

"Then that's fine. Now, please tell me why you came to see me."

Baek Cheol-soo, appearing extremely tense, straightened his posture.

"The general instructed me to inform any member of the visiting delegation that they must not mention the North American peace treaty."

So it seemed Baek Cheol-soo was dispatched to relay that message while pretending to conduct business with President Kim Hak-gwon?

What exactly was he trying to accomplish? A natural doubt began to form.

"Do you believe I would unnecessarily share that with anyone? I haven't even mentioned it to President Kim Hak-gwon."

"Yes, the general doesn't perceive that as a significant worry. However, he added to not trust any individuals from North Korea."

"Don't trust anyone? Haven't you found the mastermind behind the assault on the chairman yet?"

The assassination incident came to mind. When I visited North Korea, Kim Jong-il had mentioned such matters.

Attacked by soldiers meant to protect him in Pyongyang, and you still haven't found the culprit behind it?

"…We haven't even grasped the tail of it. Even those we captured refuse to confess despite being tortured. Their backgrounds are too prominent, making it tough for the general to take action and round them all up."

"I see. For the time being, I comprehend your message. Rest assured, I won't mention it to anyone."

As he expressed his gratitude, Baek Cheol-soo left me with a thought-provoking statement.

"Anyone who tries to approach you for information related to this matter will not be beneficial to you. Whether it's Manager Jang Seong-taek or Head Baek Nam-gi, please keep this in mind."