novelraw Chapter 74 : Could it be…… that I am the target?
Chapter 74 : Could it be…… that I am the target?
Chapter 74: Could it be…… that I am the target?
Across the receiver, Yang Sobo’s voice sank low, like a deep sigh.
“Are you all right, Sir?”
I was fine. By the way, you must have heard the news?
“Yes. They said a focused crackdown on the black market and the money changers has begun. I called because of that. This morning I saw with my own eyes soldiers arresting all the merchants in Kkangtong Market. How… how is that even possible?”
No matter how I thought about it, it made no sense to my common understanding.
Even if the KCIA’s power was formidable, to be so blatant — mobilizing the military to overturn an entire market — was beyond ordinary logic.
It would be impossible unless power had tilted completely to one side.
Ha……. Director Kang personally made a deal with Chairman Han. He said he’d sweep away the forces eating at the state before he left on his foreign trip.
The foreign trip itself matched what I knew of history. But the method was different.
Did he have to start something that would stain his hands with blood and create enemies? A dangerous gamble that could forever erase his chance to return to the center of power.
“It seems getting stabbed in the back by Jeong Tae-soo hurt him a lot.”
It would hurt Director Kang. He was the one who planned and executed the coup, yet someone like Jeong Tae-soo — with no pedigree — pushed him aside.
I mentioned the time I had met Kang Byung-woo on the train.
“I actually met Director Kang when I came down to Busan.”
What? You met Director Kang?
A short silence passed over the receiver. For once, Yang Sobo sounded disconcerted.
“Yes. He said he wanted to see the face of the man who ruined his plan. And he asked whether I would join him.”
A sharp needle in a bag always shows itself somewhere. Director Kang must have recognized your talent.
“I refused, though, because I thought getting too deeply involved in politics would be poisonous.”
Good. The most untrustworthy people in the world are politicians and soldiers. I felt that painfully again after this.
There was a pause as if he sank into thought. When he finally spoke again, I was greatly shocked.
Old Hwang was arrested at dawn today.
“……On what charges?”
They said violations of the National Security Act and emergency financial measures.
“If it’s a breach of emergency financial measures, I understand. But the National Security Act? Against a mere jewelry shop owner… That’s a crime that can even carry the death penalty.”
One of my final destinations had been Old Hwang’s jewelry shop.
Although I’d used a false name in transactions, if they dug in deliberately my existence could have been exposed.
The National Security Act can be twisted to mean whatever they need. They likely used it as a means to pressure Old Hwang. They also raided Han Sang-hoon’s place. Thankfully he wasn’t there, but it’s only a matter of time before they catch him.
Old Hwang and Mr. Han. It was too strange to call it coincidence. Both were the last people I’d dealt with in Seoul.
I swallowed dryly and opened my mouth carefully.
“Could it be…… that I’m the target?”
Huh……. You’re overconfident. Among Old Hwang’s customers, you were not even a speck.
Yang Sobo reproached me.
Confidence is fine, but when it’s time to face reality you must see reality. Director Kang wouldn’t make so many enemies just to catch you.
So many enemies. From that phrase I instinctively sensed the gravity of the matter.
But I had to tell him there was another reason I felt targeted.
“Sir. When I deposited money at the bank this time, I was taken by a joint investigation team and questioned.”
What? You were questioned?
“Yes. I felt they weren’t aiming to make me the final target so much as to catch you or someone else through me.”
That was probably a coincidence.
The surprise in Yang Sobo’s voice hardened into coolness.
If you’d been arrested in Seoul it would be different, but to find you in Busan in such a short time and connect you to us? Impossible. The KCIA aren’t that competent.
That matched what I had thought.
They had discovered by chance that I’d deposited money in Busan; they had inquired about the large account in Seoul; and because my registered residence was listed as Yang Sobo’s mansion, they likely tested it out.
“It wasn’t the KCIA. Although the KCIA may have hit the black market, the joint investigation team formed because of the currency reform seemed to exclude the KCIA. The people who questioned me were from the Counterintelligence Unit.”
The Counterintelligence Unit…… To check the KCIA?
“They kept pressing me, asking whether I’d received prior information through the KCIA or someone else.”
Silence came again over the receiver.
I didn’t want to disturb his thoughts, so I also kept quiet.
Then Director Kang must have another, real target.
Yang Sobo muttered to himself. In that short time, he had hit the core.
Is he targeting one of the top council members……. Some who took my money might be among them. I see. That’s why he also arrested some of my people.
“Your people? Important people?”
They were mid-level managers connected to the black market……. Even if they interrogated them, it would be hard to trace up to you.
That was somewhat relieving. Even if Yang Sobo said they weren’t the target, he was powerful enough that his people could still be caught.
I don’t know who the target is, but during the investigation your trace might be revealed. Don’t come to Seoul for the time being.
“Don’t go to Seoul? I still have to prepare Min-soo’s trip to America…….”
If you were arrested, your brother’s end would be sealed.
I let out a breath I didn’t notice. If I were caught, as Yang Sobo said, Min-soo would be finished.
Still, I couldn’t help worrying.
“If I can’t go to Seoul, please send Min-soo to Busan. So the plan can proceed.”
……I will. I’ll send him down as soon as preparations are ready.
“Please. I’ll personally contact the smuggler. Given the stakes, I need to meet him as soon as possible.”
Hmm……. I’ll at least put in a word, but keep in mind that if the security agencies are running wild like this, schedules may be delayed.
“Yes, understood.”
Putting Min-soo’s matter aside for the moment, I continued the conversation.
“I can’t help thinking you yourself might become the target of this operation.”
I did expect something to a degree, but I didn’t think they’d come at me so openly.
“What do you plan to do?”
……For now, lie low. Until the storm passes.
“If that storm devoured everything you had before it passed, then what would you do?”
A short silence came over the receiver at my blunt question. I didn’t wait for his answer and pressed on.
“Director Kang is like a wolf backed to a cliff. He’s squeezing out his last strength to bite at his rivals. Don’t expect mercy or compromise from him.”
Yang Sobo raised his voice in evident frustration.
Then what do you want me to do! Fight him head-on?
“No. We must shake the board. Haven’t you met Deputy Director Noh Gi-tae yet?”
I’d set an appointment. But after I set it, they arrested my people. Now I can’t even trust that Noh Gi-tae.
“He’s at least more trustworthy than Kang Byung-woo or Jeong Tae-soo. Meet Chairman Han through Noh Gi-tae. Right now, the only person who can control Kang Byung-woo is Chairman Han.”
……Would he meet someone like me?
He was never like this before.
Wasn’t Yang Sobo the kind of man who would do anything to protect his empire of gold?
The enormous storm shaking everything around him must have shaken him too. I spoke firmly.
“Sir. Didn’t I tell you before to let go of what must be let go? If you donate a portion of your fortune to the state for the sake of the revolutionary government’s success, he’ll be willing to meet you. From there, it’ll depend on your skill as a negotiator.”
…….
“It’s your choice — lose everything, or lose just a part and prepare for the future.”
……Understood. I’ll meet with Noh Gi-tae and talk to him.
Click. The sound of the receiver being set down marked the end of the call.
The silence in the room felt unusually heavy.
For a while, I couldn’t put the receiver down.
‘So it’s come to this, after all.’
Yang Sobo’s empire was beginning to tremble. My intervention had only hastened that moment. His downfall was inevitable, but now was not the time.
I still had to grow stronger under his shadow.
‘Kang Byung-woo, Jeong Tae-soo, and Chairman Han…….’
The game was spiraling out of control.
What had started as a small struggle within the stock market had now evolved into a massive power struggle shaking the entire Republic of Korea.
And I was standing right at the center of that storm.
With my shield weakening, I needed to become a sharper spear myself. To do that, I needed my own person — a powerful blade that moved only for me.
‘For now, I should start with what I can do.’
I pulled a business card from my pocket and dialed the number printed on it. After a few rings, a curt voice answered.
This is O Chung-seong.
“Chief, it’s me. Baek Min-woo — we met a few days ago at the Jungbu Police Station.”
Ah, Mr. Baek Min-woo. What’s the matter? I didn’t expect you to call so soon.
“Would it be possible to meet for a short talk?”
A refusal came immediately.
Hmm……. It’s a bit difficult right now.
“I understand things must be hectic with the black market and the money changers.”
……If it’s related to that, I must decline. It’s a matter the Director himself is handling.
“Let’s just meet first and talk. I have important information to share with you, Chief. It won’t be a losing deal for you.”
He hesitated for a moment, letting out a low hum, before finally giving in. The money I’d handed him last time surely influenced his decision.
……All right then. Where shall we meet?
“Let’s meet in Dongnae. I’ll reserve a room at Dongnae Villa. Tomorrow evening at six.”
Understood. I’ll see you then.
“Please keep this from Deputy Director Noh Gi-tae for now. After we talk, it won’t be too late to report to him.”
It was an underhanded suggestion — to meet without informing his superior. He went silent, probably thinking it over.
After a long sigh, he finally replied.
Hoo……. All right.
The call with O Chung-seong ended. I gathered my thoughts and stepped outside. The first floor of Deokhwa Ru, emptied after the rush of people, was still dim.
I brought along A-seong, who looked deathly pale beside President Wang, and went up to the third floor.
“A-seong.”
“Yes, Hyung…….”
“I’ll find a way to get your uncle out.”
“Yes?”
A-seong, who had been hanging his head low, suddenly lifted his eyes wide open.
“Fate brought us together, after all. I can’t just stand by while my own man suffers.”
“Hyung…….”
A-seong’s nose reddened. He bit his lip, trying hard to hold back tears.
He had come into my life by chance. But if I could help him, I would.
Unlike before, when I only looked ahead, now I had decided to move forward while also looking after those around me.
“Go home for now and wait. Go on. I need some rest to clear my head.”
After sending the tearful A-seong home, I began to organize my plans in earnest.
‘I can’t ignore the butterfly effect.’
Kang Byung-woo, who should have quietly gone abroad, was forced to take drastic measures because of Jeong Tae-soo’s interference.
Still, I couldn’t just watch Kang Byung-woo collapse like this.
The more enemies he had, the longer it would take for him to return to the center of power.
If Kang Byung-woo, who needed to keep Jeong Tae-soo in check, was delayed, Jeong Tae-soo’s grip on power would only strengthen.
‘I’ll never allow that to happen.’
Late into the night, I reviewed and revised my plans again and again, thinking them through.
The next evening.
The entire city of Busan seemed frozen under the chill of the currency reform, but Dongnae Villa, near the Dongnae hot springs, was an exception.
It was filled with dazzling lights and laughter, as though it existed in another world.
Following the attendant’s lead, I entered the most secluded annex.
Inside, a neatly prepared table awaited, and through the window, I could see a tranquil bamboo grove.
Moments later, the door opened, and Chief O Chung-seong entered with a stiff face.
“Have you been waiting?”
“No. I just arrived myself. Please, take a seat, Chief.”
As he sat across from me, a woman in a graceful hanbok entered to pour drinks.
I gestured lightly to stop her.
“I’d like to have a quiet talk. Please leave us.”
The woman silently filled both our glasses and quietly withdrew.
From outside came bursts of laughter and cheerful chatter, but inside the room, with only the two of us, silence filled the air.
I looked at O Chung-seong, who sat silently, and spoke first.
“Even in times like this, places like this still feel like another world.”
“The rich don’t care how the world turns, I suppose.”
O Chung-seong replied bitterly. Watching him, I raised my glass.
“Let’s have a drink first.”
When I lifted my glass, O Chung-seong quietly did the same.
We clinked them together with a clear sound, drained them in one go, and set them down with a soft thud.
“I know you’re a busy man, so I’ll get straight to the point. During the operation the KCIA carried out, someone I know was arrested.”
At the faint trace of a plea in my tone, O Chung-seong’s expression froze.
“He’s just an ordinary man who follows orders — delivering what he’s told to deliver, unloading what he’s told to unload. Even if the KCIA tears him apart, they won’t find anything—”
“Sorry, but I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”
O Chung-seong cut me off firmly. Short-tempered, I see. But I showed no reaction and continued.
“Recently, I was taken in by the joint investigation team under suspicion of violating the Emergency Financial Measures Act.”
When I shifted from my plea to a sudden topic change, O Chung-seong looked at me, puzzled.
“While there, I was repeatedly accused of leaking internal KCIA information in advance. And the one pressing me was… an officer from the Counterintelligence Unit.”
I deliberately stressed the words Counterintelligence Unit.
“Chief, what do you think this means? Why would the Counterintelligence Unit — not the KCIA — interrogate me about the KCIA’s affairs?”