Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 954

“Do it.”

“…Yes?”

“I said, do it.”

“…Chairman?”

Cho Gyu-min stared blankly at Hwang Jung-hoo. But Hwang Jung-hoo returned Cho Gyu-min’s gaze as if asking if there was a problem.

“Is there any reason not to?”

“Ch-Chairman, this isn’t something you can think about so simply. If we get caught…”

“If we get caught, then what?”

“Is the plane ours? Just because those guys are on a plane that we’re sending cargo on, does that make it our fault?”

“No, it doesn’t.”

The fault would lie with the owner of the aircraft. Or, if not, it would be the airport’s fault.

“And even if we were caught, why would that be our problem? Have you ever seen them go after a plane just because terrorists from the US boarded it?”

“…No, I haven’t.”

“Then why?”

“Well… aren’t we the ones making space for them to board by removing cargo? And it’s not like we’re just shipping it; we have our own people on board too.”

“We packed it all, loaded it, and closed it. We didn’t check because there was no need to. But they were on board. Isn’t that the end of it?”

“It’s something that can be resolved by giving a pay cut to the shipping manager or slipping them some money. Why are you trying to handle it so rigidly?”

Cho Gyu-min’s brow twitched slightly.

He could almost see Lee Hyun-soo grinning in front of him. He absolutely couldn’t let that happen.

“But, Chairman!”

Cho Gyu-min’s mind raced.

“What you’re saying is right, but that’s just in general. They’ll naturally suspect that we were complicit. And even if they can’t punish us legally, they’ll try to harm us. Our export route to the UK could be blocked. No. Even our sales channels to Europe could be at risk.”

“…How much do we even sell to Europe?”

Cho Gyu-min quietly shut his mouth.

Hwang Jung-hoo let out a low sigh. It was a double whammy, with both of them suffering.

“I understand what you’re saying. Call him.”

“Yes?”

“Connect me to the person in charge. I’ll take care of it.”

“Ah… Yes! Understood.”

Cho Gyu-min called Lee Hyun-soo. Then, he switched to speakerphone and placed the phone on the table.

—

How did it go?

“It’s not Cho, it’s Hwang Jung-hoo.”

—

Ch-Chairman! It’s nice to meet you! I’m Lee Hyun-soo, the head of the General Assembly’s management department.

Even Lee Hyun-soo’s voice was tinged with nervousness.

Whether they were a martial artist or not, no one could escape the weight of the name Hwang Jung-hoo.

“So, you want to load people onto a cargo plane heading to the UK?”

—

Yes, that’s right!

“Is this Kang Jin-ho’s idea?”

—

Yes, it is!

Hwang Jung-hoo chuckled and took out a cigarette. After lighting it, he spoke again.

“As you know, this isn’t a simple matter. Even if we can get past it legally if we’re caught, we’ll have to endure tangible and intangible damages. Isn’t that right?”

— Yes, Chairman. I’ll make sure it doesn’t get caught.

“No, no.”

Hwang Jung-hoo cut off Lee Hyun-soo.

“You can’t start anything assuming it’ll go well. You can’t say anything without considering the worst-case scenario. Isn’t that the basics of management?”

— That’s right, Chairman.

Whether it was right or wrong, who would argue when the word ‘management’ came from Hwang Jung-hoo’s mouth?

‘Serves him right!’

Cho Gyu-min felt like he was bursting with joy inside. When else would he see that guy so flustered?

‘No need for soda, no need.’

But the situation didn’t go as Cho Gyu-min wanted.

“Alright. Then let’s do this. I’ll do everything you guys want.”

“Ch-Chairman?”

As Cho Gyu-min tried to say something, Hwang Jung-hoo raised his hand to stop him. Then, he nodded slightly. It meant he would take care of it himself.

There was no way he could interfere after seeing that. Cho Gyu-min quietly closed his mouth.

“I’ll arrange the plane as you want. And I’ll unload the cargo to make space for people to board. If we get caught, we’ll pretend we know nothing about it, so you guys deal with it.”

— Of course, Chairman! If you do that, we couldn’t ask for anything more.

“Alright. Then it’s good for both of us.”

Cho Gyu-min’s eyes wavered.

No, it shouldn’t be going this way?!

He had explained it all, so why was the Chairman suddenly reacting like this? Cho Gyu-min’s body trembled.

—

Yes, Chairman. Then, I’ll be shameless and ask you to do it quickly. This is a matter of time…

“Yeah, I know. Alright. Then I’ll get it done quickly.”

—

Thank you. Then…

“Wait.”

As Lee Hyun-soo showed signs of hanging up, Hwang Jung-hoo stopped him.

—

Yes?

“You can’t hang up yet. The deal is just starting.”

—

De-deal?

“That’s right. If you ask a company to do something, it’s naturally a deal.”

“Now, we’ve decided to do everything you want. So now we have to negotiate. How much will you pay?”

— Are you saying we have to pay?

“You.”

Hwang Jung-hoo’s voice lowered.

“Were you trying to use me for free?”

Silence.

Not a peep came from the other side of the phone. And at the same time, the carbonation began to burst in Cho Gyu-min’s chest.

‘Chairman!’

It felt like a message saying his loyalty had increased.

That’s it! This is it!

“Heh, how audacious. Among all the deals I’ve made, some have failed and some have succeeded, but I never thought there would be someone trying to take advantage of me for free. Do you think Jae-kyung is just a place that runs your errands?”

—

Absolutely not, Chairman! I wouldn’t even think of that unless I was crazy.

“Alright, I guess so. That’s how a person should be. Then, tell me now. How much will you pay?”

— H-How about…

“How about?”

— Ten, about ten billion…

“Ten billion? Did you just say ten billion?”

“Hehehehe, there’s even someone trying to use me for ten billion. Let’s hang up for now. It seems like I can’t have a conversation with you. I’ll call Kang Jin-ho directly.”

— No! No, Chairman! I never thought of just ten billion! But this is my first time, so I didn’t know what the appropriate price was. I can’t figure it out with my own head, so please teach me!

“Tsk tsk, this is… Well, it’s understandable since you’re not from the business world. So, let’s see… Do I have to explain this?”

As Hwang Jung-hoo subtly glanced at him, Cho Gyu-min replied with a full smile.

“Of course not, Chairman! I’ll calculate the price and negotiate.”

“Alright, then get my approval once you’ve determined the appropriate price.”

“Of course.”

Cho Gyu-min picked up the phone.

“Then, I’ll report to you as soon as the negotiation is over.”

“They said it’s urgent, so do it quickly.”

“Yes!”

Cho Gyu-min bowed deeply.

His ninety-degree bow was filled with infinite respect and loyalty for Hwang Jung-hoo.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

“Yeah.”

Hwang Jung-hoo smiled and waved his hand. Cho Gyu-min, wiping away tears of emotion with his sleeve, covered his mouth as soon as he left the chairman’s office. He muffled his laughter and then spoke.

“That’s what he said.”

“How much will you pay?”

— Hey, Gyu-min.

“Ahem.”

Cho Gyu-min said firmly. Of course, his voice was firm, but his face was not at all. He was still covering his mouth with his hand, looking like he was about to burst with joy.

“This isn’t a personal call. It’s a transaction between companies! No matter how close we are personally, you shouldn’t call me by my name like that.”

— …Director Cho.

“That’s right.”

Cho Gyu-min headed to the rooftop with leisurely steps. After climbing the stairs, Cho Gyu-min put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it with a lively hand gesture.

Ah, that’s the stuff.

This cigarette tastes amazing.

“So, how much will you pay?”

— As you know, we have a lot of money…

“You’re overflowing with it!”

“Wow, I didn’t know the General Assembly had so much money. Our company’s cash flow has been a bit dry lately, so this is perfect timing. If possible, please pay in cash. Of course, we also accept goods.”

— You son of a bitch.

“Huh? What did you say? You’re not going to make a deal?”

— Ah, no, it’s nothing. But I have no idea how much I should pay…

“It’s simple. Roughly estimate the damages we would incur if we were caught, and about 10% of that would be a reasonable risk to take. As you know, getting 10% is absurd. I’m giving you the best price possible because I’m considering Director Lee and Kang Jin-ho’s faces.”

— …So, how much is that?

“Roughly… 30 billion?”

Ugh, you son of a bitch! 30 billion for transporting a few people? 30 billion? Hey! Are you even human? Are you?

“Ahem, why are you like this? This isn’t just any ordinary transport, is it? It’s a matter of the company’s fate, so 30 billion is cheap.”

— Th-Thirty billion is too much. I’ll be tormented for a year if I pay that. I’m not paying that bill. Absolutely not 30 billion.

“Tsk tsk tsk, why are you so weak? Well, alright. We’re not strangers, and since you’re having such a hard time, I have no choice but to give you a break. Then, is 10 billion possible?”

— Can’t you lower it more?

“You’re trying to get it for free. If you don’t like it, hang up.”

— No! 10 billion! I’ll pay 10 billion! 10 billion!

Cho Gyu-min grinned.

Got him.

“But… come to think of it, there is a way to pay less than that.”

— What? There’s a way?

“Yes. Well, it’s not that difficult. If you do this, I can find a way to minimize the risk and lower the price. Of course, it might be a bit uncomfortable.”

— What’s the way?

“It’s simple. Now, try it once.”

— Huh?

“Hyung-nim [older brother].”

— Why?

“No, I’m saying, try saying ‘hyung-nim’.”

He could feel the trembling from the other side of the phone. Cho Gyu-min felt like all the frustration he had endured from Lee Hyun-soo was being released.

“What’s so hard about it? Come on, try it once. Once you do it, the transaction will be easier. I wouldn’t take advantage of you, would I? Come on, hyung-nim.”

— Hyung-nim.

A low voice.

A voice without a hint of hesitation.

And the moment he heard that voice, Cho Gyu-min’s excited heart turned cold.

Was it because it came out too easily?

No.

If he heard correctly, that wasn’t Lee Hyun-soo’s voice.

— Director Cho.

Why is hyung there?

Cho Gyu-min froze like a mouse seeing a cat when he heard Kang Jin-ho’s voice from the phone.

— You’re having fun.

“Ah, no…”

— I’ll negotiate with the Chairman directly. Then, continue your call with Director Lee.

Cho Gyu-min quietly put the phone to his ear. He could faintly hear the sound of Kang Jin-ho making a call from the other side of the phone. And that sound gradually faded away.

And…

— …Where are you?

A voice like a demon from hell pierced Cho Gyu-min’s ears. The demon’s name was, of course, Lee Hyun-soo.

People who get too carried away are bound to ruin themselves. Today, Cho Gyu-min learned that lesson well.