The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 118

“A young punk with a foul mouth. Back in the day, even a glance at my granddaughter would have earned you a public beating. The world has become too soft. Tsk, tsk, an upstart with no roots sitting before me.”

Park Su-gil lamented loudly.

Jeong-hun ignored his words and stood up.

He looked at the Korean painting hanging on the wall.

The brushstrokes depicting the Four Gentlemen [plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, representing noble virtues] were full of strength.

It was a landscape painting that evoked the spirit of a noble scholar.

“It’s been over 100 years since Joseon [the last Korean dynasty, ending in 1910] collapsed. Why are you still clinging to it?”

“Collapsed? It is the strength of us, the noble scholars and the royal family, that has brought this Republic of Korea to where it is today.”

“The opposite is true. It’s just a few hundred members of the Cheonji Association. Aren’t you just clinging to this country like parasites, only looking out for your own interests as it expands into the world?”

“You scoundrel! Your thoughts and logic are as base as your origins. What could vermin like you have accomplished? This country would have already disappeared if not for our efforts.”

“Even that sofa you’re sitting on costs 100 million won [approximately $75,000 USD]. A noble scholar who should be known for integrity owns a 100 million won sofa, a house worth billions, and a super-expensive car…….

Well, even in the old days, the noble scholars who emphasized integrity and frugality were the large landowners who monopolized more than 30 percent of Joseon’s land…….

In any case, your hypocrisy is truly remarkable.

Is that kind of face hereditary?”

Park Su-gil trembled.

“You insolent fellow. You’ve come to hasten your own demise. I’ll show you my power. I’ll throw you into the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office right now.”

Park Su-gil stood up and made a call.

A fierce aura, like that of a predator, was felt.

“Hey, it’s me. Issue an arrest warrant for Yoon Jeong-hun of Shinhwa Group.”

He didn’t even say the name.

A man who reveals his power with just his voice.

Indeed, he was the head of Haesong, the law firm that dominated the Korean legal world.

He wielded strong influence in everything from investigation and prosecution to judgment.

No, he decided it.

Guilt and innocence, suspended sentences, were decided by his hand.

After hanging up, Park Su-gil looked at Jeong-hun.

“I wonder if you can maintain that confidence even in the investigation room.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to take this opportunity to leisurely contemplate in the investigation room before coming out.”

“Hey, do you think you can come out again? Once you go in there, you can’t get out. No one can escape without my permission. Not even Chairman Lee Seok.”

Jeong-hun looked into his eyes.

A crazy glint sparkled.

‘What great confidence. He hasn’t grasped the situation yet, so he’s wasting his energy on useless things.’

“So, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is higher than Chairman Lee Seok, the owner of the Cheonji Association. Just like Joseon, which was thought to be a country of kings, was a country of noble scholars, the Cheonji Association is the same. The noble scholars are holding everything in their hands.”

Park Su-gil’s expression showed a hint of surprise.

The noble scholars cannot be the masters of the country.

He had too much confidence in his power.

“……Watch your words.”

“But Elder, don’t you know that even that tremendous power can collapse in an instant in the face of violence?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just as it sounds. I wiped out Lee Seok’s personal guard and brought Star Electronics. Lee Seok’s personal guard and Star Group are the core of the imperial power. But that core has lost its power.”

“Get to the point.”

“Imbalance of power! The imperial family will want to balance the power. They will be burdened by the noble scholars who control everything from investigation and prosecution to judgment.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

“Well, have you forgotten what happened when the power of the noble scholars was stronger than the royal authority?”

Park Su-gil glared at Jeong-hun with fierce eyes.

‘How could I forget that…….’

Complete annihilation of the family, where three generations were ruined and the entire clan disappeared as a sacrifice to strengthen royal power.

The blood-soaked cries of the noble scholars were ringing in his ears.

‘The imperial family doesn’t have that kind of power now.’

Park Su-gil thought it was an unnecessary worry.

But then, the face of a man came to his mind.

Cheon Seong-han, the Minister of National Defense.

If Chairman Lee Seok ordered him, it would be possible.

The military force he possessed was not insignificant.

Haesong had no means to resist violence.

If he used the special forces in his hands, there was no power to stop it.

Wiping out Haesong was a piece of cake.

As he imagined a terrifying future, anxiety gripped him.

Jeong-hun looked at Park Su-gil.

His pupils were subtly shaking.

‘I’ve planted the seeds of distrust. Now, let’s hope they repeatedly suspect each other.’

While they were glaring at each other, Da-hye came in.

“Hehehe, Da-hye, Jeong-hun is a very impressive young man. He’s even worried about this old man’s future.”

“Right? Grandpa.”

Da-hye smiled brightly.

“Grandfather, you must live a long and healthy life.”

“Yes, thank you! You too, stay healthy.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Then, I’ll be going now. Many people are looking for this old man today, so I have to go out.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“I hope you’ll be safe until we meet again. Chief Justice.”

At Jeong-hun’s greeting, Park Su-gil’s lips trembled.

“I hope I can see you safely too, Chairman Yoon Jeong-hun. I will be lenient today. I’ll postpone the detailed investigation of you and my granddaughter to the next opportunity.”

The two looked at each other.

The mouths were smiling, but the eyes were glaring at each other as if to kill.

As soon as Jeong-hun left, Park Su-gil picked up the phone again.

“Cancel the warrant.”

An imbalance of power could lead to catastrophe.

Park Su-gil went to the window and thought.

‘I must strike Cheon Seong-han quickly.’

Yoon Jeong-hun must be used.

Park Su-gil’s bitter smile was reflected in the glass.

***

Jeong-hun called Kwak Hyun-soo.

“What do you think about putting Ji Hyun-bok in the secretary’s office?”

Kwak Hyun-soo looked surprised at Jeong-hun’s suggestion.

“If you wish, Master, I will do so. I am in favor.”

“Then do that. But how did you two meet?”

Jeong-hun moved to the sofa, and Kwak Hyun-soo sat next to him.

“We met during special warfare training. That guy and I competed for first and second place. We became friends and then went on missions together around the world.”

“Comrades who shared life and death. I’m curious about something. Do black ops agents also work together on missions?”

“No. Those guys are always deployed on missions alone. Their main mission is assassinating key figures.”

“I see.”

“Is there a possibility that Jo Kyung-soo or Ji Hyun-bok are black ops agents?”

“Kyung-soo wouldn’t be. If he were a black ops agent, he wouldn’t be struggling with money. But I don’t know about Hyun-bok.”

Jeong-hun pondered.

He remembered Ji Hyun-bok’s words from the past, when he claimed to be a black ops agent.

Why did he tell me that story?

He was suspicious, but it wasn’t important.

He had to tell Kwak Hyun-soo.

“Ji Hyun-bok seemed like a black ops agent.”

“Yes?”

Kwak Hyun-soo looked at Jeong-hun and thought.

‘How does he know that?’

“Basically, I investigate anyone who appears around me. But Ji Hyun-bok was a non-existent person.”

Jeong-hun told him the results of the background check he had asked Cha Young-mi to do.

There was no record at all, so he thought he was a special forces soldier.

“No. Hyun-bok is definitely not a black ops agent.”

Kwak Hyun-soo looked displeased.

Jeong-hun was a little embarrassed by Kwak Hyun-soo’s reaction, but he didn’t show it.

“Didn’t you say that nameless agents are called black ops?”

“That’s right. But…… they are absolutely loyal only to their superiors’ orders. They don’t judge right or wrong.”

“Who is the superior?”

“The person who controls all the black ops agents, but they are shrouded in mystery.”

“I see. If Ji Hyun-bok is a black ops agent…… that’s not good, right?”

Kwak Hyun-soo hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.

“He came to target you, Master.”

“Why do you think so?”

Kwak Hyun-soo thought back to Ji Hyun-bok’s movements that day.

The right hand in his pants pocket.

He clearly saw the muscles in his right arm tense when Jeong-hun called him.

There must have been a tool used for assassination in his pocket.

He thought he was mistaken…….

“It’s just a feeling.”

‘Hyun-bok is a black ops agent…….’

Kwak Hyun-soo wanted to deny it.

“First, bring him to the secretary’s office. He probably isn’t a black ops agent. The background check must have been wrong.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“It’s better to keep him by our side anyway. It’s better to keep him close and monitor him.”

“I understand.”

After Kwak Hyun-soo left, Jeong-hun leaned back in his chair.

He closed his eyes and thought.

‘Hey, Yoon Jeong-hui, you look at this. I teach you one thing, and you forget two.’

He remembered his playful tone.

Ji Hyun-bok, the head of Goguma Credit Information Company before the regression.

Why on earth was he doing that there?

‘Was it to kill me?’

How many people were wearing masks by my side?

A bitter expression was drawn on his face.

Jeong-hun jumped up from his seat.

It was not something to postpone.

He had to sort it out for sure.

***

“Hyun-bok, do you want to work at our company? The chairman is coveting you.”

“Coveting me? I am a little handsome, but I don’t have a taste for men…….”

“Are you crazy?”

Kwak Hyun-soo burst into anger.

“You’re always too serious, you little brat. Is it a permanent position? How much is the salary?”

“What salary? It’s a temporary position. Who gets a permanent position right away these days?”

“What?”

Ji Hyun-bok was momentarily flustered.

It was a disguised employment, but his military career and awards were also brilliant.

But when he heard that it was a temporary position, he felt a sense of sorrow as a job seeker.

He wanted to get a high salary, at least.

“Can I get 50 million won?” [approximately $37,500 USD]

“Hey, what 50 million for a temporary position? You only know about the military, so you don’t know the ways of the world. It starts at 30 million [approximately $22,500 USD]. I’m giving you 5 million more.”

With his experience, he would be a team leader in a decent security company.

It starts at least 50 million…….

It was a shame, but there was no other way.

It was an order from above to enter without fail.

“It’s a shame, but I’ll have to aim for a permanent position next year. Shinhwa Group is famous for its good company benefits anyway.”

“That’s right.”

“Okay. I’ll give it a try.”

‘He’s coming in with these conditions?’

Kwak Hyun-soo’s suspicion was turning into certainty.

Kwak Hyun-soo took Hyun-bok to the computer room.

He introduced him to the two people who do a lot of core work.

“Hello. I’m Ji Hyun-bok.”

“I’m Lee Byung-seok. I’m the president of Shinhwa Games.”

Lee Byung-seok shrugged and introduced himself.

“I’m Cheon Jin-hyuk.”

“I’m Cha Young-mi. I’m the head of the computer team, the head of the security team, and the self-proclaimed core figure of Shinhwa Group.”

“Ah, yes.”

Ji Hyun-bok looked at Kwak Hyun-soo with a flustered face.

It was a face that seemed to say, ‘Get used to it.’

“Hyun-soo, Hyun-bok, you two look like brothers.”

“Really? But we’re completely different in appearance and personality.”

Hyun-bok answered, chewing gum.

“That’s right. Hyun-bok is a bit cocky. Especially for a temporary worker. Hehe.”

It was a disguised employment, but he felt a strange sense of sorrow.

‘Should I kill her?’

He endured with superhuman strength.

“Haha, I’m a bit like that. I’m a soldier, so I deliberately wanted to look a little lighthearted, but if it was unpleasant, I apologize. Team leader.”

“I’m just kidding. Let’s get along well in the future. Was I a little too mischievous? I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

“Then, are you up for a company dinner today?”

“I’m in.”

Cheon Jin-hyuk’s Joker-like mouth answered quickly. His mouth was hanging from ear to ear.

“Then, let’s meet at Hanwoo Number One [a high-end Korean beef restaurant] at 7 o’clock later. Ah, and Hyun-bok, I’ll create an ID for you. Come here.”

“I can do it later.”

“I can do it quickly. Otherwise, it will take a few days.”

“I understand.”

‘She’s a crazy bitch with a lot of meddling.’

He was about to lose his mind to her, who stabbed his weaknesses like a dagger and then showed kindness.

“Your name is Ji Hyun-bok…… age…….”

Ji Hyun-bok couldn’t answer.

“Age?”

“Ah, yes.”

Ji Hyun-bok answered absentmindedly.

He was completely distracted by the small photo next to her computer.

The man in the photo was glaring at him.

The man who was lying pale.

The man’s words that he could not refuse.

‘Handle it as an accident.’

The reason he remembered him was because he was a follower of Cheon Seong-han.

Of course, Minister Cheon also cherished him.

But he became a cold corpse on the floor of the computer room.

Cheon Seong-han told him to take care of it with a blank face.

The reason he remembered it that way was because he felt the fear that it could be him for the first time that day.

Hyun-bok didn’t know if the golden-brown grilled Korean beef was going into his mouth or his nose.

“Hyun-bok, eat a lot.”

Cha Young-mi put meat on his plate with tongs.

‘To feel like throwing up in front of meat.’

It was the first time.

“Hyun-bok, the meat is getting cold!”

Cha Young-mi said loudly.

“I’m sorry.”

Ji Hyun-bok jumped up and apologized.

Silence flowed.

“Ah, I’m sorry……. I was too, a new face came, so I was excited…… I’m sorry. Please eat comfortably.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

Ji Hyun-bok sat down with an embarrassed face.

He slowly chewed on the cold, rubbery meat.

Ji Hyun-bok struggled to swallow the unforgettable memory of that day.

***

“This is Ji Hyun-bok’s personnel record.”

“There are no special notes. We don’t record anything that could be a security risk.”

“Hmm…….”

Jeong-hun asked Commander Kwak Dong-sik to get Ji Hyun-bok’s personnel record.

There was nothing unusual.

He spent most of his time working for the Ministry of National Defense and the Intelligence Agency.

“Do you usually work in the Ministry of National Defense for this long?”

“Special agents do that a lot. They put their names here and perform missions unofficially. There are fewer eyes watching than in the field unit.”

Cha Young-mi came in.

“This is the Ji Hyun-bok file you asked for last time. It really doesn’t come out. He doesn’t use cards, and his communication records can’t be tracked.”

“That’s strange. There’s no record even though he retired. Is he really black ops…….”

Jeong-hun was deep in thought.

Cha Young-mi, who was looking at Ji Hyun-bok’s personnel record file, had a surprised look on her face.

“Oh, this person also worked in the same unit as our Young-hoon.”

“Yes?”

“My younger brother, Young-hoon, used to work with Minister Cheon Seong-han. When he was in the Intelligence Agency, our Young-hoon said he was an important officer in HID [Hidden Investigation Department].”

Kwak Hyun-soo’s eyes sparkled at those words.

“What did he do?”

“What I’m doing now. Just as I manage your lives, our Young-hoon was responsible for the lives of the unit members. 90 percent of it is a lie, though.”

A longing for her younger brother was written on Cha Young-mi’s face.

But Kwak Hyun-soo’s eyes, which were always expressionless, shook as if an earthquake had struck.

“Really? Your brother did the same thing as Young-mi in HID?”

“Ah, I was told this was top secret……. That’s why I didn’t say anything. Anyway, Young-hoon said that. But that guy is a bit of a liar……. Why? Ah, Young-hoon’s name there……. What was it?”

Jeong-hun felt that the stories of these people were converging into one person.

The protagonist of the voice that saved Kwak Hyun-soo, who was dying in the African operation.

A person who became the light of special agents through satellite communication, although he didn’t know his face.

A man who spared no help from the rear to make anything possible.

Kwak Hyun-soo had compared that person to Cha Young-mi, telling Jeong-hun.

His name, shrouded in mystery, was Pope.

The reliable strength of the HID unit of the Intelligence Agency’s Special Task Force.

“Pope!”

The three shouted at the same time.

Genius Grandson of the Cash King, Becomes a Tycoon