The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 58

#058

The smell of gasoline was strong because the windows were tightly shut.

“What’s that smell?”

“Doesn’t it smell like gasoline?”

“Hey, open the window!”

His younger brothers were agitated, and Park Chang-soo, the leader, spoke up.

“Shhh, be quiet.”

Footsteps approached.

The tightly closed door swung open.

A burly man and a nimble-looking man appeared in the doorway.

“Take them down!”

At Park Chang-soo’s rough shout, the two who rushed forward were instantly on the floor.

‘What was that? I didn’t even see the punch.’

Everyone, startled, took a step back.

“Who sent you?”

It was Kwak Hyun-soo’s chilling voice.

“You know we can’t say. We’d be dead if we did…”

Park Chang-soo gave a bitter smile.

Jeong-hoon, who was next to Kwak Hyun-soo, took his hand out of his pocket.

He flicked open the gold Zippo lighter in his hand.

The flickering flame was visible.

“Crazy.”

“If you don’t want to answer, you don’t have to. I’m also annoyed, so let’s just end it here. Well then.”

Park Chang-soo felt a chilling fear at Yoon Jeong-hoon’s dry words.

However, he couldn’t back down with his younger brothers watching him.

“Screw you, you crazy bastard. Hey, get him!”

Just as the bulky guy at the front was about to step forward, Jeong-hoon tossed the lighter in his hand high into the air.

The flame flickered as it spun.

Fortunately, the guy in front barely managed to catch it and extinguish the flame.

“Y-you crazy bastard. What do you want?”

“Who ordered you?”

While the man was hesitating, Jeong-hoon took out a new Zippo lighter from his other pocket.

He held a lighter in one hand and a piece of paper in the other.

Park Chang-soo’s eyes widened at the sight.

He had been lucky to put out the first lighter, but this one seemed impossible to stop.

“Wait, let’s talk. Are you going to kill everyone here?”

“If you don’t talk, you die.”

Park Chang-soo agonized. If he spoke, he would be marked for death. But if he didn’t speak, everyone would die. He had to save his brothers.

“Okay, I’ll tell you what you want to know. But…”

He sat down in front of Yoon Jeong-hoon, sweating profusely.

“Start. I’m listening.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Park Chang-soo set a condition.

“Let everyone else go. I don’t care if I die, but I can’t let my boys die because of me.”

“Alright. But if you lie, your death will be as painful as you can imagine.”

Kwak Hyun-soo warned, and Park Chang-soo nodded.

Most of the gang members bowed their heads and went outside, but two of his henchmen remained by his side.

“You guys go too.”

“Boss, if we started together, we should go together. I’ll be sad if you go alone, Boss.”

It was a display of loyalty that seemed out of place in a dirty organization like the Gookje Pa [a Korean organized crime syndicate].

“That doesn’t suit the Gookje Pa.”

Park Chang-soo, understanding Jeong-hoon’s words, opened his mouth.

“I’m in the Gookje Pa because of unavoidable circumstances, but we…”

When the man standing behind him started to speak, Park Chang-soo cut him off.

“Shhh, don’t say unnecessary things.”

“Sorry, Boss.”

Jeong-hoon, who was watching them with interest, gestured to Kwak Hyun-soo. Kwak Hyun-soo nodded with an intrigued expression.

“Okay, let’s start.”

At Jeong-hoon’s words, Park Chang-soo slowly began to confess that the Minjoo Party [a political party] had ordered the attack.

Jeong-hoon, who had finished recording, spoke.

“Let’s start.”

Kwak Hyun-soo’s large body moved quickly and subdued the two remaining men.

“What are you doing?”

Park Chang-soo was taken aback by Kwak Hyun-soo’s sudden attack, which was different from what they had agreed on.

The two men were knocked down in an instant, but Park Chang-soo managed to hold out against Kwak Hyun-soo for a short time.

“Let’s end it.”

With Jeong-hoon’s words, Kwak Hyun-soo’s fist struck Park Chang-soo’s face.

He crashed into the wall and lost consciousness.

“How is he?”

“He’s got the basics and seems okay.”

“He seems to have a story, so move him separately. He might become a good prospect in the future.”

“Pardon?”

“Two men said they would die with him. He’s an attractive figure.”

“That’s true, but…”

“I wonder what his story is. We need a lot of people on our side in the future. It wouldn’t be bad to take him in if he’s okay.”

“Understood, Young Master.”

“Please.”

Jeong-hoon finished speaking and went outside.

Kwak Hyun-soo, who was following behind, asked.

“Young Master, were you really going to set it on fire earlier? That was a creepy threat.”

“Hmm, gasoline doesn’t catch fire easily. It’s science.”

“Ha.”

A short exclamation escaped from Kwak Hyun-soo’s mouth.

‘Park Chang-soo.’

Jeong-hoon, having learned his name, sent a text message to Harley Quinn [likely a contact or associate with a code name].

He needed to know Park Chang-soo’s story.

***

He regained consciousness with a throbbing pain in his face.

Park Chang-soo moved his head and looked around. His two subordinates were fast asleep next to him.

“Why are you here?”

He asked the man guarding him.

“Kwak Hyun-soo. I couldn’t leave you behind, so I brought you here. You’re bound to die if you go back, aren’t you, Park Chang-soo?”

“Is that his intention? The handsome guy next to him…”

“Yes.”

“Who is he?”

“He’s a scary person.”

“Yes, he was scary. I thought he was really going to set it on fire. It was creepy.”

Kwak Hyun-soo smiled.

“He’s not scary in *that* way. How should I put it? He plans and acts on everything with an extraordinary mind. That’s what I mean by scary.”

“I understand.”

“But it seems like you have a story. What is it?”

“You don’t need to know.”

He turned his head and closed his eyes without saying anything further.

“Stay here and recover. The Young Master wants to meet you.”

Park Chang-soo thought for a moment and then opened his mouth.

“Yes. I have nowhere else to go anyway.”

A short sigh escaped his lips.

“Rest comfortably. I’ll come again later then.”

Kwak Hyun-soo opened the door and went outside.

Eun-soo was waiting.

“Uncle, aren’t you going to lock the door?”

“He has nowhere to go anyway, so it’s okay.”

Kwak Hyun-soo got into his car and drove to Joongbu Market, and after having dinner, they headed downtown.

Friday night.

The time was approaching midnight, a moment of pleasure and desire.

Kwak Hyun-soo and Eun-soo were in front of the nightclub, the base of the Yangsik Pa [another Korean organized crime syndicate].

“When did you start working with Grandma, Uncle?”

“Well, I don’t know when…”

“When did you become friends with Young Master?”

“Huh? I don’t know either.”

“You brat… Just watch today. I brought you here because you begged me, but I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“Young Master told me not to bring you.”

“Well, I have to do something. I can’t just eat and do nothing while living at Grandma’s house.”

“So why does it have to be this? You have the perfect face to be an actor.”

“Pfft, you know I can’t act.”

“You haven’t even tried properly.”

“I don’t know, I’m not interested yet.”

Eun-soo chuckled and changed the subject.

“How many gang members have you recruited so far?”

“Including the three gangs not on the list, about 90… I only gathered agile guys who can use their strength, so they’re the elite.”

“But that’s still only half of the Gookje Pa. Are you confident?”

Eun-soo asked, but Kwak Hyun-soo didn’t answer.

“I’m worried about whether I can use my skills on ordinary people.”

“Pardon?”

“Eun-soo, I taught you because you’re Young Master’s friend and you’re so kind, but those skills… you must never use them carelessly. If you use what you’ve learned properly, it can be fatal to ordinary people, or they could die. Got it?”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

“That’s what I’m most worried about, you rascal.”

Kwak Hyun-soo was bothered by Jeong-hoon’s words. His words asking him to prevent a rampage made him even more uneasy today.

“It’s about time to move.”

“They’re coming.”

A tour bus stopped in front of the nightclub. The door opened and burly men got off.

They pushed their way into the entrance with weapons in their hands.

A fierce close combat began.

“Let’s go too.”

Kwak Hyun-soo and Eun-soo got on the elevator in the building where the nightclub was located.

“Why don’t we walk up…”

Eun-soo’s voice trembled subtly.

“How can we walk up to the 10th floor? We need to save our energy. Why are you so nervous all of a sudden? Stay behind me.”

“Yes.”

Kwak Hyun-soo frowned when he saw the sweat on Eun-soo’s forehead.

He wasn’t the usual cheerful Eun-soo.

At that moment, the elevator stopped and the lights went out.

The moment was engulfed in darkness where you couldn’t see an inch ahead.

“Ah, Uncle… I can’t see. Quickly. Light, light.”

Eun-soo couldn’t breathe.

“What’s wrong, Eun-soo? Wait a minute, it’ll move again soon.”

“Light, turn on the light, you son of a bitch, turn on the light.”

“Eun-soo, be quiet.”

“Turn on the light, turn on the light!”

He shouted roughly in the dark.

He tried to pry open the elevator door.

Kwak Hyun-soo took out a lighter from his pocket and lit it.

“Hey, Eun-soo.”

Tearful Eun-soo was struggling to open the elevator door.

‘Why is he suddenly like this? Is it claustrophobia?’

“Eun-soo, snap out of it.”

Eun-soo, seeing the light, gasped for breath.

“Hoo… I’m okay now.”

Eun-soo, breathing heavily, regained stability with the small light.

The lights came back on in the elevator and it started moving again.

Kwak Hyun-soo came out and sat Eun-soo on a chair to let him rest.

“Rest here. I’ll go clean up.”

Eun-soo nodded without answering.

Kwak Hyun-soo, who returned a moment later, was breathing heavily.

There was blood on his hands, but he didn’t seem to be injured.

Eun-soo looked at him and opened his mouth.

“I’m sorry, Uncle. I’ve become a burden.”

“It’s okay, let’s go. Let’s go down the stairs this time.”

Eun-soo smiled faintly.

Kwak Hyun-soo, who came out and got into the car, made a phone call.

“Young Master, it’s me. I’ve cleaned everything up. Only the Gookje Pa is left.”

After reporting to Jeong-hoon, he turned his head and looked at Eun-soo.

He felt like he had to tell him about Eun-soo’s condition.

But Eun-soo shook his head and stopped him.

“Then I’ll withdraw.”

Kwak Hyun-soo hung up the phone and drove the car to Seoul.

It was well past midnight.

They still had to wait for morning to come.

***

Kwon Yul ran for mayor of Joongbu City in the 3rd National Local Simultaneous Elections.

Despite being an independent candidate, his approval rating was second.

However, as time passed, the organizational power of the large party began to exert its strength.

The gap with the first place widened, and the difference with the third place was rapidly narrowing.

It was a frustrating situation.

He needed something to turn it around.

Kwon Yul, who was holding a countermeasure meeting in his office in the morning, received a call from Jeong-hoon.

“Candidate, it’s me.”

“Yes, Young Master… Hmm, no, Jeong-hoon, how have you been?”

“Hmm hmm.”

Jeong-hoon chuckled, and Kwon Yul also laughed.

Awkward words that didn’t quite fit the formal grammar came out of his mouth.

“Elder, if you don’t have lunch plans, would you like to join me?”

“Then let’s meet at that place we went to last time.”

“Yes. I’ll see you in an hour.”

An hour later, Jeong-hoon went to the soybean paste stew restaurant that Kwon Yul frequented.

Kwon Yul especially liked this restaurant.

The food was good and the service was friendly.

He said he had been coming here for two years.

The person who appeared to be the owner was on the phone.

He had a worried expression.

“Oh honey, what are Ji-hoon’s results? Okay, that’s good. I put in the hospital bill yesterday. Business is good, so I have a lot of money to spare.”

Looking at him smiling brightly, it seemed like he had heard good news.

“What would you like to order?”

“I’ll order with my party when they come later. But do you have something good going on today?”

Jeong-hoon asked him, noticing his good mood.

“Pardon?”

The owner, who was contemplating for a moment, opened his mouth.

“My son is being discharged from the hospital today.”

“Really? That’s great.”

“Yes, he was diagnosed two years ago, but now he’s cured.”

His face showed the pain of the past and the pride of overcoming it.

“You’ve endured well. It must have been really hard.”

“Yes, I started my business three years ago, and it was really hard. When you start a business, you only think about doing well. But two years ago, my child suddenly got a serious illness. Business wasn’t doing well and I didn’t have enough money for hospital bills, but then suddenly, the number of customers increased dramatically. I had all sorts of thoughts before… I was lucky. So I was able to save money and treat my child properly. That child is being discharged today. I have to have a party today.”

His expression was filled with indescribable happiness.

“I see. Congratulations. I hope your child stays healthy.”

“Thank you.”

At that time, Kwon Yul came in.

Jeong-hoon stood up and greeted him.

“I came first.”

“I… I’m a little late… Oh, I can’t do this. I’m just going to be comfortable. It’s even more awkward to suddenly switch to informal speech. Young Master.”

“Make yourself comfortable. I don’t mind. By the way, I was talking to the restaurant owner while waiting. His son is being discharged from the hospital today.”

“Really? That’s great. He must have had a lot of heartache.”

“Did you know?”

Kwon Yul looked around. After confirming that there was no one else nearby, he lowered his voice.

“Actually, I’ve been promoting this place a lot.”

“Why?”

“About two years ago? I happened to come here to eat. The owner was friendly and the food was delicious… But that day, the owner was borrowing money over the phone because he didn’t have enough money for hospital bills. He was so desperate that he kept making calls even though there were customers. So I held the reconstruction association [likely a local community group] 회식 [a Korean-style company dinner or gathering] here, called my acquaintances, and gathered here whenever I came to eat nearby. Then people gathered and the food became even more delicious.”

“That’s what happened. Candidate, you should spread the word about that. Why are you hiding it?”

“Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, right?”

Kwon Yul smiled contentedly.

“You’ve done a good thing. But these days, it’s trendy to spread the word far and wide.”

“That doesn’t suit me. Hmm.”

Kwon Yul was a hidden angel who didn’t want to publicize his good deeds.

It was then.

“Hmm hmm.”

They were so engrossed in the story that they didn’t even realize the restaurant owner was standing behind him.

The owner’s face had changed.

His eyes, which had been brightly smiling until a moment ago, were now filled with tears.

The Genius Grandson of the Cash King Becomes a Tycoon.