The Inspector Is Getting Promoted! [EN]: Chapter 147

Prosecutor, You’re Going Places! – Episode 148 (147/341)

The Link (3)

“Are you already making moves?”

“Of course. I need to move in advance.”

Assemblyman Seong Tae-hyun smiled affably.

“How can I just sit still when someone is pushing me?”

“See, I have a good eye for people.”

Unlike other figures who move only when I orchestrate and instruct them, Seong Tae-hyun proactively understood and acted on what needed to be done, living up to his reputation as a potential future presidential candidate.

“So, you’ve decided to receive support from both JS Construction and Hanwool Group?”

“It’s not that I’ve decided to receive it, I’ve already received it.”

His triumphant smile made me smile as well.

While I was setting up the board to shake up Chief Prosecutor Seo Gi-woong, Seong Tae-hyun was already moving to secure campaign funds.

Of course, these aren’t legal campaign funds.

In South Korea, it’s said that even the grandfather of Dangun [mythical founder of Korea] couldn’t get elected if he only used legally permitted campaign funds.

But no one wants to use their own money to get elected.

Even conglomerates are too stingy to use their own money, preferring to draw from others’ funds.

“Above all, Hanwool Group is connected to you, Prosecutor, so it was easy to talk to them.”

“Oh, that’s a relief.”

Hanwool Group.

A place with a history of working with me on stock manipulation.

I received a large sum of money from them in the past, but they know I handle things cleanly for what I receive, so Hanwool Group seems to have decided to support the campaign funds.

“How much are we talking about?”

“It’s not a lot. They’ve initially provided 5 billion each [approximately $3.7 million USD], and they’ll provide additional support when the full-fledged election campaign begins.”

“That’s quite tight.”

“Yes. So, I plan to focus on raising campaign funds until the end of this year, do some simple image-making, and then start the full-scale election campaign next year.”

“Are there any other places you’ve scheduled to meet?”

Seong Tae-hyun swallowed his disappointment and smiled.

“Not yet. Because Na Kyung-joon joined our line, I’m trying to move safely without getting caught by Assemblyman Choi Gyu-hyun, so my range of movement is limited.”

I winked and said.

“You should have told me.”

“Do you know of a good place?”

“I know one place.”

I smirked and picked up my phone.

“Let’s call them now.”

I immediately called someone in front of Seong Tae-hyun.

After a few rings, the other person’s voice was heard.

-It’s been a while, Prosecutor.

A voice full of delight.

“Yes. How have you been, Chairman?”

-I’m doing well. Did you have a good honeymoon?

“Thanks to the villa you introduced me to, I had a very comfortable rest.”

-I’m glad you were satisfied.

He chuckled and continued.

-Now that the busy work is over, shouldn’t we meet up?

“We should. I was going to call you anyway because I wanted to introduce you to a friend.”

-If it’s someone you’re introducing, Prosecutor, I’m unconditionally welcoming. When should we meet?

“I’m free today, how about you, Chairman?”

-Then let’s meet this evening. Can I have Secretary Kim let you know the specific time and place?

“Yes. That’s good.”

-I’ll see you later.

As soon as I made the appointment and hung up, Seong Tae-hyun asked me with a surprised expression.

“Who is it?”

“One of the top tycoons in South Korea.”

I raised my eyebrows and said.

“It’s Chairman Lee Cheol-yong of Juok Group.”

Seong Tae-hyun gasped.

“Wow, Juok Group…”

At the same time, he chuckled as if he understood.

“Wait a minute. So, the person who received the money from Juok Group wasn’t Shin Yong-ho, but…”

Instead of answering, I smirked.

“You’ll be able to receive plenty of campaign funds this evening.”

***

Juok Group.

The first place that gave me financial support, and a stepping stone that helped me gain media attention by sinking Lee Cheol-gi, the younger brother of the current chairman, Lee Cheol-yong.

That connection has continued until now.

We’ve become quite close, to the point where I stayed at his villa for a day during my honeymoon in the Maldives.

Besides that, I’ve been steadily receiving activity funds personally, and it’s a mutually beneficial relationship where I occasionally handle problems for Juok Group.

Until a few years ago, I might have been more desperate, but since being promoted to Senior Prosecutor, we’ve maintained an almost equal relationship.

As proof, as soon as Assemblyman Seong Tae-hyun brought up the story of campaign funds, Lee Cheol-yong readily agreed without hesitation.

“If Prosecutor Choi Seo-joon is pushing for it, there’s no room for doubt.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong smiled lightly at me.

“Your choices have never slipped up so far, Prosecutor.”

That’s actually true.

There have been a few dangerous times, but I’ve narrowly avoided all the crises and returned to the right track.

Ultimately, I’ve always achieved what I aimed for.

The Juok Group’s information team would have already grasped these facts, so Lee Cheol-yong would naturally know as well.

“I’m just grateful that you see me in a good light.”

“It’s not gratitude, it’s the truth.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong smiled lightly and turned to Seong Tae-hyun.

“Anyway, Assemblyman Seong Tae-hyun, becoming the Mayor of Seoul wouldn’t be your only goal…”

At that moment, Chairman Lee Cheol-yong’s eyes flashed sharply.

“You must have a separate dream in the end, right?”

Most people would shrink back if a big shot like the chairman of Juok Group puffed up his chest and confronted them, but Seong Tae-hyun wasn’t intimidated at all.

No, he straightened his shoulders even more confidently and said.

“Of course. If you’re born a man, shouldn’t you reach the top?”

“The top…”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong smiled contentedly.

“That’s a very wonderful word.”

He picked up the bottle and filled Seong Tae-hyun’s glass.

“We seem to have a lot in common.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong glanced at me and continued.

“Especially in that all three of us will become people who climb to the top and lead others.”

Assemblyman Seong Tae-hyun smiled very contentedly.

He seemed to like Chairman Lee Cheol-yong’s words quite a bit.

“I don’t have anything to give you… but if I become the Mayor of Seoul, I’ll look to Juok Group often.”

“Oh, no.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong waved his hand.

“I’ll receive the reward not after you become the Mayor of Seoul, but after you reach the top.”

The top.

In other words, he intends to receive proper favors after becoming president.

In other words, he will continue to support me even after this election is over.

From Chairman Lee Cheol-yong’s point of view, it was a kind of investment, and from my and Seong Tae-hyun’s point of view, it was insurance.

“For reference, you don’t have to go looking for more campaign funds elsewhere.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong twisted his lips with confidence that was so overflowing that it seemed arrogant.

“I’ll support you very generously. Enough that you don’t have to look elsewhere.”

Despite his arrogant attitude, Assemblyman Seong Tae-hyun and I weren’t offended at all.

No, we were rather pleased.

Because if he’s saying that much, it means he’ll really give us support beyond our imagination.

Considering his scale, it’s clear that JS Construction and Hanwool Group, which we’ve already received, will look small enough to be looked down upon.

If he invests this much, unlike what he said a little while ago, Seong Tae-hyun will inevitably fill his pockets with enormous favors if he is elected Mayor of Seoul.

From his point of view, this is a low-risk, high-return investment.

Seong Tae-hyun smiled contentedly and raised his glass.

“I feel good because I think I’ve met a good person thanks to you, Prosecutor. Shall we have a drink?”

“Good. Let’s have a grand toast.”

The three glasses collided in the air, making a clear, ringing sound.

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong put down his glass and said.

“For reference, you can use those campaign funds as you wish, Assemblyman. Don’t worry, I won’t touch them at all.”

“Okay. I’ll think carefully with the Prosecutor and use them in a good direction.”

“Ah, you don’t have to do that.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong waved his hand.

“When the election starts, not only the Assemblyman but also the Prosecutor will have to move busily, so you’ll need quite a bit of activity funds. I’ll have to take care of that separately.”

I smiled lightly and replied.

“You know I’m big, so it costs a lot of gas to move around, right?”

“Of course.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong winked slyly.

“Your wallet will be so full that you can sprinkle premium gasoline on the floor, not just diesel.”

“That’s the most welcome sound I’ve heard.”

He winked at me and added.

“What I gave you last time was activity funds, and what I’m giving you this time is a wedding gift. Hahaha!”

I burst into laughter.

“Thanks to you, I can buy my wife a bag when I go home today.”

Chairman Lee Cheol-yong retorted slyly.

“Stop by Juok Department Store later and pick up a new one.”

***

“Why did you buy something like this again?”

Han Ji-yu covered her mouth and playfully hit my arm.

“Luxury goods are too expensive…”

“I bought it because something good happened. I’m sorry that I’ve been coming home late because I’ve been working overtime lately.”

“Sorry for what? It can’t be helped when you’re working outside. Don’t buy things like this next time, just buy me some carp bread in front [a popular Korean street food].”

She was scolding me, but she was smiling brightly because she liked the luxury bag I gave her.

“Try carrying it. It’ll look good on you.”

“Okay, just a moment.”

Han Ji-yu sat down to unpack it.

I wish I could buy the entire department store for her, but it’s a shame that I can’t visit luxury shops often because there are too many eyes watching.

I don’t mind spending money on her.

I’m always grateful that she understands what I do and always supports me.

“How is it? Does it look good on me?”

Han Ji-yu, who was already carrying the bag, stood in front of me with a bright smile.

“Yes. Your beauty overshadows the bag.”

“You’re suddenly coming on strong, making me embarrassed…”

While Han Ji-yu and I were being lovey-dovey, my phone rang.

The caller was Yoon Seol-ha.

Calling after 9 p.m. must mean it’s an important call.

“Is it Seol-ha?”

“Yes. I’ll just take this call.”

I moved to the bedroom to answer the phone.

“Yes, this is Choi Seo-joon.”

-Prosecutor, I’m sorry for calling you so late. Is it okay to talk for a moment? I think I need to meet you today and tell you because there’s an important matter regarding Grand Bridge that the investigation is almost over.

If she’s saying this, I’ll definitely have to meet her in person to hear it.

“Where are you now?”

-I’m in the parking lot.

“I’ll go down right away.”

-Yes. I’ll be waiting on the second basement floor.

I hung up the phone and immediately grabbed my coat.

When I opened the bedroom door, Han Ji-yu looked at me worriedly.

“Do you have to go out now?”

“Sorry, I’ll be right back.”

“Will you be late?”

“No. I’ll be right back. I’ll be back before 10.”

Han Ji-yu kissed me on the cheek and smiled seductively.