The Inspector Is Getting Promoted! [EN]: Chapter 155

A Prosecutor on the Rise – Episode 156

History is Written by the Victors (2)

“Still, as a chief prosecutor, I think I should serve at least the minimum term…”

Anticipated Chief Prosecutor Han Dong-min stroked his chin, deep in thought.

“How many years has it been since you became a chief prosecutor?”

“I was appointed at the end of 2019, so it’s been two full years this year, and now I’m in my third year.”

“Third year, huh…”

He tapped the table.

“Wouldn’t it be too fast to promote you to deputy chief prosecutor right in the new year of 2022?”

“Yes, I think so too.”

I answered smoothly.

“You should serve at least three full years to avoid any criticism from the media.”

In other words, promote me after three years.

As expected, Han Dong-min, quick on the uptake, immediately understood my meaning and nodded.

“Alright. I’ll make sure to promote you within my term.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.”

He lightly tapped my shoulder.

“We should stick together for a long time, shouldn’t we?”

“That’s right. I also want to see you as chief prosecutor for a long, long time.”

“Chief prosecutor…”

Han Dong-min seemed pleased just hearing the word ‘chief prosecutor,’ his face filled with a smile.

Then, feeling embarrassed, he looked at me and chuckled lightly.

“I feel very reassured to have gained such an excellent ally.”

“I feel the same way.”

I could tell well enough through the long drinking session.

Han Dong-min wasn’t the type to betray.

He would help me as much as possible, and I would also help him sufficiently.

At least for the next two years, it would be nothing but warm.

***

“Did you call for me?”

“Oh, you’re here?”

Prosecutors Jung Hyun-woo and Hong Seok-jang approached the smoking area side by side.

“Prosecutor Hong is smoking… and Prosecutor Jung said he was quitting, right?”

“No, I’ve started smoking again since last week.”

“Why?”

“Things have been complicated at home lately…”

Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo trailed off, putting a cigarette in his mouth.

With a cigarette in my mouth, I lit his cigarette for him.

“If you have any difficulties, tell me. Who else would take care of you if not us?”

“Thank you for just saying that.”

“I’m not just saying it, I mean it sincerely, so tell me if you need help.”

“I understand.”

I exhaled a thick cloud of cigarette smoke, gazing at the sky, which was covered in white clouds.

“The weather has gotten quite cold.”

“Yes, I heard the flu is going around, so please be careful.”

“I will. Prosecutor Hong should take good care to prevent your son from catching a cold. He’s three years old now, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“He must be at the cutest age.”

I chuckled and added.

“Of course, I’ve never raised one myself.”

It’s not that I married late, but most prosecutors who pass the bar exam get married through arranged meetings, so prosecutors my age usually have young sons and daughters.

“Do you have any thoughts about having children, Chief?”

“Actually, I didn’t think much about it before I got married, but lately, I’ve been envious of families with babies. But my wife’s profession makes it difficult.”

“Ah, I see. It must be hard to raise children since your wife is working on her art.”

“Yeah. I don’t think we can have any for the time being. I’m thinking of considering it in another two or three years.”

At that moment, Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo cautiously opened his mouth.

“It’s a bit awkward to say this in this situation…”

He carefully held his cigarette in his hand and said.

“My wife is pregnant with our second child.”

“Wow, congratulations, Prosecutor Jung!”

“Congratulations, Senior!”

We forgot we had cigarettes in our mouths and laughed loudly, giving each other high fives.

“You’ve been singing about wanting a second child so much, you finally got your wish.”

“I worked hard day and night, and it happened. Hahaha!”

He scratched his head, seemingly embarrassed.

“I think it’s a son.”

“Your mother must be very happy.”

“Yes. She’s been singing about wanting a son because I’m the only son in five generations, and now I can finally show her my little guy.”

“Congratulations again. Let’s have a celebratory party with drinks soon.”

“I understand.”

I stubbed out my cigarette in the ashtray and lit a new one.

Prosecutor Hong Seok-jang lit my cigarette, and I took a deep drag.

“But Prosecutor Jung has another reason to celebrate.”

“Oh, what is it?”

Prosecutor Hong Seok-jang looked at Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo in surprise.

However, Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo also seemed unaware, blinking his eyes.

I grinned and said.

“You should become a deputy chief prosecutor in honor of your second child, right?”

“Huh!”

He inhaled the cigarette smoke, gasped for air, and coughed a few times before regaining his composure.

“R-Really?”

“Of course. Have you ever seen me lie?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Just kidding.”

I chuckled and added.

“Ah, of course, not as the deputy chief of the Special Investigations Department, but in another department.”

“That means…”

Instantly, Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo’s pupils shook greatly.

It’s understandable to misunderstand.

Going to another department means leaving the Special Investigations Department, one of the three major departments, which could sound like I’m abandoning him.

Worried that he might be concerned, I immediately added.

“It’s not a tail-cutting [getting rid of someone] or a purge [abrupt or violent removal of a group of people]. I’m not sending you to the provinces either, so don’t worry.”

However, concern still lingered in Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo’s eyes.

“I’m adding this because I’m worried you might misinterpret it, but it literally means going to another department. You guys are my people forever, and I’ll take care of you. To be precise, I’m trying to expand my power from the Special Investigations Department.”

Only then did Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo understand, letting out a sigh of relief.

“I can’t stay as the chief of the Special Investigations Department forever, can I?”

I grinned and added.

“When I get promoted to deputy chief prosecutor, I’ll have to seize power in other departments as well, and I hope you guys will help me.”

“I really thought my baby was going to fall out.”

Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo chuckled awkwardly, embarrassed.

“Have I ever abandoned my people?”

“I was worried about making a living since I’m having a child… I apologize for misunderstanding, even for a moment.”

I chuckled lightly and patted his shoulder as he bowed his head.

“You’ll probably go to the Public Security Department.”

“To the Public Security Department?”

His eyes widened.

The Public Security Department is one of the three major departments.

It’s where the venomous Kang Joong-shik was, and now it’s the perfect position to check the prosecutor of the second line who is in charge of the department.

He was taken aback by leaving the Special Investigations Department, but he wouldn’t need to refuse being the deputy chief prosecutor of the Public Security Department.

No, it would be a welcome opportunity.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it was a position that could completely dispel any lingering worries about being abandoned.

“I will truly give my all, Chief!”

Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo was moved, even saluting with his right hand to his forehead.

“What’s with the cheesy loyalty?”

“Congratulations, Senior.”

Prosecutor Hong Seok-jang looked at him with envious eyes.

I chuckled and called out to Prosecutor Hong Seok-jang.

“Prosecutor Hong should also be congratulated.”

“Yes?”

He looked at me with expectant eyes.

“You’ll be going to the Fair Trade Investigation Department. As a deputy chief prosecutor, of course.”

“Congratulations, Hong Pro!”

“Thank you, Chief!”

Prosecutor Hong Seok-jang bowed at a 90-degree angle.

It’s not one of the three major departments, but it’s a position where he can exert enough power.

Above all, being able to stay in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office while being promoted to deputy chief prosecutor would be the greatest happiness.

“Both of you, do well. Don’t disappoint me.”

“We will do our best.”

“Alright. The weather is cold, so let’s go inside. You’ll catch a cold if we stay out here any longer.”

I headed back inside the building with the two prosecutors, who were grinning from ear to ear.

At that moment, Prosecutor Jung Hyun-woo’s phone rang.

“Please go ahead. I’ll take the call and come up.”

“Alright.”

Hong Seok-jang and I got on the elevator alone.

He still couldn’t believe it, looking at me with sparkling eyes and bowing his head.

“Thank you so much, Chief. I really think my life has changed thanks to you.”

“I also received help thanks to you, so what.”

I chuckled lightly and casually brought up the story.

“How is the case you were instructed on going?”

“Ah, the veil has been lifted to some extent. We’ve narrowed down the list of ‘Hand of God’ to four or five civil servants working at the National Intelligence Service, but we haven’t confirmed it yet.”

“Alright. Report to me after you’ve finished it for sure.”

“I understand, Chief.”

***

“Hello, Chief.”

“Oh, Prosecutor Jang.”

“These are the two friends I mentioned before.”

“Tell them to come in.”

Two men entered behind Prosecutor Jang Ha-young.

“I’m Park Ki-won.”

“I’m Nam Min-je.”

“Oh, sit down.”

I led them to the sofa.

Their faces were filled with nervousness.

They had seen my face a few times while working together in the Special Investigations Department, but it must be their first time coming to the chief’s office for private matters, so they couldn’t help but be frozen.

“Make yourselves comfortable.”

In the meantime, Clerk Jo Ara brewed coffee and brought it in.

I took a sip of coffee, savoring it, and looked at the two prosecutors.

“Anyone would think I’m going to eat you alive.”

I smiled lightly, but the two prosecutors were still stiff, sitting upright.

“Drink your coffee.”

“Yes!”

They were literally on high alert.

Prosecutor Jang Ha-young wasn’t this nervous when I first met her.

I don’t know if it’s because my authority has increased in the meantime, or if these two are a bit lacking, but no matter what, they entered the Special Investigations Department of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office with their own strength and were selected by Prosecutor Jang Ha-young, so it’s safe to say that their skills are top-notch.

They’ll get better once they relax.

“You know why you’re here, right?”

I asked, looking at them slowly.

“Prosecutor Jang Ha-young thinks highly of both of you. So I called you because I want to work with you for a long time.”

Prosecutor Nam Min-je spoke first, looking at me with bright eyes.

“Thank you.”

Not to be outdone, Prosecutor Park Ki-won also opened his mouth.

“It’s an honor, Chief.”

“Enough with the formalities, let’s get straight to the point.”

I put down my teacup and leaned towards them.

“I don’t know if you know that Prosecutor Jang Ha-young will be promoted to deputy chief prosecutor.”

It was clear from their expressions that they were hearing it for the first time.

Prosecutor Jang Ha-young said, holding her coffee cup.

“I haven’t told anyone yet. Not even my parents or my fiancé.”

As expected of Prosecutor Jang.

I can trust her to keep her mouth shut.

“It’s not right now, but she’ll be promoted after working for another year.”

The way the two prosecutors looked at Jang Ha-young changed noticeably.

Well, since they’re only first or second-year prosecutors who have just moved their workplaces once or twice, they can’t help but feel envy and respect at the same time if the position of deputy chief prosecutor has been confirmed.

“But we need someone to take over Prosecutor Jang Ha-young’s position, right?”

I twisted the corners of my lips.

“I’d like one of you to take it.”

Instantly, I felt the air between Prosecutor Nam Min-je and Prosecutor Park Ki-won turn cold.

Until just now, they were colleagues and peers, but now they’ll think of each other as competitors.

“Of course, you’re competitors, but I don’t allow competition that undermines or threatens each other. I want a competition of good faith, literally.”

I lowered my voice coldly and added.

“If you engage in a competition that kills each other and get caught in my eye, you’re both out.”

“I understand.”

“Alright. Keep in mind that if you achieve more than what I want, you can both go with me.”

“Yes.”

“You can go now.”

The two prosecutors put down their coffee, which they hadn’t even taken a sip of, and stood up.

After they left, Prosecutor Jang Ha-young cautiously asked me.

“Are you actually going to watch them compete in good faith?”

“Of course not.”

I buried myself in the sofa and picked up my teacup again.

“If you were Prosecutor Jang, would you just focus on your work in this situation?”

“Ah.”

She opened her mouth slightly, as if she had realized something.

“Then…”

“I’m watching to see which one survives more viciously.”

They are prosecutors in their late 20s belonging to the Special Investigations Department of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

Their desire for power is at its peak, and their minds are turning very quickly.

They must know that getting on my line is a great opportunity that will never come again in their prosecutorial lives.

But in this situation, they’re literally competing in good faith?

It’s nothing more than becoming a good prey to be eaten by the other party.

I’m not looking for someone who is kind and righteous.

I’m looking for someone who can survive even in a dirty mud fight and be loyal to me.

Surely dirty tricks will come and go.

The one who endures and survives despite that is the one who truly becomes a talent worthy of joining my line.

“Prosecutor Jang, keep a close eye on them for a while. Tolerate them as much as possible, even if they cross the line. You don’t need to report to me unless it’s something that could shake the entire Special Investigations Department.”

“I understand.”

With this, the preparations to welcome 2022 are complete.

Now, all that’s left is to get Sung Tae-hyun elected as the Mayor of Seoul using Grand Bridge [a political strategy or project].

I could clearly see a smooth road ahead in the new year as well.