The Wise Cleaning Life Of A Returning Genius Hunter [EN]: Chapter 116

115

A quite luxurious Korean restaurant, private room.

Ms. Lee Ah-young and I sat in silence, waiting for our food to arrive.

Ms. Lee Ah-young glanced around before cautiously speaking.

“I don’t know much about politics… but isn’t Assemblyman Jung Hoon a pretty big deal? I heard he’s a frontrunner for the next presidential election.”

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

“Why would someone like that want to see us?”

“Well, isn’t it obvious?”

The government’s interest in the Association is nothing new.

And that interest usually falls into two categories:

Trying to get something for free or trying to control us.

Even though we’re an independent organization, the ability to influence the entire country means we’ll always have both enemies and allies.

The Association has always been caught between those who want to jump on the bandwagon and those who want to keep us in check.

The leading figure trying to keep the Association in check is Assemblyman Jung Hoon of the Future Democratic Party.

“Isn’t the ruling Future Democratic Party constantly trying to absorb the Association into a government-affiliated organization?”

“I… Is that so?”

Ms. Lee Ah-young’s eyes glazed over, as if she were hearing this for the first time.

“Since the Association is shaking internally and externally, they’re probably trying to swallow it up somehow. I heard they’re preparing some kind of bill recently.”

“Then aren’t we in a confrontational relationship with them? There’s even less reason for them to want to meet us…”

“Originally, there’s nothing more reliable than turning an enemy into an ally. They probably want to bring us over to their side.”

As I was throwing out guesses, two men in suits entered the room.

Ms. Lee Ah-young and I stood up to greet them.

“Ah, nice to meet you.”

A man with a dignified presence extended his hand to me.

Even though he didn’t introduce himself, I immediately knew he was Assemblyman Jung Hoon.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kim Jun-woo, CEO of Karma Corporation.”

After a brief greeting, I glanced at the young man accompanying Assemblyman Jung Hoon.

The man bowed with a friendly smile.

“I’m Ha Sung-tae, Head of Sales at Hanbyul Corporation.”

“…Ah, yes, nice to meet you.”

Hanbyul Corporation?

Why is a businessman here?

Before I could even voice the question, Assemblyman Jung Hoon sat down and said,

“I know it was a sudden request, but I’m grateful you made time for us.”

“When else would I get to come to a place like this if not for this opportunity.”

“Hahaha. Please, eat as much as you like. Their eel porridge is very good here.”

Only meaningless conversations went back and forth.

How frustrating.

I knew politicians were inherently secretive, but…

In the end, I couldn’t stand it and asked directly.

“By the way, the reason you wanted to meet me is…”

“Hmm.”

As expected, Assemblyman Jung Hoon didn’t answer right away, pausing for a long time before speaking.

“As you know better than anyone, the Association is in a very chaotic situation right now.”

“…It certainly is.”

“So, our party has determined that the Association can’t operate effectively in the current situation, and we’re trying to promote the Dungeon Privatization Act.”

My eyebrows twitched.

“Let me briefly explain what kind of bill it is…”

“No. Explanations are fine. I roughly know what it is.”

Dungeon Privatization Act.

Also known as the Dungeon Privatization Act.

It was a bill that had been mentioned several times before my regression. Of course, it never passed.

A bill that basically allows the government to manage the rights to subjugate [conquer] all dungeons that appear domestically, and to sell those rights for a certain amount of money.

The most important thing about this bill is that it’s not just operational forces like the Association or guilds that can purchase subjugation rights.

Local governments, corporations, and even ordinary citizens can purchase subjugation rights from the government as long as they have the money.

Since it gives the authority that only the Association had to civilians, the Association’s influence will naturally decrease.

Of course, the Future Democratic Party, which is trying to keep the Association in check, would want to pass the bill at all costs, but…

Why are they telling me this?

“You are the face of the Association, no matter what anyone says. If you take our side, it will definitely be a big help.”

“I don’t understand. Even though I’m from the Association and even served as the Head of Operations, you’re asking me, who should only be on the Association’s side, to help you push for a bill that will destroy the Association…”

“You may have been the Head of Operations before, but now you’re clearly a businessman.”

At that moment, Ha Sung-tae, the Head of Sales who had been silent all along, answered instead.

“…Well, that’s true.”

“Besides, I heard that you’re suffering from financial difficulties because of the recent Labyrinth Dungeon incident.”

“You know a lot.”

“We’re here to help you with that.”

As I narrowed my eyes to discern his intentions, Head of Sales Ha Sung-tae handed me a document as if he had been waiting for it.

“We can also support you with everything from incorporation to investor recruitment, as well as internal management.”

“Hahaha…”

I laughed awkwardly and skimmed through the document.

In the meantime, Ms. Lee Ah-young voiced her opinion first.

“Are you saying that we should take this in exchange for siding with you? I’m sorry, but our CEO is not the kind of person who would betray the Association for something like that…”

“Okay.”

“…?”

“I’ll gratefully accept the offer you mentioned. So, what do you want me to do? Just tell me.”

I don’t know what Ms. Lee Ah-young is thinking, but I had no intention of refusing this.

They say the heavens help those who help themselves [a common idiom for those who are proactive].

I can’t believe a pile of money is just falling from the sky.

***

Soon after Kim Jun-woo left.

Assemblyman Jung Hoon sipped the tea that came with dessert and spoke.

“I’m rather taken aback that he accepted so readily.”

“That’s how businessmen are. Especially startup CEOs like him.”

Head of Sales Ha Sung-tae shrugged.

“Anyway, I’m glad the conversation went well. I can breathe a sigh of relief.”

“Haha, isn’t it a win-win situation for everyone? Assemblyman Jung Hoon gets Kim Jun-woo, I get Kim Jun-woo’s company. And… Kim Jun-woo saves his company.”

“Hahaha! As expected, he’s brilliant, just like his father!”

“You flatter me.”

Assemblyman Jung Hoon’s face was full of smiles.

He had tried to propose the bill several times, but the result was always rejection.

In the end, he reached out to the ‘Cleaner’ as a last resort.

The number one ranked freelancer hunter in the country.

At the same time, Yang Min-ho, who would do anything for money.

Assemblyman Jung Hoon gave him a request to undermine the Association’s credibility, and the result was a miserable failure.

At that point, there was no longer any justification to push forward.

He had been watching carefully for a while, and an opportunity came as if the heavens were helping.

Association terror, attack on the Head of Operations, mysterious accidents.

Public opinion was already filled with distrust of the Association.

In this situation, no one would oppose privatization.

One variable was Kim Jun-woo.

There are too many people who trust Kim Jun-woo even if they don’t trust the Association.

If he were to return or join the opposition party, our position would naturally become unfavorable.

Of course, I don’t think he can really solve the current crisis of the Association.

However, whether he solves it or not, it’s important that the public trusts him.

I couldn’t ask the person who led the Association’s heyday to support a bill that was absolutely unfavorable to the Association, but…

The appearance of the White Knight [a heroic rescuer] reversed the whole situation.

‘That young man is incredibly cunning.’

Assemblyman Jung Hoon smiled slightly as he looked at Head of Sales Ha Sung-tae.

In any case, he succeeded in bringing Kim Jun-woo to his side.

Now all that’s left is execution.

“Even though we brought in CEO Kim Jun-woo, the opposition party will still strongly oppose it. They’re the ones who are trying to get a piece of the Association.”

“The knife is already in our hands, what can they do? Don’t worry about that part.”

Assemblyman Jung Hoon replied nonchalantly.

“Anyway… I guess it’s my role from now on.”

“So, what are you going to ask Kim Jun-woo to do first?”

“There’s no need to make a big deal out of it. He’ll be worth his weight in gold with just one word.”

It was obvious what to ask of a person with great influence.

“Let’s start by calling a few reporters for an interview.”

Assemblyman Jung Hoon finished his tea and got up from his seat.

***

In the car returning to the office after parting with Assemblyman Jung Hoon.

“I didn’t expect you to accept so readily,” Ms. Lee Ah-young said, recalling the earlier situation.

“Didn’t you say that you needed external support too?”

“The conditions are ridiculous. Are you saying that we’re going to abandon the Association to save ourselves?”

“Then should we die to save the Association?”

“That’s not it, but…”

She bit her lip.

“Actually, more than anything else… I’m most worried about Hanbyul Corporation. They have a bad reputation in many ways. Who knows what other intentions they have.”

“Well, it’s not that they definitely *don’t* have something.”

“…?”

“Other intentions, I mean.”

I thought something was strange from the moment Head of Sales Ha Sung-tae offered such radical conditions.

Of course, it would be a clear benefit to Assemblyman Jung Hoon if he brought me in, but not necessarily to Hanbyul Corporation, which is providing the money.

Above all, the conditions they offered are too generous to simply be pushing Assemblyman Jung Hoon’s bill.

I wonder if there’s anything they can gain that’s worth setting such conditions.

‘Well, I can roughly guess…’

If dungeons are privatized, corporations will naturally not stand still. Everyone will come forward and start subjugation businesses.

Therefore, it’s necessary to recruit operational personnel now.

Even if they scout, support, and control, they’ll be worth their weight in gold… the problem is the cleaning teams [dungeon-clearing teams].

There’s no established base to scout from yet, and it’s a waste to create a new team.

Then, the easiest and fastest way would be to absorb an existing company entirely.

The conditions they offered us are likely a stepping stone for that…

Moreover, judging from the fact that they’re even dispatching experts to directly help with management, it’s safe to say that it’s certain.

“You accepted it knowing that?!”

Ms. Lee Ah-young rebuked in an excited voice.

I don’t know why she’s so surprised.

Doesn’t she know what’s most important right now?

“Either way, isn’t it true that we need money? They’re even gathering investors for incorporation, there’s no reason to refuse.”

“Ah, even so…”

“And more than anything, didn’t you say that I’m not suited for business? It’ll be much better for us to leave it to the experts.”

“…I’m still uneasy.”

“Don’t worry too much. I won’t let them do anything foolish.”

Ms. Lee Ah-young made a puzzled expression.

It’s not that I have no plans.

I also have a safety net.

Of course, I have no intention of having the company taken away while I’m wide awake.

But… whatever happens, our priority is to survive first.

“What are you going to do about the Association? If it’s privatized, it’ll really become an empty shell.”

“That’s only the story in Korea. Our goal is to have branches all over the world anyway.”

“…Are you saying that domestic affairs don’t matter if you start overseas acquisition projects?”

“That’s right. I can hand over the domestic subjugation rights as much as they want.”

“…Thinking about it that way, it’s true.”

Ms. Lee Ah-young nodded slightly as if she was finally convinced.

“By the way, I don’t know if it’ll be worth it with just one interview. It’s almost like getting tens of billions of won [Korean currency] in support for just a few words.”

“Hey, it’s not like anyone else is saying that. Right now, one word from you in Korea has more influence than the entire Association.”

“…When did that happen?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know, or are you being humble? If that article comes out, I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole nation agrees.”

I don’t know when the people of our country became such good listeners.

Well, anyway, it’s a win-win for me since I can get support with just one word.

“Anyway, Hanbyul Corporation is sending people from tomorrow, so prepare in advance. Clean up a bit too.”

“I will.”

Ms. Lee Ah-young soon sped through the dark road without hesitation.