Chapter 1405. Reversal Of Fortunes (5)

Yi Jong-Wuk nervously swallowed his saliva.

Of course he knew. He knew Kang Jin-Ho’s rage wasn’t meant for him. Even then, trying to speak his mind in front of the enraged Kang Jin-Ho would never be easy.

“A-Assembly Master, I...”

Kang Jin-Ho coldly asked, “Was Kim Myeong-Chan the only one involved?”

“...”

“Of course not. Or am I wrong?”

“But, sir. You know that’s how politics operates. Everyone might be involved in some way, but only a few will be forced to take the responsibility. If everyone involved gets punished, no one will be left standing in the end.”

“

Oh

, so you want me to play along?”

“Assembly Master...” Yi Jong-Wuk spoke in a grave tone. “No one would deny that the current administration had done something unspeakable to you. I knew how this event would turn out, and that was why I tried so hard to stop it, but... I failed in the end.”

“...”

“However, the administration crumbling from this event will hurt far too many people, sir. You know that most of those involved were merely carrying out the orders from the higher-ups.”

Kang Jin-Ho wordlessly stared at Yi Jong-Wuk before breaking his silence. “That’s enough bullsh*tting around.”

“Sir?”

“You know I’m not talking about those people.”

“But... Assembly Master.” Yi Jong-Wuk hesitated before nodding in helplessness. “Yes, this is how you operate, isn’t it?”

Kang Jin-Ho puffed away at his cigarette, his cold eyes locked on Yi Jong-Wuk’s face. “Obviously, Kim Myeong-Chan wasn’t the only one. Yes or no?”

“...”

“Yes, since he couldn’t have done everything himself. Obviously not.”

Yi Jong-Wuk squeezed his eyes shut. Obviously, he knew who Kang Jin-Ho was referring to. Despite what he said earlier, Yi Jong-Wuk chose to be here, hoping to prevent this crisis from spiraling further out of control.

...And so, he came prepared with what his side considered as quite attractive proposals. But it seemed the other party in this negotiation wasn’t all that keen on humoring him. Kang Jin-Ho looked utterly uninterested in backing off.

“Assembly Master,” Yi Jong-Wuk bit his lip. “As you’ve suspected, yes, there are three core individuals behind this event. One is Kim Myeong-Chan, the other is the Director of NIS. And finally...”

Yi Jong-Wuk took his time as if to build tension.

“It’s the Code One.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow. He understood what “Code One” meant, of course.

“We are prepared to humor all of your demands, but not the Code One. The country failing to protect the Code One will lead to an absolute catastrophe.”

“Why not? When this country has already impeached a President before?”

“And that’s why we can’t let it happen for the second time.”

“...”

Yi Jong-Wuk’s expression grew even graver. “Yes, I won’t lie and say that the Code One was not involved. But he was, sir. He granted Kim Myeong-Chan all the necessary authority to do whatever was required. And he provided all the backing needed, too. However... In my opinion, the Code One was merely following Kim Myeong-Chan’s counsel.”

“Really now? Are you sure about that?”

“You might think I have no basis for my assumption, but I’m telling you the truth. That’s what the Code One is like. He unquestioningly believes anyone he deems ‘one of his people.’ Once the Code One realizes his lack of understanding in a specific field, he’d back someone he believes is better suited for the job. A little too enthusiastically at times, in fact.”

“

Oh

, so he’s not responsible? Is that what you’re saying?”

“No, of course not. Backing someone means you’re prepared to handle the consequences, after all. However, doesn’t it at least open the door for a negotiation?”

“...”

Yi Jong-Wuk didn’t believe Kang Jin-Ho would head straight to the President’s office right this moment. But did Kang Jin-Ho have to? When he possessed the power to destroy the administration without even lifting a finger?

It was clear that Kang Jin-Ho and China had joined forces by now. So, he could just put in a few words to the Chinese government after getting out of here; that would be enough to utterly wreck the current Korean government.

To think we need to beg the victim to look away and even cover for us just so that we can survive this ordeal...

No wonder the administration had nobody but Yi Jong-Wuk to turn to for this meeting! At least he’d have no issue with speaking plainly and openly to Kang Jin-Ho.

“You must’ve thought this far ahead before coming here,” said Kang Jin-Ho.

“...”

“Or are you going to deny it?”

“...No, sir. I won’t.”

Yi Jong-Wuk suddenly remembered that the person before his eyes was none other than Kang Jin-Ho.

What was the first impression he got after meeting Kang Jin-Ho in the Martial Assembly HQ? Wasn’t it like... a sly fox’s brain attached to an apex predator’s body?

Most people confronting Kang Jin-Ho got blinded by his overwhelming aura and failed to notice how unexpectedly sharp he was. That usually led to their destruction. However, not Yi Jong-Wuk.

He knew he wasn’t capable of fooling Kang Jin-Ho. Since that was the case, it was better to come out clean from the get-go.

“So, speak. Talk as much as you can. I’ll listen, since that’s being courteous toward someone who has helped me out. However...”

Kang Jin-Ho’s eyes grew cold and withdrawn.

“With that, I’ve repaid my debt.”

“Of course. Thank you for your consideration, sir.”

Yi Jong-Wuk bowed deeply, then sucked in a deep breath.

“In return for you closing the book on this case, the administration will report that you have been framed through the media. Not only that, they will offer you a considerable sum for compensation. That is not all. They promised you more compensation in other areas, as well. That means not only MK, but the Assembly... will...”

Yi Jong-Wuk stopped talking when Kang Jin-Ho suddenly stubbed his cigarette on the nearby ashtray. Judging from how that cigarette still had some tobacco left, it was easy enough to guess Kang Jin-Ho’s current mood.

However, Kang Jin-Ho didn’t say anything. He crossed his arms, leaned against the chair, and closed his eyes.

Yi Jong-Wuk held his breath, trying not to disturb Kang Jin-Ho’s thoughts.

Eventually, Kang Jin-Ho emerged from his thoughts and opened his eyes to stare at Yi Jong-Wuk.

“This compensation you’re talking about. It’s money, isn’t it?”

“...Well, it’s the quickest and surest form of compensation, so yes.”

“And who will be paying me?”

“Of course, it will be the Code One...”

“With whose money?”

“...!”

Yi Jong-Wuk clamped his mouth shut. He had not thought about this.

Kang Jin-Ho bared his fangs in a toothy smirk. “After making a terrible mistake, your boss wants to pay with the country’s tax money? That’s convenient, isn’t it? Is this how the man at the top takes responsibilities for his actions?”

“S-sir, we are...”

“Besides, you must think I’m running out of money or something. That’s surprising, though. Maybe it’s the difference in standards? Is that why you think all I have is some pocket change?”

Yi Jong-Wuk’s head slowly fell. Of course he was aware of how stupid using money to entice Kang Jin-Ho was.

After all, wasn’t Kang Jin-Ho one of the wealthiest people in this country? And he’d have no problem generating even more wealth by utilizing his connection to the Round Table, as well as the Japanese martial society under his control.

Just how much money would they need to satisfy someone like that? Not to forget, all this money in this scenario came from the country’s citizens. It’d be with the tax they had paid.

That... That stupid bastard, Kim Myeong-Chan!

Yi Jong-Wuk couldn’t help but remember how recklessly foolish Kim Myeong-Chan had been. That was why he tried to warn the Prime Minister, yet rather than stopping himself, that idiot created an even bigger mess!

If ripping Kim Myeong-Chan apart with his bare hands could resolve this situation, Yi Jong-Wuk would have done so by now. Unfortunately, it was far too late for that.

“Assembly Master, sir.”

Yi Jong-Wuk got up, then knelt down toward Kang Jin-Ho.

“What are you doing?”

“Thank you for listening to me. With that, your debt has been fully paid. As such... From this moment on, all I can do is ask you for a favor. No, beg you for your grace.”

Yi Jong-Wuk kowtowed to Kang Jin-Ho next.

“I honestly do not know how to quell your rage, sir. No, it’s not just me, but everyone else. We simply do not know how to fix this crisis. That’s why, please, allow me to be frank with you. Please tell us what to do. Tell us what we must do for you to end your revenge here.”

Kang Jin-Ho silently studied the kowtowing Yi Jong-Wuk. Why was this man bowing down like this?

Yi Jong-Wuk rebelled against Kim Myeong-Chan to protect Kang Jin-Ho. And the reward for his bravery was losing everything and getting confined to his home. But now, he was bowing deeply at Kang Jin-Ho to protect Kim Myeong-Chan’s collaborators.

What motivated him to do this, though?

“Let me ask you about something.”

Yi Jong-Wuk replied while kowtowing. “Yes, please go ahead.”

“This administration. Is it worthy of your protection? To the point where you’d go this far?”

“Definitely not, sir.”

“Then, why?”

Yi Jong-Wuk pondered his answer for a bit before raising his head slightly. “What I wish to protect isn’t the administration, sir, but the country and its people. I’m sure it sounds like a naïve dream, an unrealistic ideal, but... That’s why I voluntarily served in the National Intelligence Service and sacrificed my youth to work toward that goal.”

“...”

“I don’t want to shield those responsible for this event. But I also recognize that escalating this crisis will only hurt more people.”

“Getting rid of the rot at the top will cause a problem? Is that what you’re implying?”

“Well... The incoming replacements won’t be rot-free either, sir,” said Yi Jong-Wuk with a deep sigh. “I beg of you to consider our proposal, Assembly Master.”

Kang Jin-Ho mouthed a fresh cigarette and lit it up.

How... exhausting.

Even though they hadn’t talked for long, the fatigue washing over him was real. That probably meant Kang Jin-Ho subconsciously couldn’t brush aside what Yi Jong-Wuk had said as nonsense and move on.

He wouldn’t feel tired if there was nothing to think about here.

In that case, should he... forgive them?

No, of course not!

“Get up and take a seat,” said Kang Jin-Ho.

“...Thank you.”

When Yi Jong-Wuk got up and sat back down on the chair, Kang Jin-Ho offered him a cigarette. “Here. Have one on me.”

“

Oh, uh

... I’m fine, sir.”

“Here. Have one on me.”

“Uhm... Thank you.”

Yi Jong-Wuk cautiously mouthed the cigarette. Kang Jin-Ho reached out and lit that cigarette up, then reclined against the chair, his eyes studying Yi Jong-Wuk’s face.

“So... You want me to tell you how to fix this situation?”

“Yes, sir.”

“It’s not that hard, actually,” said Kang Jin-Ho, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. “Here’s what will potentially make me happy, so tell your boss about it.”

“Thank you.”

“As you’ve asked, I’ll spare one, but not the other two. And the surviving one will have to prove to me that he’s properly reflecting on his actions.”

“

Oh

, of course. We’ll do our utmost best to...”

“Kim Myeong-Chan, and the director of the NIS.”

“Yes?”

Yi Jong-Wuk grew slightly puzzled when Kang Jin-Ho specifically mentioned those two. What would he demand regarding those two...?

“Destroy them. With your own hands.”

“...?”

For a moment there, Yi Jong-Wuk failed to comprehend and stared dazedly at Kang Jin-Ho. “I, I get the director of the NIS, but the Prime Minister is already...”

“Already? But it’s only the beginning?”

“...!”

Kang Jin-Ho smirked. Subtly, and like a terrifying demon, no less!

“That’s not enough. Not even close. Deny his everything and destroy him until he wishes he was dead. China or I can’t do certain things, but your side can.”

Yi Jong-Wuk began shuddering just then. This... This was pure malice. And hatred!

“Destroy him until he starts to regret being alive. Until he wishes to dig his eyes out and rip his ears off. I will base my decision on how far you’re willing to go.”

“A-Assembly Master, that’s...”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked his head. “What’s wrong? Can’t do it?”

Yi Jong-Wuk bit his lip. “That’s... not something I can decide on, sir.”

“Tell your boss, then. I don’t want things like money. But I do want to see the destruction of those who dared to target me. And then, bring them to me in their hour of despair. It’s those two.”

A cold smirk filled Kang Jin-Ho’s lips.

“You see, I made a promise.”

“A... promise, sir?”

“That’s right. I told him I’ll see him again at the end. Do that, and I’ll end things here. However, if you don’t...” Kang Jin-Ho growled menacingly like a predator. “I’ll make you all pay. So, remember this. Once I start something, I don’t stop in the middle. Until one of us is dead, until we get some kind of resolution... I will go all the way.”

Kang Jin-Ho got up, then headed to the office’s exit.

Yi Jong-Wuk wordlessly stared at Kang Jin-Ho’s back.

There was a time when he felt utterly overwhelmed by the aura emanating from that back. But here he was, finally realizing that his past self had no idea who Kang Jin-Ho really was.

This man, he... He must never be turned into an enemy. Never!

Because Kang Jin-Ho’s burning malice was hot enough to immolate everything it touched!

Yi Jong-Wuk’s head powerlessly dropped again.