Chapter 262: A Harbinger of a Storm (4)

The nature of an editor's job entailed close contact with the rich and powerful. Hence, second-generation politicians and third-generation chaebols would occasionally be found to be involved in cases of celebrity drug offenders.

To publish these articles, editors often negotiate with the parents of the individuals involved, as chaebols exert financial pressure and politicians wield power over the situation.

The current editor-in-chief of Central Daily Newspaper, Lee Sang-Mook, was a seasoned political figure. He wasn't the type to publish an article without ensuring his own safety.

Feeling frustrated, Choi So-Hye undid the top button of her blouse. "Ugh. That cowardly bastard. He has no guts even though he's the editor-in-chief! I swear, I should just quit this company or something..."

The fuming Choi So-Hye grumbled about the upper echelons of the media company.

"That's it. Team Lead Jung. Let's order some drinks first!" She exclaimed angrily.

I pressed the bell to order two servings of a traditional Korean meal and a bottle of traditional liquor. Pouring her a drink, I began asking her for specific details.

"To what extent have you covered the story?"

Choi So-Hye gulped down her drink in one go. "

Ugh

~ Why is the liquor so bitter today? Actually, I've even secured some photos."

"You took photos? Then it's all over for them," I remarked.

"Yes, but only if we could report it."

Unlike vague news articles, having photos would give it a tremendous impact.

"But how did you manage to take a picture of Vice President Kim Ae-Ja?" I asked with curiosity.

"I planted someone in the club that you mentioned, then had them take pictures of Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak. Who knew Kim Ae-Ja would appear with them?"

I had told her that Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak were using marijuana in Flexis Club located in Gangnam.

Someone as influential as Kim Ae-Ja usually met people in secluded places or private bars to avoid public attention, but she had appeared at Flexis Club two days ago.

Choi So-Hye shrugged. "I heard she comes to clubs these days to hang out with younger guys. Unfortunately for her, she got caught by me right then."

"That's amazing," I remarked.

"Yes, it really is. But the problem is we still can't report it."

Pouring another drink for Choi So-Hye, I asked, "What reason did the editor-in-chief give for not publishing the article?"

Choi So-Hye rolled her eyes. "Our cowardly editor said, "What if Daechon Inc. drops all their ads if we publish without any groundwork?""

"What does he mean by groundwork?"

"In simple terms, he means we need backing. Anyway, we're not to say a word about Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak for the time being. Since Kim Ae-Ja changes men easily, he said we'll just catch the actors once things calm down."

But I couldn't let that happen. Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak would soon come to Hoop Entertainment, and they would damage the company's reputation if the article broke after that. We had to deal with it before that happened.

I looked straight into Choi So-Hye's eyes and said, "How about this?"

Choi So-Hye put down her glass. "What's your plan?"

"Take the photos you secured to Kim Ae-Ja's sister, Kim Ae-Reyon."

Choi So-Hye tilted her head in curiosity. "Kim Ae-Reyon of Daechun Construction? Isn't she completely overshadowed by her sister, the vice president?"

Two years ago during the Daechon Inc. sisters' share war, Kim Ae-Ja had swallowed up the main industries of department stores and distribution.

On the other hand, Kim Ae-Reyon was pushed into the relatively non-core construction sector of Daechon Inc.

Although the general opinion was that Kim Ae-Reyon was finished, I knew she was lying low, waiting for an opportunity.

"That's why she'll be even more eager to get back at her sister," I added.

"So you want to incite a fight between the sisters?"

"Exactly."

Choi So-Hye pondered for a moment while drinking. After silently having one drink then two, she finally spoke up on her third drink.

"Would Kim Ae-Reyon have the strength to fight her sister?"

"If you give that photo to Kim Ae-Reyon, President Kim Bu-Ho will take action. This isn't just a simple sibling fight."

Kim Bu-Ho, the founder and honorary president of Daechon Inc., was the father of Kim Ae-Ja and Kim Ae-Reyon.

Each time Kim Ae-Ja was attacked by outsiders, Kim Bu-Ho would always protect his daughter. However, the story would surely change if the daughters were to fight among themselves.

Even during their shares war two years ago, he appeared impartial on the outside and couldn’t fully support either side.

Nonetheless, it would be different this time as it would be an unforgivable matter for Kim Bu-Ho who valued family reputation.

"President Kim Bu-Ho will be furious if he finds out his daughter is behaving like this. He's an old-fashioned man, after all," I explained.

"And Kim Ae-Reyon will fan the flames?"

"She'll use every detail, real or imagined, to upset her father."

Choi So-Hye’s face brightened as she took another drink. "

Ah

~ Now this drink tastes sweet. Okay, I got it!"

Choi So-Hye refilled her empty glass and held it out to me. "Well, here. Have a drink tonight since we're in a good mood."

I felt a chill down my spine seeing Choi So-Hye's wink.

After all, her one drink never ended at just one.

***

In the VIP room located in a luxury hostess bar in Yeongdeungpo sat the 65-year-old Park Sang-Gon, the secretary-general of the ruling party.

Next to the most likely candidate for the next party leader, his daughter Park Sang-Ah sat while holding a glass.

Park Sang-Ah, about 160 cm tall with a petite build, carefully poured her father a drink while ensuring her white blouse didn’t touch the glass.

"Dad, have just one drink today, okay?"

"

Ha ha ha

. My daughter cares for me so much."

"Mom worries because you drink all the time. That’s all," grumbled the 28 year-old Park Sang-Ah as she nagged her father.

Park Sang-Gon smiled as he looked at Choi Man-Sik, the number two in the Myeongdong private loan market, who was sitting across from him.

"Mr. Choi, you should accept a drink from your future wife too," Park Sang-Gon said with a smile.

Choi Man-Sik nodded. "Thank you."

With a gentle smile, Park Sang-Ah poured Choi Man-Sik a drink.

"Thank you, Miss Sang-Ah."

Park Sang-Ah smiled brightly and held out an empty glass. "Will you pour me a drink as well?"

"My pleasure," Choi Man-Sik said as he returned her smile.

Since they were soon to be engaged, there was no awkwardness between Choi Man-Sik and Park Sang-Ah.

"Well then. Mr. Choi, why don’t you propose a toast now that all of our glasses are filled?"

At Park Sang-Gon’s words, Choi Man-Sik raised his glass high with both hands and said loudly, "Until the day Mr. Park enters the Blue House!"

Park Sang-Gon laughed heartily with joy. "

Ha ha ha

. Mr. Choi, you really know how to make people feel good. Yes, until that day~"

Park Sang-Gon shouted cheerfully with a wide grin.

After drinking, Choi Man-Sik reached into his pocket. "Mr. Park, I have a small gift prepared for my engagement with Miss Sang-Ah."

"Oh, you’re in such a hurry. The engagement is still a month away."

Choi Man-Sik smiled and took out a red case. "I couldn't help but hurry because I couldn't stop thinking of Miss Sang-Ah."

When Choi Man-Sik opened the ring case, a 5-carat diamond ring was revealed. The ring had two 1.5-carat diamonds set on each side, and the inner band was engraved with their initials 'C & P'.

Park Sang-Ah beamed and held out her left hand. "Mr. Man-Sik, you should put it on for me yourself."

"Certainly."

]Choi Man-Sik slid the ring onto Park Sang-Ah's pale ring finger.

Park Sang-Ah examined the ring worth billions with a bright smile.

"Hmm, hmm

. Mr. Choi, you are quite a capable man~"

Choi Man-Sik lowered his head as Park Sang-Gon praised him.

"I'm nothing compared to you, Mr. Park."

"Don’t be so modest. What are you talking about when there are only a few in Korea your age who can handle such large sums of money?" Park Sang-Gon continued.

Choi Man-Sik was actually the de facto owner of Future Imagination Savings Bank, one of the two savings banks owned by Choi Eun-Tae, having secured shares under different names over the years.

Choi Man-Sik smiled contentedly at Park Sang-Gon's compliment and added, "Oh, and I’ve also prepared a gift for you as well, Mr. Park."

Park Sang-Gon chuckled. "

Ha ha ha.

What? Are you thinking of giving me a watch or something?"

At that moment, Choi Man-Sik shouted to someone outside, "Bring it in!"

When the door opened, Yang Ji-Hoon, Choi Man-Sik's chief secretary, appeared.

With his head deeply bowed, Yang Ji-Hoon approached them on his knees without making any eye contact.

Yang Ji-Hoon respectfully handed a black bag to Choi Man-Sik.

As Yang Ji-Hoon crawled back out on his knees, Choi Man-Sik handed the black bag to Park Sang-Gon with both hands.

"If you are to be the next party leader, you will have many small expenses. I have also placed a little more in the trunk of the car you brought."

Park Sang Gon nodded slowly. "Our future president of Future Imagination Savings Bank is very generous."

Park Sang-Gon took the bag with a pleased expression. When he opened it with a click, it was full of used 50,000 won bills.

"Oh. This fellow is quite meticulous."

"They've been laundered in Myeongdong, so they are untraceable. Please use them comfortably."

Park Sang-Gon laughed heartily. "You may not be blessed with parents, but you are surely blessed with a fortune. You are impressive.

Ha ha ha

."

Choi Man-Sik simply smiled despite the insulting remark.

"Why am I not blessed with parents? Mr. Park, you are like a parent to me now that you'll be my father-in-law soon. I have finally found my luck," Choi Man-Sik replied fawningly.

Park Sang-Gon was very pleased with Choi Man-Sik’s bribery and words although he knew it was flattery.

"Someone like you should be in politics!" Park Sang-Gon remarked.

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"No, politics is for people like you, Mr. Park. I am better suited to assist from behind the scenes."

Park Sang-Gon looked at his daughter. "Sang-Ah, do you see this? This is how capable your future husband is."

"I knew it from the first time we met," Park Sang-Ah replied.

"

Ha ha ha.

Is that so? I didn't know that. Then once I enter the Blue House, I'll secure a good nomination for him."

Park Sang-Ah smiled softly. "Is that a promise?"

"Of course. Do you think I, Park Sang-Gon, would ignore my son-in-law? Let's have one more drink to celebrate our unity."

"Alright, but just one more. Okay?"

Just like that the meeting of the three was in full swing a month before the party leader election and the engagement.

***

Choi Man-Sik waited alone for ten more minutes before leaving even after Park Sang-Gon and Park Sang-Ah left first.

Returning to the car, Choi Man-Sik leaned back in the back seat and cursed.

"

Ugh

~ These bastards can't do anything without money... How dare they..."

Even while swallowing the dirty money collected from Myeongdong, the pretentiousness of Park Sang-Gon and Park Sang-Ah was utterly disgusting.

However, he needed their power to escape the shadow of Choi Eun-Tae.

At that moment, Yang Ji-Hoon, who was sitting in the driver's seat, asked, "Hyung-nim, have you given up on Director Kang Ji-Yung? You said you would marry her."

"Ji-Hoon, have you ever seen me give up on a woman once I set my sights on her?"

Choi Man-Sik implied that even after marrying Park Sang-Ah, he would continue seeing Kang Ji-Yung.

Yang Ji-Hoon clicked his tongue at Choi Man-Sik's obsession. "Even so, Representative Park will go crazy if Miss Sang-Ah finds out."

Choi Man-Sik smirked. "It doesn't matter if she finds out. Sang-Ah has a boyfriend too."

Yang Ji-Hoon frowned. "Pardon?"

"We've already agreed to not interfere with each other’s love lives as long as we don't have children outside."

Yang Ji-Hoon was stunned into silence with his mouth agape.

Choi Man-Sik looked at him and replied, "Why are you so surprised? Did you think they were sophisticated people? In reality, they are worse than people like us."

"But still..."

"Now I understand why my old man always said that politicians are the dirtiest. By the way, have you heard from Dong-Soo?"

Yang Ji-Hoon regained his composure and answered. "Yes. The search for his son is progressing well, and they've narrowed down the candidates. It will take about another month."

Choi Man-Sik gave a crooked smile. "What perfect timing for an engagement gift. And once we're sure who the son is... you know what to do, right?"

"Yes. There are professionals in Mokpo who handle clean-ups. I’ll call them in. They are discreet and quick."

"Take care of it on your own. Could you step out for a moment? I need to call Ji-Yung."

"Yes, hyung-nim."

As Yang Ji-Hoon stepped out of the driver's seat, Choi Man-Sik made a call. The signal indicated that the call was being routed.

-Hello?

"Ji-Yung, I was thinking about having some wine tonight. Where are you right now?"

-I can't. I'm in Japan.

"Really? We should drink sake if you're in Japan. If you're in Tokyo, I could catch a flight and come see you right now."

-What are you saying? Stop talking nonsense and go to sleep!

Click.

Choi Man-Sik chuckled even though Kang Ji-Yung hung up abruptly.

He thought that the more prickly and thorny a flower, the more satisfying it would be when he finally plucked it.

***

Yoo-Jin's role as Cheongmyung always fought in a dress, so she had to practice Taekwondo kicks and boxing whenever she could.

She used to practice in her yard before this, but she now needed protective mats for high-level action scenes.

Hence, we decided to visit Park Seon-Nyeo’s Aerobics Classroom.

As there were no students from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Park Seon-Nyeo happily lent us the space.

Jung Sang-Bong would teach Yoo-Jin Taekwondo while I would teach her boxing and Jiu-Jitsu.

I waited for Yoo-Jin and Miso to change clothes while checking the news.

[Episode 5 of

In the Name of God

: 18.4% viewership rating]

[In the Name of God

: Taereung resident after seeing Cheongmyung's powerful kick. 'At this level, she's a pro.']

[Episode 5 of

Festival of Money

: 13.2%]

[Preview of Episode 6 of

Festival of Money

: 'Secret of Birth, Shocking!']

[In the Name of God

: Approaching 20% viewership ratings. Aiming for the shortest time to reach this milestone in a well-made drama.]

In the Name of God

was quickly increasing in viewership ratings, but

Festival of Money

continued to chase with sensational content in each episode.

However, the gap in viewership ratings that had once opened was not easily narrowing.

Moreover,

In the Name of God

was already nearing a 20% viewership rating and it seemed likely to surpass 20% by the sixth episode.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin and Miso came out of the changing room together, dressed in Taekwondo uniforms.

"Oppa~! We're all dressed!"

I put my phone in my pocket and turned my attention to them.

Miso, holding Yoo-Jin's hand, was smiling much brighter than usual.

"Uncle Yoon-Ho! Look at this!"