Chapter 527: Tectonic Shift (2)

-This afternoon, my father has a dinner appointment with people from HK Inc. Apparently, President Hong Seok-Joon t of HK Electronics would be there.

Hong Seok-Joon, the president of HK Electronics, was the third son of HK Inc and an unmarried man of 34. When business figures brought their children to such meetings, it was almost always a setup for a matchmaking arrangement.

Jin Ah-Ram was asking me for help to avoid that situation.

"Are you planning to use me as a shield?"

Jin Ah-Ram's voice shot up in surprise.

-Oh, no! Absolutely not. I just cleared my schedule for today to rest at home, so I need a good excuse. You just have to go and talk business.

Even though things might not go as smoothly as Jin Ah-Ram hoped, I couldn't refuse. From the moment I accepted the JS Club card, I had essentially become her ally in this succession war.

Moreover, if she got involved with Hong Seok-Joon at this stage, it would make my own battle for the Jinseong Inc's succession much more difficult. After all, my partner in this fight would keep getting dragged into meetings with him.

For now, I had no choice but to accept her request.

"Alright, let's do it."

-Yay! I'll head over to you now.

Despite her usual icy demeanor as Jinseong Inc's 'Ice Princess,' Jin Ah-Ram acted like any other woman in her twenties when she was around me.

"I'll wait for you at Reverse Entertainment."

-I'm leaving right now.

Ten minutes after I hung up the call, Jin Ah-Ram arrived. I sat beside her in the back seat of her Binz as we headed to Jinseong Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Following behind us were Lee Soo-Chan, along with Lee Ho-Jae and Im Hyung-Joo.

***

On the way to Gwangju, I learned that Ahn Seok-Chun was desperate to sell off his shares as quickly as possible. He was feeling the urgency of a further drop in stock value, along with the looming investigations from both the prosecution and the National Tax Service.

However, he blamed me for Ace Entertainment's plummeting stock price and had been ignoring all my calls.

Jin Ah-Ram, sitting next to me, asked, "But how are you going to make him sell his shares?"

"Through a game."

She widened her eyes in shock. "You're going to play a game with President Ahn?"

"Yes."

"Do you know he's a gambling master?"

"I do."

"And you still think you can win against him... Wait, don't tell me—you're a gambling master too?"

Before my regression, I had to entertain clients while working with Kim Dong-Soo. For a while, I took around a talent agent who was an expert gambler. Eventually, I learned some tricks from him. Since I was a former boxer with fast reflexes and sharp eyesight, it didn't take me long to surpass him.

After that, Kim Dong-Soo and I played games where we deliberately lost before winning it all back.

"I wouldn't say I'm a master, but I can win when I want and lose when I choose."

"Uh... isn't that what being a master is?"

"Is it?"

I answered with a nonchalant smile just as Choi Hee-Seon, the secretary in the front seat, spoke up.

"We've arrived."

Ahead of us, the massive Jinseong Gwangju Resort came into view.

"I'm a little worried about whether my old skills will come back."

I tilted my neck and began preparing for my 'battle' with President Ahn Seok-Chun.

***

After stepping out at the VIP entrance of the resort, I opened the door for Jin Ah-Ram.

Click.

She stepped out of the car, dressed in a light purple two-piece dress, and suddenly linked arms with me.

"What are you doing?"

"This way, things will go more smoothly. If you prefer complications, you can pull your arm away."

Jin Ah-Ramn held onto my arm, insisting that making it clear I was on her side would prevent unnecessary chatter. Since things had already come to this, I decided to take full advantage of the situation.

"Alright then. I'll be counting on you for today."

"Got it, Yoon-Ho oppa."

She gave a playful smile, and I pretended to pull my arm away. "On second thought, I think I prefer the complicated way."

Jin Ah-Ram pouted. "Seriously, you've got the strongest walls I've ever seen. Fine. Mr. Jung. Satisfied?"

"Yes."

At that moment, Choi Hee-Seon, along with Lee Soo-Chan and Lee Ho-Jae, joined us. Lee Soo-Chan and Lee Ho-Jae grinned the moment they saw Jin Ah-Ram linking arms with me.

'

It's not like that!

'

I mouthed the words, but the two chuckled to themselves as if they found something amusing. Of course, their laughter was cut short by the sharp glare from Choi Hee-Seon.

When we entered through the arched VIP passageway, staff members waiting in front of the private elevator bowed their heads.

"Which floor would you like to go to?"

"The 12th floor. We're heading to the VIP casino."

"Understood."

The waiting staff member pressed the elevator button and the doors opened right away.

As we stepped inside, Jin Ah-Ram turned to the staff member about to join us. "We'll be going up alone. You don't need to come."

Catching on, the staff member stepped back. "Yes, Ms. Jin."

Once inside, Jin Ah-Ram pressed the button for the 12th floor. As the elevator ascended, she spoke. "Mr. Jung, I gamble a little myself. Should I join the game with you?"

"Don't worry too much. And... if I can't win on my own, I wouldn't be able to buy the shares anyway."

According to my plan, the final round would be a one-on-one game between Ahn Seok-Chun and me. That's when I intended to make him bet Ace Entertainment's shares.

Jin Ah-Ram sighed. "Alright. But at least let me enter the room with you. We need to be prepared for anything."

"I was going to ask you to do that."

"That's a relief."

Ding.

The elevator arrived. When the doors opened, the VIP casino came into view. Although casinos for locals were illegal, VIPs ignored the law and indulged in their games here. Among the crowd were a few celebrities and notable figures often seen on TV.

Dealers in uniform moved about, while formally dressed individuals navigated the floor with purpose.

As we entered, murmurs spread through the room. People had seen Jin Ah-Ram, the 'Ice Princess' of Jinseong Inc, linking arms with me. However, she ignored the attention and called over the floor manager.

A suited manager approached and bowed deeply.

Jin Ah-Ram asked, "Where is Mr. Ahn?"

"He is in Room 11."

"Who is he playing with?"

"He's at a table with President Park and Chairman Choi's associates. Seven people in total."

"Got it."

Jin Ah-Ram led me around the left corner and headed toward the VVIP section. This area was exclusive to the most elite VIPs, requiring proof of identity and financial standing for entry. But since I was with Jin Ah-Ram, we skipped the process entirely.

When we arrived at Room 11, the security guard at the door stepped aside.

Knock, knock.

When Jin Ah-Ram knocked on the door, Ahn Seok-Chun's voice came from inside.

-What is it?

"It's me, Director Jin Ah-Ram. I have a guest who'd like to play a round with you, would it be alright if we come in?"

-If you brought them, they're as good as my guest. Come in!

"Thank you."

Jin Ah-Ram stepped forward and opened the door. At the table covered with poker chips, a game of Texas Hold'em was in progress. Texas Hold'em was a poker game where players held two cards each and combined them with five community cards to form the highest possible hand.

Currently, four cards were laid out on the table: [♣A ♠Q ❤J ◆A].

As the dealer was about to place the fifth and final card, Ahn Seok-Chun, too focused on the game, didn't even notice us enter and shouted, "All in!"

His opponents grimaced and folded their hands.

"Fold!"

"I'm out."

Ahn Seok-Chun burst into laughter. "

Hahaha!

Why is everyone playing so weak today? This is no fun at all!"

His hand was a full house with three aces and a pair of queens—a very strong combination. Spreading his arms, Ahn Seok-Chun gathered up the chips on the table.

Clatter!

Jin Ah-Ram clapped her hands in congratulations. "Congratulations, Mr. Ahn."

Ahn Seok-Chun turned his head with a grin. "Oh, Director Jin. Thanks. But who did you bring with—"

At that moment, Ahn Seok-Chun's eyes met mine.

"Jung Yoon-Ho... You bastard..."

Because of me, he had suffered massive financial losses. The moment he recognized me, his expression turned hostile.

I greeted, "Good evening, Mr. Ahn."

"Good evening? Do you think I'd be in a good mood?"

Ace Entertainment's stock had lost hundreds of billions because of me, and his words dripped with venom.

"I wanted to meet you in person to have a conversation."

"Conversation? I have nothing to talk about with you. You should be grateful I haven't thrown a punch yet."

Not only did he refuse to discuss shares, but he didn't even want to hear a word from me. That meant I had no choice but to use poker to create an opportunity.

"I understand. Then let's just play some poker tonight. You're not going to refuse me a seat at the table, are you?"

Ahn Seok-Chun looked at me with a sly grin. It was clear from his expression that he had been waiting for a chance to crush me.

"You need two billion won to enter the VVIP room. Do you even have that kind of money?"

In reality, all that was required was proof of funds, but he assumed I was a rookie in this kind of place and tried to bluff me.

Just as I was about to scoff at his arrogance, Jin Ah-Ram spoke up beside me. "Mr. Jung brought three billion won today. I'll vouch for him."

Before I knew it, my betting money had suddenly become three billion won. Nevertheless, I played along as if I really had that amount since I was confident I would defeat Ahn Seok-Chun.

Ahn Seok-Chun's expression twisted in disbelief. "What's Team Lead Jung to you that you're personally vouching for him? Are you two involved?"

"If you're curious, why don't you try beating him and find out?"

Ahn Seok-Chun clicked his tongue. "Oh~ is that so? Then if I manage to take all of his money, will you agree to go on a date with me?"

It was obvious he had misunderstood my relationship with Jin Ah-Ram and was trying to humiliate me. Of course, he was also making a move on her beauty. At over forty-years-old and already married, his proposal was disgusting.

Yet, Jin Ah-Ram readily accepted. "A date? That's nothing. Sure, let's do it."

"Okay!"

"But if you lose, you have to do what Mr. Jung asks."

"Deal."

Jin Ah-Ram turned to face me with irritation written all over her face.

'

Win. There's no way I'm going on a date with that creep.

'

I nodded silently and took a seat at the table. Loosening my fingers, I asked for one billion won in chips.

Ahn Seok-Chun locked eyes on me like a predator sizing up its prey. "Let's see what you've got."

His expression was full of confidence as if he thought he had already won.

'

You're the real sucker at this table, President Ahn.'

Unlike him, I kept my face neutral and answered calmly. "Alright. Let's begin."

"You little punk, always bluffing..."

At that moment, the game began.

***

Less than two hours later, a mountain of chips had piled up in front of me.

Even after subtracting my original chips, I had won well over five billion won. On the other hand, Ahn Seok-Chun, sitting across from me, was completely cleaned out.

Ahn Seok-Chun's face turned red as he huffed in frustration. "You... What the hell are you?"

I simply shrugged. "I'm a talent agent."

"Don't give me that crap! What kind of talent agent plays poker like this?"

'

Oops. I forgot to add

who has returned to the past.

'

However, I just smiled since there was no need to clarify.

Jin Ah-Ram, grinning even wider than me, chimed in. "Now you have to keep your promise, don't you?"

However, Ahn Seok-Chun refused to accept his defeat. "Screw that! Let's change the game and go again!"

Him losing and throwing a tantrum was the same before and after my regression.

I toyed with my chips and answered, "Why should I? I've already won and you agreed to grant my request."

Ahn Seok-Chun growled. "Screw your request! Change the game and play again! If you don't, I won't grant you anything!"

'

Got him.

'

He had lost all reason and was desperately trying to save face. Jin Ah-Ram looked like she was about to intervene, but I acted first. This situation was unfolding exactly as I had planned.

Pretending to hesitate, I fiddled with my chips before responding as if I had no choice. "Fine. But I'll only play if the bet is Ace Entertainment's shares."

Ahn Seok-Chun's brows furrowed. "You want to bet on Ace Entertainment's shares?"

"Do you object? If you do, we can call it off."

Ahn Seok-Chun stared at me, his eyes blazing with anger. I wondered for a moment if he might back down, but as expected, he couldn't resist the challenge I had laid before him.

"Who said I'm backing out? But we're playing Seotda this time—just the two of us. How about it?"

Seotda was a game played with 20 Hwatu[1] cards, the perfect game for cheaters to use their tricks. It was simple, fast, and easy to cheat. Everything was playing out exactly as I had predicted.

"Fine. Let's do it."

"Okay!"

Ahn Seok-Chun smirked confidently as if I had just walked into his trap. Unlike Texas Hold'em, which required calculation and strategy, Seotda was nearly impossible to win if a seasoned gambler used sleight of hand.

"Dealer! Exchange my Ace Entertainment shares for chips."

When he asked to convert over thirty billion won in shares into chips, the dealer gulped and glanced at Jin Ah-Ram.

Jin Ah-Ram nodded. "Get his signature on the paperwork, then give him the chips. Based on yesterday's closing price, that's 30.2 billion won, so deducting the two hundred million won processing fee, it'll be thirty billion."

The dealer retrieved a document from beneath the table. "A-Alright..."

Ahn Seok-Chun signed it without hesitation, and his shares were exchanged for chips. Even as he lost two hundred million won just in fees, he didn't care. He was completely consumed by his desire to crush me.

Watching him, I took a deep breath.

Now that billions were on the line, the real game was about to begin.

1.

Korean card decks

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