Chapter 687: We Are Friends, Aren't We? (4)

As a penalty for breaching the exclusive contracts with Shin Hyo-Joo and Shin Hyo-Ri, I laid a single ten thousand won bill on the table.

Jang Jong-Gu's face immediately twisted. "You... you're joking, right?"

I shrugged. "Isn't covering up your corruption already more than enough payment?"

At that moment, not just Jang Jong-Gu, but Song Ha-Yoon, Ahn Hyun-Gyu, and the puffy-eyed Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi-all of their faces turned grim.

Unable to hold back, Jang Jong-Gu grabbed the ten thousand won bill on the table and crushed it in his fist. "That's it, you brat. Let's fix your manners first before we even try to talk again, yeah?"

He then looked at Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi, whose eyes were blazing.

"What are you waiting for? Go stomp that bastard. As long as he's breathing, don't hold back!"

"Yes, hyung-nim!"

Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi marched forward with force. However, I didn't even flinch. By now, someone would step in anyway.

'

Director Song Ha-Yoon. You're not the type to stay quiet, are you?

'

Sure enough, the silent beauty in her mid-thirties raised her hand. "Team Lead Gong, Team Lead Jeon. Stand down for now."

Song Ha-Yoon, who handled the company's finances, was known for using her head. She also happened to be the mistress of Hyun Oh-Sung, boss of the Ohsung gang who owned Oasis Entertainment.

Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi let out frustrated sighs.

"

Oh

, come on, Ms. Song!"

"Ms. Song, please don't stop us! I swear I'll die of rage today!"

Song Ha-Yoon scolded them in a chilling voice. "Didn't I say to be quiet while I'm still talking?"

With her eerie warning, the two men who had been thrashing about fell instantly silent.

Song Ha-Yoon then turned to restrain Jang Jong-Gu. "You too, Mr. Jang. Please stay calm."

"Why should I? Look how that punk's acting!"

"Do you think Chief Jung came without a plan? Figure out his reason before you start swinging fists!"

Song Ha-Yoon's sharp voice tinged with irritation made Jang Jong-Gu reluctantly nod. "

Ugh

...Fine..."

She gave a nod back and looked at me. "Mr. Jung. Let's be clear. Don't you think what you're demanding is too much just for covering up the media center corruption?"

"My way of calculating is different."

"Don't play games. Just pay one billion won each as a penalty. Shin Hyo-Joo and Shin Hyo-Ri are both young and have good looks. With your skills, squeezing two billion out of them should be nothing. Don't you agree?"

She wasn't wrong, but I had no intention of paying that money.

"What if I refuse?"

"Oh my. If you refuse, that's a serious problem. I'm the only one here who can stop Team Lead Gong and Team Lead Jeon from losing it again, you know?"

Crack.

Right on cue, Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi cracked their knuckles.

However, I ignored it cleanly and replied. "Seems like in this place, you're used to dumping all the corruption on your subordinates. But there's one case that won't be covered that way. I'll cover that up for you, so why don't we stop here?"

Song Ha-Yoon scoffed, thinking I was bluffing. "

Hah!

Oh really? And what would that be? Go on, I'll give it a listen."

"Can I say it here, in front of everyone? It's about you, Ms. Song."

Song Ha-Yoon's confident expression wavered for a moment, but she soon lifted her chin like she was fine. "Cut the crap and just say it."

"No. This one's actually dangerous. That's why I'd like to speak with you privately. Then you can decide whether to tell the others or not."

Worried, Song Ha-Yoon hesitated before replying nervously. "Then... if I hear it and it turns out to be nothing, you'll pay the penalty as I said. Okay? Deal?"

"Deal!"

I accepted her offer. After all, what I knew was a secret she would never want to be revealed.

At that moment, Song Ha-Yoon pointed to a corner of the room. "There's no need to go outside. Let's just speak quietly in here."

The president's office was spacious enough that she suggested we talk in the corner.

'

That much is fine, I guess.

'

I nodded and headed over. When Song Ha-Yoon walked toward me, I leaned close and whispered in her ear.

-I know very well that you're not only Mr. Hyun Oh-Sung's mistress, but also the mistress of Mr. Jang Jong-Gu over there. What are you thinking, walking such a dangerous tightrope between the two?

The confidence drained from Song Ha-Yoon's face, leaving it pale. "H-How... how do you... know that?"

'

How else? I know because I'm a regressor

.'

Five years from now, Hyun Oh-Sung, the boss of the Ohsung gang, would fall for Song Ha-Yoon's scheme and retire. The next boss of the Ohsung gang became Jang Jong-Gu. That was possible because Song Ha-Yoon held the money and fully backed her other lover, Jang Jong-Gu.

After that, Song Ha-Yoon became the president of Oasis Entertainment. At the time, Hyun Oh-Sung was seriously ill and, realizing he was losing control, handed over both his woman and successor position without resistance. In return, he was promised a peaceful retirement.

Yet if this were exposed now, it could turn into a bloody mess. Hyun Oh-Sung was still in his prime and would never just sit back and watch. That was why I whispered this part quietly.

All I wanted was to get Shin Hyo-Joo and Shin Hyo-Ri out of the company.

-So persuade your president no matter what. That ten thousand won payment also includes the price of covering this up.

Trembling, Song Ha-Yoon responded louder than expected. "A-Alright. Let's do that."

Jang Jong-Gu found it odd and asked. "Director Song. What's going on? What's the matter?"

When Song Ha-Yoon hesitated, Jang Jong-Gu gave an order to Gong Tae-Sang and Jeon Yoon-Gi.

"Hey, something's off. Grab that bastard Chief Jung and make him kneel in front of me!"

At that, Song Ha-Yoon shouted at the top of her lungs. "Stop!!"

It was such a high-pitched scream that it felt like a martial arts novel's sonic attack.

Jang Jong-Gu jumped in surprise. "What the hell, Director Song?"

Song Ha-Yoon's voice trembled as she spoke. "Mr. Jang... we need to settle this. Here and now."

"What are you talking about? I have my pride. If I stop here..."

Song Ha-Yoon screamed again. "If Chief Jung opens his mouth, both you and I are done! He knows everything, so for god's sake, listen to me!"

When she burst out in dialect as if she had swallowed a train whistle, Jang Jong-Gu caught on right away. "He knows? Wait... that thing?"

"Yes! That thing!"

Jang Jong-Gu's eyes began to shake. He looked like he was debating whether to bury me right here. But I had planned for this. I immediately pressed my thumb against my phone screen.

"If you're thinking of doing anything reckless, everything I just said will be sent to a reporter. Can you handle that?"

I had already prepared a Kk Talk message before coming, copied and ready to go. Just one press and it would be sent to Reporter Choi So-Hye.

In an instant, Jang Jong-Gu freaked out and shouted, "Wait! Chief Jung! Stop! Let's talk! We'll talk it out! This is the penalty, right? Look, I'm taking it. Okay?"

He quickly unfolded the crumpled the bill I offered. He had crushed it so hard that the face of King Sejo was full of wrinkles.

"So... that settles it, right?"

'

Not so fast.

'

I smiled and said, "No. You threatened me, so I can't just let it slide."

"T-then... what do you want?"

"First, I'll be taking that back."

I stepped over and took back the crumpled bill. Then I placed down a bill with Toegye Yi Hwang instead. This time, it was a thousand won[1] penalty.

Tap.

Jang Jong-Gu's face trembled with rage, but he couldn't say no. In the end, he looked at Ahn Hyun-Gyu and spoke. "Secretary Ahn, print out a contract termination letter... just one copy. We can't terminate the contract for real without the twins' parents, so today we'll just write an intent letter."

Ahn Hyun-Gyu strongly objected. "Mr. Jang! We can't do that!"

"Can't do what? Just go get it, I said!"

That's when Ahn Hyun-Gyu twisted his face and pulled out his phone. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jang."

"Sorry? Sorry for what?"

Without answering, Ahn Hyun-Gyu made a call. And at that very moment, from outside the president's office, a familiar trot song by Lee Mal-Sook of Hoop Entertainment began playing: 'Trust Noona Once'.

『Noona~~ will take care of everything~~』

Bang.

The president's office door flew open. Standing there was Hyun Oh-Sung, boss of the Ohsung gang, now sixty-five years old, accompanied by four bodyguards. Even at his age, his broad frame gave off an overwhelming presence.

Jang Jong-Gu's eyes widened in shock. "Mr. Chairman... what are you doing here...?"

Hyun Oh-Sung, boss of the Ohsung gang, spoke calmly without any trace of dialect. "What is it? Did I come somewhere I'm not allowed? What's with the mood?"

Ahn Hyun-Gyu quickly tucked away his phone, sprang up, and bowed. "Welcome, Mr. Chairman!"

Hyun Oh-Sung turned off his still-ringing phone and nodded. The rest of the room rose and bowed as well. Hyun Oh-Sung brushed past the greetings and headed to the head seat on the sofa. Jang Jong-Gu immediately stood up and stepped aside, and the chairman took his seat.

"Everyone, take a seat."

Ahn Hyun-Gyu rushed to the front with a stiff face, about to report. "Mr. Chairman. Actually..."

Hyun Oh-Sung asked, "This is about the transfer of Shin Hyo-Joo and Shin Hyo-Ri, isn't it?"

"H-How did you know that?"

Hyun Oh-Sung pointed his chin at me and replied. "That younger brother of Chief Jung standing over there gave me a call. Told me his hyung-nim was here trying to transfer the two sisters. So I came myself. I figured you might cause trouble without realizing who you're dealing with."

'

Younger brother? Ah, Lee Soo-Chan

.'

Then Hyun Oh-Sung glanced at the bill on the table. "What's this?"

Ahn Hyun-Gyu responded, "That's... the penalty, apparently."

Hyun Oh-Sung looked at me and let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You're something else. Coming all the way here and pulling this kind of stunt." With that, Hyun Oh-Sung picked up the bill from the table with his right hand. "I've now received the penalty for Hyo-Joo and Hyo-Ri. So give your brothers a call and tell them not to bother coming."

I had no idea what exactly Lee Soo-Chan said to bring out the top boss of Busan's biggest gang himself.

Just then, my phone rang. The screen showed it was a call from Lee Soo-Chan.

"Your brother, I assume."

"Yes."

I nodded and took the call.

-Hyung-nim, did Chairman Hyun Oh-Sung accept your proposal?

"What the hell did you do?"

-I didn't do much. I just warned them that I'm close to Busan, and that if you so much as got a scratch, it'd be war.

At that, I couldn't help but raise my voice.

"You punk! I told you, you're not part of your gang anymore! And what's this about war and nonsense?!"

I practically shouted, and Lee Soo-Chan shrank back in his tone.

-I... I didn't mean it like that. I wasn't actually planning a war. I just meant... a bluff? A fake-out? A feint? Something like that.

"You guys sure love your dramatics."

Lee Soo-Chan usually listened well, but when our family or I were threatened, he would lose control like this.

"Wait, did you say you're close to Busan? Weren't you supposed to take the elders from the shantytown up to Seoul?"

-Yeah. We're doing that tomorrow instead.

A few days ago, after coming down with the elders from the shantytown to protect Deok-Bae, they had been traveling around Gyeongju. I thought they had gone back to Seoul, but since Deok-Bae's shoot had been extended, they were going to check out the set again and would head to Seoul tomorrow.

At that moment, upon hearing that Lee Soo-Chan and the others had come to Busan, Hyun Oh-Sung urgently spoke. "Chief Jung. Tell your brothers not to come any further! We've got some hot-blooded guys on our side too, and if they clash, it could explode into a big fight!"

"Ah, understood."

After answering, I relayed the message to Lee Soo-Chan.

"Let's meet in front of Sajik Gymnasium, not at Oasis Entertainment."

-Are you really okay?

"Yeah. And what were you going to do with the elders from the shantytown?"

-I was planning to drop them off nearby and storm in. Also, twenty of the boys from Seoul are already flying in.

'

Good grief

.'

"Soo-Chan. Tell everyone else to meet at Sajik too."

-Understood, hyung-nim.

I barely managed to calm Lee Soo-Chan down and ended the call.

Hyun Oh-Sung spoke with a relieved expression. "Then come back tomorrow morning with Shin Hyo-Joo, Shin Hyo-Ri, and their mother."

"Understood..."

Thanks to Lee Soo-Chan's call, things wrapped up more smoothly than expected.

Thanks to that, I was able to leave the president's office with only a contract termination letter and without any major conflict.

***

Clink.

Jung Yoon-Ho stepped out after paying just a thousand won in penalty and filling out the contract termination letter.

At that moment, Hyun Oh-Sung looked around and shouted. "Everyone, leave us. I've got something to discuss with President Jang alone."

Once Ahn Hyun-Gyu and Song Ha-Yoon had left, Jang Jong-Gu frowned, muttering about a spy. However, Hyun Oh-Sung didn't seem too concerned.

"This isn't the time to fuss about something so trivial. Just make sure tomorrow's contract termination goes through without fail. Got it?" Hyun Oh-Sung said.

Jang Jong-Gu furrowed his brow. He thought the infamous boss of the Ohsung gang was being overly cautious.

"Mr. Chairman. Why are you so worked up about that guy's brother?"

"You don't know Lee Soo-Chan?"

"Soo-Chan? You mean that Lee Soo-Chan from the Kanghan gang?"

"Yeah. That guy's coming to back Chief Jung Yoon-Ho, and he's bringing his former combat squad from Kanghan gang with him."

Only then did Jang Jong-Gu's expression harden. Kanghan gang was a nationwide gang that had started in Gyeonggi Province and spread to Seoul. Moreover, the combat squad led by and fiercely loyal to Kang Eun-Gi and Lee Soo-Chan were terrifying guys who would risk their lives to follow orders.

"But... didn't they disband? They're not gangsters anymore, right?"

"That's what they said. But he told me that if anyone lays a finger on his hyung-nim, he'll start a war—gang or not. And he made it clear that if anything happens, he and I will take it to the end."

Offended, Jang Jong-Gu spoke. "This is our turf... Those guys must have some nerve, huh?"

Hyun Oh-Sung let out a sigh. "Jong-Gu. We're not gangsters anymore. We're businessmen. How many guys in our organization now have actually been in a proper fight?"

"W-well, that's..."

The Ohsung gang had ruled over Busan without any resistance for more than twenty years, and there was no doubt it was an aging organization. Meanwhile, the Kanghan gang had disbanded only recently after countless bloody conflicts.

"Look at it realistically. If those guys lose it, it's over. Even if we win, you and I won't come out of it unscathed."

Only then did Jang Jong-Gu respond. "So... you backed off?"

"Come on. You really wanna get beat to a pulp in front of the kids at our age?

Hmm

?"

"N-No."

"That's why I yielded, so don't get it twisted.

Oh

, and Lee Soo-Chan gave a strong warning too. He said they call Jung Yoon-Ho hyung-nim not only because of his age but also because there's no way they can win against him. There's a reason."

Jang Jong-Gu was dumbfounded. "Lee Soo-Chan is the guy said to be the best fighter after Kang Eun-Gi. But he loses one-on-one against Jung Yoon-Ho?"

"One-on-one? Lee Soo-Chan said he can take three without a sweat, and on a good day, ten at once."

"

Oh

come on, that's ridiculous..."

"You know Lee Soo-Chan doesn't lie. And though he didn't say it outright, the way he talked made it sound like even Kang Eun-Gi couldn't handle him."

At that, Jang Jong-Gu began to tremble.

Hyun Oh-Sung tilted his head slightly. "What's wrong?"

"Something happened earlier... Team Lead Gong and Team Lead Jeon might go after Chief Jung. They were furious after getting hit by him, and we just let him leave..."

Hyun Oh-Sung exploded in anger. "Call them back! Right now!"

"Yes, sir!"

Jang Jong-Gu quickly made a call, but the other side didn't answer. A cold silence settled in the president's office, and only one thought began to fill both their minds.

'

We're screwed.

..'

***

After leaving Oasis Entertainment, I entered the narrow alley beside the building.

Before the regression, I used to come to Oasis Entertainment often, so I knew this was the fastest way to the taxi stand. There were no security cameras in the narrow alley, not even a single streetlamp. Only the one at the alley's end cast some dim light inside.

Then, my phone vibrated.

Buzz~

[Everyday V12.2]

[Notification: Fortune of the Day has been posted.]

'

Fortune of the Day? At a time like this?'

I opened it out of curiosity, only to find something ridiculous.

[Fortune of the Day: Watch your back!]

'

Watch my back?

'

Just then, I heard someone running.

Tap tap tap.

At that moment, a ringtone blared from behind—it was the boy group BIG BOMB's song 'BOW BOW'.

『BOW~ BOW~』

Following Everyday's warning, I reflexively ducked my head.

Whoosh~

The wind whipped past as something swung over my head. As I stepped back and looked up, I saw Gong Tae-Sang panting with a club in his hand. Behind him were Jeon Yoon-Gi and eight others—ten men in total, all holding clubs.

'

Of course. I knew it had gone too smoothly

.'

"Damn~ That was a clean dodge.

Tch.

Now shout out loud that you're dead meat, got it?"

Honestly, my hands had been itching anyway, so this worked out nicely. Standing alone in the narrow alley, I curled my finger at them. "What, you just gonna talk all day? Shut up and come at me!"

"You bastard, you got a death wish?! Guys, get him!"

With their eyes crazed, Gong Tae-Sang, Jeon Yoon-Gi, and the meatheads they brought charged at me, screaming. However, they had no idea that their fate was already sealed.

'

You guys are the ones who need to shout that you're dead meat now

!'

1.

₩1,000 bill

☜