Chapter 689: Special Pardon

Kang Eun-Gi asked if I had pulled strings to get him surprisingly selected for the Independence Movement Day special pardon.

I suddenly remembered that a few days ago, Chairman Choi Eun-Tae had said he could get Kang Eun-Gi pardoned. But wanting to mend his relationship with his son, he wouldn't have gone through with something I advised against. That left only President Choi Man-Sik or Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon as possibilities.

I shook my head. "I didn't pull any strings."

"Then..."

At that moment, Lee Yeon-Sil and my mother, who had overheard the pardon news, began to cry.

"O-oppa... is it true? Oppa... you're coming out?"

Even though Lee Yeon-Sil was about to give birth, she had always acted calm, saying she could give birth alone. But now that Kang Eun-Gi was actually coming out, her true feelings showed.

My mother also closed her eyes tightly and made the sign of the cross. She was a Catholic nun but avoided making the sign in front of us so as not to influence us toward a religion we didn't want. However, even she couldn't hold back her rising emotions.

Then Kang Eun-Gi spoke in a calm voice. "Yeon-Sil, there's something I really want to talk about with Yoon-Ho. Could you take Mom outside?"

Lee Yeon-Sil shook her head. "Why? Oppa, there's so much to do once you're out."

My mother sided with Lee Yeon-Sil. "That's right, Eun-Gi. Yeon-Sil has been living in Gwangju all this time, so we need to get the Seoul house ready again, and the hospital..."

Kang Eun-Gi shook his head. "We can talk about the details later, but please give me some time to speak with Yoon-Ho alone. There's something I can only say to him."

At his earnest request, Lee Yeon-Sil and my mother reluctantly nodded.

"Okay, oppa. Once you're out... let's talk."

As they stood, Lee Soo-Chan quickly helped them out.

Clunk.

The visitation room door closed.

Kang Eun-Gi's smile, which had been awkward until now, hardened. "Did Chairman Choi from Myeongdong pull strings for my special pardon?"

"No. Mr. Chairman was frustrated because his son was locked up, but he's not the type to push through without listening to me."

Then Kang Eun-Gi raised his voice. "A son? What son! That man is nothing to me!"

Now that we were alone, Kang Eun-Gi stopped hiding his emotions. If I didn't know Choi Eun-Tae or the world, I might have shared his feelings. However, I couldn't afford to at the moment. There were too many people out there who wanted Kang Eun-Gi dead, and I had to break through his stubbornness right now.

I took a deep breath and, unlike my usual self, began pushing him hard. "Kang Eun-Gi, snap out of it! Don't you get that I don't have time to humor your tantrums right now?"

At the moment, Kang Eun-Gi was a high-priority inmate under 24-hour surveillance in this prison and he was even being protected by Kanghan gang's younger brothers. In other words, right now, this was the safest place for him. Yet the moment he walked out, he would be exposed to all kinds of danger. If I wasted time sympathizing with Kang Eun-Gi's pain, something irreversible could happen.

"Yoon-Ho, you know me better than anyone. How can you say that?"

"It's because I know you so well. And I've seen everything Chairman Choi Eun-Tae has done. He didn't abandon you on purpose."

Kang Eun-Gi shouted. "Then he should've at least found my mom! That way, he would've known I existed!"

"Hey! Your mom disappeared as if she'd never see Chairman Choi again! And after all this, you've had plenty of time to let go of your anger. Stop acting like a kid and cut it out!"

Silence fell. Kang Eun-Gi lifted his head with a heavy expression and stared straight at me. "If it were you... could you forgive him?"

I snorted. "Yeah, man. If I even had a father, no matter where I was or what I was doing, I wouldn't act like you! At least you have a father!"

This was something only I could say, and it was a subject Kang Eun-Gi could never win against me on. In front of someone like me, who didn't even know who my parents were or what kind of people abandoned me, his feelings were almost a luxury.

"

Ah,

that's... that's not what I was trying to say..." Kang Eun-Gi stammered with a perplexed expression.

I didn't miss the opening and pressed harder. "Even Mr. Choi said it was a mistake not to look for your mom back then. And honestly, you've made plenty of mistakes yourself, haven't you? You upset Mom a lot, ran off to be some thug, and didn't even contact her."

"Damn... that's ancient history..."

"Yeah, man. But you're the one digging up something even older. You're still treating Chairman Choi like a criminal for a mistake he made almost thirty years ago. How long are you gonna sulk like some kid?"

"Sulk? I'm not—"

"Then are you being noble? You're a dad now. Not to just one kid, but two. Are you really not going to show your kids their grandfather's face? You know better than anyone how precious family is to people like us, and you're gonna act like you don't even have the family you just got back? Huh?"

𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

I felt a little bad for pushing so hard, but there was no other way to break through Kang Eun-Gi's single-mindedness.

When he fell silent, I softened my tone a bit. "Eun-Gi, I'm not asking you to be close to him, and I won't tell you to go visit for the holidays. Just meet him. At least talk once before deciding. And you... you've wanted to see your dad since you were a kid, haven't you?"

I could see Kang Eun-Gi starting to waver.

I delivered the final blow. "And... Mr. Choi is seventy-six this year. He might not have much time left. Don't meet him after it's too late and cry tears of blood in regret. See him now."

Kang Eun-Gi pressed his lips together and sank into thought. Eventually, he looked at me and slowly nodded. "Fine... fine. When I get out... I'll... meet D...Chairman Choi. Happy now?"

He started to say 'Dad' but changed it to 'Chairman Choi.' I had expected him to hold out to the end, but it seemed cracks were starting to form in his stubbornness. Maybe spending time in prison had dulled some of his resentment. And with a child on the way, he had more on his mind.

'

Yeah. Let's start from there, Eun-Gi

.'

I looked at Kang Eun-Gi and smiled brightly. "Good. That's enough for now." Now that he had calmed down, it was time to move on to the next subject. "Oh, and you know that downgrade in your inmate classification a while back? You know it was Choi Man-Sik's doing, right?"

Kang Eun-Gi nodded. "Yeah. They were trying to transfer me to a smaller prison with less security so they could finish me off, right?"

"Right. And judging from this situation, it looks like they're trying to get you out so they can deal with you on the outside."

"Yeah, I did think it was a bit strange. But what I don't get is, why now?"

I answered honestly. "Because I put Choi Man-Sik in a Japanese prison. And I got involved with his fiancée, Park Sang-Ah, too."

"Both of them?"

"Yeah."

Kang Eun-Gi looked at me in disbelief. "That's crazy... you really are Jung Yoon-Ho through and through."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"That you don't know fear. Wait, you seriously didn't realize?"

"Me?"

"You arrested the Viper, the guy they call the second-in-command of the Myeongdong loan shark market, and you took a swing at the daughter of Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon, the frontrunner for the next president. You've just made enemies of the whole country, man."

Hearing it like that, it did sound like I had done something huge.

'

Or... maybe it is kinda huge?

'

"Hey, I was trying to live quietly. They started it."

"That's your problem. Are you a spring to bounce back every time people push you? If you want to live quietly, you gotta endure it even when people mess with you."

Sometimes this guy could be annoyingly reasonable.

"Look who's talking."

We both smirked at each other.

"Anyway, unlike last time, the pardon's final once it's decided. The president's the one who approves it."

"Yeah. Got it."

"And make sure you get Mr. Choi's protection." Before Kang Eun-Gi could say he would be fine with just his younger brothers, I cut him off. "Reverse Entertainment alone won't be enough. If they send tax investigators, prosecutors, and even contract killers after you, you won't last."

Things were different now—Kang Eun-Gi had more to protect. He was the president of Reverse Entertainment and about to become the father of newborn twins. The more he had to protect, the more he needed to be protected. Choi Eun-Tae's help was essential.

In the end, Kang Eun-Gi slowly nodded. "March first. The moment I'm out, I'll meet Chairman Choi."

Normally, special pardons were released on weekdays. But because the announcement for this March 1st pardon came late, he would be coming out on March 1 itself.

"Alright. Then that day, let's meet right at Mr. Chairman's house."

"Got it."

While we were talking, the bell signaling the end of visitation rang.

Buzz~

"Then I'll go get ready.

Oh

, and I'll find my own way to keep you safe. Okay?"

"Alright. I'll do as you say. But..."

"But?"

"Can't you come over to us now?"

"Come over?"

"To Reverse Entertainment. It's where I am, where our younger brothers are, and our families too."

"..."

"You've grown Reverse Entertainment all this time because you were worried about Soo-Chan and the guys. So from now on, just come work with us entirely. Then I'll do whatever you tell me. Okay?"

As a brother and a friend, Kang Eun-Gi's request hit me in the chest. But I couldn't.

"Eun-Gi, even if we fought and didn't see each other, I've never thought of you as anything but family. And our younger brothers are a family I'll protect for life. But..."

"But?"

"Hoop is family to me too. I can't just leave my family behind."

Now there were my own people in Division Jung. I also had the ones at Hoop Entertainment who were counting on me and who I counted on, including Kang Gam-Chan and Kang Ji-Yung. These were people who supported and relied on me.

Just like Kang Eun-Gi had found a new family, I had too, and I couldn't leave them to go back to Reverse Entertainment.

Kang Eun-Gi looked at me quietly, then let out a deep sigh. "I should've found you a little earlier..."

He seemed to regret making peace and finding me so late.

"I'll keep helping you like I am now, so don't be too disappointed. Anyway, get ready for your release. I'll talk to Soo-Chan and Mr. Choi."

"Okay."

We bumped fists, and I left the visitation room.

Clunk.

As the sound of the door closing echoed, I thought quietly to myself.

'

Choi Man-Sik. Park Sang-Ah. Park Sang-Gon. No matter what you plot, it's not going to go your way

.'

The share war centered around Hoop Entertainment, the succession battle for control of the Myeongdong loan market after Choi Eun-Tae, and above all, the happiness and success of my celebrities—I wasn't about to let them take any of it.

This life, I was going to protect what is mine.

***

In the living room of Park Sang-Ah's house, she was on the phone with Choi Man-Sik in Japan.

"I just confirmed it with my dad. Kang Eun-Gi is getting out on a pardon on March 1."

-Alright. Then let's call the last mistake settled with this.

"You're not even going to apologize? We agreed not to touch each other's dating partners, remember?"

-Yeah, we did. But this time left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd like you to remember that.

"I'll... keep that in mind."

-Good. Make sure you do. And pressure your father to move the wedding up.

"Alright."

Park Sang-Ah's tone was sharp, but her words followed his instructions exactly. That was because Choi Man-Sik had heard the actual audio recording Jung Yoon-Ho sent.

-By the way, does your father know Kang Eun-Gi is Choi Eun-Tae's son?

"Are you crazy? If he found out, do you think he'd just sit still? He'd cut you out and grab Kang Eun-Gi for himself. And... I'd probably be sent to him too."

-

Hahaha

. Your old man can be so cold-blooded. Makes me seem more humane by comparison, doesn't it?

"Stop talking nonsense and think about what excuse you're going to use for Kang Eun-Gi. My dad's really suspicious right now."

-Alright. Leave that to me. But how did you get around for Jung Yoon-Ho to dig up all your dirt?

"How should I know?!"

-

Hahaha.

You know, you're at your most charming when your true colors come out.

"Cut the crap and just get out of there already!"

-I'm working on it. Anyway, once Kang Eun-Gi is dealt with, clean up the rest, alright? I'm hanging up.

Click.

The moment Choi Man-Sik hung up, she hurled her phone.

Crash.

As the device shattered, Park Sang-Ah began grinding her teeth.

"Jung Yoon-Ho... because of you... I..."

Having to follow Choi Man-Sik's orders because of Jung Yoon-Ho was deeply humiliating. She wanted to drag him in right now and deal with him, but she couldn't. After all, that man knew every one of her dirty secrets.

"Jung Yoon-Ho... just what... are you?"

The unanswered question echoed coldly through Park Sang-Ah's living room.

***

After leaving the visitation room, I explained that Kang Eun-Gi and I had spoken privately about reconciling with Choi Eun-Tae.

"He said he'll go to Mr. Chairman's home as soon as he's out."

My mother's and Lee Yeon-Sil's faces brightened. In an instant, they began bustling about, talking about all the things that needed to be prepared. Tomorrow's visitation was no longer possible, but with the release only the day after tomorrow, the disappointment was easy to hide.

"Then you two should go to the hospital first. I think I should visit Mr. Chairman's place."

Mom and Lee Yeon-Sil agreed and headed to the hospital with Lee Soo-Chan.

At that moment, I called Prosecutor Seo Jae-Ill. He had just heard the situation and gave me his assessment.

-It's likely Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon personally arranged Kang Eun-Gi's pardon.

Considering how quietly this had been handled, there was no one else it could be. Still, since a confrontation was inevitable, I accepted it without hesitation.

Then Seo Jae-Ill continued.

-Also, do you remember that police officer who was arrested in Busan?

One of the three officers stationed outside Kang Eun-Gi's hospital room had been arrested for illegal gambling.

"Yes."

-He says the orders came from Park Sang-Ah.

'

Finally, a lead

.'

It seemed Park Sang-Gon's daughter had done Choi Man-Sik's bidding.

"Then can we press charges immediately?" I asked.

-No. He says he'd commit perjury if called to testify.

"What?"

-As long as Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon holds power, he's afraid he'll be killed.

Park Sang-Gon had previously passed the blame for his slush fund to his secretary, and that secretary had attempted suicide. Knowing that, Seo Jae-Ill said there was no way he would testify. He might as well be signing his own death warrant.

-I'm trying to persuade him, but I wanted you to be aware of it.

So it was a card I could only play if Park Sang-Gon fell from power. It was frustrating not to use it now, but if the chance came, it could close the matter for good.

'

Alright. Let's take it step by step.

'

I thanked Seo Jae-Ill and ended the call.

For now, keeping Kang Eun-Gi safe was the priority.

***

I arrived at Choi Eun-Tae's Myeongdong house.

When Choi Eun-Tae first heard Kang Eun-Gi was being pardoned, he smiled brightly. But once he learned the pardon was meant to get his son out so they could kill him, his face quickly hardened.

"Those bastards dare target my son..."

A sharp and murderous aura radiated from Choi Eun-Tae as if he could strike Park Sang-Gon down with a sword right now.

"Mr. Chairman, please, calm down."

His voice roared like a furnace chimney. "Calm down? How can I calm down when my son might be dead the day he gets out?"

However, I didn't feed into his anger. This wasn't a problem rage could solve.

"I have one way to protect Eun-Gi."

"What... what is it?"

I began explaining a clever plan to keep Kang Eun-Gi safe.