10. The Scoundrel Itself
But seriously, how much does he love Go? I had my doubts, but I never thought he'd actually step up to debut as a pro.... Isn't the Goryeo Group chairman's ass a bit too light on its feet?
"But Aunt, aren't you busy with work?"
- Busy as hell. But when the old man summons me, how can I say no?
"True...."
- Min-ji's on her way back from the sea, too. The psycho big sis who was all hyped up about pirating on an aircraft carrier is heading to Pyongyang.
But can she make it on time? It's pretty far.
"Got it. I'll head to Pyongyang too."
- Yeah. Sorry you have to deal with your immature grandpa.
"What are you talking about? I'm actually thrilled."
- Oh?
"I get to see you, Aunt."
- ....
She went quiet for a moment.
Did it land?
- Really.... You always say the cutest things. Yeah, that makes me happy too. I get to see my nephew.
I couldn't see her, but I could feel a tiny smile forming. It was a spur-of-the-moment line, but it hit home.
I have to turn this aunt into my woman completely if I want to survive.
"See you in Pyongyang, Aunt."
- Yeah. Come safely. We'll meet then.
I ended the call.
"...We're going to Pyongyang?"
"Yeah. Grandpa's gonna become a pro Go player."
"Whoa, that's gotta be because of that Go board from before, right? The haunted one."
"Yep."
The Go board possessed by Master Han Guk-young. Even when it saw me, that ghost was dying to play Go. Now it's stuck to Grandpa, tempting him.
And since Grandpa's always had a huge interest in Go, he just went with it.
I figured he'd just invite some amateurs or pros for occasional games, but going pro for real...
I didn't doubt if he could do it. Sure, Go had advanced over the past 50 years since Master Han Guk-young, but all the game records are preserved, and with the master's talent, he could catch up easily.
What if... Grandpa ends up winning international tournaments??
The most comedic scenario would be our Go Yeong-man totally committing to pro Go, ditching group affairs, and handing the reins to one of the vice presidents.
That'd be prime material for a one-tool dopamine drama.
Even morning soap operas would get flak for that plot, but...
Reality's always crazier than drama.
Who the hell knows what'll happen.
"The drug deal's at midnight tonight, right?"
"Yes."
"Hold it for a sec."
"Pardon? Why? It's at Prestige anyway."
"It just bugs me. You can't let your guard down for a second around all the direct-line family."
The side branches are just toys to mess with however, but the direct line? Totally different league.
Me beating Jeon Seong-hyeon to death despite having jack shit, raping side-branch aunt Min Ji-ah, the Incheon chief prosecutor shoving her asshole at me—all that stems from the 'direct-line' bloodline.
But the other direct-liners? They have that insane blood advantage plus personal wealth and power stacked to the brim.
And with Chairman Go Yeong-man there too? No need to even mention it.
Having everyone together and getting distracted by side shit? That's a total blunder.
"No reports tomorrow. Just make sure it runs smooth and hold everything else."
"Understood. I'll relay it right away."
Sua passed on my orders.
They might flip out over there. The guy insisted on picking the time and place himself, so it's plenty possible.
Might get annoying.
Time to delegate for real.
I need people who can run things without my every command or approval.
Sua's officially Prestige's chief now, so maybe set up a dedicated secretary office for me under her management.
That's what chiefs do anyway.
When Han Kyung-baek was Ko Mu-yeol's closest aide, there was a dedicated secretary office. It got dismantled when he was half-kicked out.
Time to rebuild it. Centered on Im Sua.
Saw the Militaris HQ.... Maybe check out Prestige HQ next? And see our original heroine while I'm at it.
It's been about two months since training started, so she should have some polish by now. Probably shed that awful baggy look hiding her pretty face.
+++
"What?"
Jang Kyung-su, prepping for the deal (ambush), scowled at the sudden news. He clenched his massive left fist tight, venting his frustration.
"They postponed the deal???"
"More precisely, they asked to delay it. Said they have circumstances tonight."
"These motherfuckers have no business ethics! Postponing with hours to go??"
He'd prepped everything for tonight's deal. Pulled in forces from regions, half the guards from drug factories and businesses.
All that cost, for this deal, and now a same-day cancel? Worst kind of nuisance.
"...They didn't catch on, did they? Any leaks?"
"No signs detected yet."
"No signs doesn't mean it's clean."
"Uh.... Isn't it because of Goryeo Group?"
"Goryeo Group?"
Why the hell bring them up out of nowhere?
As Jang Kyung-su scowled, the subordinate hurried on.
"The deal partner's suspected to be Shanghai-based, and Goryeo's pressure lately is insane. Word is, war might break out. If that happens,"
"Their supply lines could get cut."
"Intel says an artificial island left Tianjin for Incheon. Militaris-owned."
"...So they're playing it safe because of Goryeo Group?"
"That's the vibe for now. Ships with smuggled goods have been turning back for days because of that island. Maybe our shipment was on one."
"Tch."
Jang Kyung-su clenched and unclenched his fist repeatedly, then slumped into his chair.
Even with 200,000 police and thousands of gang members, Goryeo Group was untouchable. Touch them, and all his power crumbles.
"You sure it's Shanghai guys?"
"Tracked as you ordered, boss. Lots of traces point there. Some conflicting info fragments, but intel's always messy. Shanghai's the top bet."
Jang Kyung-su drummed the desk with his fist.
"Ask what the fuck's up. Demand a reason. If it's not good enough...."
"...."
He paused.
We're robbing them anyway—what's the point?
There is a point.
"Tell 'em to lower the price. Keeps their suspicions down."
"Yes, boss."
+++
"Discount my ass. Price is fixed. But let them pick date and place next time. And no reports on this anymore. Not till I'm on the Incheon flight."
"Yes, Master."
Late evening, arrived in Pyongyang.
Third visit: possession day, Chuseok, now this.
Geumsu Mountain Sun Palace loomed with its solemn majesty, heavy enough to crush my spirit.
"Welcome, young master."
Followed the servants inside.
Still dazzling as ever, but some changes.
"...Go stones?"
Some of the art filling Sun Palace had been swapped. Not subtly—eye-catchingly so.
And the replacements? Mostly Go-related knick-knacks.
Art, though? Giant Go stones and boards just plopped down?
"Heh."
Looks like the wind's really blowing hard now.
Paid respects to Grandpa.
He laughed huge, welcomed me warmly, hugged me with his rejuvenated body.
Hate being hugged by dudes, but... Goryeo Group's boss, can't help it.
"Thanks to my grandson, life's been a blast lately!"
"That good, Grandpa?"
"Damn right!"
Then just give me one trillion won.
"Know what my original dream was?"
"Uh.... No idea, Grandpa."
"Pro Go player."
"...."
That's it??
"This is my true dream. Life's goal!"
"Happening tomorrow, too."
Grandpa chuckled, stroking the Go board. Still had bloodstains—the master's board.
"Couldn't before.... Go's the fairest yet cruelest game."
He tapped his temple with his index finger.
"If this noggin doesn't keep up, no amount of effort works. Gap between master and noob shows clearest in Go. Winner gets massive honor."
And Grandpa declared:
"Now, I'll reach the top."
"...."
"Grahahahahaha!!!"
Grandpa.... What a hearty laugh.