The Scoundrel Himself
"It seems like since my opponent was an amateur, I unintentionally let my guard down a bit. That thought might have loomed a little large. But one thing's for sure—our chairman has pro-level skills. I can say that with absolute certainty."
"Ah, so you got careless?"
"When he played 3-3 at the start, I felt myself relax a little. Oh, he's tense, I thought. Playing defensively. Guess I can push a bit harder. That mindset probably snowballed into the bigger problem overall."
"So when did you feel most caught off guard?"
"Uh... the early cut into the bottom-left corner hit me like a shock."
"That wasn't an obvious move, was it?"
"Right. It's not easy to spot, and even if you do, the follow-up is so densely woven that even pro knights usually connect rather than cut. But he boldly severed it anyway."
"After that, Chairman Goyeongman launched a fierce counterattack. What was going through your mind then?"
"Well... once the momentum shifts, scrambling for countermeasures is pure agony. Plus, with the amateur mindset lingering, you're constantly second-guessing yourself inside: Is this right?"
"Ah, so you lost focus."
"Less lost focus, more like I fell for some smokescreen tactic... haha. He's no amateur."
In the follow-up interview, Jo Gi-han 9-dan gave his assessment of Grandfather's skills. It sounded a bit like excuses—claiming he'd gotten careless—but honestly, it rang true. Even if Han Guk-young, the Go master ghost who'd dominated the Go world as a legend among legends, was possessing the board, 50 years had passed. Beating the current top pro in a serious match straight-up would still be a stretch.
Hard not to get careless against an amateur. Pros wouldn't lose to an amateur even after slacking off big time. In that sense, the ripple effects of this were going to be massive. Especially in the Go world.
The dominant CEO of Asia's top conglomerate debuts as a pro Go player... Unimaginable scenario. Can't wait to see what blows up next.
I had no idea what he'd do next, but if he was serious about this and jumped into pro leagues, domestic tournaments, or world championships, it'd be hilarious.
"Eh... I'd already scouted it out."
"Oh, really?"
"Too good to pass up watching, so I proposed it to the chairman myself. There's this system—why not leverage it for a pro debut?"
"Wait, you suggested it first?"
"Of course, of course. I brought it up. Begged on my knees."
"I see."
"For the growth of our Go world, we need fresh talent like the chairman. The buzz from Asia's top group head joining as a pro? Irresistible."
"I wouldn't be able to resist either."
After Jo Gi-han 9-dan's interview came the Go Association president's, then Grandfather's. All pretty standard stuff—kinda boring. But when Grandfather mentioned me directly, saying he'd always loved Go but the board I gifted sparked this challenge, I felt a swell of pride. Genuine passion's what matters, right? That's family for you. Kinda weird feeling.
Feeling family love from the world's most evil conglomerate...
Ridiculous, but fun. Shouldn't let my guard down, yet whenever this family gathers, the tension melts away.
...Snap out of it, Gomuyeol.
I kept telling myself that... but something kept seeping in.
All the events wrapped up. Grandfather, on recommendations from Jo Gi-han 9-dan, the Go Association president, vice president, and others, was admitted as a special talent pro player.
From now on, in Go circles, he'd be Go Yeong-man 1-dan, not Chairman Goyeongman. Bet that's the title he prefers.
Grandfather clutched the Go board all the way back to Taeyang Palace. Dude really loves the game.
"Dad, when did you get this good at Go?"
On the way to dinner, Gominyoung asked. Everyone else seemed skeptical and curious too, eyes on Grandfather.
"When? Through steady effort, of course! You think skill falls from the sky?"
"Still, pro level? Unbelievable. You, a pro Go player?"
"Well..."
Grandfather trailed off. Figured—not 100% his own skill. No way an amateur beats a pro clean. Had to be Han Guk-young's help.
"Ahem, I had no idea either. I just played diligently, never dreamed it'd sharpen this much."
"Then what made you hold this event today?"
"That... all thanks to our Mu-yeol."
Me?
"The board from my grandson woke my dream. 'Go Yeong-man, your true calling is Go!' So I challenged it, sink or swim. Satisfied?"
"..."
Aunts looked dubious. But if he says so, what can you argue? Unless Han Guk-young's ghost popped out right here.
Meanwhile, as the adults chatted, our rivals started bickering again.
"Ugh, thought I'd die of boredom."
"Figures. No patience, must've been torture."
"Ain't about patience—Go's just fucking boring."
"Wanna tell Grandpa that?"
"Fuck off, you tiny-titted bitch—gonna snitch like a loser?"
"Who's tiny?"
They look brain-dead.
So peaceful, so harmonious. No high-level schemes or political bullshit. Like Chuseok, the cognitive dissonance hit hard—this family was too tight-knit.
Do blood relatives really bond like this?
Maybe they did...
"Mu-yeol, anything you want?"
At dinner, Grandfather brought it up again. He'd said the same when I gave him the board—second time now. Must think highly of me.
But nothing specific comes to mind...
Desires come from hurdles, but everything was smooth sailing. Turned 75 billion into 1.6 trillion effortlessly—no need to beg Grandpa.
Better play it humble, butter him up. He'd pay interest later, bigger payout. Probably.
"Grandpa, I wanna grow on my own first."
"Hm?"
"Decided to live for real—wanna see my limits, clash head-on. Already got plenty."
"Hoho, what a fine lad—always the right words!"
Grandfather roared with laughter. Aunts gazed fondly.
"That's the spirit for a man!"
He beamed proudly, slapping the table.
"But kid, save my face—don't flat-out refuse."
No real argument there... nothing popped up. Hmm. But pushed this far, might as well ask for something. Money? I make my own. Real need? Power plays.
Two ops tied to public authority: Inaeun's special prosecutor for agency hunts, and Namdong Industrial Complex development bribes.
Slower one's Namdong—land not bought, need city perks post-showdown.
But for immediate big win... Namdong. Except...
I can persuade the city easy—mutual gain. But special prosecutor? Different.
Wanted Inaeun's probe permanent. Insane power: summary execution authority. But time-limited, topic-specific. Max 100 days legally, can't swing freely. Ignore law? Too much noise already—prosecutors would disband it.
To make permanent, expand scope: reform the system. Way harder than city persuasion.
So, Grandpa favor: permanent Inaeun special prosecutor, broader use!
Ideal: standalone Permanent Special Prosecution Office, judges included. Then I'd own Incheon's judiciary slice.
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Grandpa, make special prosecutors permanent."
"Huh? Special prosecutors?"
"Yeah. Set up a permanent one in Incheon—my prosecutors."
Laid out my blueprint. Grandfather chuckled.
"You... want Incheon, huh?"
"..."
"Got it. I'll push a bill through their assembly."
"!! Thank you, Grandpa."
Grandfather summoned Chief of Staff Jeong, issued orders. Jeong's team would flesh out my vision, deliver to Incheon council. Laws amended, new ones made, agency built—take time. But greenlit? Jackpot.
"Oh, and rebuild Mu-yeol's secretary office."
"Yes, Chairman."