Handshake
*** JK Credit Info President's Office.
The press attention on JK Group, sharing this historic moment, was tremendous. During the live broadcast of Chairman Kang's press conference, the streets were nearly deserted. One would think she'd feel great with the group thriving, but Myeong-seon's true feelings were the opposite. She stared at the TV with a complicated mix of emotions.
[We at JK Group could never have reached this point without the support of the people. As part of our social contribution efforts, we've decided to sponsor unpopular sports.]
-The rapid distribution of Se-min Newspaper extras and special editions matched Hwang Young-ho's gold medal buzz. Did you plan for all of that?
[Yes. I was certain Hwang Young-ho would win gold, so we prepared the special edition and I flew to Barcelona myself.]
-Hwang Young-ho's race was like a movie. At what point were you sure of victory?
[After the 20km mark, when the Japanese runner started glancing around. That's when I was certain of the gold and ordered distribution.]
Myeong-seon couldn't help but feel puzzled by her father's changed demeanor. Until recently, Chairman Kang had avoided public appearances as a major player in Myeong-dong. He usually responded to interviews in writing or had Butler Mun handle them. Yet here he was, smiling brightly at the press conference.
Her eyes fixed on the TV, but her mind was more tangled than ever. She chewed on her cigarette filter, sorting her thoughts.
"Even with Butler Mun's involvement, a scale like this is impossible... Dad's not one to be swayed..."
Chairman Kang's sudden marathon sponsorship despite no interest in sports. The unexpected acquisition of Se-min Newspaper and his Barcelona trip. Most baffling was preparing extras and specials as if gold was guaranteed.
No matter how she denied it, the truth grew clearer. The only one who could directly influence Chairman Kang's decisions now was Min-ho.
Unlike Du-seong, who mistakenly blamed Butler Mun, Myeong-seon's gaze turned to Min-ho.
"If Min-ho had a hand in this too..."
A primal unease washed over her. If Min-ho had orchestrated this, he'd wield significant influence over the group's future affairs. Chairman Kang's trust in him would be beyond imagination. She'd be left far behind, doing nothing.
Her thoughts spiraled. Min-ho's transformation and growth were her worst nightmare. Impatience turned to anxiety. She couldn't afford to hold back anymore. Staying passive meant falling irreparably behind.
After gnawing her nails for a while, Myeong-seon grabbed the receiver, resolute.
"Yes, President."
"Send up Director Seo."
"Director Seo Gwang-hun?"
Normally she'd laugh it off, but this was serious. Myeong-seon snapped irritably without thinking.
"If you heard me, do it—how many times have I told you not to question?"
"S-sorry..."
"Want me to repeat it? How many times until it sinks in? Should I go open the door and fetch Director Seo myself?"
"I'm sorry, President. I'll call him right away."
Having vented on her secretary unfairly, Myeong-seon slammed the phone down irritably.
Meanwhile, Director Seo Gwang-hun rushed up at her summons. As the elevator doors opened, he hurried toward the secretary's office.
"Secretary Jeong, what's this sudden call?"
"No idea. She's snapping unlike usual, and I don't know why."
"No need to ask about the mood, then."
"It's really bad. Be careful."
"I'll handle it. Ask for two coffees with extra sugar—something sweet might calm her down."
"Yes, Director. Go on in."
Seo arrived at the president's office with quick steps. He knocked twice with both hands, then cautiously entered.
He gauged Myeong-seon's mood first. As the secretary said, her expression was foul. Getting on her bad side meant days of misery. He bowed deeper than usual.
"You called for me, President?"
Myeong-seon nodded curtly instead of replying and pointed to a chair with her finger.
Seo sat quietly and looked at her.
"How's that thing we talked about last time?"
"Yes, President. I've prepared suitable people."
"You're not just anyone, Director Seo... Can I trust you on this?"
"No need to worry. You know using a private investigator risks exposure to headquarters' secretary office."
"Right. Can't underestimate their intel."
"That's why I picked junior agents below deputy level whom Young Master Min-ho wouldn't recognize... Er, Agent Lee Min-ho."
"Even if caught, we can brush it off, right?"
"Exactly. He's on dispatch and hasn't been at the office in ages, so he wouldn't know the new hires' faces."
Myeong-seon exhaled smoke and nodded toward the TV. News of Chairman Kang's conference and JK Group flooded nonstop.
"You've known Min-ho since he was a rookie, right, Director Seo?"
"Yes. Since my days as senior deputy manager."
"Hypothetically... If Min-ho planned what's on the news now, would you believe it?"
Seo glanced at the TV, then answered without hesitation.
"I might be the most objective on this."
"True. You knew him before anyone knew he was family."
"We call good employees smart, clever, sharp. But Young Master was different from the start."
"Different grain? A different level?"
"Yes. His thinking, actions—beyond ordinary people. In a positive way, of course."
Seo recalled his senior deputy days. Myeong-seon couldn't deny Min-ho's brilliance but wanted confirmation from another.
She exhaled a long plume of smoke.
"So, in summary?"
"Entirely possible."
"You agree with me?"
"Yes. If this continues, you won't hold much in your hands, President."
"I know—that's why I'm going this far. Anyway, dodge the secretary office eyes and Min-ho's sharp too, so handle this carefully, got it?"
"Yes, President. And about the funds..."
"Don't worry. Call whatever you need—gotta light a fire under them."
"Understood. I'll bring good news."
***
Leaving the office, Director Seo headed straight to the rooftop. His fate tied to Myeong-seon's, he had to handle this perfectly. Learning Min-ho's whereabouts could arm her.
'Nail this, and my executive path is smooth...'
As he dreamed the impossible, Park Dong-min from collections shouted a greeting upon arriving.
"Hello! Park Dong-min here."
"Doing well?"
"Thought it'd get easier after a year, but collections has too many surprises. Tough."
"You're smart—that's why you're in collections. It'll improve."
"Thank you."
"Park, heard anything about dispatched agent Lee Min-ho?"
Legends of collection god Min-ho spread orally. Mentioning him, Park nodded.
"Our department legend. Even spies would know after a few laps here."
"Yeah, after he cracked that big case, rumors not spreading would be weirder."
Seo patted Park's shoulder, slyly broaching the dirty deal.
"Dong-min, your mom's not well?"
"Yes, hospitalized for years due to health."
"Heard it costs a lot. True?"
"Nearly 300,000 won a month."
"With living expenses and siblings, your salary can't cover it."
"So I serve at a brother's bar after work."
"I can solve that in one go... Wanna try?"
Seo gets intel for his rise; Park gets cash—win-win. But it exploited Park's plight disgustingly, wrapped in a pretty bow.
"Collections work?"
"Way easier. If you agree, details. And the money..."
Seo paused, then spoke.
"We'll cover mom's bills, siblings' tuition, living costs. Promise."
"Me? Really?"
"Who else? You've earned it."
"No, I... What exactly?"
Seo pulled Min-ho's photo from his inner pocket.
"Just report daily where agent Lee Min-ho is, what he's doing, who he meets. Simple."
"Tail him?"
"Don't say it like that. Can't specify, but it's work-related. Decline if you want—plenty of people."
No coincidence targeting cash-strapped Park. Desperation leaves no choice. Seo picked the neediest.
Park knew it was illegal, but with after-hours hustling, no better chance.
After agonizing, he spoke slowly.
"Director, one thing to confirm."
"Ask away."
"The bills and living support... For real?"
"Doubting? Here's 2 million won cash upfront! Enough?"
"Two... 20 million won?"
"Do well, more bonuses, instant promotion."
His monthly 600,000-won grind made 20 million irresistible. Reason gone, he nodded.
"I'll do it."
"Knew you'd choose right. Details in my office."
"Yes."
Thus, Park Dong-min got his special mission. From the next day, he tailed Min-ho.