Grabbing Him by the Collar
***
The southern end of Banpo Bridge. Min-ho and Choi were sipping coffee while enjoying the cool Han River breeze. Choi stared fixedly at the riverbank, his brow deeply furrowed. He knew Min-ho's plan, but parts of it were still hard to swallow.
Min-ho glanced sideways at him and chuckled. "What's got you frowning at the river like that? Another worry?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"You're the first person I've seen scowling at the river like that. If you're curious, just ask. I'll answer."
Choi set down his coffee hastily, as if he'd been waiting for the invitation. "Using Executive Seo is a solid approach. But President Kang Myeong-seon has to accept the proposal. I'm skeptical about that part."
"I think it's possible."
"Even as the youngest president, few people could decide on 100 billion won so lightly."
Min-ho patted Choi's shoulder and continued. "That's the view of an ordinary person. The royal family thinks differently."
"Pardon? You mean they'd invest 100 billion without much hesitation?"
"Grandpa's got their back. With that safety net, they don't overthink the risks—especially with Auntie's personality. I guarantee she'll bite this bait."
It was incomprehensible to Choi. "I'm not doubting you, young master. I just can't be sure about President Kang Myeong-seon."
"Auntie's pacing like a caged tiger, flustered and desperate. Putting a tail on her says it all. She's in a spot where she'll grab at anything right now."
"Understood. Looks like Executive Seo just arrived."
Seo was stepping out of his car and walking over. He tried to keep a calm expression, but his mind was more tangled than ever.
Why does he want to meet me... and at a crowded spot like the Han River...?
Min-ho's sudden invitation clearly meant something was up, though he couldn't guess what.
As his prey arrived on cue, Min-ho brushed off his backside and stood with a grin. "Long time no see, Executive."
"Well, if it isn't our own Lee Min-ho, the deputy manager."
"I've been at Credit Info long enough that you should call me director now, right?"
"Director? Nah, when it's just us, keep it casual. It's fine."
Min-ho's feelings toward Seo weren't exactly warm. He lobbed a joke laced with barbs. "When I was in the collections team, I recovered billions, you know. Without me, you'd have made executive by now."
Normally, Seo would have exploded in rage at such a jab, foam at the mouth. But Min-ho wasn't just any employee—he was royalty. Even as Min-ho scraped at his pride, Seo barely held onto his smile.
"Those stories from your rookie days are still legendary, Lee Min-ho. I owed you a proper thank-you meal, but somehow the timing got away from me."
"No need. I don't want a freebie anyway."
"If you think of something you crave, just say the word anytime."
"I can say with certainty that day will never come."
Uncharacteristically, Min-ho was coming across aggressive. To lighten the mood, Choi handed Seo a prepared beverage. "Director, have some juice."
"Sure thing. How'd you know I like grape? This'll hit the spot."
Min-ho itched to deck him right then, but there was no need to rush. Staring at the repulsive face, he spoke up. "Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Flattering people got you that far, but now there's an empty chair in sight, and the greed's kicking in. Right?"
Caught off-guard by the direct hit, Seo masked his shock with an exaggerated laugh. "Deputy Lee, aren't you overestimating me? I'm grateful just for an executive spot."
"You're probably dreaming of vice president. Did I nail it?"
"Beats me. I have no idea what you're getting at."
"Then I'll make it clear. I'll show you."
Min-ho snapped his fingers toward the car. The rear door slowly opened.
"Who's dragging their feet like this?"
Out stepped none other than Employee Park Dong-min. Undeniable proof that Min-ho knew everything. It meant all the reports had been cut off from the top.
Seo had tailed him, only to get burned in return. Now facing Min-ho and Park, he froze, speechless. The smirk vanished from his face long ago, his dark complexion turning ashen. His heart plummeted. No thoughts came. A chill wind blew off the river, but it couldn't cool the cold sweat trickling down his spine.
"My gift to you—how do you like it?"
"How... how is Park here...?"
Min-ho nodded. Choi fetched a pair of tongs from the trunk.
"Deputy Lee, hear me out—it's like this, actually..."
Min-ho took the tongs and spoke. "Grandpa used these to make people dig up their own land. They'd dig down to their ankles, begging for mercy, and that's when he'd give the final deadline and collect. You know the story, right?"
"Yeah, I know... but this is, how did..."
"I don't need your money back, and I don't care to hear excuses. These'll make you dig your own grave. Got any good ones ready?"
"Let's put that down and talk. There must be a misunderstanding..."
"Misunderstanding? Sure, shit happens. And then?"
"Actually..."
No excuse would fly. He racked his brain for survival, but there was no escape. One path remained. Seo dropped to his knees, pleading desperately. "Lee Min-ho—no, Young Master Kang Min-ho. I've committed a mortal sin."
"Come on, Executive Seo, don't embarrass yourself. Get up. If groveling fixed things, it'd be done already. Right?"
"Uh... yeah, right."
Unable to hide his fluster, Seo scrambled to his feet. Thick sweat beaded on his forehead.
"How much do you know?"
"Huh? Know what...?"
"How far did your reports to Auntie go?"
Min-ho knew full well but checked once more.
"Athena building visits, drinking and partying—that's it."
"Can I believe you?"
"I... swear it. Stake my life on it. Just trust me once."
Min-ho tapped the tongs on the ground as he circled Seo. "You picked the wrong target. Slap some roadside grass on your neck, and you think you're a lion?"
"No, that's not what I..."
"What if I tell Grandpa?"
"Deputy... just hear me out..."
He knew Chairman Kang's history—this was no idle threat. Pure terror for Seo. His legs began to tremble.
Min-ho gripped his shoulder. "You're too valuable to waste like this. That's why I'm offering one chance. What do you say?"
"Of course! Anything—whatever it is, I'll do it."
"Can I trust that?"
Seo nodded frantically, eyes pleading. "Just trust me once."
Min-ho showed him notes on investment opportunities. "What do you think? Discount rate and interest look juicy. Auntie won't resist—especially from someone like Branch Manager Gwak Hee-do."
"Really...? 100 billion at 20%?"
"Yep. Just came from confirming it. But it needs 100 billion moved at once."
Shock plain on his face, the snake-like Seo whipped out a calculator. Reliable source, solid returns. Handing it off instead of investing himself meant diverting President Kang Myeong-seon's attention.
This'll shift her focus... Not a bad deal for me.
Grinning obsequiously, he asked, "One promise."
"Shoot."
"If this goes through, it's all forgotten, right?"
"Absolutely. I'll toss these tongs in the Han River. Promise. Choi's here, Park too—no worries."
"Given the amount, I'll confirm within a week."
Min-ho shook his head, flashing three fingers. "I'm not patient. Three days for results. If Auntie passes, you'll see me again."
"Ah... got it. Don't worry."
Min-ho eyed him steadily, then reached for Park. Park handed over the 30,000 won from Seo.
"This isn't kid stuff. Your mom's sick—30,000 won?"
"I didn't mean it like..."
"Forget it. No lame excuses needed."
Min-ho stuffed the money back in Seo's pocket. "You're soaked in sweat. Hit a sauna on the way, grab some kkukbap, cab if there's change."
"Yeah, thanks. I'll put it to good use."
"Go on. Deadline's three days."
Watching Seo scamper off, Choi said, "Can't trust him. You sure this'll work?"
"Definitely. To loosen the noose around his neck, he'll make it happen."
***
Kang Jin-gwang puffed on his pipe, eyeing the calendar on the Seongbuk-dong wall. He nodded to Butler Moon. "Tomorrow's the day with Dong-il, right?"
"Yes. Shall I prepare the funds this evening?"
"How's the car prep?"
"Contacted the deputy secretary's office—no issues."
"Money's no problem... What I'm wondering is that kid Min-ho's mouth. What'll he propose? Can't pin it down."
Butler Moon couldn't read Min-ho either. "Perhaps something on national projects, if I may venture."
"That fox with a hundred tails? Hand over this cash for that? He'd have set it up from the start if so."
"Honestly, no clue what card the young master will play."
Kang Jin-gwang felt the same. No predicting Min-ho's pitch to the presidential candidate.
"Even my own flesh and blood—sometimes I can't fathom what's in his head."
"I'll call later."
"Nah. If Min-ho said it, he'd have spilled already."
"Expecting another shocker?"
Even in frustration, Min-ho's name brought a satisfied smile. "That's his specialty. Yanking hearts around—pure thrill. Fun to watch, too."
He popped a piece of yukhoe in his mouth, rinsed with soju, then continued. "Dong-gyun must be uneasy. Any friction with you?"
His greed had birthed a warped power structure. Undeniably, Butler Moon was Group No. 2—handling major matters, effectively commanding the secretary's office. His four children, including Kang Du-seong, resented it, as did current Chief Secretary Jeong Dong-gyun.
Meant to keep Moon close out of favor, but it backfired. Kang Du-seong timing visits when he was out; Jeong glaring at Moon. Misunderstandings piling up.
Despite it all, Moon never complained. Admirable, yet Kang felt guilty.
"Always braced for clashes. But that's personal. I'll handle any issues myself."
"This old man's making trouble for you. It nags at me sometimes."
"No, it's fine."
"Need help, just say."
Kang nodded, rose, and headed to his study. Moments later, he handed Moon a keyring. "Only you and I can open the safe, right?"
"Yes."
Puffing his pipe, Kang dropped a loaded remark. "Just in case... if I suddenly kick the bucket, toss the shell to them and give the safe key to Min-ho."
"Chairman, too early for such talk."
"You never know. Remember that."
"Understood. Time to start."
Butler Moon drew all curtains, locked every door from gate to entrance. Then down to the basement.
A wide passage led to a door. Unlock, turn, pass. Ten times over.
Finally, a massive round safe appeared. Keys in sequence, password, crank the handle right.
A heavy thud—the safe yawned open. Stacks of cash and gold bars gleamed, untouched for ages.
This was Kang Jin-gwang's power source. Confirming, Moon headed via passage to the underground garage. Secretary staff waited.
He nodded. "Begin operations now."