Episode 174: Bolt from the Blue
***
Soseonjae.
To tail Kang Min-ho, Secretary General Jeong Dong-gyun had visited early that morning. Stepping out of his car, he stretched and muttered to himself.
"If I can just tie Gu Eun-chae down... I'll get rid of that thorn in my side, and from then on, my life's a smooth highway."
Having latched onto Kang Du-seong's lifeline, Jeong was dreaming sweet dreams. Of course, it was a rotten lifeline, and one that would never come true as long as Min-ho existed.
Just then, Eun-chae pulled up and got out of her car.
"Oh my, Secretary Jeong! What brings you here at this hour?"
"Just came by to see your face, President Gu."
"I told you before—older married men? Even a truckload won't change my no."
"I'll keep both eyes wide open and watch. See who you end up marrying."
"As long as the wedding gift's generous, sure."
Jeong knew full well that the place didn't open until noon, so his visit meant something else entirely. Eun-chae crossed her arms, her expression impish.
"If you're here to beg for a meeting with a gift, I'll politely decline. No need to waste each other's time, right?"
"No tree won't fall after ten chops."
"If the axe's dull and the tree's over a century old, ten chops won't do squat."
"Can't win with words, as always."
"Jokes aside, what's the real business?"
With dark intentions brewing, Jeong flashed a sleazy grin.
"Can't we chat over a cup of tea?"
"I never let customers in before opening. Come back this afternoon, or not."
Jeong pondered long and hard, then finally spoke.
"Straight to the point—one question. You know who Kang Min-ho is, right?"
It was an out-of-left-field question, but knowing gunfire had echoed through JK Group, Eun-chae stayed cool and collected.
"Do you have any idea how many people come through here? Common name too—I really don't know who you mean."
"Your acting's improved. Almost had me fooled. Amazing spot."
"Tell me his company, age, something. This isn't looking for Kim from Seoul Station."
"Come on. Our JK Group's Young Master Kang Min-ho. You know him."
"Young Master? You mean he's Chairman Kang's grandson?"
Half-sucked in by her performance, Jeong pressed on uncertainly.
"You're sharp—you really didn't know?"
"He's never said a word to me. A few nods, that's it. So standoffish."
"Fair enough... Our young master's like that. Didn't think he'd ice you too."
"Anyway, what's got you curious?"
"Heard he met with Minister Yuk recently. True?"
No matter how much of a puppet Jeong was, he sat at the info hub of JK Group. Half-baked lies would only fuel suspicion. Eun-chae played along just enough.
"Yeah, true. Why? Something up?"
"Can't say details for security, but do you know what they talked about?"
"You know I don't go into that room."
"Still, you must've overheard something outside. Their faces, eyes, whatever."
"You know my situation. I don't want to get involved, and I'm not curious."
"No scraps falling your way, no need to cooperate... Fine, how about this?"
He'd known prying her mouth open wouldn't be easy, so he'd come prepared. Flashing a vile smile, Jeong said,
"Your mother's death... might get reopened. Unofficially, of course."
He'd nailed her weak spot, flicking his repulsive tongue. Truth was, Eun-chae didn't care who became JK Group's heir. Her goal was finding her birth mother's killer. Long son with the bank: Du-seong. Hidden real owner running Athena: Min-ho. Caught in their war, she closed her eyes briefly, weighing options.
This one choice could get her what she wanted—or lose it forever.
The deliberation didn't last long. With a soft sigh, Eun-chae replied,
"I need to know whose side you're on before I decide."
"You know, and still checking?"
"If I know something, I'll tell you. No promise on reopening the case needed."
"Sounds like you're just dipping a toe in."
"I don't care what's going on at JK Group. Don't want to butt in."
"Gotta keep it gray enough for you to scrape by. Feed me good info now and then—who knows? Might make you a founding hero later. Let's leave it there."
"You're quick on the uptake—easy talking to you. Take care."
Watching his car pull away, she muttered to herself,
"Big boss must be desperate, coming all the way here. Too bad—I've already bet on the other side..."
Heading to her office, Eun-chae grabbed the receiver.
"Min-ho, it's Eun-chae. Jeong's sniffing around."
***
Chairman Kang sat in the back seat, heading to his destination. Moon Sang-oh, driving for security, glanced at him via the rearview.
Kang flashed a hearty laugh and broached the subject casually.
"No need to hold back—spit it out if you've got something to say."
After a pause, Moon replied,
"Do you predict they'll play the financial real-name system card from Hyoja-dong, as Young Master suggested?"
"Even if the government doesn't, it'll have to happen someday. Min-ho's got a point, and prepping early can't hurt."
"Understood."
"But why ask suddenly? Not doubting Min-ho, I hope."
"Whenever Young Master shows that insight, it always comes true soon after. Thought it might this time too."
On hearing of his grandson, the grandfather barely kept his rising smile in check.
"True. Once or twice is coincidence, but every time that boy pulls it off, even I get shocked inside—though I don't show it."
"Considering President Kim's tendencies, I agree it's likely."
"Scrambling after trouble hits is a headache, and money flows out. Better to prepare like Min-ho says."
"Understood. We've arrived, Chairman."
Kang's destination was none other than JK Mutual Savings Bank, where Du-seong worked. He stepped inside.
Already a celebrity, customers eyed him curiously. Staff, mid-reports, jumped up and greeted loudly.
-Chairman! Good day, sir?
"My ears are still sharp. No need to shout."
-Sorry!
He approached the counter, smiling brightly and offering a handshake.
"You're too serious—it's unhealthy. How's the second kid? Growing like a weed?"
-Pardon? Yes, thriving. How did you know?
"Body's failing, but Gwang-seok keeps me posted on you."
He opened his wallet, handing over two checks. To the stunned employee:
"Grab some fried chicken for the kids on your way home."
-No, Chairman, I can't.
"Your wedding years back—wreath and envelope were all I sent. It's bugged me. This makes up for it, late as it is."
-Thank you, sir.
Patting the man's shoulder, he turned. A bob-haired teller bowed politely.
-Chairman, hello!
"Aigoo, if it isn't Se-yeon! Long time no see."
-Feels like months.
"Does, doesn't it? Old age makes legs feel like lead. Anyway, baby fat's gone—you're marriage material now."
-Well... Got married last month.
"Great news, and I missed it. Husband solid?"
-Yes, hardworking and kind.
"A man's top job: diligent, keeps family fed. Amen to that."
Wallet out again, he passed several checks.
"Cement factory chaos last month—I spaced. Late, but congrats from the heart. Live well."
-Your words alone are enough—why this too...
"I picked your resume back then. Eyes sparkling, so pretty and pure. Your kids'll be beauties, no doubt."
-Thank you, Chairman.
"Keep up the good work."
Truth be told, Kang didn't need to know their names. But any face he'd seen once, he remembered—and opened his wallet accordingly. Leaving the thrilled staff, he headed to the president's office.
"Older you get, more you shut your mouth and open your wallet. That's how they welcome this old man with smiles next time."
"Indeed, Chairman."
"Don't miss the kids' weddings or funerals. Small stuff, but memorable for them."
"I'll check all affiliates' staff again. This way to the office."
Moon hurried ahead, knocked lightly, and opened the door. Caught off-guard, Du-seong shot up from his desk.
"Fa... Father..."
"What, face like you've seen a ghost? I show up somewhere off-limits?"
"No, it's just..."
Du-seong snatched the receiver, barking orders.
"Coffee, now."
Kang raised a hand to stop him.
"No need. Not staying long. Sit."
"Yes, Father."
The sudden visit left Du-seong's mind in turmoil. He probed for intent, but drew blanks.
'Why's Father here? Did Jeong screw up?'
Seeing right through his son, the father spoke.
"Simple matter—no need to overthink."
"You could've called; I'd have come to the chairman's office."
"Passing by from the cement plant, favorite eatery's nearby. How's business?"
"JK Card specials sell out nonstop—no issues."
His guilty heart pounded. If Father had decided something, it was over before it began.
Toward his tense son, Father said,
"How many CDs are you managing here?"
"Forty big ones."
"Four hundred billion..."
"Why ask suddenly? Something wrong?"
Min-ho's pitch to Kang had aimed here. With real-name system looming, slush funds had to go overseas. Du-seong's chunk—the biggest domestic—was no exception. His rebellion plot, using that cash, crumbled on Father's word. Or precisely, Min-ho's scheme had severed both arms.
The bolt from the blue issued from Father's mouth.
"Move every last one overseas. Sang-oh'll handle the rest."
The ploy hit dead center. Min-ho claimed victory without a fight.