Chapter 178: The Scars
[Waves of controversy are surging over claims that JK Group heir Kang Min-ho used Gu Eun-chae to bribe politicians.]
[According to the first report by Myeongjin Ilbo, it's known that he handed bribes to Kim Cheol-yong, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, to scrap the large mart regulations bill.]
The reporters at Myeongjin Ilbo, which had broken the exclusive story, were grinning from ear to ear.
The Times, owned by Min-ho, and Semin Newspaper, an affiliate of JK Group, dominated the top two spots in domestic media circulation.
These two outlets wielded immense influence, practically dictating public opinion.
If they played this opportunity right, the credibility of those two papers would plummet, and Myeongjin Ilbo—which had been lurking for a chance—would leapfrog ahead. That was their calculation.
Even knowing full well how provoking Chairman Kang would backfire, Myeongjin Ilbo had made this call for good reason.
Keep pumping out exclusive scoops, and circulation would soar alongside ad revenue—it was a no-brainer.
Editor-in-Chief Sim Jae-min, who had grabbed the remote and switched off the TV, flashed a satisfied smile. "At this rate, that rootless Times will wobble, Chairman Kang will flounder... and we might just claim that spot. Don't you think?"
Yang Do-cheol, the deputy editor who had received the documents in a Euljiro alleyway, replied with a sly grin. "JK Group heir, plus Soseonjae, plus the Judiciary Committee—it's one stone, three birds. Factor in Myeongjin Ilbo, and it's practically one stone, four birds."
"This is like blowing your nose without using your hands. You've earned a huge merit this time, Deputy Yang."
"No, sir. You're too kind."
"Always so humble. Times like this, you can afford to puff out your chest a bit."
Editor-in-Chief Sim patted Deputy Yang's shoulder. "What's the reaction from Judiciary Committee Chairman Kim Cheol-yong?"
"Just got a call—he's gone into seclusion."
"Holed up like a bear cub for hibernation? Sounds like he's zipping his lips and saying nothing. But the world doesn't bend to his whims..."
"Exactly."
"We've done our part. Now let's sit back and enjoy the fruits. How about grabbing some lunch?"
Myeongjin Ilbo brimmed with leisure and laughter.
Meanwhile, at the same time, Lawyer Choi and President Jo Dong-uk—rushing to Soseonjae on Min-ho's orders—wore faces etched with tension.
Lawyer Choi, gripping the wheel, let out a sigh. "I never expected them to stoop this low."
"That's how this game works. Old trick, but damn effective."
"Still, I trust the young master. He's always made the right calls, and I believe he'll do so again."
"I thought I knew the reporter ropes, but dragging President Gu Eun-chae into it like dried mackerel? Didn't see that coming."
Their car pulled up near Soseonjae. An army of reporters had already staked out the place.
No way through that mob.
Lawyer Choi slammed on the brakes and scanned the surroundings. "This many... no gap to squeeze through..."
Unlike President Jo, who just sighed, Lawyer Choi pondered intently, then sprang up from the driver's seat. "The young master would handle it like this."
"What do you mean all of a sudden?"
"Move the car behind that hill and wait there."
"Pardon? You'd have to hike over that little mountain... What about President Gu?"
"I'll carry her if I have to. Let's go."
"Alright, we'll do that."
Lawyer Choi crouched low and approached Soseonjae. He vaulted the empty back wall and slipped inside.
A startled employee gaped at him. "La... Lawyer Choi?"
"Where's President Gu?"
"She's... sorry, I can't say."
"Time's critical. Can't you even tell friend from foe?"
"In the back room of the office."
Lawyer Choi headed straight there. He opened the door, and she jumped, staring in fright. Fear filled her eyes.
***
"Come with me."
"Wh... where?"
"The young master is waiting."
"Ah... no. I'm not going. Absolutely not."
"Stay here, and Soseonjae shuts down. You'll be branded a lobbyist. Still not coming?"
The usually sharp and bold Eun-chae was different now. For good reason.
Her mother had died in a suspicious accident after getting tangled in a political scandal. Now she was caught in one too. It felt identical.
Her mother's death weighed heavy in her heart, plenty to spark terror.
Huddled in the corner, eyes brimming with dread, she embodied it all.
Pushing hard here would backfire. Lawyer Choi began calmly persuading her.
"I know why you're scared. But what does hiding solve?"
"It's not even true. I'll do nothing and wait for Min-ho to run a rebuttal."
"It's not that simple."
Frustrated, Eun-chae shrieked at the top of her lungs. "Then what do you want me to do?!"
"Reporters will breach this place any minute. I've got a car waiting out back. We'll head to Athena, and I'll explain everything."
"Tell me first."
More reporters swarmed. If Athena's back gate got clogged too, they were done.
Not knowing Min-ho's plan, Lawyer Choi had to be honest. "Truth is, I don't know."
"You're joking right now? In this mess?"
"I don't, but the young master has a solution for sure."
Time slipped away fruitlessly, no persuasion tools left. Lawyer Choi was just as anxious.
He cracked the door, peeking out. Even more reporters in minutes.
He extended his hand. "This is your only chance. Come with me, or sit here and get labeled a lobbyist. Your call—no forcing you."
Political scandal. Mother's death. It matched her situation perfectly. PTSD.
Eun-chae just shook her head, face frozen in terror. "I... I'm not going... Feels like I'll die like Mom... How could I face her if I die too?"
Leave her, and she'd spiral out of control. Rumors would explode; reporters would swarm like piranhas.
Lawyer Choi sighed, organizing his thoughts. If it were the young master... how would he handle this?
As he sighed in frustration, the door burst open. Min-ho appeared.
Lawyer Choi jumped. "Young master! How did you get here?"
Removing his sunglasses and hat for disguise, Min-ho said, "A cargo truck was coming in just in time. Hid in the back."
"Too dangerous here. Let's get you to Yeouido."
Min-ho eyed Eun-chae, still huddled in terror. "Scared?"
"Can't say I'm not."
"Never thought I'd see Eun-chae like this."
"Joking at a time like this?"
Min-ho had foreseen it all. He approached, patting her shoulder. "Your mom's case is on your mind, right?"
"........."
"Think I'd come here without a plan?"
"Then why are you here?"
"To take you with me—that's how we fix this."
"We can do it here. Reporters out front, and I didn't bribe anyone—it's fact."
"Facing them with no evidence or witnesses? Like taking on a tiger barehanded. Sucks, but no choice."
It was her first chaotic ordeal. Tears welled as she said, "If I go to Athena, it really gets solved?"
"Why else would I risk coming here? Promise: go, and it's all handled."
"And if I don't...?"
"No solution, and it just worsens for you."
Sitting idly solved nothing. Eun-chae trusted only Min-ho.
He smiled, extending his hand. She peeked up without moving. "You really have a fix?"
"Of course. No time—reporters incoming."
Finally, she took his hand and stood. "Okay. I'll trust you, Min-ho."
***
JK Group headquarters, chairman's office.
[No official response yet from Kang Min-ho, grandson of JK Group and Athena president, regarding the frequent visits by politicians to Soseonjae.]
[If bribes were given to Rep. Choi Cheol-yong, it could spark serious social backlash. A-Mart side...]
Chairman Kang glared fiercely at the news. Unable to contain his rage, he hurled his pipe at the TV with all his might.
Unbearable fury gripped him.
He snatched the TV and smashed it to the floor. "How dare... those rootless scum... put my boy's name in their filthy mouths?"
Chairman Kang's reverse scale wasn't the incalculable wealth or JK Group. It was his dearly beloved grandson, Min-ho.
The media unleashed speculative follow-ups on Min-ho like they'd been waiting. His rage was inevitable.
A shrewd eye might spot the flimsiness, but the public was swept up in the sensational attacks aimed at tarnishing JK and Min-ho.
His breathing grew ragged. Murderous glint in his eyes.
He strode over, yanked the pipe from the TV, and lit it. Smoke billowed, but no calming.
"Who broke it first?"
"Myeongjin Ilbo."
"Gutless rats couldn't pull it solo... Any guesses?"
"Investigating as fast as we can, but can't pinpoint yet."
He knew damn well, but Butler Moon held his tongue.
Staring out the window, hands behind back, Chairman Kang spoke heavily. "Seo Gwang-hun might as well be dead... Sometimes, simplest thinking cuts to the truth."
"Who do you suspect?"
"Who gains most? Probably Du-seong."
An emotional order in his agitation could backfire. Butler Moon ventured carefully. "Chairman, forgive me, but..."
"I know what you'll say. No rash moves—relax."
"My apologies."
"Fine. Anyway, those Myeongjin bastards need crushing so they never crawl back."
"Once it quiets, I'll handle it."
"Good. My head's spinning. Need your help—what's your take?"
After deep thought, Butler Moon spoke cautiously. "This ties President Gu Eun-chae to politicians. Tough to resolve in one go."
"So... you're throwing up your hands too?"
"No, quite the opposite."
"Opposite? You see this as a boon? No angle makes this dung heap a good thing."
"Shift your gaze, and it changes."
Koanish, but Chairman Kang got it instantly, bursting into laughter as he sat. "A fine chance to test escaping the crisis?"
"Precisely. A successor needs growth, sure—but proving how they wriggle out of this matters too."
"Spot on this time. Even if the fox asked, I'd help a hundredfold. No contact yet? Means he's got a clever ploy—or the like."
"Yes."
As Butler Moon said, perfect to test Min-ho's crisis handling and judgment.
Chairman Kang grinned pleasurably, puffing his pipe.