Chapter 20: Tailwind
***
JK Credit Info President's Office.
A feat no one had accomplished in years had been pulled off by the rookie employee Min-ho. Naturally, the news began spreading through the office like wildfire.
Secretary Nam Si-eun, who had just returned from the legal team with some documents, rushed over to Secretary Jeong in a tizzy.
"Secretary Jeong, I just came back from the legal team, and I heard some totally shocking news!"
"What's got you so worked up?"
"That rookie from last time? They say the credit team flipped out because of him."
Anything involving Min-ho had to be reported to President Kang first—that was Secretary Jeong's job. She confirmed the details with her usual calm demeanor.
"What happened?"
"I heard from Manager Hwang that he went out somewhere and brought back over 100 million won in one go."
"Nah, you must've heard wrong. Even a smart rookie couldn't possibly collect 100 million."
"That's what I heard, anyway. No reason for Manager Hwang to lie to me."
"Alright, let me know if you hear more details."
"Of course."
Having heard the news about Min-ho, Secretary Jeong couldn't just barge into the president's office or she'd be labeled the president's stool pigeon. She headed to the break room for a plausible excuse, tray in hand with a cup of coffee, and made her way naturally to the office.
She knocked softly and entered.
"President, I figured you'd finished yours, so I brought another."
"Oh my, how did I survive without you? Perfect timing—mine's empty. Thanks."
President Kang glanced out through the slightly open door. The secretaries were huddled together like sparrows, chattering away.
"Forgot my rule about focusing on work during these hours already? Or did you all eat crow meat or something?"
"President, that's actually why I used the coffee as an excuse to come in."
"Something more important than work?"
"To me, it's the same as work."
"Looks like something big went down from all the commotion. Spill it."
Secretary Jeong hesitated for a moment before speaking carefully.
"You told me to report anything about employee Lee Min-ho first, right?"
"Yeah, I did. Something happen?"
"No debtor info yet, but the big news is he collected over 100 million won—all of it."
Even President Kang found it hard to believe.
Min-ho collected that money? No way in hell!
It was impossible, no matter how she turned it over in her mind. She tilted her head and asked again.
"I know he went out on a field assignment, but did he maybe grab the wrong intel? Legally speaking, that guy's got no hole to squeeze money out of."
"I'll double-check and let you know."
Just then, someone knocked on the door.
"Secretary Jeong, that's probably Deputy Manager Seo. Let him in."
"Yes, ma'am."
Secretary Jeong opened the door. Standing there wasn't Deputy Manager Seo Gwang-hun, but lawyer Choi Jong-hoon—with a bag full of gold bars in hand.
"No need to call Deputy Manager Seo. You can go now. Good work."
"Yes, President."
The lawyer's timely arrival was a godsend, especially since she was about to verify the facts. President Kang greeted him with a bright smile.
"Rumors without feet were already sprinting from Jeju to the Manchurian plains, and you show up right on time! Long time no see, Lawyer Choi."
"Hello, it's Choi Jong-hoon."
President Kang was floored by how rigidly polite he still was, even after years.
"Whoa, no wonder you're working for my brother—stiff as a board."
"I have something to report."
"Enough greetings. Sit over here."
President Kang still assumed it was exaggerated gossip. She lit a cigarette as she sat on the sofa.
"You probably heard too. The rumors about Min-ho are way too outlandish."
"How much do you know?"
"Something about settling a debt over 100 million. But as you know, that's impossible. Doesn't make sense."
"You think it's impossible?"
"Obviously. I know the situation inside out—that guy's got no legal way to cough up the cash. Anyway, you said you had something to say?"
Even news that would floor President Kang was delivered by Lawyer Choi in his usual flat tone.
"All the rumors you've heard are true, President."
"Huh? What'd you just say, Lawyer Choi?"
"Young Master Min-ho recovered the full 120 million won from So Pan-sik."
When people hear something utterly unrealistic, their brains freeze. President Kang Myeong-seon was no exception. Her mind went blank.
She tilted her head in bewilderment and asked again.
"Uh... you're not messing with me, right?"
"I never joke about work matters."
"So Min-ho really... got the money from that bastard So Pan-sik?"
"Yes. I went to the site myself."
"Uh... how? That's impossible!"
"It's natural not to believe it. I'll show you the proof."
Sometimes one piece of evidence beats a hundred words. Lawyer Choi placed the bag of gold bars on the table.
President Kang reacted just like the credit team.
"You brought 120 million in a bag this small? You expect me to buy that?"
"Yes, President."
"Come on, Lawyer Choi. I grew up playing with stacks of cash while my friends fiddled with rubber bands. You think that much money fits in a tiny bag like this?"
"I'll prove it."
The bag was far too small for 100 million in cash—but perfect for a dozen gold bars. Lawyer Choi unzipped it wide and slid it toward President Kang.
The gold bars inside gleamed.
"Wha... what the hell is all this?"
Even the mighty President Kang Myeong-seon jumped in shock. She shot up from her seat, hand over her mouth.
All she could do was stare blankly at Lawyer Choi's face.
"This is what Young Master Min-ho collected in kind. At today's market price, it's exactly 120 million won in gold."
"Oh my god, oh my god, no way. Min-ho sweet-talked that bastard So Pan-sik? He didn't beat him or anything, right?"
"It was resolved very peacefully."
"Tell me every single detail, no holding back."
"Yes, ma'am."
***
The elevator doors opened, and Min-ho arrived at the top floor, home to the president's office.
-Isn't that the rookie from the credit team?
-Yeah, it is. Does he have a meeting with the president?
-No, not that I know of.
Secretary Jeong had a ton of questions for Min-ho, whose reputation she'd only heard in rumors. But it was work hours. She swallowed her curiosity, stood, and greeted him.
"Are you Lee Min-ho from the credit team, by any chance?"
"You know me?"
"I'm Secretary Jeong Hye-rin. I've worked here long enough to know all the employees' faces and names. What brings you here?"
"I wanted a quick word with the president."
"You have to go through us secretaries first. She's with a guest right now—you can't go in."
Of course, Min-ho could've ignored a mere secretary. But that would've landed him in hot water.
"Then I'll let you know ahead of time next visit."
As Min-ho turned to leave, the office door cracked open. Knowing full well it was Min-ho, President Kang played it cool.
"Secretary Jeong, who's that?"
"Employee Lee Min-ho. I told him to come back later."
"He's the conquering general—let him at least say hi. It's fine, send him in."
"Yes, President."
Min-ho locked eyes with his aunt and shot her a casual wink as he entered. Her gaze brimmed with affection as she watched him.
At first, she'd just hoped he wouldn't cause trouble. But Min-ho was shattering her expectations with one massive win after another. He was already her favorite nephew; now with feats like this, how could she not adore him?
As soon as the door closed behind Min-ho, his aunt's affection assault began. She patted his butt nonstop and pinched his cheeks with both hands.
"My precious nephew, how are you this cute?"
"I'm over twenty—can we quit with the butt pats?"
"No way. I'm gonna fawn over you all day. Sit tight, I'll get you coffee."
"You know I take it without sugar, right?"
"Aigoo, of course—who's your aunt? Whatever you want."
Moments later, President Kang handed Min-ho the coffee she'd brewed herself and stroked his cheek again.
"My baby, you didn't get hurt anywhere, right?"
"I'm fine, all good."
"I nearly had a heart attack hearing it from Lawyer Choi earlier."
"Just got lucky."
As president and as aunt, she couldn't help but smile at Min-ho. She probed gently.
"You didn't come just for butt pats. What's up, nephew?"
"Got one favor to ask."
"I'll grant any request. Need money? Want your incentive early? Or should I buy you a gift?"
"Gonna spread it around that I'm your nephew? I changed my name to hide that."
"Then what? Spill it—your aunt's dying of curiosity."
Once again, Min-ho dropped something no one expected.
"Last time, I finished sorting those files, so Deputy Manager Seo sent me out as a reward."
"Yeah, you even covered for me nicely."
"If I ask to go out again, they might not let me."
Min-ho knew the credit team's workflow inside out. Collections weren't guaranteed successes, and there was plenty of office work. Deputy Manager Seo prioritized safety and balance, dividing tasks evenly so no one person's absence would disrupt things.
If Min-ho kept pushing for field work? High chance of rejection.
President Kang nodded in agreement.
"True. You need to learn office work too—always heading out would make one leg strong and the other weak."
"You can make it happen, right?"
"After you pulled off something huge? Can't say no to field time as a reward. But don't think luck will keep carrying you like this—it's a mistake."
"Never crossed your mind it might be skill?"
"One win and you're cocky already? Be precise—what exactly do you want?"
Min-ho took a sip of coffee before answering.
"Let me pick my own debtors and go out whenever—no questions asked. Like a free pass. Drop a hint to Deputy Manager Seo without making it obvious."
"Keep sending me out since the results are good, got it?"
Min-ho held up his palm for a high-five, and President Kang slapped it.
"Exactly. That's my aunt—snap, and it's done."
"No biggie. Anything else?"
"Fix my field partner as Deputy Oh. That's it."
"Deputy Oh for the field work everyone avoids... Yeah, no grounds for Seo to refuse. Got it—your aunt will massage it smooth."
With the promise secured, Min-ho stood.
President Kang looked disappointed.
"Why leave so soon, nephew?"
"We talked it out—what else?"
"Stay and chat more with your aunt. Drinks tonight?"
"Haven't even had lunch yet."
"Grab something light then. Auntie's treating for the priciest hanwoo beef tonight."
"Flower sirloin, then."
"Deal. Such expensive tastes."
"I'll trust you and go, Aunt."
President Kang watched Min-ho's retreating back with a loving smile. She clapped her hands and whooped to herself.
"Oh my god, what am I doing? I forgot to tell Brother this great news! Secretary Jeong!"
"Yes, President?"
"I need to head to Seocho-dong. Get the car ready."
"Yes, ma'am."
Min-ho didn't head straight to the barbecue spot where Deputy Oh was waiting. Instead, he went down to the first-floor reception desk.
Why here, out of nowhere? He had his reasons.
The desk phone rang just then.
"Yes, reception speaking."
"It's Secretary Jeong Hye-rin. President will be down soon."
"Destination?"
"JK Mutual Savings Bank."
"Got it. We'll have the car ready."
The employee hung up and urgently relayed the message.
"President's heading to Seocho-dong—tell Driver Ham quick!"
"Yes!"
The unexpected schedule sent the first-floor staff scrambling. They knew a personal trip to Seocho-dong meant delivering news of Min-ho's epic feat straight to Kang Du-seong.
Confirming his aunt's destination, Min-ho nodded in satisfaction. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
A faint smile played on his lips as he headed to the restaurant for his late lunch.