In the Palm of My Hand
***
JK Credit Info President's Office.
As on any other day, President Kang Myeong-seon sat at her desk, meticulously reviewing reports. She let out a sigh, as if troubled, and set down her pen.
I really need to lock Min-ho into field work...
She picked up the receiver to call Section Chief Seo but shook her head and put it back down.
Calling him nonstop like this doesn't look good.
Looking back, every conversation with Section Chief Seo always circled back to Min-ho. There was no precedent for assigning a rookie permanently to collections. If she issued special instructions about Min-ho again, the sharp Section Chief Seo would surely pick up on it.
To avoid suspicions of favoritism while granting Min-ho's request, President Kang rested her chin on her hand and puffed away at her cigarette. Suddenly, as if struck by a brilliant idea, she stubbed it out in the ashtray with haste. A sly smile crept across her face as she rose and pulled an envelope from her drawer before heading out.
Secretary Jeong Hye-rin jumped up at the unexpected appearance of President Kang.
"President, you still have two hours before your afternoon schedule."
"I know. I'm delivering the credit team's dinner budget myself."
"You're busy—let me handle it."
"I want to check on how they're working. Stay here and mind the office."
"Understood."
"Oh, and from now on, no one enters the rooftop."
"Yes, President. I'll restrict rooftop access."
With a perfect excuse in hand, President Kang clutched the envelope and made her way to the credit team.
Arriving at the door, she didn't enter right away. Instead, she peeked through the window to steal a glance at Min-ho. Just as Section Chief Seo had said, Min-ho was glaring at his work with fiery intensity, fully immersed.
He even works just like his uncle.
Her face softening with satisfaction, she opened the door and stepped in. The first to make eye contact was employee Jeong Nam-hoon, who startled and greeted her loudly.
"President!"
"Why so jumpy? You'd think I was about to eat you alive."
"Sorry. I was just startled."
"Relax. Tense up like that, and you'll catch a cold."
"Yes, President."
The credit team went into full alert at President Kang's sudden visit. Everyone stopped working and stood from their seats. Section Chief Seo hurried forward, bowing deeply.
"President, what brings you here?"
"Passing by and got curious how things were going."
"I'll prepare coffee. This way, please."
"No need. Just dropping something off."
All the team members stood rigidly, hands clasped, faces tense. Meanwhile, Min-ho kept focused on his work. It wasn't ignoring or snubbing the president—he was simply zeroed in on his next target.
President Kang turned to him, fixing her gaze, and smiled warmly. A rookie glued to his seat even with the boss present. Section Chief Seo, flustered, ventriloquized toward Deputy Oh.
"Hey, Deputy Oh! Get Min-ho up!"
Deputy Oh caught the clumsy ventriloquism perfectly and poked Min-ho in the side. Normally, anyone would jump and bow. But Min-ho calmly set down his documents without a hint of panic and greeted her.
"Good day, President."
A poise beyond a mere rookie, an unbelievable composure. If anything, it made the rest of the team more fidgety. Section Chief Seo wore a troubled expression and jumped to explain.
"Sorry. He's new, so this happens. I'll take responsibility and train him."
"No need. Great focus, right? Our top rookie—don't scare him."
"Understood."
"Here, take this."
She handed over the envelope she'd prepared herself. Section Chief Seo, clueless, stared at her with wide eyes.
"Waiting for my arm to fall off?"
"No. May I ask what this is?"
"You handled that big case—consider it beef tallow to grease your throats, not pork."
"Oh, the dinner budget... Thank you."
President Kang scanned the team's faces impassively before asking coolly,
"Who closed the Myeonmok-dong debt?"
Deputy Oh, standing beside Min-ho like a fresh private, replied,
"Deputy Oh Seong-deok!"
"Right, Deputy Oh and employee Kang Min-ho."
"Yes."
President Kang gave Deputy Oh a meaningful smile.
"You two will get bonuses with next month's pay. Good work."
"Thank you, President. We'll give our all going forward."
"Deliver results, and the rewards are guaranteed. Anyway, my business is done—Section Chief Seo, a word?"
"Yes, President."
Instead of her office, they headed to the empty rooftop. President Kang gazed at the cloudless sky for a long moment, lit a cigarette, and spoke.
"Gotta chat in places like this sometimes. Can't always meet in that stuffy office. You quit smoking, right, Section Chief Seo?"
"A few months ago."
"Good for you. So, how'd that wrap up?"
"Legal turned the assets to cash right away."
"Clean from start to finish! Well done."
"Thank you, President."
She asked about his quitting smoking, something she clearly knew. Normally, she'd be deep into the point by now. Sensing she was circling, Section Chief Seo broached it gently.
"About incentives for those two—same as usual?"
"Thinking of bumping it above standard. What do you say?"
"I was going to suggest that carefully myself."
President Kang exhaled a plume of smoke and smiled.
"You're always top at looking after the team. How much at the usual rate?"
"About 1.5 million won."
"Too low. Double it—sound good?"
"That's half a year's salary. If you treat them that well, nothing more to ask."
President Kang was a seasoned handler. She dangled the carrot Section Chief Seo loved most.
"I'll say I offered 1.5, but you suggested 3 and I agreed."
Section Chief Seo waved his hands in firm refusal.
"President, that could cause misunderstandings."
"I'm padding your shoulders to boost your cred. Bosses take the heat—everyone knows that."
"Yes, understood."
By considering even his face, loyalty was inevitable. Now, only Min-ho's request remained. Bringing it up abruptly felt off, and beating around the bush wouldn't work. She knew Section Chief Seo's plans inside out but tossed out a probe anyway.
"Deputy Oh's learned most things, fine. But what about Min-ho?"
"I'd love to keep him in the field, but then he misses office training."
"Can't fill the gap, right?"
"Yes. Showing talent in one area is good, but for smooth ops, we cover each other."
"I know your style, Section Chief Seo."
As Min-ho predicted, Section Chief Seo chose stability over aggression. It might seem stodgy, but it kept the department running smoothly. Except this time.
"Always using a hoe, you only farm fields. How about a tractor this once?"
"Pardon?"
"That collections win—beginner's luck, no pressure, no expectations."
"True."
"Now everyone's eyes on that rookie are full of hope. Right?"
"Everyone's talking about employee Kang Min-ho."
"Since we're on it, how about fixing him on field duty?"
Section Chief Seo's strength was stable management—no risky bets. Permanently assigning a rookie to the field? Unthinkable, even on the president's order.
"President, not to argue, but..."
"Give it a shot—make it look pretty."
"He'll miss office learning."
"Does Min-ho seem like a long-timer? Or a greenhorn?"
"Rank's rookie, but he acts the veteran."
"Exactly. No need to stuff a one-man army inside. Catch thieves, whether watchdog or hunter."
"If he keeps this up, perfect—but realistically, not every time."
President Kang wasn't indulging her nephew. She was curious if it was luck or real talent in collections.
"Don't judge yet. Fix him on field for now."
"Understood."
"Send him out whenever he wants, always with Deputy Oh Seong-deok."
"Must it be Deputy Oh?"
"Yeah, they click. No other reason."
"Got it."
Why did Min-ho pick Deputy Oh? High rank but mild, unable to rein him in.
President Kang patted Section Chief Seo's shoulder to wrap up.
"Max efficiency—why brake a good runner? If issues, go your plan. Clear?"
"Yes, President."
***
Min-ho's goal wasn't mere collections—it was the top of JK. To leverage this, he needed impact. Drawing on past-life memories, he carefully selected his next prey. Simple criteria: unsolved debts of at least 100 million won.
Deputy Oh sidled up and ventured,
"Anything you wanna eat?"
"Just had lunch."
"No, I owe you—let me buy a meal."
"Really, it's fine."
Knowing Deputy Oh's tight finances—sisters' tuition, parents' hospital bills—Min-ho wouldn't burden him.
"Anyway, tell me anytime. I'll stuff you till you burst."
"Thanks."
"Wish these wins kept coming, but impossible. You'll rotate inside soon, no field."
"Usually?"
"Yeah, you don't know the chief yet. Obvious."
Min-ho, who could guess President Kang's nudge to Section Chief Seo, smiled silently.
"You know something?"
"No. But exceptions exist."
"Hope so, but chief won't. I'd love pairing with you for another bonus—that's my wish."
"Wishes come true sometimes."
"Nah, don't dream."
As they finished, Section Chief Seo returned from the rooftop summit, opening the door. Min-ho set aside his papers, studying the man's face closely. The carrot from President Kang had landed well—cheeks lifted like rising dough, lips to ears.
Result obvious. Everything here was in Min-ho's palm.
With a relaxed smile, he selected his next target.