The Vase's Verdict and the Resignation Wager
The next day, on the way to Yeouido to inspect the goods, Choi Jong-hoon gripped the wheel while Kang Min-ho clutched the most important item—a precious vase—tightly to his chest. When the car hit a red light, the lawyer handed Min-ho the documents he'd prepared until dawn.
"These are the files on the Art Gallery. I thought it might help if you knew about them in advance."
"Did you pull an all-nighter for this by any chance?"
"I just worked a bit late. Please take a look first."
The Art Gallery had played a major role in the history of JK Group's slush funds—a fact not lost on Min-ho, who had been the secretary chief of the Future Strategy Office in his previous life. Pretending ignorance, he turned his eyes to the documents.
"The nation's top auction house for fine art? This is impressive. And the CEO is Gu Woong-jae..."
"He's not just a businessman; his background is equally remarkable. Would you mind checking the bottom?"
"New York Sotheby's Gallery, and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Boston?"
"That's not all. He served as the overall director at Christie's—the world's premier auction house—for five years. His reputation is impeccable."
"So if they authenticate it as genuine, we can enter it in tonight's auction right away."
"Exactly. The building you see ahead is the Art Gallery. I'll park beside it."
Stepping out of the car, Min-ho stretched and said, "Should we stick to the same concept here?"
"Given the close ties, I think it's best to pose as a new hire here too."
"Got it. Let's head in."
As they opened the door, an astonishing array of artwork filled the space. They appeared beautiful at first glance, but under the guise of art, most had greatly aided chaebol families in creating their secret funds.
"This is a piece by Master Park Man-hyuk, and next to it is the final work by Master Lee Min-sik, painted before he passed from cancer."
"You know all about these artists, sir?"
"Just something I picked up in passing. And there he is?"
The door opened, and CEO Gu Woong-jae made his entrance. Min-ho lowered his voice and murmured quietly, "Watch the honorifics."
"Understood."
Dressed in flashy attire befitting a gallery owner, Gu extended his right hand with a warm greeting. "Well, if it isn't our own Choi Jong-hoon! Long time no see."
"It's been too long. I'm sorry I haven't visited."
"Nonsense! Your presence here is an honor in itself."
"Thank you. This is Lee Min-ho, from our credit team."
Gu shook Min-ho's hand enthusiastically. "A JK credit team member? Smart as a whip, and so young—you've got the world at your feet!"
"You're too kind. I'm Lee Min-ho. Pleased to meet you."
"Enough greetings. As we discussed last night, the appraiser is ready. This way, please."
The three moved quietly to the office. Inside, Kim Gap-yong—the appraiser in white gloves—bowed his head in greeting. "I'm Kim Gap-yong, the appraiser."
"Pleased to meet you. Choi Jong-hoon, JK legal team."
"Forgive the rudeness on a first meeting, but I'm in a hurry, so straight to business."
"Of course."
"When I heard 'vase' last night, I couldn't believe my ears. And 'cobalt glaze'? That's not a term from just anyone."
"Is that so?"
"Of course! At my age, my heart raced all night—I couldn't sleep a wink and rushed here. Shall we see the item?"
Choi nodded, and Min-ho carefully extracted the vase. Peeling away the layers of newspaper revealed its brilliant form. The appraiser was so stunned he couldn't bring himself to touch it, his hands trembling.
"Oh my God... I could die without regrets now. Where on earth did you find this treasure?"
"I can't disclose the source for security reasons. Mind if I ask why you're so shocked?"
Auctions required clear provenance, and Min-ho knew it well. He deftly sidestepped specifics.
"This... this beautiful hue and form—it's the vase of my dreams... Specifically, a flat Yuan dynasty vase with dragon motifs. To see it here—I'm overwhelmed."
"And the exact era?"
"I'd estimate the 1400s, but it could pass for the 1300s. You won't find this even in Chinese museums."
The appraiser couldn't stop marveling, his eyes fixed on the vase as he continued. "See this part? It sparkles with a crystalline sheen. How can it be so clear after centuries?"
Enthralled by the vase, Kim went on, answering his own questions. "Pure white porcelain painted with Arabian cobalt pigment, glazed, then fired at 1300 degrees in a reduction kiln—that's the only way to achieve this color."
"I checked an encyclopedia before coming; it mentioned the possibility of Chinese pigments. Is that right?"
"Impossible with Chinese pigments. Made in Jingdezhen, China, no doubt—but this uses Arabian cobalt without question."
Min-ho knew the details as well as the appraiser, but only the expert's words could certify it as genuine. He posed the key question. "Any chance it's a fake?"
"I'd stake my life on it—no way. These were made in tiny numbers, and look at this crisp dragon engraving. Proof it was for royalty."
Every word from the expert matched Min-ho's knowledge perfectly. Choi stared at Min-ho, speechless. Authenticity was beyond doubt now. All that remained was its value.
Without hesitation, Min-ho asked, "What would happen if we put it up for auction?"
"You're auctioning this priceless piece?"
"Regulations require it."
"Even conservatively, it'd start at 150 million won."
"Lower than I thought."
"Bidding wars would drive it much higher. If I had the money, I'd sell everything for it."
The appraiser never took his eyes off the vase's elegant shape, gasping in awe nonstop.
Gu Woong-jae smiled warmly at Choi. "What do you say, Lawyer Choi?"
"Proceed. We'll return this evening."
"Bringing such a treasure to our Art Gallery is an infinite honor. Sign here, and we'll list it."
"Understood."
"It might become the star lot. I've never seen Appraiser Kim this excited."
"Thank you. See you tonight."
"Yes, please do."
Outside, Choi noted how the expert's words aligned perfectly with Min-ho's explanation. Calming his pounding heart with a sigh, he said steadily, "Auction starts tonight. 150 million isn't bad, but it might fall short of the debt."
"The die is cast and rolling. I know what number it'll land on."
"Why not skip the auction and find a private buyer?"
"No, this is the best way."
"I hate to say it, but it could go for under 300 million. You'd be locked in then."
Min-ho, who knew the vase's true worth, smiled confidently. "Do you know who sets the auction price?"
"The appraisers' estimate plus the reserve, finalized."
"Wrong."
"You mean someone specifically decides it?"
Min-ho held up two fingers. "The price is set not by the winner—but by the runner-up. I've got the whole plan mapped out. No time—let's talk on the way."
Meanwhile, at the Art Gallery, CEO Gu Woong-jae hurried to his office and made a call. "Gu Woong-jae of Art Gallery. The vase you mentioned has arrived."
"The one with the dragon motif?"
"Yes, indeed. Today is your first and last chance."
"I'll come verify it myself."
"We'll be ready."
As Gu moved to end the call, the man asked in a heavy voice, "Do you know the item's origin?"
"Brought by a JK credit team newbie. Said security prevents details."
"What's the guy's name?"
"Lee Min-ho, with Lawyer Choi. Any issue?"
"Nothing. Heading out now."
***
At JK Credit Info's credit team, the slum incident had already spread via Agent Oh. Noon passed by the time Min-ho arrived, greeted by Section Chief Hwang Jung-min's sarcasm.
"People might think you're the boss's son! Half-day late! How'd it go?"
"Yes, sir."
"Said you struck gold yesterday, huh?"
"Haven't checked if it's rice or poison yet—the lid's still on."
"You're too green to know: in this world, one homerun is all you get. Dreaming of another is greed. Listen up."
Only six hours until the auction. No time for bickering with Hwang. Min-ho sat without retort.
"That... new kid ignores our sky-high section chief?"
Min-ho was paving Hwang's path to executive ranks. Deputy Seo wouldn't stand idle. "Hey, Section Chief Hwang—you the only one here?"
"No, sir."
"Min-ho out playing? Heard from Agent Oh. You went to the slums too—jealous? Ease up."
"Sorry."
Ignoring Hwang, Min-ho drafted a proposal—for shills at tonight's auction. He could've asked President Kang Myeong-seon, but security forbade it.
Finishing swiftly, he submitted to Deputy Seo. "Sudden staffing request?"
"Me included—four total."
"Wasn't Hwang Ki-cheon a bust? Came back with an empty bottle?"
"Just starting. Staff up, and it'll resolve soon."
"By when?"
"Now."
The nation's largest quarterly auction was in six hours. Unaware Deputy Seo was baffled by the bold request. Losing Min-ho and Oh was manageable, but four? Risky.
Secrecy was key to the auction plan. Briefing Seo risked leaks, dooming it. Seo craved details, but Min-ho couldn't until the end.
Arms crossed, stroking his stubbly chin, Seo finally refused. "Employee Lee, no idea what you're thinking, but this smells fishy. Can't approve—back to work."
"I need a convincing reason why not."
"Praise goes to your head, kid. Know your place and sit."
Time to train three shills was tight; even a minute arguing with Seo hurt. Min-ho, anticipating this, placed a prepared envelope before him.
"What's this?"
"My resignation."
Chasing 300 million as a reckless newbie—with a resignation? Everyone jumped up, staring silently at Min-ho.
"If I fail on Hwang Ki-cheon, accept it."
"Quitting a hard-won job on impossible odds? No regrets?"
"I'm certain—that's why I stake my neck."
"On that puny bottle?"
"Details later."
"That confident?"
"If not, I wouldn't have joined credit."
Seo had never seen a newbie resign. No details, but Min-ho wagered his career on victory. Unpredictable, but this conviction meant something. Worst case: four half-days off. Slim odds, but success meant Seo's executive path bloomed. Failure? Minor noise he could handle.
Seo calculated and replied, "Blade might hit your neck or elsewhere—who knows? I'll play along."
"Thank you. As listed: my two cohorts and Agent Oh Seong-deok—three total."
"Take 'em all from now—do as you like."
"Got it."
"You three—with Min-ho, move!"
"We'll be back."
As Min-ho's group left, Seo eyed the still-sulking Hwang. "Hey, Jung-min."
"Yes, Deputy?"
Staring hard, Seo asked, "Jealous of Min-ho? Or envious?"
"No. Honestly, he breaks rules, comes and goes freely—it irks me."
"Showing it helps? Who knows—he might be the president's son."
Did Seo suspect? The joke cut deep. "I... thought the president's son was under twenty."
"Kidding! Lighten up."
Meanwhile, on the rooftop, puzzled Agent Oh spoke first. "What's the play? Resigning like that? For real?"
"All planned."
"That booze bottle's pricey?"
"Beyond imagination."
Min-ho briefed them. "Short on time: you'll shill at tonight's auction."
"Auction?"
"No big prep. Dong-ho, Nam-hoon—orange tribe style outfits. Agent Oh, you're good."
"Then what?"
Choi Jong-hoon appeared quietly behind. "Huh? Lawyer Choi?"
"No time—follow Min-ho's lead. Questions? This summary; details en route."
"Understood."
Choi distributed neatly outlined auction strategies. Staring holes through the paper, Oh said, "So we do this?"
"When it starts, bid like maniacs. That's it."
"What if I win? Broke here."
"Follow my lead. I take responsibility. Let's go—time's up."
Min-ho and the crew piled into the car, heading to Yeouido's auction house.