Chapter 74
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: After the Rain, Fort Roberts (4)
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It was about time he got used to it. In most cases, the temperature difference between the two stemmed from the boundary between principle and pragmatism. Jang Yeoncheol was someone whose sense of duty directly translated into motivation, but when talking with Min Wan-gi, he tried to approach things from a more pragmatic angle.
"Why not? I believe trust is our greatest strength. The 「Winter Alliance」 doesn't abandon the weak and always walks the righteous path—that's the faith we're all holding onto. Isn't that why this massive organization runs so stably?"
Before the young executive's paradox, the former scholar smiled faintly through his glasses.
"Well... I agree on that point. Even with membership surging in such a short time, the alliance operates smoothly without major friction because everyone trusts it that much. Fair, clean, and just. So the weak don't have to worry about being robbed, and the strong think twice before taking. Humans are animals that adapt themselves to the stage and role they're given. Yes, that's the invisible asset of the community. It's easy to overlook because it's unseen, but it's actually incredibly valuable."
"That's exactly it! That's what I wanted to say. Do you remember what Little Boss said when we first formed the alliance? He said he hated being shunned for coming from another country, hated being despised for different skin color, hated being ignored for speaking a strange language. And he said we were people who wanted to live like humans."
Winter was a bit surprised here. The boy remembered saying those words. In fact, it would be strange if he didn't, since they were based partly on his preparation.
But Jang Yeoncheol reciting it word for word perfectly was unexpected. Yeoncheol wasn't a genius. He must have written it down and memorized it deliberately.
Yeoncheol glanced at him subtly. Winter briefly lifted the corner of his mouth. Relieved, the young deputy director painted his argument with even deeper confidence.
"Isn't this a great chance to reaffirm that the promise was real? And won't people from other countries see the 「Winter Alliance」 in a new light? Like, 'It's not just for Koreans.' Way more people will support Little Boss."
He calls it a promise, Winter thought inwardly, nodding. Well, every word from a person should be a promise. Casual words can easily wound others.
Above all, the boy was the alliance's representative.
As the representative, Winter evaluated Yeoncheol's opinion.
"Yeah, I get it. People from different nationalities hate each other too easily. They're all refugees, all the same people anyway... We need to let them know they can't let emotional rifts deepen to the point of no return. Someone has to do it, but no one does."
Yeoncheol nodded vigorously, his face resolute.
Min Wan-gi pointed out.
"Still, we must always keep realistic limits in mind. The world we live in is brutally simple. Sometimes we have to walk paths we don't like."
Yeoncheol visibly deflated. Winter turned his gaze.
"Deputy Director Min still opposes, huh. Shall we hear the reasons?"
Even as he asked, Winter anticipated the issues Min Wan-gi would raise. At least three. But preempting them would look bad. Giving him the floor was important—for both the speaking Min Wan-gi and the observing Jang Yeoncheol.
Min Wan-gi asked.
"I have a few, is that okay?"
As expected. Winter permitted it.
"Of course. Go ahead."
"First one. If we take them in, what happens to the 「Triad」?"
A short groan came from Jang Yeoncheol. Min Wan-gi continued calmly, showing no sign he'd heard.
"If their forces shrink even more there, won't they face collapse? They're barely maintaining face through cooperation with us right now. I don't care if those thugs live or die, but I figure the Boss or Deputy Director Jang might feel uneasy."
Jang Yeoncheol countered.
"Would other organizations dare encroach if we protect them?"
"I told you. They're barely maintaining face. What do you think happens when a gang boss loses face? The letter writer said as much. They have multiple factions inside, and at minimum, they don't want Li Chenjian as boss. So far, the 「Triad」 was the biggest force, so they got by on scraps, but not anymore. They'll start killing each other."
"......"
"Can our alliance, and Little Boss, stop that? No, would they even accept the help? They'd be lucky not to accuse us of betrayal."
It was a gut-wrenching 「Insight」 for Jang Yeoncheol. Internal divisions and strife were commonplace in the Triad's actual history too. As the anonymous letter writer testified, their internal factions were on such bad terms they used different organization names.
The middle-aged executive requested testimony from the eyewitness.
"Boss, you've spoken to them directly. What do you feel?"
"Same as Deputy Director Min."
"Figured as much."
Min Wan-gi smiled faintly once, then moved on.
"Okay, second one. If we directly trigger the 「Triad」's downfall like that, will only they call us betrayers? How will the other Chinese organizations see us?"
"They'll call us alliance-making backstabbers."
"Blunt as ever. Anyway, the 「Winter Alliance」 will struggle to wield influence over the Chinese, and helping the struggling ones among them will get awkward."
Valid point. From the start, Winter had expected the 「Triad」 to be a gateway to influence the Chinese enclave. Accepting the anonymous writer's request gains only a few Chinese. Maintaining the status quo reaches far more.
But Winter's creed was that saving people couldn't be measured by numbers.
'We fought over that in Paso Robles with Jinseok too.'
Min Wan-gi's continuing words stayed within expectations. He knew Winter's inclinations.
"Of course I know. The potential to save more unknown people in the future isn't necessarily more precious than saving a few right now. People aren't objects. It's hard to declare one side more valuable. So we consider other variables here."
"By variables, you mean the alliance's situation?"
The sigh-like words were Jang Yeoncheol's. Min Wan-gi affirmed.
"Yes. I'd call it the alliance's interests, but let's move past that as a difference in perspective between you and me."
"......"
"Bite off more than you can chew, and you'll get indigestion. There are exceptions. The recent disabled folks introduced were a relief—their character verified. Of course, watching them is a bit tiring."
The former scholar's voice grew quieter toward the end.
"Watching them? What do you mean?"
"I don't trust the disabled 100% either. What if they approached you deliberately from the start to join via Deputy Director Jang, then brought in pre-arranged spies next?"
Yeoncheol's mouth fell open.
Min Wan-gi knew what to do before Winter spoke. He was the type to seek out his duties. Yeoncheol was similar, but in a different field.
With a mute old man in the same tent, Jang Yeoncheol protested in a low voice.
"They've faced discrimination all their lives. They shouldn't face it here too."
"Deputy Director Jang, beware underdogma. There's no basis for believing the weak are inherently good."
"I know that much. I'm not an idiot. But why would they do that? What's in it for siding with other organizations? Fact is, our 「Winter Alliance」 is the best community for the disabled to live in. Plus, Little Boss has become essential to everyone. No one can replace you—that's our alliance's position, right?"
Min Wan-gi shrugged.
"Hm, sorry if it felt like I was belittling you. I just raised a one-in-a-million case as precaution."
Winter backed him.
"I think the same on this. Deputy Director Min is doing necessary work. Even if it's hard to accept, let it slide for my sake."
"No, Boss......"
Yeoncheol looked aggrieved but said no more.
"Ahem. Back to the main point."
With an awkward cough, Min Wan-gi resumed his turn.
"The problem is we lack reliably trustworthy people. Management capacity isn't keeping up with growth. Probably many unvetted mid-level managers. Bringing in thugs now is too burdensome."
Unvetted people. The boy recalled the man with the warm hand.
Jang Yeoncheol wasn't unaware of this issue. The young deputy groaned briefly, ruminating on the letter Winter had shared.
"That anonymous writer or whatever said if we can't take them in, at least take over as their boss. If Boss兼 their leadership too...... No, that won't work."
It wasn't just aversion to Winter becoming a gang boss. Yeoncheol scratched his head in headache, flushed red as dandruff fell.
Had to ease the embarrassment. Knowing the reason, Winter still asked.
"Why not?"
"Uh, well, you're too busy, Boss. You leave alliance ops mostly to Deputy Director Min and me already. Managing them properly would be tough. They have their own factions anyway—Huasheng Company? And Subang Group or whatever. Poor management means trouble. Circumstances aside, they're criminals originally, and Chinese tendencies lean that way."
"Your last remark is surprising. Not like you, Deputy Director Jang......"
As the boy forced a smile, Yeoncheol's face reddened further.
"Anyway, I won't tolerate dirtying Little Boss's name. So no."
The debate ended there. Jang Yeoncheol asked cautiously.
"What'll you do? Dig more into their situation?"
"Yeah. You two put in more effort. No need to rush. The desperate ones will wait. And there are things to do first."
"Like what?"
"I mentioned before. Use the cops to sweep the drug dealers."
"Ah...... Yeah, recent. I remember."
"Timing's perfect now. Camp commander's changed, Capston promoted to battalion commander, new troops and refugees shaking up old ties, right?"
Whatever decision on Li Chenjian, they'd meet again. Better show action first.
Winter changed the subject.
"This is separate, but do either of you know someone named Baeksanho?"
Min Wan-gi raised his hand.
"I do. Recently recruited manager. Something wrong?"
"Seems like a bad guy. Cut him if a replacement shows."
"......"
No immediate reply. The former scholar's expression was ambiguous—not yes or no. Min Wan-gi wasn't one to shield someone over connections or favors. There'd be a rational purpose. What? Using someone like that where?
Winter shook his head moments later.
"Not a good example."
"But it's the result of his free choices and actions?"
"Still no."
"......Can't be helped. Got it."
Min Wan-gi let go reluctantly. Jang Yeoncheol, missing context, blinked.
Min Wan-gi must have planned to deliberately overlook Baeksanho's behavior. To easily boost organizational trust by letting his misconduct balloon enough.
The boy couldn't endorse such a plan.