The Underage Power Broker (2)

A rigid, upright posture that didn't waste words. Through this, JSD gained immense trust. 'If this kid were just ten years older, I would’ve coaxed him into becoming a soldier. What a waste, such a damn waste.' Whether he knew JSD’s inner thoughts or not, Yoon-gi simply picked up his chopsticks again.

At Choi Deok-bae’s words, Yoon-gi set down the book he was reading and looked toward the desk as if asking what on earth ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠he was talking about. Yoon-gi was currently on his bed, and the book he’d been holding was a high school math textbook.

“What is it?”

“Is there a way you can help?”

Choi Deok-bae’s nose seemed to twitch upward. “I don’t need it.”

As Yoon-gi reached for the textbook again, Choi Deok-bae hurriedly continued. Yoon-gi, still lying down, kept his eyes fixed on page 140 and spoke with an air of annoyance. “I told you, I don’t need it.”

At Yoon-gi’s unexpected reaction, Choi Deok-bae’s voice was dripping with disappointment.

“I said I don’t need it. Can’t you tell by looking at Won-hee?”

“Won-hee, whom I taught, is the one teaching Jin-soo. How are Jin-soo’s grades right now?”

Yoon-gi had studied with Won-hee for quite a long time. And at Yoon-gi’s request, Won-hee had been tutoring Jin-soo.

The fact that Yoon-gi, the most popular boy in school, thought of them so specially sent Won-hee and Jin-soo’s morale skyrocketing. Thanks to studying with Yoon-gi for so long, Won-hee had the potential to enter Gyeonggi High School without much trouble, and Yoon-gi judged that Jin-soo, while a bit precarious, was at least at a level where he could catch the last train. Of course, that was assuming their current efforts continued.

The reason Choi Deok-bae was so desperate was that there was something he wanted to eat. Though he was thinking, 'This oblivious, damn brat,' Yoon-gi wasn't actually oblivious. He was just pretending to be. 'It’s a waste to squander an opportunity just to use it for cheating.' While Choi Deok-bae was on his side, he was often fickle and didn't listen. That was why he needed proper control, and Yoon-gi understood that better than anyone from his past experiences. Now was simply not the time to listen to Choi Deok-bae.

“I believe in Jae-jun.”

It was a rare, sincere statement from Yoon-gi. And just as Yoon-gi said, Jae-jun was studying on his own until late into the night.

'I don't want to be separated from Yoon-gi hyung.'

Jae-jun read his textbook incessantly at his desk and worked through problem sets. He was one of the few children his age who had experienced a nosebleed, evidenced by the tissue already stuffed into one nostril. 'I must, I absolutely must satisfy Dad. That’s the only way I can keep seeing Yoon-gi hyung.'

For the past three months, Jae-jun had felt the greatest happiness of his life. Before, he was terrified when his dad ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠came home, and he felt like he would wet his pants every time he saw his dad scolding him over nothing. But after Yoon-gi hyung appeared, everything changed. His dad smiled at him while playing catch, stopped nagging him during meals, and asked him in a gentle tone how school life was. This version of his father, which he had never experienced before, was so warm that he didn't want to lose it.

'If I get separated from hyung, Dad will go back to how he was before.'

It was a reason mixed with a bit of fear, but it served as a stimulant for Jae-jun regardless. In truth, the best solution would have been for JSD himself to change, but this was a kind of secondary measure. However, the effect of that secondary measure was excellent. At least as long as there was contact with Yoon-gi, Jae-jun would strive on his own. Furthermore, it was the optimal result for Yoon-gi as well.

“The kid who wouldn't change even after all my nagging seems to have turned into a very dignified boy now.”

At JSD’s words as he smoked in the living room, Im Gyeong-ja smiled. “See? I always told you. You shouldn't raise kids that strictly.”

JSD wore an awkward expression. “That may be, but your teaching method was different from the tutor’s, wasn't it? It’s not like you can raise them just by being soft, nor just by being harsh.”

“That is true.”

“Since Jae-jun is putting in such effort, Jae-seok is following his example, which is also very good.”

“That’s right. The kids aren't fighting at home lately, and parenting has become much easier.”

Im Gyeong-ja, who had been smiling, spoke up cautiously. “But, dear.”

“Yes?”

“Well... what will you do if Jae-jun’s grades are poor this semester?”

JSD didn't answer and lit his second cigarette. “I looked at Jae-jun’s textbook, and it’s worn to the point of falling apart. The kid is studying that hard, so shouldn't we keep Mr. Yoon-gi on just for that? Besides, as you said, if we want to build a connection with that Colonel Colson...”

“A promise is a promise.”

At her husband’s firm reply, Im Gyeong-ja had no choice but to shut her mouth and pray that her son would bring home good grades.

The day of the closing ceremony. It was a dream-like day all children waited for. And the report card. The devil of the closing ceremony that always accompanied it. Children had to walk to the front with expressions as if they were going to die every time the teacher called their names.

“Ah, I’m dead meat when I get home!”

A child sitting in the middle of the first row buried his head in his arms and slumped onto the desk, and soon after, a child in the back of the third row showed a similar reaction. While most were worrying about getting scolded at home, Jae-jun also waited for his name to be called with sweaty palms.

“Jang Jae-jun.”

The moment his name was called by the teacher, Jae-jun stood up with a rattling sound and headed to the podium with stiff movements.

“Why are you so nervous? You can have confidence.”

Even though the teacher handed him the report card with a smile, Jae-jun couldn't check it right away and returned to his seat with it face down. And the moment he carefully flipped it over...

“Whoa!!!”

The class rank written on the report card. It was the number 3. In Jae-jun’s school, where both raw scores and grade rankings coexisted, they announced class rankings, and he had placed 3rd in the class.

“Jae-jun, is it really appropriate for only you to be that happy?”

At the homeroom teacher’s relaxed teasing, Jae-jun realized the situation and bowed his head. “I-I’m sorry.”

“As long as you know. Oh Myeong-ja.”

Listening to the teacher call the next name, Jae-jun couldn't take his eyes off his report card. '3rd place, 3rd place, 3rd place, 3rd place, 3rd place...'

Suddenly, anxiety began to cloud Jae-jun’s expression. 'Will 3rd place be enough?' As he began to fall into self-reproach, wondering what he would do if his dad wasn't satisfied with 3rd place, his expression darkened rapidly. And when he returned home and saw his dad in his military uniform in the living room, Jae-jun fainted without even realizing it.

“Jae-jun!”

Im Gyeong-ja was startled and ran to hug her ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠son, and JSD also looked somewhat surprised, calling a driver to head to the hospital in a hurry.

“He just fainted for a moment. Has he been under a lot of physical strain lately?”

At the doctor’s words, Im Gyeong-ja let out a sigh of relief. “The kid has been studying really hard lately. I guess that’s why.”

The doctor nodded and smiled warmly. “Hahaha, that’s a very good kind of fainting. To have a child who already knows how to work hard—you have a truly admirable son. However, since a lack of physical stamina is never a good thing, it would be best to let him rest appropriately. He’s still young, after all.”

“Yes, I will do that. But when will Jae-jun wake up...”

“He should wake up in about two hours. Don’t worry.”

Once the doctor left, Im Gyeong-ja sighed once more and looked at her husband. “You should go back to the base for now. You only stopped by the house for a moment today.”

“I suppose I should. Contact me immediately if anything happens to Jae-jun.”

“Yes, I will.”

JSD’s gaze, as he was about to leave, shifted to the bag placed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠next to Jae-jun’s hospital bed.

“Dear, why?”

“No, since I’m here, I thought it would be good to check.”

Im Gyeong-ja thought about saying, 'The child is sick,' but she watched her husband’s actions in silence, thinking he wouldn't possibly get angry at the child right after seeing his report card.

“Ah, here it is.”

The report card pulled from the bag. Seeing the result, JSD stood still without saying a word.

“Why? Is the result not good?”

Im Gyeong-ja also got up and checked the report card, asking her husband as if puzzled. “Isn't 3rd place good? I think it’s really good...”

At his wife’s anxious question, JSD spoke as if it were nothing. “Well... I don’t think there’s a need to cancel the tutoring. I’ll be off to the base now.”

JSD left the hospital room without even listening to his wife’s reply, and at the same time, a smile played on his lips. '3rd place...' It was a smile filled with the joy that his son had placed 3rd, and the joy that he could continue his connection with Yoon-gi. 'I needed time to build a connection with Colonel Colson.'

If Jae-jun’s grades hadn't been good, JSD really would have canceled the tutoring. He was that passionate about his children’s education. But if he had done that, he would have had to give up the chance to build a connection with Colonel Colson, but fortunately, his son Jae-jun had brought home good grades. 'At the very least, the tutor’s youngest uncle must enlist in a unit under my reach. That way, there won't be any sense of awkwardness when I create a position to build that connection later.'

Upon returning to the base, JSD called Choi Cheol-gyu.

“Thank you so much for calling me, Colonel.”

A meeting between the two after three months. This time, it wasn't at JSD’s house, but at a high-end restaurant reserved by JSD.

“I apologize for not being able to contact you often. I’ve been very busy with work.”

At JSD’s words, Choi Cheol-gyu smiled and nodded. Choi Cheol-gyu knew better than anyone that the world of connections was like this anyway. And he also fully understood that one shouldn't stir up trouble when meeting after such a long time.

“I’m not sure if you’ve seen the effects of the tutoring. I heard from my son that Jae-jun has been studying very hard lately...”

Hearing this, JSD smiled broadly and said to Choi Cheol-gyu, “Do you have a specific unit in mind?”

'It’s done!' Choi Cheol-gyu realized the picture was complete, but on the outside, he just beamed with joy, intending to show his congratulations. “Congratulations. You won’t have any worries for a while.”

Then JSD smiled again. “Worries, you say? It’s because the tutor is so exceptionally capable in the first place.”

JSD’s voice, respecting the ‘tutor’ in front of Choi Cheol-gyu, contained trust in Yoon-gi and gratitude toward Choi Cheol-gyu for introducing such a good teacher.

“This is a humble gift, but please take it to In-gi later. Thanks to In-gi, ‘our Jae-jun’ got good grades.”

It was about the width of an apple box, but a bit flatter. The fact that it also felt a bit heavy was proof enough that it wasn't a ‘humble gift.’

“Thank you. I think In-gi will be very happy.”

“I hope he likes it... Anyway, is there a unit you want to send your youngest brother to? If possible, I will use my influence.”

Choi Cheol-gyu pretended to be in deep thought. “Well... I was an administrative soldier, so honestly, I don’t know which unit would be good. Administrative work seemed comfortable, but since I did it in the company, it was harder than I thought. Battalion administration seemed a bit more comfortable, though...”

“Battalion administration isn't bad, either.”

“Then, would battalion administration be okay?”

JSD shook his head. “It’s only ‘not bad’ at best. If you’re an administrative soldier, it gets more comfortable as you go up to the regiment and then the division.”

“Then are you recommending division administration?”

As expected, JSD shook his head. “That, too, is only comfortable by general standards. You’ve used such great influence, so you shouldn't be satisfied with just that much. Whose brother is he?”

“I’m looking forward to seeing which position you want to recommend.”

At Choi Cheol-gyu’s expectant expression, JSD burst into a hearty laugh. “Hahaha, your love for your brother is truly a sight to behold. When I receive such requests, the position is usually already decided. It’s an orderly position.”

“An orderly?”

“Yes. You can think of it as a kind of secretary role. You know about the battalion commander’s CP soldier, right?”

“Ah, so the CP soldier was an orderly? Then, as a CP soldier for a battalion commander you know...”

JSD shook his head again. And every time JSD shook his head, Choi Cheol-gyu smiled inwardly. The fact that he was agonizing over choosing a position proved that JSD was satisfied with this matter.

“If I may be so bold, how about doing it this way?”

“If you’re making a suggestion, Colonel, I will naturally listen. I’m sure you’ve given it much thought.”

At Choi Cheol-gyu’s cooperative attitude, JSD began to present his plan as a suggestion. “I’m living in a private house right now, but if I apply for an official residence, I can move in. How about bringing your youngest brother in as my residence orderly?”

“A residence orderly... I apologize. I don’t know the positions well.”

“He’s a soldier who plays the role of a kind of housekeeper.”

JSD watched Choi Cheol-gyu’s expression closely, and when he caught a look of slight disappointment, he hurriedly waved both hands. “No, no. I don’t mean I’ll treat your youngest brother like a maid. It’s just that his affiliation will be that way.”

“Affiliation, you say?”

“Yes. Originally, residence orderlies have separate quarters next to the residence, but I’ll just set aside a room for him entirely. Your youngest brother can just think of it as boarding at my house during his military service, and he can do whatever he wants. If he wants to attend an academy, the driver will take him, and if he wants to study at home, he can study.”

“Oh...”

At Choi Cheol-gyu’s reaction, which showed he found it very acceptable, JSD let out a sigh of relief inwardly. A kind of hostage. If he could keep Choi Cheol-gyu’s youngest brother right by his side for nearly three years, the possibility of building a connection with Colonel Colson within that time would increase significantly. 'They say the tutor cherishes this person dearly, and this person cherishes his youngest brother dearly, so if things go well, the tutor might visit his youngest uncle. And he might even come with his maternal grandfather and ask for an overnight leave.'

If Yoon-gi didn't act that way, he intended to win the favor of the youngest uncle who became the residence orderly and then ask for a position. Three years was enough time to do that.

“What do you think? I don’t have the authority to exempt him from military service entirely, but wouldn't this be the best I can do?”

Choi Cheol-gyu stood up quietly. JSD’s brow twitched as he looked at him. Even though other thoughts were mixed in, he thought he had provided the best possible treatment from his perspective, but the other party had just stood up out of the blue. However, this discomfort vanished completely in less than three seconds.

“Thank you so much.”

Choi Cheol-gyu bowed his waist politely at 90 degrees. “Ah, oh my, there’s no need to go this far...”

“No. I really didn't know you would care for my youngest brother this much, Colonel. I’m sure my youngest brother, and Yoon-gi, will be very happy. Thank you so much.”

Only after he finished speaking did Choi Cheol-gyu straighten his back, looking at JSD with a face full of gratitude, and thanks to that, JSD felt a little embarrassed and blushed.

“You’re thanking me too excessively... Anyway, I will really take proper care of him. I look forward to our continued relationship.”

“Yes. I will also tell Yoon-gi to look forward to your continued favor.”

At Choi Cheol-gyu’s words, which wiped away even the last remaining worry, JSD smiled brightly and thought it was a good thing he had built a connection with Choi Cheol-gyu. 'To hold onto the tutor, I must maintain a steady exchange with this person.'

But JSD didn't know in his wildest dreams that the Choi Cheol-gyu in front of him wasn't the main body, and that the 11-year-old Yoon-gi was the ‘underage power broker’ behind it all.

The living room of JSD’s house. Before the tutoring began, JSD, Yoon-gi, and Im Gyeong-ja were drinking tea and chatting.

“I’m thinking of moving to the official residence early next year, but would that cause any burden on the tutoring...”

At JSD’s cautious question, Yoon-gi shook his head. “Not at all. However, I heard that you have to provide identification when going in and out of the base, so would I be able to do that? I don’t know much about that side of things.”

“You don’t have to worry about that at all. I’ll take care of everything.”

Yoon-gi had initially considered having Jae-jun commute to his house. But after much deliberation, he decided that it was much more beneficial for him to enter the military base himself. 'If JSD becomes the crown prince of the new military regime later, I’ll have opportunities to contact other generals.'

Since there was no way he could know of Yoon-gi’s calculations, JSD looked relieved and handed Yoon-gi a business card.

“Your grandfather is such an outstanding person that such things won't happen, but if you ever get into an argument while living outside, or if someone bullies you, you can use this business card.”

The very friendly tone made it clear what the purpose of this business card was.

“It seems you wouldn't give this business card to just anyone, so I think it will be a great help.”

JSD smiled, thinking it was quite impressive for a child’s deductive reasoning. “Flip it over.”

When Yoon-gi flipped the card, JSD’s military seal was stamped on it.

“This is...”

“If there’s someone who doesn't change their attitude toward you even after seeing that seal, they’re either a senior far above me, or a fool who doesn't know how the world works.”

At the underlying meaning that he should handle himself if he met those two types, Yoon-gi bowed his head and put the business card in his wallet. A high-end luxury wallet brought directly from the U.S. through U.S. military customs. Even JSD, who wasn't well-versed in luxury goods, could tell it was an item of considerable value.

'As expected, to build a connection with this child, it’s not money, but my power. No matter how much his grandfather is a U.S. Brigadier General, there’s bound to be a difference compared to having a direct connection to the Korean military.'

Having indirectly confirmed Colonel Colson’s power and the Samwoo Group’s wealth, JSD hid his inner thoughts and continued the pleasant conversation.

1979. Choi Cheol-jae, the fifth son of Choi Ki-hyun and Yoon-gi’s youngest uncle, went to the military in June, and after the training period, settled into JSD’s official residence. Although he was in the same residence, he received special treatment incomparable to that of a driver. All of this was thanks to his nephew, Yoon-gi, who was currently sitting in his room chatting.

“How is military life?”

At Yoon-gi’s words, Choi Cheol-jae smiled warmly and bowed his head slightly before lifting it. “This is all thanks to you. I’m really grateful... My brother told me to go to the military quickly, so I came, but honestly, I felt hopeless. After I came here and the Colonel explained how I got here, I was honestly moved.”

In reality, Yoon-gi and Choi Cheol-gyu hadn't told Choi Cheol-jae anything about this matter at all. Faced with unexpected good fortune, Choi Cheol-jae had bowed in the direction where his nephew and brother lived from his assigned room after hearing the truth from JSD, and a few days later, he met his nephew who came to tutor.

“You should thank the second uncle rather than me. He told me many times if I couldn't make the youngest uncle’s military life a bit more comfortable.”

“Of course, I should be grateful to my brother, too. Anyway, I didn't even take military training at university, so I thought I’d have to do the military life raw, but I didn't know it would turn out like this. Besides, the Colonel said I could continue practicing music during the day if I get the wife’s permission. He even said he’d send me to an academy if I wanted... Anyway, I still feel like I’m dreaming.”

Choi Cheol-jae had given up on university to pursue music and lived in the music industry until he was 25. Because his personality was good for getting along with others, he built connections, but because his talent was so lacking, he returned to university after completing five full years and studied hard, eventually becoming a key figure in the Samwoo Group. Of course, he couldn't become the chairman even with the support of existing shareholders after being pushed out by a thief, but that was the Choi Cheol-jae of the world before the regression that Choi Deok-bae had told him about. In the current world, Choi Cheol-jae had been pushed into enlistment by his third brother after only six months of music life.

He had enlisted thinking he wouldn't lose anything since there was talk of full support and backing for his music life. Of course, it didn't come as a loss, but as a huge gain.

“I’m really glad you’re satisfied. The second uncle and I were a bit worried. We were afraid you might get angry because we meddled for no reason...”

At Yoon-gi’s words, Choi Cheol-jae hurriedly shook his head. “No! No! I’m really satisfied. If there are more surprises like this in the future, I’d welcome them, so please ask for more.”

At Choi Cheol-jae’s words, Yoon-gi smiled and lowered his voice slightly. “In that case, could I ask you for one small favor?”

“A favor? Of course, I have to listen.”

Choi Cheol-jae also lowered his voice as much as possible and nodded several times. It was truly fantastic timing. If Yoon-gi had asked for a favor while setting a comfortable military life as a condition, he wouldn't have been able to elicit such a reaction. But because Yoon-gi had first let Choi Cheol-jae taste the honey, he succeeded in eliciting a very compliant reaction. 'It’s not about doing well later, it’s important to do well right now.'

Just as Yoon-gi thought, Choi Cheol-jae had the thought buried at the bottom of his consciousness that if he just maintained a good relationship, good things might happen again, and he waited for Yoon-gi’s next words.

“Could you act as if you are usually on close terms with my maternal grandfather?”