CH 375

“Wait... So, you all just... left?” Chairman Hwang Jeong-Hu blinked his eyes in disbelief.

“Yes, sir.” Jo Gyu-Min nodded.

Hwang Jeong-Hu leaned back in his chair while making an unreadable face. A lengthy silence descended in the Jaegyeong Chairman's Office, but Jo Gyu-Min didn't try to urge his boss. Even if Hwang Jeong-Hu wasn't personally there to witness everything, the report alone was still considerably shocking, anyway.

“Gyu-Min, don't you think that guy's boldness has gone over the top?”

“...Well, a lowly scrub like me can't comprehend a larger-than-life man like Mister Jin-Ho, sir.”

“No, Gyu-Min. That's not being larger than life…” Hwang Jeong-Hu massaged his forehead. “...Urgh. I don't know what to think anymore. I thought I had figured out pretty much everything about Jin-Ho, but he has this talent to catch you off-guard and flip everything on its head every now and then, doesn't he? Just what is he thinking?”

“Sir, that's my sentiment exactly.”

“Whew-woo…”

Two men, two victims tormented by Kang Jin-Ho's antics, exchanged gazes of compassion and understanding.

“By the way, is everything you said true, Gyu-Min? Every word of it?”

“Yes, sir. Every word,” Jo Gyu-Min grimly nodded.

Hwang Jeong-Hu looked stunned, his jaw slightly falling.

'That's an understandable reaction...'

Hwang Jeong-Hu already knew to some extent that Kang Jin-Ho was not a 'normal' human being. Didn't he warn Jo Gyu-Min in the past to stop thinking of Kang Jin-Ho as a naive young man? That a scary devil was hiding within Kang Jin-Ho?

However, this was still his first time hearing about Kang Jin-Ho killing people as if they were just insignificant insects. His shock at this revelation was understandable...

“Are you saying Jin-Ho is that strong?” Hwang Jeong-Hu asked excitedly.

“...Oh.” Jo Gyu-Min's expression became weird as he stared at Hwang Jeong-Hu.

'Oh. So, it was like that...'

How unfortunate it was, but it seemed Hwang Jeong-Hu didn't care about Kang Jin-Ho killing other people. Like, none at all!

“Yes, Chairman. Mister Jin-Ho is truly strong.”

“Now, that is odd. Doesn't this mean Jin-Ho's strength is in another realm compared to all the martial artists in South Korea?”

“Yes, sir. At least, from what I witnessed.”

“At his age? Now, that is surprising.”

“Sir, you know his age shouldn't be a factor. Mister Jin-Ho isn't really a young man, after all.”

“It's not as simple as that, Gyu-Min.” Hwang Jeong-Hu firmly shook his head. “Having done it before doesn't make it any easier to do it all over again. You might be able to reach greater heights on a firmer foundation, but your actual rate of growth shouldn't be much different.”

“Mm... You might be right, sir.”

“Hmm. Anyways... By any chance, have you heard about other countries?”

Jo Gyu-Min narrowed his eyes slightly. “Other countries, sir?”

“Yes. I want to know if Jin-Ho's strength can match up to other countries'. Isn't there a difference in strength between Korea and other countries?”

Jo Gyu-Min understood what Hwang Jeong-Hu was saying and nodded briefly. “Sir. I've already discussed this matter with Mister Bang Jin-Hun. From what he told me, it seems the Korean martial world's influence is severely lacking compared to our overseas counterparts.”

“Is that so?” Hwang Jeong-Hu cocked an eyebrow.

“Unfortunately, yes, sir. Considering South Korea's status on the international stage, our martial world's status is apparently on the level of trash in the eyes of international martial artists. Then again, our country historically has been looking down on martial arts, so…”

“Indeed. That is true.”

One of Joseon's many ironies was how poorly the notion of physical might had been received despite the country being founded by a king with a military background. In such a climate, the Korean martial artists would've found it challenging to continue their inheritance.

Hwang Jeong-Hu asked again. “In that case, what about Jin-Ho? Is he strong enough to get acknowledgment from overseas?”

“Sir. This isn't an accurate assessment, but…”

“But?”

Jo Gyu-Min smiled awkwardly. “Mister Bang Jin-Hun said that... He can't ever imagine Mister Jin-Ho getting beaten up by anyone.”

“Kekeke. That sounds about right.” Hwang Jeong-Hu cackled loudly. Even he couldn't picture such a thing ever happening. “Hmm... So, that's how it is, eh?”

Hwang Jeong-Hun took out a cigarette and mouthed it. After lighting it, he leaned back in his chair and leisurely exhaled the grayish smoke.

“Unification, huh. He’s unified them all..” Hwang Jeong-Hu muttered, sounding somewhat flabbergasted. “Gyu-Min, can something like this be bulldozed through, like how Jin-Ho has done?”

“...No, sir. I don't think it's possible. The former Assembly Master, Lee Jung-Geol, seemed rather dejected by what happened when I asked him about it. He told me that Kang Jin-Ho had accomplished what he had been trying to do his entire life in only two months. However, Mister Jin-Ho wasn't even devoting those two months to this matter either, sir.”

“Huh. That guy sure knows how to make everyone around him panic, doesn't he?” Hwang Jeong-Hu helplessly shook his head. “Listen, Gyu-Min. You need to understand what this event signifies.”

“Sir, I'm already aware of the implications.”

“Really? You do?”

When Hwang Jeong-Hu intently stared, Jo Gyu-Min smartly lowered his head. “Sir, please enlighten me.”

“Tsk, tsk…” Hwang Jeong-Hu tutted as if he was disappointed by Jo Gyu-Min, then began explaining in a grave voice. “Based on what I know and your reports, we must assume that the martial world's influence on 'regular' society cannot be underestimated. Actually, it's safe to assume their influence is enormous, judging from how the martial artists managed to hide their existence while still covertly doing whatever they had been doing.”

“Sir, I also believe that is the case.”

“But Jin-Ho has unified that martial world. Do you understand what that means now?”

“...?”

“It means Jin-Ho's influence has leapfrogged mine. Only a few months after finishing his military service, no less!”

“...Sir, that must be an exaggeration.” Jo Gyu-Min politely shook his head.

Of course, Jo Gyu-Min knew Kang Jin-Ho's influence was incredible. Even then, he couldn't agree with that assessment. Wasn't Hwang Jeong-Hu a true giant of South Korea that exerted tremendous influence in almost every facet of this country?

It wasn't as simple as Hwang Jeong-Hu being a powerful player in South Korea's business world. Not many businesspeople received as much respect as Hwang Jeong-Hu. Considering how each of his words and actions could send massive ripples in Korean society, the notion of Kang Jin-Ho's influence leapfrogging Hwang Jeong-Hu's seemed too optimistic.

“Don't be an idiot, Gyu-Min,” Hwang Jeong-Hu grunted in unhappiness. Hwang Jeong-Hu tutted loudly. “You still can't figure out this situation yet? We have no way of knowing the truth, but don't be surprised if that martial world's combined financial muscle and personal connections exceed our imaginations. And now, Jin-Ho is in a position to wield all of that however he wants.”

“...Ah!”

“And that's not all. Don't forget that those folks possess incredible power, too. If they decide to extend their reach into the so-called 'regular' society, who among us will be able to stop that?”

While listening to Hwang Jeong-Hu, Jo Gyu-Min's expression stiffened. He had failed to consider that point since the 'regular' society had been so clearly separated from the martial world until now.

'Now that I think about it...'

According to Bang Jin-Hun, the overseas martial worlds had apparently taken over half of their respective societies. Didn't he say that their influence had reached practically all spheres of society, including finance, politics and even organized crime?

Although the situation in South Korea hadn't reached that level yet...

'...That's the story until now, isn't it?'

The Korean martial world couldn't really exert its influence anywhere while two of its biggest factions, the Yeongnam Group and the Martial Assembly, were at each other's throats. But now, their conflict was over. In that case, where would the power meant to keep each other in check go now?

“...Sir, I now see it's no laughing matter.”

Jo Gyu-Min finally realized this situation wasn't as straightforward as he thought. The entirety of South Korea might shudder and stumble depending on what Kang Jin-Ho wanted to do next!

Hwang Jeong-Hu stared into the distance while sucking on his cigarette. “That is what having power is like, Gyu-Min. Once you possess power... Even if you don't feel like abusing it, the situations around you will eventually force you into using the power you have. And you will eventually lose yourself the drunker you get in the power.”

“...Sir, I'm certain that Mister Jin-Ho isn't the type to get drunk by the power he possesses.”

“I agree. What I'm worried about isn't that. Pretty soon, things requiring Jin-Ho's attention will increase explosively in number. That's what I'm worried about.”

“...?”

For some reason today, Jo Gyu-Min was having an especially-tough time trying to guess the intentions behind Hwang Jeong-Hu's words.

It seemed Hwang Jeong-Hu had noticed Jo Gyu-Min's struggles as he kindly began explaining himself.

“Have you heard of the old idiom, riding on a tiger's back?”

“Yes, sir. I have.”

“The greater Jin-Ho's influence grows, and the higher the number of people he knows gets... He's going to face more problems. And the more he resolves those problems, the greater his influence will get. The greater his influence gets, the more enemies he will have to deal with, creating more problems.”

“...A repeating cycle, sir?”

“When Jin-Ho wakes up one day, he will discover one of two things waiting for him. Either his sphere of influence has grown beyond his control, or it's become a mess that no one can fix.”

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Jo Gyu-Min grimaced. “Sounds... terrifying, sir.”

“And this is what you need to do, Gyu-Min. Jin-Ho has already acquired hegemony. Whether or not that was what he intended, it doesn't matter. Whether he agrees or not, Jin-Ho is now the top representative, the face, of Korea's martial world. Obviously, he will be targeted.”

“...Yes, sir.”

“Jin-Ho is terrible when it comes to dealing with tricks and schemes. He's especially weak against a sudden knife to his back in the darkness. He's already suffered once, hasn't he?”

“Yes. We all learned a painful lesson that day.”

“Indeed. That is why you must assist him well. We don't know what Jin-Ho wants, but the time for him to be carefree and only do what he feels like is over.” Hwang Jeong-Hu sucked in another lungful of cigarette smoke. “That damn rascal…”

A genial chuckle briefly left Hwang Jeong-Hu's lips.

“He should've quietly inherited the company and lived out the rest of his life, but no. He chooses to cause a big incident instead, eh? And he said he wasn't interested in Jaegyeong, too…”

Jo Gyu-Min tilted his head. “I'm pretty sure Mister Jin-Ho is somewhat interested in Jaegyeong, sir.”

“No. That rascal views Jaegyeong as too small of a pond for him to swim around. It seems... I've finally lost that one thing that helped me stay on the same level as Jin-Ho. Eiii, dang it.”

Jo Gyu-Min grinned softly. “Sir, do you need to be on the same level as Mister Jin-Ho?”

“Mm?”

“How about riding on his back, sir? Wouldn't Mister Jin-Ho take you to those heights you couldn't have reached on your own?”

“Kekeke... I must be getting old. Instead of getting angry at what you said, I'm actually looking forward to what might happen!” Hwang Jeong-Hu shook his head before closing his eyes.

'And he's... gone for good, huh.'

Hwang Jeong-Hu never really considered Kang Jin-Ho to be under his influence. However, he still felt bitter and sad after realizing that, from today onward, that notion would be even truer than before.

“Jin-Ho has probably experienced something similar in the past, so nothing much might change with his life, but... Even so, you need to be careful, Gyu-Min.” Hwang Jeong-Hu spoke in a grave voice. “Power is a wicked thing. You might think your power isn't controlling you. However, one day you will wake up and realize that your power has been controlling you all this time. This is why the role of advisers is so crucial. Gyu-Min, from now on, you will have to pull your socks up and keep your wits about you at all times.”

“Understood, sir!”

Hwang Jeong-Hu faintly smiled while listening to Jo Gyu-Min's determined reply.

'It seems our world will soon face an upheaval.'

Soon, this world would have to contend with a storm named Kang Jin-Ho. Not even Hwang Jeong-Hu could predict what might happen next.

***

“Chairman Hwang is right,” Jo Gyu-Min muttered to himself as he climbed into his car early in the morning. His expression was stiff, determined.

Hwang Jeong-Hu was completely correct. There was figuratively nothing to stop Kang Jin-Ho now. In that case, Jo Gyu-Min needed to stay wide awake and act as Kang Jin-Ho's conscience.

'If he wishes to acquire hegemony, his position allows him to get it without any problem.'

Anyone possessing such power would dream about becoming the absolute ruler of all at least once in their lives.

Jo Gyu-Min parked his car in front of Kang Jin-Ho's pizzeria and stepped outside. After taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped inside. He couldn't help but think that a different Kang Jin-Ho would be waiting for him.

“...!”

And that was when Jo Gyu-Min witnessed the truth. He saw the... 'different' Kang Jin-Ho.

“Mop that place properly, okay?” said Ju Yeong-Gi.

“Yes, I got it,” Kang Jin-Ho testily replied.

“Look at all the dust! Can't you see how dirty it is down there?!”

“I'm cleaning properly here. You know I'm a clean freak.”

Ju Yeong-Gi tutted, unimpressed. “And that's the story from when? Since when does a clean freak abandon his messy kitchen to fool around outside?”

“...I wasn't fooling around.”

“Stop yapping and clean that part properly, will ya? And when you're done here, go back to the kitchen and wash the dishes, too.”

Kang Jin-Ho sourly asked, “Didn't you tidy up the store last night before going home?”

“Ohhh, I'm sorry~. You're right, it's the job of us, the poor employees, to tidy up the place since our boss is having fun outside doing who-knows-what. Yup, sorry. I couldn't tidy up anything last night 'cuz I felt a bit down and wanted to share a few drinks with my dear friend Park Yu-Min. But, you know what? I should've gotten my act together and managed the store properly since our boss is shirking his duties and having fun outside!”

“...I'll do the dishes, okay?” Kang Jin-Ho sighed while making a tearful face.

A bright smile bloomed on Jo Gyu-Min's face as he watched Kang Jin-Ho in a cute apron trudge toward the kitchen.

'Hegemony, my foot...'

Yes, that was what Kang Jin-Ho was like. That was how...!

“Oh? Chief Jo? I didn't see you there,” Ju Yeong-Gi waved at Jo Gyu-Min.

“O-oh. Hello there, Mister Ju.”

“I heard you were hanging out with Jin-Ho yesterday.” Ju Yeong-Gi suddenly narrowed his eyes.

“Oh... Yes, that is... true.”

“If you have business with Jin-Ho, you'll have to wait a bit. After doing the dishes, he's gonna carry the ingredients inside, too, you see?”

“Oh. I, uh, I see.”

Jo Gyu-Min glanced at the sight of Kang Jin-Ho and drooping shoulders busy washing the dishes and quickly wiped away the '108 Plans to Assist Kang Jin-Ho' from his mind.

“Nothing's changed, has it?”

Although Jo Gyu-Min was ever-so-slightly disappointed, a smile kept trying to break out on his lips.

Meanwhile, warm rays of sunlight continued to flood through the store's windows.