Chapter 32

[Translator – Angel Dust][Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 32: Operation (1)

Chae Jungkook

Chae Jungkook is a two-term member of the National Assembly from the Nara Party. He graduated from Korea University Law School.

Through his consistent foreign activities, he has cultivated a friendly image among the public. At the same time, he has also built an image of justice by showing intolerance for injustice.

In addition, he is the son-in-law of the Yoohan Group, and his support base is so solid that it is said that he will be able to win a third term. In fact, he has a strong foothold in the National Assembly.

‘Congressman Chae Jungkook… he pretended to be good and righteous on the outside and did everything, but behind the scenes, he was picking pumpkin seeds.’

If I recall correctly, he won a third term without incident. After that, I was travelling abroad and didn’t pay much attention.

Returning to Sunting after a long time, I was guided by a staff member to the 15th floor.

Meeting with Kim Woogil

As he walked into the room, a large, vigorous, middle-aged man with a broad smile extended his hand.

“Hello, I’m Chae Jungkook.”

“I’m Kim Woogil.”

“Come on in, have a seat.”

I expected a heavy atmosphere, but Chae Jungkook greeted me like a friend he hasn’t seen in a long time.

“You look very well! You must have made a lot of women cry when you were young! Hahaha!”

It’s quite natural to loosen up and let your guard down.

I know I should be careful of this kind of person, smiled unabashedly.

“Thank you.”

“I heard you’re a very skilled appraiser.”

“That’s right.”

I didn’t deny it, since Oh Geomsu would have already told him about it.

“As expected of a genius, you must be very proud of yourself.”

It’s not a mocking tone, but a genuinely admiring one.

“Why did you want to see me?”

“Actually, I’ve known about you for a long time. Didn’t you work under Kang Chanwook?”

“…Yes.”

Was it a situation where he had already finished his background check?

“I hope you don’t think too badly of me but I actually knew Kang Chanwook when I was young. He saved my life once. So I helped him this time, but I really didn’t know it would hurt you. I wanted to apologize for that, so I took the liberty of asking to meet you.”

He stands up from his seat and bows his head with a serious expression.

It is a sincere apology by anyone’s standards. Considering Chae Jungkook’s current position and status, it is absurd for him to apologize to a mere appraiser for such a thing.

Perhaps if someone else had been here, witnessing Chae Jungkook’s attitude firsthand, much of the resentment inside would have dissipated.

‘If only it wasn’t me.’

[Insight Activated.]

[Probability of being false: 85.6%]

His apology seemed close to being a lie. Considering it didn’t exceed 90%, was there even a hint of sincerity?

“You don’t need to do that.”

“I didn’t directly do anything, but still, I wanted to apologize for the mishap caused by me. I heard Dr. Park was trying to deceive and profit from artifacts behind my back.”

“Fortunately, nothing happened.”

“The end doesn’t justify the means. Given Dr. Park and Mr. Kang’s intentions to exploit your abilities, the process matters.”

“…I understand. I’ll accept your apology, so you can stop now.”

Believing his apology to be insincere, his repeated apologies only felt more discomforting. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the N0vᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

However, contrary to my inner thoughts, I genuinely pretended to be moved by his apology.

Just as much as Chae Jungkook had lived through, I had lived fiercely.

Despite differences in circumstances and methods, a certain depth and composure were ingrained in both.

“There’s another matter I’m sorry about. Should I stop?”

A glance that implied you couldn’t just walk away without hearing the rest of the story.

The thought that no matter how genius the appraiser was, what he could do about you, a child who had just become an adult less than a few years ago, appeared and disappeared in his eyes for a moment.

‘Perhaps they think young geniuses can’t see the darkness of the world. That’s why you’re being so careless.’

The difference between Chae Jungkook and me was our mindset when facing others.

Unlike me, who had firmly resolved even before meeting him, Chae Jungkook knew too well that dealing with a young man was easier said than done.

“What… is it?”

As he looked at my gently trembling pupils, he apologized with a remorseful expression.

“Dr. Park will probably get out of prison sooner or later.”

“…What? Did Congressman Chae intervene? How can someone who claims to crack down on criminals…!”

I couldn’t contain my excitement, almost shouting. I slightly lowered my head, exhaling deeply before answering.

“You might know. Currently, the world greatly needs the power of appraiser. Despite Dr. Park’s momentary greed leading to a mistake, he is a person of definite ability. To further my goals, I needed Dr. Park’s power.”

He expressed his opinion in a solemn voice, as if delivering a speech in front of the public.

“This won’t happen again. I’ve learned a lot from this incident. I think this happened because I neglected my people under the excuse of being busy. It’s all my fault and my incompetence. So, I want to contribute to the country and help many people as much as my people have done wrong.”

His right hand clenched into a fist, trembling, conveying his emotions.

Truly, being right there, listening to his words and observing his actions, it was impossible to think that what he said was false.

“…I was angry with Dr. Park as well, but honestly, my goal was Kang Chanwook. Well, there’s nothing I can do. It’s not like you’ll stop just because I oppose it, right?”

“I have nothing to say.”

“Can I ask you just one thing? No, two things.”

“Ask anything.”

Initially, I thought it was a sharp question, but there was no hint of hesitation in his gaze.

He seemed to have prepared for this level of questioning already, as his answers came out smoothly.

“Actually, there have been a few times when I’ve been asked to help them with a business, and I’ve supported them financially, but I’ve never been told what the business was.”

The answer was within the expected range. Well, I didn’t think I could get hard evidence from him right now, so I didn’t press further.

“Then secondly, what’s your relationship with Jung Taejin? A connection between a thug and a member of the National Assembly with solid public support… It’s too shocking.”

“…..”

This time, there was no immediate answer. Kang Chanwook is one thing, but Jung Taejin was a criminal in the underworld.

Just being associated with him would be a big blow to him. What would he say?

“My wife was involved in Jung Taejin’s fraudulent activities once. It was a free appraisal scheme, and we ended up losing a Grade A artifact completely. That was when I first met Jung Taejin, and he used that as leverage to threaten me.”

“Why didn’t you report it to the police then?”

“It was during the election period. They planned it for that time… Just the revelation of this fact was too damaging to me. That was the beginning.”

He said with trembling cheeks.

“He kept approaching my wife behind my back and threatening her. My wife felt bad that she’d gotten herself into this, so she tried to work it out without telling me…….”

Chase Jungkook’s face turned bright red.

“I had to, to protect my… wife. I’m really… really sorry. I said I would crack down on crime in front of people, but I couldn’t even protect my own people, and I compromised with reality. I’m so ashamed and embarrassed.”

If someone filmed this scene and exposed it to the world, would the public see his true colors and hurl insults and stones?

I don’t think so. Rather, those who doubted his sincerity in his humane aspect would disappear.

At the same time, I remembered that he had arrived in this room first.

He didn’t turn his gaze away, but as soon as he realized it, he felt like he could sense eyes from all around the room.

“It’s okay. Jung Taejin has been caught, and as long as he doesn’t repeat it in the future.”

“…Thank you for understanding.”

After exchanging brief words, he stood up.

“Here’s my business card. I respect young genius appraisers like you, Mr. Woogil. I also need them.”

“I’m not that great of a person.”

“No, you’re already a talent needed in South Korea just from what you’ve done so far. If you need my help, feel free to contact me anytime.”

With that, Chae Jungkook left the room, wearing a friendly smile.

I returned home and cooled my head. Even just conversing briefly with individuals like Chae Jungkook could be mentally draining.

The problem was that I would have to encounter Chae Jungkook quite frequently in the future.

“Phew…”

Vrrr-

As if on cue, my phone screen lit up with a vibration.

[Kim Junghyun]

Seeing the familiar name after a long time, I immediately answered the call.

Click-

“Hello.”

– Mr. Woogil, this is Kim Junghyun. I heard you handled the Taejin Faction case well this time.

“Yes, thank you for connecting.”

– No, it’s nothing. Just doing my job. Um, the reason I suddenly contacted you is because I heard that the operation for the Spiter Colony from above is proceeding as planned, so I wanted to inform you about it.

“…Are you going to use the Aura Stone?”

Surely these crazy guys, even after being informed of the side effects, are still going ahead with it?

– No, the operation will proceed without the Aura Stone.

“…Then you’ll need additional personnel.”

– Yes. That’s why I’ve been called up this time.

“If you’re joining, then we have a good chance of success.”

– But the risk level this time is quite high. I have a request for you, Mr. Woogil. Could you listen to it?

It was Kim Junghyun’s request, so of course, I had to listen. There was no room for hesitation.

“If it’s a request from you, I’m always welcome. Please tell me.”

– Thank you. This time, the plan is to have hunters from Japan support our operation. We’ll probably substitute the Aura Stone with artifacts brought from their side. Could you verify them?

“Can I verify them? Wouldn’t it be better to have exceptional appraisers from both Korea and Japan?”

– The commanders of the Special Forces and Special Units participating in this operation are directly on the field, so if necessary, they can bring in appraisers for confirmation.

Appraisers from both the Salvation Korea branch and the Japan branch…

It was a strange feeling. In the past, I couldn’t even stand next to them because I wasn’t awakened.

But now, I could evaluate items and exchange assessments on equal terms.

“I’ll help.”

I wonder how good these appraisers will be, and what they bring with them.

My heart started pounding with anticipation.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]