Chapter 262: A Harbinger of a Storm (4)

Chapter 262: A Harbinger of a Storm (4)

The nature of an editor's job entailed close contact with the rich and powerful. Hence, second-generation politicians and third-generation chaebols would occasionally be found to be involved in cases of celebrity drug offenders.

To publish these articles, editors often negotiate with the parents of the individuals involved, as chaebols exert financial pressure and politicians wield power over the situation.

The current editor-in-chief of Central Daily Newspaper, Lee Sang-Mook, was a seasoned political figure. He wasn't the type to publish an article without ensuring his own safety.

Feeling frustrated, Choi So-Hye undid the top button of her blouse. "Ugh. That cowardly bastard. He has no guts even though he's the editor-in-chief! I swear, I should just quit this company or something..."

The fuming Choi So-Hye grumbled about the upper echelons of the media company.

"That's it. Team Lead Jung. Let's order some drinks first!" She exclaimed angrily.

I pressed the bell to order two servings of a traditional Korean meal and a bottle of traditional liquor. Pouring her a drink, I began asking her for specific details.

"To what extent have you covered the story?"

Choi So-Hye gulped down her drink in one go. "Ugh~ Why is the liquor so bitter today? Actually, I've even secured some photos."

"You took photos? Then it's all over for them," I remarked.

"Yes, but only if we could report it."

Unlike vague news articles, having photos would give it a tremendous impact.

"But how did you manage to take a picture of Vice President Kim Ae-Ja?" I asked with curiosity.

"I planted someone in the club that you mentioned, then had them take pictures of Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak. Who knew Kim Ae-Ja would appear with them?"

I had told her that Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak were using marijuana in Flexis Club located in Gangnam.

Someone as influential as Kim Ae-Ja usually met people in secluded places or private bars to avoid public attention, but she had appeared at Flexis Club two days ago.

Choi So-Hye shrugged. "I heard she comes to clubs these days to hang out with younger guys. Unfortunately for her, she got caught by me right then."

"That's amazing," I remarked.

"Yes, it really is. But the problem is we still can't report it."

Pouring another drink for Choi So-Hye, I asked, "What reason did the editor-in-chief give for not publishing the article?"

Choi So-Hye rolled her eyes. "Our cowardly editor said, "What if Daechon Inc. drops all their ads if we publish without any groundwork?""

"What does he mean by groundwork?"

"In simple terms, he means we need backing. Anyway, we're not to say a word about Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak for the time being. Since Kim Ae-Ja changes men easily, he said we'll just catch the actors once things calm down."

But I couldn't let that happen. Park Hee-Tae and Choi Seong-Lak would soon come to Hoop Entertainment, and they would damage the company's reputation if the article broke after that. We had to deal with it before that happened.

I looked straight into Choi So-Hye's eyes and said, "How about this?" Fịndd new updates at novelhall.com

Choi So-Hye put down her glass. "What's your plan?"

"Take the photos you secured to Kim Ae-Ja's sister, Kim Ae-Reyon."

Choi So-Hye tilted her head in curiosity. "Kim Ae-Reyon of Daechun Construction? Isn't she completely overshadowed by her sister, the vice president?"

Two years ago during the Daechon Inc. sisters' share war, Kim Ae-Ja had swallowed up the main industries of department stores and distribution.

On the other hand, Kim Ae-Reyon was pushed into the relatively non-core construction sector of Daechon Inc.

Although the general opinion was that Kim Ae-Reyon was finished, I knew she was lying low, waiting for an opportunity.

"That's why she'll be even more eager to get back at her sister," I added.

"So you want to incite a fight between the sisters?"

"Exactly."

Choi So-Hye pondered for a moment while drinking. After silently having one drink then two, she finally spoke up on her third drink.

"Would Kim Ae-Reyon have the strength to fight her sister?"

"If you give that photo to Kim Ae-Reyon, President Kim Bu-Ho will take action. This isn't just a simple sibling fight."

Kim Bu-Ho, the founder and honorary president of Daechon Inc., was the father of Kim Ae-Ja and Kim Ae-Reyon.

Each time Kim Ae-Ja was attacked by outsiders, Kim Bu-Ho would always protect his daughter. However, the story would surely change if the daughters were to fight among themselves.

Even during their shares war two years ago, he appeared impartial on the outside and couldn’t fully support either side.

Nonetheless, it would be different this time as it would be an unforgivable matter for Kim Bu-Ho who valued family reputation.

"President Kim Bu-Ho will be furious if he finds out his daughter is behaving like this. He's an old-fashioned man, after all," I explained.

"And Kim Ae-Reyon will fan the flames?"

"She'll use every detail, real or imagined, to upset her father."

Choi So-Hye’s face brightened as she took another drink. "Ah~ Now this drink tastes sweet. Okay, I got it!"

Choi So-Hye refilled her empty glass and held it out to me. "Well, here. Have a drink tonight since we're in a good mood."

I felt a chill down my spine seeing Choi So-Hye's wink.

After all, her one drink never ended at just one.

***

In the VIP room located in a luxury hostess bar in Yeongdeungpo sat the 65-year-old Park Sang-Gon, the secretary-general of the ruling party.

Next to the most likely candidate for the next party leader, his daughter Park Sang-Ah sat while holding a glass.

Park Sang-Ah, about 160 cm tall with a petite build, carefully poured her father a drink while ensuring her white blouse didn’t touch the glass.

Just like that the meeting of the three was in full swing a month before the party leader election and the engagement.

***

Choi Man-Sik waited alone for ten more minutes before leaving even after Park Sang-Gon and Park Sang-Ah left first.

Returning to the car, Choi Man-Sik leaned back in the back seat and cursed.

"Ugh~ These bastards can't do anything without money... How dare they..."

Even while swallowing the dirty money collected from Myeongdong, the pretentiousness of Park Sang-Gon and Park Sang-Ah was utterly disgusting.

However, he needed their power to escape the shadow of Choi Eun-Tae.

At that moment, Yang Ji-Hoon, who was sitting in the driver's seat, asked, "Hyung-nim, have you given up on Director Kang Ji-Yung? You said you would marry her."

"Ji-Hoon, have you ever seen me give up on a woman once I set my sights on her?"

Choi Man-Sik implied that even after marrying Park Sang-Ah, he would continue seeing Kang Ji-Yung.

Yang Ji-Hoon clicked his tongue at Choi Man-Sik's obsession. "Even so, Representative Park will go crazy if Miss Sang-Ah finds out."

Choi Man-Sik smirked. "It doesn't matter if she finds out. Sang-Ah has a boyfriend too."

Yang Ji-Hoon frowned. "Pardon?"

"We've already agreed to not interfere with each other’s love lives as long as we don't have children outside."

Yang Ji-Hoon was stunned into silence with his mouth agape.

Choi Man-Sik looked at him and replied, "Why are you so surprised? Did you think they were sophisticated people? In reality, they are worse than people like us."

"But still..."

"Now I understand why my old man always said that politicians are the dirtiest. By the way, have you heard from Dong-Soo?"

Yang Ji-Hoon regained his composure and answered. "Yes. The search for his son is progressing well, and they've narrowed down the candidates. It will take about another month."

Choi Man-Sik gave a crooked smile. "What perfect timing for an engagement gift. And once we're sure who the son is... you know what to do, right?"

"Yes. There are professionals in Mokpo who handle clean-ups. I’ll call them in. They are discreet and quick."

"Take care of it on your own. Could you step out for a moment? I need to call Ji-Yung."

"Yes, hyung-nim."

As Yang Ji-Hoon stepped out of the driver's seat, Choi Man-Sik made a call. The signal indicated that the call was being routed.

-Hello?

"Ji-Yung, I was thinking about having some wine tonight. Where are you right now?"

-I can't. I'm in Japan.

"Really? We should drink sake if you're in Japan. If you're in Tokyo, I could catch a flight and come see you right now."

-What are you saying? Stop talking nonsense and go to sleep!

Click.

Choi Man-Sik chuckled even though Kang Ji-Yung hung up abruptly.

He thought that the more prickly and thorny a flower, the more satisfying it would be when he finally plucked it.

***

Yoo-Jin's role as Cheongmyung always fought in a dress, so she had to practice Taekwondo kicks and boxing whenever she could.

She used to practice in her yard before this, but she now needed protective mats for high-level action scenes.

Hence, we decided to visit Park Seon-Nyeo’s Aerobics Classroom.

As there were no students from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Park Seon-Nyeo happily lent us the space.

Jung Sang-Bong would teach Yoo-Jin Taekwondo while I would teach her boxing and Jiu-Jitsu.

I waited for Yoo-Jin and Miso to change clothes while checking the news.

[Episode 5 of In the Name of God: 18.4% viewership rating]

[In the Name of God: Taereung resident after seeing Cheongmyung's powerful kick. 'At this level, she's a pro.']

[Episode 5 of Festival of Money: 13.2%]

[Preview of Episode 6 of Festival of Money: 'Secret of Birth, Shocking!']

[In the Name of God: Approaching 20% viewership ratings. Aiming for the shortest time to reach this milestone in a well-made drama.]

In the Name of God was quickly increasing in viewership ratings, but Festival of Money continued to chase with sensational content in each episode.

However, the gap in viewership ratings that had once opened was not easily narrowing.

Moreover, In the Name of God was already nearing a 20% viewership rating and it seemed likely to surpass 20% by the sixth episode.

At that moment, Yoo-Jin and Miso came out of the changing room together, dressed in Taekwondo uniforms.

"Oppa~! We're all dressed!"

I put my phone in my pocket and turned my attention to them.

Miso, holding Yoo-Jin's hand, was smiling much brighter than usual.

"Uncle Yoon-Ho! Look at this!"