Chapter 165 ·I Agree, Too

I ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Agree, Too

Baek Ji-woong and Kwon So-jeong of the WISE&WIRE Group arrived at a safehouse located on the outskirts of Suwon. The reason was that another summons for the Organization had been called, just as it had been not long ago. The difference this time, though, was that Hyottoko, Im Deok-chang, and Shojo, Jung Yoon-ju, had both met their deaths and their seats were now vacant.

When they entered the living room, a video conference setup had already been prepared. As the two sat on the sofa, the screen split into three, revealing three masked figures. Hakushikijou, Tengu, and Hannya. None of their expressions could be seen due to their masks, but an air of seriousness was palpable.

Then Hakushikijou's voice came out first.

[As you all know, Notex's funds were robbed, and the plan to acquire Taeshin Group has fallen apart.]

No one dared interrupt and listened quietly.

[Moreover, the situation with two seats becoming vacant in such a short time is quite grave. I believe we need to take decisive measures.]

Tengu spoke up on the screen.

[Perhaps we overestimated Hyottoko and Shojo's abilities. In that case, I think it's best for us to focus on reorganizing the Organization.]

Each of their factions had lost a member. Although the sides were balanced, Tengu continued without regard for this balance.

[And the key issue right now is that evidence was found indicating Hyottoko had been tortured on site.]

When Jung Yoon-ju, the Shojo, died, there was no sign she had leaked information. This time, however, things were completely different. Im Deok-chang had been kidnapped from the heart of the National Intelligence Service together with his closest subordinate, Choi Dong-hoon, and judging by the estimated time of death, it was presumed he had been tortured for at least five hours. The likelihood that the Organization's information had not been leaked seemed slim, which prompted the current summons.

Hakushikijou addressed these concerns.

[I was worried about that, too, so I already instructed that all lines Hyottoko knew of be severed. Of course, traces can't be erased completely, but it shouldn't reach us.]

[However, isn't there a possibility that, outside of ourselves, the connection between Kitsune and Chairman Baek Ji-woong has been exposed? In fact, since the Hwain Techon case is surfacing, it would be fair to say that the information has already leaked.]

Tengu's outrage was simple in its cause—Hyottoko had been part of Hakushikijou's line. If he pinned the management failure and mistake on Hakushikijou, he could find just cause to push him out, even slightly.

[I acknowledge that point. As we're gathered here to discuss this, let us proceed with the matters that require confirmation.]

Suddenly, the topic shifted and the atmosphere fell. Noticing the strangeness, Tengu quieted down, and Hakushikijou continued.

[First, I'd like to hear about the progress in connecting with the law firm Yulmyung, which Tengu is overseeing.]

Yulmyung was the next target for connection after Jung Yoon-ju, the legal strategist, had died. Since it was last mentioned, no new updates had been shared.

[We're preparing to work on it both inside and out. However, since its structure is unlike regular companies, there are many tricky aspects.]

Hakushikijou nodded in response.

[I hope you resolve it well.]

The answer was given more smoothly than the expected attack. But Tengu, perhaps feeling something odd about it as well, cast a chilly gaze from behind his mask on the screen. Meanwhile, Hakushikijou continued.

[As you said at the start, Tengu, reorganizing the Organization is imperative. If Shojo's seat is to be filled by Yulmyung, we must decide who should fill Hyottoko's seat... I'd like to hear everyone's opinions.]

Everyone had expected this agenda item as soon as the summons came. They must have each brought at least one candidate to suggest—but no one spoke up easily. Then, Hannya, who had been silent until now, opened with a menacing air.

[Given the situation, it seems like the National Intelligence Service is off-limits unless we aim for the next regime. On the other hand, we lack the strength to poach someone from the police. Wouldn't it be better to secure another funding line?]

Baek Ji-woong and Kwon So-jeong's faces twitched at this opinion. After all, it was the WISE&WIRE Group that was currently in charge of the funding line.

Expanding it now was tantamount to splitting the profits they gained from the Organization. In other words, if another funding line was established, the W&W Group's influence in the Organization would be weakened.

No sooner had Hannya finished than Kwon So-jeong responded immediately.

"The Notex case was indeed our mistake, but it doesn't amount to a major problem. So do we really need a move that would cause future confusion right now?"

She couldn't allow their interests to be taken away. But Hannya did not back down.

[Funding is the Organization's lifeblood and the source of our power. In circumstances like these—without assurance such an incident won't happen again—do we need to keep taking such risks?]

"I fully understand your concern, Hannya. But please consider our position as well. It isn't as if we have supported the Organization's funds without hardship."

Slight resentment was evident in her reply, and Hannya's gaze shifted to one side of the monitor.

[Hakushikijou, what do you think?]

[Isn't Tengu's opinion more important than mine? He has managed the funding line together with Kitsune up until now.]

Once again, the turn to speak was passed on. Tengu now realized why Hakushikijou had delayed his opinion on Im Deok-chang's possible leak of information. Clearly, this was a move to weaken Tengu by splitting the funding line concentrated with the W&W Group. But fully aware of the situation, Tengu found it difficult to protest further, as just cause had already been established.

[... I don't think it's a bad idea.]

At that moment, Kitsune—Kwon So-jeong's—face twisted. Despite being of the same faction with Tengu, he had not sided with her. Still, Tengu continued.

[However, the issue is whether there's a company worthy of allying with us. The W&W Group has long shared the same path with us, and there have been no issues of trust. Shouldn't any new candidate meet that standard?]

Tengu had no intent to give in so easily; he put forth a key condition—one that would allow them to reject any less-than-excellent candidate under the guise of stability.

Hannya let out a sigh that could be heard through the speaker.

[What about AMK Partners? They secured the TN SOFT shares that Hyottoko couldn't, and recently they've been building a next-generation futuristic business called Bellbyte Technology. I'd say they're the most suitable.]

The atmosphere in the room instantly cooled at that name. Especially Baek Ji-woong, who had remained silent until now, seemed particularly uncomfortable.

That was because AMK Partners was under investigation as Skull's backer, together with Im Deok-chang. But with Im Deok-chang dead, the investigation had gone cold, making it difficult to argue the case here.

Tengu picked up Hannya's suggestion.

[I don't particularly object, but the problem is that we've made no contact, right? We don't even have any detailed information on Gordon Grimes, the CEO of AMK Partners, let alone his whereabouts.]

At this, Hakushikijou immediately spoke up.

[Tengu, why don't you try meeting Norman McGrath yourself?]

[Me?]

[He's currently in Korea to relocate his branch office, I've confirmed. You could meet him and use that to request a meeting with Gordon Grimes.]

Once again, the air was suspicious. If Tengu succeeded in making contact, the credit would go to them. Still, there were reasons to find this difficult to accept.

[I'm currently working on Yulmyung. Reaching out to Norman McGrath as well... To be frank, it seems rather difficult. How about giving Chairman Baek Ji-woong a chance with this one? Considering all he's done up to now.]

The arrow's direction shifted to Baek Ji-woong, but he couldn't simply take Tengu's suggestion at face value.

'Is this some scheme of Hakushikijou, or are they testing me?'

If things worked out, Tengu would take the credit; if not, the blame would be shifted to Baek Ji-woong. Still, since he was already under disciplinary measures for failing to report on TMT, and seeking to shake off restrictions within the Organization, he had no choice but to accept.

"I've already been keeping an eye on AMK Partners. A few days ago, I also confirmed that Norman McGrath met separately with Kang In-hyuk."

On hearing this report, the atmosphere around Tengu visibly lightened.

[As expected of Chairman Baek Ji-woong. Hakushikijou, what do you think? Wouldn't Chairman Baek Ji-woong be more qualified than I am for this task?]

Hakushikijou gazed at Baek Ji-woong through the screen. Even with only video, it felt as if their eyes met.

[I think it's a good idea. What do the rest of you say?]

He was calling for a majority vote as the final cut among the elders. Tengu spoke first.

[I agree.]

[I agree as well.]

With that, Hannya lifted his hand. Of the four elders present, three had already consented. Although Baek Ji-woong's spouse, Kitsune (Kwon So-jeong), had yet to vote, it no longer mattered.

"I agree, too."

It was simply for unanimity's sake.

* * *

After staff had left for the day, In-hyuk finished packing his personal belongings in boxes in his office and got up. It was finally his last day at Taeshin Asset Management.

"What are you doing? Not coming in?"

The question was directed at Hong Yu-geon, who had been sitting on the sofa all this time.

"Me?"

"Or should I carry them?"

Van Hester was already holding one of the boxes. Seeing this, Hong Yu-geon clicked his tongue and followed suit.

"It's not even that heavy."

"There are security guards—wouldn't it be odd if I carried it myself?"

"Tch―!"

After making sure nothing was left behind, and logging out of his computer, In-hyuk stepped outside.

The office was quiet and empty. Even so, having worked there for about a year and a half, he felt a strange sadness.

Watching him, Hong Yu-geon said quietly,

"Regretting telling Deputy General Manager Noh not to throw you a farewell party?"

"... Not really."

The three of them headed straight for the elevator. There, in the lounge by the elevator, sat Noh Dongjun.

"Are you leaving now?"

"I had to finish the handover paperwork. But what are you still doing here?"

Noh Dongjun laughed at the question.

"There's no way I could just stand by while my fellow rookie quits. How about that drink I mentioned last time, tonight?"

As for "rookies," there were not only Noh Dongjun but also several at Taeshin Trading and other parts of the Taeshin Group. Yet, previously, In-hyuk hadn't gotten close with anyone.

Adding the fact that he'd become an in-law to the Taeshin family, most people had only gossiped about him behind his back.

"I didn't expect you to care this much."

"If things go well for you at your new place, promise to take me with you."

"I'll think about it."

Smiling slightly, In-hyuk got on the elevator with Noh Dongjun. Hong Yu-geon, following after, shot him a look.

'What about us?'

In-hyuk, for now, simply ignored it.

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