A Light Jab to Start
Chairman Joo plopped down across from Mayor Choi and spoke with a casual air.
“You must be skipping meals with all the work you do day and night. Let’s have a proper meal today.”
The emphasis on the word “meal” made Mayor Choi’s expression harden even more. It was either a jab or a provocation, one of the two.
“Sashimi rice bowl will do. We’ve already spent too much time here.”
“Oh dear, my apologies for the oversight.”
Chairman Joo’s feigned innocence was unsettling. Mayor Choi decided to dispense with formalities.
“Chairman, if you have something to say to me, please do so now.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I just wanted to congratulate you on your election.”
Chairman Joo waved his hands dismissively.
“Then I’ll take it as a congratulation, but please give up on Sangam-dong. As my father-in-law has already stated, we will adhere strictly to the principle of excluding conglomerates like Sunyang and Daehyeon.”
Mayor Choi made it clear he had overheard the conversation from the adjacent room. Yet, Chairman Joo remained unfazed.
“Not at all. It’s a good policy to revive struggling construction companies. Don’t misconstrue my intentions. I’m sincere.”
“Then I’ll accept your sincerity. Let’s postpone the meal. I should be going…”
As Mayor Choi began to rise, Chairman Joo reached out to stop him.
“Come now, a man with big plans shouldn’t be in such a hurry. Sit down for a moment.”
The mention of “big plans” caught Mayor Choi’s attention, and he reluctantly sat back down.
“You know as well as I do, living with the in-laws isn’t easy. All Korean men have to mind their wives, but having to watch out for the father-in-law, mother-in-law, and even the nephews… it’s tough.”
“Chairman, there’s nothing to gain from provoking my pride. It’s not difficult to hold Daehyeon Group back with just one Seoul city permit issue.”
“Oh, how frightening. It’s common for men living with in-laws to act tough outside. Haha.”
“Chairman Joo!”
Mayor Choi shouted, his face flushed with anger at the mocking laughter.
“I can help you break free from living with the in-laws. I’ll even prepare a palanquin for your journey to the Blue House. How about it?”
The unexpected proposal left Mayor Choi speechless.
The Blue House?
Chairman Joo continued, seeing Mayor Choi’s bewilderment.
“Your father-in-law has already drawn a line, hasn’t he? He’s not the type to pave a golden path to the Blue House for you. He’d rather throw ashes and build a wall.”
Chairman Joo smiled slyly.
“He doesn’t even want to give his own bloodline what he has, let alone a son-in-law. He can’t stand to see you succeed.”
“I’m not sure why you’re telling me this, Chairman.”
Mayor Choi finally managed to speak, regaining his composure.
“Isn’t it natural for me to invest in people? When this administration ends, a new era will begin. Without the democratization or dictatorship of the past, a new figure will emerge. Perhaps the Mayor of Seoul will be at the forefront.”
“Isn’t your fourth son also in politics? A three-term congressman.”
“He’s not cut out for it. He just runs in our car factory district. He could win five or ten terms there, but that’s his limit. He can’t be a bigger politician.”
Chairman Joo’s son was known for being a mere rubber stamp in the assembly. As a fellow party member, Mayor Choi knew Chairman Joo’s words were spot on.
“I’m a Sunyang Group man.”
“Does a politician have roots? They drift from place to place. Wherever someone supports and nurtures them, that’s where their roots are.”
”…”
“And both the Mayor of Seoul and the President have big hearts. They can embrace both Sunyang and Daehyeon.”
“Could I really be a force for both groups?”
Chairman Joo didn’t give a direct answer to Mayor Choi’s question. He simply smiled and started on a tangent.
“May I offer you some advice?”
“I’m all ears.”
“I have three wives. Two are on the family register, and one isn’t.”
“Isn’t that an open secret? And for your generation, having two or three wives isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
“That’s why I’m saying this. Things aren’t much different now. Divorce and remarriage aren’t flaws. What’s the big deal about having two or three wives on the register?”
Mayor Choi was taken aback. There were times when his wife, Jin Seo-yun, made him shudder with her reliance on her family, but they had managed well so far.
Moreover, all three of their children were grown. There was no reason to break up their marriage after enduring the tough times.
“That’s going too far. I have no intention of leaving my wife.”
“Who said to leave her right away? Live together as long as necessary, and when the time comes to make a big move, seize the opportunity. If she behaves, there’s no harm in staying together. In fact, from the moment you became Mayor of Seoul, the power was already in your hands.”
Having been constantly criticized for lacking tact, Mayor Choi had developed a keen sense of it. He understood the path Chairman Joo was suggesting.
Jin Seo-yun might control things from behind, but he was the Mayor of Seoul and could aspire to the presidency.
If he became President, it wouldn’t be his wife using him to take over Sunyang; it would be him using her to seize it.
And there was also the implication of joining forces with Daehyeon Group.
No matter how formidable the two groups were, it wasn’t difficult to grant them multiple favors simultaneously in Korea, especially if one were President.
Chairman Joo’s sponsorship offer wasn’t entirely unappealing. His father-in-law loomed in his mind, but his heart raced as if he were having an affair.
“Is the sashimi rice bowl ready yet? I’m suddenly quite hungry.”
Mayor Choi beamed at Chairman Joo.
“How much have we gathered so far?”
“Well, it’s hard to pinpoint just Yong-jun’s share when speculators are flocking like mad after the development plan was announced.”
Jin Seo-yun’s husband replied nonchalantly, causing her to raise an eyebrow, but she took a deep breath and held back. They say a position shapes a person, and since becoming the head of ten million citizens, he had lost his previous docility.
Though he was now harder to handle, it wasn’t entirely a bad thing. He seemed to have become a real man.
“Aunt, the exact amount isn’t important. He complained to me. He intended to buy only up to twice the market price, but with the sudden surge, he ended up paying four or five times. He’s definitely poured everything in.”
“So if we cancel now…?”
“It would be a huge blow. Recovery would be difficult.”
Her uncle, who had been listening quietly, tapped the table.
“Good. Let’s go ahead and announce it.”
“Wait, dear. Let’s assess the overall scale first…”
“No, I have a plan. If we target Yong-jun from the start, it will be difficult for both you and me.”
What?
What is he talking about now?
My goal is to completely fall out of favor with Jin Yong-jun’s grandfather. But now he’s changing the objective.
“Dear! You need to directly mention Jin Yong-jun to shake off the label of being a chaebol’s son-in-law.”
“Of course, I’ll do that. But there’s no need to start that way. The first shot should be fired elsewhere, and then we can step on Yong-jun once he’s down.”
This is getting more complicated.
The man who used to follow his aunt’s orders like a loyal servant is now devising his own schemes.
Could this sudden change be because of the title of Mayor of Seoul?
“I’ve been a prosecutor for years. When planning an investigation, you start from the outskirts. If you go straight in, it only leads to accusations of targeting. Leave this to me.”
Seeing her uncle’s confidence made her uneasy.
Could he have another agenda?
“The tax office will be the gunman, and the prosecutor’s office the swordsman. I’ll just collect the spoils, so watch and see.”
”…I cannot contain the profound sorrow and deep-seated anger. To overcome the national crisis akin to the IMF, ordinary citizens even brought out their treasured gold rings from deep within their wardrobes. Meanwhile, the wealthy are buying gold as prices rise, and sweeping up undervalued land, stocks, and buildings as if they’re on a shopping spree.”
Her uncle’s emergency press conference was being broadcast live on TV. Even without hearing the entire statement, it was clear what it was about.
His face was the very picture of anger.
“The project was intended to boost the construction industry and promote culture during tough times. We even offered public land, which is practically a national asset. We can no longer tolerate real estate speculation for unjust profits.”
After setting down the statement, her uncle looked directly into the camera. The broadcast station zoomed in on his face.
“The city of Seoul has investigated the speculation and confirmed massive speculation in Susaek-dong, Eunpyeong-gu. We have also reviewed the ‘New Seoul Town Development Plan.’”
He took a sip of water. The final bombshell was about to drop.
“Based on the review, I announce that Susaek-dong in Eunpyeong-gu will be excluded from the ‘New Seoul Town’ selection. It will be limited to Sangam-dong in Mapo-gu, and the scale will be reduced. We will strictly regulate to ensure not a single penny of profit goes to real estate speculators.”
This meant that those who had purchased land in Susaek-dong would suffer significant losses. Those who bought early at low prices might not lose money, but selling would be difficult. Since it was excluded from development, there would be no buyers.
Now it was clear why the tax office and prosecutor’s office were involved.
The mayor of Seoul was furious about the real estate speculation frenzy, and with public opinion mounting, the investigative agencies couldn’t just sit idly by. With the country in financial turmoil, and some people still engaging in land speculation, it was only a matter of time before an investigation was launched.
“Wow, ever since he became mayor, he’s really got that commanding presence,” someone remarked.
“Well, he used to be a prosecutor. When he sets his sights on a target, that’s when you see the real him,” another replied.
Surprised by this unexpected side of his uncle, Oh Se-hyun let out a short whistle.
“Smart move. He’s going after Jin Young-jun without getting his hands dirty. Even Chairman Jin won’t see it coming.”
“Seems like he’s changed overnight, doesn’t it?”
“Maybe this is who he really is…”
“Do you think so?”
Oh Se-hyun shot me a knowing grin.
“That guy’s going to take off now. Might even look like he’s out of control.”
“Is this what happens when someone who’s been under their wife’s thumb finally breaks free?”
“Exactly. He couldn’t voice his own thoughts or opinions, but now he’s become mayor on his own merit. Even if his wife supported him, this is all thanks to Mayor Choi’s abilities. So, of course, he’s brimming with confidence.”
“Looks like we’re in for some fireworks. Haha.”
Oh Se-hyun immediately understood the meaning behind my laughter.
“That household’s in for daily arguments now. By the way, your aunt moved back home from the hotel, right?”
“Yeah. No avoiding the fights now.”
Even before the mayor and his wife started having marital issues, it seemed the newlyweds were already ahead of them.
Hong So-young lay in bed, unable to get up.
She had poured the entire 5 billion won from her family into the investment, but after Mayor Choi’s announcement, its value was cut in half. If it dropped further, she wondered how much she could salvage.
The bigger issue was the money her family had invested. She hadn’t been told the exact amount, but she heard the atmosphere back home was like a funeral.
Her resentment and anger were directed squarely at her husband’s aunt, Jin Seo-yun.
She believed the mayor was nothing more than a puppet controlled by Jin Seo-yun.