The Former Chaebol Heir Excels as President

Chapter 53: Star Member of the National Assembly (2)

Inside a private room at a high-end restaurant in Gangnam, two men were seated.

Ryu Jong-min and Wang Dohun.

They had finished their meal and were now having tea.

“Representative Ryu, we’re not getting enough people together.”

“It’s the presidential election season. Everyone’s busy picking sides. It’s bitter.”

“You’re going to keep pushing forward? We’re both first-term lawmakers. If we choose the wrong side, we won’t get nominated next time.”

“We can’t give up on what we promised. Didn’t Representative Wang join in because you agreed with the problems in the party?”

“Of course I did.”

Wang Dohun clicked his tongue and shook his head.

His expression was full of discontent.

In contrast, Ryu Jong-min’s eyes were gleaming.

“The party is too rigid. Since the party makes all the decisions, people can’t help but fall in line. We need to adopt open primaries too.”

“The leading presidential candidate is against it right now. If we empower that side for no reason, we’ll just get blacklisted.”

The Korea Unification Party selected its presidential candidate with 20% delegates, 30% party members, 30% general public, and 20% opinion polls.

Except for the front-runner, the other candidates insisted on a full national primary system. However, the leadership announced that it would stick to the current system.

Ryu Jong-min was dissatisfied.

“Even that 30% from the general public is basically mobilized. The opinion polls are also likely to be answered by those who support our party. It’s a system that completely ignores the will of the general public.”

“I agree with you, but the tide has already turned. If we raise our voices now, we might not get nominated again.”

“So nomination is already that important to you.”

“I think reformist voices can come after we’re re-elected.”

Ryu Jong-min looked at Wang Dohun with a cold gaze.

“So what you’re saying is, you won’t be joining us?”

“Please leave my name out of tomorrow evening’s article.”

“You suddenly changed your mind?”

Wang Dohun had just returned from a meeting with the Party Leader. The Party Leader had asked him not to support the change in primary rules.

But he couldn’t say that.

“The presidential election is right around the corner. I think the party should unite. If we stir up conflict, we might lose.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I’m sorry. And I need to step away from this group.”

Ryu Jong-min’s face hardened.

“You’re already choosing sides? I’m really disappointed.”

“It’s for the party. Not for myself.”

Ryu Jong-min felt deep despair.

Two other lawmakers had already informed him that they would be leaving the Fools’ Club.

Now only Han Chin-woo and Jeon Hoe-su remained. What could three people accomplish?

He had to persuade him.

“Representative Wang, it hasn’t even been long since you earned your badge. Representative Kang is drawing media attention — shouldn’t we be doing something too?”

When Kang Cheonmyeong was mentioned, Wang Dohun’s cheek twitched.

“I don’t care about him. I do acknowledge that he’s working hard.”

“Even if we fall behind in legislative activity, we should at least do our part within the party.”

“I’m sorry. I made this decision after thinking it over for a few days.”

“I can’t force you to think like me. Got it.”

“Then I’ll be off now.”

As Wang Dohun was about to get up, Ryu Jong-min stopped him.

“Wait a second.”

“Hm?”

“You and Representative Kang were in the same class in your first year of high school, right?”

“So?”

“I’m curious what he was like.”

Wang Dohun sat back down.

“What about during university?”

“We were in the same club. He was someone who took initiative. He studied well and was very smart.”

“In high school, he was just average. Liked to show off and was arrogant.”

“You’re saying Cheonmyeong was like that?”

“That’s why he’s messing around without thinking now. That’s why he drags all the reporters around by himself.”

“Really?”

Ryu Jong-min widened his eyes, finding it hard to agree.

“Be careful too, Representative Ryu. He’s the kind of guy who uses people.”

“That’s nothing like the person I saw.”

“My opinion is that he’s different on the inside than he appears. I’ll be going now.”

Left alone, Ryu Jong-min felt like he had been struck in the back of the head with a hammer.

‘There’s no way he’s that kind of person.’

On his way home from work, he received a call from Jung Jungha, the Politics Bureau Chief at Donghwa Ilbo.

He said he was with Special Reporter Ban Hyeongpil and asked Ryu to come.

He wanted to see Ban Hyeongpil in his younger days.

“Secretary Pyo, let’s go to Nonhyeon-dong. I need to meet with a reporter.”

"Understood."

Pyo Dong-ho, my personal secretary and driver.

He was a wise man, and talking to him always set my mind at ease.

"Representative, are you feeling all right? You’ve been pushing yourself nonstop."

"I’m still young. And I’m enjoying it."

"Thank you."

"Excuse me?"

"I’m talking about the Disabled Support Act you’re preparing. Actually, my youngest daughter is visually impaired. I reviewed the bill you’re drafting, and I think it’ll help my daughter too."

This was news to me.

Of course, I couldn’t be expected to know the personal details of every staff member’s family.

"I see. Is your daughter working now?"

"She’s studying social welfare. Her ultimate dream is to become a teacher."

"I’ll do my best to make sure it helps."

"Thank you."

The car sped down the road.

As we passed Olympic-daero and entered Gangnam, Pyo Dong-ho asked,

"You’re close with Representative Ryu Jong-min, right?"

"We went to university together and were in the same club. So yes, we’re close."

"I heard he’s leading a political reform movement within the Korea Unification Party. He’s sincere, but he might not get the next nomination."

"He’s a principled friend. He’s also leading a group that wants to reform conservatism."

"The clan society?"

"What?"

I had heard it was called the Fools’ Club.

A group that wanted to build a proper conservative movement.

Pyo Dong-ho explained.

"It was in the news today. They said the Korea Unification Party’s presidential primary should be held as an open primary, and they mentioned the names of three lawmakers."

"I must’ve missed that article. Who are they?"

"Representative Ryu Jong-min, Representative Han Chin-woo, and Representative Jeon Hoe-su."

"So they’re calling it the Clan Society by taking the middle character of their names."

"Yes."

Originally, the group had six members, including Wang Dohun.

That meant three had left.

"Sounds rough. The original group had six members."

"They’re first-term lawmakers, so it must be tough. The atmosphere in that party is already stiff, and with the presidential election coming up, it’s probably even tighter. I really hope someone like him succeeds."

"He will."

The car arrived at the meeting location, Seohyang.

When I first heard the name, I thought it was a restaurant, but the flashy lights told me it was a room salon.

"Secretary Pyo, do you know this place? Looks like a room salon."

"Seeing that it’s underground, it does. Representative, you should be careful."

"Of course. Please head in first."

"No, I’ll wait for you."

"It’s all right. I’ll take a taxi. I have to move early tomorrow morning."

"I’m really fine."

"But I’m not."

I finally managed to send him on his way despite his insistence on staying.

I called Jung Jungha.

"I’ve just arrived out front."

― They’ll guide you in once you enter.

"I’m going in now."

In my past life, I had been to room salons countless times.

Entertaining agency heads, politicians, and legal professionals—I'd played dirty plenty. I knew all too well what kind of covert dealings happened inside.

And I also knew how not to get caught in the trap.

I went down the basement stairs.

As soon as my foot landed on the polished marble, a woman who seemed to be the madam greeted me with delight.

"Representative Kang, welcome. It’s an honor to meet you. I’ll guide you inside."

I followed her into VIP Room 1.

There were several bottles of whiskey on the table, and Jung Jungha and Ban Hyeongpil sat facing each other.

"Good evening."

"Welcome, Representative Kang."

Jung Jungha’s eyes were slightly glazed.

He must’ve been using his drunkenness as an excuse to speak informally, but I let it slide.

"Let me introduce you. This is Ban Hyeongpil, a special reporter from Jongseon Ilbo."

"Nice to meet you."

"It’s an honor to meet such a well-known figure, Representative."

He looked about ten years younger than in my past life.

So he did have a full head of hair back then.

"I’m just a first-term lawmaker."

"No need to be modest. Please, have a drink."

I accepted the drink he poured.

"Representative, I’ve been watching your work on TV. I’ve never seen a first-term lawmaker get this much attention. Usually, it takes at least two or three years. How did you make such an impact right from the start?"

"I was just lucky."

"Things like this don’t happen by luck. You must’ve had hidden depth all along."

"Representative Kang, take my glass too!"

Jung Jungha seemed to want to show off in front of a junior, speaking to me in a commanding tone.

These two had influence, so I needed to stay on good terms with them. I accepted the drink with a bright smile.

"Thank you."

"Representative Kang was solid even back in high school, but now you’re even stronger."

"Is that so?"

"You give me chills."

We toasted and drank, and our glasses were refilled.

"Reporter Ban Hyeongpil has been in the political department since he joined the company. You could call him a veteran. How long has it been now?"

"Sixteen years."

"That’s like being a four-term lawmaker in the National Assembly. That’s at least standing committee chairman level."

"I’ve heard a lot about you, Representative Kang. But I am curious—why did you choose to join the People’s Union Party, of all places?"

It was a question I had heard too often. I was used to it. I had my own answer prepared.

"They came to me first."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

It was an answer with two meanings.

A simple reply, but one that left room to potentially take their side. That way, I could use them.

"That’s politics. People say our country’s politics is riddled with ideological battles, but there are many who don’t fall neatly into one camp. When it comes down to it, the badge comes first."

We continued to drink while talking politics.

I knew well that this, too, was part of their strategy.

They ordered a new bottle of whiskey, and finally Jung Jungha revealed his true intention.

"Representative Kang, where do you get your sources? I’m dying of curiosity."

"You’ll find out if you do your own reporting, Chief."

"Haha. So you’re saying you won’t tell me. Then just answer me this—what’s coming next?"

"Wouldn’t Donghwa Ilbo be able to find out more easily if you start digging? It’s the end of an administration, and things are leaking everywhere."

Jung Jungha shook his head vigorously and then shouted toward the door.

"Madam Seo, send the girls in!"

He couldn’t have been more wrong about me.

"Representative Kang, no need to be so stiff with me. At the end of an administration, we bite too. Wouldn’t it be better to share information and attack together?"

He thought I was a fool.

I knew whose side he was on. The presidential election was happening this year—would he really attack his own camp?

So far, the overseas investments had merely shown policy failure and evidence of bureaucrats or factions profiting from it, but there was no proof the President was involved.

Besides, there were less than six months left before the election. This issue would be buried quickly.

He probably needed the information for his own gain.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

Three women entered.

Jung Jungha pointed to the prettiest one and seated her next to me.

"Take good care of him. He’s going to be doing great things, so give it your best."

"Oh my! I know who you are. The star of the interpellation session! You’re Representative Kang Cheonmyeong, right?"

The woman clung to my arm with her chest and acted coy.

This, too, was part of the plan.

I moved away and said,

"Don’t touch me. Sexual harassment isn’t something only men do."

"Excuse me?"

The woman looked baffled, then turned her gaze to Jung Jungha.

Even he was taken aback by the situation and stared blankly at me.

I stood up abruptly.

"I’m a devout Christian. God doesn’t like this kind of thing. Chief, should I leave? Or will you send the ladies out?"

Struck unexpectedly, Jung Jungha just blinked his eyelids in silence.