Chapter 33: It Was Enough to Give Me Goosebumps

Jeong Tae-soo left Yang Sobo’s mansion with Dan Tae-geon.

As soon as they got into the car that had been prepared in advance, Dan Tae-geon, unable to hold back his frustration any longer, spoke up irritably.

“No matter how I think about it, this operation is far too dangerous, Deputy Director. Are you really going to trust that brat’s word and go through with it?”

“Well now. Why do you dislike that Baek Min-woo kid so much? Are you perhaps… jealous?”

Jeong Tae-soo asked casually, his gaze fixed out the car window. Dan Tae-geon snapped, raising his voice.

“Jealous? Are you saying a brat like that could even be compared to me?”

“Then what is it? Why couldn’t you come up with such a clever idea yourself?”

“That’s because… I’m not particularly familiar with stocks. I wouldn’t have gotten involved at all if you hadn’t personally asked for my help, sir.”

It was a pitiful excuse, but Jeong Tae-soo didn’t press further. He merely chuckled softly and sank into thought.

‘…He thinks so much like me, it’s enough to give me goosebumps.’

Jeong Tae-soo himself had been planning to use a normal trading method to unleash a massive sell-off — a strategy to crash Daegung stock and rake in enormous profits during the process.

But that young upstart, Baek Min-woo, had gone even further — bringing up the concept of “short selling,” and laying out an even more elaborate and daring plan.

As if he could see straight into Jeong Tae-soo’s mind.

“Anyway, it’s already been decided. Yang Sobo will cover all the expenses, so I don’t want to hear any more objections from you.”

Though Dan Tae-geon’s expression was still full of dissatisfaction, he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut under Jeong Tae-soo’s firm command.

Turning his eyes away from him, Jeong Tae-soo called to his subordinate sitting in the passenger seat.

“Manager Kim.”

“Yes, Deputy Director.”

The man called Manager Kim immediately turned around.

“Who was the employee in charge of managing those beggars and vagrants?”

“Do you mean Manager An, sir?”

“Ah, it was An. Call that fellow to my office right away.”

“Yes, Deputy Director. Understood.”

After giving his order, Jeong Tae-soo spoke again to Dan Tae-geon beside him.

“You should prepare some funds of your own, too.”

“Sir? But didn’t you say all the funds would be provided by Yang Sobo?”

“tsk. That’s for the official operation. We still need our own pocket money, don’t we? Must I really spell everything out for you?”

Jeong Tae-soo clicked his tongue openly at the question. Ever since meeting the strikingly similar Baek Min-woo, Dan Tae-geon’s lack of insight had begun to irritate him even more.

Though Dan Tae-geon was competent in managing loan sharks and controlling financial channels, he lacked the ability to read the bigger picture and seize new opportunities. That was the limit of his potential.

“But isn’t it too dangerous? If the old fox Yang Sobo finds out, we could—”

“With great reward comes great risk. Just be ready.”

“…Understood, Deputy Director.”

“To be a victor, one must move a step faster than others. You’re sharp enough when it comes to playing with money — so why do you always get so dull when it really matters?”

At Jeong Tae-soo’s rebuke, Dan Tae-geon bit his lip tightly.

In his eyes flickered both resentment and a flash of anger toward the person who made him feel so inferior.

‘If it weren’t for that brat Baek Min-woo…’

As if reading his mind, Jeong Tae-soo gave a cold warning.

“Don’t even think about doing something foolish. This operation cannot, under any circumstances, fail.”

Dan Tae-geon flinched. Seeing that reaction, Jeong Tae-soo clicked his tongue again and added firmly,

“Is what we’re doing such a small matter? The more capable people we have, the better. That kid’s talent will definitely be of use to us. Understood?”

“Yes, Deputy Director. I’ll keep that in mind.”

A short while later, the car stopped in front of Dan Tae-geon’s destination.

“Have the money ready by the day after tomorrow. Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Understood, Deputy Director. Then I’ll take my leave.”

After dropping off Dan Tae-geon, the car resumed its journey into the darkness. Jeong Tae-soo muttered to himself, displeased.

“tsk tsk, such a fool… I wonder what use he’ll be.”

“Is something wrong, Deputy Director?”

Manager Kim asked cautiously. A faintly amused smile tugged at the corners of Jeong Tae-soo’s mouth.

“That one lad I find quite promising just happens to be under that old fox Yang Sobo. Looks like I’ve found myself another reason to get rid of him.”

“What kind of person is he, sir, for you to speak so highly of him?”

“He’s still rough — an unpolished gem. But with a little refining, he could shine brighter than any jewel. Even with Yang Sobo and me in front of him, he didn’t back down one bit from saying what he wanted to say. Bold one, that kid.”

Manager Kim’s eyes widened. It was extremely rare for Jeong Tae-soo to praise anyone to that extent.

“What a waste. If I’d known a bit earlier, I could’ve brought him under my wing first.”

“…Is this related to the work Manager An was handling, sir?”

“Indeed. I need to find out more about that boy. I have a feeling he’s got quite an interesting past. Let’s head to headquarters.”

The meaningful smile on Jeong Tae-soo’s lips showed no sign of fading.

The car carrying him sliced through the veil of night, speeding toward KCIA headquarters.

Jeong Tae-soo’s mind was already filled with plans — on how best to use the variable named Baek Min-woo.

* * *

After Jeong Tae-soo and Dan Tae-geon left, only Yang Sobo and I remained in the office.

There was something I couldn’t make sense of, and before I knew it, I opened my mouth.

“Sir, are you really planning to gain nothing from this? Will you be satisfied with just getting revenge on Park Jeong-ho and Kim Jin-ho?”

“Hoho. Do I look that naïve to you, Baek?”

A sly smile spread across Yang Sobo’s lips.

He lifted his teacup, savoring the aroma, and spoke leisurely.

“That crafty fox Jeong Tae-soo will surely prepare his own funds behind the scenes to jump into this game. You think I’d just sit and watch such a golden opportunity slip by?”

As expected. I nodded inwardly. Revenge was revenge, but business was business.

There was no way he’d miss out on a deal involving such enormous profits. He likely planned to push Jeong Tae-soo to the forefront to minimize his own risk while quietly securing the real gains behind the scenes.

“I’m leaving two hundred million hwan to you. You’ll manage it yourself, in your own way—without Jeong Tae-soo knowing.”

“Then will you be preparing the funds to support Jeong Tae-soo separately, sir?”

“Haha. The preparations are already complete. From the moment you said you’d help make up for the losses I took because of Kim Jin-ho, I’ve been drawing out this whole picture.”

So he’d intended this from the very beginning. I couldn’t help but be impressed by Yang Sobo’s precision and foresight.

“But tell me, will two hundred million hwan be enough? If you need more, just say so.”

“No, sir. That amount is more than enough. What matters most isn’t the size of the capital, but the timing and the information.”

“Good. But remember this—don’t underestimate Jeong Tae-soo. That bastard is far more cunning and ruthless than anyone imagines. He’s a real fox—you never know what tricks he might pull.”

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

I bowed slightly, gritting my teeth inwardly.

What he feared would never happen. There was no one in this world who knew Jeong Tae-soo better than I did. I had already carved every one of his tricks and sins deep into my bones.

“Baek, how much do you know about that fellow Dan Tae-geon?”

Yang Sobo asked with a satisfied nod. I hesitated briefly, wondering how much I should reveal.

Since I had already proven my worth, I decided it was better to speak honestly.

“On the surface, he’s known as a businessman running a few companies, including a paper manufacturing firm. But in reality, he’s a major loan shark who controls half of the Myeong-dong private loan market—and one of Jeong Tae-soo’s key financial backers.”

“You’re well-informed. That Dan Tae-geon shouldn’t be taken lightly either. He’s got an uncanny sense for the smell of money and an exceptional head for backroom dealings—second to none.”

“Yes, I’ve heard as much.”

Yang Sobo nodded once more.

“Jeong Tae-soo will likely secure the operations office himself, so in the meantime, use your people to make the necessary preparations. Build an information network and make sure to pinpoint the perfect timing for our move.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Good. Then you may go. If you need anything, contact me through Zhang Wei.”

I stood, bowed respectfully to Yang Sobo, and made my way toward the door.

Just as my hand reached the doorknob, his calm voice stopped me.

“Ah, Baek.”

I paused and turned to face him.

“If this operation succeeds, I’ll give you ten percent of the net profit generated from the funds you manage.”

My mouth fell open before I could stop myself.

It was an unexpected offer. Until now, most of my operations had been ones I initiated myself, and I had naturally taken the lion’s share of the profits.

But this one was different.

Yang Sobo himself had laid the groundwork. That meant his immense capital and information network were at play—this operation was on a whole new scale.

The profits would be beyond imagination. Even ten percent would amount to an enormous sum.

“Consider it fair compensation for your abilities. So, make sure you do your best.”

A meaningful glint flashed in Yang Sobo’s eyes—brimming with intrigue and anticipation.

“Of course, if you fail… you shouldn’t expect my interest any longer.”

His words were a cold warning—beyond mere financial loss, they meant the complete withdrawal of his support and trust.

I bowed deeply once more. As the door closed behind me, I exhaled a long, pent-up breath.

From now on, I was caught between two massive serpents—Yang Sobo and Jeong Tae-soo. They might share a common goal, but each one was waiting for the chance to sink his fangs into the other’s back.

But I felt no fear of failure.

Because while I knew Jeong Tae-soo all too well, he knew almost nothing about the man I had become.

After the short break ended, I summoned the three men back to the secret office.

Perhaps because they’d had a proper rest—or because of their generous bonuses—their faces looked brighter than before.

“Did everyone rest well? I wanted to give you a longer vacation, but something urgent came up.”

The first to react was Kang Cheol-min. His eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Is it another big job, boss? How big is it this time?”

“Yes. It’s far bigger than anything we’ve done before. This time, our goal isn’t just to make a profit—it’s to strike directly at Park Jeong-ho and the entire faction behind him.”

The air in the room grew heavy at my words.

Until now, we had merely profited by cleverly riding on the waves of others’ schemes. That had been the safest approach.

“This sounds… too dangerous, doesn’t it, boss?”

Yoon Ji-seong spoke cautiously. His sharp features were tinged with worry.

Given that the massive shadow of the KCIA stood behind Park Jeong-ho, his concern was only natural.

“Yes, it’s dangerous. If we lose this battle, there won’t be a next time for any of us. We’ll lose everything and fall into ruin.”

I paused for a moment, locking eyes with each of them.

“But as great as the risk is, the reward for success will be beyond imagination. So I’ll ask again—are you willing to stake everything with me on this dangerous game?”

For a moment, silence filled the room. But in their eyes, I didn’t see fear—only a strange, burning excitement.

Kang Cheol-min was the first to speak.

“I already swore my loyalty to you, boss! I have no intention of backing out just because it’s dangerous.”

“I feel the same. I only asked about the risk because I was concerned for your safety and for our team’s, not because I wanted to back down. I’ll gladly follow you.”

Yoon Ji-seong followed immediately. Ma Dong-jin still said nothing—he merely gave a slight nod.

Seeing their resolute eyes, I smiled in satisfaction.

These men were no longer just allies—they were comrades who would share life and death with me.

“Good. I trust your resolve. We don’t have much time. I’ll explain this operation in detail now.”

I stepped toward the blackboard, picked up a piece of chalk, and began sketching the outline of our grand plan.

The three men’s eyes stayed fixed on the board, unwavering.

In the room, only my voice and the soft scratching of chalk echoed.

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