Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 434

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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434. We’re starting the work as instructed last time.

As the sliding door glided open, I stepped into the private room, removing my shoes under the guidance of the Female Server.
Choi Bok-rak, who had arrived earlier and was waiting, rose to his feet upon seeing me.

“You arrived early, Representative. I apologize for being late.”
“Not at all. I simply came before our scheduled time.”

Choi Bok-rak, who had received the New Era National Council’s nomination with my assistance in the special by-election for Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City held alongside the presidential election, had run unopposed and secured his National Assembly seat without competition.
After exchanging a light handshake, I removed my jacket and handed it to the Female Server, then settled onto the plush cushion already laid out, facing Representative Choi Bok-rak directly.
The Female Server knelt and poured tea into the cup, then asked in a soft voice.

“Shall I bring the food right away?”
“Yes, please do.”
“Of course. Please wait a moment.”

As the Female Server quietly closed the sliding door and left, I gazed at Representative Choi Bok-rak with a smile.

“How are you finding life on Yeouido?”
“Excellently, sir. Thanks to you, I’ve been blessed beyond measure to wear the golden badge. I cannot thank you enough.”

Representative Choi Bok-rak spoke with genuine sincerity, bowing his head while seated.

“You received the nomination because you have the caliber for it.”

Representative Choi Bok-rak shook his head slightly.

“I’m well aware that in a district where nomination guarantees election, there were many other competitors. Without you, sir, I would never have dared to seek nomination—I had no political history and no backing whatsoever.”
“Representative Choi, you say you have no backing? But I am here, am I not?”
“Ha ha. Now that you mention it, that’s true.”

At my reassuring words, Representative Choi Bok-rak offered a faint smile.

“Just as I did at the Securities Supervisory Authority, I believe you will accomplish great things for the nation in the National Assembly.”

Representative Choi Bok-rak met my gaze and responded with a resolute expression.

“I will do my utmost to honor your trust.”
“I hope you never lose sight of your original purpose, no matter what.”

Just then, a Female Server who had knocked softly from outside returned to set the table and began placing the prepared dishes.
The first course to arrive was pumpkin porridge accompanied by flounder sashimi to stimulate the appetite.
Choi Bok-rak took a piece of flounder sashimi placed atop rice wrapped in seaweed, tasted it, and let out an appreciative hum of satisfaction.

“This is my first time here, but the food is absolutely delicious.”
“The appetizers are fine, but the real highlight is the live fish sashimi.”
“Now I’m even more eager to try it.”

Moments later, when the main course of wild-caught grouper sashimi arrived, Congressman Choi Bok-rak’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

“Just looking at this makes my mouth water.”
“But first, we should have a drink.”
“Ha ha. Thank you.”

The two men raised their glasses and clinked them together lightly.
Congressman Choi Bok-rak drained his glass in one gulp, then picked up a piece of sashimi with his chopsticks, placed it in his mouth, and nodded repeatedly.

“Just as you said, it melts right on the tongue. Now I understand why you recommended this place.”
“I’m glad it suits your palate.”

The two men continued their light conversation as they savored each dish as it arrived in succession.
Once I felt sufficiently satisfied, I glanced across the table at Congressman Choi Bok-rak and opened my mouth to speak.

“The reason I asked to meet with you today is because I have a favor to ask.”

Congressman Choi Bok-rak straightened his posture and responded with a notably serious expression.

“What is it?”

Instead of answering, I picked up a rather thick envelope of documents placed beside me and set it down in front of Congressman Choi Bok-rak.

“….”

A ripple of unease crossed Choi Bok-rak’s expression as he stared at the envelope.
He had long understood that Seok-won had not spent considerable sums simply out of goodwill to make him a National Assembly member.
There would naturally be expectations, and as long as he wore the badge of a congressman, he would continue repaying this debt.
Though his heart felt heavy, it was something he had resolved to accept when he agreed to the party nomination, so Choi Bok-rak reached for the envelope.
Seok-won, observing every detail with unwavering eyes, smiled as Choi Bok-rak took the envelope without hesitation and spoke.

“These are evidence documents of Chairman Woo Yong-gap of the Donghae Group concealing personal assets, slush funds, and even company funds overseas before the group’s collapse.”
“…!”

Choi Bok-rak, who had naturally assumed this would involve a favor related to the Daeheung Group or himself, lifted his head in bewilderment at this entirely unexpected revelation.

“He deliberately siphoned tens of millions of dollars overseas under the guise of raw material import payments while delaying payments to subcontractors, extracted cash from American corporate accounts and hid it—he systematically embezzled funds.”

Choi Bok-rak adjusted his glasses and asked cautiously, gauging the situation.

“What would you like me to do with this?”
“While there was the national catastrophe of the foreign exchange crisis, I believe the primary responsibility for the collapse lies with the group owner’s reckless management and failure to properly manage risks.”
“….”
“However, if Chairman Woo Yong-gap and his family live comfortably for life on the money they siphoned away in advance, unlike employees who lost their jobs overnight and face immediate hardship, wouldn’t that be fundamentally unjust?”
“…That’s true.”

It was an uncomfortable truth, but during the IMF crisis, many large corporations that collapsed or underwent restructuring had engaged in what was called “bankruptcy preparation”—transferring assets overseas or placing them under the names of spouses and children, just as Chairman Woo Yong-gap had done.
Thanks to this, even after their companies failed, the owner families continued living in wealth without any inconvenience.

“I would appreciate it if you held a press conference at the National Assembly to expose Chairman Woo Yong-gap and his family’s unethical conduct, ensure they receive appropriate punishment, and make efforts to recover the embezzled assets.”

Seok-won continued speaking as he observed Choi Bok-rak, who could not hide his astonishment.

“By raising such a major issue and drawing public attention, it would benefit you as well—a congressman with relatively low political visibility.”

In politics, visibility determined one’s vitality and influence, so politicians exerted every effort to make their names known to the public.
The saying went that politicians would welcome any media coverage except their own obituary—good news or bad news, it all served to raise their profile.
From that perspective, this was an exceptional opportunity for Choi Bok-rak, whose political visibility and foundation were weak.
Sure enough, though he shifted in his seat, Choi Bok-rak posed a careful question.

“But why are you suddenly trying to expose Chairman Woo Yong-gap’s unethical criminal conduct?”

Seok-won took a sip of warmed sake, set the cup down, and replied.

“If one commits a mistake, it’s only natural that they face punishment, isn’t it?”
“….”

Then I turned my gaze toward Choi Bok-rak in front of me.

“And I also have a personal grudge with Chairman Woo Yong-gap and the Donghae Group.”

Upon hearing this, Choi Bok-rak recalled how, before the foreign exchange crisis, Chairman Woo Yong-gap had attempted to acquire shares of Midopa Department Store and forcibly seize management control.
This was more than sufficient motivation to corner Chairman Woo Yong-gap, and my actions were now fully comprehensible to him.
Only then could Choi Bok-rak completely dispel the suspicions and anxieties that lingered in a corner of his mind.

“As you say, we cannot simply leave such a wicked man alone. I will make this a major public issue and ensure he receives the punishment he deserves.”

It wasn’t an unethical request—rather, it was something that would greatly benefit his career—so Choi Bok-rak wore an expression of considerable enthusiasm.
Seeing that, I smiled gently as well.

“You were called the Grim Reaper by stock manipulation syndicates when you were at the Securities Supervisory Authority. I have no doubt you’ll handle this splendidly as well.”

After finishing the meal in this harmonious atmosphere and parting with Choi Bok-rak, I left the Japanese Restaurant with Han Ji-sung, my Attendant Secretary.
Then a black Mercedes-Benz sedan glided smoothly forward and came to a stop before me.
As Han Ji-sung opened the car door, I settled into the back seat with practiced ease.
Enveloped by the comfort of the plush leather seat, Han Ji-sung carefully closed the car door and headed toward the passenger seat.
Ju Geun-sung, who held the steering wheel, spoke to me in the rearview mirror.

“We’re departing now.”

As I nodded, Ju Geun-sung lifted his foot from the brake, and the Mercedes-Benz sedan glided smoothly forward.
Leaning back against the leather seat and gazing indifferently at the streets passing by the car window, I reached into my inner pocket and pulled out my mobile phone.
Then I pressed the speed dial button and brought the phone to my ear.
After the dial tone, Landon Shore answered the call shortly after.

[Speak, Boss.]

I opened my mouth with a deep, measured voice.

“Start the work as I instructed last time.”
[Understood.]
“Make sure to handle it cleanly so there are no complications whatsoever.”
[I’ve hired seasoned professionals with proven track records, so rest assured.]
“Once the job is finished, let me know the results.”
[Yes.]

After ending the call, I slipped the mobile phone back into my pocket and turned my head toward the car window with an expressionless face, gazing out at the passing scenery.

***

Nassau, Bahamas.
In the sweltering afternoon heat, Ho-geun strode into the spacious living room wearing a swimming suit beneath an expensive silk robe, his face etched with irritation.
Beyond the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows stretched a breathtaking emerald sea, and in the elongated infinity pool beside him, three slender beauties in palm-sized bikinis frolicked in the water.
It was the kind of scene any man would dream of, yet Ho-geun’s gaze remained fixed on the newspaper article clutched in his hand.

[Donghae Group Chairman Woo Yong-gap Under Suspicion of Embezzling Company Funds Before Bankruptcy!]

“Damn it!”

Cursing, Ho-geun snatched up the receiver and dialed a number.

Ring. Ring.

As the dial tone stretched on longer than usual, Ho-geun’s brow furrowed and he shouted.

“Why won’t you pick up!”

Then the line connected, and the familiar voice of Oh Ki-chul came through.

[Hello.]
“It’s me. Put Father on right now.”

Ho-geun’s sharp, demanding tone carried unmistakable irritation and urgency.
The matter, which had seemed to slip by quietly amid the chaos of successive corporate bankruptcies and the foreign exchange crisis, was suddenly being plastered across Korean media and thrust into the spotlight.

[The Chairman is currently unavailable to take calls.]

At that, Ho-geun’s face twisted in frustration.

“Are you laughing at me? Change it right now! Hurry!”

At the frantic voice, Manager Oh Ki-chul, who had long assisted Chairman Woo Yong-gap alongside Director Jeon Hae-cheol in the secretarial office, let out a troubled sigh.

[The Prosecution has issued a summons. He’s currently discussing the matter with Counsel Lawyer.]

Realizing the situation was far more serious than he’d anticipated, Ho-geun’s expression hardened.

“Is the atmosphere that bad?”
[Yes. There’s a possibility he may face a Prosecution investigation, so it would be best not to contact him for the time being.]

Ho-geun bit his lower lip firmly while holding the receiver.

[Once the situation is resolved, I’ll contact you again.]

Having said that, Manager Oh Ki-chul hung up without waiting for a response.
At the beeping sound ringing in his ear, an irritated Ho-geun convulsively hurled the receiver to the floor.

“Damn it!”

With his face flushed red, Ho-geun breathed heavily and stomped his feet as he headed toward the swimming pool.
Then a slender beauty with blonde-dyed hair approached him and spoke in a soft tone.

“Is something bothering you?”

Under normal circumstances, Ho-geun’s gaze would have immediately fixed on her voluptuous chest, but now he had no such leisure and snapped irritably.

“Mind your own business.”

The woman then offered an alluring smile and extended the canned beer she was holding.

“Drink this and play with us. Your anger will disappear in no time.”

Ho-geun, whose chest was already tight with anxiety, snatched the canned beer from the woman’s hand and gulped it down in one breath.

“Huh?”

The moment he pulled the half-empty can from his lips, his vision suddenly began to spin, and everything went dark.
Losing consciousness, Ho-geun collapsed to the floor.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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