I Became a Black Market Tycoon with an Inventory - Chapter 83

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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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083-Auction
83.
Emerald Resort
The “Unseen Bohol, Hidden Bohol” exhibition was drawing to a close.
It had become such a resounding success that not only hotel guests but tourists and local Bohol residents came to view the displays.
Art exhibitions rarely thrived in Bohol, making this an extraordinarily rare sight.
The tourists weren’t the ones most astonished by the exhibition.
Rather, the local Bohol residents were far more amazed.
The places they saw and walked through daily had been transformed into something entirely new before their eyes.
With designs they’d never imagined,
In colors they’d never conceived.
For tourists, strangeness compounded upon strangeness,
But for Bohol residents, the familiar had become strange and wondrous.
That’s why the local residents’ reactions burned far hotter than the tourists’.
They marveled—did such a place truly exist in our Bohol?
“Yu-na, are you really ending the exhibition like this?”
“Pardon? How else would we end it?”
As the exhibition neared its end, Ana asked Lim Yu-na this question.
“It feels like such a waste. We’ve set the table beautifully, but we haven’t even finished the meal before clearing it away.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow.”
“Ha ha. That’s understandable. Let me explain it simply—listen carefully. How many pieces are in this merchandise collection?”
“Fifty-four pieces.”
“Now you’ll be turning those into merchandise, right?”
“Yes. That’s the plan. That’s why we held the contest.”
“Then what about the originals? You’ve already converted the works into digital files for merchandise production, haven’t you?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“You only need the files to produce merchandise. So what will you do with the originals?”
“I suppose we’d just store them?”
“Exactly. And that seems like such a waste.”
“Then what?”
“Let’s put them up for auction.”
“An auction?”
“Yes. We just need to get consent from the original artists. We can say all proceeds from the auction will go to the Bohol tourism fund or a fund to help Bohol’s children.”
“Oh! That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“Then get their consent for me, would you?”
“Yes, of course. I should be able to arrange that quickly.”
“Let the artists know that 10% of the auction proceeds will be donated in their name. We should do at least that much for their cooperation.”
“Yes. Since it’s for a good cause, everyone will gladly agree.”
“Then I’m counting on you~”
After Lim Yu-na left, Ana picked up her phone and called an employee who handled money laundering.
“An auction will take place. Prepare for it.”
“Should I purchase it at a high price?”
“Yes. Buy it at an inflated price through a shell company.”
“Understood.”
“And establish a Foundation.”
“Will we be routing it through the Foundation?”
“Yes. Let’s have the Foundation conduct the auction. That way, no problems will arise.”
“Understood. I’ll proceed immediately.”
Ana had no intention of missing this excellent opportunity to launder money through artwork.
Everything Ana saw became material for money laundering.
Artwork was the most fundamental tool in the money laundering playbook.
One could purchase worthless paintings at inflated prices and receive kickbacks on a portion of the payment.
Insiders could buy and sell paintings among themselves, driving up the prices, or
After several exhibitions to inflate the value, one could even take out loans using the artwork as collateral.
When a Foundation conducted the auction, the operation became far simpler.
A Foundation with charitable purposes could receive donations and sponsorships, along with numerous tax benefits.
Money laundering through a Foundation was also a method outlined in the manual.
The basic approach involved donating illegal cash, then purchasing goods from that company or business as a cover for laundering.
For example, if someone operating an illegal gambling den had substantial undocumented funds, they would donate all of it.
The Foundation would then place large orders with that man’s business—whether real or merely on paper—provide consulting services, or issue contracts.
The Foundation would take a certain percentage as a fee, and the gambling operator would end up with legitimate money in hand.
Moreover, legitimate businesses like Candy Tour could make donations to the Foundation and receive enormous tax benefits in return.
Audits would certainly occur, but crafting the paperwork so that no one suspected anything was Ana’s greatest skill.
Operating under a Foundation’s name provided truly substantial advantages.
The amount of money that could be laundered in the process was beyond calculation.
It was absolutely exhilarating.
Most crucially, the value of the competition itself would skyrocket.
Having been selected for merchandise, she would already receive advance payments and royalties, but her work selling at premium prices was another matter entirely.
Apparently, 10% of the sale amount would be donated in her name.
Artists would prefer cash, of course, but we’re not a genuine charity.
That 10% is merely a number for show—it means nothing.
However, next year’s competition would attract far more participants.
More renowned artists would take part.
This auction would multiply the competition’s reputation several times over.
Ana adored this environment.
Launder money through artwork, conceal it through the Foundation.
Meanwhile, the Foundation’s value climbs.
The Casino, cryptocurrency, artwork, the Foundation, even the gold mine.
Everywhere she looked, a virtuous cycle of money laundering was taking shape.
She was truly happy.
*******
Edward gazed upon the completed laboratory.
Among the sprawling farmlands, a single structure had risen—a building of lightweight steel frame construction.
The first floor served as the research facility, while the second floor was built as Edward’s quarters.
The laboratory had been completed far faster than anticipated.
Alex had graciously suggested beginning research first, with production facilities to follow later.
For Edward, who burned to commence his work, it was an ideal arrangement.
If I could avoid seeing those people from the office again, I felt capable of anything.
Upon opening the door and stepping inside, I beheld a meticulously organized research space.
The blueprint I’d discussed with Kang Manager lay before me, rendered in precise detail.
Yet the atmosphere felt far from austere.
Kang Manager had mentioned that since all the equipment carried a cold aesthetic, he’d deliberately warmed the environment to compensate.
That consideration moved me unexpectedly.
Every piece of equipment gleamed with newness.
Brand new.
I’d manufactured pharmaceuticals across numerous locations, but never with pristine machinery.
Always secondhand. Worn equipment.
I’d cobbled together broken instruments, forcing them to function.
Improvised, crude work—but this place was entirely different.
Even the raw materials I’d specified were stored in immaculate condition.
Everything was flawless.
Here, I could truly manufacture proper pharmaceuticals.
No—I couldn’t possibly fail here.
Edward immediately donned gloves and a mask, commencing his work.
A smile bloomed beneath the mask’s interior.
Adrenaline surged through my entire body.
My heart raced.
******
“Why are you coming back again?”
“Seoul’s been secured. Shouldn’t you come by and pat the guys on the shoulder for their hard work?”
“That’s your job, not mine. I’m already swamped with guide work.”
“You’re insane.”
It was true.
Whenever I had no pressing matters, I’d head out to the field and attend to clients personally.
Partly because we were short-handed.
But not solely because it was my responsibility.
In fact, everyone grew uncomfortable when I worked.
I’d drive, guide the clients—the Chairman himself doing work that should belong to others.
How inconvenient must it be for those originally assigned to such tasks?
Imagine working at a store selling merchandise, only to have the Chairman who manufactures it come out and sell it himself.
Wouldn’t your spine run cold?
Yet I continued doing it because it put my mind at ease.
It felt like working as an ordinary person.
The work I normally did created a massive disconnect from the common sense I knew.
Smuggling drugs, buying and selling weapons, moving rebel forces, crafting policies—these were all things from a world I’d never known.
The kind of stories that belonged in movies or novels, not reality.
Tales with no basis in actual life.
That’s precisely why I could spout such absurd nonsense.
The problem was that it actually worked.
That was the real problem.
Whenever I met customers at the site, I was genuinely happy.
Meeting clients who’d saved up money and coordinated their schedules just to visit here, showing them new travel destinations, sharing stories about them—it was pure joy.
In those moments, I was truly an ordinary person.
The kind of person a Hawaiian shirt suited perfectly.
Only then did I feel like someone actually living in reality.
I cherished those hours.
So despite the cold stares from those around me, I’d go out to the site and work.
But these insane Filipinos won’t even grant me that.
Ever since rumors of Totem started spreading, they’ve been calling for me more frequently.
If they assigned the work, couldn’t they just handle it themselves?
Why do they keep summoning me?
Now South Korea’s been calling constantly too.
Shouldn’t the Dae-hoon Faction handle their own affairs?
Why do they keep asking me to come?
Are they calling me to hand out bonuses to the guys?
Couldn’t they just transfer it to an account?
Of course, going has its perks.
I can stay quiet.
I can savor the silence of a room no one enters.
Though of course, when I return, a pile of work will be waiting.
Still, I booked a flight to South Korea.
I just missed sharing a glass of soju with Dae-hoon, an old friend.
I remembered grilling pork belly on a cold street and sipping soju alongside it.
What. A bonus? Fine, whatever.
My account, which had been drained dry by those gambling-loving Chinese, was rapidly refilling.
That election was strange.
I’m not someone who spends money recklessly.
Plus, building the factory this time wasn’t with my money—Ana provided the funds.
In the past, I would’ve paid for everything myself, but this time Ana said she’d handle it, so I just stayed out of it.
Ana was grinning from ear to ear after discovering the gold mine.
Gold mining is supposedly the pinnacle of money laundering, or so they say?
You just melt all the money and feed it into gold mining operations, or so I’ve heard?
I boarded a flight to South Korea.
With Scott.
I told him he could go alone, but this bastard insisted on tagging along anyway.
Scott, flying first class for the first time, kept placing orders.
Yeah, it’s free, so eat as much as you want.
This guy seems like he’s on vacation rather than here to assist me.
I found it strange that he insisted on coming no matter what.
“Welcome.”
As I exited the arrivals hall, Geun-su was waiting.
“Why did you come out? I could’ve just taken a taxi.”
“Geez. Don’t even joke about that. We’d all really die if you did.”
“I’m serious.”
“Absolutely not. I’ll escort you.”
A large sedan was waiting outside the airport.
Whether it was the car or the road, the ride was smooth.
The car is nice in the Philippines too, but the roads are terrible, so you don’t get this kind of ride quality.
I leaned back deeply into the seat, surrendering to the comfort.
******
“Sorry. Did you wait long?”
“You told me to come, and now you’re making me wait—isn’t that too much?”
He’d already ordered the pork belly he’d been craving and was waiting.
And on an open-air street at that.
It was perfect weather for grilling pork belly outside.
“Sorry. Sorry. The organization grew a bit, so there are a lot of things I need to handle. These days are the early stages, so there are things I still need to organize. I’m sorry.”
“If you’re that busy, why did you ask me to come? You could’ve just shown your face once everything’s settled.”
“That’s true, but when the organization grows like this, the boss needs to come and say something.”
“What nonsense.”
“It’s not nonsense. I told you before that the guys think of you as the boss. I do too.”
“Enough.”
“We took Seoul because of you. You should commend the guys.”
“That’s a fancy way of asking for money.”
“Haha, I’ve got plenty of money now. With more establishments, the money flowing in operates on a different scale.”
“Save it. Save carefully, get a savings account, make some deposits, live frugally. That way you can get married and have kids.”
“Ah! Speaking of houses, I just remembered.”
Dae-hoon pulled a card and car keys from his pocket.
“This is an apartment I bought in your name. And this is the car key.”
“I don’t need it.”
“Still, we should have at least one house left even if we go under, right? In this life, who knows when we’ll hit rock bottom. We need to prepare for retirement ahead of time.”
“Crazy. I’ve saved up well for retirement. Even if I live to three hundred, I’ve got enough to get by. Don’t worry about it. Hey, Geun-su.”
“Yes, hyung.”
“Take care of this for me.”
I handed Geun-su the keys to my house and car.
“I can’t do that. I’ll get scolded.”
“So you respect me as your hyung, but you won’t listen to me? Yet you listen to Dae-hoon?”
“That’s not it.”
“Just give me a ride in the car when I visit Seoul sometimes, and show me the place. That’s all.”
Geun-su hesitated, looking troubled.
“What? Are you worried about Dae-hoon?”
“No, it’s not that…”
“Then what is it?”
“The apartment below yours is our home.”
“What?”
“Dae-hoon hyung bought several units in that complex so we could grow old together and live there.”
“Hah. Unbelievable. No matter how I think about it, that Dae-hoon bastard seems insane. Geun-su, don’t hang around with Dae-hoon.”
“Right? I think so too. When we were signing the apartment contract, it really seemed crazy. But if you’re crazy and feeling good about it, isn’t that enough? Let’s have a drink of soju.”
Dae-hoon answered.
“Yeah. That works. Geun-su, you sit down too.”
“No, sir. Shouldn’t I be watching over you both? I’m comfortable here.”
Geun-su stood motionless and replied.
“Looking at it, this bastard Geun-su is crazy too. Who’s comfortable standing there? I didn’t even tell Scott to eat, but look at him going at it.”
Geun-su saw Scott expertly wrapping grilled pork belly in lettuce and eating it.
With garlic and red pepper too.
While envying Scott for that, Geun-su still held his position.
“But I’m not Scott, am I?”
“Geun-su. You fight the worst out of all of us here. So just sit down and eat. We’ll protect ourselves.”
“Yeah, Geun-su, sit down. Surely we’re not going to get beaten and cry here.”
Yeah. What’s wrong with taking a few hits and crying?
There are days like that.
If someone comes after us, we fight.
I’m from a special forces unit, after all.
If it’s one-on-one, I’m confident I won’t lose easily.
If they bring a knife?
I’ll pull out a gun.
What’s the problem?
So let’s eat comfortably today.
Let’s eat our fill.
******
My head feels like it’s splitting.
Every time I meet up with Dae-hoon, it always ends up like this.
Scott also seems bewildered by the K-style hangover.
Usually he’d come into the hotel room first thing in the morning and rattle off the schedule rapid-fire,
but today he came in and just sat there dazed, unable to do anything.
That’s why I told him to drink in moderation.
I’d seen it coming from yesterday when he was guzzling down beer and soju like a madman, saying how delicious it was.
I took him out, bought him a hangover drink, and got the schedule started.
Dae-hoon, whom I met this morning, wasn’t in much better shape either.
The problem was he’d drunk like crazy because he was in such a good mood.
“This afternoon I’m going to make a peace agreement with the Seoul Metropolitan Area and Busan regional Criminal Organizations. Rest until then.”
“A peace agreement?”
“Yeah. I have no intention of expanding the organization any further. I only did this because of someone anyway.”
“Really?”
“Instead, I’m planning to tell them to avoid dealing drugs as much as possible. We shouldn’t be killing our own countrymen just to make money.”
“Yeah, that’s good thinking.”
“You come with me as the Dae-hoon Faction Boss too.”
“Why should I go when Dae-hoon Faction Boss Seo Dae-hun is already going?”
“Come with me. You’re my boss, after all.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Then just come along. Your presence gives me strength. I’m nervous.”
“Crazy. Are you going to confess your feelings?”
“I wish it were that simple. I wish I had a girl to confess to.”
“If being a spectator is enough, I’ll tag along. Sounds like it’ll be interesting.”
“That’s more than enough.”
And so we headed to the banquet hall of a certain five-star hotel.
A meeting of Gangsters and peace agreement conducted by renting out one of the banquet halls.
I followed behind Dae-hoon, and I spotted a familiar face.
Huh?
Yang Jung-won?
That Yang Jung-won who used to make me his errand boy back in high school is here.
Seeing him trailing behind someone just like me, it looks like that bastard’s a boss too.
Good to see you, you bastard.

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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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