I Became a Black Market Tycoon with an Inventory - Chapter 85

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

085-Greetings
85.
In the end, the conquest of Busan failed.
Or rather, we abandoned it.
Geun-su gathered his men and came all the way to Busan.
Gangsters from across the nation who participated in the Busan gathering assembled beneath Yeongdo Bridge.
But the Yeongdo Faction, having lost their leader, lost the will to fight and surrendered with a white flag.
Above all, they seemed shocked by the sheer number of people who had gathered.
So many gangsters had arrived that Busan itself was trembling.
The tour buses lined up in a single column were more than enough to capture the attention of Busan’s citizens.
The front had already reached Yeongdo Bridge, but the rear still hadn’t passed through the toll gate.
Tour buses were streaming through all of Busan.
The Busan Police Department went on high alert.
To prevent clashes with citizens, the Busan Police stepped in to direct traffic.
Police from South and North Gyeongsang provinces also had to stand by on alert.
The entire Busan area was so packed with tour buses that people couldn’t even move through.
Perhaps the Yeongdo Faction was wise to surrender so early.
A fight that ended so anticlimactically.
It felt wasteful to just leave.
“We’ve come all this way—let’s at least grab a meal before we go.”
At my words, Dae-hun seemed to be thinking about something.
“What? You don’t like the idea?”
“No, eating is fine. But there are so many people. It’s awkward for us to eat alone, awkward to tell them to just leave, awkward to send them off with money… it’s complicated.”
“We can all eat together.”
“Where would all these people eat?”
“Still, this is Busan. If we look around, there should be something, right? I think there will be. Don’t we have gangsters from Busan here?”
“We do. Hold on.”
A moment later, a man in his late thirties approached us.
He greeted us respectfully upon seeing us.
He seemed to have already established his position.
“Hello. I’m Noh Do-hun.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Seo Dae-hun.”
“I’m Gong In-bae.”
The gangster from Busan had arrived, but Seo Dae-hun said nothing and stepped back one pace.
He stood behind me.
Was he telling me to take the lead?
In any case, he was a master at delegating.
“I’ve brought you here because I have a favor to ask.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“We’ve fortunately gathered here, and we should share a meal before parting ways, shouldn’t we? But with so many people, it’s difficult to find a suitable place to eat. And having gathered like this, it would be rather odd to eat separately and disperse, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s correct.”
“Young Boss, would you be able to scout out a location for us?”
“Haha. Don’t worry about that. I’ll find you an absolutely perfect spot.”
Noh Do-hun, who had answered, headed off somewhere.
It seemed he was going to his organization’s territory to task his subordinates with the job.
But what about the food?
Even if we could secure a venue, food was the real problem.
Renting a large restaurant would be ideal.
We could just order from them.
But finding a restaurant that could accommodate nearly a thousand people was difficult.
If we couldn’t find a suitable venue and had to rent an indoor gymnasium or something similar, we’d need to bring in food from outside.
That was an even bigger headache.
Getting a single meal together shouldn’t be this complicated.
We couldn’t exactly serve instant ramen.
“I’ve secured a location.”
“Already? That fast?”
Noh Do-hun returned quickly while I was still wrestling with the food problem.
“It’s a 5-Star Hotel in Gijang, and since it’s a weekday, their ballroom is vacant. It’s the largest banquet hall in Busan, and I’ve arranged for us to use it.”
“Over a thousand people though—will everyone fit?”
“Easily. The main ballroom alone can accommodate over a thousand, and if we use the smaller banquet hall in front and the outdoor terrace as well, we’ll have more than enough space.”
“That’s a relief. Thank you so much.”
“Not at all. You’re a guest visiting Busan, after all. It’s our duty to treat you well.”
“No, just scouting the location is more than enough. We’ll cover the costs ourselves.”
“We could handle it though.”
“While we’re at it, could I ask for one more favor?”
“Of course. Just say the word.”
“We’ll need food. The hotel can provide catering, but since we’re in Busan, we should try the local specialties—sashimi, conger eel, that sort of thing, don’t you think?”
Noh Do-hun seemed delighted by my suggestion and eagerly agreed.
“Absolutely. Since you’re visiting Busan, you should experience all of our local cuisine before you leave. I’ll arrange everything from the best restaurants.”
“And please include alcohol and beverages as well.”
“We handle liquor wholesale. I’ll have several truckloads—2.5-ton trucks—delivered.”
“I’m grateful the Young Boss is here. At least now we can send everyone off with a proper meal.”
“The Young Boss truly has a generous heart.”
“Then I’ll leave it in your hands.”
We had no reason to linger any longer beneath Yeongdo Bridge where we’d gathered.
Everything that could be prepared here was done.
All that remained was to move to the hotel where the venue had been secured.
“Let’s go. Yang Jung-won.”
“······.”
*********
We headed toward the hotel in Gijang.
As a 5-Star Hotel, it boasted an enormous scale.
The building and facilities were vast and intricate.
I nearly lost my way.
And the Grand Ballroom we had reserved.
The moment we stepped through the doors, I was overwhelmed by its sheer magnitude.
The banquet hall stretched out without a single pillar, and at its far end, the waters off Busan unfolded before us through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
It was simply magnificent as it stood.
Employees began filing into the empty banquet hall to set up tables.
This had been a hastily arranged event.
The banquet hall was typically kept vacant, with table arrangements adjusted according to each occasion.
But when an event was scheduled this abruptly, preparation could only begin now.
Tables had to be arranged in the empty hall, chairs positioned, and tableware set.
Slender Female Employees began pulling tables in on carts, attempting to set them up.
A voice rang out from somewhere.
“Why are you just standing there!!! Move the tables.”
“Yes!!”
At someone’s command, men in black suits rushed forward and began moving the tables.
Hundreds of tables and chairs were arranged in an instant.
As the tables were being positioned.
Food began arriving as well.
Starting with freshly sliced raw fish, then spicy fish stew, conger eel, pork soup with rice, boiled pork, cold fish soup, wheat noodles, fish cake soup, grilled clams, and Dongnae pajeon—they continued streaming in.
Sourced from various establishments, the packaging, portions, and menus all differed, yet each dish emanated an appetizing aroma.
Food prepared by the hotel also continued to arrive.
Steaks and dishes prepared by the Chinese restaurant kept coming.
Before long, the tables became abundant.
They were filled with food.
Once things were somewhat organized, Noh Do-hun took the microphone.
“Once things are settled, please take your seats.”
Following Noh Do-hun’s words, people took their seats.
As the vast banquet hall filled with people in black suits, it was a sight to behold.
“Now, let us hear from the elder brother who made this gathering possible.”
I was sitting quietly when Dae-hoon poked me repeatedly.
“What?”
“You need to go up.”
“Why me? You should go up.”
“I told you earlier. You’re the real boss.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Go. Noh Do-hun is looking at you too.”
Now that he mentioned it, Noh Do-hun was indeed looking at me.
When I asked Noh Do-hun about the venue and food earlier, Dae-hoon stepped back from it all.
I completely fell for Dae-hoon’s scheme.
But this isn’t right.
Dae-hoon should be the one to go out there.
I’m the one leaving, and Dae-hoon is the one staying. He should be the face of this.
“Dae-hoon. You need to do this. I supported, but you led—so you should be the one to speak.”
At my words, Dae-hoon reluctantly stepped forward and took the microphone.
“Hello. I’m Seo Dae-hun.”
“Good evening, sir.”
The ballroom erupted with a roar that seemed to shake the very walls.
I was taken aback.
These Filipino bastards—when you tell them to come, they actually show up? And they do this?
“First, I want to say thank you for coming all this way. It couldn’t have been an easy decision, but we’re grateful you chose to stand with us. We won’t forget this.”
“We came to Busan because of trouble, but we have no intention of controlling or attacking Busan or anywhere else. So don’t worry unnecessarily. I wanted to make this clear.”
“We’re not brothers. But that doesn’t mean we have to be enemies. We can be friends, business partners. Let’s get to know each other slowly. Today is the first step.”
“Earlier, when you were setting the tables, I was impressed by how you took initiative without being asked. But kindness ends there. We’re guests here, not employees. Guests have their rights and duties as guests, employees as employees. Enjoy your rights as guests. Just don’t cause trouble.”
“I’ll do my part and fulfill my obligations as someone who’s paying.”
“Eat as much as you want, order whatever you like.”
“Wooooo!”
“And that person sitting over there is the real boss of this organization. He’s running major operations elsewhere, so I’m just acting as his representative. So treat him with the utmost respect from now on.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Then let’s make a toast. For tonight, I want to call you all brothers. To the loyalty of brothers.”
“To that.”
Everyone emptied their glasses, and the gathering began in earnest.
The food on the tables disappeared as quickly as eyes closing.
But the dishes kept coming.
The hotel staff continued bringing out more food.
There was no shortage of food.
Trucks full of alcohol were waiting outside as well.
That’s when Noh Do-hun came to our table.
“Allow me to introduce myself properly. I’m Noh Do-hun, boss of the Haewundae Faction. I’d like to offer a toast.”
“You don’t need to go this far…”
“I look forward to working with you in the future.”
As Noh Do-hun bowed, he kept glancing at me.
He must be curious about who I am.
I bowed in return to Noh Do-hun.
“We look forward to it as well. And here.”
I handed him an envelope.
“I’ve put in a little something for gas money.”
“I can’t accept this. I did it out of pure goodwill, so taking money would be disrespectful.”
I handed over another envelope.
“This is for today’s meal expenses. I’ve included plenty, so you won’t be short. I look forward to working with you in the future.”
“Thank you so much.”
After Noh Do-hun finished his greetings and left, another person was waiting.
“I’m Shin Dae-hyun of the Dadaepo Faction in Busan. I’ve come to pay my respects.”
“I’m Kwon Jae-wu of the Taehwa Faction in Ulsan. I offer you a drink.”
“I’m Ha Jong-wu of the Jukdo Faction in Pohang. I pledge my loyalty going forward.”
I handed an envelope to everyone who came to greet me.
Actually, I’d planned to seek them out once the drinking started and give them money as thanks for coming, calling it gas money or something.
I never expected them to visit one by one like this.
It was convenient, but somehow it had turned into an audience with the boss of a new criminal organization.
We’d said we were friends, partners, in a symbiotic relationship,
but it felt like we’d become a large corporation and its subcontractors.
A hierarchy had formed.
The gathering had become a place of loyalty oaths.
Dozens of organizations came to pay their respects, and at the end was the Yeongdo Faction.
“Thank you for showing us mercy.”
“It’s better not to fight pointless battles.”
“Thank you. I won’t forget this kindness and will repay it with loyalty for the rest of my life.”
“Kindness? I simply hope you continue to manage things well going forward.”
The new boss of the Yeongdo Faction bowed at a ninety-degree angle and left.
The greetings had finally ended.
Dae-hoon and I hadn’t even eaten properly while receiving all the visitors.
Just as I was about to finally eat something, Geun-su quietly spoke to me from beside me.
“Dae-hun hyung. We have a visitor.”
“Who is it?”
“The Chief of the Busan Police Information Bureau.”
“The Information Bureau Chief? Why is he here?”
The Chief of the Busan Police Information Bureau handles the collection and analysis of intelligence, security, and counterintelligence information.
While he ranks in the top ten of the Busan Police Department hierarchy, his role is far more important given that he handles sensitive intelligence.
Such a person came here alone, where gangsters were gathered?
There had to be a reason for this.
“Ugh. Now they won’t even let me eat.”
Dae-hoon grumbled and stood up.
Feeling sorry for him, I said something.
“Want me to come with you?”
“No. I can handle this alone. You shouldn’t meet with the police.”
Dae-hun was led to a separate private room away from the banquet hall.
A man in formal attire was sitting there, and behind him stood what appeared to be his secretary.
As soon as Dae-hun saw the man, he greeted him.
“Good evening. I’m Seo Dae-hun.”
“Nam Jun-hyung, Director of the Busan Police Information Bureau.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. But what brings you here···”
“I came to offer my thanks. According to our intelligence, something serious was about to happen in Busan today, but Chairman Seo Dae-hun prevented it. I’m grateful that the Dae-hoon Faction handled it so cleanly.”
“There’s no need for unnecessary conflict. Besides, I should thank the Busan Police for responding so quickly. We nearly had a traffic disaster on our hands.”
“That’s the least we can do. So, are you planning to expand into Busan?”
“We have no ambitions in Busan. We’ll focus solely on Seoul.”
“I desire peace in Busan. I’ll turn a blind eye to power struggles between gangsters, but the moment it spills over to civilians, I’ll crack down hard.”
“I understand perfectly. I’ll make sure the message gets across.”
“I wanted to express my gratitude in person. I apologize for interrupting your meal.”
“Not at all. Since you’re here, why don’t you join us for dinner?”
“If I eat here, I think everyone over there will lose their appetites.”
“Ha. You’re probably right about that.”
“Thank you for conducting yourself so respectfully, even during a meal.”
The man pulled out a business card and handed it to Dae-hun.
“If anything comes up, feel free to contact me. I’d heard stories about you from people around town, but meeting you in person, you seem even better than I expected. Let’s maintain good relations going forward.”
“Thank you.”
The Information Bureau Director left the place.
******
Yang Jung-won sat trembling beside Gong In-bae.
Yang Jung-won had witnessed everything that unfolded today from beginning to end, right at his side.
Even watching it happen, he couldn’t believe it.
Choi Mu-young, the boss of the Yeongdo Faction, was dragged away, and Gong In-bae said one thing.
“Jung-won, from now on I’ll make you a real gangster. So just follow me. I promise you.”
It terrified him.
That hollow gaze sent chills down his spine.
Only then did he remember.
How many times Gong In-bae had beaten him before graduation.
How much rage he’d felt.
And how much fear he’d experienced.
Only then did he remember.
If only that realization had come a little sooner, this disaster wouldn’t have happened.
He felt regret.
Yang Jung-won had blamed Gong In-bae for everything—his father’s arrest, his family’s ruin.
That’s why he could pick a fight and lash out the moment he saw Gong In-bae.
Because he’d been treated as a lackey for so long, he still thought of himself as one and acted without restraint.
But the consequences were devastating.
Now he sat trembling beside Gong In-bae.
This Dae-hoon Faction was very different from the Yeongdo Faction.
First of all, the scale was different.
The Yeongdo Faction couldn’t muster more than a hundred men even if they pooled everyone together,
but the Dae-hoon Faction assembles hundreds at a single word.
What’s even more terrifying is that the Dae-hoon Faction shows no hesitation in their actions.
They behave like fanatics of a cult.
It’s frightening.
Their financial power is no joke either.
This hotel we borrowed just to grab a meal.
It’s an incredibly expensive establishment.
Yet they order alcohol and food here like madmen.
And the envelopes handed to each boss.
I know exactly how much is inside those envelopes.
Because Yang Jung-won was the one who prepared them.
“Jung-won, take the bankbook to the bank and withdraw 7 billion in checks.”
“Huh??”
Yang Jung-won asked in surprise, and Scott glared at him.
He was forcibly humbled.
“I’ve already spoken to the bank. Withdraw the money and put 300 million in each envelope—make twenty of them. Two envelopes with 500 million each. Okay?”
“···..”
“Friend, we don’t have time. Go and come back quickly.”
“··· Ah.. Understood.”
After answering, he left, and Scott and Jung Geun-su followed him out.
Then they immediately began beating Yang Jung-won.
They didn’t explain their reason, nor did they ask.
They struck him without mercy.
Yang Jung-won was beaten so badly his mind was half-gone, when Jung Geun-su spoke in a very low voice.
“From now on, if you speak casually, ask back, or talk back when the boss speaks, you’re really dead. If you even frown, you’re dead. If your movements are slow, you’re dead. If you don’t give the answer the boss wants, you’re dead. Understand?”
“Ah···. I understand..”
Yang Jung-won answered hesitantly, so Jung Geun-su looked at Scott and said.
“Scott. Again.”
“Okay.”
Scott answered with a smile, and merciless violence erupted once more.
His entire body except his face was beaten.
His body became a mass of injuries, yet his mind became even sharper.
“You understand what I’m saying, right?”
“Yes. I understand.”
The answer came automatically.
It was remarkable.
“Then hurry up and go, you bastard. Why are you hesitating?”
“Yes, sir.”
Yang Jung-won went straight to the bank located inside the hotel, withdrew 7 billion, and set about placing it into envelopes.
Honestly, I’ve wondered dozens of times—couldn’t I just flee down this path?
With this money, wouldn’t I be able to live comfortably? That’s what I thought.
But the deliberation was brief.
First of all, it’s a check. Not cash.
The moment it’s reported lost, they’ll freeze payment immediately.
Then this becomes nothing but a worthless piece of paper.
No—it becomes evidence that I’m a criminal. I don’t need that.
The money that could protect Yang Jung-won disappears as a tool.
Second.
Could I evade all these organizations’ eyes and flee through Busan?
Impossible.
Then what if I flee to another region?
Do I have confidence I won’t get caught?
No.
There’s no possibility whatsoever.
I’d probably be caught before I even left this hotel.
After being force-fed cement, I’d be stuffed into a drum and dumped in the waters off Busan.
Whether I liked it or not, for now I had to do as I was told.
I folded the envelope neatly and brought it to In-bae.
“Why did you take so long? I was worried.”
“No, I just… had to use the restroom urgently. My apologies.”
Yang Jung-won saw it.
Jung Geun-su was staring at him with eyes like he wanted to devour him.
Behind Yang Jung-won stood Scott, bracing himself.
“What’s with the formal speech? That’s uncomfortable.”
“Ah… no, this feels right to me.”
“I doubt it. You’ve never spoken formally before. You used casual speech even with teachers.”
“I learned it’s good through working in society, so I want to keep using it.”
“Fine. Do whatever feels comfortable. So what should we do now? We have plenty of time.”
Gong In-bae was smiling brightly at Yang Jung-won.
As if suggesting they play board games together.
He was searching for something to do.
Yang Jung-won thought that perhaps the waters off Busan might be more comfortable after all.

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