How a Salaryman Became an Underworld Boss

As soon as I stepped out of the interview room, I tore off my visitor badge and threw it into the trash can. Watching me from behind, Yun Sola called out cautiously.

“Cha Jiham, please calm down.”

“Yun Sola, you saw it yourself. Those interviewers treated me like dirt. And after that, you’re telling me to calm down?”

“......”

“If they had rejected me at the document screening stage, I wouldn’t have had to suffer such humiliation. I feel awful. Well then, goodbye.”

After a brief farewell to Yun Sola, I headed toward the elevator.

The moment I left Hangang Group’s headquarters, I immediately called Chairman Park Yeongil. The call was answered at once, as if he had been waiting for it.

“Jiham, how did the interview go?”

“I’m very sorry, Chairman, but I failed to live up to your expectations.”

“Why? Did something happen during the interview?”

I decided to tell him everything exactly as it had happened. Only then would Chairman Park Yeongil finally give up on me without regrets.

“The interviewers mocked my résumé and appearance with proverbs. Then they said they didn’t have time, asked me the most ordinary question possible, and ended the interview.”

“I see...”

His voice sounded genuinely disappointed.

“I definitely failed. I’ll come see you soon and return the expensive watch.”

“Still, you never know. Why not return it after the results are announced?”

“I understand. I’ll call you again later.”

***

Click.

As soon as Chairman Park Yeongil hung up, Chief Secretary Kang Inhan carefully asked,

“Chairman, were the interview results bad?”

“He says the interviewers only asked him one question.”

“Then it’s a failure?”

“Haa... judging by the sound of it, yes.”

“Chairman, since Cha Jiham made it all the way to the final stage, perhaps you could intervene?”

“Secretary Kang, you know what ‘give and take’ means, don’t you?”

Chief Secretary Kang Inhan remembered perfectly what had happened at the end of last year.

Chairman Park Yeongil had personally gone to Chairman Yoon Jongu of Hangang Group and asked him to show Cha Jiham some leniency. Chairman Yoon Jongu had agreed, but demanded a favor in return. Chairman Park had been forced to swallow his pride and fulfill the request.

If he now asked Chairman Yoon Jongu once again to take Cha Jiham on as an intern, the man would undoubtedly ask for something else in return. Allowing that would be another blow to his pride.

“Yes, I understand perfectly.”

“It’s regrettable, but let’s consider our connection with Jiham finished.”

“I understand. But what should be done with your previous instructions?”

“The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jiham’s father’s death is canceled. Pretend that order never existed.”

“Yes, sir. And what about the case of his younger sister, the hit-and-run victim?”

“Well, for the sake of our brief connection with Jiham, that runaway driver deserves to be caught and taught a proper lesson.”

“It will be done.”

“You’re dismissed. Get back to work.”

Having received the order, Chief Secretary Kang Inhan opened the office door and left.

Chairman Park Yeongil approached the window and gazed at the dying sunset.

“My life is nearing its end, but who would have thought that finding someone capable of inheriting my will would prove so difficult...”

***

Bzzz.

I had already returned to my studio apartment and was changing clothes when my phone vibrated on the table.

Glancing at the screen, I saw the caller was Lee Ujin, my university classmate and army buddy. I knew why he was calling without him needing to say a word.

“What?”

“Don’t tell me you’re pretending not to know?”

“A chicken born on the ground can’t fly. You know that yourself.”

“The fact that you even passed the document screening was already a miracle. I was a fool for expecting success. What are you doing now?”

“Changing clothes. Going to work.”

“You money-crazy bastard.”

“As if money is something you’re lacking.”

“That’s my father’s money, not mine! Anyway, I’m buying drinks to cheer you up, so get over here.”

My mood after the failed interview was already terrible, so his suggestion came at the perfect time.

“All right. I’ll be there in a flash.”

***

As soon as I entered the pork barbecue restaurant, I spotted Lee Ujin sitting by the window.

I quickly approached and sat down.

“Been here long?”

“About ten minutes. You look more energetic than I expected.”

“Shut up.”

Apparently, Ujin had ordered in advance because the waitress immediately brought pork belly, soju, and side dishes.