How a Salaryman Became an Underworld Boss

”The Chairman ordered the entire amount to be distributed among the operatives. We’re currently evaluating everyone’s contributions and finalizing the list. At the latest, the money will be transferred on Monday.”

At that very moment, Saho’s face flashed through my mind as he eagerly licked his paws.

”Director Cho, what do you think about adding Saho to the list of employees receiving bonuses?”

”Well, Saho certainly performed a tremendous service, but we can’t exactly pay a bonus to an animal.”

”Saho is absolutely obsessed with top-grade premium beef.”

”Ha-ha-ha!”

Cho Myeongjeong burst into booming laughter, instantly understanding what I meant.

”That’s true. He certainly has expensive tastes.”

”Ha-ha. Then I’ll leave Saho’s food expenses to you.”

”I’ll hold you to that, Director Cho. Enjoy your weekend. I’ll see you next week.”

Click.

The moment I ended the call, Jeong Gwangseok, who had been listening carefully with his ears practically perked up, immediately asked,

”Director... so the police really did transfer the compensation?”

”To be precise, it isn’t the police paying. The money came from the guilty party.”

”Ah, I understand now.”

”According to Director Cho, everyone’s special bonus will be paid on Monday.”

”Excellent! As soon as I receive mine, I’ll definitely treat Saho. He’s earned it.”

”I hope you remember what he likes.”

”Of course I do.”

At that point, Cha Hyeonji frowned and ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) joined the conversation.

”Big Brother, don’t you think feeding a cat top-grade premium beef is a little excessive?”

”If Saho hadn’t helped us, we’d never have caught the driver who hit you.”

”Oh... I see.”

Hyeonji nodded in understanding, finally realizing why.

By then, the massive traffic jam on the expressway had gradually begun to clear.

Once we passed the Yangjae Interchange, the car finally picked up speed.

Feeling relieved, I closed my eyes and drifted off.

I was awakened from my light sleep by Hyeonji gently shaking my shoulder.

”...What is it?”

”Could we stop at a rest area for a little while?”

”Tell Team Leader Jeong.”

”Well... it’s kind of...”

She hesitated awkwardly, unable to finish her sentence.

”Honestly... Team Leader Jeong, I think you understand.”

”Of course. We’ll stop at the next rest area.”

As soon as Jeong Gwangseok parked the car, Hyeonji darted out like an arrow.

Figuring this was the perfect opportunity, I got out of the car as well and called Tracy.

As always, she answered immediately, as though she had been waiting for my call.

”Jiham? Did you miss me so much that you just had to call?”

”Oh... here she goes again.”

”Well... not entirely.”

”Ho-ho. I know you’re joking. All right, what do you need?”

”Tracy, would you like to make a lot of money?”

”Why should I be greedy? I already have more money than I could ever spend.”

”Maybe that’s true for you, but Chairman Bongard probably feels differently.”

”You want me to pass along some investment information to Grandpa?”

Tracy was as sharp as ever.

She caught on immediately.

”Exactly.”

”So what information is it? Hurry up and tell me.”

”If a joint venture were established to manufacture high-bandwidth semiconductors, which companies would be worth investing in?”

”Obviously Hangang Electronics and Endivia.”

”But if I were Chairman Bongard, I’d be buying back my own company’s stock.”

”Our company’s shares?”

”The stocks of Hangang Electronics and Endivia have already climbed to extremely high levels. On the other hand, Bongard Group’s shares have fallen nearly thirty percent since the beginning of the year. At the same time, Bongard Group is expected to receive a thirty percent stake in the new joint venture. What do you think will happen once news of that joint venture reaches the stock market?”

”Well... then...”

Tracy trailed off, clearly putting the pieces together.

It was time to wrap up.

”The official news that Chairman Bongard is flying to South Korea will be released next Tuesday.”

”So that means we only have Monday to buy our company’s shares?”

”That’s right. As far as I know, the American stock market doesn’t have daily price movement limits.”

”Oh... now I understand what you’re getting at.”

”Good night. I’ll see you next week in Korea.”

Click.

No sooner had I ended the call than Hyeonji returned from the rest area after successfully taking care of her urgent business.

”Big Brother, aren’t you going to use the restroom too?”

”Actually, I was just about to.”

When I returned and got back into the car, Jeong Gwangseok gently pressed the accelerator.