From a massive chandelier, almost fifteen meters from the ceiling, colorful steam from dry ice flowed down.
The second floor was structured in a way that wrapped around the round hall, providing a view of the hall below.
Beautiful men and women were mingled together.
After walking down a dimly lit corridor with thick carpets for a bit, he saw a spacious area, half exposed by round walls and curtains.
“Prosecutors, Seoran, black market auctions, and now the Macau triad? Ha, knowing the power of the Chinese diaspora here, why would the boss do this to me?”
A fluent Korean voice resonated.
“I trust your capabilities, President Yang.”
A voice so calm and unhurried it was impossible to detect any hint of urgency. A voice exuding confidence and profound bass.
Lee Young-jin’s feet came to a standstill right there.
“Ah, this is tricky. You know I’ve assisted you a lot this time, Representative Seo, right? I stretched quite a bit to lay this deal down for you, too.”
“It’s not like I asked you to do it for free.”
“Mr. Representative. It’s not like we’re doing this because we’re desperately out of money right now.”
“Who’s talking about money?”
“So, then…”
“When will you stop wiping the cartel’s back? Isn’t it time to stand up on your own? The congressional election. I thought you might have considered the next term, or even the one after that, even if this time is a stretch.”
“Hah!”
President Yang snorted, then crossed her legs in the opposite direction.
She was the most beautiful woman Lee Young-jin had ever seen. She seemed to be around thirty, but it wasn’t clear. At times she looked older, and at other moments, she barely seemed to be in her twenties. In a slim and petite body, she wore a pantsuit that fit perfectly, her hair twisted up. She seemed like a savvy lawyer or a competent financier.
A nerve-wracking expression flickered across her enchanting eyes but quickly vanished. She draped her slender arm over the armrest of the sofa, elegantly arching her hand at the back of her wrist. A thick diamond bracelet on her wrist scattered light in all directions. Seo Seung-hyun’s expression remained unchanged. A leisurely air lingered in his languid eyes. In contrast, anxiety appeared on the faces of the two women sitting closely on either side of him, dressed in short dresses.
President Yang brushed her hair back with the back of her hand and gazed intently at the man, who was sitting across the table, moving only her eyes.
“Mr. CEO, you’re quite remarkable yourself. How do you manage to stay updated on all the news from that cramped little country of Korea?”
“Well, there are ways,” he replied.
“Sorry, but I have to reject that. Next in line? Haha, that cunning fox won’t be out of the picture until he’s six feet under.”
“No, why would our President say something so weak?”
Seo Seung-hyun said with a hint of irritation.
His eyes narrowed, and a sly smile played on his lips.
“That’s because I’m offering to help.”
“What…”
One of President Yang’s eyes narrowed, then a moment later, a deep crease formed between her brows.
“You can’t be serious… Mr. CEO, have you gone mad?”
“Well, I’m a bit disappointed. Can’t you trust me that much?”
“What did Seoran say that you’re going this far? Or is there some truth to those rumors?”
“What rumors?”
“That you, Mr. CEO, are actually Seoran’s hidden…”
At that point, Seo Seung-hyun burst into laughter, bringing the conversation to a halt. After a hearty laugh, he pretended to wipe his eyes.
“Oh, President Yang. You’re really something else. Can’t stop watching those Korean dramas, huh?”
“Well, there’s nothing else that portrays our homeland so well. My apologies.”
She said with annoyance before changing the topic of conversation.
“By the way, don’t the young ladies suit your taste? Should I call in some local girls?”
“President Yang, you know very well why not. These young ladies are different from me.”
Seo Seung-hyun shrugged, and President Yang’s eyes narrowed for a moment before returning to their normal size. A smile appeared at the corner of her lips.
“Well, they are indeed a different breed.”
She flicked her fingertips towards the back of the sofa. A waiter who had been waiting quickly approached, and she whispered to the waiter’s ear while looking at Seo Seung-hyun.
“Tráelos. ¿Está lista la medicina? (Bring them. Is the medicine ready?)”
“Sí. Está lista. (Yes, it’s ready.)”
“Tén cuidado. Este es más vivo que el toro. (Be careful. He’s smarter than the bull.)”
“No se preocupe, señora. Todos están preparados sin ningún problema. (Don’t worry, ma’am. Everything is prepared without any issues.)”
A brief exchange in Spanish.
Seo Seung-hyun listened to the conversation without changing his expression, wearing a smiling face. President Yang briefly made eye contact with him, and a smile crossed her face. She waved her hand towards the waiter.
“We ordered more drinks.”
“But we already have plenty.”
“Because it’s night. You see, because…”
The muscular man sitting beside her swiftly added ice to her glass and poured whiskey. President Yang casually picked up the glass and raised it towards Seo Seung-hyun. Their eyes met across the crystal.
“…Our conversation is going to get very long.”
“One after another. Just pick.”
“You’re overflowing with confidence.”
“Of course.”
A smile appeared on Seo Seung-hyun’s lips. He intentionally lowered his voice and whispered softly.
“If Eduardo resigns, the next candidate will be Tequeta. If Tequeta dies, it will be Vargas. And if, by some chance, even Vargas is no longer available…”
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