I won't keep this honor to myself!

Chapter 149: This glory, I will not enjoy alone!

Capital City, Ministry of Justice, Minister's Office.

"Teacher, it's been a long time since we last met, and I've missed you dearly. On this business trip to Capital City, I made a special detour to see you."

"I brought your favorite West Lake Longjing tea."

"These are tea seedlings freshly picked in Hangzhou from the year before last in Xia Country."

Councilor Lu respectfully placed a box of tea on the table.

Judging solely by the packaging, it had a very classical Xia Country characteristic.

Ancient and elegant.

Understated yet profound.

Luxurious yet not ostentatious.

"You're thoughtful."

Minister Cheng nodded, put down his work, and lit a marlboro with a 24k pure gold lighter, which clicked.

Smoke billowed.

Councilor Lu was stunned, his gaze completely drawn to the lighter. It was 24k gold-plated, gleaming brightly.

Extremely cool.

He hadn't expected his teacher, who always advocated the doctrine of the mean from Xia Country, to use such... an ostentatious item.

Noticing Councilor Lu's surprised gaze, Minister Cheng held up the lighter and explained, "This is a gift from your junior fellow apprentice."

It turned out that Lee Se-hyun, that scoundrel, had extorted this lighter from Han Kang-sik a while ago.

After using it for some time, he grew tired of it.

So he gave it to his teacher as a gift.

It was a form of recycling.

Secondary recycling, truly an environmental ambassador.

"Care for one?"

"No, Teacher, you know me. I never smoke these things."

Councilor Lu unromantically refused, "So it was from junior fellow apprentice?"

"Junior fellow apprentice's hobbies are truly... unique."

Such a flashy lighter.

It revealed the underlying character of his junior fellow apprentice.

Minister Cheng shook his head, helplessly saying, "You, you rascal."

Councilor Lu was a stubborn man. Not to mention in front of his teacher, even if the President himself came.

And offered him a marlboro.

Councilor Lu would refuse without hesitation, sticking to his principles.

If it were Deputy Director Cui, no, he should be called Vice Minister Cui now.

He would be eager to eat the marlboro to curry favor with his superior.

Lee Se-hyun was different.

He would put the marlboro in his mouth and shout.

Old man! Light my cigarette!

The President: ...

"Teacher, I have another request on this trip to Capital City."

Councilor Lu hesitated repeatedly before speaking.

He originally didn't want to ask his teacher for help, but the unpredictable nature of the political arena.

Ultimately, for the sake of the people, he abandoned minor principles to achieve major ones.

Secretary Wen was right.

To fulfill a greater ambition, he had to lower his proud head.

"You wouldn't come without a reason."

Minister Cheng took a deep drag from his cigarette and pondered, "I already know your intentions."

"Go back to Busan."

"Teacher?"

Councilor Lu was puzzled. He hadn't even mentioned what he needed help with, and his teacher was already telling him to go back?

Go back to Busan?

"Don't I know your capabilities?"

Minister Cheng didn't give Councilor Lu a chance to speak, saying, "You might be suitable to be an upright official, a remonstrating minister."

"But you are not suitable to govern a region, in terms of economy or government affairs."

"Go back."

Councilor Lu was stunned. The only time he had ever asked for help, it resulted in lifelong introversion.

He hadn't expected his teacher to reject his request.

And so thoroughly!

Could it be that his teacher didn't want to help him?

Was this an excuse to put him off?

No, Councilor Lu shook his head. His teacher was speaking the truth, and in a way, it was indeed for his own good.

He himself knew that in The Peninsula's ecosystem, he was too much of a maverick.

Pure and unblemished.

An anomaly!

The position of Mayor of Capital City required background, luck, and ability; none could be lacking.

Most importantly, one needed the ability to balance various forces.

One had to be skilled at playing tai chi!

As the old saying goes, if you're good at tai chi, promotion is inevitable.

Even if Councilor Lu got the position, he would probably be ousted within a few weeks due to his upright character.

Councilor Lu was also helpless. He was clearest about the pros and cons.

However, for the people, he had to advance without hesitation!

Even if the path ahead was an abyss, a dead end!

He was not afraid in the slightest!

This was the endless courage brought by his ideals and beliefs.

Bang, bang!

A sudden knock on the door broke the silence in the office.

"Come in!"

Secretary Wen carefully pushed open the door and politely greeted, "Minister Cheng!"

"Councilor Lu, I just received an important piece of news."

Secretary Wen leaned in to whisper to Councilor Lu, but Councilor Lu interrupted him.

"Minister Cheng is my teacher, there are no outsiders here!"

"Yes!"

Secretary Wen said, "I just received news that Councilman Cho's son has been arrested."

"It was the Eastern Police Precinct that made the arrest."

Councilor Lu was surprised to hear this and asked, "For what reason?"

"It seems to be for gathering to hold a 'Heavenly Immortals' convention at a place called Shanshui Manor."

"The Feihu Team of the Eastern Police Precinct raided it all at once."

"Among those arrested were not only Councilman Cho's son, but also the son of Judge Chen, the son of the Vice Secretary-General of the city, and others... holding a 'Heavenly Immortals' convention?"

Councilor Lu frowned, making a mental note. These people truly deserved it!

The Eastern Police Precinct did a good job!

It was immensely satisfying!

He definitely had to meet this hero who eliminated harm for the people!

"What? Councilman Cho's son was arrested?"

Minister Cheng said in disbelief, "Who arrested him?"

Who was Councilman Cho?

President Kim's little follower.

One of the candidates who would soon become Mayor of Capital City and a successor to the President.

Someone actually dared to arrest the son of the future Mayor of Capital City?

Were they tired of living?

Secretary Wen added, "It seems Director Yu, the head of the Eastern Police Precinct, personally carried out the arrest plan."

"The operation was codenamed 'Sinking Ship Operation,' and most of the Eastern Police Precinct's police force was mobilized."

"Even the Feihu Team was deployed."

"They split into two groups. One group, led personally by Director Yu, arrested most of the high-ranking officials of an entertainment company."

"The other group was led by a Prosecutor surnamed Li from the Military Prosecution Department, leading the Feihu Team."

"At Shanshui Manor, they arrested Councilman Cho's son and a group of young masters."

"Military Prosecution Department, a Prosecutor surnamed Li?"

Minister Cheng was so shocked that the cigarette in his hand fell to the ground. He questioned, "Are you sure it's a Prosecutor from the Military Prosecution Department?"

"And sibal, surnamed Li?"

Secretary Wen didn't know why Minister Cheng was so concerned about this Prosecutor, and affirmed, "Yes! A friend of mine from the Eastern Police Precinct."

"Sent me the news."

"Ah~ Sibal!!!"

Minister Cheng suddenly erupted in anger, "This guy is simply reckless!"

"Nonsense!!!"

Military Prosecution Department, a Prosecutor surnamed Li.

Besides his precious student, who else could it be?

He regretted taking in that rebellious disciple!

He didn't know why he was so foolish as to take in such a troublemaker at the time.

More troublesome than Sun Wukong!

"Which guy?"

Councilor Lu didn't understand why his teacher was so furious.

Did his teacher know that Prosecutor?

Minister Cheng said, "By sheer coincidence!"

"Your junior fellow apprentice actually arrested Councilman Cho's son."

Councilman Cho, as the strongest candidate for Mayor of Capital City.

At this critical moment, his son was caught taking 'immortal pills'.

It was thought-provoking.

Councilor Lu was also vying for the mayoral position, which made it hard not to connect the dots.

Their neutral, upright faction wanted to challenge Kim Faction.

To contend for the position of Mayor of Capital City!

Regardless of Lee Se-hyun's reasons for arresting Zhao Zhengzhe.

It was absolutely impossible that it was their idea.

And even less likely that Councilor Lu had sought help from Lee Se-hyun.

There was only one possibility: Lee Se-hyun acted on his own initiative.

Without consulting these old men.

However, even if Councilman Cho's son was arrested, the problem wasn't very serious.

Councilman Cho was promiscuous and had many illegitimate children.

If Zhao Zhengzhe's matter was exposed to the media and public.

Councilman Cho would mercilessly disown him.

For him, it would just be a bit more troublesome.

Councilor Lu would also not have the chance to become Mayor of Capital City.

"Junior fellow apprentice?"

Councilor Lu exclaimed in surprise, "Was it Junior Fellow Apprentice Li who did it?"

"Excellent!"

"Truly worthy of being my junior fellow apprentice!"

"He is indeed a hero! He possesses the demeanor of a true gentleman!"

Secretary Wen happily said, "Councilor Lu, in that case, Councilman Cho won't be able to become Mayor, will he?"

"Your chances will be much greater!"

Secretary Wen's thoughts were very optimistic.

Firstly, the current President was Councilman Cho's backer.

Even if Councilman Cho genuinely couldn't become Mayor of Capital City due to conduct issues.

It still wouldn't be Councilor Lu's turn.

Kim Faction wouldn't agree.

And the various other forces would certainly not agree!

Secretary Wen was somewhat naively taking things for granted.

Councilor Lu's face showed joy. Councilman Cho could be said to be the biggest threat among the candidates for Mayor of Capital City.

If Lee Se-hyun could bring down Councilman Cho.

Then his hope of becoming Mayor would be even greater.

This way, he could pursue more ambitions and dedicate himself to the people.

Elsewhere, the President's residence, the Blue House.

Councilman Cho had just come out of the Blue House, having reported the latest situation to the President.

He expressed his loyalty.

And received a promise from the President.

As a loyal member of Kim Faction, he had worked diligently and followed the President for many years.

Especially during the anti-Jang process, he contributed crucial strength.

President Kim, in return, promised to give him the position of Mayor of Capital City.

Councilman Cho wished he could howl at the sky, but restrained himself as this was the Blue House.

The position of Mayor of Capital City, he was determined to get it, it belonged to him!

Ding-a-ling!

A call came directly to his private phone.

It was his chief secretary.

"Councilor... Councilman Cho, something bad has happened."

The chief secretary's voice was tense, saying, "Zhengzhe was arrested by the police from the Eastern Police Precinct."

Councilman Cho's expression changed upon hearing this, his smile vanishing.

Completely devoid of the joy he had felt earlier at the President's residence.

After a moment of silence, he spoke, "What happened?"

The chief secretary explained the whole story, saying, "This morning, Young Master Zhengzhe and other young masters were having a gathering."

"They were caught by a group of police officers at Shanshui Manor."

"Now everyone is being held at the Eastern Police Precinct."

"Zhao Zhengzhe, this idiot!"

Councilman Cho cursed, "It's one thing to mess around normally, but to cause such trouble at this critical juncture."

"I'll skin him alive!"

What kind of person was Zhao Zhengzhe?

As an old man, didn't he know?

Holding 'Heavenly Immortals' conventions, taking 'immortal pills', that was one thing.

After all, he only had Zhao Zhengzhe as a son publicly.

He would turn a blind eye and let it pass.

But now, at this crucial moment, he was actually arrested by the Police Station?

What an utter fool!

A guy who couldn't accomplish anything but was good at messing things up!

Councilman Cho asked, "Who is the head of the Eastern Police Precinct?"

"Have you contacted them?"

The chief secretary on the other end of the phone said, "The moment Young Master Zhengzhe was arrested, I immediately used my connections to contact the person in charge of the Eastern Police Precinct."

"The Chief is named Yu Minghua, nicknamed 'Fatal Scissor Kick', and he was dispatched from the Police Department."

Dispatched from the Police Department?

He was probably also a second-generation official.

Councilman Cho said with a grim face, "This guy surnamed Yu has quite some nerve."

"Daring to arrest my son, Zhao Tianyu."

At this time, someone actually dared to lay hands on his son.

It was definitely not a coincidence.

He didn't believe that Director Yu didn't know that Zhao Zhengzhe was his son.

Even if his subordinates mistakenly arrested him, they would definitely release him immediately.

Handle it lightly.

Turn a big problem into a small one, and a small one into nothing.

Councilman Cho's personal secretary had even called to demand his release, but he was given no face.

This guy named Yu Minghua, it seemed his true intentions were not what they seemed!

He was clearly targeting him!

After a moment of thought, Councilman Cho said, "Contact Chief Wang of the Seoul Central Police Station, and also Section Chief Zhao of the Police Department..."

"Yes!"

"Prosecutor Li, this time we successfully acquired Starship Entertainment."

"It cost less than ten million US dollars in total."

Oh Se-hyun reported to Lee Se-hyun with excitement. This method of acquisition could truly be considered a commercial miracle.

Normally, Starship Entertainment's market value would be at least fifty million US dollars, or even higher.

Acquiring Starship Entertainment with just ten million US dollars?

A business legend!

Lee Se-hyun smiled, "The Zhao family sold Starship Entertainment for a pittance."

Such a good entertainment company, sold off so cheaply.

Councilman Cho really had some guts!

Cao Wenxi interjected, "Prosecutor Li, the Zhao family's ransom has been wired."

"Three hundred million US dollars in total to your offshore account."

"One hundred million for the videos, another one hundred million for Zhao Zhengzhe's ransom."

"The last one hundred million was raised by the collective high-ranking officials of Starship Entertainment."

Lee Se-hyun said, surprised, "I'm not surprised that Zhao Zhengzhe can come up with that much money."

"After all, his old man is a Councilor."

"But these people from Starship Entertainment could also come up with one hundred million US dollars?"

"It seems I asked for too little."

"Sibal!" Cao Wenxi said, "These people are really dishonest, Prosecutor Li, I'll go loosen their bones again!"

"Forget it, forget it."

Lee Se-hyun stopped him, "We have to keep our word."

"What's the difference between going back on our word and being bandits?"

"Since the money has arrived, Director Yu, release everyone."

"We are the most trustworthy."

Director Yu's mouth twitched at the side.

He truly hadn't expected someone to be so shameless!

"Tonight!"

"We are hosting a banquet for everyone who participated in this operation."

"I said it! This glory, I will not enjoy alone!"

"Rewards for merits! We won't go home until we're drunk!"

As Lee Se-hyun announced that they would be invited to The Peninsula Royal No. 1 for a good time.

Everyone who participated in this operation was ecstatic.

"We won't go home until we're drunk!"

"Long live Prosecutor Li!"

"Long live Prosecutor Li!"

"Prosecutor Li, you are my god!"

The high-ranking officials of the Eastern Police Precinct, along with the Feihu Team and the arresting officers, and even the interrogators, all went together.

Gangnam District, Park Jeongnam BBQ Restaurant.

At this time, the Park Jeongnam BBQ Restaurant, under Kim Kunam's management, had expanded several times.

Both the decor and the dishes had become much more upscale.

Kim Kunam had received Lee Se-hyun's notification in advance.

He cleared the place early.

To host Lee Se-hyun and his group.

Kim Kunam led a group of staff members to greet them outside.

"Prosecutor Li!"

Kim Kunam saw Lee Se-hyun from afar.

No choice.

Lee Se-hyun was simply too outstanding.

Like a firefly in the night, with an extraordinary aura.

The BBQ restaurant staff were completely dumbfounded.

What kind of important figures were they greeting?

So many vehicles?

More than a dozen luxury cars.

It was terrifying!

One might have thought they were here to arrest people at the Park Jeongnam BBQ Restaurant.

At the same time, the staff members unconsciously developed a sense of awe for their boss.

The rumors were actually true!

Boss Jin was indeed a businessman with vast connections.

He was well-connected on both sides, in the underworld and the legitimate world!

The Jinmen Group often came here for gatherings.

Especially Ding Qing, that guy.

He even called Kim Kunam 'brother'.

Now, so many police officers were here.

Long live the boss!!!