Chapter 223: It Doesn’t Hurt to Try

I thought such a scenario was entirely possible. After all, the Western countries supporting Ukraine had already begun to suffer from tremendous war fatigue.

“In my opinion, everything depends on the will of the United States, which leads NATO.”

“So in the end, it all comes down to President Douglas’s decision. Perhaps we should casually bring it up with Advisor Graff?”

“I’ll find an appropriate opportunity to do so as soon as possible. If you have no more questions for me, I’ll return to my office.”

I rose from the sofa, gave Chairman Yoon Jongu and his companions a slight bow, and left the reception room.

As soon as I returned to my workplace, I sensed that something was strange.

That was because Yun Sola’s desk, belonging to the woman who used to follow me around like a shadow, was completely clean and empty.

‘Could it be... she’s already quit?’

Wondering about that, I approached Support Team Leader Heo Yeongjin and bowed politely.

“Specialist Cha, well, look who finally decided to show up!”

I had left for my business trip to China on Wednesday the week before last and had only returned to work today.

I had been gone for more than ten days, so Heo Yeongjin’s corny joke was entirely predictable.

“I should have returned sooner, but one thing after another came up and delayed me.”

“Everyone in the department knows how busy you are, so don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“If you have a moment to spare, how about we talk in the conference room for a bit?”

“Yes, of course.”

Once inside the conference room, we settled comfortably at the table.

Team Leader Heo Yeongjin glanced around and lowered his voice.

“When are you planning to establish the investment company?”

I had previously offered Heo Yeongjin a management position at KBH Investment.

That was precisely why he was so intensely interested in the company’s establishment.

“We plan to complete the legal incorporation by the end of next week, with the official launch and presentation scheduled for the beginning of next month.”

“Then I guess I ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) can submit my resignation now.”

“I think the time is right.”

“Listen, Senior Specialist Woo Changhun knows I’m moving over, doesn’t he? What should we do about him?”

I had also been planning to recruit Woo Changhun to KBH Investment.

And what perfect timing—Heo Yeongjin had brought it up first.

“I think we should start by asking Specialist Woo what he thinks.”

“Ha, there’s no need to ask. He’ll jump at the chance!”

“Haha. Understood. Then I’ll leave it entirely to you and won’t approach him separately.”

“Deal.”

“By the way, has Specialist Yun already submitted her resignation?”

“She used up all her remaining vacation days before resigning and flew to Japan for a holiday.”

“I’m working myself to death without a single day off while she’s relaxing on vacation. I’m genuinely jealous.”

Bzzz! Bzzz!

At that moment, the phone lying on the table vibrated.

I glanced at the screen and saw the caller’s name—NIS Director Om Giyeon.

Noticing it, Heo Yeongjin immediately stood up.

“I’ll step outside. Take your time.”

“Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for?”

Heo Yeongjin lightly patted me on the shoulder, opened the door, and left the conference room.

Watching him go, I hurriedly answered the call.

“Director Om, I’m listening.”

[Department Head Cha, we’re planning to begin interrogating Minister Peng Yuxiang in two hours.]

“Where should I go?”

[I’ll text you the address immediately after we finish this call.]

“I’ll wait for it. By the way, have you contacted Vice Chairman Tang Guochang?”

[Haha! Of course. He asked me to convey his sincere gratitude to you.]

“Shouldn’t we send him a bill for the service we provided?”

[I’m actually giving serious thought to what kind of compensation we should demand from him.]

At that moment, I remembered the trouble I had encountered when entering China.

“Director, what if we ask Vice Chairman Tang to introduce visa-free entry for our citizens traveling to China?”

[If we make that demand, he’ll immediately insist on reciprocal visa-free entry for Chinese citizens coming here.]

“I don’t mean a reciprocal agreement. I mean specifically as payment for the service we provided.”

[Is that so? And you think he’ll agree to our terms?]

“I think it doesn’t hurt to try.”

[All right, I understand what you mean. I’ll see you at the safe house.]

***

Click.

As though he had merely been waiting for NIS Director Om Giyeon to hang up, President Cho Seokchin immediately addressed him.

“Director Om, do you really think Vice Chairman Tang will agree to our terms?”

South Korea had repeatedly raised the issue of visa-free travel with China.

However, every time it did, China invoked the principles of reciprocity and equality and demanded that Chinese citizens likewise be granted visa-free entry.

But because of the sharp increase in illegal immigrants from China who had entered the country through legal channels, the Korean government could not possibly agree to such a measure.

For that reason, negotiations over visa-free travel had remained deadlocked for more than thirty years.

So why would Vice Chairman Tang Guochang, no matter how much authority he possessed, agree to something like that?

“Personally, I’m skeptical, but Department Head Cha pointed out that it doesn’t hurt to try.”

“Perhaps we should at least bring it up with him?”

The question from President Cho Seokchin was clearly an order to call Tang.

NIS Director Om Giyeon nodded and dialed Vice Chairman Tang Guochang’s number.

After several rings, Tang’s surprised voice came through the receiver.

[Director Om, you and I seem to be talking on the phone quite a lot today.]

“Haha. That’s certainly true.”

[Do you need something from me?]

Om Giyeon understood that if he bluntly stated his business, Tang Guochang might take offense, so he decided to approach the matter indirectly.

“President Cho Seokchin was wondering whether the Chinese Navy’s submarines returned safely to their bases.”

[I was just informed that they have entered our territorial waters.]

“Then can we consider the incident completely resolved now?”

[Indeed. Please convey my deepest gratitude to President Cho for his assistance.]

“Haha, I certainly will. By the way, I just spoke with Department Head Cha.”

[Really? And what did Cha say?]

As expected, Tang Guochang immediately showed intense curiosity.

“Department Head Cha said that you’re the kind of person who never forgets a favor and always repays his debts.”

[Haha! Cha really has me figured out.]

“I imagine you’ve already guessed what I’m getting at, Vice Chairman Tang?”

[I’m not an idiot. Tell me directly what you want from me.]

“Department Head Cha has been helping you tirelessly and asking for absolutely nothing in return.”

[I’m well aware of that.]

Om Giyeon decided it was time to get to the point.

“The last time Department Head Cha entered China, he encountered serious difficulties because of his visa. With that in mind, I have a proposal. What if China unilaterally waived visa requirements for our citizens?”

[That matter falls outside my personal authority,] Tang Guochang replied rather coolly.

However, remembering the rule that it didn’t hurt to try, Om Giyeon decided to press the issue to the end.

“What if you casually floated the idea to President Xi Jinping when he happens to be in a good mood?”

[I can bring it up with President Xi, but if he refuses, don’t hold it against me.]

“Of course.”

After chatting with Vice Chairman Tang about this and that for a little longer, Director Om ended the call and gave President Cho Seokchin a detailed account of their conversation.

“...Vice Chairman Tang is skeptical.”

“As expected.”

“But there’s no need to be disappointed. Visa-free travel will be introduced by next year at the latest.”

“And why is that?”

“Vice Chairman Tang will carry out his plot before the end of this year.”

“Ah, right, of course!” President Cho Seokchin exclaimed, nodding vigorously.

***

An NIS safe house.

Escorted by an NIS operative, I entered the living room, where Director Om Giyeon and Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Jihun were engaged in a lively conversation.

When they saw me, both rose to greet me.

After exchanging greetings, we sat down on the sofas.

“Director Om, when are Director Griffin and Director Nevers expected to arrive?”

“I was told they’re already on their way, so they should be here any minute.”

“I see. What condition is Minister Peng Yuxiang in?”

“He caused quite a commotion after waking up, but now he’s resigned himself to his fate and is simply sitting on the bed.”

“I can imagine how stunned he must be.”

“That’s putting it mildly. But while we’re waiting for Directors Griffin and Nevers, there’s something else we should discuss. I conveyed our request to Vice Chairman Tang to waive visas for our citizens.”

NIS Director Om Giyeon openly recounted his entire conversation with Tang Guochang.

“...He promised to try bringing the matter up with President Xi Jinping.”

“Then we’ll soon find out whether this idea goes anywhere.”

At that moment, Chief of Staff Lee Jihun, who was clearly curious, joined the conversation.

“Department Head Cha, what decision do you think President Xi will make?”

“China’s economy is currently in a severe slump, and the authorities have to grasp at every possible straw to revive it. In addition, they need to send a warning signal to North Korea, which has grown far too close to Russia. Finally, the visa-waiver card would be an excellent diplomatic move for driving a wedge into the South Korea–United States–Japan triangle. So I’d say the chances of a favorable decision are extremely high.”

“Hmm... There’s certainly sound reasoning behind that.”

Knock, knock, knock.

There was a knock at the door, and an NIS operative entered the reception room and handed Director Om a note.

Om Giyeon unfolded it, read its contents, nodded, and said,

“The car carrying Director Griffin and Director Nevers has just entered through the main gate.”

***

“Welcome.”

NIS Director Om Giyeon greeted Griffin and Nevers as they stepped out of the car.

“Sorry for the delay.”

“Not at all. It’s scorching out here today, so let’s get inside quickly.”

Once everyone had settled into the living room, an NIS operative served cold drinks.

Director Griffin, evidently parched, drained his glass in one gulp and set it down on the table.

Watching him, Om Giyeon asked in a doubtful tone,

“Director Griffin, you look terrible. Did something happen?”

“FSB Director Masorin reported to President Putin that Ukrainian intelligence might not actually be behind the destruction of their naval base.”

“Is that so? Then whom is he blaming?”

“He said there’s a high probability that the United States is responsible.”

“Really? Do they have evidence?”

“Not yet, but he expressed complete confidence that they’ll be able to obtain it.”

“How?”

“He reported to Putin that they intend to raise the sunken nuclear submarine.”

Om Giyeon frowned in confusion.

The Russian nuclear submarine had sunk to a depth of more than 2,700 meters, making it virtually impossible to raise.

“Director Griffin, how exactly do the Russians intend to raise a nuclear submarine from that depth?”

“They want to use deep-sea submersibles to attach cables to the hull and pull it up.”

“Is that even possible?”

“Since no one has ever done it before, it’s difficult to say.”

I realized that the conversation between Director Om and Director Griffin was drifting into pointless speculation, so I decided to intervene.

“Director Griffin, raising a nuclear submarine from the seabed off Vladivostok is impossible.”

“Why are you so sure?”

“The sunken submarine is a Borei-class nuclear submarine. It’s 170 meters long, 13.5 meters wide, and has a submerged displacement of 24,000 tons. And it’s lying at a depth of 2,700 meters. Technically speaking, raising something that massive from such a depth is simply impossible.”

I paused briefly to catch my breath before continuing.

“For comparison, Russia still hasn’t been able to raise the cruiser «Moskva», which sank in the Black Sea, even though its displacement is 12,000 tons, its length is 186 meters, its width is 21 meters, and the depth of the Black Sea at that location is only a little over 100 meters.”

“Then why did Director Masorin tell Putin so confidently that they could do it?”

“Purely to cool his anger and buy themselves some time.”

“Hmm... That makes sense.”

Griffin nodded, fully agreeing with my reasoning.

NIS Director Om Giyeon spoke next.

“Director Griffin, just to be safe, what if we obtain a Russian torpedo and fire it at the sunken nuclear submarine?”

“One moment. Hold on.”

Griffin took out his phone and began calling someone.

I immediately realized who he was contacting when I heard the name “Deputy Director James” leave his lips.

After giving Deputy Director James a brief instruction, he ended the call.

“Now then, let’s discuss how we’re going to interrogate Minister Peng Yuxiang.”