God of Money

Mayor Oh Hoon’s re-election party.

Oh Hoon grabbed Lee Sunghyun’s hands.

“This is all thanks to you. I can’t believe I won by only 0.2%. It was so close.”

“I am flattered.”

“No, I mean it. You were totally right. Last year, you predicted 0.2% and you got it right! I am so shocked.”

Lee Sunghyun smiled. It was actually Woosung who predicted it. They both knew it.

Lee Sunghyun replied, “I feel the same way.”

“So where is he?”

“He doesn’t like big parties, so he just sent some flowers for you.”

“Well, it is better for politicians and businessmen to not appear together too often.”

“Exactly. The other party may use it against you.”

Oh Hoon nodded. “I understand. Anyway, I hope you have a great time here and I will see you later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lee Sunghyun bowed and left. Oh Hoon greeted other guests.

Among them were Liberal representative Kim Manhyun.

He approached Lee Sunghyun. “Long time no see.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Haha, you used to call me uncle! I would like you to do it again.”

“No, sir. We need to keep business and personal relationship separately.”

“You are still so stubborn.”

Lee Sunghyun’s expression remained serious. With a politician, one always had to be alert and don’t miss a word. Especially someone like Kim Manhyun who was high up in ranks.

“You must have needed something. I am ready to listen.”

Kim Manhyun laughed, “Haha, so serious. Well, I do have a few things I want to ask. Is it true that Kang Woosung played a big part in this election?”

“That’s correct. It was Kang Woosung who predicted the result.”

“I hear he predicted it and also made it happen?”

“I’d like to think we all played a part in making this happen.”

“Can I know the details?”

Lee Sunghyun told Kim Manhyun of all the things that happened.

The main focus was on the data analysis.

Kim Manhyun exclaimed when he heard about the accuracy of Woosung’s past predictions.

“He’s that good?”

“I am telling you the truth. His skills are unbelievable. As you know, Kang Woosung became the CEO of a multi billion-dollar company in only a year. He is very special.”

“And it is all thanks to his ability to analyze data.”

“He admitted it. He said that’s how he became successful.”

Kim Manhyun narrowed his eyes. “I am very curious.”

“He is a true genius.”

“Hmm…”

Kim Manhyun sighed deeply and closed his eyes. He was pressured to leave his position as the representative by the other party members. He needed help.

Kim Manhyun opened his eyes.

“Then can I ask you for a favor?”

“Anything.”

“I would like to meet this Kang Woosung.”

“In private?”

“That would be ideal.”

Lee Sunghyun nodded and replied, “Alright. I will make an arrangement.”

“How about today? I am free…”

“Today?”

Lee Sunghyun thought for a second and replied quickly, “I will call him and see.”

Kim Manhyun smiled.

***

Woosung looked unhappy as he sat down.

A sudden request for a meeting.

Would Lee Sunghyun have done the same to Daeyang’s CEO?

Woosung shook his head. Daeyang was still more powerful and influential. He was still not strong enough.

Someday when he became bigger, nobody would have the nerve to treat him with these much disrespect.

The door opened and Kim Manhyun walked in with a smile. Woosung forced a smile on his face too.

Kim Manhyun greeted, “Haha, I’m sorry I asked to meet you on such short notice.”

Woosung shook his hand and replied, “Not at all. It sounded like you wanted to talk about something very important.”

Kim Manhyun.

He was an influential politician.

“I first wanted to meet you to thank you for your role in winning the Seoul election. I hope I am important enough for you to want to meet.”

Woosung replied quickly, “Of course you are! I am honored to meet you.”

“Haha, I’m glad you think so. Let’s have a seat first.”

They initially talked about mundane things. After a few minutes of chat, Kim Manhyun finally lowered his voice and asked, “Attorney Lee tells me your analysis skill is beyond this world.”

Woosung didn’t feel the need to be humble anymore.

“Yes. That is how I got here.”

“And can you apply that skill to anything?”

“It’s hard to say, but if it involves finding out what the public wants, then I am pretty confident in my skills.”

“I also heard you can make things happen…I will be frank. Can you increase the approval rating for the Liberal party?”

Woosung expected this question.

He pretended to look uncomfortable and replied with the answer he thought of before coming, “Sir, I am not a political consultant. Mayor Oh Hoon was a special case. Besides, boosting approval rating is not something I’m familiar with.”

Kim Manhyun remembered what Lee Sunghyun told him. Woosung was a businessman through and through. He believed in give-and-take relationships. Kim Manhyun thought to himself.

‘He wants me to offer him something.’

Woosung looked at his eyes directly. KND was now a big important company. He had the right to be confident.

Kim Manhyun murmured, “You aren’t familiar with it…”

“But I did learn something from working on this election. May I tell you?”

Kim Manhyun nodded.

Woosung continued, “The reason why Mayor Oh could win was because it was in the public’s knowledge that the credit card fee reduction project was strongly supported by the mayor.”

Kim Manhyun nodded again.

Woosung added, “Doing something like that would be the best way to get the public’s approval. You need to do something innovative.”

“Do you have an example?”

“Mobile carrier business would be the best example. Reducing the cell phone bills for the public would surely be a very positive change.”

“Hahaha, I’m not sure if I can make things like that happen. Besides, that plan is already in works by the government.”

“But it will happen faster if it has more support in the Congress.”

“Hmm…”

“The first politician that publicly support the idea will gain the most popularity.”

Kim Manhyun’s eyes sharpened.

‘Look at this guy.’

It was clear that Woosung was trying to use him to make his mobile carrier business happen faster. However, it was a hard offer to refuse.

Kim Manhyun had to do his own research first, but it was not a bad idea.

Woosung continued quickly, “If you remember where the idea of reducing the mobility cost came from, it should be easier for you to answer.”

Kim Manhyun swallowed. He did remember. It was clear what Woosung was trying to say.

“Will the federal government again take the whole credit for this idea?”

Kim Manhyun shook his head. He couldn’t let this happen.

“The public wants to save money. Anyone or any group that makes it happen will no doubt become popular.” Kim Manhyun agreed completely. He asked, “Are you ready to make the formal request to the government? Are the paperwork ready?”

When Woosung nodded, Kim Manhyun replied, “Alright.”

After the meeting, Lee Sunghyun explained to Woosung, “Kim Manhyun pressured me, so I had to do it. I’m sorry I called you on such short notice.”

“Haha, I understand.”

“So what did he say?”

“It wasn’t anything special. This and that, and…”

“And?”

“He asked me how to boost the approval rating for the liberals. I told him I didn’t know much about it.”

“Hmm…really?”

“But…”

“But?”

“I told him of an idea, just like I did for Mayor Oh.”

Lee Sunghyun urged him to continue.

“I told him to think about the advantage of reducing the cell phone bill for the public. Wouldn’t he look good if he became the one who supported and pushed the idea first?”

Lee Sunghyun nodded and picked up his phone quickly. He looked hurried. Lee Sunghyun realized what he had to do.