Time passed quickly.

After Lee Jongseong’s death, the prosecution accelerated the investigation.

Even though many powerful figures were entangled in the case, the prosecution unusually did not drag things out.

A total of fourteen lawmakers were implicated, and five of them were even arrested after motions for detention were passed through the National Assembly.

There were also numerous local government heads involved, including the Mayor of Busan.

Before the damage could spread further, every political party expelled the people connected to the scandal.

One by one, all the things that had protected them were disappearing.

Then an article appeared in Koryeo Daily.

[Dreamhigh Korea Branch and Joongwoo Construction Join Forces, Opening New Breakthrough for Guryong Village Redevelopment Project]

The Guryong Village redevelopment project, which had been struggling due to the Joongwon Development gate scandal, has reached a new turning point through the partnership between Dreamhigh Korea Branch and Joongwoo Construction.

As both companies expressed strong determination to successfully carry out the project together, expectations are rising that the redevelopment project will finally get back on track.

The Guryong Village redevelopment project had continuously faced setbacks due to controversies surrounding the Joongwon Development gate scandal.

However, with Dreamhigh Korea Branch and Joongwoo Construction stepping in as the new key partners, the project is now being evaluated as having reached a major turning point.

Drawing on its extensive experience and expertise leading global markets, Dreamhigh Korea Branch plans to divide responsibilities with Joongwoo Construction in areas such as financing, design, and construction management required for the redevelopment project.

Through this collaboration, both companies share the goal of transforming Guryong Village into a safer and more livable residential environment.

The CEO of Joongwoo Construction stated, “This partnership will breathe new life into the Guryong Village redevelopment project,” adding, “We will combine the strengths of both companies to successfully complete the project.”

Dreamhigh Korea Branch also stated, “Through our cooperation with Joongwoo Construction, we will do our utmost to ensure the Guryong Village redevelopment project has a positive impact on the local community.”

After the article was published, the Gangnam District Council passed the private redevelopment proposal.

The momentum behind public redevelopment weakened considerably.

Seoul City then convened the Seoul Urban Development Committee, chaired by the Mayor of Seoul.

Officials from Seoul City, the Ministry of Land, and even the Gangnam District Office all attended the committee meeting.

“Have all of you reviewed the proposal submitted by Hangang Development?”

At Oh Changhoon’s words, the committee members nodded.

“After reviewing it, I don’t believe there’s a better proposal available. What do the committee members think?”

The Gangnam District Chief immediately backed him up.

“Our Gangnam District supports this proposal. The relocation plan for the Guryong Village residents is also flawless.”

Gangnam District strongly insisted that the proposal presented by Hangang Development should be accepted.

From Gangnam District’s perspective, public redevelopment was absolutely unacceptable, so it was only natural.

The Vice Minister from the Ministry of Land also supported Gangnam District’s position.

“The proposal submitted by Hangang Development is practically flawless. Financing, design capabilities, everything about it is superior. If we are not proceeding with public redevelopment, then this should be the obvious choice.”

The other committee members also voiced various opinions.

Most supported the proposal, but the representative from the civic organization did not.

“This gate scandal already exposed the negative consequences of private redevelopment. And now you’re trying to push private redevelopment again? Why should Seoul City act for private profit instead of public interest? We should pursue redevelopment for ordinary citizens through public development.”

“There’s no real benefit to public redevelopment. Private redevelopment benefits all Seoul citizens. Not just a small group, but everyone in Seoul.”

The civic organization representative shut his ears and continued insisting on his own arguments.

“If you push this through again like this, we won’t stay quiet. Together with the Guryong Village residents—”

At that moment, the Mayor of Seoul stepped in.

“Committee Member Han. Over ninety percent of the Guryong Village residents support Hangang Development. These are the consent forms they submitted to us.”

At the mayor’s instruction, a public official distributed documents to the attendees.

The paperwork submitted under the name of the Guryong Village Residents’ Association bore the seals of the residents themselves.

“With the exception of speculators, most of the original Guryong Village residents agree to this proposal. Is there any reason for us to oppose it?”

“But still......”

After seeing the residents’ consent forms, the civic organization representative hesitated.

“Besides, doesn’t the proposal also include building parks for Seoul citizens? Everyone here already knows which option benefits the public more, don’t they? There’s absolutely no reason to force public redevelopment just because a few people committed corruption.”

The profits from private redevelopment were greater than those from public redevelopment.

Of course, ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) the private companies would gain the most, but Seoul City would also receive substantial benefits.

“If there are no more opinions, we will proceed with a vote on the proposal.”

The results of the vote selected Hangang Development as the developer for the Guryong Village redevelopment project.

The news was immediately released through the media.

[Seoul’s Guryong Village Redevelopment Project, Will Hangang Bring New Winds?]

The Seoul Guryong Village redevelopment project has reached a new turning point after being entrusted to Hangang Development.

Hangang Development is a subsidiary of Dreamhigh Korea Branch specializing in real estate development.

Hong Jinpyo, CEO of Hangang Development, has previously served as redevelopment association chairman for numerous projects, and his expertise is expected to positively influence the Guryong Village redevelopment project.

This redevelopment project has long been one of the undeveloped areas under intensive management by Seoul City, and the selection of Hangang Development as the developer is expected to accelerate progress.

Hangang Development plans to transform Guryong Village into a new Seoul landmark through innovative design and eco-friendly construction.

To ensure smooth progress, Hangang Development also plans to maintain close communication with the residents of Guryong Village.

Once completed, Guryong Village is expected to become Seoul’s newest landmark, offering a safer and more pleasant residential environment.

The Guryong Village redevelopment project previously faced serious difficulties due to various lobbying allegations tied to Joongwon Development. Those allegations raised concerns regarding the project’s transparency and credibility, slowing progress considerably.

However, with Hangang Development replacing the previous developer, many now see this as an opportunity to overcome those suspicions and move the project forward.

* * *

Choi Seohyeon, leader of the Progressive Party, was carrying out her schedule in France.

While there, someone approached her.

Introduced through a major French political figure, the man conveyed that the person he served wished to meet her.

Choi Seohyeon made time and secretly met him.

“Welcome, Representative Choi Seohyeon.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Choi Seohyeon.”

The interpreter had already been prepared on their side.

Wearing a gentle smile, Choi Seohyeon looked at the man before her.

“I really wanted to meet you, Representative Choi. By any chance, do you know someone named Kim Muhyuk?”

The moment she heard the name Kim Muhyuk, Choi Seohyeon’s expression stiffened.

“I’ve heard the name before.”

“Ah. Then there’s no need for a long explanation.”

“But who are you?”

“My name is Xavier.”

The one who had sought out Choi Seohyeon was none other than Xavier.

The head of Baltice himself had come to meet her.

“Xavier?”

“Yes. Have you heard of me before?”

“I’m sorry, but this is my first time hearing your name.”

“That’s understandable. I’m not someone who stands at the front. But I can help you, Representative Choi.”

“Help me?”

“Yes. Don’t you want to become the President of South Korea? I can help you.”

Choi Seohyeon was not naïve enough to believe a foreigner she had just met claiming he could make her president.

“How rude, Mister Xavier. You’re saying you can make me President of South Korea? Do you really think that’s possible? Or are you mocking me? I’m uncomfortable.”

“Hahaha. I understand why you’d react that way.”

Despite her sharp response, Xavier simply nodded and laughed.

That reaction only made Choi Seohyeon even more uncomfortable.

“If Kim Muhyuk can create a President of South Korea, why wouldn’t I be able to?”

“......The President of South Korea is chosen by the Korean people.”

“That’s right. But ignorant citizens only vote based on fragmented images. Behind the scenes, all sorts of dirty dealings take place. Do you think President Yoon Changho reached that position purely through his own abilities?”

Choi Seohyeon could not immediately deny it.

“Without Kim Muhyuk’s support, someone like Yoon Changho could never have become President of South Korea. We are the same. We personally create the leaders of multiple European nations.”

“What are you......?”

“We have ruled Europe for hundreds of years. That is why you are here before me now. Who do you think introduced me to you?”

The person who had arranged this meeting was one of the strongest candidates for the next President of France.

“That’s right. We are people with that level of influence.”

“I’ve never heard or seen any group with that level of influence in Europe.”

“Of course not. We never reveal ourselves. If you wish, I can show you proof.”

At Xavier’s gesture, the butler moved.

A cellphone was in his hand.

“First, the President of France.”

Xavier immediately called the French President.

The call connected after only a few rings.

— Yes, Mister Xavier. To contact me through the hotline so suddenly...

The voice coming through the receiver belonged to the President of France.

Choi Seohyeon had met him just days earlier, so there was no way she could mistake the voice.

The French President’s tone was respectful.

Afterward, Xavier connected calls to the leaders of several major European nations.

All of them treated Xavier with the utmost respect, and the sight deeply shocked Choi Seohyeon.

“Do you believe me now?”

“Even if you have influence in Europe, influencing South Korea is still......”

Even as she spoke, Choi Seohyeon realized she could no longer deny what was happening before her eyes.

That such an organization existed.

And that it truly controlled European politics.

“We know the true face of Kim Muhyuk, the side you are unaware of.”

“......”

“You will become the righteous politician who reveals it to the world. What do you think? If such a scandal erupts right before the presidential election, do you really think the Centrist Party could hold onto power?”

Even Choi Seohyeon only knew rumors regarding Kim Muhyuk.

She had never met him personally, and merely knew that many lawmakers within the Progressive Party maintained ties with him.

“Your goal is to destroy Kim Muhyuk?”

“Yes. That is our goal. And that is why we need you.”

Choi Seohyeon had long since given up on her dream of becoming president.

But if she could expose the dark ties between Kim Muhyuk and the Centrist Party—

And if the Centrist Party suffered major damage because of it—

Then perhaps the presidency was not such a distant dream after all.

“If you refuse, I’ll simply find someone else. And I’ll support that person instead.”

In other words, Xavier was saying it didn’t necessarily have to be her.

“The reason I approached you first is because you are the closest to the presidency.”

Choi Seohyeon wavered beneath Xavier’s calm gaze.

* * *

Most matters related to Guryong Village had finally been settled.

Several negative articles were published, but the appointment of Hangang Development as the new developer ultimately passed by without major issue.

Now it was time to step away from that matter and begin preparing for something else in earnest.

“It could explode even faster?”

— Yeah. The atmosphere on Wall Street is strange.

“Looks like we lit the fuse earlier than expected.”

The fuse on the bomb we had planted in Wall Street was finally starting to burn.