Chapter 150: PAID

“The video call with the district head is ready.”

“Put it on.”

A large video channel opens in front of me.

Initially, I didn’t want to bother with such an interaction out of sheer annoyance, but I changed my mind.

Why? Because I’d been informed that the Namdong District Head was not some young, refreshing, and pretty woman but a middle-aged, rather unimpressive individual.

Why should I bother visiting her or having her come to me?

We could just exchange the necessary points and move on. My schedule is tight as it is.

Fwooosh!

The screen connected, revealing a plump middle-aged woman seated in a chair.

She was apparently taking the call from her office, seated in what’s often referred to as a “boss chair.”@@novelbin@@

“It’s a pleasure to meet the renowned young master. I’m Ye Chaerin, the district head of Namdong.”

“Go Muyeol.”

“I have a rough idea of why you’re calling. I understand you’re planning to develop the Namdong Industrial Complex.”

“It’s good that you’re already aware. It’ll save us time. My intention is to reclaim the lost lands and restore the rightful rights of Incheon’s citizens.”

“It’s touching to see how deeply you care about the safety and rights of Incheon’s citizens, young master, but I can’t help but suspect a hidden motive.”

“Hidden motive?”

“I hear you’ve been in contact with Assemblywoman Kim Eunji. It seems like you’re trying to gain a lot through the feeble Public Safety Restoration Committee.”

“The Public Safety Restoration Committee is responsible for Incheon’s security. Assemblywoman Kim Eunji just happens to represent Namdong District A, where the industrial complex is located. Is there an issue with that?”

“Not an issue, per se, but there’s plenty to nitpick.”

“Young master, Assemblywoman Kim Eunji’s Better Future Party is a detriment to this nation. And the Equality and Freedom Constitutional Party? A joke of a political group. In fact, the only proper party in Incheon is our Progressive Innovation Party.”

“You’re quite direct.”

“Well, if you’d visited earlier, we could’ve had a more relaxed conversation over coffee.”

“I’m a busy person, young master. I can’t just drop everything for you. As for your questions, I’ll provide answers after thorough discussions with the relevant departments.”

“I’d prefer to get an answer right now.”

“Well, that might be… a bit difficult due to administrative procedures. Even if your requests are urgent, young master, this country operates within the framework of proper legal procedures—”

“On what matter?”

“The rightful landowners of the Namdong Industrial Complex. Before it became a gang-ridden slum, there were legitimate owners. There must be documentation proving their lawful ownership. Acknowledge those documents. It’ll make the redevelopment process smoother.”

“Hmm~.”

“It seems you’ve secured quite a number of those land documents, young master. Judging by your remarks.”

“I won’t deny it.”

“Well, very well. Those documents do hold validity. To disregard them now would cause unnecessary chaos and backlash. We’ll officially acknowledge them.”

“However, I’d like to propose that we use a portion of the land for the district office’s needs.”

“What?”

“I need to secure some level of symbolism for myself. If I’m to assist, there has to be some tangible result. Perhaps a new district office could be built there.”

“…We can discuss that later. The district office could acquire appropriate land documents as well. Is this really something that warrants a quid pro quo?”

“Every task involves effort, young master. I wouldn’t call it a trade-off. Think of it as a reasonable ‘cost.’ As for the district office acquiring its own land documents… perhaps, but that seems unlikely given the vast area you’ve secured.”

“…”

“No issues, master~. The committee members are mediating actively, and coordination with the police department is progressing smoothly.”

“Good to hear.”

“Yes, master. You don’t have to worry.”