In the car heading back from Donggyo-dong, Seong-ho looked at Tak-hyeon with a new sense of wonder.

He's using it like this?

Tak-hyeon hadn't let the information about the IMF managing director's secret visit simply pass by. He'd sought to use it in the most advantageous way possible — and that was why he'd directed the car to Donggyo-dong, where the opposition candidate's residence stood.

With the presidential election drawing near, a poll had just been released showing the opposition candidate trailing the ruling party candidate by a narrow margin. If the race continued as it stood, the ruling candidate's victory looked all but certain. In such a moment, if Tak-hyeon showed up bearing this kind of information for the opposition candidate, that candidate would have no choice but to feel deeply indebted to him. With so little time left before the election, the mere sight of Tak-hyeon appearing before the reporters camped outside the Donggyo-dong residence would be enough to make the opposition camp feel they'd received tremendous help.

Tak-hyeon had gone to Donggyo-dong precisely to plant that sense of gratitude in the opposition camp.

Seong-ho, who hadn't imagined the news of the IMF managing director's secret visit could be leveraged this way, looked at Tak-hyeon with genuine admiration.

"Well? Do you think this will help with what you're doing?"

Tak-hyeon put the question to him.

Seong-ho stopped his musing and answered. "It's bound to help, without question."

Drawing on his experience of that former life, Seong-ho spoke calmly about what lay ahead. "After the IMF bailout, the industrial landscape will be reorganized. Along with the natural realignments and mergers, there will be adjustments carried out under government direction. If we can carry the government's backing on our shoulders when that happens… we'll be able to seize firm control of the process. It's bound to help."

"Right."

Hearing Seong-ho's answer, Tak-hyeon leaned back in his seat and looked at him with an idle gaze.

"I've set the stage for you. Now play your hand well."

"I won't fall short of your expectations."

At Seong-ho's slight bow, a faint smile…