Ilhyeon Group's restructuring kept the Republic of Korea abuzz for a while, but as time passed, it gradually faded from people's memories. With Ilhyeon Group taking no further aggressive action, Korea's attention gradually turned toward the presidential race set for year's end. Each party entered a fierce primary system to select its presidential candidate. As people watched the chosen candidates being tested for their competitiveness, curiosity grew over who would be elected the president to end the era of dictatorship and open the second age of civilian rule.

At the Sunday meal in Pyeongchang-dong, the presidential election was the main topic of conversation.

"Wouldn't it be best to support the ruling party's candidate?" Mun-jong offered his view. "He has a good image, being from a background of uncompromising judges. And with the merit of being the ruling party's candidate besides, his election looks likely."

"But Brother, the opposition candidate is one of the three great Kims of our nation." Jeong-eun put forward a view against Mun-jong's claim. "A man with over twenty years of political career, already on his third presidential run — a veteran among veterans. Who should we support if not him?"

"That he's run so many times and failed each time is exactly the point — that's as far as that man goes."

Mun-jong shook his head and said to Tak-hyeon, "People want a new era, and the ruling party's candidate fits that image perfectly. Father. Let's give the ruling candidate 40 billion in support."

No sooner had Mun-jong finished than Jeong-eun cut in. "Father, the opposition said 20 billion would be enough."

"They said 20 billion would be enough? You mean you've already made contact?"

Mun-jong looked at Jeong-eun with displeasure at having his words interrupted.

But Jeong-eun paid his look no mind and spoke to Tak-hyeon. "It wasn't me — it was Cha who did it. You know who his father is. He has political connections on the opposition side too, so he was able to speak with people there. So I heard the opposition's offer through him…" She turned. "Don't just sit there, say…