Guided by the Chief of Staff, I headed to where the president was waiting.

“You can go in.”

He stopped at the door as he spoke.

When I opened it and stepped inside, Yoon Changho had his eyes closed, as if deep in thought.

“Mr. President.”

At the sound of my voice, he opened his eyes. Then he smiled and greeted me.

“Ah, President Kim. Have a seat.”

I sat down where he pointed and immediately asked,

“What’s troubling you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“You didn’t even notice me coming in and kept your eyes closed, lost in thought.”

“Ha, I must’ve shown it.”

Chuckling awkwardly, Yoon Changho slowly rubbed his chin.

Was it about Myungsoo? Or something else?

“Is something wrong?”

“President Hu Jintao said he wants to go to North Korea through Panmunjom after his visit here.”

“Really? That wasn’t planned, was it?”

“No. There’s no precedent for it.”

It was hard to imagine a Chinese leader visiting North Korea from South Korea—especially via Panmunjom.

“So... did you approve it?”

“I had no grounds to refuse.”

“...I see.”

“He said he wants to create an image of harmony among the South, the North, and China.”

“When I met him earlier, he didn’t mention that. He only said the summit went well.”

“It was a good summit for us too.”

Relations between South Korea and China had improved further after Jiang Zemin stepped back.

“Especially since we agreed to strengthen economic cooperation.”

“That’s a good direction. China’s economy will keep growing, and South Korea stands to benefit the most.”

“Yes, that part is good. But if China and North Korea grow closer again, that’s not exactly a good sign for us, is it?”

Yoon Changho was worried that renewed China–North Korea ties might push the Koreas further apart again.

“You don’t need to worry too much about that. Many South Korean companies are already operating in North Korea. The reason North Korea used to lean heavily on China was because of aid. But now that they’re pursuing openness and reform, they’ll try to maximize their gains between South Korea and China.”

He nodded at my explanation.

“Then let me ask you something. Would you be willing to go to North Korea?”

“North Korea?”

“Yes. When Hu Jintao leads the delegation across Panmunjom, go with them. Can you find out what’s being discussed there?”

I could guess why he was asking me. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

He needed someone who could act without hesitation, apply pressure when necessary, and still report internal developments.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send people too. But they have their limits. So I’m asking you.”

“I’m not sure about my schedule. It’s in two days, right?”

“That’s right.”

I quickly went over my schedule. It seemed manageable.

“Understood. I’ll go.”

“Thank you, President Kim. I feel reassured knowing you’ll be there. I’ll take care of all the administrative procedures.”

“Alright. Is that everything you wanted to discuss?”

He nodded.

I had expected him to bring up Myungsoo, but he didn’t say a word about it.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

As I stood to go, he called out again.

“President Kim.”

I turned back. He was looking at me with a curious expression.

“You didn’t ask anything about your conversation with Representative Lee.”

“That’s something you and Myungsoo need to resolve. It’s not my place to intervene.”

He studied my face quietly, saying nothing.

“If Myungsoo asks, I might say a word or two. But he said he’ll handle it himself. If I step in now, it would be disrespectful to him—and to you as well.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. Of course, if your relationship deteriorates, it would be uncomfortable for me. But I won’t distance myself from you because of it. Unless something happens where Myungsoo is seriously harmed.”

As long as no one pulled something like the Guinea mine incident, I had no intention of stepping in.

Perhaps understanding my meaning, Yoon Changho looked slightly surprised.

“I have no intention of harming him either. I just want to understand what he’s thinking.”

As expected, he knew exactly where the line was.

And he wouldn’t cross it.

That’s how he had come this far.

“Yes, Mr. President. Do as you see fit. Don’t hold back because of me.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“Then I’ll be going.”

I bowed slightly and left, exiting the reception hall right after.

Chief of Staff Ma, who had been waiting, opened the car door immediately.

“Director Ma. I’ll need to visit Pyongyang the day after tomorrow. Prepare everything in advance.”

“Pyongyang?”

“Yes.”

“...Will you be alright?”

His cautious voice carried concern.

He still hadn’t let go of what had happened in North Korea before.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be going with the Chinese president this time. And Jang Songthaek already purged most of the troublemakers. Nothing like that will happen again.”

“I’ll still make full security preparations.”

“Can’t hurt to be prepared. Coordinate with the Foreign Ministry and get approval for security personnel.”

“Yes, boss.”

“Then let’s head to the hotel where the Chinese delegation is staying. Premier Wen Jiabao asked to see me late tonight.”

The car carrying me sped through the night streets of Seoul.

* * *

Past midnight, Wen Jiabao contacted me. I went straight up to his suite.

Chinese security was guarding the hallway tightly.

“Are you President Kim Muhyuk?”

“Yes.”

“Please come this way.”

The head of security guided me.

“You can go in.”

I entered with Director Ma.

Wen Jiabao, now in casual clothes after taking off his suit, stood up to greet me.

“Ha ha, President Kim.”

“Looks like you’ve had a drink, Premier.”

“How could I not, on a day like this? The president is already completely drunk and asleep.”

I nodded and sat down with him.

“So why did you want to meet me privately? Is it something important?”

“...It’s about the iPhone.”

“The iPhone? Why are you asking me about that?”

“Well...”

After a brief pause, Wen Jiabao continued.

“The chairman of China Unicom is a distant relative of mine.”

“Really? I didn’t find anything like that.”

“Ha ha, it’s... complicated family matters.”

He smiled awkwardly.

So it wasn’t something he could openly disclose.

“That’s why he was there earlier.”

“Yes. I asked the president for that.”

“You could’ve spoken to me privately. I could’ve made arrangements more easily.”

“If I had, President Hu wouldn’t have liked it. He doesn’t like not knowing things.”

“Does President Hu know about your relationship?”

I was referring to his connection with Chang Xiaobing.

He shook his head.

“He doesn’t know we’re related.”

“Then why tell me something even he doesn’t know?”

“Because I know you won’t use this to threaten me.”

So if that relationship came to light, it would be damaging.

Which meant—he trusted me.

“So you want me to grant China Unicom exclusive distribution of the iPhone?”

“Yes. We’ll meet your conditions as much as possible.”

“Are you confident the iPhone will succeed?”

“I don’t know. I simply trust you.”

“China Telecom might object. You’re aware of that, right?”

“From what I hear, they’re holding a firm stance. They don’t feel any urgency.”

He had already assessed the situation.

“And since all telecom companies in China are state-owned, that needs to be considered. I’ll handle China Telecom myself.”

With that, he removed the biggest obstacle.

If he took care of it, there wouldn’t be any issues.

“Understood. Since you’ve gone this far, I can’t refuse. I’ll proceed with supplying China Unicom. But you must accept all of Apple’s conditions.”

“Actually, about that... we should discuss a few things. Please arrange a visit to China for Steve Jobs.”

“A visit from Steve Jobs?”

“Yes. We want to show others that Apple considers the Chinese market important.”

In just a few years, China would become the largest market after the U.S.

People just didn’t realize it yet.

“Alright. I’ll arrange that separately. I’ll propose signing the contract in China with China Unicom. Of course, that depends on Chairman Chang Xiaobing accepting all of Apple’s terms.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle that.”

Things moved quickly when both sides understood each other.

I nodded, satisfied.

“Then I’ll negotiate with Chairman Chang tomorrow.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry to trouble you like this.”

“It’s nothing between us. By the way, I heard you’ll be visiting Pyongyang through Panmunjom?”

“Ah, you heard? It was President Hu’s initiative.”

It didn’t seem like something he needed to hide.

“Is there a particular reason?”

“It will become a symbolic moment in history. President Hu wants to create that image.”

Now that internal power struggles were settled, he was focusing on outward image.

“I’ll likely be going along as well.”

“Oh? That’s good.”

“Yes. I was thinking of meeting Chairman Jang Songthaek while I’m there. That’s fine, right?”

“Of course. Not just anyone—you’re President Kim. The president will be pleased.”

“I’ll stay in the background, so don’t worry too much.”

He laughed.

“Not worry about you? That’s impossible.”

“Really, it’s fine.”

“Understood. We’ll prepare accordingly. By the way, is there anything you want from me? I’ll grant whatever you ask.”

It seemed he wanted to return the favor.

Relationships lasted when there was give and take.

If one side kept losing, it wouldn’t last.

“Thank you. I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Ask for anything. If it’s within my power, I’ll gladly help.”

I checked the time.

“It’s late. You have a schedule tomorrow, so I’ll take my leave. Get some rest.”

“Ah, we should have a drink.”

“Let’s do it in Pyongyang.”

“Sounds good. See you the day after tomorrow.”

After saying goodbye, I left the room.

Looking up at his window outside, the lights were still on.

The next day.

Chairman Chang Xiaobing came to see me.

As soon as he sat down, I got straight to the point.

“I’ve heard the basics. I’m willing to sign an exclusive deal with China Unicom. However, Hong Kong and Macau are already under contract with other carriers, so this would apply only to mainland China. Is that acceptable?”

“Mainland is enough. We don’t have the capacity to expand further yet.”

“Then let’s go over the conditions first. These apply to all countries.”

I handed him the document.

“Take a look, and we’ll continue.”

He read it carefully.

As time passed, his expression grew more serious.

“...These conditions are tougher than I expected.”

“Apple won’t compromise.”

“Everything else is fine. We can accept it. But the profit-sharing terms... I’d like some consideration.”

“That’s the core issue. It’s not negotiable.”

My firm tone made him stiffen.

“We’re choosing you because Premier Wen asked us to. We’re not adding extra conditions—just Apple’s standard terms. Japan and Korea had additional requirements. This is already considering the premier’s face.”

“...Still...”

“If even that is too difficult, then we have a problem.”

Pushing too hard would create resistance—time for a carrot.

“In return, I’ll arrange for Steve Jobs or Tim Cook to come to China to ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) sign the deal.”

“Is that possible?”

“Yes.”

“...Alright. Then we accept all the terms.”

“You’ll be contacted by Apple soon.”

I stood and extended my hand.

He shook it, smiling brightly.

I studied his face up close.

‘Now that I look at him... they do resemble each other a bit.’