Inside a room set apart from the banquet hall, three people sat together—Hu Jintao, Jang Songthaek, and me.

“Were you satisfied with the itinerary?”

I asked Hu Jintao.

Tilting his glass, he answered with a pleased expression.

“Not just the Kaesong Industrial Complex, but many parts of North Korea are being developed. It’s completely different from before—I was quite surprised.”

“A lot has changed. But this is only the beginning.”

Hu Jintao nodded as if he agreed.

“Yes, that’s exactly how it felt. There’s no dark shadow on the people’s faces. It’s remarkable.”

“Is that so?”

“And it makes me like it even more, because it seems we have a lot to do in North Korea’s development.”

Hu Jintao didn’t bother hiding his intentions. I had a feeling why he was saying this here, so I gave a small smile.

“That’s right. China will have work to do soon.”

“I hope so.”

At that moment, Jang Songthaek joined the conversation.

“As it happens, I think I should discuss that matter with President Kim.”

“With me?”

“Yes. I’ve spoken with President Hu about expanding economic cooperation with China.”

“Really? But why are you discussing that with me? Chairman, you can handle that on your own. As long as it doesn’t interfere with my business, it’s fine. I can’t take care of all of North Korea anyway.”

As we spoke, Hu Jintao interjected.

“It’s because of the Trans-Siberian Railway project you’re working on with Russia. I’d like China to participate in that as well, President Kim.”

“Aren’t China, Russia, and North Korea already connected by rail? What’s so difficult about that?”

Hu Jintao shook his head and looked me straight in the eyes.

“I mean I want ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) to take part in that project. Not as a state, but personally.”

“...You’re suggesting we work together on the railway project?”

“That’s right. I want to invest personally.”

Not the state, but the individual. Before I could respond, Hu Jintao continued.

“This project is too small to end with just connecting the Korean Peninsula to Siberia and Europe.”

“You’re talking about the Eurasian railway. A network connecting Asia and Europe like a web.”

“Exactly. If that project gets on track, the profits will be enormous.”

“Who doesn’t know that? Do you have any idea how long it took just to connect the Korean Peninsula with Russia?”

For decades, as North and South remained divided, the railways had been cut off.

North Korea and Russia were connected, but profitability was low, and South Korea had to ship goods by sea to Vladivostok before using the railway.

If I hadn’t actively intervened to design this project, it would have taken decades just to break ground on connecting the peninsula.

It was something Vladimir Putin wanted, and both the South and the North wanted as well—but for various reasons, it had never even begun.

“Now we’ve only just managed to connect North and South. And you want to expand the scale even further? No one knows how much more time that would waste.”

Hu Jintao nodded, as if he agreed.

“That’s why China wants to join. If North and South, along with China and Russia, all participate, other countries won’t be able to stay out. The biggest obstacle to this project wasn’t elsewhere—it was the divided Korean Peninsula.”

“That may be true... but the reason other countries haven’t connected their railways is because their interests clash.”

“I know. That’s why we intend to move forward by making concessions, little by little.”

We kept repeating the same arguments, but the more we did, the clearer it became.

Hu Jintao wasn’t just testing the waters—he meant it.

“Do you think that’s possible?”

“It is, if you join us.”

Now I understood why he wanted to talk to me.

He intended to use my influence to ensure Russia, South Korea, and North Korea wouldn’t oppose.

“We’ll handle negotiations with countries that border China.”

I straightened my posture and asked,

“Fine. Then what do I gain?”

Unless I retained full control over the project rights, there was no reason for me to expand the board.

“Didn’t I say? I’ll invest personally. We’ll create a company that holds all project rights and share the profits.”

He kept emphasizing the individual.

I shifted my gaze from him to Jang Songthaek.

“Chairman, do you feel the same?”

“Yes. The scale of profit in this project is enormous. It’s too large for you to handle alone. If everyone participates, the returns will be even greater.”

“So you’re planning to invest as well?”

“Yes.”

If Jang Songthaek, Hu Jintao, and even Putin were all drawn into this, there was no telling how large it could become.

It was far too big a matter to decide on the spot.

“Do I need to give you an answer right away?”

“No. I know this isn’t something you can decide easily. Take your time.”

“Thank you, Mr. President. I’ll think about it for a few days.”

“Good. Please consider it positively.”

It was a relief I could delay the decision. I’d need to run the numbers carefully.

After taking a quiet breath, I looked between them.

“Have the two of you been planning this for a long time?”

“No. It was my idea alone. Chairman Jang only heard about it today. After I explained it, he expressed his willingness to join.”

I glanced at Jang Songthaek, and he nodded.

“That’s true. I heard about it for the first time today as well. But if the project grows, it will benefit our republic, so there was no reason to oppose it.”

“...Understood. But does President Yoon Changho know about this?”

“He doesn’t. This is the first time I’m revealing it. Even Premier Wen Jiabao doesn’t know.”

“I see.”

“But South Korea has no reason to oppose it, does it? The country that benefits the most from this project isn’t China or Russia—it’s South Korea.”

That was true. With his approval ratings falling, bringing in a project like this would definitely appeal to Yoon Changho.

“That’s correct. I won’t deny it.”

“We need to reach an agreement among ourselves first before pushing this publicly. Before that, we must establish a company to carry out the project.”

“And transfer the Trans-Siberian Railway rights to that company?”

“Yes. We must do it together. That way, we have justification. Any losses will be outweighed by greater profits, so don’t worry too much.”

Hu Jintao smiled as if he believed I wouldn’t refuse.

“...Alright. For now, I understand.”

“Good. Think it over and give me your answer.”

“One last question.”

“Anything.”

“After you step down, is there any chance this project will be scrapped?”

“Hmm...”

Hu Jintao slowly stroked his chin, delaying his answer.

I looked at him and spoke firmly.

“That’s the most important point.”

“My influence won’t disappear just because I step down. You don’t need to worry.”

“You can’t be vague about something like that. Did you know Jiang Zemin would fall like that?”

“......”

“No one can predict the future carelessly. And China has broken intergovernmental agreements many times.”

Hu Jintao reacted sharply.

“President Kim. That statement is uncomfortable. Are you saying China goes back on its word?”

“Doesn’t it? I can list examples.”

“That’s something every country does for national interest.”

“But this is private interest. If this project collapses, I could suffer enormous losses.”

“Then what do you want? If I tell you to trust me, will you? I’m planning to invest my own money as well. I won’t deliberately ruin this project.”

The atmosphere turned cold in an instant. Jang Songthaek quickly stepped in to ease the tension.

“Now, now. We’re just beginning discussions, aren’t we? There’s no need for this to turn into an emotional clash. President Hu, why don’t you step out for a moment and get some air?”

“Hmm...”

“I don’t say this lightly. There are many people waiting for you outside. I’ll stay and persuade President Kim.”

Hu Jintao cleared his throat, nodded, and spoke to me.

“My apologies. I think I got a bit heated.”

Since he backed down first, I couldn’t keep pushing.

“No, I also went a bit too far.”

“I’ll go back to the banquet. Please continue your discussion.”

After glancing at us, Hu Jintao left.

Once we were alone, Jang Songthaek spoke more comfortably.

“...President Kim. This is not a bad proposal for you. If it were, I would have rejected it first.”

“I know. I understand how big the profits are. But whether a private company can secure those rights is another matter.”

I couldn’t be sure I could control this project to the end.

South Korea, North Korea, and Russia were within my reach—but China wasn’t.

That’s why my reaction had sharpened.

As I quietly organized my thoughts, Jang Songthaek suddenly held out a glass.

“President Kim. From what I hear, you already have someone in mind for the next Chinese president.”

Clinking glasses with him, I answered,

“Yes, I do. But even if I support him, there’s no guarantee he’ll become president.”

“If President Hu supports him, wouldn’t it be easier?”

“That’s true, but...”

“Then how about including that future leader in this project? Wouldn’t that ensure its safety until completion?”

If we joined this project, we would inevitably become bound together.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll think about it.”

Jang Songthaek smiled broadly.

“Take your time. I’ll follow your decision.”

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. You’ve done so much for our republic. Do as you wish. Even if it’s not this project, I’ll stand with you.”

I couldn’t read his true intentions—but I wanted to believe him.

“Thank you. I’ll take my leave.”

“Of course.”

“Oh. And there aren’t any listening devices in my hotel room, are there?”

“Of course not. We removed everything when we heard you were staying. Besides, you have equipment to detect such things, don’t you? I wouldn’t risk damaging our relationship.”

He spoke smoothly, with no sign of deception.

I nodded and stood.

“I enjoyed our conversation. Ah, one more thing. Could you arrange for the child I brought to enter South Korea?”

“Understood. A street kid, you said?”

“Yes. He probably doesn’t even have a registered identity.”

“That won’t be a problem.”

“I’ll trust you.”

We shook hands lightly.

“President Hu leaves the day after tomorrow, right?”

“Yes. He’ll have lunch and cross the border.”

“I’ll decide before then.”

“I’ll pass that along.”

With another burden on my mind, I left the banquet hall.

* * *

The next day, I canceled all my appointments and stayed in my hotel room, thinking.

Too many people were involved for me to decide alone.

Russia’s position mattered the most.

I picked up a satellite phone and made a call.

— Muhyuk! Long time no see.

“It’s been a while, Mr. President.”

— I heard you’re in North Korea.

“Yes. But Hu Jintao made an unexpected proposal, so I’ve been troubled.”

— A proposal?

“This is what happened...”

I began explaining Hu Jintao’s offer in detail.