The labor law that had passed the National Assembly was sent to the Blue House just a few days later.

Since it had been approved through an agreement between the Centrist Party and the Progressive Party, no one expected the president to exercise his veto.

The news praised it as an example of cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, and, unusually, the public applauded both sides.

But Lee Myungsoo, who knew that President Yoon Changho might still use his veto, felt his insides burning with anxiety.

Until the bill reached the Cabinet meeting, Myungsoo minimized contact with the press and stayed sharply attuned to movements from the Blue House.

Once a bill passed the Assembly, the president had fifteen days to promulgate it.

Normally, if there was no intention to veto, it would be announced within a week.

But even after a week passed, Yoon Changho had not promulgated it.

Sensing something strange, both politicians and the media began to whisper.

[Two Labor Bills Passed by the Assembly, Silence from the Blue House.]

[Discord Between the President and the Ruling Party?]

[Does the President Distrust Floor Leader Lee Myungsoo?]

Articles filled with speculation flooded the media.

Reporters repeatedly requested a press conference from Myungsoo, but he shut himself away, waiting for the president’s decision.

Then, with no response from either the Blue House or the party, the Cabinet meeting chaired by the president was convened.

Yoon Changho’s face was filled with concern and deliberation.

He silently reviewed the documents on the table, deep in thought.

On all other agenda items, he offered no opinion.

The Prime Minister stepped in to lead discussions and pass the proposals.

After most of the items were resolved, Yoon Changho, having reached a decision, finally spoke.

“Everyone. I would like to discuss the two labor bills that came from the National Assembly.”

The faces of everyone present grew serious.

“I want to hear your opinions on whether I should exercise my veto on this law. I will make my decision after hearing from each ministry and experts. Speak freely without worrying about appearances.”

At the president’s request, the Minister of Labor spoke first.

“Mr. President. If this bill is implemented, workers can expect better working conditions. However, companies will face increased cost burdens.”

Heads nodded around the table.

He had presented both pros and cons as neutrally as possible.

Next, the Minister of Industry spoke.

“Our companies are already weak in global competition. Additional regulations could further reduce competitiveness. If this law is enforced, the immediate side effects may outweigh the positives—companies could cut hiring. That could lead to job losses and economic contraction.”

One by one, the other ministers added their opinions.

Overall, the room was evenly split.

“I’ve heard everyone’s views,” Yoon Changho said. “Lastly, let’s hear from the Chief of Staff, who has been speaking with labor unions and the Federation of Korean Industries over the past few days. Then we’ll decide.”

The Chief of Staff had met both major labor unions and FKI representatives behind the scenes.

“The labor unions want to go even further, but they’ve also indicated they would be satisfied with this level. The Federation strongly opposes it. They’ve said that if the bill is promulgated, they may significantly reduce new hiring this year.”

“So what’s the conclusion?”

“Labor and management are in sharp conflict. No matter what decision is made, some level of disruption seems inevitable.”

With that, the discussion ended.

After a long moment of silence, Yoon Changho looked around and spoke.

“This is an extremely important decision. Our government must consider both workers’ rights and corporate competitiveness. I will make the final decision—whether to exercise the veto or not—at tomorrow’s meeting.”

In the end, he postponed the decision.

The Cabinet meeting concluded.

The news that the veto had been discussed shook the political world.

* * *

I heard about the discussion almost immediately.

“Tch. So he’s decided to go through with it?”

I wanted Yoon Changho to back down.

There was no need to turn this into political conflict by using the veto over something like this.

I immediately picked up my phone and called Myungsoo.

— Yeah, Muhyuk.

“Busy, aren’t you?”

— Don’t even ask. I turned off my work phone entirely. Reporters and everyone else keep calling—I can’t get anything done.

“What’s the Progressive Party saying?”

He let out a deep sigh.

— Haven’t even talked to them yet. They’ll probably push back hard. If the veto happens and the reconsideration request goes back to the Assembly... I’m afraid of how things will end.

“You still haven’t changed your mind, right?”

If he asked for help, I was ready to step in and stop the president myself.

— Yeah. This is something the president and I have to resolve. You shouldn’t get involved.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Even now, Myungsoo didn’t want my intervention.

“Alright. I’ll just watch, then.”

— Yeah. You’ve got enough on your plate with the Eurasian railway anyway. Don’t worry about this. I’ll handle it.

“Got it. Hang in there.”

After ending the call, I summoned Ma Seokdae.

Even if Myungsoo told me to stay out of it, I intended to at least contain the aftermath.

“Manager Ma.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Contact the key politicians. Tell them not to make the mistake of ‘striking the grass and startling the snake’ and just wait. No one knows what the outcome will be. Just let them know this is how I see things—and don’t take any further action.”

“Understood.”

It was the only way I could help Myungsoo without making it obvious.

* * *

The next day.

Politics and the media were in an uproar over the labor bills.

The Progressive Party, in particular, criticized both the Blue House and Myungsoo together.

Watching the spokesperson’s press conference on TV, I frowned.

“They’re fanning the flames.”

The Centrist Party made no official statement.

Whether Yoon Changho had acted alone or ordered everyone to stay silent, even those aligned with him said nothing.

The Cabinet meeting was being held behind closed doors.

“They met yesterday?”

“Yes. Secretly, at the Blue House.”

“No one knows what they discussed?”

“They spoke privately. Only the president and Representative Myungsoo know.”

That meeting hadn’t even reached the news yet.

“Hopefully they came to a good agreement... Who knows. Let’s focus on our own work.”

I reviewed documents for establishing a corporation while waiting for the outcome. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

“We should set up the new corporation in Ireland.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Several countries had been considered, but none seemed better than Ireland.

I opened my laptop and sent the prepared documents to Han Kyungyeong via email, then immediately called him.

— Muhyuk. Just checked the email.

“Review it thoroughly and prepare to establish the corporation in Ireland. Make sure everything is clean with an accounting firm so there are no issues later.”

— Got it. I’ll review and prepare.

“And buy a building we can use as the company’s address.”

I gave him a series of instructions, the conversation flowing smoothly as always.

— Who are you thinking of as CEO?

“Don’t have anyone in mind. Got a recommendation?”

— I’ll look into it.

“I’ll handle most of the business myself, but find someone who knows this field inside out. Ideally I’d assign you or Eva full-time, but you’ll both be too busy soon.”

— Understood. I’ll send you a shortlist.

“Thanks. You’re always putting in the work.”

— Don’t mention it. By the way, Wall Street is watching the Eurasian railway closely.

“Really?”

That was unexpected. I assumed they’d ignore it due to White House opposition.

— They know it’ll make money. Funny thing is, the moment Hu Jintao mentioned it, construction stocks surged—over 50%.

“So they think U.S. firms can participate?”

— Honestly, who else has more expertise in railway construction? Plus, with different track gauges, you need mechanized gauge-changing systems. The U.S. leads in that tech.

They’re getting ahead of themselves. I let out a dry laugh.

“With the White House strongly opposed, you think U.S. companies can participate? That’s nonsense.”

— That’s how the market works. It moves on expectations.

“Anyway, monitor both Wall Street and Washington. Let me know if anything big happens.”

— Got it. I’ll review the documents. Talk later.

After hanging up, I continued working.

Then a breaking news alert appeared on TV—the Cabinet meeting had ended.

I looked up.

— The Cabinet meeting has just concluded.

Because it had been closed-door, reporters were waiting outside.

Ministers began filing out one by one, but none answered questions.

Just as I was about to return to my laptop, my phone rang.

“Hello, Mr. President.”

— Mr. Kim.

“Yes, I’m listening.”

After a brief pause, Yoon Changho spoke quietly.

— I’ve decided not to exercise the veto. The bill will be promulgated today.

“Did you reach an agreement with Myungsoo yesterday?”

— Did he tell you?

“No. I deliberately didn’t contact either of you.”

— I see. We cleared up our misunderstandings through conversation. It was a good talk.

“That’s a relief. If things had turned awkward between you two... honestly, that would’ve been awkward for me too.”

I ended the short call feeling the tension finally ease.

Soon after, the Blue House spokesperson announced that the veto would not be exercised and the law would be promulgated that night.

The Progressive Party welcomed the decision, thanking the president for respecting the Assembly’s will.

The Centrist Party remained silent.

What could have escalated into extreme conflict passed as if nothing had happened.

* * *

Time moved on relentlessly.

Hu Jintao began visiting countries for summits, and Vladimir Putin also traveled across Europe.

Meanwhile, a limited company was established in Ireland.

Its name was Eurasia Train.

The U.S. government used every diplomatic means to pressure involved countries to block the project, but there were limits—America had no direct stake.

The proof came in the form of a phone call.

“Jessica. It’s been a while.”

— Charlie. It’s time you fulfilled your promise.

“A promise?”

— Yes. You said you’d help us with the Mexico drug issue.

So they’re bringing that up now.

“What exactly ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ is your angle?”

— It’s just a request from the DEA. I reached out because I’m close to you.

“...And you expect me to believe that?”

— I don’t understand what you mean.

“Jessica. Did this come from the White House?”

— Why would you ask that? It’s a DEA request. I don’t see why you’re bringing up the White House.

“Is this about tying my hands because of the Eurasian railway?”

— That has nothing to do with us. And going to Mexico wouldn’t tie your hands. We’re just asking you to honor your promise.

Whether it was true or not, I couldn’t break a promise I had already made.

“Fine. I’ll trust you. But if there’s another agenda behind this, our relationship ends here. I’ll contact you once I’m ready.”