I Became a Scoundrel of a Chaebol Family-Chapter 153

The members of the Progressive Innovation Party have always been a bit eccentric.

In the game, just looking at the associated quests reveals all sorts of bizarre conspiracy theories, anti-vaxxer rhetoric, and other absurdities.

In contrast, the Equality, Liberty, Constitution Party, which has a name that might raise some eyebrows, is surprisingly genuine. They sincerely strive to harmonize equality, liberty, and constitutional principles, and their political philosophy is well-researched «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» and methodical.

Compared to that, the Progressive Innovation Party...

Despite carrying the lofty ideals of "progress" and "innovation" in their name, they embody the exact opposite of those values.

Just looking at the face of the district mayor tells you everything you need to know.

In this day and age, how is it even possible for someone in such a high-ranking social position—enough to become a district mayor—to have an aged, overweight appearance without taking any anti-aging measures?

If they were just taking their meds on time, obesity wouldn’t even be an issue. But their ideology is so rotten that they indulge in pointless conspiracy-driven social movements, rejecting and denying the fruits of science. That’s how they end up looking like a caricature of themselves.

Because they’re that deluded, whenever they act, it’s always reckless and poorly thought out.

This time, too, they’ve gone and shoved their spoon into a bowl someone else prepared.

"To smash or not to smash—that is the question."

Namdong Industrial Complex isn’t too far away.

On the way, I kept pondering what to do with the district mayor.

Actually, no. I’ve already decided. I’m just thinking about the cleanup afterward.

It’s a bit of a headache because, even though the district mayor’s power is limited, he’s still someone with de facto military authority.

Fortunately, Namdong District’s mayor is weaker than his peers.

The reason is Namdong Industrial Complex itself.

Since such a massive part of Namdong District (the industrial complex) has failed to produce anything worthwhile, it’s naturally diminished his power.

It’s the same principle as why Kim Eun-ji, the Namdong District Assembly representative, is treated like an outcast within the party.

Perhaps that’s why he’s trying to make such a bold move now.

He must think this is his last chance. With the industrial complex barely starting to show signs of recovery under his tenure, if he doesn’t plant his spoon in the bowl now, he won’t get another chance to climb higher.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I plan to let it slide.

"Do I look like a fucking Häagen-Dazs to you? Stop sticking your goddamn spoon in."

The AV was just about to enter the area near Namdong Industrial Complex.

I was ready to throw the first punch the moment I got out when—

Bzzzzzzzz.

The phone rang.

It was...

“Go Min-young.”

"...”

My aunt.

What could she want out of the blue?

“Yes, Aunt. This is Go Muyeol—”

“Do you have a good reason to go there yourself?”

Ah.

Her voice was slightly cold, yet it carried an undertone of concern.

It seems she called, despite her busy schedule, because I was about to enter Namdong Industrial Complex’s operational zone.

‘So, she really is keeping tabs on everything.’

She must know all about what I’ve been doing in the complex.

She might have even secretly helped out here and there.

“Aunt, my secretaries and drivers are with me. There are also plenty of troops in the area. Nothing you’re worried about is going to happen.”

“That’s not the point. The point is that you’re heading into a dangerous area.”

“...”

She’s genuinely worried about my safety.

I can’t say I don’t understand. After all, this isn’t just any place—it’s Namdong Industrial Complex, where a large-scale battle is planned.

Considering how things are unfolding, it wouldn’t be surprising if those bastards launched a preemptive strike.

In other words, there’s a chance artillery shells could literally fall around me.

But still!

“Aunt, as the grandson of the Koryo Group, it’s unthinkable for me to let anyone use me as a pawn, right?”

“Of course. That goes without saying.”

“This redevelopment plan for Namdong Industrial Complex is something I’ve poured my heart and soul into, but the district mayor is trying to take credit for it. I can’t let that stand.”

“...”

No matter how dangerous it is, I can’t just let this go.

Immediate retaliation is necessary.

Aunt remained silent for a moment.

“I’m going to go there and knock his teeth out. I think that’ll calm me down.”

“...Is that so?”

Her tone grew heavier.

Even I felt a chill run down my spine.

“If that’s the case, there’s no helping it.”

Oh!

Does she understand? A man’s pride!

“Still, be careful. If you get hurt, it’ll all be for nothing. Don’t worry about the aftermath—I’ll take care of it.”

“...Whoa.”

She’s going to handle the aftermath?

How reassuring is that!

“Aunt...”

“?”

“Want to see a picture of my dick?”

“W-What?? Wh-What are you even saying? In this situation!”

Her icy tone immediately turned flustered and... dare I say, cute.

I can’t wait to see her again in December.

“I’ll send it to you after this is all over. Thanks, Aunt.”

“...”

She remained silent for a moment before whispering in the tiniest voice, “...Alright. I’ll be waiting.”

And then she hung up.

“Hah. You’re dead, toad.”

*****

“What a ridiculous spectacle.”

“Agreed.”

The district mayor, standing at the podium and taking questions from reporters while spouting nonsense, was already drawing scorn from many onlookers.

Although most people might not know that Go Muyeol was behind this massive operation, they were well aware that the prosecution’s bold determination and resolve laid the groundwork. They also recognized the police’s commitment, even after their commissioner was killed, and the tireless efforts of the Public Safety Restoration Committee, which managed to create a crucial connection for the city’s recovery despite being sidelined politically.

And everyone knew that the district mayor’s sole contribution was stamping her seal on the final approval line.

“Even our field agents haven’t said much about it yet, so what exactly did she do to act like this?”

“Well, that’s just politicians for you, isn’t it?”

Granted, the district mayor had requested the mobilization of military forces, which enabled the rapid deployment of such a large mechanized division. That was indeed her accomplishment.

However, the Public Safety Restoration Committee had already made a similar request, and for this operation, the Better Future Party was backing Representative Kim Eun-ji. That request would likely have been approved as well.

The mayor had facilitated smoother progress, but she wasn’t the mastermind.

And yet, there she was, basking in the spotlight before anyone else, turning this into her political showpiece. It was hard not to find it infuriating.

Even the rank-and-file soldiers were frowning.

They were the ones risking their lives on the ground, only to watch some overfed politician swoop in and take all the credit.

“Dear citizens whom I love and respect, I—”

“It’s been a while, Mayor.”

In the middle of her speech, Kim Eun-ji interrupted by approaching her side.

The sound of camera shutters intensified.

The mayor frowned briefly before plastering on a warm, neighborly smile, greeting Kim Eun-ji like an old friend.

“Oh my! If it isn’t Representative Kim Eun-ji! What a surprise! Popping in like this, haha.”

The corpulent mayor, Ye Chae-rin, patted Kim Eun-ji’s shoulder and smiled broadly for the cameras, even waving to show off their supposed camaraderie.

Kim Eun-ji played along, engaging her in conversation.

“I didn’t expect you to come personally, Mayor. Aren’t you too busy for this? And it’s not as if this has much to do with you.”

“Oh, come now! What do you mean it’s not related to me? As the mayor, how could I not be involved in this?”

Their outward smiles betrayed the sharp exchange of words.

The underlying message was clear: Why are you here, making a scene?

“She won’t last long, that one.”

Seo Hyun-joo watched the mayor and Kim Eun-ji with a bored expression, mentally assessing the mayor’s future.

From the way she carried herself, it was clear she wouldn’t live long.

After all, she was interfering with Go Muyeol’s work.

And worse, she was trying to use him.

If there’s one thing Go Muyeol despises above all else, it’s being used.

And what the mayor was attempting to do was precisely that.

There was no way she would survive this.

Even if today passed without incident, she was bound to face retribution sooner or later.

That’s just the kind of man Go Muyeol is.

Should I go ahead and draft an article targeting the mayor?

Seo Hyun-joo was pondering that thought when suddenly, from the distant sky, a large AV swooped down.

It wasn’t heading to an AV pad; instead, it was descending right in front of the podium where the mayor was delivering her speech.

It was a familiar AV.

“What...? No way!!”

As a chilling realization struck her, Seo Hyun-joo gasped and quickly ducked for cover.

Was it really coming here? Just like that?

“Ahhh!”

“What the hell?!”

“Who’s the crazy bastard—?!”

Reporters scattered in panic as the AV landed with a deafening roar, nearly crushing anyone in its path.

“Eek!”

The mayor’s and Kim Eun-ji’s security teams swarmed the stage, shielding the two women as the AV came to a halt.

As the vehicle’s hatch hissed open, the soldiers scattered around the area glared, while the crowd held their breath.

The mayor, clutching her coat, shook off her guards and stormed toward the AV with heavy steps.

“You there! Hey, you!!”

“Mayor! It’s dangerous!”

“Can’t you see there are people here? What do you think you’re—”

Seo Hyun-joo saw it.

A foot shot out from the AV and struck the mayor squarely in the chest.

“Shut your goddamn mouth, bitch.”

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The mayor let out a choking cry as she tumbled backward, sprawling across the ground.