TOIGC 38

Chapter 38…

Tributaries Can Change (1)

“If you mean my maternal grandfather… you mean Brigadier General Colson?”

“That’s right. I’m thinking of asking him to visit you for a base visit soon. Do you think that’ll be alright?”

Chul-jae didn’t even need to think about it before nodding.

“Of course, I’d be happy to help with that. But how should I frame our relationship? He might be your grandfather, but to me, he’s basically a total stranger.”

“It’s not complicated. You can just say that you’ve loved singing since you were young, and since my grandfather happens to enjoy listening to you sing, you two naturally struck up a close bond.”

Chul-jae paused for a moment to process the details before nodding.

“Got it. So, when are you planning to have him come by?”

“Within the next two weeks.”

“Understood. I shouldn’t lay it on too thick, right?”

“Exactly. Just treat him like a regular acquaintance, but without any awkwardness. That’ll be more than enough.”

Watching Chul-jae nod in understanding, Yoongi thought to himself:

It’s great that he doesn’t have any excessive greed.

Appreciating why his second uncle maintained such a balanced relationship with his fourth uncle, Yoongi turned and headed back toward the living room.

Early September.

Yoongi rode alongside Brigadier General Colson in a Mercedes-Benz headed straight for JSD’s official quarters.

“You chose Microsoft back in the States, and now you’ve decided JSD is a blue-chip stock here in Korea?”

Colson’s face was brimming with curiosity.

“To be precise, it’s not JSD who is the blue-chip stock, but JD.”

“Then what made you approach JSD? If you really wanted to, I could have built a bridge directly to JD for you. Of course, since he’s the de facto number one in Hanahoe, it would take some heavy pulling on my part, but it wouldn’t be impossible.”

Bowing his head slightly in gratitude to his grandfather, Yoongi shook his head a moment later.

“That might be the faster route, but I’m not looking for that kind of artificial, uncomfortable connection. Even though I’m still young, I believe the best networks are the ones that form naturally. Don’t you agree, Grandpa?”

“True enough. I mean, the only reason I ended up crossing paths and becoming close with your other grandfather is because we were brothers-in-arms through hell. If we had just met through some forced networking, a kid like you wouldn’t even exist in my life.”

As his grandfather gently ruffled his hair, Yoongi smiled happily.

“Even when I’m in my twenties, I hope you’ll still ruffle my hair.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll still be doing it when you’re in your twenties.”

“Well, you’ll have to ruffle my kids’ hair someday, too.”

“Of course! Don’t I at least need to live long enough to see my great-grandchildren head off to college?”

Flashing a confident grin, Colson circled back to his earlier question.

“So, if you’re aiming for a natural approach, do you figure that getting close to JSD is the best stepping stone to reach JD?”

“That’s right. According to what I found out through Secretary Ryu, JSD is very likely to become one of JD’s closest inner circle members. Apparently, back when JSD was recovering from injuries during the Vietnam War, JD personally visited him in the hospital. Why would he bother making a hospital visit like that for no reason? Right now, he might just be viewed as ‘a promising subordinate,’ but I’m investing in future potential.”

It was one of the few actual historical ties between JSD and JD that Yoongi knew of, but it was more than enough to convince Brigadier General Colson.

“Fair enough. The people who show up when you’re hurting are the ones you remember most—especially if they’re your superior. But if getting cozy with JSD is just your method for naturally getting to JD, why pick JD in the first place? He must be worth the trouble.”

Yoongi glanced briefly at the soundproof partition separating the front and back seats of the car before lowering his voice.

“I found out that back when P seized power, JD led street rallies actively supporting P’s regime.”

“Ah, now that you mention it, I recall something like that happening.”

“Ever since then, P has heavily backed JD within Hanahoe. And like you just said, Grandpa, JD is practically the number one guy right now. If P gets older down the road and needs a successor, JD is the most likely choice.”

“Doesn’t P have a son? I don’t remember his name offhand, but he definitely has one.”

In a dictatorship, true succession usually fell to the son. Yet Yoongi shook his head.

“He’s far too young for that. P’s son is only about twenty-two right now. Maybe in eight years or so, it’d make sense to start building ties with him. But not right now. Rather than spreading my web too thin across too many branches, I prefer sticking to one solid, stable option.”

Having already reviewed Microsoft’s 1978 and early 1979 revenue reports, Colson didn’t question his grandson’s intuition.

If this kid pulls it off again, my in-law can finally rest easy.

Thinking of Choi Gi-hyeon sparked another thought, prompting Colson to speak up.

“Which reminds me—why didn’t you tell Gi-hyeon to build a connection with JD?”

“You already have a slight pipeline to P’s side, Grandpa, and I’ve got you. Plus, if I’m the one making overtures to JD’s camp, we can easily write it off later as a kid’s starry-eyed hero worship if things go south. But if you or my grandfather picked a side and failed, it would mean the end of Samwoo Group.”

Half of it was a fabricated excuse, but it carried more than enough logic to seal the argument.

“If my in-law heard you talk like that, his chest would swell right up with pride.”

“Wait a minute, my other grandfather is still very much alive, you know?”

“Right, of course he is. Hahahah!”

Amid Colson’s hearty laughter, the Mercedes breezed straight through the military base gate without even tapping the brakes.

“SAL—UTE!”

JSD’s booming voice rattled the walls of the official quarters, bringing a look of profound satisfaction to Brigadier General Colson’s face.

“This is why I love the South Korean military. The US military has greeting chants, but we don’t have a universal one, so it always feels a bit lackluster.”

As Colson lowered his hand, JSD dropped his salute as well and bowed deeply.

“Welcome. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

“Thank you. Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?”

“Of course, sir. But regarding the base visit…”

At JSD’s cautious query, Colson burst into a warm laugh.

“Hahahah! You’ve graciously permitted a visit right here in your quarters, surely we have time for a cup of coffee. Besides, my grandson has been singing your praises nonstop, calling you a true role model for the Korean military, so I’ve been meaning to meet you myself.”

Colson’s fluent, polished phrasing hit all the right notes for JSD, whose face immediately lit up with a beaming smile.

He actually talks me up like that at home…? I couldn’t ask for a better break.

The warmth in JSD’s gaze as he looked at Yoongi was entirely devoid of any hidden motives.

“Dear, bring out the coffee—you know, that one.”

“Yes, dear.”

Ordinarily, this was a task meant for the official quarters orderly, Choi Chul-jae. But currently, Chul-jae was tucked away in his room on strict orders from JSD, completely shielded from base duties even before Colson’s arrival.

All of this was thanks to Yoongi, and because Yoongi more than justified the special treatment, Park Gyeong-ja gladly handled the quarters chores herself.

Just like now.

“I’m not entirely sure I brewed it right since it’s my first time trying this particular blend.”

Park Gyeong-ja placed the cups down carefully, prompting a polite nod from Colson, who lifted his cup and took a slow sip.

“Ho, this is exceptionally fine coffee. Did they even have coffee like this in Korea?”

Seeing Colson’s genuine admiration, both JSD and Park Gyeong-ja let out internal sighs of relief.

“Quality coffee like this isn’t readily available here. We managed to acquire some authentic ‘Kopi Luwak’ specially for today after hearing you were coming, sir.”

“Ah, so this is the legendary Luwak! I merely came for a brief visit, and yet you’re rolling out the red carpet like this—I hardly know how to repay such hospitality.”

Colson’s obvious delight made JSD feel like doing a victory dance right then and there.

I’ve been waiting for this exact day. I thought it would take at least another year, but to have this meeting happen so soon…!

JSD’s elated thoughts were practically written all across his face, forcing Yoongi to work hard to suppress a grin.

Actually, we were the ones in a rush, but seeing him this happy makes it tough to keep a straight line.

It was a classic case of two people sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams. Yet this mutual misunderstanding ended up synergizing perfectly, making the entire setup look completely effortless.

“Now then, I’d love to drop by and see Chul-jae for a moment, if that’s alright?”

“Ah, of course! That room right over there is Chul-jae’s quarters.”

“No need to go inside, just have him come out here.”

At that, JSD looked slightly concerned.

“Are you sure? It’s meant to be a family visit…”

“He’s a young man endorsed by Yoongi, what does it matter? Besides, he’s going to be under my care soon enough, so we might as well spend a little extra time together.”

Thrilled to feel validated by association, JSD promptly stood up and knocked on the door of Chul-jae’s room.

“Chul-jae, can you step outside for a moment?”

The door clicked open, and Chul-jae emerged.

“Loyalty!”

“At ease, skip the formal salute. Your company’s big boss, Brigadier General Colson, is here. I assume you heard bits of our conversation from inside?”

“Yes, sir! Loud and clear!”

As Chul-jae turned toward Brigadier General Colson, he instantly moved to snap into another booming salute.

“Hold on, hold on. Just because you joined the army doesn’t mean I’ve suddenly become your direct commanding officer. I’m your chairman, remember?”

Hearing the warmth in Colson’s voice, Chul-jae lowered his hand with a self-conscious laugh and spoke up.

“It’s been a while, Chairman. Have you been doing well?”

“I kept listening to your singing voice, but after going so long without it, I was having severe withdrawal symptoms. When I mentioned it, Colonel JSD here offered to arrange everything.”

Glancing at JSD, Chul-jae looked momentarily flustered.

“Ah—you can speak comfortably. Please, feel at home.”

Given the green light by JSD, Chul-jae visibly relaxed and offered an awkward smile.

“Thank you so much for arranging this, Captain.”

Since JSD’s primary title on paper was head of security, Chul-jae addressed him by that rank. JSD quickly offered a subtle correction.

“Calling me ‘Colonel’ is probably safer.”

He wanted to avoid any potential misunderstandings with Brigadier General Colson, who spoke fluent Korean.

“Well, no harm done. Anyway, Chul-jae, it’s been a while—I’d love to hear you sing. Colonel, do you mind?”

JSD nodded emphatically.

“Not at all. By all means.”

A moment later, Chul-jae’s rich, resonant voice echoed through the quarters. The sheer quality of his performance left JSD, Colson, and even Yoongi staring in wide-eyed astonishment.

I heard he gave up on music because he lacked talent, but that must have been by professional singer standards. For an ordinary person, this is practically untouchable.

Bathed in the warm atmosphere generated by Chul-jae’s singing, the conversation flowed smoothly until it was time to part ways, at which point Brigadier General Colson extended a hand to JSD.

“Oh…!”

JSD shook Colson’s hand, firmly reciting his military identification and rank in response.

“Thank you so much for today. If there is ever anything I can do to assist you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Anyone approved by these two is someone I can fully trust.”

“Thank you, sir!”

Once Brigadier General Colson and Yoongi departed, JSD hurried into his master bedroom, locked the door behind him, and literally danced for joy.

<Whew, I If YouTube a and be been child’s even had if it late, later, million missed moment. month play. priceless pulling recorded ten this to uploaded views we would would’ve>

Choi Deokbae’s wistful voice echoed alone through the empty quarters.

October 26, 1979.

The day of P’s long-awaited death finally arrived, and Choi Deokbae—who had been absent for a while—materialized smoothly out of the floorboards in Yoongi’s bedroom.

“Is it over?”

Yoongi’s voice was quiet. There was no trace of excitement in it, nor any despair. Just a flat, monotonous tone asking, Did what was bound to happen, happen?

Equally unbothered, Deokbae nodded casually.

<Yep, history itself. repeated>

“Naturally. Even if the Jaguar hadn’t stepped up, a second Jaguar was bound to appear eventually because that’s how dictatorships always end. Look around the world—are there any dictatorships that last forever from start to finish?”

Sensing his own weight within the grand currents of history, Yoongi closed his eyes for a brief moment.

When he opened them again seconds later, his expression had shifted slightly. He looked puzzled.

“Let’s assume P’s death was an absolute inevitability.”

<Well, obviously.>

“What I don’t understand, though…”