Chapter 170: < Protect – Episode 169 – Bridal Mask [4] >

Lee Joong Hyun was the president of Korea.

For public figures like the president, there was no such thing as personal lives. Everything from what he wore to what he ate to who he met were reported on in real-time. So the truth about the CEO of Hosoo Entertainment meeting with the president at the Blue House was announced at a large scale. And of course, it drew a lot of attention, and although both men were famous, Ahn Soo Ho’s influence was becoming more and more powerful. One hour after the conversation, the president made an announcement to the public.

He addressed his strong will in starting a reform of the rich, which was only a rumor until now. After the military reform, unfortunately, fell through, the Blue House went at the legal circles, but they were met with powerful resistance. That was because the legal professionals were just as tight and st.u.r.dy as the political groups. Since he first became president with the help of Gangnam elites including the rich and the media, when Lee Joong Hyun started to become interested in reformation, many were taken aback.

‘Is our president crazy?’

The ones that responded in the most sensitive manner to Lee Joong Hyun’s change was the group of government workers. But in response to the Blue House’s sneak attack, they had no time to retaliate and simply laid down flat. If it was Lee Joong Hyun alone, he wouldn’t have had much power, but Ahn Soo Ho the national inspector general used his own money to encourage whistle-blowers, and the effect of that was astronomical.

He wiped them all out.

Anti-corruption Sniper

Ahn Soo Ho got a new nickname.

A part of the reason why he wasn’t recognized as a rich in Korea was because a man in their 30s was considered very young in Korean society. However, Ahn Soo Ho was different. Korea might have been a difficult country to live in as a genius, but for pioneers who already succeeded above and beyond, they were warmly welcomed.

No inheritance.

A self-made man from abroad.

Not a silver spoon.

Ahn Soo Ho’s popularity was huge, especially among the younger generations. The support of the younger generations who ran the internet was more important than anything to the president in driving the force of reform, so he couldn’t give up on them regardless of their unpredictability.

Lee Joong Hyun desperately needed Ahn Soo Ho.

“For that reason, we’re going to form a committee in order to carry out the reform.”

The president was making a declaration of war against the upper cla.s.s. The reporters only expected a reform of the rich, but Lee Joong Hyun took it a step further. Their hands became faster at typing away at the reports. The climax of the whole event was when the chairman was introduced.

“Let me introduce him right now.”

As soon as Lee Joong Hyun took a step back and clapped, others clapped along with him. The man who appeared in the midst of the applause shocked the reporters. Ahn Soo Ho shook hands with Lee Joong Hyun to create some good photos.

“I believe in you, CEO Ahn. I mean, Chairman Ahn.”

“Don’t worry. If you keep your promise, I’ll keep mine.”

They looked like they were smiling at each other from afar, but their conversation was meaningful. Once they posed for long enough, Ahn Soo Ho stood in front of the podium.

“It’s nice to meet you all.”

The place was filled with confusion and shock.

Despite the chaos, the reporters typed away like crazy. ‘Exclusive scoop!’ It was controversial when he became an inspector general, but this was way beyond anyone’s expectations. The fact that the president appointed a young businessman in his 30s was surprising enough, but Ahn Soo Ho willingly accepting the position implied that he wasn’t in his right mind either.

They looked like two crazy men.

“You must all be surprised. The truth is, I’m surprised, too.”

The reporters were astonished once more.

It took guts to address everyone in such an informal manner at an official press conference. Ahn Soo Ho continued to read the speech that someone wrote for him. At the very least, he was required to respect the president as well as the Blue House. The reporters caught on that he was reading a script.

“That’s all for my speech.”

As soon as he finished, reporters sprung up their hands. Ahn Soo Ho showed a troubled look on his face.

“I can’t take questions with the busy president standing by.”

“Haha.”

Some people laughed here and there. Ahn Soo Ho stepped down from the podium and held hands with Lee Joong Hyun for some more photos. He looked like the president’s supporter. As soon as Lee Joong Hyun left, he stood in front of the podium again.

“Since the obstacle is gone now, shall we begin?”

“Haha.”

The reporters shook their heads at how he addressed the president. Ahn Soo Ho pointed at the reporter at the front.

“If you reform the rich, who would your first target be?”

“Daesan.”

“Pardon?”

“Daesan Group would be the first.”

“Gasp!”

When they asked questions, they usually knew what to expect. Even before this reporter asked their question, they expected what he would say as well.

‘The first target of the reform is Hosoo Entertainment Group!’

However, Ahn Soo Ho lived to screw over reporters.

The press center mumbled.

How could the first target of the reform be Daesan Group? They thought they heard wrong. It was hard to believe since Kim Dae San adored him and took care of him so well. Was he repaying his kindness with revenge? But Ahn Soo Ho looked all too peaceful. Some of the veteran reporters caught on.

“Have you already talked to Daesan Group about it.”

“I did.”

“Oh!”

Many of the reporters seemed relieved.

‘This is Daesan’s country.’

There were many modifiers for Daesan Group, but Ahn Soo Ho particularly sensed the Daesan brand’s power today. The reason why the Korean media, Korea National a.s.sociation, nor the Comradery a.s.sociation could mess with Kim Dae San wasn’t just because of his money.

‘The Daesan family rules over the media.’

The reason why the media approached Lee Joong Hyun’s announcement in a cautious manner was because of Daesan’s help. The scale of the private schools and scholars.h.i.+p businesses operated all over Korea by Daesan Group was one of the biggest in the world.

‘It’s important to foster talents and win them over to our side.’

Ahn Soo Ho could learn a thing or two from Kim Daesan. That was partly what influenced him to start Hosoo Entertainment Academy.

“Chairman Kim Dae San… Sigh, that sounds awkward to say. The old man said this. A reform of the rich can’t be avoided. It’s true that the major corporations are what made Korea’s economy develop, but their roles need to change for the future.”

“Wouldn’t there be suspicions if Chairman Kim Dae San’s close friend leads their reform?”

“You’ll see once the results come out.”

“Are you saying there won’t be any special treatment?”

“As you already know, many people call this country the Daesan Republic. That’s how influential they were in Korea. To be frank, who would be able to step up in the reform of Daesan Group?”

If they made a mistake and messed with Daesan Group the wrong way, they would have to immigrate to another country.

“Do you mean to say you’re the only one who can do it?”

“To be honest… yes. No one else can do it.”

People sighed, but it was true. Ahn Soo Ho was so close to them that he called Kim Dae San “old man” and Kim Dae Chan “hyung”.

“You might make all the Korean rich into your enemies, CEO Ahn.”

“Enemies? No way. They’ll bow down to me in grat.i.tude.”

Ahn Soo Ho didn’t back down.

The reporters continued to ask their questions. They asked about the conflicts of interest as a current CEO, what Jang Seol Hyun thought about this, how he felt being in this position as a young man in his 30s, and if he had any interest in running for office. The most important question was saved for last.

“Why did you accept his proposal?”

“At first, I was going to refuse, since I’m lacking in many ways.”

Ahn Soo Ho was going to put off giving Lee Joong Hyun an answer, but when he agreed to make him the Secretary of Defense, he changed his mind.

‘He’s desperate.’

He sensed the president’s desperation. The media was useful to the Blue House, but the political situation was uneasy.

‘I need an alibi.’

In order to continue his affairs with the bridal mask, he needed an alibi so that no one would suspect him, and if he had a public post with cameras always on him at all times, that was the best-case scenario. The more Ahn Soo Ho put himself in controversies, the less likely the Bridal Mask was going to be exposed.

“But just like before, President Lee Joong Hyun’s will to help the people was so strong that I just had to give in.”

If Lee Joong Hyun had heard this, he would have called him out for bulls.h.i.+t. Even after the press conference ended, the place was heated up more than ever, and their eyes said this.

‘More! More! Tell us more!’

Since he highlighted the paparazzi incident during his time as an inspector general, they wanted him to give them something else this time. That was why the media was always tiring. They were never satisfied.

“They say the bridal mask is the trend these days. Is that true?”

The pa.s.sion of the public toward the terrorist made the investigative authorities confused. It resulted in copycat crimes, and what was more serious was the increase in caution. Back in the day, people just overlooked bad things, but high school students who smoked got into fights and thugs were getting attacked by regular citizens.

Violence was on the rise.

If they just made them come to a settlement or dealt with the cases half-heartedly, the police were at risk of getting attacked by the people as well. The media’s provocative articles made it sound as if the people started the fights. The stabbings and explosions have yet to occur, but if the dissatisfaction within the Korean society wasn’t resolved anytime soon, it was going to escalate to bloodshed.

Was the Bridal Mask a hero or a villain?

For those who were saved by him, he was a hero, and for the criminals that were killed by him as well as their family, he was a villain. In response to the hyena-like reporters’ questions, the government workers, prosecutors, and police kept their mouths shut. The way the Bridal Mask only targeted criminal organizations once more proved the police and prosecution’s lack of capability.

The reporters who had their hands raised up high slowly put them back down.

“Bridal Mask is clearly a criminal. No matter how good his intentions are, murder is wrong. However…”

The reporters focused on what he was going to say next.

“I want to give him a round of applause.”

“Do you see Bridal Mask as a hero rather than a villain?”

“I’m not sure. We’ll just have to see. But if something goes wrong, our country will also turn out like America.”

“Oh.”

Everyone nodded in response.

America was currently under triple distress. The first one was a political scandal, the second one was a random war, and the third was the union segregation movement. The third was caused by Captain America’s wave that increased the number of vigilance movements which stressed that since the politicians couldn’t be trusted, everyone should protect their own cities, villages, families, and themselves.

In some ways, Bridal Mask and Captain America were similar.

“Korea is a const.i.tutional state. Not even justice can break the societal promises that have been made under democracy.”

Ahn Soo Ho stuck out his thumb.

“This is my proposal to the people. If you provide essential information in capturing Bridal Mask, I will pay you ten billion won.”

“Oh!”

‘Exclusive scoop!’

“And that money will come out of my pockets.”

******

“I can’t believe you promised your own money… Are you crazy? 10 billion won is a lot of money. That’s enough for all the detective agencies to show interest. What are you planning to do?”

Kosino scolded Ahn Soo Ho as soon as they met up, but Ahn Soo Ho didn’t listen.

“What about the public?”

“They love it, of course.”

The responses to the Korean president’s announcement of a reform committee were split. There were lots of criticism about why they were expanding instead of leaving the Board of Audit and Inspection to just sit around. Regarding Ahn Soo Ho as well, there were insults claiming that he was trying to get rid of his compet.i.tion, and how he was an ill-mannered son who was repaying kindness with revenge.

“Daesan made their remark pretty quickly.”

“What did they say?”

“They welcomed it. But… the family might think differently.”

“Since there’s more than one person in the Daesan family, the old man can’t lead the reform on his own.”

While Kim Dae San and Kim Dae Chan were the pillars of Daesan Group, there were other family members who were in the family as well.

“But a bigger problem is…”

“Ms. Jang left countless messages.”

“Sigh.”

He sighed deeply.

“You should have at least pretended to consult her. Women hate one-sided decisions…”

“Sometimes, I wonder why you’re still single.”

Kosino irritated Ahn Soo Ho so Ahn Soo Ho lashed out. It wasn’t the media or the rich that scared Ahn Soo Ho the most. It was Jang Seol Hyun.

‘Dating is hard…’

It wasn’t easy to respect the other person. Men and women had very different ways of thinking. Dealing with a life partner was different from dealing with friends and colleagues.

Ahn Soo Ho took out his phone.

“Get back to work.”

“Good luck, Soo Ho.”

Kosino was sarcastic until the very end. While the phone rang, countless excuses ran through his head.

“Soo Ho!”

“Yeah?”

Her voice was brighter than he expected. She was very excited.

“I’m pregnant.”

Ahn Soo Ho almost disturbed the s.p.a.ce around him with magic. That was how shocked he was. He canceled all his plans and searched for Jang Seol Hyun. She waited for him at home, and she was calmer than her regular confident self.

She hugged him as soon as the door opened.

His stiff shoulders finally loosened up. He then calmed down, but Jang Seol Hyun was crying. Was she scared? She was happy but scared at the same time. A couple having their first child was a blessing, but it was also horrifying. That was because it was a world different from people who didn’t have children was used to, and it was going to be a lot to handle for an emotionally sensitive actress.

Ahn Soo Ho held Jang Seol Hyun and didn’t let her go.

She wasn’t on the small side for a Korean woman, but Ahn Soo Ho had such a physique that she looked like a cicada on a tree. He carried Jang Seol Hyun and laid her down on the sofa. Ahn Soo Ho didn’t show it, but he was surprised as well. He couldn’t explain his emotions.

‘Is this how Anna-Anne felt when she woke up as the great, great magician?’

Anna-Anne was born as a lowly slave and went through many hards.h.i.+ps before she woke up as the great, great, magician and had all the power in the world. Ahn Soo Ho, who watched over her painful life really wanted to ask her this question. ‘After all that, why didn’t you get revenge on the world?’

He didn’t know then, but he knew now.

‘She didn’t want to pa.s.s down hatred.’

Unfortunately, the first thing he felt in response to the news wasn’t happiness but worry. ‘How will my child live on in this vicious world? Would my enemies leave my child alone?’ He was faced with many worries. Ahn Soo Ho looked down at Jang Seol Hyun who fell asleep. He felt bad for the shock she must have felt today.

He laid her down on the bed and used his magic to put her in deep sleep. He felt a familiar person around him, but he didn’t turn around. Jung Ah Young went from a business relations.h.i.+p to Jang Seol Hyun’s best friend. She was coy, but she didn’t forget kindness.

“Did you hear?”

“I did.”

Jung Ah Young nodded in response.

‘Does she trust Jung Ah Young that much?’

Jang Seol Hyun’s pregnancy was the most exclusive news. In comparison to this, Ahn Soo Ho’s offer to pay 10 billion won was nothing.

“I have a favor to ask you.”

“Don’t worry.”

She left her smiling face behind and left the house. Ahn Soo Ho took out his phone.

“Kosi. Change of plans.”

Up to this point, Bridal Mask only attacked those related to human trafficking.

“Warn all the clients online. I won’t allow any kind of warfare in the Korean peninsula.”

Before Ahn Soo Ho retired, Ahn Soo Ho wasn’t in the neutral zone, but the number of mafias and fighting between global corporations reduced big time. However, they weren’t 100% gone either. The local wars continued, but he didn’t mind that much. However, things were going to change starting today.

Complete neutrality!

It was hard for him to predict how much of a sensation this was going to cause.

“All the fugitives around the world are going to gather, Soo Ho.”

“Probably.”

The fugitives of mafias and corporate wars were going to gather in the Korean peninsula. That was because fighting in the neutral zone would be to oppose Ahn Soo Ho.

“Do you think Korea can handle it?”

“I’ll make sure it can.”

There was no need to make Korea into the most powerful nation, but they couldn’t fall behind either.

‘Switzerland. That’s the goal.’

He would be satisfied if Korea became the Switzerland of Asia.

‘But in order to do that…’

Many changes were needed.

“First, I have to get rid of Korea National a.s.sociation.”

Ahn Soo Ho put on his bridal mask.

< Protect – Episode 169 – Bridal Mask [4] > The end.