Chapter 226: < Protect – Episode 216 – Russian Roulette [3] >

The world was still being dominated by men.

There were 100 times more successful men than women. It was possible another 100 years was needed for the gender ratio to equal out. For that reason, there was no need to despise women that relied on their man. That was just another means of survival.

“If you just provide vodka and women, Russians are completely satisfied. It’s like second nature to them. As long as they like alcohol and a woman to sleep with, they don’t care if the world goes to s.h.i.+t.”

Eric Rupee minded Alexa while saying what he needed to. Ahn Soo Ho asked what the current issues were in Europe and Eric chugged some water in order to sober up.

“Issues? I doubt you’re interested in terror… How about Russia’s trends?”

“That’s your issue, Eric.”

“I can never trick you.”

The reason why the French businessman, Eric Rupee, was in Czech was because he was informed that there would be a big deal in Prague.

“Russia is getting ready for something.”

“Like what?”

“The rumors are uncertain… but as far as I know, Moscow is completely interested in America.”

“America?”

“Because Was.h.i.+ngton’s problem is the world’s problem.”

The former strong nations would probably deny it, but Was.h.i.+ngton D.C.’s decisions were the standard for global business. Not even France, Russia, and China could deny that.

“After all, Russia’s choices depend on who the White House belongs to.”

“Political maneuvering?”

“It’s hard from the national level. CIA isn’t so stupid that they would just watch that happen. But it’s different for civilians. In any case, lobbying is legal in the States.”

Other countries couldn’t copy America’s politics even if they wanted. That was because it came with too much risk. It was like political FTA. If lobbying was legal, global conglomerates would have obtained all the authority in the world. America’s political and diplomatic confidence came from their outstanding economic ability.

Many thought that even if they used lobbying, American companies would be at the top, anyway. And that wasn’t an exaggeration. After lobbying became legal in America, the politics no longer took the stance of America only. Whether they liked it or not, other companies in the world had to pour lobbying funds into Was.h.i.+ngton D.C.

However, political support funds from anyone other than Americans were banned. This was a skill of G.o.d. In order for a foreigner to have as much influence on American politics, they needed additional safety equipment, and that a.s.sisted in job creation for Americans.

In order to pose influence, they had to employ an American attorney in order to make political contributions. In the end, they had to use Americans.

“Pitch Stone.”

“Good.”

Stone Average was a bank, investment firm, and a research organization. The lobbyists of the civilian level mostly belonged to the Whites, and the walls built to protect their home country’s industries also had an underlying political objective.

Ahn Soo Ho shook his head.

“So what do they have to do with Russia and Sluski?”

Eric sobered up and came back to his senses.

“Who do you think benefited from Mercedes’ downfall?”

“You?”

“Well, I did, too. But there are many who got even bigger slices of the pie.”

As soon as the European human trafficking group split up, the first to mobilize was the pimps.

“When the big ones disappear, the small ones take over.”

Eric took another sip of his water and gestured at Ahn Soo Ho. He told him to follow him. Eric’s guards were shocked to see Ahn Soo Ho, but he recognized someone.

“Bain.”

“Soo Ho.”

He greeted him with a nervous look on his face.

“North Mist must be hot these days.”

“I heard the ones who left Aragon joined North Mist. So we quickly extended our contracts.”

Ahn Soo Ho nodded. This was why he knew Eric was a smart man. He never used all his force. It was human nature to have all the power that a person had at his or her disposal, and that was why organizations with power wanted to fight each other.

As soon as power became saturated among powerful nations, all that was left was for war to happen. It was luckily rare for big countries to fight each other, but it was different in the black market.

Ahn Soo Ho and Eric continued to speak in a luxury sedan.

“Where did I leave off, Soo Ho?”

“Mercedes.”

“Oh, sorry. I must be getting old.”

Eric laughed.

“You probably already know why EU tried to get rid of Yusef. Right, Soo Ho?”

Yuself, who made the fantasies of powerful European men come true, knew too many secrets for his own good. That was what led Yusef to h.e.l.l.

“He didn’t know how to restrain himself.”

“Like you?”

“Haha. I’ll take that as a compliment. In any case, Yusef didn’t know when to stop.”

He used the s.e.x scandals of powerful men and threatened them to get what he wanted. People thought Europeans didn’t care about s.e.x-related issues, but there were many conservative people as well. And they were the ones that possessed the true power.

“But there wasn’t a big problem. Since s.e.x scandals is a private issue, they were left to resolve it on their own.”

That wasn’t enough for EU to try to get rid of Yusef themselves. However, he didn’t stop there. And he crossed a line that he shouldn’t have.

“Yusef didn’t know how to control himself, but he was quite the man himself.”

He was cussed at for being dumb, but Yusef knew how to lead. He had come too far to laugh at him as if he was just a criminal.

“Now that you’re married, you probably understand, Soo Ho. Wives are… scary.”

Ahn Soo Ho smirked at Eric’s remark.

“You can’t trick them.”

“And to wives, there’s no such thing as national secrets.”

Ahn Soo Ho figured out what he was trying to say. Just like how men were able to provide women, it worked the other way around as well. Beautiful women were sent to powerful men while handsome men were sent to powerful women.

That was how it worked.

And Yusef provided the same kind of service to powerful women.

“Then what about Sluski?”

“Andre Sluski…”

Eric trailed off before continuing.

“He’s another kind of p.e.n.i.s hunter.”

******

The gun battle in Czech soon became known to the world. The Prague gun battle following the one in Berlin made half of the Europeans give up. Europe couldn’t spend a single day in silence. What was funnier was that after just a week, the streets bustled again as if nothing happened.

The West is in chaos! Get rid of your fantasies about Europe! #BerlinExplosion #PragueAttack #Europe

I don’t know why people love Europe so much!

I hate people who dream of going backpacking in Europe!

They’ll wake up once they get kidnapped on the streets!

All travel bloggers are just working with travel agencies and airlines! But the reality is the opposite! I almost got hit by a car while hitchhiking in America!

It’s best to travel with packages! If you go by yourself, you’ll get robbed! Especially you wenches! All you care about is taking selfies for Instagram! But if you do that, you’ll get into big trouble!

I’m pretty sure lots of Koreans have gone missing before.

Come to think of it, what happened to Han Kyung Il? I heard he’s being punished or something.

Seriously? But the France government asked to have Han Kyung Il back! They said if they don’t, they won’t return our cultural a.s.sets!

I think Ahn Soo Ho is trying to screw over the foreign office.

He’s saying they’ll die if they mess with his friend! So loyal!

What’s with the private party that Ahn Soo Ho attended in Hamburg? #MissBrazil #MissUniverse #AliceBody

Apparently, it’s a party for only VVIPS! The only person in our country who could go is Kim Dae San!

I didn’t know such upper-cla.s.s parties were held in Germany! I thought they were all laborers that work hard!

Just because Germany is apologizing for the n.a.z.is doesn’t mean they’re weak!

Germany is a leading country in Europe!

Really? What about j.a.pan?

j.a.pan sucked up to Germany a lot during the 2nd World War. If you go to j.a.pan, there are lots of crazies on the streets! If Europeans saw it, they would be dumbstruck!

Isn’t j.a.pan the most recognized in Europe compared to us and China?

j.a.pan is definitely more famous! And China is famous for bad reasons!

If Europeans hear Korea, they’ll probably think of North Korea.

What about K-Pop? I heard they’re taking over Europe! Is it a lie?

Only losers like K-Pop!

Wake up, people! To be honest, what does our country have to offer? So the government and national a.s.sembly should really get it together!

I want to move to Emerald City. Is there a way?

I saw an ad for that. For an Emerald Members.h.i.+p? Apparently, the Hosoo Group employees can only get charged members.h.i.+ps!

Charged? They’re selling citizens.h.i.+ps?

I heard it’s not like that. It has nothing to do with nationality!

But it doesn’t look good that he made his friend the premier.

Who? Are you talking about Kim Min s.h.i.+k? I think he was the best choice! I’m sure he at least has a conscience!

What’s the point in whistleblowing? The ones that should’ve been punished are living their lives like normal! The reason why Ahn Soo Ho renounced his citizens.h.i.+p is because he knew nothing was going to change! I would have done the same!

Since he has money and a beautiful wife, he doesn’t need a nationality.

b.a.s.t.a.r.ds with no conscience! How can anyone abandon their country? Our ancestors are probably raging right now!

While Europe was in chaos, the Korean peninsula was surprisingly peaceful. The Bridal Mask trial was still in the preparation stages and the stock market paused due to Ahn Soo Ho’s absence, but things were bound to rebound, eventually. However, Hosoo Entertainment Group’s Daniel Navarros made an announcement that shocked the market.

Hosoo Investments to sell government bonds to raise cas.h.!.+

Hosoo Investments to begin stock sales!

Hosoo Investments sells 1.8 trillion won in one day!

Director Navarros made investments for the good of the Emerald Plan! He refuses to buy them back!

Shock and fear!

Considering the Korean stock market, digesting Hosoo Investments’ stocks was too much to handle. As soon as the topic of Hosoo Group moving abroad came back to the surface, Oh Joo Kyung stepped up to refute it in an interview. But the reality was that the problem was not going to be resolved overnight.

Both the government and civilians lost it.

Both the government and financial inst.i.tutions asked Hosoo Investments to clarify, but the answer was always the same.

‘Securing funds for the Emerald City Developments!’

They promised to sell so that it wouldn’t affect the Korean stock market too much, but that was easier said than done. Once an investor turned their back, it was hard to change their mind. In any case, as soon as the stocks came out on the market, the top 30 heirs were busy buying.

It was good at first.

But as the amount Hosoo Investments poured out exceeded 30 trillion after a week, they knew something was up. Daniel Navarros then made another shocking announcement.

Hosoo Investments to close down!

Hosoo Investments’ employees to move to wealth management!

Hosoo Investments to withdraw from the Korean stock market!

Director Navarros states that the owner ordered him to expand the security department to prepare for the shaky circ.u.mstances in the rest of the world! They have decided to withdraw from the Korean stock market!

They weren’t transferring yet, but they made a more shocking announcement. Most importantly, Ahn Soo Ho announced it through Daniel Navarros’ lips.

‘We will expand our mercenary numbers to 100,000 for the city’s police and military force!’

It wasn’t 10,000, but 100,000. He called them mercenaries, but they were no different from soldiers. Both Korea and the world raged.

This is crazy!

100,000 mercenaries!

If you want peace, prepare for war!

Is this for real? I can’t believe this world!

Is there a need to hire that many? What if a rebellion takes place?

Like a coup d’etat? That’s crazy! Both mercenaries and politicians have no power in front of Ahn Soo Ho!

Wow! I can’t believe this! They might get founded as a nation at this rate!

Will the other countries just let this happen?

China, j.a.pan, and Russia are welcoming it! America is also supporting him for the good of world peace!

Wow! That was fast! As soon as Director Navarros made his announcement! This was definitely discussed ahead of time!

But the issue didn’t go on for long.

That was because a cold wave came from the winter countries.

‘Following the terrorist attacks in Europe, Europe’s five will be inspected for terror prevention!’

In other words, they were going to block the natural gas pipeline that went through Europe. It was different from similar events in the past because rather than just locking access, they were going to implement a filtering system.

In that case, it couldn’t just be unlocked at any time. In order to remove the safety equipment and get it running again, it would take at least 2 months.

The EU immediately made an announcement.

‘This is unacceptable! If gas supply is cut off, we will take it as a declaration of war!’

Europe vs. Asia

Against Russia vs. For Russia

As the clouds of war came out, Ahn Soo Ho Spoke with a woman that seemed older than Caroline.

“Has it been 7 years since I’ve last seen you, Soo Ho?”

“Yeah.”

Armidan Milosevic.

If Ahn Soo Ho had to pick the most powerful woman in Russia, he would have picked her. Aside from Vitali, she also got the closest to the depths of Moscow.

“I felt sad that you didn’t invite me to your wedding.”

“Sorry.”

Milosevic wasn’t a name that women usually had. In the Soviet Union, most took their father’s surname, so she had a female surname as well. But since she wanted to seem powerful like a man, she didn’t worry about surnames.

“I guess you’re here… because of Andre.”

“Where is he?”

Armidan sighed deeply.

“How much do I have to pay you to get you to forgive him?”

“I have enough money.”

“Hm. Then what about land?”

“I hate the cold.”

She looked troubled in response.

“Can you please just forgive him?”

“Why should I do that?”

Armidan sighed once more to Ahn Soo Ho’s resistance.

“Moscow needs him.”

“You’re trying to use him to mess with America, right?”

“I won’t deny it.”

Sluski learned all about how to conduct human trafficking and prost.i.tution while working with Yusef.

“No nuclear wars.”

“That won’t happen, Soo Ho. We’re not stupid.”

“Have you negotiated with America?”

“Somewhat.”

There were tons of Yankees that wanted to rob Europe of everything. Ahn Soo Ho stared at her and then nodded.

“Okay.”

“Does that mean you won’t kill him, Soo Ho?”

“Yeah. So bring him here.”

“Why?”

“I have to ask him something.”

She gestured for the secretary to get him, and within 5 minutes, the man in question appeared.

Andre Sluski

The legendary spy and hunter.

“Soo Ho.”

“We’re not close enough to address each other by the first name.”

“Don’t be like that. Let’s be friendly.”

He had been told that Ahn Soo Ho wasn’t going to kill him. They were on uncomfortable terms, but he had never seen him go back on his promises.

“Andre!”

In response to Armidan’s frown, Andre lowered his head.

“I’m sorry, Soo Ho. If he says any more nonsense, just kill him.”

What she said made him flinch, and Ahn Soo Ho just smirked. Armidan gestured for him to ask him whatever he wanted.

“Why are you going after old Hector?”

“Hector? Oh, Garcia. Because Red s.h.i.+eld paid me millions of money.”

“Why?”

“They want something he has. But I had no idea the old man wouldn’t come out of the detention center after we confined a recruit.”

“What do they want?”

“Uh, a black box, I think. But no one knows what that is.”

Ahn Soo Ho’s lips twitched. There was only one black box he could think of.

“Is that all?”

“There is one more request.”

“A request?”

Andre looked at Armidan and she nodded.

“He has some of Yusef’s secret ledger.”

“What does that have to do with Red s.h.i.+eld?”

He smiled in response to Ahn Soo Ho’s question.

“Who do you think Yusef supported?”

“Rothschild?”

“Banks never do business that would result in a loss.”

Ahn Soo Ho nodded.

When he took on the EU’s request and brought Mercedes down, there was one question remaining in his head. He didn’t know about France and Germany, but it was weird that England cooperated.

“Pilgrim Heyward.”

Andre almost clapped to Ahn Soo Ho’s mumbling but stopped when he noticed Armidan’s frown.

“So… this is between banks.”

“Whether they go over to a new system or they remain with the old system.”

Armidan then spoke up.

“Which side is Russia on?”

“Whoever wins.”

“They’re a bunch of brats.”

“That’s how much chaos is ensuing in the world, Soo Ho. I can’t say you’re not responsible.”

“Bulls.h.i.+t.”

He got all that he wanted.

Ahn Soo Ho got up from his seat. He turned away from Armidan’s smiling face and apologized to Armidan in advance.

“Forgive me.”

Bang-

A bullet went right through the wall and pierced Andre’s skull. Armidan was covered in blood after that, but she didn’t make a single sound.

She stared at Ahn Soo Ho.

“Soo Ho?”

“Sorry. But it’s not like I went back on my promise.”

“Soo Ho!”

He handed her a business card in response to her growling.

“Call this number.”

She could be useful for Eric Rupee.

“He’ll provide you with the services you want. I promise.”

Ahn Soo Ho turned away without waiting for her response and whispered into his walkie-talkie.

“Good kill.”

Yeah!

Alexa probably thought she made a good shot, but the bullet almost missed the head. If he hadn’t interfered, it would have missed entirely. It was more difficult to change the direction of a bullet than to block it completely.

‘That was close.’

< Protect – Episode 216 – Russian Roulette [3] > The end.