Chapter 24: The Prince of Gao and Lou Zhaojun

As time passed, the Blue House’s crackdown and dismantling of the Defense Security Command finally reached its conclusion. This signaled that the President had effectively stripped the labor-faction forces of their control over this critical department, further curbing the authority of an intelligence unit that had once monitored the entire military.

Just as morale began to waver and people grew restless, the authorities finally delivered good news. The presidential spokesperson announced that the President would personally meet with these brave soldiers in December, after which their work would be properly settled—a clear attempt to cool down the situation.

While it was stated that these soldiers who defended the nation would be granted special civil service status, Cha Lun-hoo, having received certain hints, frowned. He had worked tirelessly and pulled every string, only to end up in this Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Although most of his colleagues were overjoyed, he felt a sense of disappointment.

"Eastern Gangwon Province Veterans Affairs Office."
"Western Gangwon Province Veterans Affairs Office."
"Gwangju Veterans Affairs Office."
"Eastern Gyeonggi Province Veterans Affairs Office."
"Veterans Town."
"Honam Patriotic Memorial Hall."
"National 5.18 Cemetery Management Office."

"What are these? They are all subordinate units of the Veterans Affairs Ministry. Do they expect my brothers to go tend to graves?"

Facing Cha Lun-hoo’s dissatisfied grumbling, Reporter Chen furrowed his brows and pondered for a long time. The young man’s efforts and rewards did not seem commensurate; even he felt that such marginalized, idle positions were hardly satisfactory.

The Ministry of Military Veterans Affairs was established in the 1960s by Park to provide for and settle retired soldiers. Over the years, its responsibilities had increased, but it had never been a unit with real power.

"Stingy, indeed! However, it does give Lun-hoo a few more options, such as the Veterans Association and the Veterans Support Division under the Ministry."

Reporter Chen had also served in the military, and his many years as a journalist had given him insight into these matters. Since the general situation was settled, he decided to see if he could play this bad hand well. Although he felt that, at worst, the future here might be no better than scraping by in a nightclub, the young man showed no intention of giving up. After all, having collaborated for so long, he had a rather favorable view of this seemingly upright youth.

"Does Lun-hoo have any other thoughts? I actually think this is quite good; it’s one of the important departments, and having such a job sounds very respectable."

"Besides, there are rumors that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will soon be elevated to a cabinet-level department. Getting a position there now will allow you to rise with the tide later. Furthermore, at your age, you still have plenty of time to grind."

Reporter Chen, who had reached his forties, saw infinite potential in this heroic young man. As comrades who had changed each other’s lives, he naturally hoped for the youth’s success.

"A bird in a cage—what use are more thoughts? A unit like this feels like a place where I’ll just wait to grow old."

Cha Lun-hoo fell into a state of finding the situation flavorless yet reluctant to discard it. To the average person, it was a decent job—the typical low-stress, low-pay role—and perhaps the promotion speed wouldn't be slow, but it simply lacked excitement.

"That is where you are wrong. After what happened, even if you were placed back in the military, you wouldn't necessarily find your original promotion trajectory. In this department, you have time to wait. If you follow the steps, in ten years, you will still be considered a young cadre."

Adjusting his glasses, Reporter Chen patiently explained. Competition in departments with real power was far more intense, and one had to produce results every single moment. Under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the pressure would be much lower, and the "hero" aura was most suitable here.

Reporter Chen’s calm analysis resonated with Cha Lun-hoo. He really had struck gold. It was also possible that journalists were just old, calculating foxes—especially those of a certain age who were unfulfilled and hid deep secrets.

"Mr. Chen, what is your advice? Do you really think this Ministry of Veterans Affairs is a good choice?"

Reporter Chen currently seemed highly trustworthy. Because of this project, he had reportedly been promoted at *Seoul Sports*, and many fans felt it was a pity they might no longer see his exciting articles.

"Even if you might not use it, we can talk about it. Tell me, what is the fuel for power in modern society?"

Cha Lun-hoo did not answer, choosing instead to listen to his insights. Everyone had a different answer: some held guns, some held pens, and some were born to good fathers. These could all be considered fuels for power.

"In my view, it is people—or rather, votes!"

Reporter Chen did not hold back. He made a pinching gesture, and his words stunned Cha Lun-hoo. Everyone knew votes were important; the lords in the National Assembly lived like gods—calling them Brahmins was no exaggeration.

"Are you saying I shouldn't choose the department, but rather the Veterans Association?"

Looking at the phone Reporter Chen handed him, he realized that even a broken ship has three pounds of nails. The Veterans Association under the Ministry possessed a massive scale of assets. It not only owned a huge golf course but also held 100% control of an express bus company. These industries provided a constant stream of funding for the association.

"Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. Instead of wasting time in a government agency waiting for a promotion, a social welfare institution like the association has fewer restrictions. With your aura, combined with Ms. Suzy’s money and influence, it won't be a problem to start a few fundraising and support projects. Cultivating a reputation is something that requires long-term accumulation."

Reporter Chen advised patiently. This young man lacked the oily slickness of an old fox and possessed the impatience typical of his age, but such a flaw was minor given his youth—he just needed time to be polished.

"I have nothing with Ms. Suzy; it is a purely professional employment relationship. Didn't you photograph that yourself, Reporter Chen?"

Cha Lun-hoo’s clarification sounded like stubbornness to others, but the middle-aged man said nothing. He had pointed out the path; whether he could walk it smoothly depended on his own fortune. The innate conditions were simply too good; he just needed to accumulate his reputation step by step.

"Many of your colleagues will be dispersed to Veterans Affairs Offices across the country. In the long life ahead, you can maintain these relationships. Whether the association can exert influence locally will depend on everyone’s efforts."

Reporter Chen believed that the reason the Agricultural Cooperative became an "agricultural power" and could gain a voice in confrontations with local autonomous governments was that it directly influenced farmers and controlled the votes of this massive group—no one dared to offend them.

"Before I leave, let me tell you a little story, Lun-hoo. During the Northern Wei Dynasty in China, there was a hero named Gao Huan. He was originally a gatekeeper on the city wall; in terms of status and rank, he was even worse off than you."

As Reporter Chen stood up to leave, he drifted off-topic, but Cha Lun-hoo pricked up his ears, wanting to see what he was getting at.

"In the end, thanks to his good looks, he caught the eye of a wealthy woman who brought a generous dowry and bought him a horse. Using his wife's family resources, he made friends with many heroes and eventually unified the six garrisons' military and civilians to achieve greatness. Who would say that Gao Shenwu was shameful for starting out by relying on his wife?"

After the middle-aged reporter left, Cha Lun-hoo mocked himself. Was he crazy to listen to this guy’s nonsense and empty promises? He was a reserve lieutenant; at the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, he would be nothing more than a clerk. Could he really reach the heavens just by joining the association? He was probably dreaming. And running for parliament? Was it really that easy?

There was still a long time until December. Although he had decided to leave JYP, "Rabbit Bae" had said that he had never been abroad, and suggested he go to Morocco on a company-sponsored trip; the actress had to shoot location scenes in North Africa for a while.

He didn't really care; he would treat it as a period at the end of his short career as a bodyguard. Today, there was nothing to do, but he had some paperwork to handle. The company had actually issued him heatstroke prevention supplies, and on the principle that there was no reason not to take what was free, he had come to the office.

However, his nicotine craving kicked in, and he desperately wanted to find a smoking room. His footsteps quickened involuntarily, but in his haste, he dropped his cigarette case. As he scrambled to pick it up, it was stepped on and flattened. Poor Cha Lun-hoo could only see a pair of impossibly long legs dangling in front of him, nearly crushing his fingers.