The Former Chaebol Heir Excels as President

Chapter 41: Turning Point for Reversal (4)

“Thoughts like ‘all politicians are the same,’ and ‘we can’t trust you guys’—I understand them all. But even if you hate politics, only politics can change your lives. I will make just three promises.”

I moved to the left.

“First, I won’t fake righteousness. I will show you politics that comes sincerely from the heart.”

This time, I moved to the center.

“Second, I will prove my competence not with words but with results. I will prove that a successful businessman can become a successful politician.”

I shifted to the right again.

“Third, the opposite of good is evil. But the opposite of evil is not good—it’s strength. I will use the power I have for the right cause!”

“Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong!”

I had completely seized the atmosphere.

Even people around Kim Bu-seong’s campaign vehicle on the opposite side clapped their hands.

“Thank you. I, Kang Cheonmyeong, will repay your passionate love and tireless enthusiasm. Please, I sincerely ask for your vote! Once again, thank you!”

“Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! ……”

The chanting didn’t stop.

After bowing until my head touched the ground, I stepped down from the campaign vehicle.

So this is political ecstasy.

Hearing them continuously chant my name made my chest swell as if I had the whole world.

“Candidate Kang, could I get your autograph?”

“Please take just one photo.”

“I’m not even from this constituency, but I came anyway. Let’s shake hands.”

“Please hold on. If you push in like this, someone’s going to get hurt.”

Staffers and Chief Kim, along with volunteers, blocked the way.

I spoke up loudly.

“If you line up, I’ll greet everyone.”

Did I win in terms of momentum?

Kim Bu-seong’s voice, giving a speech across from me, sounded faint.

It took over an hour to sign autographs and take photos, but I didn’t feel tired at all.

“Candidate, let’s head out now.”

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

As I walked toward the car, I encountered Member of the National Assembly Kim Bu-seong.

I gave a light bow.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

“Feeling high and mighty, are we?”

“Me?”

“You’re fully high on it. What do you think a guy with no political experience can even do?”

“Wouldn’t I be better than someone with a long history of bad experience?”

“What did you say?”

His face twisted.

I smiled and walked past him to get into the car.

Woo Ah-mi was sitting next to me.

“That man lacks maturity. Why is he so petty?”

“Looks like he’s losing his mind.”

“Your last speech was really moving. You didn’t see people’s faces, did you?”

“I saw them all.”

“Really? You must be made for politics. You’re evolving very quickly.”

It seemed that way.

Above all, I hated losing.

My competitive spirit and sense of duty.

In my past life, Jung Chanseong had a strong desire to win, and in this life, I was filled with the desire to change the world.

Two completely mismatched people were shaping who I was now.

KSB Broadcasting Station set.

Kim Bu-seong forced a smile as the filming proceeded.

The PD frowned as if displeased.

“Member, could you smile a bit more naturally?”

“Isn’t this natural enough?”

“You look like someone being chased. Let’s go again. Smile big as you shout ‘Hurray.’”

Kim Bu-seong couldn’t manage a natural expression.

He had heard from the station director that the vote gap would be so overwhelming that there was no need to film. But last night, they suddenly called, saying the atmosphere seemed serious and that they had to shoot.

‘Tomorrow’s the election. No way it flips, right? I’ll win.’

Kim Bu-seong chanted to himself and gave a wide smile at the camera.

Though the PD still wasn’t satisfied, he gave the OK sign.

“Next, let’s shoot your expression for a close race, then for when you’re losing, and finally for a crushing defeat.”

“What are you talking about? Me, lose? That’s ridiculous! What do you mean, crushing defeat?”

“Even if we don’t use them, we have to film. Let’s finish quickly so you can continue your campaign.”

Secretary Jang approached Kim Bu-seong from behind.

“Member, it’s just a formality. Let’s finish and go. We’re wasting time.”

“You’re telling me I’d lose to some wet-behind-the-ears brat?”

“Of course not. But you might come off as arrogant, so it’s best to shoot it. Other candidates are waiting as well.”

“Alright.”

Kim Bu-seong didn’t want to, but he followed the PD’s instructions.

“We’ll start with the expression for a close race. Rest your fingers on your chin and make a serious face.”

Since Kim Bu-seong’s mental state was unstable, he nailed it in one try.

“Now, you’re losing. Lower your head completely and sigh.”

“Ugh.”

“Good. Lastly, for a crushing defeat—what expression should we go with?”

“I don’t know. You tell me, PD. I’ll just follow.”

“How about grabbing your head?”

His bald spot was gradually expanding, and they were telling him to grab his head?

Kim Bu-seong glared at the PD.

“Are you mocking me right now?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just what most people do. Then how about lying face-down and waving your hands?”

“You want me to lie down?”

Kim Bu-seong’s lips twisted.

The PD was irritated, but he held back since they had to shoot quickly.

“Then just cover your face with your hands.”

“Geez. I’ll do it this time, but don’t think of calling me next time!”

Kim Bu-seong covered his face with his palms and shook his head.

“Good. Cut! Member, thank you for your work. Now we just need to film the handshake with your opposing candidate.”

“Even that?”

“It’ll be used in the intro shot. Candidate Kang Cheonmyeong is done filming too, so we just need one quick take here.”

“So exhausting.”

Kim Bu-seong loosened his tie and made a tense expression.

At that moment, Kang Cheonmyeong entered through the door.

“Good afternoon.”

I didn’t like him.

Kim Bu-seong glared at Kang Cheonmyeong.

Stiffened muscles, furrowed brows, dilated pupils.

Kim Bu-seong was clearly anxious.

Even though I greeted him politely, he didn’t hide his hostility.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

“You look cheerful. Haven’t grasped reality yet, have you?”

“I’m having sweet and sour pork for lunch, so I’m in a good mood.”

“Ha.”

Kim Bu-seong made a dumbfounded expression.

The PD hurried us.

“Candidates, please shake hands and clench your other fists.”

I extended my hand.

Kim Bu-seong took it, and we both clenched our fists toward the camera.

“Cut! Excellent. Thank you both for your hard work.”

“Member Kim, thank you. I hope you see great results tomorrow.”

“How arrogant.”

“Wishing you a productive day.”

I bowed politely and exited the broadcasting station with my staffer.

“Candidate, Kim Bu-seong seems uneasy. His body was stiff.”

“We must give our best until the very end.”

“Absolutely. I truly believe that once you enter the National Assembly, you’ll become an excellent politician.”

“Thank you for the encouragement.”

“I mean it. I’ve been a staffer for six years, and I’ve never seen a more flawless newcomer than you.”

I was curious what he meant, but didn’t ask. I had to do my best until the final second.

“I must not lose my original intent.”

“Candidate, will you be in politics for the long haul?”

“I gave up a thriving business to come here. I have to see it through.”

“Is the end goal the presidency?”

“Isn’t that every politician’s dream?”

“That’s true. This field is intricately tangled in a web of desire. But it’s disappointing when people you trusted turn their backs.”

There were many turncoat politicians.

They called it conviction, not betrayal. They said South Korea needed unity, that the party was rotten, that history would judge them later, and so on.

Everyone had their own reasoning.

There were many politicians who appeared like comets with overwhelming public support, only to end up stuck in the nets of political funds, school ties, regional ties, and bloodlines.

These were words I heard from my political mentor, Ji Jeongseok.

“You can trust me. I may be a former merchant, but I have no intention of treating politics like business. What matters is the next generation.”

“I trust you.”

“How do you trust me?”

“Sorry?”

The staffer’s pupils shook.

“Ha ha. Just kidding. I’m not some rat that jumps ship when the boat is tossed by rough waves.”

“You startled me. I almost felt betrayed for a moment.”

“Don’t they say life is like Sai Wong losing his horse? Just because today is tough doesn’t mean I’ll give up my convictions.”

My resolve was firm.

Now that I had stepped into politics, I would see this through to the end.

The staffer looked at me and smiled broadly.

“Let’s win first. Let’s go.”

“It’s the final day—time to burn it all.”

“I’ll do my utmost to help.”

I had to give everything I had until midnight.

Only then would I be able to accept the result humbly.

Kim Bu-seong rode the campaign vehicle, appealing for last-minute support.

“Dear residents! You must support the ruling party’s candidate with power. If I win, I will immediately resolve your civil complaints. With the power of a fourth-term representative, I will keep my promises!”

The surrounding reaction was indifferent. A few clapped and cheered, but most people showed little interest.

Kim Bu-seong handed the mic to Secretary Jang.

“You take over. I’m too tired for this.”

“Yes, sir.”

Secretary Jang, taking the mic, continued the endorsement speech, while Kim Bu-seong sat and gripped the handlebar, his lips twitching.

“Annoying. Where the hell did that bastard come from…”

The campaign vehicle turned through the market alley and stopped in a quiet area.

“Member, shall we go back now?”

“What time is it?”

“Nine o’clock.”

“I’ll wave at least. What do you think our chances are?”

“The atmosphere is shaky, but I think we might win by around 5%. We still have the organizational upper hand.”

“I won’t end up humiliated, right?”

“Impossible. That rookie is no match for you.”

Kim Bu-seong felt reassured by Secretary Jang’s words.

The campaign vehicle exited the market alley and entered the road.

Kim Bu-seong waved and greeted the people.

“Please make Kim Bu-seong a four-term representative. Thank you.”

While waiting at the light at Yeongdeungpo Intersection, I saw Kang Cheonmyeong campaigning across the street.

“That bastard doesn’t get tired? He’s a crazy bastard.”

Kang Cheonmyeong’s voice grew louder as it reached the ears.

“Several hours from now, at midnight, I will conclude my short journey. And by this time tomorrow, I will be waiting humbly for the judgment of the people. Let me say one final thing.”

Kim Bu-seong frowned, irritated.

“We must not allow a world where it matters more whose child you are than how hard you live. By choosing Kang Cheonmyeong, you can create a world where the second and third Kang Cheonmyeongs can rise. I will not grow complacent! I will not compromise! I will not lie! I earnestly ask—please vote for me!”

“Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong! Kang Cheonmyeong!”

The chanting rang out loudly.

Kim Bu-seong stared blankly at the cheering crowd.

Vroooom—

As the signal turned, the campaign vehicle started moving. Kim Bu-seong, startled, fell flat on his back.

Secretary Jang, his face pale, grabbed his arm.

“Member, are you alright?”

“Those damn bastards!”

It wasn’t directed at Secretary Jang.