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CH117 | GSI
🕑 Added 2025-02-09 04:21:48 +0000 UTCObama was visibly taken aback by the unexpected question.
"Why are you suddenly asking me that?"
Seok-won remained calm, his gaze steady as he spoke.
"I heard you were involved in Bill Clinton’s election campaign last time. That made me think you had a strong interest in politics. Was I wrong?"
"Hmm..."
Obama hesitated, unable to deny it.
It seemed that even back then, he had already set his sights on politics.
"You’ve had a tough life, facing countless injustices and discrimination firsthand. It wouldn’t be surprising if you wanted to change things through politics."
Obama stayed silent, his expression unreadable.
"Even your current activism is, in a way, part of that desire for change, isn’t it?"
At that, Obama let out a quiet, resigned chuckle.
"You seem to know me better than I know myself."
Sitting up straight, he finally answered honestly.
"You’re right. I do want to enter politics."
It wasn’t something he would easily admit to just anyone.
But over time, he had built a relationship with Seok-won—someone he trusted and considered like-minded.
Seok-won’s expression brightened.
"Honestly, if you decide to go into politics, I think you’d do an incredible job."
"You really think so?"
"Absolutely."
"Hahaha. I’ve had so many doubts, but hearing you say that, even as a courtesy, means a lot."
Seok-won observed him for a moment before cautiously asking,
"I’m guessing Catherine isn’t too thrilled about the idea?"
Obama’s eyes widened in surprise.
"How did you know?"
Seok-won shrugged.
"Knowing her personality, I figured she wouldn’t be too happy about you entering politics."
He added with an understanding smile,
"A politician’s life means spending more time outside than at home. That’s not easy for any family."
Obama sighed, his voice tinged with frustration.
"You’re right. That’s exactly why I’ve been struggling with this decision."
Having endured a difficult life, Obama deeply cherished his family. That made the choice even harder.
Seok-won hesitated briefly before offering,
"I hope I’m not overstepping, but… may I give you some advice?"
Obama gave a slight nod, signaling him to continue.
Seok-won spoke firmly.
"If this is something you can’t let go of—something that will always weigh on your heart—then take the plunge. It’s better to try and regret it than to never try and regret it forever."
"Hmm…"
Obama listened carefully, clearly shaken by Seok-won’s words.
Noticing Obama’s lingering hesitation, Seok-won gently urged him once more.
"Catherine will definitely support and encourage whatever you decide to do."
"…Do you really think so?"
"Go home today and talk to her—be completely honest about what’s on your mind. I’m sure she’ll understand and stand by you."
Obama hesitated for a moment before finally relaxing his expression.
"Alright. I’ll do that."
It was as if he had finally found the answer to a long-standing dilemma.
"I can’t keep wrestling with this alone forever. Good or bad, a marriage is about sharing everything together."
"I’m glad I could help."
"Thanks. Honestly, I’m a little afraid of how she’ll react… but now that I’ve said it out loud, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest."
Seok-won took a sip of his coffee, watching as Obama seemed visibly relieved. Then, he spoke again.
"If you decide to run, it’ll be for next year’s Illinois State Senate election, right?"
Obama’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you sure you’re not secretly reading my mind?"
He hadn’t even mentioned his plans yet, so how had Seok-won guessed so accurately?
Unlike the astonished Obama, Seok-won simply responded matter-of-factly.
"Democratic Senator Donald recently announced his retirement, leaving his seat open."
"…!"
"His district, around the South Side, leans Democratic, and you've already built some name recognition there through your foundation work. There’s no better place for you to launch your political career."
Obama’s expression shifted as he took in Seok-won’s spot-on analysis. He slowly nodded, impressed.
"You’re right. I was planning to run in this election."
Seok-won leaned forward slightly.
"Once you make up your mind, I’ll support you. Don’t worry about campaign funding—just focus on the challenge ahead."
Obama’s expression immediately darkened.
"Are you saying you’ll fund my campaign?"
"Yes."
Obama frowned, his face turning serious.
It was one thing for Seok-won to donate to his nonprofit foundation, but offering campaign funds was another matter entirely. It made him wonder if there was some hidden motive behind the gesture.
A brief silence fell between them.
Staring intently at Seok-won from across the table, Obama finally spoke, his voice slightly tense.
"What do you want from me?"
Seok-won raised an eyebrow.
"Do I seem like I want something?"
"It’s hard not to be suspicious. A charitable donation is one thing, but a political contribution? That usually comes with expectations."
Obama narrowed his eyes, as if trying to read Seok-won’s true intentions.
"They say there’s no such thing as a favor without strings attached."
Seok-won calmly nodded.
"That’s true."
"…"
"But there are always exceptions."
Obama furrowed his brows even deeper as he looked at Seok-won.
"If two people share a bond, can’t one offer help without expecting something in return?"
Obama remained silent, his face still tense, as he listened.
"I thought we were close, but it seems you don’t see it that way. That’s a little disappointing. Besides, it’s not like I’m running a business in Chicago."
There was a tinge of hurt in Seok-won’s voice, and for the first time, Obama felt a pang of guilt.
He realized that Seok-won had offered his support out of genuine goodwill, yet he had responded with suspicion, possibly offending him in the process.
"Besides, you haven’t even secured your party’s nomination yet, let alone won a Senate seat. Don’t you think it’s a little early to be worrying about ulterior motives?"
Obama paused, reflecting on Seok-won’s words.
He wasn’t wrong.
At this stage, he wasn’t even officially in politics. The first step was to go home and tell his wife about his decision to run for office. Worrying about debts of gratitude or hidden agendas was putting the cart before the horse.
"Now that you put it that way… You’re right. I wasn’t thinking straight."
Obama gave a small nod, his expression apologetic.
"No need to apologize. It’s only natural to be cautious."
Seok-won’s gentle smile put him at ease.
"It’s good that you don’t just accept money blindly. In the political world, where deception and scheming are everywhere, your careful approach means you’ll stand firm and stay true to your beliefs."
"I appreciate that."
Feeling relieved, Obama’s expression softened.
Seok-won then shifted gears.
"You know I run a small investment fund on Wall Street, right?"
"I’ve heard a lot about it."
Obama nodded.
"Think of this as an investment. Just like I bet on high-potential growth stocks, I’m betting on the future of Barrack Obama as a politician."
As he said this, Seok-won thought to himself:
Not just any growth stock—he’s a guaranteed blue-chip investment, a future president in the making.
A ten-bagger—a stock that would multiply tenfold in value.
"An investment, huh… I see."
Obama’s usual lighthearted demeanor returned, a grin spreading across his face.
"Well, if I don’t want to hear that your investment was a failure, I’ll have to work even harder."
Seok-won laughed.
"One thing’s for sure—I have an eye for winning bets. My investment track record is 100% so far, so I have no doubt this one will hit the jackpot too."
"For both our sakes, I hope you’re right."
Their reasons for smiling were different, but their resolve was the same.
Then Obama spoke with newfound sincerity.
"I owe you a lot. If I make it big in politics, I won’t forget this debt. I’ll make sure to repay you in some way."
"Don’t forget those words."
"If you don’t trust me, I can even put it in writing."
"That's enough. Mutual trust and belief are a far stronger guarantee than a mere piece of paper."
"Yeah, you're right."
Watching Obama burst into hearty laughter, Seok-won thought to himself.
'What if that kind of thing got leaked, even as a joke? If a whistleblower report came out exposing it as evidence of bribes and favoritism, it would be a disaster.'
If that happened, it could derail his smooth path from Congressman to U.S. Senator, and eventually to the President of the United States. It would be like ruining a perfectly cooked meal just before taking a bite.
'He’s already under intense scrutiny as the first Black presidential candidate. People will be watching like hawks, ready to exploit any weakness. I need to be extra careful.'
Seok-won had been holding back, but once Obama reached the White House, he planned to collect his long-awaited rewards. Having the president of the world's most powerful country as a backer would grant him unparalleled influence.
With those thoughts, Seok-won looked at Barrack Obama—the young and ambitious political hopeful—with satisfaction.
After parting ways with Obama, Seok-won checked out of his hotel and headed to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where his private jet was waiting.
Sitting in the backseat of a black limousine, he caught sight of the familiar sleek, white-painted business jet as they entered the spacious tarmac.
As soon as the limousine came to a stop beside the jet, the muscular Black bodyguard in the passenger seat got out first. He scanned the surroundings carefully before opening the heavy rear door for Seok-won.
Draped in a cashmere coat, Seok-won stepped out with his long strides and briefly gazed up at the overcast sky.
"Looks like it's going to snow again."
His breath turned white in the freezing air, and the wind was biting enough to sting his nose.
With thick clouds gathering above, it truly seemed like a heavy snowfall was imminent.
Leaving the bodyguard to retrieve his luggage from the trunk, Seok-won walked ahead and ascended the lowered steps into the business jet.
A flight attendant, clad in a well-fitted uniform, stood by the entrance and greeted him with a bright smile.
"Welcome aboard."
"Please take care of me on the flight to Seoul."
Seok-won smiled back as he replied.
Inside, the jet was warm and cozy, in stark contrast to the freezing temperatures outside.
Handing his coat to the flight attendant, Seok-won settled into a spacious seat, adjusting himself into a comfortable posture.
Just then, his phone rang.
[It's Landon. Have you already departed from Chicago?]
"Not yet."
Glancing through the round aircraft window, Seok-won saw his bodyguard loading the last of the luggage.
"We're about to take off."
[I see. I wanted to report something urgent.]
"Go ahead."
Leaning into the plush seat, Seok-won listened as Landon quickly got to the point.
[Mexican labor unions have announced a nationwide strike, demanding the government abandon its new economic reform plans.]
Seok-won's eyes sharpened as he pressed the phone to his ear.
"So it’s finally happening."
In exchange for receiving a massive $40 billion financial bailout, the Mexican government had been pressured by the U.S. and the IMF to undergo structural economic reforms.
As a result, Mexico implemented a series of austerity measures under what they called the "New Economic Policy," which included strict monetary controls, reductions in public spending, privatization of state-owned enterprises, and increases in taxes and prices.
"With the economy already struggling, pushing such harsh policies was bound to trigger resistance."
Sure enough, upon learning of these government actions through the media, workers erupted in outrage and decided to take matters into their own hands through large-scale strikes.
[As soon as the news broke, the recovering peso took another hit, plunging below 6.5 pesos per dollar.]
"What about the bonds?"
[The bonds have also crashed back to junk status.]
Seok-won nodded slightly, gripping his phone more firmly.
"As we discussed before, this should be the real bottom. If the peso drops beyond 7 per dollar, start liquidating all our Mexican positions immediately."
[Understood.]
Landon responded without hesitation, having already prepared for this scenario.
