Chapter 186

Kang Jin watched as guests left after giving words of encouragement to Choi Jonghun and his brother. Despite finishing their meal, Wo Jiaming’s group lingered to chat with Jonghun.

Kang Jin approached them. “I think it’s time for us to close up shop.”

“Are you heading over there now to pick up your paycheck, Mr. Choi?”

“Yes.”

“That’s great. We also have plans to eat dinner there tonight.”

Kang Jin looked at Wo Jiaming quizzically.

“You know where the restaurant is located?”

“I had some time to talk with Jonghun while you were busy serving customers.” Wo Jiaming smiled and patted Choi Jonghun on the shoulder.

“Don’t you think we’ve become quite close already?”

“Yes.” Choi Jonghun’s face lit up as he looked fondly at Wo Jiaming.

In such a short time…they seem to have gotten pretty chummy.

Kang Jin couldn’t help but feel slightly envious that Wo Jiaming had connected with Choi Jonghun more easily than him. Kang Jin considered himself sociable enough, but it seemed like Wo Jiaming was on another level.

I guess legislators must interact with countless people.

Kang Jin muttered to himself and glanced at Wo Jiaming.

“You just finished eating, right? Do you have another meal planned?”

“Ha-ha-ha! Since our work involves meeting many different people, I often end up having ten meals a day. And besides…”

Wo Jiaming smiled at Choi Jonghun.

“Working for the people requires eating two lunches.”

Then Wo Jiaming turned to Lee Yoo-bi.

“Did you hear back?”

“She’s agreed to meet us there.”

“Wonderful. The bigger the board, the more enjoyable it is.” Wo Jiaming grinned and looked at Kang Jin. “Shall we go now?”

“It seems like you’re offering assistance… I gratefully accept your help.”

Wo Jiaming agreeing to dine with them was merely an excuse; his real intention was to assist Choi Jonghun. He nodded at Kang Jin’s words.

“Let’s head out then. Oh! Before that, let me settle the bill.” As Wo Jiaming handed over his card, Kang Jin glanced at Lee Yoo-bi.

“It seems like it’s time to settle our bills.”

Wo Jiaming and Lee Yoo-bi always paid separately even when dining together.

“You don’t mind if I charge everything on this card?”

“I’d rather not get scolded by her.” Kang Jin chuckled as Lee Yoo-bi handed over her credit card and softly spoke.

“Thank you for the meal.”

Following Lee Yoo-bi’s words, Kang Jin split the bill and processed separate payments.

“Shall we go now?”

“I’ll drive my own car,” replied Wo Jiaming with a shake of his head.

“There’s limited parking in Seoul, so there’s no need to bring your vehicle. Our van has plenty of space; please join us.”

“I understand. Then I’ll just pack quickly and join you.”

“Okay.”

After Wo Jiaming’s group left, Kang Jin called for Bae Yongsoo.

“Yongsoo.”

Bae Yongsoo approached them alone.

“You’re not taking me along?”

“Do you need to come with us? Stay here and help clean up while we’re gone.”

“Got it. Go ahead.”

“And please ask Hochul hyung-nim to gather the ghosts near that shop.”

“Will do.”

With his reply, Kang Jin exited the store.

This isn’t just about getting paid.

Kang Jin muttered internally as he climbed aboard Wo Jiaming’s large van waiting outside. Lee Yoo-bi and Doyoung were already inside. The van was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate all seven of them despite its size.

The van was spacious and luxurious, but…

Does a legislator really drive this type of vehicle?

Kang Jin had expected Wo Jiaming to own some high-end luxury sedan rather than a van.

As Kang Jin inspected the interior, Wo Jiaming spoke up.

“It’s quite roomy, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I often sleep here due to my busy schedule, traveling from place to place.”

“Isn’t it uncomfortable sleeping in a car?”

“After doing it for several days, I’ve grown accustomed to it. It feels like home now. Plus, these seats recline back fully, making them as comfortable as beds.” With a smile, Wo Jiaming extended his hand.

“Oh, we haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet. You might have already guessed based on our conversation earlier…but I am Wo Jiaming, earning my paycheck as a member of Congress.”

“I’m Lee Kang-jin.”

“Please treat me like any elderly neighbor, except for my role as a legislator,” Wo Jiaming said with a smile.

Kang Jin laughed at his words. “If I knew you were a legislator, I wouldn’t have made you wait in line.”

Wo Jiaming looked at Kang Jin and chuckled. “Ha! That’s true indeed.” With a jovial laugh, he pointed towards Lee Yoo-bi. “And this is Lee Yoo-bi, who works for a political party currently facing much criticism these days.”

As Wo Jiaming finished introducing himself, Lee Yoo-bi was about to extend her hand when her eyes widened in surprise.

“Boss, why would you say such things…?”

“Indeed, it’s true. I’ve been criticized again recently. Ah! Didn’t you ask why making firefighters federal employees is so urgent?” Wo Jiaming’s question made Lee Yoo-bi sigh.

“That person drives me crazy.”

“You don’t understand that fixing the barn after losing the horse is futile?”

“Tsk! It seems they don’t.” Shaking her head, Lee Yoo-bi extended her hand to Kang Jin.

“I’m Representative Lee Yoo-bi, often maligned.”

“I have never spoken ill of you, Representative Yoo-bi.”

“Hahaha! Thank you.” Laughing, Lee Yoo-bi checked her ringing phone and answered the call.

“Already here? Apologies for setting up this sudden lunch meeting, but I feel guilty having you travel farther than me. Understood. Right now…”

As Lee Yoo-bi arrived at Wo Jiaming’s location, she spotted Han Myung-hyun driving nearby.

“How long until we get there?”

“About ten minutes,” replied Han Myung-hyun.

Lee Yoo-bi responded to him, “I’ll see you in ten minutes. Ha ha ha! Oh! And I’m paying for dinner this time. Is that okay? Yes, it is my treat. Ha ha ha! Alright then. See you soon.”

Ending the call, Lee Yoo-bi looked at Han Myung-hyun and said, “They’ve already arrived.”

“The sanitation team?”

“Yes.”

“And since the labor department folks are nearby, they should be here by the time we arrive.”

“So, once the police chief arrives with Representative Jang, everyone will be present.”

“That works out perfectly.”

Kang Jin, overhearing their conversation, asked, “Who else is coming?”

“It’s already dusty here,” Kang Jin said with a smile. “But more dust will fly as we dig deeper, right? And isn’t it better to have a larger playing field?”

“That’s true.” Lee Yoo-bi chuckled at Kang Jin’s words.

“Thinking about it, you seem to have some plan, Mr. President?”

“A plan?”

“From what I heard, the owner seems quite stubborn and rough… Do you think he’ll easily pay their wages just because you ask?”

Kang Jin looked at Lee Yoo-bi and smiled.

My trump card is dealing with ghosts.

He couldn’t directly reveal this thought.

“I do have something in mind.”

“What is it?”

“Well, I’ve had plenty of experience with part-time jobs…”

“Indeed.”

“Really?”

“I’ve done every kind of part-time work…and I had my wages withheld several times too. So, I developed some methods to get paid.”

“Oh? What methods do you have?” Lee Yoo-bi’s curiosity was piqued.

Kang Jin smiled at her question. “As you mentioned earlier, there is no place without flaws. In restaurants, it could be hygiene issues or expired ingredients. On construction sites, safety concerns or non-compliance with regulations - there’s always something if you dig deep enough.”

“And then?”

“If they don’t pay me, I threaten to keep filing complaints until they either close down or give me my due.”

Lee Yoo-bi nodded understandingly and suggested, “Wouldn’t it be easier to report them directly to the labor department?”

“We need to live off this month’s earnings next month, so when would we have time to report them to the labor department?”

“I guess not immediately. Then, what if they refuse to pay at all?”

“Most places eventually do pay up. Typically, employers get scared when hearing about government involvement. Unless there is severe animosity between the part-timer and employer, most establishments end up paying.”

“So you’re saying some still don’t pay?”

“Yes, like Jonghun, who gave up on receiving his wages.”

“Hmm…”

As Lee Yoo-bi seemed lost in thought, Kang Jin noticed their car entering the parking lot of a restaurant.

It’s quite a large establishment.

In Seoul, where real estate prices were exorbitant, having a sizable parking lot indicated the restaurant was significant.

As people exited the car one by one, two individuals quickly approached them from the front of the restaurant.

“Welcome.”

“Are you Mr. Moon Byungsu?”

“I am Moon Byungsu, head of Sadang-dong’s sanitation team.” Moon Byungsu bowed and extended his hand to Lee Yoo-bi, who smiled and shook it warmly.

“My apologies for arranging this meeting during your work hours on such short notice.”

“It’s quite alright.”

How could he refuse when a legislator invited him out for dinner? Moon Byungsu had rushed over immediately after wrapping up some fieldwork.

While Lee Yoo-bi exchanged greetings with Moon Byungsu, Wo Jiaming was shaking hands with someone from the labor department.

“Bae Yongsoo, Bae Yongsoo, Bae Yongsoo.”

As they exchanged greetings, Kang Jin summoned Bae Yongsoo.

“Over here?”

Bae Yongsoo promptly responded to Kang Jin’s call.

“Go inside and check for any potential issues that might concern the sanitation team.”

“The sanitation team?” Confused, Bae Yongsoo looked around, unaware of their presence.

“Just get inside,” urged Kang Jin.

“Got it.” Understanding well that Yunam Restaurant couldn’t avoid regular inspections by the sanitation team, Bae Yongsoo swiftly entered the establishment as instructed.

Kang Jin, watching him go, then turned his attention to the two individuals who had arrived with Wo Jiaming earlier. They were representatives from the sanitation team and the labor department. Moon Byungsu greeted them while Lee Yoo-bi observed…

Lee Yoo-bi looked at Wo Jiaming.

“Boss, let’s go inside.”

In response to Lee Yoo-bi’s words, Wo Jiaming rubbed his face and then slicked back his hair with his hand.

“Let’s teach that scoundrel a lesson.”

Hearing Wo Jiaming’s comment, Han Myung-hyun smiled and whispered softly to Doyoung Min.

“I love moments like this.”

Doyoung Min glanced at Han Myung-hyun.

“What do you mean?”

“When Representative Wo teaches those bad guys a lesson.”

“Oh…”

As Doyoung nodded, Han Myung-hyun grinned and quickly followed Wo Jiaming.

Upon entering the restaurant, a middle-aged man presumed to be the owner approached them with a smile.

“Welcome! I prepared a large room since we were informed representatives would be visiting…”

The owner paused mid-sentence as he spotted Choi Jonghun and Jongsu following behind them, his eyes narrowing.

What is this punk doing here again?

Assuming Jonghun had returned to demand his unpaid wages, the owner turned towards one of his employees with a meaningful glance. The employee pursed their lips and moved toward Jonghun.

“Jonghun, don’t cause trouble here. Please leave…”

As the employee tried to escort Choi Jonghun out, Wo Jiaming interjected:

“He’s with me.”

“Pardon?” Confusion spread across the master’s face at Wo Jiaming’s words.

“How do you know him?”

Wo Jiaming smiled in response.

“He’s a citizen, isn’t he?”

“Huh?”

“As a legislator who serves the people, shouldn’t I step up when one of them is treated unfairly?”

The master’s face hardened at Wo Jiaming’s words. His heart sank upon hearing ‘treated unfairly.’

“That…that kid…”

“Is this child not a citizen of Korea?” interrupted Wo Jiaming with a smile as he gestured toward the employees from the health and labor departments standing behind him.

“The reason I invited you two to dinner today…was because this young man was mistreated here.” Unlike his casual tone with the master, Wo Jiaming addressed these two respectfully.

“Unfair treatment?” The labor department employee sounded perplexed.

Wo Jiaming explained, “This child worked here as a part-timer cleaning meat trays…but she was fired without receiving her salary for two months. Furthermore…” Wo Jiaming glanced at the master’s distorted face. “He slapped her when she asked for her wages.”

An Jungyong from the labor department frowned deeply upon hearing this. Wage disputes involving part-time workers fell under his jurisdiction, and he felt sympathy for the girl. Additionally, learning that the owner had physically assaulted a young student angered him.

“Is this true?”

“No…that’s not—”

“Employers who withhold wages can face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of twenty million won or less. And…” An Jungyong paused and looked at Choi Jonghun. “Did you sign an employment contract?”

“No, I didn’t,” replied Choi Jonghun.

An Jungyong nodded as if he had expected this response and turned to the owner.

“For not providing an employment contract, there is a fine of five million won or less.”

The master’s expression hardened upon hearing An Jungyong’s words. However, this was just the beginning.

“Kang Jinah! It’s amazing! We caught a rat!” Bae Yongsoo shouted from the kitchen.

Kang Jinah smiled.

Just wait till you die once.