Chapter 138: First Meeting with Chairman Seo Yong-geon

Kim Seong-hyeok spoke softly, betraying the hesitation one might expect. Yet the words that left his mouth held a gravity that was anything but light.

It was a secret of Hyeonhwa Group, unknown in the pas and the future.

“We were three siblings. Our father was strict, but perhaps that’s why we had a bond that was surprisingly strong for a chaebol family.”

A wistful look began to cloud Kim Seong-hyeok’s eyes as he reminisced about the past.

“Misfortune struck when my father passed away unexpectedly. As the eldest son, I was abroad, preparing to take on my responsibilities. By the time I rushed back home… everything was already finished. There was nothing I could do. My youngest sibling was named Kim Mi-joo.”

As he spoke his sister’s name, Kim Seong-hyeok’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Mi-joo naturally thought it was my duty to take over as chairman. But I didn’t want to fight for it. I… avoided it. And that was my mistake.”

He paused for a moment, gathering his emotions.

I waited quietly. It wouldn’t be courteous for me to interject. Giving Kim Seong-hyeok enough time was the best I could offer.

“…My youngest sister was barely in her early twenties. She kept challenging Seong-hak’s ascension as chairman. From Seong-hak’s perspective, that was something he couldn’t overlook.”

A bitter expression lingered on his face.

“But then… one day, she crashed her car into a lamppost while drinking. They said she died instantly. But I know better. Mi-joo couldn’t even handle a single sip of alcohol. I couldn’t voice any objections. I was scared. Scared it might happen to me too…”

He didn’t say more, but I could read his regret in his expression and gaze.

That incident had etched a lifelong scar into Kim Seong-hyeok’s heart.

“I never really knew Seong-hak. He pretended to be a caring brother in front of us, but his desire for power overshadowed that façade.”

It became clear why he had claimed he wanted no part of management.

There’s a saying that the less money you have, the more unhappy you are.

But having more money doesn’t guarantee happiness either.

In fact, the more one possesses, the greater the greed grows.

“This is the first time I’ve shared this story with anyone.”

The memories that brought me here came flooding back once again.

The humans I disdainfully refer to as my uncles, who caused my mother’s death—my mother, who left this world in the blink of an eye—left my grandmother and grandfather bereft of their child, as I grew up without parents.

“I completely understand.”

While I didn’t divulge my own troubles, I could sense the weight of his visit.

“So, will you join forces with me?”

“If we can align with Il-seong, as Kim Seong-hyeok suggested, we could dismiss the entire board of directors. However, Chairman Seo Yong-geon isn’t a simple man, and it’s unclear what he might demand.”

We’d need to offer something beyond what Kim Seong-hak had promised Seo Yong-geon.

Yet, I couldn’t hand over my own shares in Il-seong.

“I can’t meet him. It was a struggle just to have this covert meeting with you. There are always watchers that Seong-hak sends after me.”

“I’ll meet him and hear his demands myself.”

“Thank you. Even with my shares and my allies’ support, it’d be impossible to dethrone Seong-hak without Il-seong’s backing. Please convince him.”

I had to agree; it was hard to refuse the sincere bow from Kim Seong-hyeok.

“The management rights should belong to you, Kim Seong-hyeok. I have no greed for Hyeonhwa Group. My only grudge is gainst Seong-hak and his eldest son, Kim Hyeon-jik.”

I didn’t completely trust Kim Seong-hyeok, but I decided to believe that he meant what he said.

“However…”

“Hyeonhwa Group rightfully belongs o you, Kim Seong-hyeok. I won’t sell my shares.”

“Are you sure that’s acceptable?”

“Yes. But you must give me three board seats. We need safety measures in place.”

“Of course. I’ll do whatever you need.”

With the watchers present, it wouldn’t be easy to continue a long conversation with Kim Seong-hyeok.

After sending him off, I was left alone to ponder.

What on earth had Seo Yong-geon promised Kim Seong-hak?

Seo Yong-geon wasn’t someone who acted without a personal gain.

The fact that he was considering helping Seong-hak, despite knowing that I was involved, indicated considerable rewards were being exchanged.

I let out a low sigh and leaned back.

The thought of facing such an adversary made me already feel fatigued.

Moments later, I headed to the headquarters of Il-seong Group.

Being escorted to the conference room filled me with nostalgia.

I had been here several times in my past life, albeit not with the courage to speak up in Seo Yong-geon’s presence. His reputation was overwhelming.

If Chairman Song of Daehyeon was the setting sun, Seo Yong-geon was the rising sun.

Since his time as a successor decades ago, his so-called ‘Il-seong Scholars’ had infiltrated every sector, including the judiciary and politics. It was no wonder people said Korea was no longer a democratic republic but rather an Il-seong Republic.

Chairman Seo Yong-geon hadn’t faced any prison time, even with whistleblowers coming forward.

While other chaebols dropped in and out of detention, no president had dared to send Seo Yong-geon of Il-seong Group to prison, regardless of whether the Progressive Party or the Conservative Party was in power.

Things were different for his son who inherited the position after his death.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chairman Seo.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. This is the first time we’re actually meeting, huh? Do come in. I hope your journey wasn’t too uncomfortable?”

“No, it was fine. I’ve also heard many stories from my grandfather.”

“We need to see Chairman Cheon’s health improve. I’m worried about him too.”

“Thank you. I’m sure he’ll be better soon.”

While exchanging pleasantries, I felt his discerning gaze sizing me up, but I pretended not to notice.

Finally, Seo Yong-geon spoke.

“Alright. Let’s hear your reason for wanting to meet.”

“It’s about the shares of Hyeonhwa you recently acquired. I hope you can support us. I’m unsure what promises were made, but if possible, I can also make you a promise from Hyeonhwa Group.”

Perhaps expecting this question, Seo Yong-geon’s expression revealed nothing.

He nonchalantly replied.

“Do you know what promises were made? I can’t betray my trust for something so trivial. After all, I was close to Chairman Kim’s late father.”

In essence, that meant he’d support the deal if I offered something more valuable than what Kim Seong-hak had originally promised.

Claiming to have been close with his late father was just nonsense.

“What did you receive in return?”

At this, Seo Yong-geon shook his head.

“Mr. Kim, only those with something to lose should be gambling here.”

One part of my past life hadn’t changed.

Whether before or now, Seo Yong-geon was an undeniably arrogant man.

“I seek your favor.”

Seo Yong-geon seemed to be lost in thought, rendered speechless.

“I have just one question. What grievance do you hold against Kim Hyeon-jik that makes you want to shake a conglomerate? Even Chairman Cheon has never done such a thing. Wouldn’t it have been better to manipulate the situation for profit?”

“It’s personal.”

“You’re going this far for a personal matter? Are you aware of how absurd Hyeonhwa Group stocks have risen bcause of you?”

Seo Yong-geon looked at me with disappointment, a gaze full of scorn.

“Is all the gossip going around just nonsense? Even the people positioned in the Blue House have a high evaluation of you. A person who can privately meet with the president and has a grip on the Wall Street monster, Han Gyeong-yeong… and yet, your current actions are those of a reckless child.”

“That’s just a difference in our values, Chairman.”

“A difference in values… Yes, whether that’s childish or not, I don’t care. Just tell me what you can offer me. Then, we can discuss further.”

“Please tell me what you wish for.”

“Are you saying you’ll grant whatever I ask?”

Only then did I see genuine interest in Seo Yong-geon’s expression.

“Don’t propose a trade involving Il-seong Electronics or Il-seong Group shares.”

I preemptively shut that down before he could test my limits.

“Hmm… what’s best for me would be that.”

Yeah, that’s not happening.

Seo Yong-geon murmured thoughtfully, as if expecting my responses, then licked his lips, a hint of disappointment crossing his face.

“What Chairman Kim promised me was to grant me one favor. I asked for Hyeonhwa Life.”

“Hyeonhwa Life?”

“Yes.”

“But isn’t Il-seong already running its own insurance company, which I hear is the number one in the country?”

At that, Seo Yong-geon chuckled softly.

“Mr. Kim, I aim to beat Daehyeon. I’m prepared to do anything to achieve that. Even with Jungwoo Motors, I knowingly took a loss, but there’s also pressure from the government, and my greed played a major role in that decision.”

No doubt, he was a relentless person.

Even in the midst of crisis, Seo Yong-geon was always scheming to outsmart Daehyeon.

His desire for Hyeonhwa Life might stem from hisinability to acquire banks due to the existing separation law.

Insurance, securities, and cards are the last bastions a chaebol can hold. They serve as a safeguard.

I could sense Seo Yong-geon’s hunger to further expand Il-seong’s influence.

“I’m willing to provide Hyeonhwa Life and Hyeonhwa Card a well.”

At this, Seo Yong-geon shook his head with a knowing expression.

“Don’t throw around empty promises. Even if I agree to your proposal, I won’t have the freedom to manage Hyeonhwa Group as I wish. All the irectors are people loyal to Kim Seong-hak. Will that be enough for me to win?”

While he had a point, Seo Yong-geon was unaware of one critical fact.

With Kim Seong-hyeok at my side, the odds are undeniably in my favor.

Kim Seong-hyeok would definitely consider transferring a few subsidiaries to see Seong-hak’s downfall.

“If you help, it’s possible. If I fail to keep my promise, I’ll transfer my shares in Il-seong Electronics.”

There was no need to mention my partnership with Kim Seong-hyeok to Seo Yong-geon.

After a moment of contemplation, Seo Yong-geon nodded in approval.

“I won’t lose anything. Alright, I’ll assist you. But I won’t be transferring any shares. I’ll raise my hand at the shareholders’ meeting. If it seems hopeless, I won’t raise my hand for you. On that day, you must reveal your cards.”

He implied he would decide what to eat based on the atmosphere that day.

“Thank you.”

I added with a calm expression.

“If I lose my seat due to Il-seong’s betrayal during the shareholders’ meeting, I’ll mobilize every resource at my disposal to make Chairman Seo pay dearly.”

Seo Yong-geon glared at me, but said nothing in response.

“I’ll take my leave now.”

Before I left, I caught Seo Yong-geon murmur one last thing.

“It’s hard to tell if it’s fearlessness or overflowing confidence.”

* * *

“Wow, you didn’t even tell us? I was so worried I’d die of embarrassment! Right, Eva?”

Eva nodded in agreement.

“Just like James said. That’s unfair, Boss.”

“It’s not that I didn’t trust you two; I just wanted to see your surprised faces.”

While security was important, not telling those who were already my people was simply a playful decision. I didn’t doubt them at all.

“Let’s talk more later.”

With others around, it was harder to continue the conversation.

There was nothing more to be done here. I left the remaining tasks in Kim Seong-hyeok’s hands and stepped out of the meeting room.

At the elevator by the entrance, Kim Seong-hak was being restrained by guards.

As soon as he spotted me, he tried to charge, only to be held back by the guards.

“What the hell did you do, you bastard!?”

Once the guards stepped aside, Kim Seong-hak lunged at me, but halted in front of Manager Ma, resorting to merely pointing fingers.

“How did you manage to seduce Seong-hyeok? Not to mention Il-seong too… What’s with this treatment towards me? All because of your cousin’s blunders?”

A laugh escaped me involuntarily.

Curious to hear what he’d say.

“Blunders? It doesn’t seem right for someone who’s been kicked out of the chairman seat just because of a single mistake to be complaining like that.”

Kim Seong-hak, rolling his eyes and cursing, suddenly fell silent.

“This is just the beginning. You still have your wealth intact. We haven’t even started yet, so stay tuned.”

Without the title of chairman, Kim Seong-hak was just another wealthy person.

All his power stemmed from his authoritative role, and money held by someone without power was a dangerous bait.

“You should’ve just handed it over when I asked. If you did, none of this would have happened. Keep an eye out while holding onto your son. Let’s see what happens next. Got it?”

I walked past him, leaving him in stunned silence. Han Gyeong-yeong and Eva followed closely.

In a flurry, Kim Seong-hak finally snapped back to reality, hurling insults, but they were nothing but the cries of a vanquished man.