Chapter 276: I Am Different from Chairman Wang

The topic Chairman Song Young-ju raised at the Hanjong meeting sent ripples through the business world.

The chaebols who had been running companies since the Cheon Tae-san days were the firstdecide where to align themselves.

However, those who had recently joined the ranks of large corporations due to the IMF crisis and IT bubble still hadn’t grasped the fears of Myeong-dong. Perhaps that’s why they were cautiously gauging the atmosphere.

And this news had reached the ears of Chairman Song Chan-seong.

“That old fool is overstepping. What is he planning to do by teaming up with Kim Mu-hyeok? Don’t you know anyhing?”

Annoyed, Song Chan-seong turned to his son sitting beside him.

“I don’t know anything.”

“Haven’t you met with Kim Mu-hyeok separately?”

“I tried to set up a drinking appointment, but he’s always too busy to accept. He’s harder to meet than the President, that bastard.”

“Tsk…”

Looking at his son, Song Chan-seong let out a deep sigh. He could read the sense of defeat in Song Hyeon-su’s words..

“I told you to find out what that guy wants when you meet him.”

“Father, even if I want to meet him, he won’t see me. What more can I do?”

“You! That kid from back then who used to call you ‘hyung’ is still stuck in your head. What’s more important, your pride or the group? What good is pride?”

“…That’s not it.”

Of course, Song Chan-seong could understand Song Hyeon-su’s feelings. But rigght now, the one holding the joker was Kim Mu-hyeok.

Frustrated, Song Chan-seong clicked his tongue and closed his eyes, lost in thought.

Having convinced most of the board and the executives, he could take most of the subsidiaries away from Song Chan-woo.

The only obstacle was the honorary chairman of the Daehyeon Group and his father, Song Young-ju.

Song Chan-seong was on his way with Song Hyeon-su to meet Song Young–ju, who had contacted him to gather the whole family at home.

Soon arriving at Song Young-ju’s house, the two quickly got out of the car and entered the house.

In the living room, all the other siblings had already gathered.

“Sorry for being late.”

“It’s fine. Hyun-su, it’s been a while.”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

“Sit down. This might be the last family meeting before I pass away.”

“Father, what do you mean…”

“Sit down!”

At Chairman Song Young-ju’s shout, Song Chan-seong sulkily went to the sofa and sat down.

Seeing Song Chan-woo sitting across from him made his anger flare up once again, but he couldn’t afford to lose his temper.

No matter what anyone said, he was still the heir to Daehyeon.

“Looks like everyone’s here.”

Glancing around at his sons and daughters, Chairman Song Young-ju frowned, but his face softened as he looked at his grandchildren.

“The reason I gathered you all today is simple. Isn’t it time to wrap things up? I know you all have your thoughts, but I hope you’ll follow my wishes.”

“Father.”

Song Chan-seong called out to Song Young-ju.

He had never once interrupted Song Young-ju when he spoke. No one had ever thought to cut him off while he was talking.

All the other family members looked at Song Chan-seong with surprised expressions.

“We’re not puppets that just move as you say, Father. Of course, we respect you for making Daehyeon what it is. But times have changed now.”

Song Young-ju merely chuckled at Song Chan-seong’s words and didn’t respond otherwise.

“If you want, I can accept Chan-woo as the heir. However, please pass the subsidiaries related to automobiles to me. Then I’ll step aside neatly.”

“You want the subsidiaries related to Daehyeon Automotive?”

“Yes, then I’ll be a strong ally for Chan-woo, even after you’re gone, Father.”

Song Chan-seong already knew he had nowhere else to retreat.

If he couldn’t give Kim Mu-hyeok what he wanted, he ould have to give up on the entire Daehyeon Group. He could always take it back later.

“My brother is dead, and I am the true eldest son of this household. I think I deserve this much.”

“Really? Is that what you truly think?”

“Yes, Father.”

Song Young-ju nodded. Then he turned to his other siblings.

“Don’t you all have something to say? Whether you agree with Chan-seong’s views or wish to follow my will, now’s the time to voice it.”

“…”

But everyone except Song Chan-seong was just watching Chairman Song Young-ju nervously.

“Can I take your silence as agreeing to follow what I say? Why has everyone gone mute?”

Chairman Song Young-ju’s softly spoken words instilled a sense of dread instead.

“Isn’t what Chan-seong is saying valid?”

“Father.”

Song Chan-woo spoke up. But Chairman Song Young-ju raised his hand to stop him.

“The chairman of Daehyeon must always maintain an air of authority. Don’t let the brothers grow weak. You must hold firm in your position. The chairmanship is a place where you don’t have to worry about the whims of older siblings or sisters.”

“…”

Feeling as if the words were directed at him, Song Chan-woo was speechless once again.

Chairman Song Young-ju glanced at him sadly before turning back to Song Chan-seong.

“You want what’s mine?”

“Yes. I’ve made Daehyeon Automotive the largest automotive company in the country, from my twenties and nearing my sixties now.”

“Right, that’s true. I was proud to see you carrying my resemblance so well.”

The words coming from Song Young-ju were in the past tense. Realizing this, Song Chan-seong’s expression hardened.

“But what right do you have to demand that? Daehyeon was built by me and grown by me. What right do you have to claim it as yours? Had it not been for you, Daehyeon Automotive would have grown naturally regardless.”

“Father!”

Song Chan-seong raised his voice, but Chairman Song Young-ju’s gaze grew even colder.

“Just because you’re my son doesn’t entitle you to that position. While I admit you have the qualities to hold that seat, do you really think you can remain there against my wishes? This is rightfully mine, not yours.”

“…It’s time you let go. I’ve already persuaded other directors and shareholders. Even if you refuse, I can separate the subsidiaries. I’m saying this as a final courtesy to you, as my father.”

“Really? Let the directors worry about it. Great! I turn around to see traitors that I couldn’t see before on the day I die!”

Chairman Song Young-ju’s expression was completely void of emotion, but his voice was tinged with a terrifying chill.

“Did you think I wouldn’t know that you had ideas of your own? Asking for just Daehyeon Automotive? No, you wouldn’t be satisfied with just that. After I die, you’ll start stripping the name Daehyeon from Chan-woo, one by one. You look just like me.”

“…Father, that’s not true.”

“You’ve already corrupted the executives and made them your allies? Are you trying to turn me into a puppet?”

Chairman Song Young-ju’s eyes were shining. It was hard to believe they belonged to an elderly man in his sickbed.

“…”

“How could I not be aware? Daehyeon was born from me, and I am Daehyeon. Today, those traitors will all be stripped of their positions.”

“It won’t be as easy as you think. My supportive shares far exceed your interests already, Father.”

The fierce glare between Song Young-ju and Song Chan-seong clashed in the air.

Song Young-ju was pleased with Song Chan-seong. If he had to pick someone who looked just like him, it would be Song Chan-seong.

However, Song Chan-seong was rebellious. The king of Daehyeon was Song Young-ju, and he must remain king even in death.

This child intends to erase me. Just then, the secretary approached and quietly spoke.

“President Kim Mu-hyeok has arrived.”

“Let him in.”

“Father, it’s a family meeting.”

“A family meeting that decides the future of Daehyeon. The man who will determine the future of Daehyeon must be present. There needs to be a witness.”

The secretary nodded and left, soon after, Kim Mu-hyeok entered the living oom filled with family.

* * *

I received the notice that we would decide Daehyeon’s future today. A message also came from Chairman Song Young-ju, asking me to sort things out myself.

“Hmm…”

“You look troubled, Boss.”

“Honestly, I’m not sure this is the right course. But I made a promise, so I’ll have to follow through. And since Chairman Song Young-ju asked me like this, I want to sort things out before he passes.”

Combining my shares with Song Young-ju’s exceeds 50%. So nobody, not even Song Chan-seong, can take management rights away from Chan-woo.

This includes not just Daehyeon but also major affiliates like Daehyeon Automotive, and Daehyeon Construction.

“I know you must be determined.”

“Manager Ma, you seem to read my mind.”

I smiled as I spoke in response to Manager Ma’s firm words. As he said, my mind was already set.

“That’s right. I’ve made my decision. How to deal with it is already lined up. The ones who will have to accept it are Chairman Song Young-ju and Song Chan-seong, that person.”

I arrived at Song Young-ju’s house. This place hadn’t changed at all since I had last been here.

“Please hold on for a moment, I’ll go report to the Chairman.”

“Go ahead.”

Nodding, I looked around. The garden chair where I used to sit to sort out my complicated thoughts caught my eye.

As I sat down on that chair and carefully surveyed the garden, Manager Ma came over after finishing his conversation.

“They said to come in.”

I followed Song Young-ju’s secretary into the house.

In the living room, all of Song Young-ju’s sons and daughters, along with his grandchildren, were gathered.

All their gazes turned to me. I felt their stares land on me as I slowly walked towards Chairman Song Young-ju.

“Chairman.”

“Ah, President Kim, you’ve arrived?”

“Isn’t the atmosphere a bit too tense? This might be the last time after all.”

“Heh, it turned out that way. Don’t you know? How can we manage in this world we live in?”

“…”

There was a sense of longing in Chairman Song Young-ju’s voice.

I scanned Song Chan-seong, Song Chan-woo, and the others one by one with a chilling gaze.

Finally, my eyes landed on Song Hyeon-su and Song Hyun-ji..

“Looks like Hyun-su and Hyun-ji are here too. It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it has been a while.”

“Big Brother! It’s been too long!”

While Song Hyeon-su was cold, Song Hyunn-ji remained lively. I’d heard she was somewhere in Europe, but it seemed she had returned for this gathering.

“I believe everyone here knows me. Some of you may see me as just a loan shark from Myeong-dong, while others might recognize me as an investor. Today, I’m here as the major shareholder of Daehyeon to determine its future.”

“…Why would you decide Daehyeon’s future?”

Song Chan-seong ground his teeth. He still couldn’t hide his irritation.

I turned to him with a mocking smile.

“You used to ask me for help. I see you have enough time to spare now. I am here at Chairman Song Young-ju’s request. Please choose your words carefully.”

“What did you just say!”

Song Chan-seong could no longer hold his temper and jumped up from his seat.

Disregarding him, I shot back coldly.

“I am different from Chairman Wang. I can pull you out of that seat at any time, and it wouldn’t be especially difficult. So do not provoke me further.”

“… President Kim, you…”

“Sit down. I won’t say it again. If you have any complaints, you can leave through that door right now. That would also mean resigning from Daehyeon Automotive, of course.”

My words dripped with sarcasm, and the atmosphere in the living room froze.

“You…”

Song Chan-seong’s face turned red, but he couldn’t say more. Ignoring him, I turned to Chairman Song Young-ju.

“Chairman, you said I could do as I wish, even if it goes against your wishes, right?”

“Just do as you see fit. If my successor is Chan-woo, that’s fine by me.”

“Understood.”

Standing beside Chairman Song Young-ju, I addressed everyone.

“The intention of Chairman Wang is clear. Song Chan-woo will become the rightful heir of Daehyeon. Anyone who opposes this, even if they are family, will not be forgiven.”

“…”

Even to my ears, my voice was chilling. Even the usually optimistic Song Hyun-ji looked tense.

“I want to make a promise to all of you gathered here. Not a single subsidiary will be allowed to break away from Daehyeon Group.”

Everyone in the living room swallowed hard at my words.