Chapter 300: The Same Goes for Others

The next morning, I returned to the funeral hall early.

All the reporters and cameras that had been gathered since yesterday were gone.

“Looks like the Blue House issued a directive,” one said.

“That seems to be the case,” came the reply.

“Did they delete all the photos of me from yesterday?”

“Yes.”

We passed through the empty parking lot and opened the door to the funeral hall.

There, sitting alone in front of Chairman Song Young-ju’s portrait, was Song Chan-woo.

He turned upon hearing us and got to his feet.

“You arrived early. The condolence group won’t arrive for about two hours,” he said.

As I looked around, I asked.

“What about the other family members?”

“They’re still resting inside.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s still too early for everyone.”

“Gather everyone together, please. I have something important to discuss. We missed the chance to meet with the President yesterday due to his sudden arrival.”

“Understood.”

Song Chan-woo brushed off his clothes and left the room to enter the family waiting area.

I took a seat cross-legged in front of Chairman Song Young-ju’s portrait.

‘I will bring everything to a close today. This is my final gift. Your name will never be erased. So, please rest peacefully without any worries on the other side.’

Yesterday, Eva and Han Gyeong-yeong had met separately with the heads of Daehyeon’s subsidiaries and the board.

Most of the veteran executives under Chairman Song Young-ju were preparing to step down. Although a few weren’t, they had no plans to oppose the changes.

With both the board and the shareholders’ meeting, our combined shares with Song Chan-woo surpassed the majority, leaving them with no power to act.

As I gazed at Chairman Song Young-ju’s portrait, family members began trickling out of the waiting area.

The siblings positioned themselves outside the room, while the younger generation entered the hall.

“Everyone’s here. No need to stand; please take a seat. We need to finish our discussion before the condolence group arrives.”

“Cough.”

As Song Chan-seong cleared his throat and sat down, the rest of the family followed suit.

Seated a bit farther away, Song Chan-woo still seemed awkward with the family.

“The reason I’ve gathered everyone is to discuss the future of the Daehyeon Group.”

“All decisions have already been made, and most of the share distribution is already sorted, do I have to endure this cruel confirmation?”

Song Chan-woo’s sharp voice cut through the air.

“I understand you’re dissatisfied, but I’d prefer if you listened first before talking. If you don’t want to hear it, you may leave. But you’ll have to step down from your position as chair of Daehyeon Automotive as well.”

However, I had no intention of accommodating his grievances.

“Cough.”

He cleared his throat and took a step back. I clicked my tongue inwardly and continued.

“The head of the Daehyeon Group will remain with Chairman Song Chan-woo, as I previously mentioned. Chairman Song Chan-seong will take the helm of Daehyeon Automotive. As long as he doesn’t rebel against Chairman Song Chan-woo, I won’t interfere with the way he runs things.”

“Is that true?”

At this point, Song Chan-seong was practically a figurehead. Chairman Song Young-ju had stripped him of all his power during the succession process.

Yet, I could not bear to waste Song Chan-seong’s potential. There was no reason to let his abilities go to waste.

“Yes. I’ve already finished discussions with Chairman Song Chan-woo. I acknowledge your autonomy, but it’s within the confines of the Daehyeon Group.”

“Hmm… what about the board? I can’t do anything without their approval right now.”

“Leave that to me. You won’t have to worry about it. I will ensure conditions are established for you to operate freely like before.”

Starting with Song Chan-seong, I laid out the subsidiaries I planned to assign to the other brothers one by one.

This conclusion was reached after extensive discussion with Chairman Song Chan-woo, based on the future I envisioned.

“I hope everyone will support Chairman Song Chan-woo so that Chairman Song Young-ju’s name is honored.”

As soon as I finished, Song Chan-seong spoke up.

“If that’s how it’s going to be, then let’s just split the subsidiaries apart instead.”

Some people always want more when given a little.

I glared at Song Chan-seong as though in disbelief.

“Chairman Song Chan-seong, this is Chairman Wang’s last wish. I will support the sentiment that the families of Daehyeon must not leave the Daehyeon Group’s boundaries. If that displeases you, you can transfer all your shares in Daehyeon to me and use that money to build and grow a new company.”

“…..”

“If you cannot confidently grow the same business under a different name, then refrain from making such comments in the future.”

No company in Korea could rival the Daehyeon brand.

Aside from Daehyeon Construction, Daehyeon Automotive, Daehyeon Heavy Industries, and Daehyeon Electronics, other subsidiaries were not the top in Korea.

Yet, because of the Daehyeon name, people trusted the company and spent their money accordingly.

“The same goes for others. If you’re unhappy with your current subsidiary, sell all your shares in Daehyeon to me and use that money to start a new business.”

Everyone fell silent and had no words to respond.

“For today, I will step away from the affairs of the Daehyeon Group. However, if anyone challenges the authority of Chairman Song Chan-woo, they will find their way back to me. Song Chan-woo, come here.”

I called over Song Chan-woo, who had been sitting way in the back, and had him sit by my side.

“Chairman Song Chan-woo is the owner of the Daehyeon Group. Age is just a number. I ask everyone to show him the respect he deserves.”

After glancing around at his family, Song Chan-woo spoke up.

“Brothers, sisters, and nephews. Please help me grow the Daehyeon Group. As long as you refrain from being too greedy, I will not ask you to step down from your roles as chairs of your subsidiaries while I lead the Daehyeon Group.”

“…..”

No one spoke.

“I won’t ask you to treat me as a brother. I know my mother’s presence has been a wound for all of you. But I haven’t taken pleasure in that, either. So I beg you… please don’t make me the villain.”

“I understand. I won’t be greedy anymore.”

Starting with Song Chan-seong, all the brothers agreed.

“Thank you.”

Song Chan-woo got up from his seat and deeply bowed to everyone.

Not everything sat well with me, but what could I do about Song Chan-woo’s nature? He could lead Daehyeon in his own style.

I left my place and exited the room, heading toward where the brothers of Chairman Song Young-ju were gathered.

“Have you discussed everything?”

Song Young-jae, Chairman of Daeshin Group and the eldest brother of Chairman Song Young-ju, asked.

“Yes.”

“Huh. Since it’s your wish, we won’t discuss it further. But remember to uphold your promise to step away from the Daehyeon Group after today.”

“That’s the plan. And all of you elders should refrain from intervening in Daehyeon’s core affairs.”

“Understood.”

It was the moment when the new owner of Daehyeon Group took his first step.

Soon after, the area outside the funeral hall became noisy.

“It seems they’ve arrived.”

Manager Ma stepped closer and whispered to me.

I nodded and turned my gaze toward the entrance of the funeral hall.

A moment later, a condolence group arrived from Pyongyang alongside the Minister of Unification.

A middle-aged man was walking next to the Minister.

‘Could that be Bae Hoon?’

I wondered if I could recognize him by face, but he turned out to be someone I had never seen before.

Bae Hoon glanced at me once and then entered the hall directly.

As I watched the backs of the condolence group, I asked Manager Ma.

“He doesn’t seem like a soldier, right?”

“No. Judging from his gait and gestures, he doesn’t appear to be one.”

I quietly observed the condolence group as they solemnly offered incense and bowed.

“I am Bae Hoon. Comrade Supreme Leader has asked me to convey condolences for Chairman Song Young-ju.”

“Thank you for coming to express your condolences.”

Chairman Song Chan-seong bowed his head in response.

Yet, Bae Hoon ignored Chairman Song Chan-seong and turned to Chairman Song Chan-woo.

“Are you Chairman Song Chan-woo?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Song Chan-seong’s expression twisted.

As Song Chan-woo responded, Bae Hoon nodded.

“The Great Comrade Leader has said that if Chairman Song Chan-woo wishes, he may bury Chairman Song Young-ju’s remains in his hometown.”

“What?”

Everyone’s eyes widened, including Song Chan-woo’s as he heard this.

I too was taken aback by those words.

“What does that mean? Our government has not received such information.”

“Why should our republic heed the South’s government’s opinions?”

“Still, we would prefer to discuss this with our government first…”

“Let’s discuss later. But what are your thoughts, Chairman Song Chan-woo? The benevolent Comrade Leader was deeply moved by Chairman Song Young-ju’s dedication to the republic, leading to this decision.”

“So, you are saying we can lay my father to rest on your land?”

Chairman Song Chan-woo asked, his voice filled with shock.

“Correct.”

“Do I have to give you a response right away?”

“Hmm, would one hour be sufficient?”

Chairman Song Chan-woo nodded after looking at his family around him.

“I will discuss it with my family before answering.”

“Sounds good.”

He exchanged glances with Chairman Song Young-jae behind him.

“Uncle.”

Chairman Song Young-jae responded with a solemn face.

“Right. We need to have a chat among ourselves.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

They all entered the family waiting area.

Bae Hoon immediately turned away, followed by his companions.

“Hey, wait! Hey there, Bae.”

The Minister of Unification called out anxiously, following them, but it seemed Bae Hoon didn’t care.

“You need to discuss this with our government. You really think Chairman Song’s remains can cross into the North without government permission?”

At those words, Bae Hoon halted and turned to look back.

“Then you should hurry and get President Kim Hak-gwon’s approval. I will give you an hour as well.”

“Hey! How can such a decision be made in just an hour? Get a grip!”

The Minister fumed, but Bae Hoon remained unfazed.

“We’re pressed for time. Rush to get the approval. This is a rare opportunity, isn’t it?”

“Hah, wait a moment.”

The Minister pulled out his cellphone and hastily left.

At that moment, Bae Hoon approached me.

“Are you President Kim Mu-hyeok?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

“Could we talk for a moment?”

“Sure thing.”

I stood up from my seat.

“Is there somewhere we can talk privately?”

“Yes, follow me.”

“Stay here and wait.”

After giving instructions to his companions, he followed me.

‘I can’t seem to grasp who he is.’

He doesn’t appear to be a soldier, yet he seems unconcerned about his safety.

I opened the door to the room assigned to me.

“Manager! Make sure no one can get close.”

As I stepped into the room with Bae Hoon, Manager Ma shut the door from outside.

I gestured for him to take a seat on one side.

“Please sit.”

Bae Hoon seemed someone who could hardly express himself. He got straight to the point once seated.

“Do you know who I am?”

“No, I don’t.”

“I heard you’re close to Jang Seong-taek?”

His probing gaze flicked over my face briefly.

“What does that matter?”

“I’m in search of the whereabouts of the slush fund previously held by Jang Seong-taek.”