Chapter 425: I’m Sorry I’m Late

The tail end of autumn.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the upcoming presidential election.

It was a major event to choose the president who would lead Korea for the next five years.

The business world shared this focus since presidential policies could drastically affect their operations.

Though they should have been more alert than anyone else about the election a bigger bomb had dropped leaving the business world with no time to worry about politics.

The Fair Trade Commission Financial Supervisory Service and even the National Tax Service had launched targeted investigations into Il-seong Group.

Even before proper results came out three cases had already been referred to the Prosecutors’ Office.

For those who’d weathered the foreign exchange crisis this wasn’t just someone else’s problem.

After all their own situations were just as precarious as Il-seong Group’s if not worse.

In the grand conference room of Myeong-dong Hotel people were gathering one by one.

The attendees ranged from middle-aged businessmen to elderly figures with graying hair.

The atmosphere was heavy. No one dared break the silence that hung over the room.

“What exactly is going on here?”

The first to speak was the youngest-looking man among them.

“Why are we gathered here? We were called without any explanation why is everyone so quiet?”

“Be patient Chairman Guk.”

“No Chairman please tell us. Why are we here? And why is the head seat empty?”

The man lowered his voice when Chairman Jung Gun-bon of Geumsung Group spoke but continued his questions without backing down.

“Who called us all here?”

“They’ll arrive soon enough. Just wait.”

“Chairman time is money for us. Why should we waste it sitting here in silence?”

Everyone in the conference room was a chairman of a top 30 conglomerate.

Every major corporate chairman except those from Il-seong Group had gathered in one place.

The outspoken man was Chairman Guk Dae-ho of Pungsan Group which had risen to prominence after the IMF crisis.

“Chairman Jung.”

Perhaps due to being the youngest there he maintained his aggressive stance.

When everyone remained silent Guk Dae-ho called out to them.

“Chairman Song.”

Even Song Chan-woo of Daehyeon Group maintained his silence.

“Chairman Kim.”

Kim Byung-woo of Jungwoo Group sighed before speaking.

“Chairman Guk you’re too impatient. Wait a bit. The person who arranged this meeting will be here soon. Don’t act so rashly in front of them.”

“But…”

Finally Guk Dae-ho pressed his lips together in frustration.

It seemed everyone except him knew what was going on which made him even more annoyed.

‘What’s wrong with these people? Are they trying to show their power? Are they looking down on me because I’m young and at the bottom of the rankings?’

Guk Dae-ho had reason to think this way. He’d come here after receiving a simple notification.

Chairman Song Chan-woo had only told him that chairmen within the top 30 rankings would be meeting and to attend nothing more.

He’d been waiting for thirty minutes in a place he knew nothing about. With no conversation just waiting for someone it was enough to drive him crazy.

“Chairman Kim…”

Just as Guk Dae-ho opened his mouth to address Kim Byung-woo again.

The conference room door opened. A man entered his footsteps echoing from his dress shoes.

He walked across the table and naturally took the head seat.

Despite his young age taking the highest position none of the other chairmen said a word.

It seemed they were used to this sight.

Guk Dae-ho couldn’t make sense of the situation.

But he wasn’t tactless so he kept quiet while observing the others.

After a moment the young man who’d surveyed his surroundings spoke.

“I apologize for being late.”

A deep smile played across his lips.

* * *

I was heading to Myeong-dong Hotel from my office in Myeong-dong.

“So Cheon Ji-su stole Cheon Ji-won’s money?”

“Yes that’s correct.”

“Wow this is interesting very interesting.”

I’d received a report that Cheon Ji-won’s gambling losses to a fraud ring were orchestrated by Cheon Ji-su.

“What’s the reason?”

“The details aren’t clear. We only know that Miss Cheon Ji-su provided the entry fee for the VIP gambling den Cheon Ji-won frequented. Even that was discovered by chance.”

“How much has Cheon Ji-won lost so far?”

“They took about 20 billion won themselves and including what others took it’s around 40 billion won total.”

I couldn’t help but marvel. Cheon Ji-won you sucker.

“We can ask Cheon Ji-su about that directly… what about the operation team?”

“I apologize but that might take some time.”

“Hmm why?”

“There’s someone known as a ‘problem solver’ in that field we’re trying to locate them.”

“Problem solver?”

A stock manipulator with the title of problem solver?

“Yes they’re also nicknamed ‘rubber band’ for their skill at stretching and shrinking stock prices. They’ve jumped into other operations and taken their share many times.”

“Impressive they’re still alive.”

“Apparently no one has met them in person.”

Stock manipulation operations usually involved gangsters.

That meant interference led to kidnapping murder and worse.

Yet this person jumps in and takes their cut. They must have both guts and skill.

“Can you find them?”

“If we can’t find them in Korea no one can. We should have results soon.”

“Good. It’s best to leave it to the experts but don’t take too long.”

As we talked the car slowly came to a stop in front of Myeong-dong Hotel.

“Now let’s go deal with our old men. I wonder what desires await me this time.”

Manager Ma got out first and opened my door. Hotel staff who’d received notice were waiting at the entrance.

“Welcome Boss.”

Dozens of staff bowed simultaneously. I couldn’t help but sigh.

I’d told them countless times I hated this gangster-like behavior.

“Please stop doing this.”

“But… but…”

“This is the last time. Don’t do it.”

“Understood.”

Kang Yong-geun the Myeong-dong Hotel manager bowed again. I waved my hand giving instructions.

“Send everyone back to work and just you follow me Kang.”

Kang Yong-geun dismissed the staff and escorted me into the hotel lobby.

“Is everyone here?”

“Yes Boss. They’ve all been waiting for about twenty minutes.”

I nodded at his confirmation. I’d deliberately arrived late to see how the chairmen would react.

“Good. Make sure no one approaches the conference room.”

I stopped Kang Yong-geun as he tried to follow me into the elevator.

The elevator doors closed and it began moving. Through the glass I could see Kang Yong-geun with his head bowed below.

“That man does good work but he’s too excessive.”

“He’s worked here since Chairman Cheon’s time that’s probably why.”

“Too much can have the opposite effect you know.”

Well at least he’s good at his job. The elevator carrying my complaints arrived at the top floor.

Walking from the elevator to the conference room I gave orders.

“Control access from now. Don’t let anyone through even if it’s the president.”

When Manager Ma signaled his subordinates all emergency exits closed simultaneously.

Manager Ma’s men took positions in front of the emergency exits and elevators.

Satisfied with the sight I stood before the conference room door. As Manager Ma opened it a heavy atmosphere hit my face.

As I entered all eyes turned to me.

Despite receiving gazes filled with various emotions I moved forward indifferently.

All the chairmen of major corporations were seated at the long tables arranged on both sides.

Thump thump.

I walked straight through between the tables. Taking the head seat naturally I looked around and spoke.

“I apologize for being late.”

Silence fell.

“I’ve met everyone here at least once but there’s one unfamiliar face. You must be Chairman Guk Dae-ho of Pungsan Group?”

I called out to Guk Dae-ho who was sitting closest to the entrance.

“You don’t look pleased. This situation must be confusing?”

“…”

“Still it should work out well for you too so please wait.”

I crossed my legs and surveyed the chairmen again.

Kim Byung-woo sat in the first seat on the left table while Song Chan-woo occupied the first seat on the right.

Arranged by industry rankings huh? I couldn’t help but smile at the seating arrangement.

“It’s been a while Chairman Song Chan-woo.”

“Yes Boss.”

“I heard Congressman Song Chan-hyeok is running for president. You must be pleased.”

“…”

“It seems the son is trying to achieve what Chairman Song Young-ju couldn’t.”

Song Chan-woo’s face turned pale. He quickly composed himself and spoke.

“It has nothing to do with us. Our family all opposed it.”

I could see cold sweat forming on his face despite his attempt at composure.

Song Chan-woo knew how much time and money I’d invested in making Yoon Chang-ho the president.

I waved my hand lightly and smiled.

“You don’t think I’d hold you responsible do you? I met with Congressman Song Chan-hyeok personally and told him not to chase pointless dreams but what can we do if he’s already caught the fever? I know it’s hard to stop someone once they get carried away.”

“…”

“Still he’ll have to take responsibility for his own decisions won’t he?”

Song Chan-woo quickly nodded agreeing with my words.

“Yes we’ve already made Song Chan-hyeok’s family cut ties with the company.”

“I heard about that. But it doesn’t seem enough.”

“Then…”

“Well let’s see how the election turns out. Who knows? Song Chan-hyeok might become president.”

Song Chan-woo’s eyes trembled as he caught the meaning behind my words.

You should have tried harder to stop him. I looked at him with one corner of my mouth twisted up.

“…That won’t happen.”

“We’ll see. If he becomes president that’s one thing but if he loses nothing good will come of it.”

I shifted my gaze from Song Chan-woo to Kim Byung-woo.

“It’s been a while Chairman Kim Byung-woo.”

“Yes Boss.”

“I heard Jungwoo Industries had a big project recently? Congratulations.”

I continued exchanging greetings with others in turn.

Then looking at Seo Jae-sang of JC Group I smiled.

“Chairman Seo Jae-sang it’s been a while. How is Honorary Chairman Seo Mang-geon’s health?”

“He’s doing well thanks to your concern.”

“That’s good to hear. Time is cruel isn’t it? Chairman Seo Yong-geon and now Chairman Seo Mang-geon… an era is fadingaway.”

Just then someone cleared their throat. I turned toward the sound.

It was Chairman Jo Hyeong-woo of Daesol Group. Looking around I noticed that among the thirty people gathered here three were chaebols separated from Il-seong Group and four were from Daehyeon Group.

This is quite something when you see them all together. The saying that chaebols run everything among themselves wasn’t wrong.

“Chairman Jo are you uncomfortable?”

“No.”

“Come to think of it your mother was Chairman Seo Yong-geon’s sister right? How is her health?”

“She’s healthy.”

“That’s good.”

I continued with the greetings finally addressing Guk Dae-ho.

“This is my first time meeting Chairman Guk Dae-ho of Pungsan Group. Pleased to meet you. I’m Kim Mu-hyeok.”

“Yes I’m Guk Dae-ho.”

With bewilderment on his face Guk Dae-ho’s lips trembled before he finally asked me a question.

“I’m sorry but I don’t understand what’s happening.”

“What do you mean?”

“Who exactly are you?”

“…”

Now that’s a fresh question. I smiled crookedly as I looked at him and he asked again.

“Who are you that all these chairmen are trembling before you?”

Still direct I see. Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been tainted yet but his way of speaking was quite bold.

“Trembling… well who am I indeed.”

“Please stop joking and explain.”

“Haha just think of me as the major shareholder of the companies gathered here.”

“Major shareholder? That’s nonsense…”

Guk Dae-ho looked around with a confused expression. But the other chairmen’s expressions remained unchanged.

“It doesn’t seem to sink in. Let me put it this way – I’m someone who could shake up the management rights of everyone here if I wanted to. Including your position as chairman of Pungsan Group.”

“What?”

When I matched his directness Guk Dae-ho raised his voice.

“Pungsan Holdings’ largest shareholder is you Chairman Guk second is Future Investment and third is Dream High Investment correct?”

“…That’s right.”

“Two of those belong to me. Does that explain it?”

“What?”

“It’s simple. Though it would be difficult I could take over management rights of all the companies gathered here if I wanted to. Shaking things up would be even easier. That’s why everyone’s here.”

Silence fell over the conference room.

“Now you understand how to behave don’t you Chairman Guk?”

“…”

“I like people like you Chairman Guk. You didn’t inherit your position you worked your way into the top 30 companies yourself.”

Starting with Pungsan Construction Pungsan Group had aggressively acquired companies during the IMF crisis growing larger through mergers and acquisitions.

“I’d like to have a separate conversation with you after hearing everyone’s opinions about why we’re gathered today.”

I turned away from Guk Dae-ho and spoke.

“You probably all know but today’s meeting was called because of Il-seong Group.”

As I wiped the smile from my face a cold atmosphere instantly descended upon the conference room.