Chapter 766: Is the Internal Conflict Severe?

Yoo Sung-jin seemed to have made up his mind.

“That’s our Chairman Yoo. He has a firm grasp of the situation. Knows exactly what to do, too. Still, I can’t say I’m comfortable with it.”

Manager Ma had said that Yoo Sung-jin was walking into his own grave, but I had my doubts.

But to actually abandon his own safety…

As Yoo Sung-jin said, if we abandoned him, there would be no reason to be controlled by Jiang Zemin.

“I think it’s best to agree to Yoo Sung-jin’s demands for now, Boss. Getting him out is a problem for later.”

Manager Ma continued to persuade me to give up on Yoo Sung-jin.

“The next Chairman of Heavenly Group…”

If we abandoned Yoo Sung-jin, we would have to choose the next Chairman to lead Heavenly Group.

“Yoo Sung-jin recommended three people for the next Chairman, right?”

Yoo Sung-jin recommended Chu Dong-bin, Im Hwa-soo, and Yang Woo-guk as the next Chairman.

“Manager Ma, who do you think is the best choice? Since you know Heavenly Group’s internal affairs better than I do, please tell me.”

“How about asking Chairman Lee Sang-geun? Even though he’s completely left Heavenly Group, he’s still one of the people who knows them the best.”

“Good idea. Contact him right away and tell him to come.”

Manager Ma bowed his head and immediately picked up his phone.

He contacted Lee Sang-geun and told him to come to Pyeongchang-dong.

After a few more words were exchanged on the receiver, Manager Ma ended the call.

Even after making the call, Manager Ma and I continued our conversation.

* * *

An emergency board meeting of Heavenly Group was convened.

“What’s going on here? What charges were brought against the Chairman to have him arrested?!”

A man slammed his hand on the table and shouted.

“Hey, Kim Ki-moon! What kind of secretary are you to let the Chairman get arrested?!”

The fire fell on Kim Ki-moon, the director who was presiding over the board meeting.

However, Kim Ki-moon remained unfazed and replied bluntly.

“Director Yang, please show some respect.”

“What? Respect? You son of a bitch! Watch your mouth. You trying to die?!”

Yang Woo-guk, spewing curses, growled as if he were about to pounce on Kim Ki-moon.

“Director Yang, calm down. This isn’t the time for us to fight amongst ourselves. Are we still a bunch of thugs?”

Director Im Hwa-soo, sitting opposite Yang Woo-guk, said in a conciliatory tone.

Yang Woo-guk turned his gaze from Kim Ki-moon and glared at Im Hwa-soo.

“What did you say? Hey you! What kind of tone is that to a senior? That’s why you guys with no lineage are no good. I never liked you since the day they appointed a nobody like you as a director!”

At those words, Im Hwa-soo narrowed his eyes and glared back at Yang Woo-guk.

The atmosphere turned menacing, as if a fight was about to break out.

“Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin is entering.”

Just then, the door opened and Chu Dong-bin walked into the meeting room.

“What’s this? Why is the atmosphere like this? Did you guys fight again? Tsk… Are you kids? Don’t you know why we’re gathered here?”

Chu Dong-bin scanned the directors with a sharp gaze.

More than half of the directors lowered their heads, but those around him, including Yang Woo-guk and Im Hwa-soo, did not avert their gazes.

Chu Dong-bin slowly walked towards Yang Woo-guk and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Director Yang, why are you so on edge? Why? Is it because the Chairman is in danger that you have other thoughts? Is that it?”

“……”

“It’s an emergency. This isn’t the time to be fighting each other. Isn’t that right, Director Yang Woo-guk?”

Yang Woo-guk didn’t open his mouth, his lips pressed tightly together at Chu Dong-bin’s words.

Chu Dong-bin smiled seeing Yang Woo-guk like that. He took his hand off his shoulder and looked towards Im Hwa-soo.

Im Hwa-soo quickly opened his mouth after receiving Chu Dong-bin’s gaze.

“I’m sorry, Vice Chairman.”

Only after Im Hwa-soo apologized did Chu Dong-bin nod his head and go to his seat.

The head seat where the Chairman usually sat remained empty.

“Director Kim Ki-moon, let’s proceed.”

At Chu Dong-bin’s instruction, Kim Ki-moon started the emergency board meeting.

“Chairman Yoo Sung-jin was arrested by the Public Security Bureau in China.”

Kim Ki-moon explained to the directors the circumstances surrounding Chairman Yoo Sung-jin’s arrest.

When Kim Ki-moon finished speaking, Im Hwa-soo raised his hand to ask a question.

“Director Kim Ki-moon, what charges were brought against the Chairman?”

“We have not yet been able to ascertain that. We have applied for meetings several times, but we’ve been continuously denied.”

“So you don’t know anything? Then why did you convene the board meeting?”

“Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin requested the meeting.”

Everyone’s attention turned to Chu Dong-bin.

“The survival of Heavenly Group is the top priority. With no idea when the Chairman will be released, leaving things as they are could lead to Heavenly Group falling apart. So, we must discuss countermeasures among ourselves and figure out how to save the Chairman. Is there a problem?”

Heavenly Group operated under the guise of a corporation, but at its core, it was a super-large organized crime group formed by gathering violent organizations from across the nation.

Following Park Dong-soo, who unified the organizations across the nation, Lee Sang-geun stabilized the organization, and Yoo Sung-jin grew the organization.

Of course, as a coalition of numerous organizations, internal conflicts were fierce.

Since organizations that were fundamentally opposed to each other had gathered, conflict was inevitable.

However, Yoo Sung-jin thoroughly crushed any conflict the moment it surfaced.

Thanks to that, everyone was too busy hiding their dissatisfaction all this time.

“Is there a chance that the Chairman will be released safely? I know nothing about China. What does Hao Xun, the Deputy Chairman, say?”

Yang Woo-guk asked Chu Dong-bin.

“The Chairman called me before he was arrested. He told me not to do anything reckless and to wait. The Deputy Chairman just said he would do his best to save the Chairman.”

“You mean the Chairman contacted you directly?”

“Yes. He told me to take care of the group for the time being. Kim Ki-moon, the Chairman’s secretary, was also there.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Kim Ki-moon.

“That’s correct. The Chairman asked Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin to take care of the group for the time being.”

The people gathered for the board meeting murmured amongst themselves. Chu Dong-bin, who tapped the table lightly to gain their attention, said:

“The Chairman’s biggest concern isn’t anything else. It’s the group splitting while he’s away. So, I think it’s time for us to stop the internal conflict and cooperate. Am I wrong, Director Yang Woo-guk, Director Im Hwa-soo?”

The two men who were called upon closed their mouths tightly. But they were beginning to think about how to use this opportunity.

Chu Dong-bin frowned at the sight.

‘These bastards… I can hear them thinking about how to use this opportunity.’

Chu Dong-bin seemed to see right through their thoughts.

Kim Ki-moon continued the board meeting.

“Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin will temporarily manage Heavenly Group in place of the Chairman. Are there any directors who oppose this?”

Chu Dong-bin was Yoo Sung-jin’s right-hand man. There was no justification for opposition.

“Then, we will decide on Chu Dong-bin as the acting Chairman.”

Kim Ki-moon banged the gavel, confirming the decision.

‘We’ll let it slide for today, but let’s see how long you can keep smiling, Chu Dong-bin.’

Yang Woo-guk applauded but was gritting his teeth inside.

“It’s been a while since we all gathered, so let’s have a meal together. I’ve made a reservation at a nice restaurant.”

At Chu Dong-bin’s words, Yang Woo-guk got up from his seat and refused.

“I have a prior engagement, so I’ll leave first.”

Yang Woo-guk and those who followed him left the meeting room in a flurry.

“I will also be leaving now. I’ll treat you to a meal next time.”

Im Hwa-soo also left the meeting room along with his followers.

Yang Woo-guk and Im Hwa-soo led half the people from the meeting room out, leaving it feeling empty.

“Geez. What personalities. Is there anyone else who’s leaving?”

No one got up.

“Then let’s all leave together.”

Chu Dong-bin led the remaining people to the restaurant he had reserved.

Just days after Yoo Sung-jin was arrested in China, Heavenly Group was already beginning to shake.

* * *

“Boss, Chairman Lee Sang-geun has arrived.”

It hadn’t been long since I called Lee Sang-geun, but he had already arrived.

“It’s been a while, Chairman Lee Sang-geun.”

Lee Sang-geun bowed his head while shaking hands with Kim Mu-hyeok.

“Boss. It’s been a while.”

“Haha. There’s no need to be so formal between us. It makes me feel distant.”

I led Lee Sang-geun to his seat, and as soon as we sat down, I immediately got to the point.

“You know Chairman Yoo Sung-jin was arrested in China, right?”

“Yes. I was also surprised when I heard that news. What exactly were the charges?”

“They say it’s charges of drug smuggling and distribution.”

At my words, Lee Sang-geun’s face turned pale in an instant.

“Are you saying Heavenly Group is involved in drugs?”

“That’s not it. The Public Security Bureau fabricated the case. But it looks like it will be difficult for him to get out.”

“Is it difficult even if you get involved?”

“To save Yoo Sung-jin, I would have to give up a lot. If that happened, I might end up being controlled by them.”

“Hmm.”

Lee Sang-geun swallowed a groan. He also seemed to realize that this matter was not trivial.

“Chairman Yoo Sung-jin also told me not to negotiate with them. He said that I shouldn’t step down because of him.”

As if he expected it, Lee Sang-geun nodded his head calmly.

“I thought that’s what Chairman Yoo would say. So, what do you think, Boss?”

“I’m still thinking about it. That’s why I called you, Chairman Lee. Chairman Yoo Sung-jin recommended three people as his successors. He asked me to make one of them the chairman if something goes wrong.”

“Are you talking about Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin, Director Im Hwa-soo, and Director Yang Woo-guk?”

I only said three people, but Lee Sang-geun pointed them out exactly.

“You know them well. Do you still have lingering feelings for Heavenly Group?”

I was the one who had Lee Sang-geun step down from Heavenly Group.

Lee Sang-geun answered with a bright smile.

“There’s no way that would be the case. Things are much better now. I can be proud in front of my children. However, I’ve been continuously keeping tabs on Heavenly Group’s internal affairs. After all, there are many businesses that Heavenly Group and Jungwoo Construction do together.”

“Heavenly Group’s internal affairs, huh? Please explain what they are like.”

“First of all, Vice Chairman Chu Dong-bin is a direct descendant of the Dong-soo Faction. He is also the right-hand man whom Yoo Sung-jin trusts the most.”

Dong-soo Faction. At the nostalgic name, the corner of my lips curled up without me noticing.

At the same time, I remembered Chu Dong-bin whom I had met before. He was a man with the unique background of being a former soldier.

“He’s a former soldier, right? I remember he was a diligent person. Do you think he can lead Heavenly Group well?”

“Still, he’s the most likely candidate. The Dong-soo Faction is also the largest faction within Heavenly Group.”

“Is the internal conflict more serious than I thought?”

“When Chairman Yoo Sung-jin was around, everyone lived under his thumb, so it wasn’t outwardly visible. But if Chairman Yoo Sung-jin doesn’t return, internal conflict is inevitable.”

“I see. Continue talking.”

I asked him to explain about the other candidates.

“Im Hwa-soo is a man who has the support of organizations based in Jeolla Province. He’s also the second-largest faction.”

I tried to remember Im Hwa-soo whom I had met before.

He was the man who blocked me when I went to Heavenly Group without any notice.

I think he was a manager back then. When did he grow so much?

“I’ve seen his face before.”

“Then it will be easier to explain. He’s a bit hot-headed, but he’s a capable person who has risen from a middle manager to a board member.”

“You seem to think highly of Im Hwa-soo, even though you’re from the Dong-soo Faction.”

As I asked playfully, he smiled. It was natural for both of us to lighten up when the Dong-soo Faction was mentioned.

“Yang Woo-guk is supported by organizations from Gangwon and Chungcheong Provinces. He is also the junior whom the advisors cherish the most. His power is the smallest among them, but if the advisors help him, the landscape can change at any time.”

“Are those old geezers still around? Dong-soo cleaned them up once, and Chairman Lee did it again. They’re like cockroaches.”

Lee Sang-geun finally laughed loudly. It seemed that calling them cockroaches hit the spot.

“Haha. You’ve nailed it. But this industry is a place where if you don’t treat your seniors well, you won’t be treated well either, so their influence is naturally going to be big.”

“What are their abilities like?”

“He is the most cruel person among the three. Chu Dong-bin is the best at reading the trends and growing money. Im Hwa-soo came up from the bottom, so he takes better care of his subordinates than anyone else. However, Yang Woo-guk was in a high position from the start, so he’s a despicable man who thinks of his subordinates as pawns.”

Yang Woo-guk, huh? I didn’t remember that name.

“Why did Chairman Yoo leave such a person alone?”

“He probably used him to deal with the advisors.”

“Still, if he recommended him as a successor, that means he’s useful in some way…”

There was no way he would consider a man who could barely deal with the advisors as the next chairman. I need to look into Yang Woo-guk.

“So who do you recommend, Chairman Lee?”

“I recommend Im Hwa-soo. From Park Dong-soo to Yoo Sung-jin, all the chairmen have been from the Dong-soo Faction. If this continues, dissatisfaction will continue to build up internally.”

Not Chu Dong-bin, but Im Hwa-soo. At the unexpected words, I raised an eyebrow without realizing it.

Then Lee Sang-geun smiled lightly and continued.

“In the end, the person you choose will be the next chairman, Boss. In the end, depending on where you throw your weight, the internal conflict in Heavenly Group will be easily resolved.”

Lee Sang-geun pointed out the core point at the end. He was saying that it all came down to who I had in mind.