Chapter 244: A Dog of a Deceased Statesman

As Jin Dong-gi was lost in these complicated thoughts, there was someone else grappling with the same experience, his heart equally uneasy.

“I expected it, but this is a bit much… So this is what they mean by turning your back on someone.”

Chief of Staff Lee Hak-jae was astounded by the fact that almost none of the mourners visiting the bereaved family treated him as they used to.

Just a few days ago, people who would bow deeply to him were now scrambling to catch the eye of Chief of Staff Baek Jun-hyuk, Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi’s right-hand man.

He even had the unsettling feeling that he was looking at a reflection of his former self.

Baek Jun-hyuk, representing the group, announced the passing of Chairman Jin. His image was broadcast across the media, leading those familiar with Soonyang to believe he had directly inherited Lee Hak-jae’s role.

The closest confidant who could approach the group chairman.

He was realizing from the very first day of the funeral that this position was no longer his.

“When a statesman’s dog dies, throngs gather, but when the statesman dies, the courtyard awaiting mourners stands empty, doesn’t it?”

“But since the son who will inherit the statesman’s position is present, the throngs still gather, wouldn’t you say?”

“It’s just that the dog cherished by the deceased statesman is now ignored by everyone.”

“Your words are as sharp as ever. When did you arrive?”

“I came straight from the airport.”

“Unless you came by fighter jet, that’s too fast, isn’t it?”

“Yoon-ki called me a few days ago. He said the Chairman might not hold on much longer, so he told me to come.”

“Was Representative Oh that close to the Chairman? Enough to witness his final moments?”

“Not particularly close, but I do have some respect for him. Of course, I didn’t come to witness his passing.”

“Do-jun?”

“Yes. With the Chairman gone, the vice-chairmen will be making moves, and our Miracle, which holds a significant stake in Soonyang Group, needs to closely monitor the situation. Aren’t we major shareholders? We can’t stand by and watch just anyone take the Chairman’s seat.”

Oh Se-hyun said, standing beside Chief of Staff Lee Hak-jae in a corner of the courtyard, watching the endless stream of luxury cars arriving.

“You must be tired. Why don’t you go get some rest? I don’t think there’s much for you to do here.”

“Even if it wasn’t a private jet, I slept comfortably in first class. My mind is sharp. I want to see Yoon-ki and Do-jun’s faces before I leave. And pay my respects.”

Oh Se-hyun nudged Lee Hak-jae’s side.

“Shouldn’t all the chief mourners bow deeply when I appear? The major shareholder has arrived….”

“To the sons of this family, you’re a thief and a swindler. After all, you snatched away those valuable shares.”

“Then how am I viewed, Chief of Staff Lee?”

“Didn’t you say it yourself? The dog cherished by the deceased statesman. Or is it worse? Since no one pays me any attention, I suppose I’m like a lost duckling? Heh heh.”

“Then why don’t you stop complaining and accept Do-jun’s offer?”

“Offer? Ah, HW Group?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t you become something like a minister, if not a statesman?”

Watching Oh Se-hyun’s sly smile, Lee Hak-jae shook his head. How such a slick character became friends with the serious Yoon-ki was truly beyond him.

“Let’s see… A statesman is a first-rank official, and a minister is a second-rank official, right?”

“Wow, you know a lot.”

“This much is common sense. You’re just ignorant.”

“Well, as someone who studied abroad in England… Korean history is a bit hazy for me. Enough with the small talk, will you consider it? Seriously.”

“If Soonyang is a first-rank official, then HW isn’t even close to a second-rank… They’ve barely passed the imperial exam. Your analogy doesn’t fit.”

“But the position is different. This is a chairman. Isn’t it better to be the head of a snake than the tail of a dragon?”

“Know when to stop. Jokes get annoying when they drag on. By the way, why don’t you just take that seat, Representative Oh? Drop the ‘Representative’ and become ‘Chairman.'”

Oh Se-hyun raised his hand, covering his face.

“Take a look at my complexion. Don’t I look like a Southeast Asian native?”

While not quite a native, his face was tanned darker than a professional athlete. The fact that he had changed this much in just over two months spoke volumes about his current lifestyle.

“Living the good life, huh?”

“Waking up leisurely in the morning, having hotel breakfast, playing a round of golf. Swimming in the pool, sitting by the beach admiring the bikini-clad beauties, and then enjoying a lavish dinner with wine. That’s my daily routine. I can’t work anymore. I’m living in paradise. Heh heh.”

“Didn’t your wife go with you? Bikini-clad beauties, you say?”

“That’s why I said ‘admiring,’ didn’t I? Though I do feel a bit of regret.”

“Oh Representative, you’re quite peculiar. A gambler can’t live away from the gambling table… Or have I misjudged you?”

“Isn’t a true gambler someone who knows when to quit the game?”

Chief of Staff Lee Hak-jae glanced at Oh Se-hyun and smiled.

“A bit of rest has dulled your senses. You’ve picked the wrong hand this time. I’m not interested, so go offer a chrysanthemum at the altar and leave. Oh, contact me before you return to paradise. Let’s have dinner sometime.”

Lee Hak-jae placed a hand on Oh Se-hyun’s shoulder and strolled away.

“He’s not the type to retire like this….”

Oh Se-hyun tilted his head, watching his retreating figure.

After confirming that Chief of Staff Lee Hak-jae was gone, I approached Oh Se-hyun.

“What did he say?”

“I don’t know. Judging by his words, he’s definitely unhappy with his current situation, but he’s showing absolutely no interest.”

“You were supposed to poke at his sore spots, but did you end up saying something completely off-topic again?”

Oh Se-hyun flicked my forehead.

“Hey! I even called him the dog in the statesman’s courtyard, and he just laughed. I can’t figure out what he’s thinking.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Trying to provoke his pride isn’t working. Let’s change tactics.”

Oh Se-hyun began to glare at me with a doubtful expression.

“Anyway, I’m going to offer some incense and leave.”

“You’ll be at the hotel, right?”

“Yeah. Take care of the funeral arrangements. We’ll talk later.”

“Yes. You haven’t been here in a while, so why don’t you meet up with some people?”

“Sure. I plan to see a few friends and kill some time over soju. Take it easy.”

He patted my back lightly and went inside the house.

* * *

As soon as Oh Se-hyun stepped inside, he felt gazes fixed upon him.

A major shareholder of Soonyang Group who couldn’t be taken lightly.

But as Chief of Staff Lee had said, their eyes were full of hostility.

Only Jin Yun-ki, his friend, offered a warm look.

Oh Se-hyun respectfully burned incense and performed a deep bow.

“I am at a loss for words to express my condolences for this devastating loss.”

Speaking as respectfully as possible, Jin Young-gi’s expression softened.

“Thank you for your words of comfort.”

But he whispered into Oh Se-hyun’s ear.

“Come see me for a moment?”

Oh Se-hyun nodded slightly and quietly stepped back, Jin Young-gi following him, gesturing with his eyes.

Jin Yun-ki, seeing this, tried to follow, but Jin Dong-gi grabbed his arm.

“Shareholders and management have business to discuss. This isn’t your place.”

# # #

“I heard you weren’t feeling well, but it was just an exaggeration. Looking at your tan… Golf…?”

“Not an exaggeration, more like treating my mind and soul. Consider it a sabbatical?”

As the two sat facing each other in the second-floor living room, Chief of Staff Baek Jun-hyuk rushed in.

“Shall I prepare something to drink?”

“No. This will be quick. Ah, make sure no one comes up here.”

“Yes, Vice-chairman.”

Once they were alone, Oh Se-hyun spoke first.

“Is it alright for the chief mourner to leave his post?”

“Stop with the pointless chatter. I’m busy, so get to the point. The general shareholders’ meeting will be held soon.”

“Of course. The vacant position can’t remain empty.”

“I won’t ask you to hand over your shares, just your voting rights, and then go back. Go enjoy golfing in Southeast Asia. I’ll even send you a nice set of clubs.”

Oh Se-hyun shrugged and smiled.

“I can’t do that. How can a major shareholder miss the general shareholders’ meeting? I must exercise my voting rights diligently and righteously.”

“I’m not joking.”

“Neither am I.”

Their gazes clashed. Oh Se-hyun was the first to break the intense eye contact.

“Isn’t it a bit harsh to threaten a major shareholder who came to pay respects?”

“I’d be carrying an ordinary major shareholder on my back. But you, Representative Oh, are practically a corporate raider engaged in hostile M&A, so I won’t even offer you a glass of water. Haha.”

Seeing Jin Young-gi’s confident demeanor, Oh Se-hyun chuckled.

“You’re mistaken. I have no interest in M&A. Trying to swallow Soonyang Group would be like choking to death. I’m just a shareholder interested in selecting the best CEO. And judging purely by managerial competence, my assessment is that Vice-chairman Jin Dong-gi is better than Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi.”

“What?”

“Don’t shout. Look back at the past. See who has more examples of failed businesses. And if you combine Miracle’s shares with Vice-chairman Jin Dong-gi’s, isn’t it a very plausible scenario?”

Oh Se-hyun stood up from the sofa.

“Let me know when the date for the general shareholders’ meeting is set. Well then… Ah, my deepest condolences.”

Leaving Jin Young-gi, who was gritting his teeth, Oh Se-hyun bowed lightly and went downstairs.

Oh Se-hyun’s eyes met Jin Dong-gi’s, and he approached with a smile.

He leaned in and whispered into Jin Dong-gi’s ear.

“Buy me a drink later.”

* * *

“Are you secretly working with Oh Se-hyun?”

“Where did that come from all of a sudden?”

“Are you sure? If you’re thinking of stabbing me in the back, don’t. You’ll be crossing a point of no return.”

“Why the sudden suspicion again?”

He had come up to the second floor because they had something to discuss privately. But Jin Dong-gi’s irritation flared up at the accusatory tone from the very first word.

Jin Young-gi recounted Oh Se-hyun’s words verbatim.

“Sigh… Hyung-nim. Don’t get caught up in that bastard’s games. He can only gain leverage by driving a wedge between us brothers. His only weapon is being the swing vote. How can you be shaken so easily by such a shallow tactic?”

Jin Young-gi glared at his younger brother’s face before taking a deep breath.

“Alright. I overreacted. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I understand, you’re on edge.”

“Dong-gi. I can’t take it anymore. I can’t live with this anxiety. Let’s expedite the holding company conversion.”

Although feeling uneasy, Jin Dong-gi couldn’t really object. Oh Se-hyun’s swing vote could potentially benefit Jin Young-gi at any time.

To eliminate these uncertainties, consolidating power and having only the brothers left was the best option.

“Okay. As soon as the funeral is over….”

“No. Starting today!”

“Huh?”

Seeing Jin Young-gi’s resolute expression, he realized it wasn’t an offhand remark.

“Let’s deal with Lee Hak-jae first. We need to make him help us. Then the holding company conversion will be much faster.”

“I know… but why today?”

“Didn’t you get the call? People from the Ministry of Justice are coming to pay their respects. I need to have a quiet word with them.”

He understood what he meant.

Most officials in the Ministry of Justice are from the prosecution.

Especially the key positions in the Ministry of Justice are held by leading prosecutors who control the prosecution. If they step in, pressuring Lee Hak-jae would be a piece of cake.

Jin Young-gi was planning to ask them for a favor today.

“If we beat him to a pulp and then let him live, he’ll become docile.”

Jin Dong-gi said, watching his excited older brother.

“That’s all good, but don’t act alone anymore. Until the holding company is established and the shares are definitively divided, we’re in a three-legged race.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why meet important mourners alone? No more private meetings like that. Let’s meet and talk together. That way, misunderstandings like the one with Oh Se-hyun earlier won’t happen. Right?”

Jin Young-gi smiled faintly at his younger brother’s serious expression.

“They say the dead can reconcile the living and unite them. It seems Father is making us join hands.”

For the first time in a long while, the two brothers genuinely clasped hands.