Chapter 326: Stepping into the Chairman’s Shoes

As I opened the doors to the main conference room, all the directors stood up from their seats and bowed. Their surprised expressions were undoubtedly because Joo Byung-hae was with me.

Joo Byung-hae nodded with a benevolent expression.

“I’ll just sit in the corner over there and watch, so don’t mind me. Let me know if I’m in the way. Should I make myself scarce?”

“Oh, no, sir. Not at all, Advisor.”

The president of Electronics waved his hand frantically, and Joo Byung-hae chuckled as he settled into a seat.

The registered directors exchanged glances, looking uncomfortable.

It’s probably not because of me. It’s definitely because of Advisor Joo Byung-hae… What’s going on?

I sat in the empty seat at the head of the conference table, and the board meeting began.

“We will now commence the extraordinary meeting of the board of directors for Soonyang Corporation and Soonyang Electronics. The agenda item is the appointment of the overall CEO for both companies. Directors, please express your opinions.”

Everyone just looked at each other, and no one spoke. The presidents of Electronics and Corporation, along with a few executives leading their factions, should be the first to voice their approval, but they were all keeping their mouths shut.

These old geezers, playing hard to get.

This is the final silence before declaring surrender, but they know it’s pretty pointless.

I smiled at the presidents of Electronics and Corporation, alternating my gaze between them.

“Are you two still calculating? Or are you showing me the last shred of your pride?”

“Ah, no, sir.”

The two men suddenly jumped up and started clapping.

As if on cue, about thirty other registered directors quickly rose and applauded as well.

“I hereby declare that this agenda item has been approved unanimously.”

I slowly stood and bowed.

Even though I had taken control of the last two target companies, I felt strangely calm.

As I straightened up, Advisor Joo Byung-hae, who had somehow appeared at my side, patted my back.

“You’ve done well.”

His short remark felt like my grandfather was speaking to me.

Yes, I really had worked hard for a long time.

* * *

The moment Advisor Joo Byung-hae stepped into the Soonyang Group chairman’s office, his eyes started to well up.

Was he reminiscing about the most glorious moments of his life? Or was he remembering my grandfather?

I slowly walked over and sat in the office chair. The feel of the worn leather on the armrests was like my grandfather’s touch.

“How is it? What are your thoughts on sitting in that seat?”

“It’s alright. I should be overjoyed, but I feel rather indifferent.”

“That’s because you’re qualified enough for it. If it were a position you didn’t deserve, you’d be jumping for joy.”

Advisor Joo Byung-hae adjusted his fedora.

“Now that I’ve seen you in that seat, I’ll be heading back. Finish up your business and come down for a visit. And move your hyung-nim’s grave to Yongin. I’m getting old, and being a caretaker is too much for me now.”

“Since you’re here, why don’t you rest for a bit before you go?”

I quickly got up to stop him.

“No need. I’ve seen what I wanted to see, nothing else to do.”

“Great-uncle, is that all you came to Seoul for?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t seem like that’s your only reason for coming to Seoul.”

“That sharp wit of yours… Haha.”

Advisor Joo Byung-hae raised his cane and pointed outside.

“I came to scold any stubborn bastards at the board meeting. And I was also planning to rip Young-gi’s mouth apart if he stormed into the meeting.”

So, he was planning to stand in for my grandfather.

“Great-uncle, aren’t you underestimating me too much?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve got people surrounding my uncle’s house. He can’t get out. And the Electronics executives have already knelt before me. Today’s board meeting was just a formality. Haha.”

My great-uncle shook his head in disbelief.

“You ruthless bastard. You’re just like your grandfather. I’m leaving. No need to see me out.”

He pushed past me, who was about to see him off, and strode out of the chairman’s office.

Alone in the chairman’s office, I slowly walked around, looking at each and every trace of my grandfather’s presence, when the intercom buzzed.

— Chairman, the presidents of the subsidiaries are waiting to greet you. What should we do?

Chairman… It’s the title I need to get used to now.

“Tell the presidents of Electronics and Corporation to come in, and send the rest back. I’ll meet them after the inauguration ceremony.”

I turned off the intercom, and as if they had been waiting for the signal, the two presidents came in and bowed.

“Congratulations, Chairman.”

“Save the greetings for later. Let me tell you about the urgent matters we need to address.”

“Yes, sir. Chairman.”

The two men sat down in front of me, looking tense.

“Dispose of all privately used domestic and international assets held by the Electronics and Corporation subsidiaries. Houses, villas, private jets, cars, and all kinds of membership passes are included. The same goes for all the items inside the houses and villas. If anyone claims ownership of any item, ask them for proof. Until then, not a single spoon or slipper can be taken out. The deadline is three days.”

I phrased the order to kick my uncle’s entire family out of their homes in this lengthy way.

The two men were flustered by this awkward order, but they knew it was unavoidable.

“Also, we’ll be starting a major audit of the subsidiaries. So, make sure to reassure the executives so they don’t panic.”

They turned pale at the second order.

Didn’t this mean he would dig into the corruption of the subsidiaries’ executives?

“Don’t be alarmed. I’m not so narrow-minded that I’ll go after all the executives. The targets are just two people: Jin Young-gi and Jin Young-jun. Understand? I need your cooperation.”

They both sensed that taking over the group was not the end but the beginning. The ultimate goal was the downfall of Jin Young-gi and his son.

Just like Chairman Jin Yang-cheol had erased the traces of his older brother, Jin Sun-cheol.

“Yes, sir. We will keep that in mind, Chairman.”

“If you handle these two well, I will entrust the companies to you. You already know, right? That I don’t get deeply involved in management? If you perform well, you will hold onto your positions for a very long time.”

For salaried employees, job security is the best reward.

The two presidents’ expressions brightened again, and they repeatedly bowed as they retreated.

As soon as they left, Chairman Lee Hak-jae entered, chuckling.

“Oh? That seat suits you quite well, doesn’t it? Hahaha.”

“You’ve arrived.”

I started to get up, but he waved his hand.

“Just stay seated. It’s been a while since that chair had an owner; you need to get used to it.”

“It’s been a while since you’ve been in this room too, Chairman.”

He slowly looked around, seemingly filled with emotion, and then spoke.

“The breaking news is already out. You must be getting a lot of congratulatory calls?”

“I’ve blocked my calls and turned off my cell phone. I want to handle urgent matters first and receive the greetings later.”

“The first thing you need to do is buy back the treasury shares of Corporation and Electronics, right?”

“Yes. I’ve prepared everything so we can proceed as soon as the official announcement is made. The group will be vertically integrated within this week.”

“You’re fast, as expected. And the media is in an uproar, isn’t it? The new captain of Soonyang Group. Congratulatory articles are pouring out, almost sickeningly so. Especially from Hanseong Ilbo.”

“Isn’t it cruel? Their father was kicked out, but they have to praise me, the one who did it.”

“It’s business. You have to endure even the most brutal humiliation.”

“They’ll experience even greater humiliation now. There will be no more deals with Hanseong Ilbo for the time being.”

“For the time being?”

“Yes. Until Older Brother Young-joon surrenders and begs for mercy. He’ll surrender if he thinks about his child.”

“You ruthless bastard. You’re going to wipe out his entire lineage.”

“It’s my grandfather’s way.”

Lee Hak-jae smiled bitterly. He knew a storm of blood was coming.

“What about the restructuring of the subsidiaries?”

“Anyone who’s on my uncle’s or Older Brother Young-joon’s side will be purged. They’re all bowing down to me now to survive, but what can they do? The king has changed. If they had all resigned, my heart might have wavered.”

“Just clean them out. That’s what the Chairman would have done. And… there’s one more thing.”

Chairman Lee spoke with difficulty.

“Yes?”

“The merger of Soonyang Group and HW Group. And Chairman Jin Do-jun will sit at the top. To make that happen, I also need to step down. Hehe.”

He’s a truly meticulous and thorough person.

He hasn’t forgotten their old agreement and is stepping down at the perfect time.

“Shall we hold your retirement ceremony at my inauguration?”

“You cold-hearted brat. Shouldn’t you at least pretend to try and stop me?”

“If you were someone who would change your mind by being persuaded, would I have served you so painstakingly? You’re even being petulant now. Hehe. So, what are your plans now?”

Chairman Lee Hak-jae shrugged and grinned.

“Oh Se-hyun told me to come visit. He said that handing over all the burdens to you and living a carefree life wouldn’t be so bad. I’m thinking of going to see if he’s right.”

Everyone is different. Lee Hak-jae is the kind of person who needs to be constantly working and using his brain until he dies.

“Stay at the resort, and if you get bored, come back. I’ll leave a position open for you. I’ll always keep you company.”

Would Vice-chairman be appropriate?

“We’ll see.”

Chairman Lee Hak-jae abruptly stood up.

“Get your team together and send them over quickly. We need to discuss the merger. I’m off.”

He turned around without showing a hint of regret.

I leaned back in my chair and let out a sigh of relief. But this rest will only be temporary. I can’t miss the most opportune moment.

I picked up the phone and called Prosecutor Kim Ji-hoon.

— Hey! You haven’t been answering my calls… No, I should congratulate you first. Congratulations, Chairman of Soonyang Group. Hehe.

“Save the congratulations for later. I need you to do something for me right now.”

— What is it?

“Go meet Jin Young-jun and threaten him a bit.”

* * *

“Chairman, the prosecutor in charge has come to see you.”

“What? How did that bastard know I was here?”

“Well… he said he’s here to deliver a message from Jin Do-jun.”

Jin Young-jun pondered for a moment before nodding. What did that bastard, now a chairman, want to say?

“Of course, a chaebol wouldn’t stay in jail. That’s why they say if a chaebol goes to jail, it’s like winning the lottery.”

“Surely they wouldn’t try to find fault with something like this, would they?”

“We have to let minor things like this slide. Anyway…”

Prosecutor Kim Ji-hoon casually sat on the edge of the bed.

“You saw the news, right? Do-jun taking over all of Soonyang?”

This young punk was speaking informally to him. Jin Young-jun suppressed his rising anger.

“Just say what you need to say and leave. A messenger shouldn’t be so talkative.”

“Okay. The 400 billion won worth of Soonyang Corporation shares you bought under borrowed names—isn’t the source of that money from embezzling company funds? Do-jun said he’s going to start tearing apart the subsidiaries today to find evidence of that 400 billion won embezzlement.”

“These bastards are really…”

“If we find the evidence, I’ll indict you in 10 billion won chunks. Even if you’re lucky enough to get probation for all of them, I can indict you 40 times. So, you’ll spend the rest of your life on trial. Of course, jail will be your home. Oh, and there won’t be any more motels for you. You’ll be sleeping on a cement floor.”

“You little shit… Are you kidding me right now?”

Kim Ji-hoon gave the fuming Jin Young-jun a chilling smile and said softly.

“Do-jun told me to make sure to tell you this. How about spending the rest of your life with the group shares you own instead of in jail? Think about it. Hehe.”

The thought that Jin Do-jun’s blade would never stop made Jin Young-jun slump onto the sofa.

He didn’t even have the strength to stand.

* * *

Once I confirmed that the ordered tasks were progressing smoothly, I had some breathing room. And I began preparations to visit the person I absolutely had to inform that I had become the owner of Soonyang.

I pressed the intercom button.

— Yes, Chairman.

“Prepare the private jet. Right now.”

— Excuse me? Ah, yes. Understood. But where should I tell them the destination is?

“Moldova.”

* * *

— Epilogue.

“Everyone, wait here. I’ll go alone.”

“Chairman, I don’t think that’s a good idea…”

Ignoring the flustered attendants, I picked up a black plastic bag.

“It’s okay. There’s not much traffic here. It’s safe.”

Kim Yoon-suk stepped forward.

“Chairman, you know that’s not going to happen.”

Seeing his earnest expression, I sighed.

“Then follow 10 meters behind me. Will that be enough?”

“Yes, Chairman.”

Surrounded by about ten attendants following behind, I started walking. Even though it was over 20 years ago, it felt as vivid as yesterday. I remembered the forest path leading to the lake as clearly as day.

And then, the vast blue lake.

Right at that spot, I opened a bottle of soju and lit a cigarette. I coughed, but slowly took a drag.

I could vaguely hear my attendants murmuring as they watched me. Even their voices sounded like the sounds of the forest. The place where Yoon Hyun-woo died and was reborn as Jin Do-jun.

Where did Yoon Hyun-woo’s soul rest? In the lakeside forest? Or at the bottom of the cold lake?

Looking back, it was hard to tell if I had lived for revenge or to take over Soonyang Group. Perhaps the dividing line was when I stopped having nightmares of a bullet piercing my head?

I stubbed out the cigarette and poured the soju.

Half on the lakeside, half in the lake.

“Rest in peace now. This much should be enough to avenge your unfair death.”

I stared at the blue lake for a long time, just like I did before I died.

It felt like I had finally finished Yoon Hyun-woo’s funeral.

Now, I should forget the dead and return to the living.

As Jin Do-jun….