Chapter 73
Chapter 73
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: The Seojin Group's Offer
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Kim Mi-jin's and Kim Jae-woon's officetel.
Lee Dae-hyuk told Yoon Tae-ho, Kim Min-gyu, Kim Mi-jin, and Kim Jae-woon everything that had happened.
The one who was most shocked was Yoon Tae-ho.
“So that’s why you sent me on vacation… there was more to it.”
“Did you enjoy your vacation?”
“No, that’s… Did you know about this, honey?”
When Yoon Tae-ho asked, Kim Mi-jin shook her head.
She was hearing it for the first time here, too.
“Me too, first time… Ha. My heart just dropped. Young Master, why go this far? You don’t need to take risks like this.”
When Kim Mi-jin asked with a frustrated look, Lee Dae-hyuk shook his head.
“This level of risk is necessary.”
Lee Dae-hyuk said in a calm tone.
It couldn’t be helped.
Taking over Daehan Group through normal means and getting revenge on Yoo Jae-man would take far too much time.
And if he shrank back from something like this, he wouldn’t even scratch Yoo Jae-man, let alone get revenge.
But Yoon Tae-ho, unaware of Lee Dae-hyuk’s true intentions, could only let out a deep sigh.
“It’s good that you’re taking on dangerous tasks. But from now on, never do it alone.”
“Understood.”
Lee Dae-hyuk nodded gladly.
He could feel Yoon Tae-ho’s unwavering loyalty.
But Yoon Tae-ho’s hurt feelings probably hadn’t faded yet.
He’d comfort him when they were alone later.
For now, it was time for official business.
“Now, let’s move on to official matters.”
Lee Dae-hyuk summarized briefly.
Most of those involved, including Kim Jin-taek and Min Seung-su, had been taken into custody.
Thanks to Park Jung-ki’s efforts.
“Park Jung-ki might get a lenient sentence, maybe even probation, due to mitigating circumstances.”
“No way!!!”
Kim Min-gyu scowled after hearing Lee Dae-hyuk.
It had been about half a month since the Wolfgang hunt.
Kim Min-gyu still needed more treatment, but he’d left the hospital because he was frustrated being cooped up.
Even now, wrapped head to toe in bandages, he’d insisted on attending the meeting.
He grimaced from a sudden pain and spoke.
“That villain? Leniency is too much.”
“What can you do? He performed outstanding service.”
“Service?”
“Not just Kim Jin-taek and Min Seung-su—he recorded conversations with all the corrupt officials who took bribes and turned them into wiretap files.”
Park Jung-ki had been smarter than expected.
He’d prepared insurance for himself, just in case.
“All those involved will rot in prison. But it’s not a perfect happy ending.”
Lee Dae-hyuk smacked his lips.
He’d heard from Kim Il-jung about the sentences for the Jaesong-dong Gate culprits.
Five years for Kim Jin-taek and Min Seung-su on bribery charges.
The officials who took the bribes would get at least three years for receiving bribes.
But the world doesn’t always go as planned.
“They probably won’t serve full terms. Seojin will intervene indirectly.”
If Seojin Group stepped in even indirectly, the sentences would lighten.
No one in their right mind would name Yoo Jae-man or Seojin in court, but variables always existed.
To seal their lips, Seojin would have to pull some strings.
“And Seojin contacted me. Their point man wants to meet.”
The one who called Lee Dae-hyuk was a man named Jeon Dong-hwan.
Lee Dae-hyuk knew him well.
The future president of Seojin Construction and a close aide to Chief of Staff Oh Joo-chan.
That man had reached out, expressing interest in a deal.
So.
“In the next week, 100 billion won will come in.”
After finishing, Lee Dae-hyuk looked around at everyone.
Yoon Tae-ho, head bowed in despair, spoke first.
“You’ve made an enemy of Chairman Yoo Jae-man. Isn’t this more dangerous?”
“Yeah, but whoa~ 100 billion… Impressive.”
The enormous sum of 100 billion won.
Kim Min-gyu whistled, but Yoon Tae-ho grasped the situation perfectly.
The issue wasn’t the 100 billion—it was like holding a knife to Chairman Yoo Jae-man’s throat.
Korea’s top ten chairmen wielded extralegal power.
If they wanted, disguising an accident or suicide was child’s play.
Especially around Yoo Jae-man—such incidents were common.
Countless people who probed his secrets had vanished without a trace.
Lee Dae-hyuk could be next.
‘No, that can’t happen.’
Yoon Tae-ho shook his head.
‘Even if Yoo Jae-man himself comes, I’ll protect the Young Master.’
He clenched his fist, burning with resolve.
Unlike Yoon Tae-ho’s fiery determination, Lee Dae-hyuk remained composed.
He’d anticipated Yoo Jae-man’s moves to some extent.
First, an investigation into him.
Then, some form of overture—coaxing or pressure.
‘A guy who treats talented people like dogs as a hobby.’
Yoo Jae-man knew investment and disposability were keys to success.
Especially “people” as disposables.
So, a meeting wouldn’t be far off.
‘Meeting face-to-face at this stage isn’t bad.’
Some probing was fine.
Plus, there was something he absolutely had to block now.
‘The connection between Lee Dae-hwan and Yoo Jae-man must be severed.’
If Lee Dae-hwan backed by Yoo Jae-man?
It would be fatal for Daehan Group.
It had to be stopped, but the problem was he couldn’t move first.
Like in deals or romance, no one likes the clingy one.
For proper push-pull, he had to wait for Yoo Jae-man’s contact.
As Lee Dae-hyuk outlined his plans,
Yoon Tae-ho raised his voice at Kim Min-gyu.
“And you, Min-gyu! What’s so impressive? The boss might be in danger, and you’re worried about money?”
“When would the Young Master—or President—be in danger? We’ve got his back, and he’s strong himself.”
“Exactly. I can protect myself, and with you two, it’s fine.”
“Still, this is… Sigh, never mind.”
Yoon Tae-ho rubbed his forehead with his right hand and shook his head.
It was a bit frustrating they didn’t sense the crisis, but what could he do?
Lee Dae-hyuk’s recklessness worried him a little, but it was worlds better than the days of wrist-cutting or suicide attempts whenever bored.
Unlike the satisfied Yoon Tae-ho, Kim Mi-jin beside him calculated coldly.
“Chairman Yoo Jae-man won’t act rashly over 100 billion. It’s pocket change to him. The problem is his curiosity.”
Unlike the physical types Yoon Tae-ho and Kim Min-gyu, the intellectual Kim Mi-jin had Yoo Jae-man somewhat figured out.
From rumors and patterns, he obsessed over talent.
What he coveted, he claimed.
“He has a good reputation in these circles. He takes care of his own regardless of status, for life. The issue is those who reject him never set foot in the industry again… Probably just rumors, right?”
“Of course, just rumors.”
Kim Mi-jin asked with worried eyes.
Lee Dae-hyuk nodded firmly.
But in truth,
‘It’s worse than that.’
He couldn’t tell Kim Mi-jin—who cared for him like a brother or son—that Yoo Jae-man was a monster beyond rumors.
It wasn’t just blackballing; he made them lose what mattered most.
Wealth, reputation, honor.
He crushed everything they’d built in life with raw power.
Remembering Yoo Jae-man’s words as he ruined people, Lee Dae-hyuk shivered involuntarily.
“Goods or money aren’t threats if you don’t have them. But people are different. Anyone not mine becomes an enemy. So eliminate future troubles early.”
Yoo Jae-man had trampled countless lives saying that.
And soon, Lee Dae-hyuk would face him.
‘Fine. Let’s clash. Not as Kim Gun-woo, but as Lee Dae-hyuk.’
Resolve and rage surged.
His mind cooled sharply.
Now, he’d challenge Yoo Jae-man his way.
First, he needed to use the war chest effectively.
“Kim Jae-woon. Prepare an investment plan before the 100 billion deposit and report it. We move systematically from now.”
“Yes, sir!!”
Kim Jae-woon’s response brimmed with determination.
Chairman Yoo Jae-man was mentioned, and a whopping 100 billion was coming into the company.
For an ordinary person, it was sweat-inducing terror.
Still.
‘Cool, but… a bit scary.’
Kim Jae-woon bit his lip and clenched his fist.
No room for nerves or fear.
He was here to enter the world Lee Dae-hyuk described.
“I’ll draft the plan and send it right away.”
Had he steeled himself?
Lee Dae-hyuk smiled, pleased with Kim Jae-woon’s resolute face, and stood.
“That covers the basics, so head home today. And you two—bodyguards will be assigned going forward. Bear with the inconvenience.”
Lee Dae-hyuk looked at Kim Jae-woon and Kim Mi-jin.
To protect them, not knowing Yoo Jae-man’s play.
“Got it, Young Master.”
“Yes, President.”
Safety over comfort, so they nodded.
“Alright, everyone rest well today.”
Satisfied with their reactions, Lee Dae-hyuk smiled.
He left the officetel with Kim Min-gyu and Yoon Tae-ho.
***
The next day, lunchtime.
“A new face.”
A coffee shop near Gangnam.
Lee Dae-hyuk was meeting Jeon Dong-hwan from Seojin Construction.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Early forties.
Jeon Dong-hwan, the man set to become Seojin Construction’s next president, sharpened his gaze through gold-rimmed glasses.
“Nothing good, I’m sure.”
At Lee Dae-hyuk’s quip, Jeon Dong-hwan nodded.
“Pity. As Daehan Group’s heir, we could’ve been allies…”
“And?”
When Jeon Dong-hwan trailed off, Lee Dae-hyuk stared.
He saw the intent.
“I’m not Seojin Group’s enemy yet. I’m just here for a reasonable deal following the investment.”
Lee Dae-hyuk subtly prodded Jeon Dong-hwan.
Jeon Dong-hwan’s brow furrowed briefly.
But he showed no reaction.
He represented Seojin Construction—no, Seojin Group.
Business over emotions.
“The Chairman said to meet all your conditions.”
Jeon Dong-hwan, relaying Yoo Jae-man, handed Lee Dae-hyuk two envelopes.
“We added the special clause assigning the personnel company you specified yesterday to the sales contract. Just sign, and it proceeds immediately.”
Thud!
Seeing the 100 billion won envelopes on the table, Lee Dae-hyuk smiled meaningfully.
‘Thank you. Chairman Yoo is helping me again.’
Boss, Become a Chaebol