The Price of Greed
Greed exceeding one's abilities inevitably invites disaster. To check Min-ho, Myeong-seon made an irreversible choice. The result was truly devastating.
First, she used Gwak Hee-do to drain JK Credit Info's cash reserves dry. The next step was stock accumulation to seize management control. The enemy's coffers were empty, and they were floundering in chaos. It was like fighting an opponent without sword or shield. Victory was already decided.
Even so, for a perfect finish, Min-ho headed to Pocheon with Choi. Still unable to read Min-ho's true intentions, Choi closed the window and posed a question.
"Young master, you don't have to go to Pocheon."
"It's been a while since I've checked in. The bigger our group gets, the more cautious we need to be."
"I've always thought the same. Do you think the chairman has a reason for insisting on running the Pocheon factory?"
"That's a tough one. If I had to guess, it's his life trajectory. If Grandfather hadn't been so ruthless, he might still be sitting in Myeong-dong instead of where he is now."
The Pocheon factory was a prison without bars. Back in his Myeong-dong loan shark days, Chairman Kang had brought in debtors who couldn't repay and made them work it off. It was a legitimate business paying exact wages, working hours, and even overtime. But depending on the situation, it could become JK Group's detonator.
"Going against Grandfather's decision isn't wise. For now, the best is just to ensure no problems arise."
"I'll pay more attention to management."
"This is sufficient. By the way, Aunt must be in hysterics by now, crying her eyes out."
"You've been buying up JK Credit Info stock lately. Do you think the chairman doesn't know?"
Chairman Kang's eyes and ears numbered in the hundreds, even thousands. He knew everything happening anywhere. Min-ho wouldn't overlook that.
"He knows. I'm sure of it."
"That's exactly what worries me, young master. It could look like a management takeover, and the chairman won't stay silent."
"It could lead to internal strife... is that what you mean?"
"Yes. Even with Athena's growth, it's still insignificant compared to the chairman's power."
No matter how cherished the grandson, cross the line and Min-ho could be cast out in an instant. Lawyer Choi voiced his concern.
Did Min-ho have no counter? Of course he did—another clever move.
"Do you think seizing Credit Info's management is my goal?"
"Otherwise, why buy the stock?"
"There's another play. How far to Pocheon?"
"About five kilometers left."
"Perfect timing. Let me make a call."
He picked up the car phone and dialed. After a few rings, a familiar voice answered.
"Seo Gwang-hun, director of JK Credit Info."
"Kang Min-ho here. Just calling to check how you're doing."
Trapped after the Gwak Hee-do incident, the curious director jumped straight to questions.
"Young master... did you know Gwak Hee-do would end up like that?"
"Seo Gwang-hun, you really think this is just a welfare check?"
"Pardon? What do you mean..."
"This isn't the time for idle questions."
"I'm sorry."
Through this, the director realized he was no match. He clamped his mouth shut at Min-ho's warning.
"A summons from the chairman is coming soon."
"Pardon? From the chairman?"
"If you go, don't mention me. Understand?"
"I only did as you instructed."
"Know what the Nazis who obeyed orders and killed masses said most? 'I was just following orders.' That's your line from earlier. I ordered it? Got proof?"
Seo was now expendable, worthless. One more warning to seal his lips.
"I... I'm not saying that... Are you telling me to take all the blame?"
"Come on, Seo Gwang-hun, watch your words. You started this investment yourself."
"I... this is so unfair."
"When you point a knife at someone's neck, shouldn't you be prepared to lose a wrist? Baring your teeth one moment, now playing dumb—it's annoying from my position."
Infuriated and wronged, Seo had no evidence or retort.
"I warned you. The moment my name leaves your lips, I'll turn your days into hell."
"Young master..."
"Change into a clean shirt—no sweat stench. Grandfather hates filth."
Min-ho ended the call with a leisurely smile. No sooner had he hung up than Choi's question flew.
"Even if Seo keeps quiet, the chairman will know."
"The same words sound different depending on who says them."
Just then, the car arrived at the Pocheon factory.
"Young master, shall I summon President Ham Gi-nam first?"
"He's sharp. He'll come running."
The prediction was spot-on. As Min-ho stepped out, the hunchbacked Ham Gi-nam—barely over 140 cm—scurried over, bowing 90 degrees with a loud greeting.
"Young master! How do you do?"
"Ham, long time no see."
"Hehe, if you'd called ahead, I'd have prepared a meal."
"I'd have gone to a restaurant if hungry. How's management? Any issues?"
"None at all."
"Can I believe that?"
"Of course! Absolutely."
Min-ho slowly toured the factory, meticulously checking for illegalities. Operations ran smoothly. The grounds were tidy, and workers' faces were brighter than before.
Nodding, Min-ho said, "Ham, you're doing well."
"After Cheon Dong-gwan left, I reflected a lot. Treating workers fairly makes things easier."
"Make sure this place never drags the group down."
"I'll keep it in mind."
Min-ho handed over a prepared envelope.
"What's this?"
"Buy the crew a round. Oil the wheels now and then."
"Oh my, thank you, young master."
"Someone's coming today or tomorrow."
"Who? I haven't heard."
"You'll know when you see. Work them hard. Got it?"
"No worries. I'll handle it."
Patting Ham's shoulder, Min-ho got back in the car. Unable to grasp the meaning, Choi asked,
"Young master, who’s coming? I haven't heard either."
Fastening his seatbelt, Min-ho replied, "Seo Gwang-hun, the director."
***
JK Group headquarters. Chairman Kang's summons.
Myeong-seon raced there but sat frozen in the car, terror-stricken. Chain-smoking anxiously, she lamented her plight.
"Agh, why's that bastard stirring hell from the grave! Nothing goes my way!"
She glared at Director Seo in the driver's seat and sighed, powerless.
Seo's heart was more tangled than ever, on pins and needles. He couldn't tell the chairman Min-ho ordered it. But staying silent made him the origin of it all.
Desperate for survival, he racked his brain, but no countermeasure emerged. His only lifeline was Myeong-seon's rotten rope.
"President... I'm sorry."
"Sorry? From you?"
"I have no excuse, even ten mouths."
"You shouldn't! If I go down, agh, how do I face Dad?"
Still oblivious to Min-ho's scheme, Myeong-seon blamed her luck. Worse, someone was buying stock via anonymous accounts—her insides burned black.
"We need to defend management, but how to raise funds?"
"Company funds left: about 50 billion. Even with next month's inflow, it's woefully short."
She flicked her cigarette and whipped around, glaring again.
"So we're losing the company too?"
"Sorry. For now, tell the chairman. If not, seek President Kang Du-seong's help?"
"What do I say to Dad? I'm going crazy! No ideas?"
Anticipating Myeong-seon dallying in the car, Chairman Kang had already issued orders. Mun butler, with three secretariat staff, knocked on the windshield—like the grim reaper to her.
Sighing deeply, she rolled down the window.
"Butler Mun, long time..."
"The chairman awaits."
"I know."
"Delay further, and I can't predict what happens. Get out."
"Fine, I'm getting out..."
Seo and Myeong-seon exited in turn. Mun fixed a piercing gaze on Seo, tone icy.
"Seo Gwang-hun."
"Yes, Executive Director Mun."
"From now, you're neither director nor JK Credit Info employee."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
Briefly a threat to Min-ho, Mun wanted no words with him. He ordered curtly,
"Take him to the roof."
"Yes, sir."
Staff grabbed Seo's arms, dragging him. Wronged, he thrashed, calling out futilely.
"Executive Director Mun! Sir! Wait, I have urgent words! Sir!"
Mun's gaze now fixed on Myeong-seon.
"Miss, we must go. Many eyes. Ensure no fuss. Please."
"Got it. Let's go!"
Her reply bold, but fear filled her. Each elevator floor ratcheted her heartbeat.
Suddenly tearful, she shook her head.
"Butler Mun, please put in a good word with Dad? I... I can't go..."
"You must take responsibility for your actions."
"No, I won't. Can't. Take me down... This is wrong. Gwak Hee-do didn't die, right? Yeah?"
Denying reality now. Mun grabbed her arm, pulling her out.
Secretariat watched, but she saw nothing—like a child wailing for a toy.
Finally, dragged by Mun to the chairman's office door.
"Open it yourself. I've done all courtesies."
Wiping tears on her sleeve, Myeong-seon sighed deeply and opened the door.
Always greeting with a smile, Dad was different today. Seated, face thunderous, he stared at her.