The Final Proposal
***
Far from achieving Athena's goals, Myeong-seon had become a ragged remnant, howling in the vast emptiness after losing even what little she had left. Provoking Chairman Kang's ire had been a grave mistake. Through this affair, she was effectively eliminated from the succession race.
Seo Gwang-hun, the director who had been rattling his bell and blowing his horn at her side, had been dragged off to the Pocheon Factory, bringing the incident to a close for now. Only one choice remained.
As Chairman Kang had pointed out, Min-ho now held the reins. If they didn't want Myeong-seon's blunders broadcast far and wide, waiting for the final verdict was the best option.
Yeouido's Athena was in the same boat, tensely awaiting Min-ho's decision. In the charged atmosphere, Lawyer Choi finished his call with Pocheon Factory Manager Ham and set down the receiver.
Min-ho's prediction had hit the mark once again. Feigning mild surprise without showing it, he reported in his usual calm tone.
"Director Seo Gwang-hun has arrived at Pocheon."
"He's nothing but a debtor now. His director title has surely been stripped away."
"Just as you said last time?"
"Of course. Manager Ham will handle the rest."
"How did you predict Chairman Kang would make this decision?"
Unlike Lawyer Choi's tangled inner thoughts, this was something Min-ho had long foreseen. He spoke as casually as if discussing the weather.
"It's simple. Grandfather never does business that loses money, no matter the situation."
"So what happens to Director Seo... I mean, Mr. Seo Gwang-hun now?"
"His house and all his assets will be seized to cover part of the damages owed."
"For him, not having to shoulder the full 15 billion must feel like a mercy."
Min-ho stood two pens on his desk, knocking them over one by one as he replied.
"Two options. Pay back every won of the damages Grandfather sets, or work himself to death in Pocheon."
"I just can't understand why Seo Gwang-hun made this choice."
"He could only rise to senior deputy manager on merit. He craved an executive role, but his education fell short."
"So he stuck to President Kang Myeong-seon like a leech to make up for it?"
"No other path. That's all in the past now. Time for us to move."
"Understood. Section Chief Cheon Dong-gwan and President Jo Dong-uk are waiting in the conference room."
Min-ho gathered the necessary documents and headed to the conference room. Opening the door, he found the two men sitting with uncharacteristically tense expressions, unlike their usual demeanor.
To lighten the mood, Min-ho spoke first to President Jo.
"Anyone would think this was a funeral home. Why so nervous?"
"President... it feels like the calm before the storm right now."
"We control the winds. No one's sniffed out this deal yet, right?"
"We've acquired shares through dozens of proxy names, so nothing so far—but it could blow up anytime."
JK Credit Info was one of the group's core affiliates. Touching it meant all-out war with Chairman Kang Jin-gwang. It took real guts.
"If word spreads, it'll be a headache."
"It's prime scoop material. What worries me is if this plan leaks—can Chairman Kang weather it unscathed?"
"He already knows."
Min-ho's matter-of-fact reply stunned President Jo, who shot up from his chair.
"Pardon? What do you mean? We've spread it across proxies—no way he knows."
"The one who does know is Grandfather. Have some coffee while you wait."
Min-ho moved to the whiteboard and turned to Section Chief Cheon.
"Report the current share status."
"Yes, sir. Chairman Kang Jin-gwang holds 15%, President Kang Myeong-seon 8%."
"We've amassed 25%, correct?"
"Yes. Strangely, Credit Info hasn't budged."
"They can't. Any move would scream they're on the brink of collapse."
Section Chief Cheon scratched his head, looking troubled.
"If Chairman Kang knows... it's complicated... What are your plans, President?"
"Act like nothing's happened while emptying President Kang Myeong-seon's pockets. That's the goal."
"Right."
"Can't send you, Section Chief Cheon—they know your face. President Jo, you handle it this time."
"Me? You don't mean meeting Chairman Kang alone?"
"No. Meet Executive Director Moon Sang-oh. Just relay my message."
"What should I say?"
Min-ho smiled faintly and handed pre-prepared documents to the team.
"This is the finale of our plan."
Lawyer Choi, eager for Min-ho's intentions, scanned it quickly and voiced his objection without delay.
"Young master, this has issues. Leaving it like this keeps the embers alive."
"She's all toothless and broke—a scarecrow. Standing her up won't ruin the harvest."
"Why not pivot another way?"
"We could seize full control of JK Credit Info. But it might burn bridges with Grandfather. Which hurts more?"
"The latter, obviously."
Greed for JK Credit Info could alienate Min-ho from Chairman Kang's eyes. Sticking to the plan kept things smooth on the surface—and improved relations with the chairman.
Min-ho couldn't surpass Chairman Kang yet. No need to stick his neck on the block for pocket change.
"This was the scenario from the start. Follow it, and we're golden."
Even if Chairman Kang doted on Min-ho, it carried risk. Lawyer Choi racked his brain for alternatives but found none.
"President Jo, meet Executive Director Moon and relay as is. Refer to me as 'the elder.'"
"Pardon? 'The elder'?"
"Do it. Stress that rejecting my proposals kills the deal."
"Yes... Understood... It's not that I doubt you, President..."
"I welcome opinions. Speak freely."
"You really think it'll work?"
Min-ho nodded with confident assurance.
"If impossible, I wouldn't have started. Linger too long, and rivals might run the story. Go now."
***
President Jo Dong-uk clutched a few sheets of paper outlining Min-ho's instructions. An unexpected meeting with Butler Moon.
His hand trembled as he picked up the phone.
"Moon Sang-oh speaking."
"Hello. This is Jo Dong-uk, president of The Times."
"Yes. May I ask the purpose?"
"Well... I have a few things to discuss about JK Credit Info, regarding what our elder holds."
"Did you just say... 'elder'?"
"Elder" was Min-ho's signal. When Butler Moon called Chairman Kang during outings for security, he always used "elder." Only secretariat staff knew.
That word confirmed Min-ho was behind this. But the problem remained—what proposal?
Butler Moon's deep, resonant voice cut in.
"Can you assure me that meeting you prevents this from hitting the papers?"
"I stake everything on it. If that's your worry, meeting sooner is better..."
"Name the location. I'll head out now."
"Dongho Bridge. I'll wear a blue tie. I'll be there first."
After hanging up, Butler Moon's expression was inscrutable. Chairman Kang, watching, smiled and probed.
"You look satisfied... yet worried... Hard to tell. What's going on?"
"The young master is using President Jo Dong-uk to wrap this up."
He nodded knowingly, having anticipated Min-ho's play.
"Can't guess what that sly fox is wagging his tail for, but he won't blunder like Myeong-seon."
"Forgive me, Chairman, but if the young master eyes control of JK Credit Info, things get messy."
Chairman Kang disagreed. He set down his pipe after a moment's thought.
"He could take it if he wants... but he knows better than anyone it earns my wrath."
"I can't fathom what card he'll play."
"It's odd if you can. He's surely foreseen this and prepared."
"Unconditionally accept his terms?"
"Handle it at your level if possible. Reject any worst-case demands."
"Understood. I'll be off."
After Butler Moon left, Chairman Kang stepped to the window.
"What clever scheme is the boy plotting now... Let's watch."
Meanwhile, President Jo, who arrived first at the rendezvous, wrestled with inner conflict. Rumors about Moon Sang-oh abounded, but none verified.
Torn between journalistic curiosity and duty, he sat on the stairs clutching drinks, gazing at the Han River.
How much time passed? Without a sound, Butler Moon approached and sat beside him quietly.
"Whoa!"
"My apologies if I startled you."
"No, I expected you from that side."
"Where we come from matters less. It's where we're headed."
"Right. Here, have a drink while we talk."
Handing over the beverage, President Jo pressed on.
"Greetings aside... may I relay our elder's message?"
"Of course. Is it in writing?"
"Yes. Here."
Butler Moon reviewed the densely packed proposal from Min-ho. As Chairman Kang predicted, it brimmed with unforeseen terms.
Even he, who rarely showed emotion, couldn't hide his admiration for Min-ho's masterstroke.
Forgetting decorum, he burst into laughter.
"First, the result: we accept all the elder's conditions."