Min-ho's Ingenious Ploy
By Min-ho's scheme, Myeong-seon had been left penniless, and Seo Gwang-hun, who had been rattling like a bell beside her, was dragged off to the Pocheon Factory. Now, everything hinged on Min-ho's choice. How he handled the JK Credit Info shares he currently held would determine so much. Moon Sang-oh's inner thoughts were more complicated than ever. This decision of Min-ho's was bound to have a major impact on his relationship with Chairman Kang.
If he showed even a hint of ambition for control of JK Credit Info, it would amount to a full declaration of war against the chairman. A single misstep could lead to self-destruction. Of course, if he pulled out a clever stroke, the story would change entirely. He could completely eliminate the thorn in his side that was Myeong-seon while simultaneously earning even greater trust from Chairman Kang. It all depended on Min-ho's choice.
Jo Dong-uk handed over a single document. With a serious face, he carefully reviewed Min-ho's proposal. 'As expected of the young master... This will definitely satisfy the chairman...' In a voice more impassioned than usual, he gave his answer without even hearing further explanation.
"First, let me state the results. We accept all of the elder's conditions."
For Jo, who had clutched his pounding heart and agonized over how to broach the subject, this swift decision felt absurd. The Moon butler he knew was as cold as ice. No one had ever seen him smile; he never showed emotion. For such a man to grin and jump straight to the conclusion—it was only natural to be startled.
Cautiously eyeing his face, Jo ventured, "Um... Vice Chairman Moon Sang-oh... You don't have to decide so hastily."
Moon, who had been smiling for a moment, realized this was an official setting. He quickly caught his mistake, clenched his teeth to stop the smile, straightened his tie, and regained his composure. With his usual icy expression, he replied, "My apologies. I let personal feelings slip for a moment."
"No, no. You're not a machine, Vice Chairman. It's natural to smile when you're pleased."
"Thank you for understanding. Could you please explain the items one by one?"
Every word from his mouth carried weight. Jo, who had unwittingly become Min-ho's envoy, gripped the documents tightly with trembling hands, visibly tense, and began.
"The first demand is to dispose of President Kang Myeong-seon's shares entirely, without exception. The method doesn't matter."
Once Myeong-seon was stripped bare, her influence within the group would weaken, and her dream of becoming vice chairman would vanish without a trace.
"I understand, but... is that absolutely necessary?"
"Yes. I didn't get the full details myself. But rejecting even one proposal voids the entire deal."
"Understood. That's not difficult."
"If you have any other questions, I'll explain."
"Next issue. I don't understand keeping President Kang Myeong-seon in her position."
Keeping Myeong-seon as president? It was an incomprehensible choice. This was also the point Jo had opposed most vehemently. Of course, it wasn't for her sake. There was only one reason: to make everything look seamless to the outside world.
If word got out about the takeover of management rights and Myeong-seon stepping down as a result, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang's leadership would take a massive hit. And if Gwak Hee-do's 15 billion creditor story hit the news, the chairman would become a laughingstock for a while.
Min-ho had resolved it all in one stroke. It was a brilliant move that bolstered Chairman Kang's trust while stripping Myeong-seon of power, turning her into a puppet. She would be president in name only, with no shares. All major decisions would effectively come from JK Group headquarters. It would be an even greater humiliation for Myeong-seon—not fully cast out, yet not given a real chance either. She would be a powerless president, a straw man left in the wind.
A perfect stratagem. Moon nodded and replied, "Setting up a figurehead... Excellent. We accept. Please explain the final point as well."
"And for this, I think a single sheet of paper says more than any explanation. Would you like to take a look?"
He rummaged in his bag and handed over the documents to Moon.
"This is the proxy for all JK Credit Info shares held by our elder."
Moon immediately grasped Min-ho's true intent.
"So, the shares were acquired not for management control. Is that the right interpretation?"
"Exactly. On this point, our elder has two proposals. If the proxy doesn't suit you, we can switch to a simple investment."
No matter the intent, holding those JK Credit Info shares was like living with a bomb strapped on. Moon fiddled with his soda can for a long while, organizing his thoughts, then answered.
"For the final matter, we'll proceed with a block deal acquisition on our side."
"The elder already anticipated that. Do as you find convenient. The goal was never management control anyway."
"If there are no major issues, we'll settle on this direction. I'll report inside and call back to confirm."
"Understood. We'll await your call. Here's my business card."
As Moon pocketed the card and rose, Jo spoke up.
"I've lived as a journalist for decades."
"That has no bearing on the current matter... Why bring it up suddenly?"
The question Jo had been dying to ask. Judging that now or never, he opened his mouth heavily.
"As a journalist, just one question."
Moon had anticipated it but was curious what would come from Jo's lips. He halted and replied, "I'll answer if I can."
Jo also stood, staring straight into Moon's eyes.
"That incident ten years ago... Vice Chairman Moon, are you truly uninvolved?"
"If I say no, would you believe me?"
"I'm not the police. Whatever you say makes no difference to me—let me emphasize that again. Do you have nothing to say about that case?"
"It was already ruled not guilty. What's the intent behind dredging it up now?"
"Call it a journalist's curiosity? Hearing it directly clears things up for me."
"Then I'm glad. Thank you for your efforts."
Moon gave a light nod and turned to leave. But after a few steps, he stopped again. Glancing back, he murmured just loud enough to hear.
"The elder you serve... He's far more important than you realize, President Jo Dong-uk. Please take good care of him. Well, then..."
With those meaningful final words, he departed.
***
JK Group Headquarters.
Uncertain of his grandson's intentions, the grandfather paced by the window with a face full of worry. He was dying to know what proposal Min-ho would make, but for now, nothing was clear. All he could do was hope Moon returned even a minute sooner.
The choice was binary anyway. Either go for control of JK Credit Info or present something else. Deep down, Chairman Kang wanted the latter. Ambition for management rights would mean all-out war with him. If that happened, both sides stood to lose far more than they gained.
He had no doubt his grandson wouldn't make a foolish judgment, but worry lingered nonetheless. The empty chairman's office without Moon. With a troubled face, he puffed on his pipe when a knock came, and Secretary General Jeong Dong-gyun entered, bowing his head.
"Chairman, may I report on your instructions?"
"Today, time seems to crawl. Perfect timing in this lonely moment."
"We've blocked all contact between President Kang Myeong-seon and the press."
"Who caught on to this operation?"
"With dozens of shell accounts buying up shares, no media outlet noticed."
Chairman Kang let out a long sigh and pressed on. "Myeong-seon's 15 billion... How's the gag order?"
"We've impressed upon Seocho-dong for now."
"Can't seal lips on an empty promise..."
"Funds are already prepared."
"Stuff it down their throats from chief prosecutors up until they're choking on money. That's the only way to avoid backlash."
"Understood."
"Have the legal team proceed quietly with the lawsuit and keep eyes on Myeong-seon to prevent any nonsense."
"Understood."
At Chairman Kang's gesture, Jeong quietly closed the door and left. Once the conversation ended, he rose again, fixing his gaze outside, endlessly awaiting Moon. His patience was unmatched by anyone, but matters involving Min-ho tested it sorely. Having resolved on something, Chairman Kang set down his pipe and strode out.
The secretaries leaped up at the unexpected appearance of Chairman Kang.
"Chairman, I thought you had no afternoon schedule."
"Feeling stuffy, came out for some fresh air."
"I'll escort you this way."
"I'm not legless. Get back to your work—you're busy."
Secretary General Jeong Dong-gyun rushed out at Chairman Kang's arrival.
"Chairman, let me escort you."
"No need. Everyone, back inside."
"Still, Chairman... Understood."
Chairman Kang boarded the elevator alone and descended slowly to the lobby overlooking the parking lot. The information desk on the first floor panicked at his sudden arrival. Team Leader Yoon hurried over, bowing 90 degrees.
"Chairman, we'll prepare your car right away."
"No need. Just stepped out for some air due to stuffiness."
"Yes, sir."
Gazing at one side of the building, Chairman Kang said, "This spot was once bombed out like a warzone, but the construction turned out impeccably neat. Don't you think?"
"Yes. It went off without a hitch, like no taxi accidents."
"You worked hard."
"No, Chairman."
Jeong Dong-gyun, who had hurried down the stairs, panted as he approached.
"Dong-gyun, your stubbornness is something else. I told you to work, and here you are."
"No, Chairman."
Gauging his intent subtly, he asked, "Are you waiting for Vice Chairman Moon, by chance?"
"Just stepped out from feeling stuffy."
Chairman Kang wasn't waiting for Moon. He yearned to hear Min-ho's clever ploy as soon as possible—that was the honest truth. Just then, Moon's car pulled up. Seeing the chairman outside, Moon alighted without parking and hurried over.
The chairman's stoic face gradually bloomed into a smile. "You'll pass out. Take it slow."
"Chairman, I should have called ahead. My apologies."
"Old age makes the heart impatient. So, what were the results?"
"Would you review these documents first?"
Confirming the papers with Min-ho's ploy, Chairman Kang grinned broadly, heedless of the staff's stares. Nodding repeatedly in satisfaction, he patted Moon's shoulder.
"Well done. Of course... Yes, indeed..."
Chairman Kang beamed with contentment. Moon wore a faint smile. In contrast, Jeong Dong-gyun gazed at Moon Sang-oh with complex emotions.