Chapter 140: Hearts in Sync
***
JK Group chairman's office. An unprecedented situation had arisen. Laughter echoed nonstop from within. Even the secretaries waiting outside were utterly baffled by this first-time occurrence. The two of them huddled together, whispering their thoughts.
"The chairman seems in an exceptionally good mood today, doesn't he?"
"Isn't this the first time we've seen him laugh so heartily?"
"I've served him for nine years, and this is a first for me."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Anyway, the most important thing right now is our bonus. When he's this happy, his wallet loosens up—so let's butter him up extra nicely today."
The source of the laughter was none other than Kang Min-ho's proposal. No matter how many times Chairman Kang had read it, his eyes remained glued to the page as he turned to Butler Mun.
"As expected of my grandson. It feels like I worried over nothing. Don't you think?"
"I was quite shocked myself. I never anticipated a proposal this meticulously crafted."
"A true man needs that bold, refreshing edge. Ousting Myeong-seon and installing a puppet... It was a brilliant judgment I hadn't even considered myself."
"I agree—this is undoubtedly the best course of action."
Chairman Kang couldn't stop marveling. Satisfaction radiated from his every feature.
"Truth be told... I was agonizing over what to do with Myeong-seon. Casting her aside draws too many eyes, but leaving her in place feels like leaving a child by the water's edge—nerve-wracking."
"Young Master's judgment couldn't be more timely."
"Once we secure all her shares, no matter how she thrashes about, she'll be powerless in reality... And with her still in the seat, no one will know what happened."
"Then we'll proceed immediately to handle the young lady's shares."
"She'll throw a tantrum, no doubt... but she dug her own grave. See it through."
"Understood."
Chairman Kang flashed a magnanimous smile and placed his pipe between his lips. Deep down, he'd worried Min-ho might covet control of JK Credit Info. But once again, his grandson had turned those fears to ashes with a masterful stroke. And as a bonus, the old man's trust in him was stacking higher than ever.
"Do you know what I liked most about this proposal?"
"The final clause, I presume."
"Exactly... This one clause on the paper captured my heart. It washed away every lingering doubt I harbored. Heck, it even feels like I've learned a thing or two."
"Handing over voting rights is the clearest sign of not wanting war."
"Why do worries multiply with age like this...? Turns out they were all just the ramblings of this old fool."
Chairman Kang exhaled a plume of pipe smoke. Some thought struck him, prompting a long sigh before he spoke gravely.
"If I... should succumb to senility or drop dead suddenly, you know what to do, right?"
"Chairman, that's still far in the future."
He patted Butler Mun's shoulder, revealing his inner thoughts.
"Time, you see... flies like an arrow loosed from my hand. No amount of money can stop it."
"I remember your words from last time clearly."
"If anything happens... hand the safe key straight to Min-ho."
"Understood, Chairman. What are your plans for the shares Young Master already holds?"
This affair had tipped the chairman's scales even further toward Min-ho. After a moment to gather his thoughts, he replied.
"How many options do we have?"
"Two: treat it as a simple investment to limit voting rights, or buy out the entire stake."
"My grandson did well—he deserves a handsome reward. He'll need plenty for the hypermart rollout. Pay a premium and acquire them."
"Yes, sir. And this is the final presidential election poll—from Yeouido sources, not public."
Just three days remained until the election. JK Group's fate would hinge on who claimed the presidency.
"Dong-il... wins by 3%... No chance of a turnaround?"
"Considering the opponent's upward momentum, it's not a stable margin."
"You need at least a 5% lead to sleep soundly with legs stretched."
"I'll reach out to our Yeouido contacts."
"No need to waste effort. Even if you move, Sang-oh, it won't change a thing."
"Understood. Shall I summon Young Master to Seongbuk-dong this evening?"
He longed to caress his grandson's cheeks right then, but restrained himself. With a faint smile, he shook his head.
"I'd call him a hundred times over if I could, but he's probably swamped right now."
"Then I'll summon him to Seongbuk-dong."
"Do that. Tell the Kimcheon household to prepare Min-ho's favorites."
"Yes, sir."
***
Athena. The 14th presidential election loomed just one day away. With the final polls showing a dead heat between Democratic Party's Kim Dong-il and Min-guk Party's Kim Seong-un, no one could predict the outcome. Yeouido buzzed more frenetically than ever, but Min-ho—who already knew the result—ignored it all, focused on his next plans.
In stark contrast, Jo Dong-uk, president of The Times, entered with a face etched in tension.
"President, here are the final poll results. Candidate Kim Dong-il is ahead by just 3%..."
Contrary to expectations of frantic activity, Min-ho handed him a beverage and even smiled leisurely.
"Do you already know the outcome, by any chance?"
"What, you think I'm some psychic?"
"You're so relaxed, I wondered if you had inside info."
"The tide won't turn. You're not the one running, Jo—why so tense? Loosen up."
Jo, his mind racing, emphasized the situation again.
"If one side had a clear lead, I'd accept it, but the gap is a mere 3%."
"I know. Take a deep breath and speak slowly—it's fine."
In this urgent moment, Min-ho treated it like no big deal. Jo's insides began to burn.
He downed the beverage in one gulp and pressed on.
"President, let me say it once more. Kim Dong-il and..."
Min-ho raised a hand lightly, cutting him off.
"You're missing the point, Jo."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
"Who did we bet on?"
"Democratic Party's Kim Dong-il, of course."
"Then Kim Dong-il will be president."
Confidence was one of Min-ho's charms, but this time it rang hollow to Jo—like baseless bravado. Convinced Min-ho wasn't grasping the gravity, Jo wiped the bewildered sweat from his brow and responded.
"I've never once doubted or opposed you, President."
"Why beat around the bush today? Just get to the point."
"I've covered plenty of elections, but this one's civilian candidates only—no military backing. It's impossible to see even one step ahead."
Min-ho nodded.
"So, you're saying we need a contingency if Kim Dong-il loses?"
"Exactly. For a media outlet, a Plan B is essential, not optional."
"Essential, huh..."
Min-ho rose from his chair, perching on the desk's edge as he continued.
"Alright, let's assume Kim Dong-il loses, per your scenario. What countermeasures do we take?"
"Well, I..."
"Rush to the other candidate with cash, wagging our tail?"
"Supporting a sitting president like that is near impossible."
"We've made our choice and crossed the Rubicon. Your point has merit, but right now, we need focus, not alternatives."
"My apologies. Things are so topsy-turvy, I spoke without a plan in my anxiety."
Min-ho turned to the newspaper on his desk, eyes fixed. The front page naturally featured the two candidates' faces prominently. Without hesitation, he tore out the opponent's photo and tossed it in the trash.
"No need for other options. Just think how our coverage can boost Kim Dong-il."
"Understood. We'll give it our all on this final day."
"If you tense up, The Times shakes. Keep the reporters steady. We've staked our fate on Kim Dong-il."
"Yes, President. Got it."
An election decided more than just the Blue House's master. For businesses and media, it was a harsh verdict: merit of founding contributor, or five years as pariahs, groveling in Hyoja-dong. One choice sealed it.
Though he hid it well, Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon seemed distracted too, fiddling with irrelevant papers.
"Feeling the same as Jo? Why toy with those files?"
"It's not that I doubt Young Master. Elections have too many variables—I'm just worried."
"Kim Dong-il's plateaued, opponent's surging—naturally."
"A 3% swing can flip everything anytime."
"What have we done for Kim Dong-il?"
"50 billion in donations and media firepower."
Min-ho scribbled two numbers on the whiteboard.
"Their gap will be about this."
His prediction far exceeded polls from Yeouido's top firms.
"That's over twice the current spread. You're really forecasting this?"
"Money made that gap. Grandfather and I bet JK's fate on it. He'll win for sure."
When Min-ho boasted like this, it always came true. Choi eyed him skeptically.
"What, gonna ask if I see something again?"
With utmost seriousness, Choi nodded.
"If your numbers hold... I'll draw a provisional conclusion."
"No, I'm not a fortune-teller."
"Impossible without clairvoyance."
Min-ho chuckled.
"Why say jokes so straight-faced?"
His pager blared noisily.
"Hold on... Grandfather. Let me take this call first."
He grabbed the receiver and dialed.
"Grandfather, it's Min-ho. What's up?"
"What do you mean? Everything's fine. Just checking if you're busy tomorrow."
His quick-witted grandson saw right through.
"I was about to call you anyway—with a request."
"Oh? Speak up."
"Election's tomorrow. Want to watch the returns together—your schedule?"
"Hearts in sync, eh? Felt your grandpa's wish reach you."
"Really? You were thinking the same?"
"Of course, rascal. Good things are better shared with good people."
"Then I'll head over on time tomorrow."
"Come before your grandpa's neck snaps waiting."
"Will do—early it is."
"Alright, see you tomorrow."
Setting down the receiver, Chairman Kang beamed with utter contentment.
"Who'd have thought a viper birthed a fox kit? Unpredictable world."
"Indeed, Chairman. I agree... It's time—I'll step out briefly."
Glancing at his watch, Chairman Kang nodded.
"Go ahead. If any mischief, report to me."
"Understood."
As Min-ho strode forward confidently, Myeong-seon faced only losses ahead. Leaving the chairman's office, Butler Mun headed straight for JK Credit Info.