Picking Up the Scent
***
JK Group Headquarters parking lot.
Moon Sang-oh, having received the call from Lawyer Choi, made his way down to the first floor—something out of the ordinary for him. He and Chairman Kang were practically one and the same. The employees on the first floor jumped in surprise at his sudden appearance.
"Huh? Section Chief! Executive Director Moon is out here."
"The Chairman didn't say anything... Get the car ready outside first."
The staff rushed out and looked around, but there was no sign of the Chairman. Moon shook his head and said,
"I'm just stepping out alone for a bit."
"You startled us, sir."
"No need to be surprised. Everyone back to your stations."
"Understood. It's raining outside. Here's an umbrella."
Moon stepped out, umbrella in hand, waiting for Min-ho's car. Moments later, the vehicle pulled up. As he approached slowly, bowed, and opened the rear door—
Lawyer Choi startled and hopped out of the driver's seat.
"Executive Director! As I mentioned on the phone, Young Master Min-ho didn't come along today."
"Where is the young master?"
"Well... he's handling collections... out in Incheon."
Why act like this when he knows full well? It was a move calculated to the last detail.
Moon smiled silently. He drew close to Lawyer Choi, straightened his tie, and spoke.
"You should've practiced your answer so it would hold up even if the Chairman himself asked."
"Pardon? I don't know what you mean."
"I can't imagine clever Lawyer Choi doesn't know... Or were you hoping you didn't?"
Lawyer Choi stood dumbfounded by the bone-chilling words. Moon patted his shoulder lightly.
"I know he's at Athena."
He hadn't thought Moon was clueless. He just never imagined hearing it straight from the man's mouth. Heart sinking, Lawyer Choi stared at Moon, unable to hide his shock.
"To survive in this world, acting is essential. If you can't lie that well, how have you fooled President Kang Du-seong all this time?"
Moon glanced around under the umbrella before continuing.
"The rain muffles sound, and the umbrella hides our faces. No one's coming near. You're safe."
"If you knew, why not tell me directly?"
Winter rain pattered down in the parking lot. The two men shared a large umbrella as they broached a massive secret.
"Do you think the Chairman or young master wouldn't notice if you and I met alone?"
"Ah... right. Both of them are far too sharp..."
"That's why I came down on some flimsy excuse—to tell you this. Yang Sang-pil, whom the young master helped; Cheon Dong-gwan saved from Pocheon; even Jo Dong-uk—they're no worries."
"Yes, Executive Director."
"Secrets leak from anywhere, so always suspect and stay vigilant. That's the only advice I can give. I had to say it."
"I'll keep it in mind."
If Moon knew, Chairman Kang surely did too. Still, Lawyer Choi wanted confirmation from Moon's own lips.
"Does the Chairman know everything about where the young master is and what he's doing?"
"You're so innocent from all that book-learning... Remember when the young master sent Cheon Dong-gwan to Japan?"
"No way... You knew about that too?"
"Your mother's health has improved quite a bit, I hear. If you need help, just say the word."
Moon knew even personal matters Min-ho hadn't been told. His information network was terrifyingly thorough.
"Is that answer enough?"
"Uh... how did you know? I never even told the young master."
"Assume the Chairman sees and hears everything, everywhere, anytime. And it's true."
"Understood."
Lawyer Choi, from an ordinary family, still couldn't wrap his head around it. Finally, he posed the most fundamental question.
"One more question, Executive Director?"
Moon nodded, lips sealed tight.
"Even though the Chairman knows, he's pretending not to—for the other presidents' sake?"
"You know as well as anyone—this family's no pushovers. If it comes out that the young master is Athena's real owner, you think the others will sit still?"
He couldn't understand, let alone empathize. But it was harsh reality, and as Min-ho's aide, Lawyer Choi had to accept it.
"If it comes out that the Chairman is shielding the young master, the worst could happen."
"No other reason. Just that. You've seen the young lady yourself—those people tailing their own nephew for an empty vice chairman spot."
Moon's gaze fell on the document envelope in Lawyer Choi's hand. He handed it over hurriedly, taking the umbrella.
"This is the young master's new plan. I figured it needs the Chairman's approval, so I brought it."
Moon pulled out the documents and scanned them in seconds, muttering to himself.
"The young master... sometimes I wonder if he's even human. How does he come up with this...?"
"What do you think the Chairman will say?"
Tucking the papers inside his coat, Moon replied,
"Every now and then... No, what am I saying...?"
"It's fine. Please go on."
"This feeling hits me sometimes... like he knows the future and is preparing for it."
He gave an embarrassed chuckle and waved it off, as if ashamed of his own words.
"Sorry. Dragged a busy man out here for nonsense."
"No, I think the same. No joke."
"Really?"
"That's why I asked him last time. If he could see something."
"And his answer?"
"Of course he said no."
Realizing they were having this serious conversation, both men burst into quiet laughter.
"What am I even doing chatting like this with you? Anyway, thanks for coming. Someday we'll grab a drink, just us."
"Yes, Executive Director."
"Can't hide it forever. It'll come out. Better prepare for that."
As Moon said, no secret lasts eternally. Lawyer Choi knew it, but didn't know what to do when the time came. He asked Moon's retreating back,
"And if there's no preparation? What then?"
Moon, deep in thought, spoke gravely.
"Power isn't even shared with fathers. It'll be endless war until one dies..."
"Then President Kang Du-seong and Young Master Min-ho..."
"No choice. Fate of those with too much... Of course, the winner's already set... Drive safe in this rain."
***
Chairman’s office.
"I'm back."
He'd known Min-ho wasn't coming, but the lone document envelope left Chairman Kang unable to hide his disappointment.
"Somehow, just the envelope feels off."
The Chairman, always thinking of Min-ho, his longing obvious. Moon knew it well.
"I'll summon him to Seongbuk-dong this evening."
"Leave it. Can't keep calling a busy kid preparing the marts, even if I'm his grandpa. So, what's in that document?"
"Just that it's the young master's new plan. Seems to need your approval."
"Told the rascal to fry and spice as he likes, and now he's a real salt peddler."
"Not to your liking?"
"If Min-ho does something, there's always reason. Can't dislike it. Just stripping the shell and remaking everything—that alone is impressive."
He pulled the documents from the envelope without much expectation. Donning thick glasses, he scanned the contents swiftly. Then he burst into roaring laughter that shook the world.
"Aigoo, Sang-oh. Laughed so hard my stomach hurts."
"Water here, Chairman."
Downing a glass in one go. Wiping tears with a tissue Moon handed him, he finally calmed.
"No fox like this fox. Like a thousand-year fox swishing its tail. Isn't it?"
"I was shocked too. Never expected such a grand vision."
"Turning affiliate companies he was pondering dumping into JK Money... Brilliant idea. I'd never trade Min-ho for the whole world."
Moon wiped the desk's water with a handkerchief and said,
"Chairman, one thing I'm curious about."
"Anything. In this mood, I'd laugh even if you slapped me."
"I've given you harsh words sometimes. You must hate it, but you always said it's fine."
"True. Stagnant water rots inevitably. With no one to check me, I rely on you..."
Moon's opinions heavily influenced the Chairman's decisions. Knowing this, his advice was always cautious. But this time, he couldn't hold back—to protect Chairman Kang Jin-gwang, and even more so the promising heir Min-ho.
"Don't beat around the bush till it turns to mush. Say what you must."
"It's delicate, but I can't overlook this part."
The Chairman's broad smile faded at Moon's uncharacteristic demeanor.
"The plan's flawless. Tying all affiliates through one card—revolutionary."
"Enough with the ribbon. Open the box."
Moon swallowed hard and spoke resolutely.
"The moment this executes, the young master's identity will come out—it's only a matter of time. Looks perfect at a glance, but from a third party's view, there's zero reason for Athena and JK Group to collaborate."
He pinpointed what even the Chairman had missed. Sensing it now, the Chairman gestured for more.
"Even if it's a business alliance, Athena Distribution gets the smaller slice in this system."
"Right. Marts at the center, but we benefit more, so no choice..."
"Seems a bit rushed."
"Sharp Min-ho suddenly rushing, unlike him?"
"Yes. No reason for the young master to risk this."
Moon pierced Min-ho's true intent.
"Rushing to boost influence in the group?"
"Exactly. Feels like he knows something."
"No way... Did something go down at that private meeting with Kim Dong-il?"
"Nothing on policy."
"True. I'd have heard by now."
Moon handed over the glasses again and spoke carefully.
"Young master never moves without a plan. Rushing this delivery means 'read the message inside.'"
"Choi say anything else?"
"Came alone. Just brief updates, nothing more."
The Chairman, glasses on, pored over the documents again. Nodding, Moon's advice rang true. This wasn't mere JK Money—it was the first step to expand influence. Not Min-ho's style otherwise. He'd checked the gift inside the flashy wrapping.
"Looks like striking first before it blows up. Your take?"
"Intertwining the group naturally via JK Card and marts to grow influence. Sorry if it bothers you."
"No... you're right. Forgot Min-ho's a fox for a second... Yes, this eyes the financial real-name system for sure."
The grandfather soared above his flying grandson. How had he spotted it? The financial real-name system had failed twice under military regimes. A policy any new administration could dust off. Given President-elect Kim Dong-il's leanings, it was plausible.
For Chairman Kang, with vaults overflowing in anonymous and proxy accounts, billions could vanish. He reacted sensitively.
"Can't make sense of it. Even I missed the scent... How'd Min-ho sniff it out? My own flesh and blood—unfathomable."
"No need to face the typhoon head-on."
Nodding, the Chairman outlined countermeasures and issued orders.
"Even under dark clouds, skies clear; rain falls from blue. Laws of nature."
"Slim chance, but can't ignore."
"Agreed. Start sorting domestic bank accounts first."
"Understood."
"How'll you approve the young master's plan?"
"Grandpa got such a huge gift—must repay. Full support: manpower, funds, everything."