Apprehension
***
Chairman Kang Jin-gwang sat in his study in Seongbuk-dong, glasses perched on his nose as he meticulously reviewed Min-ho's plan. His face broke into a faint smile after checking the success probability, failure risks, and every possible contingency.
If things went according to Min-ho's blueprint, he could finally sketch out the grand structure of the JK Group he'd long dreamed of.
He stepped out of the study for a breather, heading to the living room. Butler Moon, who could read his master's intentions from his breathing alone, brought over a tray with a glass of water.
Standing by the window and gazing absently outside while sipping the water, Chairman Kang turned to Butler Moon.
"If it all goes as planned, what would you want out of it?"
"I haven't thought about it in specifics. But if it happens, acquiring companies or securing various interests would be the optimal choice."
"With a card this big in your hand, a few small fry won't satisfy a lifetime's hunger."
"Might I ask if you're considering something particular?"
Even Chairman Kang didn't have a concrete target yet. But in his mind, expectations for Min-ho had taken root.
"I feel like that boy has something I haven't even thought of... if only he'd open up a bit more."
"I'll subtly sound out the young master for you."
"No need to waste the effort. We've set the table—now he'll handle it himself. By the way, isn't it about time for President No to arrive?"
Butler Moon peered intently out the window. Spotting President No and his group shivering in the alley, he reported it.
"They're waiting over there. I'll go down."
"No need. The Tokyo branch folks are sharp enough, but those company bastards lack guts—that's their flaw."
"I'll have them wait in the yard, then."
"Still, they've toiled away from home. We should at least feed them. Let them in—Min-ho should be here soon anyway."
"Understood."
***
Meanwhile, President No Jun-hwan of the Tokyo branch had rushed back from Japan at Chairman Kang's summons, dragging nine subordinates along. They'd arrived in Seongbuk-dong earlier than the appointed time.
Early was fine, but President No paced anxiously in an alley a short distance from the chairman's residence, chain-smoking nonstop.
He knew their blunder all too well. With the inevitable reprimand looming, he couldn't shake the dread.
Sighing as he smoked alongside, Vice President Park pleaded with him.
"President, are we getting dragged to Pocheon like this?"
"Can you stop with the nonsense? Chairman's not the type to do that."
"We've suffered in Tokyo—he'll take that into account, right?"
"After all those years surviving on sushi, he won't abandon us like that."
President No tried to stay positive, but he knew exactly what orders the chairman would give. Vice President Park, face ashen, bit his nails and pressed again.
"President, we couldn't sell 10% of the real estate listings, right?"
"Watch your mouth—it's 9.9%."
"Anyway, that's why he called us, isn't it?"
President No was anxious and jittery too. He wanted to collapse and weep. But he couldn't in front of his staff.
Trembling as he lit another cigarette, he dropped a loaded remark.
"Ji-uk."
"Yes, President."
"Have you called home?"
"Not yet."
"Does your wife know you're back in Korea?"
"I haven't told her on purpose."
Patting his shoulder, President No pulled a coin from his pocket and pressed it into Vice President Park's hand.
"Go call. Say you'll be in Japan a few more years..."
Vice President Park Ji-uk knew what that coin meant. He shook his head in denial, but reality couldn't be undone.
"Us... are we really going to Pocheon?"
"We've got 300 billion left—money we couldn't repay in generations. With that tied up, you think good words are coming from the chairman's mouth?"
"If he hadn't given orders... Just thinking about it makes my legs shake."
"Steel yourself. Don't let your wife notice—play it cool."
"Yes, President. Got it."
From President No's perspective, there was some injustice. They'd moved swiftly on the chairman's orders, but bad luck left some properties unsold.
Chairman Kang saw it differently. Min-ho, who'd never set foot in Japan, had foreseen the bubble burst with uncanny insight. Meanwhile, the on-site Tokyo branch had been complacent, their info always a step late.
In the end, despite scrambling after orders, they failed to offload nearly 300 billion in real estate. They looked incompetent by comparison.
Now, the appointed time arrived. President No stubbed out his cigarette with his foot, face set in grim resolve, and addressed his team.
"Alright, listen up. No excuses—bow your heads, admit fault. We're wronged, but we screwed up too. Got it?"
"Yes, President."
"Understood."
President No and his group shuffled to the residence like cattle to the slaughterhouse. With shaking hands, he rang the bell.
Eons seemed to pass in seconds. Finally, Butler Moon appeared.
"The chairman is waiting."
Trailing timidly behind, President No halted in the yard and said,
"How dare we enter the chairman's home? We'll wait outside."
Usually, that meant a dressing-down in the yard and sent packing. Expecting a nod, they were stunned when Butler Moon said otherwise.
"Everyone, come in. Chairman's orders."
Speechless, President No and his group entered the house. Chairman Kang sat imposingly in the living room, face thunderous—a tiger to them.
Clutching their quaking legs, they bowed deeply in unison, shouting,
"Chairman, have you been well?"
Chairman Kang didn't twitch. Instead, he fixed a piercing gaze on President No and nodded.
Butler Moon quietly instructed the group,
"Everyone, sit."
President No and his team knelt—not cross-legged, but on their knees. As a last desperate gambit, they offered their gift.
"Chairman, this is a Japanese specialty..."
Glaring at the gift, Chairman Kang finally spoke, voice heavy.
"Hey, President No."
"Yes! Chairman!"
A beating might've been mercy, but he stared long before opening his mouth.
"You think I called you here for trash like this?"
"No, sir. But we couldn't come empty-handed..."
"You know what you did wrong, right?"
"Yes, Chairman. We do."
"Recite it."
Trembling, President No pulled out his notepad and began.
"We succeeded in selling most assets, but... a total of 200 billion—precisely 9.9%—remains unsold."
"Speak straight. Those properties could've fetched over 300 billion if you'd hurried. 200 billion was just to save face."
"We're sorry, Chairman. Truly sorry."
Puffing his pipe, Chairman Kang continued,
"Sorry means paying the price, doesn't it?"
"We're prepared for anything."
At Min-ho's request, Chairman Kang had decided to form a real estate team with the ten sharpest from Tokyo.
One issue: the plan hinged on snapping up land for negotiation leverage. It had to wrap before Line 7 subway station sites were finalized—time was critical.
Another: even smart staff needed synergy, or it could derail.
The Tokyo team were handpicked by Chairman Kang for Japan investments—all Korea University grads, no doubts on skill. Years together meant flawless teamwork.
All things considered, they were the most efficient choice. Admitting their failure, they'd leap at a chance to redeem—predictable as death.
Instead of Pocheon prison, Chairman Kang opted to use them once more.
"Truth is... I planned to ship you all to Pocheon."
They knew what "Pocheon" meant—terror gripped them instantly.
"But I'll give you one more shot. President No, any interest in trying?"
President No Jun-hwan shot to his feet, bellowing loud enough to shake the Seongbuk-dong house.
"Yes! Chairman, give us the chance—we'll stake our lives on it!"
Chairman Kang, who'd worn a scowl throughout, smiled faintly.
"I'll give you a job. Nail it clean, and I forgive everything. Promise."
"Pardon? Yes, understood. Just order it."
"Keep that posture, that mindset—no wavering, President No."
"Got it. I'll engrave it."
Chairman Kang nodded; Butler Moon headed to the kitchen. Moments later, a lavish feast appeared.
Expecting a thrashing, President No and his team were thrown by the unexpected.
A whip alone doesn't make a horse run; past the breaking point, even the driver loses control. Chairman Kang was seasoned. He'd prepared a carrot tailored to their tastes.
"President No's favorite soy-marinated crab, Ji-uk's doenjang jjigae over there, Chae-woo's coveted hanwoo on the opposite side..."
Chairman Kang named each staffer without missing one, citing their beloved dishes.
A whipping could motivate, but genuine emotion from the heart was incomparable.
Even Korean food in Japan was just a lonely patch. Home cooking—especially longed-for menus—moved souls effortlessly.
Years since stepping on Korean soil, the staff stared at mountains of their favorites, prepared by the chairman himself.
Unexpected hospitality. They couldn't help but be touched. Section Chief Koo Young-min at the end even teared up.
"Young-min."
"Yes, Chairman."
"No matter the pay, family tugs, food calls, life abroad ain't easy. I know."
Expecting Pocheon after the roar, the warm welcome left them at a loss.
"Details later—you must be starving. Dig in."
"Yes, Chairman! We'll eat gratefully!"
They shoveled food like starved days. Bellies filling, President No Jun-hwan cautiously asked,
"Chairman, one question?"
Exhaling smoke, Chairman Kang nodded.
"What you mentioned earlier—what's the job?"
"Perfect timing—he's here."
Chairman Kang gazed at the entrance with a satisfied smile.
"You won't be serving me anymore."
The staff turned to the door. In strode Min-ho, majestic and commanding.
"I'm Kang Min-ho. I'll be leading the real estate team from now on."