Pressure
Seongbuk-dong.
The chairman finished his belated lunch, rising from the table with a satisfied smile.
"Mrs. Kim, the yukhoe tastes fresher than usual today."
"Yes, Chairman. The batch you mentioned last time arrived today. I hope it suited your taste?"
"Of course it did. Good work."
On any other day, he would have headed straight to his study, but today his mood was exceptionally bright. He grabbed his cane from the entryway and slipped on his shoes.
Moon the butler hurried over at this slightly unusual behavior.
"Chairman, I've prepared dessert."
"I'll have it later. I'm going up to the back hill."
"Understood."
"Myeong-seon is supposed to bring Mrs. Kim's kimchi, so keep that in mind."
"Yes, Chairman. Have a good walk."
As soon as the chairman left, Moon picked up the receiver and dialed Min-ho.
"This is Moon Sang-oh."
"What was the outcome?"
Moon gave a detailed report on what had transpired at the negotiation table.
"You handled the document I gave you appropriately, right?"
"No need to worry about that part."
"You've done well."
Of course, there were still hurdles to clear. Only two days remained until the announcement of the second mobile carrier selection.
JK hadn't even applied, so if they were suddenly chosen, the backlash would be unavoidable. No matter how he thought about it, Moon couldn't fathom Min-ho's true intentions. He ventured a cautious question.
"Young master, I have one curiosity."
"With the announcement just two days away, you're wondering why there's no clear path, right?"
"Selecting JK out of nowhere would be bizarre, and even if they did, it could backfire spectacularly."
"I'll explain in detail when I get there."
"Understood. See you shortly."
Far from clarifying, the fog only thickened. Moon set down the receiver with an even graver expression than usual.
The moment he turned, he startled at the utterly unexpected sight.
"Ah... Miss..."
Myeong-seon, who had arrived earlier than planned, dangled her keys from her finger with a sly smile.
"Oh, butler, you didn't know I had a key?"
Moon composed himself and greeted her as always, feigning calm.
"Ah... Miss, you've arrived?"
"Aren't you curious when I got here or what I overheard?"
"Not at all. Please have a seat; I'll bring some fruit."
"Who knew the kimchi we got for free every year would turn into gold?"
There was no real issue if Myeong-seon knew the plan. But if she did, it could spark scrutiny toward Min-ho. That was Moon's concern.
To escape the situation, he gave a light bow and headed to the kitchen.
Myeong-seon wasn't one to stay put. She called out sharply.
"Butler! Where are you rushing off to? Got nothing to say to me?"
"I'm sorry, but I have nothing to say."
"Should I spell it out, or will you come clean?"
Myeong-seon was royalty; Moon was just staff. There was no more room to dodge.
"How much did you hear?"
"Everything, from start to finish. In short, Min-ho and Dad are teaming up to snag the mobile carrier selection, right?"
"I won't deny it. But this matter is all about secrecy—please be extra careful."
"Of course. I came for kimchi, not to rub chili powder in Dad's face."
They moved to the living room sofa, where Myeong-seon crossed her arms, deep in thought.
She'd suspected Min-ho aimed high, but this was beyond imagination. Thoughts multiplied; worries deepened.
Lighting a cigarette, she spoke.
"I've heard all the details, so that's fine. But I have one real question—answer it, okay?"
"If it's something I know, I'll tell you."
"About Min-ho... what is he planning to do with Dad under his spell?"
"I don't know that either."
Myeong-seon's beaming smile turned icy. She fixed Moon with a piercing glare and a sharp tone.
"Butler! Are you serious with me right now?"
"That's truly all I know. My private talks with the young master end there."
"If Dad finds out you leaked such crucial info without permission, do you think he'll let it slide?"
"I'm sorry. Even so, I really don't know."
"Then answer what you do know."
"I swear, he's never asked, and I've never heard an answer. The chairman is the same."
Moon always kept a poker face, but Myeong-seon's pressure had him visibly troubled. That was clear proof it wasn't a lie.
Myeong-seon stared him down before speaking.
"Sometimes I can't read my own nephew. He smiles so sweetly on the outside, but there's a viper that big coiled inside."
"I'm sorry, but I can't offer personal opinions on that."
"Fine, I've heard enough. I'll ask the rest myself."
"Miss! You can't."
Moon replied in alarm. Myeong-seon clapped her hands, laughing heartily as if it were hilarious.
"Kidding, kidding. I'll play dumb until it's all wrapped up. But next time, you owe me proper spoils, got it?"
Moon neither confirmed nor denied.
As their talk wrapped up, the front door opened, and the chairman returned from his walk.
Myeong-seon approached with her signature sniffle, nestling into his arms.
"Dad, I missed you, so I came early."
"How are you still such a baby at your age... When did you get here?"
"Just now, Dad. I'm hungry."
"Starving all the way to this hour?"
"Obviously, work stuff."
"Starving when you're young means trouble in old age. Sang-oh, tell Mrs. Kim to set the table."
"Understood."
Meeting Moon's eyes, Myeong-seon winked to signal the conversation's end.
***
Finishing his call, Min-ho took a taxi straight to Seongbuk-dong.
Stepping out, the first thing he noticed was Myeong-seon's car.
Why's Aunt here?
He tilted his head in puzzlement, then looked up. There was Myeong-seon in the living room, waving with a bright smile.
Min-ho waved back lightly and stood at the gate.
As if waiting, the door opened—not Moon, but Mrs. Kim.
"Where's the butler? Why are you out here, ma'am?"
"He's talking with the chairman right now, so I slipped out from the side room when I saw you arriving."
"When did Aunt get here?"
"About... an hour ago, I think. You must be tired—come on in."
"Yes, ma'am."
Min-ho entered through the open door. The chairman rushed out in socks, beaming and hugging his grandson.
Just months ago, this would have been unthinkable. From the situation alone, Myeong-seon could read between the lines.
"Aigoo, my grandson's here!"
"I hurried, but I was a bit late."
"Why didn't Myeong-seon wait and bring you? What was so urgent you came alone?"
"I had business, then came straight here."
"Don't just stand there—sit, sit."
Myeong-seon handed Min-ho fruit, slipping in a pointed remark.
"Grandpa's spoiling you lots now. Wasn't like this before."
"All thanks to you, Aunt."
"Bet you're killing it at your company too, huh, nephew?"
Myeong-seon's gaze flicked downward. Min-ho flinched, whining to the chairman in a cutesy voice.
"Grandpa, Aunt always pats my butt."
"Kid, she changed your diapers— no matter how grown you are, you're still a baby to her."
"Last time on the rooftop, her hand slid right down."
Grinning, Myeong-seon dropped the act with feigned innocence.
"It's just affection. Quit grumbling and take it."
"If word gets out, you'll take responsibility, right?"
"Think I'd be president for nothing? I can handle that easy."
They bantered as usual, but Myeong-seon was rapidly calculating in her head.
Finished, she rose naturally.
"Aunt, leaving already?"
"Yang the president at Mangwon-dong wants to meet. Gotta go."
"Ma'am, did you get the kimchi?"
"Yep. Dad, I'm off first. Auntie, thanks for the kimchi—it's the best in the world."
She said her goodbyes and left.
Myeong-seon seemed normal, but Min-ho couldn't shake the off feeling. Her schedule with Director Seo was for tomorrow. And it looked like she'd stepped out to let them talk.
Moon's glance felt subtly different too.
After seeing Myeong-seon off, the chairman headed to the bathroom.
"Getting old means tripping to the john all the time—annoying as hell. Sit tight; I'll be quick."
"Sure, Grandpa."
The moment the bathroom door shut, Min-ho whispered to Moon.
"Aunt seemed weird. Something happen?"
"I'm sorry. She came in during our call; I didn't notice."
"It's fine. Key is security—no leaks. You handled it well?"
"No worries there."
"We'll talk details later."
"Yes, young master. I'll prepare coffee."
Right on cue, the chairman emerged, smiling contentedly at Min-ho.
"Da-geun's matter turned out great. No more worries."
Min-ho played dumb, cool as ever.
"Curious what card you had on him, Grandpa. Must be a killer weakness."
"You bet. I'm just an old man in the back room now, but back in the day, not knowing this grandpa in Myeong-dong was like being a spy."
"Grandpa's the best, as always."
The chairman pulled a note from his pocket and handed it over. Min-ho feigned ignorance despite knowing.
"Just a name and number... What's this?"
"Got an anonymous tip last night. Dig into this nomination trading, and it chains Da-geun to Prime Minister Min like dried persimmons."
"That's enough to leash him tight."
"Damn right—their necks are on the line, so they'll dance like their feet are on fire. Anyway... thought about how the other side'll react?"
Two days to the mobile selection announcement. Another clever move was needed.
Min-ho smiled faintly.
"Remember what I whispered last time?"
"You're saying stick to the plan?"
"Two days left. Picking JK suddenly would look fishier."
"A guy who didn't even show up grabbing from the banquet table screams 'deal.' Backlash would make landfall even harder."
The chairman's eyes still gleamed sharply. He grasped every detail.
"Minister Kim'll go to Prime Minister Min, and it'll default to Seoyeong Group."
"Then this old man can't sit idle."
"Hold on. Prime Minister Min will send a clear signal."
"Begging to be spared?"
"Announce a day early. They'll whisper, begging us to bite."
"Right—considering the in-law ties, he can't just chop clean."
With tangled interests, rash moves risked blowback.
Min-ho explained calmly.
"Ramp up pressure with public opinion, and they'll surrender. That's when we carve a spot for JK."
"Need pen-pushers... I'll handle that from now."
"No need to move yourself. That's why I'm here."
The chairman pierced the implication instantly.
"Tell me how you'll do it."
"Set meetings with the chief editors of Seyoung Newspaper, Minguo Ilbo, Dongyoung Ilbo."
"Three enough?"
"Move the big ones, and the rest follow suit—they live off scraps."
"True enough. Plenty who'll bite. I'll prep as hinted last time."
"Yes. Three sedans, trunks stuffed with cash."
"Packed to the gills."
"I'll meet the papers myself."
The chairman nodded and issued orders.
"Sang-oh, call Gil-seong. Say tomorrow, pronto."
"Understood."