Provocation
***
Yeouido, Athena. Kang Min-ho had seized Namdo Distribution, but this was merely the beginning, not the end. To smoothly achieve the goal of Korea's first large-scale supermarket chain, there was still much work ahead. In the meantime, the employees who had worked alongside Section Chief Cheon Dong-gwan for years were filling the positions. Athena was buzzing more busily than ever.
Min-ho was in the conference room exchanging ideas with Section Chief Cheon and Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon.
"How are the employees doing? Any issues with adjusting?"
"Not at all, President. They're thrilled—coming from tough jobs, they love it here."
"That's a relief."
"They've got a view of the Han River, great pay, and you even provide tasty lunches. Everyone's working hard."
Min-ho slightly parted the blinds to glance at the employees before continuing. "When I ask, they all say they're fine, but tell them if they do their jobs well, they'll get all the support they need."
"Yes, President. I'm truly grateful—you've saved my life and taken care of my family like this. I won't forget your kindness and will repay it."
"You're already doing plenty. It's fine. Oh, and I wanted to get your thoughts on this."
Min-ho handed Yang Sang-pil's resume to the two men.
"As you know, his education and experience are impeccable across the board. I'm thinking of putting him in charge of Namdo Distribution—what do you two think?"
Lawyer Choi was focused, his furrowed brow a clear sign. After studying the resume for a long while, he offered his opinion.
"Mr. Yang Sang-pil is a jack-of-all-trades. With his deep ties to the media, he'll excel no matter what we assign him."
"And you, Section Chief Cheon?"
"I agree. I haven't seen it firsthand, but you mentioned there are many executives, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"A new president might cause some friction. But if Mr. Yang Sang-pil takes the role, I don't foresee issues in taking control."
Min-ho shared their view. He just wanted to double-check for anything he might have overlooked.
"Alright, we'll go with that. Next item..."
Min-ho's pager blared noisily. A familiar number flashed on the screen. He picked up the receiver and dialed.
"This is Moon Sang-oh."
"Yes, Butler? What's up?"
"Are you aware of the temporary shareholders' meeting for Namdo Construction today?"
"I am. Is Grandfather attending?"
"Yes. He hopes you'll accompany him. If you're not too busy, would you join us?"
"If Grandfather calls, of course I'll go. Namdo Construction in two hours?"
"Yes."
"I won't be late."
"Understood. I'll inform the Chairman, young master."
Min-ho hung up, grabbed his jacket, and said, "We'll continue the meeting later. Lawyer Choi, I need you to come with me somewhere."
"Where to all of a sudden?"
"The Namdo Construction temporary shareholders' meeting."
***
Namdo Construction. Min-ho and Lawyer Choi arrived early at the meeting spot and waited for Chairman Kang. The puzzled lawyer glanced around and said,
"The Chairman summoning you suddenly must mean there's a reason."
"Any guesses?"
"Maybe to get you used to temporary shareholders' meetings like this."
"Not quite the perfect answer."
"Then what do you think?"
"You'll see. Ah, Grandfather's car is pulling up."
Min-ho bowed deeply as he got out. Moments later, Butler Moon finished parking and nodded in greeting. There was no better private space than a car to avoid prying eyes. Min-ho smiled brightly, opened the back door, and climbed in. A grandson's charm required the right sniffle and a touch of playfulness. He greeted with the brightest smile.
"Grandfather, it's been too long!"
Chairman Kang beamed as if reuniting with long-lost family and pulled Min-ho into a hug.
"Aigoo, my grandson's here!"
A hug wasn't enough to express his affection. He stroked Min-ho's hair repeatedly and gripped his hand tightly. Gazing at him with eyes sweet as honey, he said,
"You look thinner after just a few days. I know you're busy, but you can't skip meals, got it?"
"Of course, Grandfather. You know I don't drink like before and eat properly now."
"Good. How's the car I got you?"
"The car phone works great, pager too, and the ride's smooth. Lawyer Choi polishes it first thing every morning."
"Hoho, really? Guess I should get Jong-hoon a car too."
"No need. Have you had lunch, Grandfather?"
"Yep, just came from Im Yeon-su for some grilled meat and yukhoe."
After stroking Min-ho's hair lovingly for a while, Chairman Kang casually broached the main topic.
"You know I'm busy, yet here I am calling you. Any guess why this old man summoned you?"
Though he knew the answer, Min-ho pretended to ponder to tease him a bit before replying.
"In a good light, it's a management lesson. Temporary shareholders' meetings like this are pretty rare."
"Happen only a few times a year..."
"And with such a key agenda for our group's acquisition, maybe he wants me to watch and learn firsthand."
A grandson who understood ten words from one, even peering into his very heart. Chairman Kang couldn't help but adore him. Smiling broadly in satisfaction, he replied,
"Like a fox wagging its tail—you've got this old man's insides all figured out."
"I'll slip in quietly at the back when it starts. If anyone asks, I'll say I'm the youngest staffer."
"That's right... You'll see executives sitting there all stiff-necked. Watch what this old man does closely and learn what you need."
"Yes, Grandfather. I'll watch and learn. I even brought a pen just in case."
Chairman Kang stroked Min-ho's hair one more time before heading to the shareholders' meeting hall.
***
Namdo Construction temporary shareholders' meeting hall. Major shareholders and executives sat in the conference room, chattering nonstop about Chairman Kang now that their owner had abruptly changed.
"I never thought Namdo would crumble so helplessly."
"Who did? The media's following up daily, Chairman Han got real prison time, and Vice Chairman—tch, tch..."
"Might as well not ruffle feathers now that it's done. Heard the rumors? If we don't play nice, off to some backwater..."
"In this day and age... Oh! He's here—everyone, stand!"
They had good reason to be shocked. Chairman Kang rarely appeared at shareholders' meetings, let alone temporary ones. Defying all expectations, he had shown up in person. Of course, this was all a management lesson for Min-ho. He wanted to demonstrate firsthand how to seize control of the group's pivotal executives.
The large door at the center of the grand hall opened, and Chairman Kang Jin-gwang entered with confident strides. Speakers around the room played welcoming music. The owner had changed. They knew they had to bow to survive. The executives, who had been lounging, shot up and bowed 90 degrees.
After shaking hands with a few, Chairman Kang took his seat at the center. His mere presence transformed the atmosphere. The earlier buzz vanished, replaced by solemn expressions. As he slowly nodded, the staffer with the mic announced the start of the temporary shareholders' meeting.
"We now commence the Namdo Construction temporary shareholders' meeting. A brief agenda: first..."
This event was mere formality. Even if all present voted against, Chairman Kang's shares already dominated. Butler Moon swiftly signaled the moderator not to dawdle.
"We'll now invite the Chairman to the podium."
"Everyone, let's welcome Chairman Kang Jin-gwang with applause!"
Amid thunderous applause, Chairman Kang ascended the stage. Grasping the mic, his gaze first landed on Min-ho at the very back. After staring meaningfully for a moment, he shared brief remarks.
"I extend my deepest thanks to all of you for taking time from your busy schedules. I am JK Group Chairman Kang Jin-gwang."
It felt more like a concert than a shareholders' meeting. The executives popped up, clapping like seals to catch his eye. As the applause died down, he continued.
"As you all know, Namdo Construction drew a bold line in Korea's construction history. But the executives' reckless greed led to this change in ownership."
Gazing at those seated, he pressed on.
"I will pour all my passion into making JK Construction Korea's top builder. Trust and follow me."
The speech wasn't over, but the executives leaped up again, applauding to show loyalty. From the back, quietly observing Lawyer Choi tilted his head and whispered to Min-ho,
"That guy on the left hasn't stood once. Arms crossed, looking displeased."
"That's Executive Director Jeon Gi-ryong. Three-term assemblyman from the Democratic Party, brought in by Chairman Han Du-hak."
"His loyalty to Chairman Han must be fierce."
"He can't agree, but lacks the power to oppose outright, so he's resisting subtly like that. But... it's definitely not a smart choice."
Lawyer Choi kept staring, clearly irked.
"Young master, no matter how I look at him, he rubs me wrong. Does he have to act up here?"
"Grandfather won't let that slide. Let's watch for now."
"Got it."
Chairman Kang continued his eloquent address. Though speaking steadily, his eyes fixed on the man Lawyer Choi had pointed out. Seated far left: Executive Director Jeon Gi-ryong. He wore the world's most uncomfortable expression, arms crossed in displeasure. No need to go this far, but he was broadcasting his dissent with his whole body—face showing unease with Chairman Kang Jin-gwang, arms signaling refusal to even clap.
Dissent was fine; it was personal opinion. But poison must be cut early, or it spreads fast. A viper with sensitive antennae wouldn't miss it. Especially not today, with his grandson watching from the back row. Chairman Kang halted, eyes locked on Jeon Gi-ryong, and asked,
"Gi-ryong, my boy—what's with that fugu face full of venom? Got a gripe? Don't just sit there—speak up!"
He itched to bash the fool's head, but this was a public forum. Barely containing his rage, he asked as kindly as possible.
Jeon Gi-ryong offered no reply, just groaned. His sullen expression and crossed arms unchanged. Whatever his inner thoughts, this was blatant provocation.
"Did you come just to get on my nerves? Could've skipped the trip... Speak up, you punk!"
At Chairman Kang's nod, a staffer rushed a mic to Jeon Gi-ryong from the corner.
"Chairman, this is Jeon Gi-ryong."
"I know. Just tell me why you're harboring poison. If something's off, I'll fix it."
After a pause, Jeon replied.
"I understand Chairman Han Du-hak and Chairman Kang Jin-gwang were childhood friends."
"We were, once."
"Chairman Han is in detention now. Snatching Namdo Construction like this in such circumstances goes against propriety."
"Me taking construction violates propriety? Is that why the sour face?"
"I can't deny it. Even if everyone here agrees, I'll oppose to the end."
Jeon Gi-ryong doused the festive mood. Murmurs rippled among the seated executives.
"What's Executive Director Jeon's deal?"
"Good thing's good—why pick a fight?"
"That grumpy personality never changes!"
Min-ho smiled at Jeon Gi-ryong's back.
"Young master, why the sudden smile?"
"A pup's nipping at the tiger's neck."
"Chairman looks furious. What happens to him now?"
"You'll see. It'll exceed your wildest imagination."
Having observed Chairman Kang for years, Min-ho knew what was coming. Contrary to expectations of pure rage, the Chairman smiled leisurely. His mouth curved up, but his eyes were different—sharp and murderous, glaring at Jeon Gi-ryong.
If Chairman Kang lost this nerve war limply, he'd fail to dominate the executives. Jeon Gi-ryong's aim was to dent his authority. Failure would derail all future plans, inviting endless nitpicking.
Jeon had picked the worst possible day. For the management lesson, Chairman Kang had summoned his grandson, who now watched from the back. Daring to trample him in front of his grandson. He'd tried to let it slide, but it was far too late.
Silent and piercing, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang stared down Jeon Gi-ryong. His resolve set, he drew a decision sharp as a blade's edge.