Reversal (2)
***
A sharp blade was now pointed at Chairman Kang in Dobong-gu. To turn public opinion around, they needed a massive, unforeseen bombshell no one could predict. Though an unexpected accident had erupted, Min-ho decided to turn it to their advantage instead.
In the car heading to Dobong-gu with Lawyer Choi, Min-ho explained the incident. Lawyer Choi couldn't hide his admiration for Min-ho's unimaginable plan.
"If things go as you've described, I believe it will quash this public backlash in one fell swoop."
"He saved a life. Add some magnanimity on top, and cap it off by buying the man a new taxi—the picture will be perfect."
"I'm a bit sorry to bring up money, but estimating the costs from this incident, I'd say around 70 million won."
"Let's call it a neat 100 million for easy math. Isn't that a bargain to flip this whole situation?"
Min-ho's scenario was simple. A struggling taxi driver supporting his elderly mother suffered a cardiac arrest, causing the accident. By sheer chance, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang witnessed it and personally performed CPR on the unconscious driver, saving his life.
That alone would make headlines, but to truly sway the public's emotions, Min-ho took it a step further. Not only would they cover the driver's medical bills, but they also decided against claiming damages for the wrecked JK Group headquarters building.
And it didn't end there. Considering the driver's dire finances, they would even buy him a new taxi—his sole means of livelihood. This would paint a masterpiece that completely offset the negative image plastered on Chairman Kang and JK Group.
It was a flawless strategy. Lawyer Choi kept letting out gasps of awe.
"If it unfolds as you say, it'll more than suffice to reverse public opinion overnight. It's like a movie script."
"A fresh news story will bury the suspicions about Grandfather clean away."
"Young master, why are we heading to the taxi driver's home?"
"By the time we loop back to the hospital, it'll be swarming with reporters, right?"
"Yes."
"We're timing it perfectly—picking up his mother at just the right moment."
"That should make the interview flow very naturally, as expected." They wound through twisting alleyways and finally located the address the driver had given.
"Young master, 38-2... This looks like the place."
"Just as I thought."
"Doesn't look like they're well off financially."
They pushed open the creaky gate of the rundown house. A cluttered yard and a few doors came into view. Lawyer Choi, seeming quite familiar with such spots, zeroed in on the driver's home right away.
"Young master, this way."
Descending one more flight of stairs revealed a shabby door. Min-ho knocked.
"Hello? Anyone home?"
"No sounds inside. Maybe she got word from the hospital and left already."
"I told them not to contact her so she wouldn't be startled. Let's wait a bit."
Moments later, slow footsteps approached, and an old woman opened the door.
"Who might you be? I don't recall seeing your face before..."
"Hello, ma'am. I'm from JK Group. Is this the home of Mr. Park Sung-hwan?"
"That's my eldest son's name. Has something happened?"
"Please don't be alarmed—listen carefully. There was a minor accident."
Min-ho explained the details of the incident. The old mother, shocked by news of her son's mishap, sank to the floor.
"Oh dear... Oh, what are we to do..."
"Ma'am, he's fine. He's well enough to talk right now."
"Young man, can I believe you?"
"Of course. Why else would I show up if not?"
"Wait... I can't just sit here." She steadied herself.
"Take your time getting ready, ma'am. We'll drive you to the hospital."
Once they had her in the car, Min-ho laid out the specifics.
"Ma'am, there's one issue. As I mentioned, the car crashed into our building and caused major damage."
"Oh no... What company did you say?"
"JK Group."
"Heavens, smashing into a big company like that... That must cost a fortune."
To reassure her, Min-ho quickly replied, "No need to worry. Our chairman said he won't claim repair costs."
"Young man, is that true?"
"Yes. The taxi's totaled beyond repair, but he'll even buy you a new one."
It was a string of unbelievable events.
"Thank you for saving my son... Truly, thank you so much."
The old mother clasped Min-ho's hands, bowing repeatedly in gratitude. Checking their position, Min-ho turned to her.
"We'll be at the hospital in five minutes. There'll be lots of reporters—remember what I told you and share it just like that. You can do it, right?"
"Of course, absolutely."
To the casual eye, it might seem like pure compassion, but Min-ho wasn't one for charity without strings. It was a perfect win-win.
The driver would recover from his financial losses due to the accident. Min-ho would secure the bombshell to flip public opinion. And the cost? A mere 100 million won.
Currently, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang was under carpet bombing from the three major dailies, suffering greatly. Once this story broke, he'd be seen not just as a lifesaver, but as a magnanimous leader embodying true benevolence.
The group's briefly tarnished image and JK Telecom's stock would rebound as if nothing had happened. Their car pulled up to Korea University Hospital. As predicted, a horde of reporters lay in wait.
"Ma'am, reporters will ask all sorts of questions—just stay calm and answer. Got it?"
"These good people have our bones in debt. I'll never forget this kindness till I die."
"No need. Head this way."
"Thank you so much for saving my son."
With sincere bows to Min-ho, the old mother entered the emergency room. Min-ho's plan clicked perfectly into place.
Just then, taxi driver Park Sung-hwan emerged from the ICU. Tears streaming, his mother rushed to embrace him.
"Oh, my boy..."
She sobbed uncontrollably in his arms. It was a heart-wrenching moment. Photographers flashed away, capturing it all.
A swarm of reporters unleashed a barrage of questions.
-We heard Chairman Kang Jin-gwang saved Mr. Park's life. Is that true?
-Have you heard about the waivers for medical bills and damages?
-Word is they're even buying you a new car. Any message for Chairman Kang?
"I'm Park Sung-hwan, a taxi driver from Dobong-gu. My wife passed early, so it's just me, my mother, and my son."
Lying in his hospital bed, Park spoke calmly.
"Before and after the incident, a suited gentleman saved me. I only learned just now that he was Chairman Kang Jin-gwang."
-We understand the chairman is here. How about a direct greeting?
After the brief Q&A, Park nodded. Medical staff wheeled his bed toward the chairman's.
Finally locking eyes, the two men broke into bright smiles. Both rose slightly from their beds. They shook hands, then shared a warm embrace.
Chairman Kang, who had saved a life and extended such generosity. Park, expressing profound thanks to his benefactor. Cameras captured every bit.
Min-ho's script reached its climax. Reporters jostled for that one extra shot.
Now the microphones turned to Chairman Kang.
-Chairman, how did you spot the cardiac arrest so quickly?
-Damages exceed 80 million won, we're told. Why the magnanimity?
-Is it true you're covering medical bills and buying a new taxi?
Min-ho had credited everything to his grandfather for precisely this moment. Spotting his grandson amid the crowd, the chairman nodded and fielded the interview.
"First, let me address the suspicions against me."
The chairman was no ordinary player. Seizing the opportunity, he'd had Mun butler prepare key evidence swiftly. A brilliant move.
"I was born the son of poor tenant farmers and ran a loan shark operation in Myeong-dong. I won't deny my past."
Gripping the documents, he spoke loudly.
"Rumors say I charged interest far above legal rates. That's utterly false."
Mun butler distributed the evidence to the reporters. They could only nod at the irrefutable proof.
"I dealt with businesses, never loaned to individuals. Thus, I declare the recent articles false."
Thanks to Min-ho, the chairman brushed off the allegations lightly. He caught his breath and continued.
"Now, about the incident. All your questions are spot on."
-You're waiving damages, even covering medical bills and a new taxi?
"JK Group grew thanks to the love of our people. Mr. Park here is one of our JK Telecom customers."
Gazing at the old mother beside him, he went on.
"It was an unavoidable accident. Claiming damages would plunge Mr. Park—and his mother—into financial ruin, I judged."
Not content with saving a life, he extended boundless mercy. No better image existed. Flashes popped nonstop.
"Starting with this, JK Group will establish a welfare foundation. We'll seek out unsung heroes of quiet good deeds and hold them up as societal examples."
Min-ho had set a perfect table; Grandfather topped it with the rarest truffle for the finishing flourish. The Q&A wrapped up, ending the interview.
As reporters ebbed away like the tide, Min-ho approached quietly from the back. No words could capture how radiant his grandson looked in the chairman's eyes. He gazed at Min-ho with eyes brimming with affection.
"Grandfather, the foundation idea was something even I hadn't thought of."
"You've cooked well, boy, but it was a tad bland. Your old grandpa sprinkled in a dash of seasoning."
"Public opinion will turn now. No need to worry."
Gripping Min-ho's hand tightly, the chairman spoke.
"Thank you for pulling your flailing old grandpa out of the muck."
"Without you, Grandfather, I wouldn't even exist."
"How do you always answer so sweetly... Hey, Jong-hoon."
Lawyer Choi, standing stiffly beside them, replied with a rigid expression.
"Yes, Chairman."
"What, afraid I'll gobble you up? Why so tense?"
"No, sir."
"What do you think of my grandson? Sharp as a tack, eh?"
"I've been amazed every time, but I never imagined he'd unravel this incident like this."
"Even I didn't see it coming—brilliant, just brilliant. I'd not trade Min-ho for the world."
As the beaming chairman smiled, Hospital Director Gil Kang-tae approached.
"Chairman, your test results are in."
"Am I dying tomorrow or what?"
"Chairman, what do you mean?"
"Just joking, man—joking. How'd the tests go?"
Perplexed by the quip, the director answered cautiously.
"No major issues, sir. But given your age, how about resting here a day or two for a full checkup?"
The chairman had been running nonstop lately. He nodded in agreement.
"Fine by me. Use my usual room."
"Right away, sir."
Min-ho wheeled him not straight to the room, but outside. Handing the handles to Mun butler with a nod, he stepped back.
"Room's that way—why head out?"
"Sun's glorious today. Getting photographed outside? You'll look perfect. Reporters are still waiting—say whatever else you like."
"Your old grandpa wants to go with his grandson, not Sang-oh..."
"That request can wait. I'll head up first. Take your time."
Mun butler wheeled him out. Reporters scrambled for one last shot of the chairman.
Thanks to his grandson, he'd navigated the crisis flawlessly. With a bright expression, Chairman Kang strode the red carpet Min-ho had laid straight to the VIP ward.