The Sky is Falling, Part 3
Grandmother swept her eyes around the hospital room, her face twisting into a scowl.
“Just my luck to arrive on time and have to see… those people again.”
Everyone knew that “those people” referred to me, my brother Sang-jun, and my mother.
“What on earth are you trying to say? How can you speak like that?”
Father’s face, streaked with tears, contorted in anguish as he shouted. He held back his voice in front of Grandfather’s death, a testament to his last shred of patience.
“These fools, all of them… It’s a wonder they’re related to us, so utterly pathetic.”
Grandmother clicked her tongue in disapproval, casting a cold gaze at her children and grandchildren.
“The funeral will be held at home. Only allow in select guests to avoid any unnecessary commotion.”
With that, she turned to leave, as if she had nothing more to say.
“Oh, Yeong-gi, make sure everything is in order and come home. I have something important to discuss.”
She gestured to Jin Hye-kyung, the eldest daughter of Vice Chairman Jin Yeong-gi, and left. Hye-kyung bowed to everyone and quickly followed her out.
Watching this, Father finally lost his patience. His face flushed red as he moved to follow Grandmother.
But Mother grabbed his arm, and Uncle stood in his way.
“Yun-gi, please, just for today… hold it in.”
Father’s clenched fists trembled before he finally relaxed them.
“Big brother!”
Father called out to Vice Chairman Jin Yeong-gi.
“Make sure Mother sees Father being laid to rest. Even if you have to drag her there! It’s your responsibility.”
Laying the deceased to rest isn’t just about placing them in a coffin. It’s the final farewell before the lid is closed. It seemed Father was insisting on showing respect to the man who had been her husband for a lifetime, despite everything.
Uncle nodded weakly.
Though Grandmother’s actions were infuriating, I suppressed my anger as I looked at Grandfather’s peaceful face.
His words urging forgiveness for Grandmother still echoed in my ears.
The special ward’s meeting room was bustling with people, all gathered to prepare for the intense five days ahead.
“We all agree on a family funeral, right?”
Jin Yeong-gi, as the eldest, led the meeting.
The siblings nodded, but the expressions of the company presidents who had rushed over were less than pleased.
“Vice Chairman, there’s a suggestion from the Federation of Korean Industries to hold a business leader’s funeral. Of course, the decision rests with the family, but perhaps consider the broader perspective.”
“Indeed. A public funeral isn’t out of the question. Chairman Jin’s life is a chapter in Korea’s economic history. It’s not an unreasonable proposal.”
Jin Yeong-gi listened to the two presidents, observing Jin Dong-gi’s expression.
Though he sat expressionless, Yeong-gi was certain Dong-gi had orchestrated this suggestion. It was a ploy to minimize his own exposure as the eldest son.
A public funeral, while not directly managed by the government, often involves posthumous honors based on the deceased’s achievements. It requires a committee of prominent figures from various sectors to plan and execute the ceremony.
In such cases, the funeral committee is usually chaired by a respected elder, not the eldest son. For the chairman of Sunyang Group, a former prime minister would be a likely candidate.
The media spotlight would be on the committee, not the eldest son. Dong-gi’s nodding agreement to a quiet family funeral had been a facade.
Yeong-gi showed no reaction.
This attempt was doomed to fail.
Mother had insisted on a family funeral, and the siblings agreed. Most importantly, it was Chairman Jin’s own wish.
As expected, the youngest, Yun-gi, spoke up.
“We appreciate your suggestions, but this isn’t what Father wanted. He always said he wanted a quiet farewell. We’ll proceed with a family funeral.”
Yun-gi’s firm words left no room for argument.
Dong-gi’s cheek twitched slightly, but that was all.
Yeong-gi surveyed the room and concluded the meeting.
“Then we’ll proceed with a family funeral. We’ll announce it to the press tomorrow…”
He glanced at Chief Lee Hak-jae, then turned to his secretary, Baek Jun-hyuk.
“Make sure everything is prepared, Baek. And stop the reporters from camping outside the house. We don’t want to inconvenience our guests.”
“Yes, Vice Chairman.”
Lee Hak-jae suppressed a smile.
It was a blatant exclusion… a signal to step back from group affairs and relinquish the title of chief secretary.
“And mobilize all strategic office staff to ensure our guests are comfortable during the funeral.”
“Understood.”
Yeong-gi felt a bit better when no one objected to his instructions. It was as if he were already the chairman of the group.
“Oh, and prepare memorial altars at the group’s main building, affiliate offices, and regional sites, right?”
Dong-gi addressed the company presidents, who nodded in agreement.
“And please compile a list of important people we mustn’t forget to notify.”
Dong-gi suddenly turned to the youngest.
“Yun-gi, I have a favor to ask. You know many celebrities, and they should pay their respects too, right?”
With Jin Yun-gi’s connections in media and entertainment, the funeral could easily turn into a film festival, minus the red carpet, with top actors lining up to attend.
“I understand. I’ll ensure only producers and agency heads attend. We’ll just accept floral tributes from the actors.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“No problem. I was thinking the same. We can’t have Father’s funeral in the entertainment section of the news.”
As they discussed the funeral arrangements, the hospital director entered cautiously.
“The chairman’s body… is ready to be moved to the residence.”
Yeong-gi stood up first.
“Let’s wrap up and meet at the house.”
“Sunyang Group’s Chairman Jin Yang-cheol passed away last night due to old age, as officially announced by Sunyang Group this morning.
Chairman Jin’s passing is a significant shock to Sunyang’s employees.
International media, including CNN and The New York Times, have reported the news as breaking news, and major foreign outlets are covering it prominently.
Economic organizations and the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea are deeply mourning Chairman Jin’s passing.
Additionally, the area around Sunyang’s headquarters was a sea of black suits today.
In other news, the National Assembly is heated with debates on the presidential impeachment…”
The morning’s first news was about Grandfather’s death. However, unlike the coverage of Daehyeon Group’s Chairman Joo Young-il, it wasn’t an all-day affair.
Grandfather’s death was just news, but the presidential impeachment was a pressing reality. As the impeachment loomed closer, the media’s cameras turned to the National Assembly and the Blue House, leaving few to focus on Sunyang Group.
I turned off the TV and changed into mourning clothes.
Despite the chaos, I had to return home briefly for an important task. As the doorbell rang, Kim Yoon-seok, dressed in a black suit, entered cautiously.
“My deepest condolences, Chief. I don’t know how to express my sympathy…”
“It’s alright. I’m more concerned about discussing work at a time like this.”
“Oh, no, please go ahead.”
“You’ve mobilized all the strategic office staff, right?”
“Yes. Even the staff supporting the chairman’s family have all rushed to the residence.”
“You’ve maintained good relations with those staff, correct?”
“Of course. As per your instructions, I’ve kept them on good terms, buying them meals, drinks, and even giving them travel expenses.”
Kim Yoon-seok’s confident demeanor was reassuring.
“Then have them monitor who meets whom during the funeral. Simple condolences aren’t necessary. There will be people having private conversations. Especially note those who meet with the two vice chairmen.”
“Should we also note how long these private conversations last?”
“That would be ideal.”
Long conversations imply more than just greetings.
At this point, Kim Yoon-seok hesitated before speaking.
“Um, Chief. Perhaps…?”
“Don’t hold back. Just say it.”
“Perhaps we could install listening devices in each room? It would be more certain.”
It seemed like a good idea at first glance, but he didn’t know Grandfather. His meticulousness was beyond anyone’s imagination.
“That’s not possible. Security personnel sweep the house twice a day. Bugging is impossible.”
Many people had private conversations with Grandfather in his study and living room. Those conversations were not to be overheard or known by anyone.
Attempts to bribe household staff to plant bugs were completely thwarted.
“Oh, I see. I spoke out of turn…”
“No, it’s fine. Feel free to share any ideas you have in the future. Don’t hold back.”
“Yes. I’ll go make the calls now.”
“Alright. Take care.”
After Kim left, I took a moment to relax with a cup of coffee. There was still more important work to be done.
Executive Director Woo Byung-jun also arrived, wearing a black tie.
“Sorry for being late.”
“No, it’s fine. Did you visit the main hall for the memorial?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t have to go out of your way… We could have paid our respects to Grandfather together.”
“Does the location really matter? As long as my feelings reach him, that’s all that counts. Don’t worry about it.”
He was usually so stoic and rigid, but today he seemed different. His eyes, red and swollen, blinked as if he’d been crying.
“Let’s visit the grave together later. I promised I’d pay my respects every day.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Finally, a faint smile appeared on his face.
“By the way, what was it you needed me to do? You should get back to the wake soon, shouldn’t you?”
I took a deep breath before speaking.
“Investigate Grandmother. Focus on her art dealings—buying and selling. It’s no secret that world is full of shady dealings, right?”
I remember Grandfather’s words, urging me to forgive her.
In his memory, I forgive her for trying to kill me.
I also remember his last wish for me to live as a villain.
Anyone who harms me or my family, even slightly, cannot be forgiven. Isn’t ruthless revenge the hallmark of a true villain?
Even if the target of that revenge is my own grandmother.
Only when you can be cold to your own blood do you truly become a villain.