Impossible Alliance 5
As quickly as they moved, I stopped hesitating.
My grandfather’s last words played a significant role in solidifying my resolve.
That’s right. I can’t afford to lose anything.
To ensure nothing is taken from me, I must act decisively, like a villain.
And who do villains most often need to meet? Those who deal with the law, of course. A true villain operates above the law, just like my grandfather did.
Though I was a bit surprised, the welcoming smile on his face made it clear he had caught the scent of money.
“Well, well, what brings the famous business prodigy, Jin Do-jun, to a humble public servant like me? Haha.”
The Minister of Justice greeted me with exaggerated enthusiasm.
“Representative Oh Se-hyun insisted I come and pay my respects. He mentioned he owed you a lot from last time.”
“Ah, yes. You’re deeply involved with Oh’s Miracle Investment, aren’t you?”
“Not involved, really. I just learned a few things there.”
“So humble. I’ve heard all about it. Oh has entrusted everything to you while he takes a break for his health. You’re managing Sunyang Group’s financial sector and a leading investment firm in the country. Truly impressive.”
“You’re too kind. It’s just luck. Sunyang is thanks to my grandfather, and Miracle is thanks to my father. I’m just a lucky guy who was born to the right parents.”
The minister’s lips curled into a smile, and he let out a low whistle.
“You’re refreshingly down-to-earth for someone from a chaebol family.”
“Thank you for seeing it that way.”
“Well, enough with the pleasantries. What brings you here?”
I slid a folded note across the table to him.
“What’s this?”
I watched closely as he picked up the note and read it.
He showed a brief flicker of surprise, but not panic. It was the kind of reaction anyone might have when seeing something unexpected.
“It doesn’t mean much. I just brought it to add credibility to my words.”
The minister placed the note back on the table and clasped his hands.
“As expected… Your late grandfather was meticulous. To think he recorded every penny, which was nothing to him.”
“Even when he was in a wheelchair, he never used those records against anyone. He just ‘kept’ them.”
“Then why do you have it, Mr. Jin? Am I right in my assumption?”
His eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Yes. I’ve been entrusted with those records.”
“Entrusted with the records…”
The minister quickly grasped the significance.
“Why would he pass them to his grandson when he has a son running the group?”
It wasn’t the time for honesty, so I gave a plausible explanation.
“He didn’t say, but I think it’s because he believed I handle money well and was worried my uncles might misuse the records. Just my thoughts, of course.”
I hoped he understood the implication of “misuse.”
Surely, he knew that the two vice-chairmen were dangerous enough to use such records as leverage when needed.
“I see. So, you’ll just keep the records, Mr. Jin?”
“Of course. I intend to honor my grandfather’s wishes.”
In other words, I’ll ensure the money flows safely.
The minister smiled knowingly.
“Alright, I understand your role now, Mr. Jin. So, what’s the real reason you’re here?”
Even without my grandfather revealing the records, everyone paid their dues. While he could collect with a single phone call, I still had to make personal visits. They might not refuse, but it’s the same result.
“I think I’m about to cause a big stir soon. The problem is how to handle the aftermath…”
“You won’t tell me what the stir is, but how do you want it handled?”
“Could you make it as if it never happened?”
“That depends on the scale.”
“Well… it’s quite large. If it were small, I wouldn’t have come to see you.”
“Ah, this is a headache. When a well-off third-generation like you says ‘large,’ it’s beyond my imagination how to handle it.”
The minister, of all people, feigning helplessness!
“Oh, I forgot to mention something. Representative Oh Se-hyun also left a message, and my grandfather always had an eye on you since your early days as a lawmaker.”
“Is that something to boast about, haha.”
“The general election is just around the corner. After that, the Constitutional Court will likely rule on the president’s impeachment, and there will be major reshuffles for political renewal…”
“Indeed. The impeachment will likely be dismissed, and the ruling party is expected to win the election.”
“It’ll be a sweeping victory for the ruling party, but isn’t it strange? They celebrate in Yeouido, while the cabinet faces a storm. By the way, wasn’t the average tenure of a minister in Korea 14 months?”
“Precisely 13.8 months. I’ve been in office for 13 months now, as the first minister of this administration.”
“So, your next step is Yeouido, naturally.”
“Of course.”
For someone about to step down, he seemed in good spirits. Even with four years until the next election, he didn’t seem worried about being jobless.
“Do you have any special plans?”
“The president might offer me a low-profile public institution position, but having served as a minister, I can’t take something so demeaning. I’ll just read books and pass the time.”
He was clearly fishing for the answer he wanted to hear.
“How about studying abroad for two years? When you return, you can prepare for the election as a district chair. It doesn’t sound too bad, does it?”
“You know politics well for someone so young. Impressive. Haha.”
“I’ll handle all the arrangements. Oh, and this is on behalf of Representative Oh Se-hyun, with no other intentions.”
The minister maintained his smile.
“There’s a reason your grandfather entrusted you with those records. Understood.”
Understood…
There couldn’t be a more fitting response.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Thank you for your time despite your busy schedule.”
As I stood up, he asked,
“Let’s not make it too big. If things get too messy at the end of my term, it could be dangerous.”
“I’ll make sure the mud is shared with the prosecutor general. Don’t worry too much.”
His eyes widened at the mention of the prosecutor general, but I pretended not to notice and left.
“Director, we need a plan. They’re holding a board meeting for Sunyang Life next week.”
“The agenda is obviously to replace the CEO and board members, right?”
“This isn’t the time to be laughing.”
Vice President Jang Do-hyung gulped down water to calm his nerves.
“Should I cry then? What can we do? It’s the right of major shareholders to change management.”
“Are you just going to watch?”
“Vice President Jang Do-hyung.”
My smile faded, and Jang Do-hyung stopped his whining.
“This is the last time you’ll tell me to come up with a plan. From now on, you need to present solutions to me.”
“Director, but this is…”
“Are you saying there’s no way because it’s a shareholder management dispute?”
”…”
“Have you considered ways to disrupt the board meeting? Have you ever tried to incite a collective backlash from the board members?”
Jang Do-hyung couldn’t find his voice.
Sometimes, I had to express my deep disappointment through reprimands. They must never believe they have my absolute trust. They should always feel they must do whatever it takes to earn it.
A trusted subordinate must always remember that their superior is a capricious, ruthless monster.
“I’ll handle this board meeting issue. Do you know what that means?”
“I’m sorry. It’s my incompetence…”
“No. I’m saving you, Vice President Jang. Who do you think will be the first to be dismissed from the current management if the board meeting happens?”
He fell silent again.
He knew he was the most likely to be dismissed, having risen so quickly thanks to me. His fear of me losing control was actually a fear for his own position.
“Alright, enough of the boss’s nagging. Listen carefully from now on.”
“Yes, Director.”
“I need a junior prosecutor. Not from a weak office, preferably from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.”
“A junior prosecutor?”
“Yes. The lowest I can reach is a senior prosecutor. But make sure they’re known for being tough and a bit of a maverick. They might have to resign, so assure them we’ll take care of them afterward.”
“You’re looking for a sniper.”
“Exactly.”
Jang Do-hyung swallowed hard.
“Who are you planning to target?”
“Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki.”
I took a deep breath, knocked on the door, and entered as planned.
“Oh, Do-jun. Come in.”
His tone was welcoming, but his expression betrayed the unease of someone with something to hide.
“You must be busy. I hope I’m not taking up too much of your time.”
“Don’t be silly. No matter how busy I am, I can always make time for you.”
As I settled on the sofa, his secretary brought tea.
Even as he brought the cup to his lips, his eyes never left my face, trying to gauge the reason for my visit.
“So, what brings you here?”
“I heard something strange. There’s a board meeting for Sunyang Life next week. Do you know anything about it?”
“Hmm…”
“Anyone can call a board meeting, but it’s a bit unsettling since it’s happening without my approval. I wasn’t even notified.”
“Legally, you’re just a shareholder, not a board member, so you wouldn’t receive a notice. What’s there to be unsettled about?”
How long will he keep up this pretense?
“Is that so? It seems like Sunyang Heavy Industries and Sunyang Construction can hold board meetings without my uncle’s approval.”
As my voice grew sharper, Vice Chairman Jin Dong-gi frowned and replied, “You seem to know everything already, so why beat around the bush?”
“Alright, then let me ask a few questions. Is the agenda for next week’s board meeting to replace not only the CEO I appointed but all the directors as well?”
“Not all of them. Some will survive.”
“And those who survive will naturally be my uncle’s people, right?”
“That’s how it looks.”
“Starting with Sunyang Life, you’ll hold board meetings for the other financial subsidiaries and plan to replace all the management, correct?”
“Probably.”
“All of this is to ensure I have no influence over the financial group… or to put it simply, to push me out, isn’t it?”
“Regrettably, you’re spot on. You’ll have to step back from management and be content as a shareholder with 10% of the group’s controlling shares.”
“Are you really sorry about this?”
My uncle flinched slightly.
“I’m sincere. Not so sorry that I can’t look you in the eye, but just a little…”
He extended his fingers slightly and gave a sly smile.
It wouldn’t take long for that smile to vanish, replaced by confusion and anxiety.
“Then my final question. Was the idea to oust me originally from you two uncles, or was it Grandma’s demand?”
His smile disappeared.
“Let’s call it a wish rather than a demand. It’s no secret your grandmother isn’t fond of you.”
You’re next, after your mother.
When will I be able to say that out loud without hesitation?