Free Web NovelThe next morning, I returned to the funeral hall early.
The reporters and TV cameras that had been lined up since yesterday were all gone.
“It must have been an order from the Blue House.”
“Seems that way.”
“Did you make sure all the photos of my face from yesterday were deleted before being sent back?”
“Yes.”
We passed through the empty parking lot and opened the door to the funeral hall.
Inside, sitting alone before Chairman Song Youngjoo’s portrait, was Song Chanwoo.
Sensing our presence, Song Chanwoo turned his head and stood up.
“You came early. The condolence delegation will arrive in about two hours.”
I glanced around and asked,
“What about the other family members?”
“They’re still resting inside.”
“I see.”
“It’s still early.”
“Please call them all together. There’s something I need to say. Yesterday, because the President suddenly came, we missed the timing.”
“Understood.”
Song Chanwoo rose from his seat and left the mourning room, heading toward the family waiting room.
I sat cross-legged on the floor in front of Chairman Song Youngjoo’s portrait.
‘I’ll wrap things up today. This is the last gift I can give you. Your name will never be erased. So rest there without worry.’
Yesterday, Eva and Han Kyungyeong had spoken one-by-one with all the presidents of Daehyeon’s affiliates and the board members.
Most of the senior executives who had worked under Chairman Song were already preparing to step down. Those who weren’t had no real countermeasures.
With more than half the shares in our and Chairman Song Chanwoo’s hands, neither the board nor the shareholders’ meeting could do anything.
As I quietly gazed at the photo of Chairman Song Youngjoo, one by one, the family members emerged from the waiting room.
The brothers stayed outside the mourning chamber, while the children came inside.
“Good, everyone is here. Please sit down. We must finish before the condolence delegation arrives.”
“Ahem.”
When Song Chanseong cleared his throat and sat down, the rest followed.
Sitting a little apart, Chairman Song Chanwoo still looked awkward with his family.
“The reason I’ve gathered the family is to discuss the future of Daehyeon Group.”
“You’ve already decided everything, sorted out the shares, and now you want to twist the knife?”
Chairman Song Chanwoo’s sharp voice cut through the room.
“I know you’re dissatisfied, but please hear me out. If you don’t want to, you may leave. However, you’ll also have to step down from ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) your position as chairman of Daehyeon Motors.”
I had no intention of humoring his discontent.
“Ahem.”
He coughed and stepped back. I clicked my tongue inwardly and continued.
“The overall head of Daehyeon Group, as I said before, will be Chairman Song Chanwoo. As for Daehyeon Motors, Chairman Song Chanseong will remain as chairman. As long as you don’t rebel against Chairman Song Chanwoo, I won’t interfere with how you manage your company.”
“Is that really true?”
Right now, Chairman Song Chanseong was practically a figurehead. Chairman Song Youngjoo had stripped him of all power while preparing succession.
But I thought it would be a waste of his ability. No reason to let it rot.
“Yes. It’s already settled with Chairman Song Chanwoo. Your autonomy will be respected, so long as you remain under Daehyeon Group.”
“Hmm... And the board? At present, nothing can be done without their consent.”
“I’ll take care of that. Don’t worry. I’ll create the conditions for you to manage as freely as before.”
Starting with Chairman Song Chanseong, I assigned each brother the affiliate they would oversee.
It was a conclusion reached after lengthy discussions with Chairman Song Chanwoo, based on the future I knew.
“I hope you’ll all support Chairman Song Chanwoo so that Chairman Song Youngjoo’s name is never tarnished.”
When I finished, Chairman Song Chanseong spoke.
“In that case, why not just split the affiliates instead?”
Always the same. Give them an inch, and they demand more.
I glared at him and said,
“Chairman Song Chanseong, this is Chairman Song Youngjoo’s will. He wanted the family of Daehyeon never to step outside the fence of the Group. I intend to uphold that. If you don’t like it, then hand over all your Daehyeon shares to me and use that capital to build your own company.”
“...”
“If you don’t have the confidence to strip off the Daehyeon nameplate and grow your company in the same business, then never say that again.”
In Korea, there was no company that could beat the Daehyeon brand.
Daehyeon Construction, Daehyeon Motors, Daehyeon Heavy Industries, and Daehyeon Electronics might not all be number one in their fields.
But because they bore the name Daehyeon, people trusted them and spent money.
“The same goes for the rest of you. If you don’t like the affiliate assigned to you, sell me all your Daehyeon shares. Then use that money to start your own business.”
No one could say a word.
“Finally, I will be stepping away from Daehyeon Group’s affairs. But if anyone challenges Chairman Song Chanwoo’s authority, they’ll have to face me. Chairman Song Chanwoo, please come forward.”
I called him up from the very back and seated him in my place.
“Chairman Song Chanwoo is the master of Daehyeon Group. Age is only a number. Please respect him.”
Looking around at his family, Chairman Song Chanwoo spoke.
“Elder brothers, elder sisters, nephews and nieces, please help me grow Daehyeon Group. As long as you don’t get greedy for more than what you already have, you’ll never be removed from your positions as chairmen of your affiliates while I lead the Group.”
“...”
No one replied.
“I won’t ask you to think of me as your brother. I know my mother’s existence was a scar to you all. But I never once considered that a blessing either. So please... don’t make me into a bad person.”
“...Very well. I won’t be greedy any longer.”
Starting with Chairman Song Chanseong, the rest all gave the same answer.
“Thank you.”
Chairman Song Chanwoo stood and bowed deeply.
Not everything was ideal, but it couldn’t be helped. He would lead Daehyeon in his own way.
I left it in his hands and stepped outside.
I walked over to where Chairman Song Youngjoo’s siblings were gathered.
“Have you said all you needed to?”
Chairman Song Youngjae of Daeseong Group, the eldest younger brother of Chairman Song Youngjoo, asked me.
“Yes.”
“Good. Since it was my brother’s will, we won’t say more. But keep your promise—step away from Daehyeon from today.”
“That’s my intention. And you elders should also refrain from meddling in Daehyeon affairs.”
“Understood.”
It was the moment Daehyeon Group’s new master took his first step.
Before long, the outside of the funeral hall grew noisy.
“They’ve arrived.”
Manager Ma approached me quietly.
I nodded and looked toward the entrance.
Moments later, the condolence delegation from Pyongyang entered with the Minister of Unification.
Walking beside the Minister was a middle-aged man.
‘Is that Bae Hoon?’
I wondered if his face might be familiar, but no—I had never seen him before.
Bae Hoon glanced at me briefly, then went straight into the mourning room.
Watching their backs, I asked Manager Ma,
“He doesn’t look like a soldier, does he?”
“No. From his gait and gestures, I’d say not.”
I observed quietly as the delegation lit incense and bowed.
“I am Bae Hoon. The Great Leader asked me to convey his condolences for Chairman Song Youngjoo.”
“Thank you. We are grateful for your presence.”
Chairman Song Chanseong bowed his head.
But Bae Hoon ignored him, turning toward Chairman Song Chanwoo.
“You are Chairman Song Chanwoo?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Chairman Song Chanseong’s face twisted.
When Song Chanwoo answered, Bae Hoon nodded.
“The Great Leader said that if Chairman Song Chanwoo wishes, Chairman Song Youngjoo’s remains may be buried in his homeland.”
“What?”
Song Chanwoo’s eyes widened, as did those of the rest of the family.
Even I couldn’t help being surprised.
“What do you mean? Our government has never heard of such a thing.”
“Why must our Republic heed the South’s government?”
“Still, surely there must be discussions first—”
“Discussions can come later. What is Chairman Song Chanwoo’s opinion? The Great Leader was moved by Chairman Song Youngjoo’s devotion to the Republic, so this decision has been made.”
“You mean... Father’s remains can be buried in the Republic’s land?”
“That’s correct.”
“Must I give an answer immediately?”
“Hmm. Will an hour suffice?”
Song Chanwoo glanced around at his family, then nodded.
“I’ll discuss it with them and give you my answer.”
“Good.”
He exchanged glances with Chairman Song Youngjae.
“Uncle.”
Chairman Song Youngjae replied with a stern face.
“Yes. We need to discuss this among ourselves.” freewebnσvel.cѳm
“Let’s go inside.”
They all went into the waiting room.
At that, Bae Hoon turned away immediately, followed by his companions.
“Wait, Director Bae.”
The Minister of Unification called after him urgently, but he paid no attention.
“You must consult with our government. Do you think Chairman Song’s remains can be moved to the North without approval?”
Bae Hoon stopped and turned back.
“Then quickly get President Kim Hakgwon’s approval. You also have one hour.”
“You—! How can such a decision be made in just an hour? That’s absurd!”
The Minister grew angry, but Bae Hoon didn’t flinch.
“There is no time. Hurry and get permission. This is a good opportunity, isn’t it?”
“...Fine. Wait here.”
The Minister pulled out his phone and hurried outside.
Then Bae Hoon walked straight over to me.
“You must be President Kim Muhyuk?”
“That’s right.”
“May I speak with you privately?”
“Of course.”
I stood up.
“Is there somewhere we can talk alone?”
“Yes, follow me.”
“Wait here,” he told his companions, then followed me.
‘The more I see, the less I understand this man.’
Not a soldier, yet he showed no concern for his safety.
I opened the door to the room I’d been assigned yesterday.
“Manager, keep everyone away from here.”
Once inside with Bae Hoon, Manager Ma closed the door behind us.
I gestured to a seat.
“Please sit.”
Bae Hoon seemed the type who didn’t waste words. As soon as he sat down, he went straight to the point.
“Do you know who I am?”
“No.”
“I heard you’re close with Deputy Director Jang Songthaek?”
His probing gaze brushed past me.
“What does that matter?”
“We’re looking for the whereabouts of Jang Songthaek’s slush funds.”
