Chairman Chu sat down heavily across from Mayor Choi, speaking up, "You've been working tirelessly day and night on your official duties, probably missing proper meals. Today, let's have a decent one."
The word "meal" was emphasized, making Mayor Choi's expression even stiffer.
It was either a mockery or a provocation, one of the two.
"Rice bowl with sashimi is sufficient. We've delayed here too long."
"Oh my, this is terrible! I've committed a grave offense."
Chairman Chu's feigned humility was rather unsettling. Mayor Choi dropped the pretense of formalities.
"Chairman, I apologize for being straightforward, but if you have something to say, please do so now."
"Oh, no, please don't misunderstand. I suggested we meet just to offer my congratulations on your election victory." Chairman Chu quickly waved his hand.
"Then, I'll accept your congratulations, but please abandon the idea of Sangam-dong. As father-in-law already mentioned, principles such as excluding large conglomerates like Sunyang and DaeHyun will be strictly adhered to."
Mayor Choi openly revealed that he had overheard their conversation in the adjacent room. However, Chairman Chu showed no signs of being flustered.
"That's not it. It's a good policy to revive struggling construction companies. Don't misinterpret my intentions. I genuinely mean it."
"Very well. I'll take your sincerity. Let's postpone the meal. I'll be on my way..."
As Mayor Choi started to rise from his seat, Chairman Chu extended his hand to make him sit back down.
"Oh, this man. If someone's about to do something significant, do they need to be in such a hurry? Stay seated for a moment."
The word "significant" caught Mayor Choi's attention. He hesitated and slowly sat back down.
"Mayor Choi, you probably already know, but living with in-laws is never easy. Men in our country all go through the ordeal of being cautious around our wives, but living with your father-in-law, mother-in-law... even being cautious around your nieces and nephews... It's a whole different level."
"Chairman, scratching my pride won't do any good. It won't be difficult for DaeHyun Group to trip up over just one issue like the Seoul city permit problem."
"Oh dear, don't be frightened. When you live with your in-laws, it's common for men to be submissive at home and then raise their voices when they step outside. Haha."
"Chairman!" Mayor Choi shouted with a reddened face, as if he were being teased.
"I'm here to offer help with living with your in-laws. Our Mayor Choi, you might as well bring a sedan chair along on your way to the Blue House. What do you say?"
Mayor Choi was left speechless by Chairman Chu's unexpected proposal.
The Blue House?
Chairman Chu continued speaking in front of the stunned Mayor Choi. "Mayor Choi's father-in-law has already set boundaries. Don't you know that? He's the type of person who wouldn't hesitate to sow salt on the path to the Blue House." Chairman Chu gave a faint smile. "Aren't there people who are reluctant even to give to their own flesh and blood? Let alone to their in-laws...? People who can't bear to see others succeed."
"Why are you saying this to me, Chairman?" Mayor Choi regained his composure and managed to speak.
"For me, investing in people has always been natural. When this administration ends, a new era will begin. Whether it's democracy or dictatorship, it's the era of either Yang or Kim. New figures will emerge without a doubt. Maybe the Seoul mayor will be at the forefront."
"Chairman, isn't your fourth son also a politician? A three-term legislator."
"He won't do. He's the kind of guy who sticks a flag in his car factory's district and runs for election. He might secure a fifth or tenth term in that constituency, but that's it. Becoming a more prominent politician is impossible."
Chairman Chu's son serves as a legislator, wearing the badge of the ruling party and understanding perfectly well that his father's words hold true.
"I'm from Sunyang Group."
"Where is the root of a politician? They wander around here and there. If anyone supports, guides, or embraces them, that place becomes their root, doesn't it?"
"..."
"And both the Seoul mayor and the President need a broad heart. They can embrace both Sunyang and DaeHyun at once."
"Could they become a source of strength for both groups simultaneously?"
Chairman Chu didn't provide a clear answer to Mayor Choi's question. Instead, he started making an unexpected comment while looking at him with a mischievous smile.
"Can I give you one piece of advice?"
"I'll listen carefully."
"I only have three wives. Two are not officially registered, and I could only register one."
"Isn't this a public secret? Besides, in your generation, Chairman, having three wives is nothing to be ashamed of."
"That's what I'm saying. It's no different from the past. Divorcing and remarrying isn't a problem. What's wrong with registering two or three wives officially?"
Mayor Choi was taken aback. Even though Jin Seo-yoon, who was trusted by his family and used to make a fuss occasionally, there was no reason to disrupt their marriage.
Moreover, all three of their children were grown up. They had long passed the difficult times, and there was no reason to end their marriage.
"Oh, you've gone too far. I have no intention of divorcing my wife."
"Who said you should divorce immediately? If needed, live together as much as you want. If the time comes when you need to raise your voice, give her a chance. If you listen and behave well, you can live on just fine. In fact, from the moment you become the Seoul mayor, you should consider the knife is already in your hands."
Not having to be under his wife's control was the real freedom felt.
Chairman Chu's intentions became clear.
No matter how much his wife controlled things from behind the scenes, he could still become the Mayor of Seoul and even dream of a presidential run through his own merit. If he became the President, it would mean that he could use his wife to take over Sunyang, not the other way around.
It also implied forming an alliance with DaeHyun Group.
No matter how powerful these two groups were, it wouldn't be difficult for a president to grant various favors to both groups simultaneously.
Mayor Choi didn't dislike Chairman Chu's sponsorship proposal. He thought of his father-in-law but also felt his heart race, as if he were having an affair.
"Are we still far from getting our meal? Suddenly, you seem to be in a hurry to eat." Mayor Choi chuckled and smiled at Chairman Chu.
"How much have we collected so far?"
"Well, after announcing the development plan, speculators flocked in like crazy, so it's challenging to pick out only Yeong-jun's shares."
Jin Seo-yoon responded somewhat gruffly, causing the corners of her eyes to twitch. But she took a deep breath and restrained herself. Holding a position as a city leader for ten million citizens had changed her. She was no longer as refined and graceful as she once was.