"Do-jun."
"Yes?"
"Do you think also think that this grandfather of yours is that nasty?"
"Why are you suddenly asking that?"
"I don't just let my sons fight, even encourages it, and seems to enjoy it when my grandson gets into trouble."
"Well... there's some truth to that. Hehe."
Though he said it seriously, I could only take it as a joke. I wanted to avoid making it more serious.
"It seems like you've figured out the purpose of the trip to Gunsan, now that you're not hiding your intentions."
"Yes. It's clear that both Uncle and Aunt are making an effort to bring me in."
"The one who fights and wins gets everything. I've never seen someone who just takes what's given and actually holds onto it. Do you know how many businesses disappeared over the 50-plus years since liberation? They all got everything handed to them, and that's why."
"It seems you're curious whether I'll get involved in that fight or not."
"No, I'm curious about how much more I need to give you. Haven't you been in the fight for a long time now?" Grandfather said with a twinkle in his eye.
Wait a minute, we need to clarify this. He's a meticulous man, and I can't make mistakes in calculations.
"Grandfather, what do you mean by giving me more... I haven't received anything yet."
"What did you say? Hey, you little thief. What's with you? Hehe."
"And Grandfather, there's something you must never forget."
"What now?"
"I saved your life. When the accident happened."
"Look at this guy. Even after the accident, you were perfectly fine!" His satisfied smile lasted only briefly as Grandfather lowered his voice again. "Do-jun."
"Yes?"
"You should give a piece of rice cake to the one who's crying."
Why would he suddenly say something so random?
"I can't help but think this when I see a child who's lacking: Our Do-jun will do just fine with a little less. If we give them the same, the other kids won't even have a chance to compete, especially their sons. That's what I think."
I understand Grandfather's feelings.
Bloodlines are a powerful thing.
I may have met my bloodline across one generation, but for the elders, isn't it across many generations?
I understand the pride that forces them to cloak the truth behind ability, without daring to utter the words "because of blood."
"Starting from tomorrow, I'll cry and show my shortcomings too. But until today, I'll continue to play the role of the accomplished grandson as you wish."
"How will you do that?"
"Grandfather, just do as you wish. Isn't the Sunyang Group yours?"
The affection for the Sunyang Group more than his own children. That's where I can place my hope.
"Hey, won't we face a backlash for this?"
"Private matters are even more frightening. Each word is like a dagger. Right now, Aunt's husband won't know what to do."
Oh Sehyun threw the newspaper on the table. "Why are you overdoing it like this... What if it backfires on DMC too?"
"Perhaps, right? Let's exclude land speculation and focus on making DMC itself the epicenter of corruption. Emphasize that it's not a bidding process but a fixed contract."
"Hey, are you talking as if you're just watching a fire across the river? Don't you think you should stop Hanseong Ilbo? Today it's just Hanseong Ilbo, but tomorrow, all the newspapers will pick it up."
"Do I have a better plan? If you're thinking about Grandfather, forget it. He's already drawn the line that he won't get involved."
"What if DMC really falls apart?" Oh Sehyun had a face full of worry.
"That won't happen. Sunyang Construction takes at least 30% of the project, Grandfather won't just sit by. He may watch Aunt's husband get beaten up, but if he touches the business, Hanseong Ilbo will be torn apart."
"Well, that's a relief."
Oh Se-hyun's worries eased, but mine didn't.
What should I do about Aunt's husband?
The man who had been following orders from his wife and seemed somewhat inadequate could go anywhere. It had only been a few days since he took office.
Did Grandfather know about Aunt's husband's true nature? Is that why he opposed his involvement in politics so vehemently?
For now, I need to meet Aunt.
Taming a husband who was once docile, if his wife commanded it, was just right.
"Uncle, what do you think about meeting Aunt before Aunt's husband causes a bigger problem?"
"Yeah, that's a good idea. It's not good to be anxious. Let's firmly instruct him to keep quiet until DMC takes off."
When we were about to pick up our bags and leave, the door suddenly swung open.
"Oh Se-hyun! Look at this! Look at this bastard. Where's he pulling these stunts? How dare he!"
The person shouting with heavy breath at the door was none other than Kang Mu-sung.
"What's all this out of nowhere? And watch your language. He's just a kid!"
"Why did you kick me out of my room? I came to work, and it's under construction. You didn't even tell me anything. What's going on?"
"Oh, that? It's because of a new recruit. He's a former high-ranking official, and he'll be a significant help to our business. We need to allocate him a good room, but there's no space."
"What? These guys... Do they think I wouldn't find out? They haven't been paying me my salary since last month, my car disappeared, and now they're taking my room? Are they trying to kick me out?"
While Kang Mu-sung was running around the room, Oh Sehyun remained calm and relaxed.
"You're quite perceptive. If you have that much sense, why did you even bother coming all the way here? Just resign and stay home, as you've been doing."
"Hey!"
"What? Be careful with your words before making harsh accusations."
When Oh Sehyun responded provocatively, Kang Mu-sung's fists trembled in anger.
Uncle is quite harsh. I thought he would leave Kang Mu-sung be for at least six months, but he's kicking him out after just three months. And on top of that, he's humiliating him by taking away my office.
He's giving back what Kang Mu-sung did.
He's removed the desk overnight, fired the employees, and even took the company's money without paying the owed salaries. He's made the CEO, who disappeared without notice, feel the injustice his employees felt.