"Very well. I have a splitting headache as well. I'll talk to the Chairman. Let's arrange a meeting." Lee Hak-jae settled into his chair.
The CEOs of the financial subsidiaries flinched but didn't withdraw. This incident was too difficult to just let it go.
"I'll schedule a meeting and let you know. I'll make sure to talk to this director without causing any harm."
As they left the office, Lee Hak-jae picked up the phone.
"...Chairman, it's at a critical level, so it seems we should meet once to address it. Yes... yes..."
After ending the call, Lee Hak-jae was on the edge of his seat, curious about how this interesting story would unfold. But it was clear that, given the circumstances, he couldn't miss the meeting.
"Our wealthy little fellow handling those bureaucrats... it's quite fascinating."
He had no doubts about the outcome. After all, the formidable presence of Chairman Jin supported everything. The CEOs of the subsidiary companies also understood well that they couldn't surpass Chairman Jin.
Instead, this was merely an opportunity for them to assert their presence. And this presence was not to be ignored.
No matter what anyone said, weren't they contributors?
"Oh my, these people... Did I die, or did they come to check if I'm still alive?"
"What are you saying? We came to be your companions in case you need it."
"I feel relieved to see the Chairman in good health."
The CEOs of four subsidiary companies, including Life, Fire, Securities, and Cards, took turns bowing and offering greetings as Chairman Jin warmly patted their backs.
"Well, have a seat. I imagine the old folks are going to grumble for a while, so sit down and talk. It must be tiring. Hehe."
It was clear that this was not just a courtesy visit; they needed to get to the main topic.
"Indeed, I heard there is a lot of dissatisfaction regarding personnel matters. Let it all out. These days, I have spare time, and I'm willing to listen to any nonsense."
Chairman Jin was still smiling, but the faces of the four subsidiary company representatives stiffened instantly.
Nonsense!
It was apparent to anyone that Chairman Jin was talking nonsense. Entrusting a company worth nearly 700,000 won per share to a college student was absurd.
And these individuals were holding an astounding 5 million shares each. From subsidiary company CEOs to executives and some employees, they all had a stake. Their combined ownership amounted to 25%. If these shares were not handed over to the Chairman's grandson, financial control would be impossible.
These secret transfer operations had to be handed over to the Chairman's college student grandson now. If he couldn't quell the executives' dissatisfaction, the succession process would be in jeopardy, and in the worst-case scenario, this covert succession operation could leak to the outside.
Violating the rules on concealed transactions was a trivial matter. If they were hit with an inheritance tax of hundreds of billions, it would be irreversible.
Chairman Jin was well aware of this fact. Therefore, they believed that he would be willing to listen to their opinions to some extent.
"Chairman, Do-Jun is still a student. It's never too late for him to graduate, gain a few years of practical experience, and then join the management team." Yang Woo-chan, the CEO of Sunyang Life, initiated the conversation.
Among them, he had served Chairman Jin the longest and, considering his age and the size of the company, he had sufficient qualifications to be the successor.
"Yes, there's no need to rush. How about delaying the succession process a bit?"
"These people... How can I guarantee that I'll live a few more years? Even if I die tomorrow, the undertakers will still be joking about my coffin, you know."
"That's unlikely. You've just recovered like this..."
"So, you're saying it's okay for my grandson Do-Jun to undergo training for a few years and then participate in the management? Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes, we'll put him in key positions as soon as possible."
"Then do that. Rotate the tires. But does that have anything to do with the succession process?"
Chairman Jin seemingly agreed without much fuss, but the expressions of the CEOs did not brighten up.
Securing corporate control was essential, and if Chairman Jin's influence waned, Do-Jun wouldn't stand a chance under the management team, where he'd be just another wage earner.
As major shareholders and corporate owners, it was obvious they'd exercise their rights, and the first exercise of those rights would likely involve restructuring the older generation, such as themselves.
They understood Chairman Jin's intentions accurately, but the reason they resisted ultimately came down to preserving their own positions.
"Chairman, there aren't many people who can work under a major shareholder. There's no precedent for such a case."
These words were directed at himself. CEO Yang Woo-chan implied that if Do-Jun inherited the financial subsidiary, he would promptly submit his resignation.
"That's right. I haven't experienced working in an office, so I don't really understand the feelings of wage earners. Hehe."
Chairman Jin's laughter filled the room, but the atmosphere seemed to grow even colder.
What words would follow that laughter?
The CEOs began to stare at Chairman Jin, swallowing their dry throats.
At this moment, Chairman Jin, after the laughter subsided, did something unexpected that no one had anticipated. He picked up the phone.
"Do-Jun? Yeah, it's grandpa. Come over here quickly. There are some people who can't stand that I'm giving a few companies to our grandson. Yes, yes, they're glaring at me as if I'm the problem. Hurry and come here and save this grandpa."
As soon as he hung up the phone, the CEOs urgently raised their hands.
"Oh my, Chairman. Glaring at you? Please don't misunderstand."
"Chairman, we're just offering our opinions for the sake of the company."
"It's fine. Do you really think I'd insult those who've been with me for over twenty years? That's not it."
Chairman Jin was different from his usual self.
"Have a meeting with him once. Yes, this is like an interview. I've had moments when I wondered if I was doing the right thing, leaving the company to a young man. So, confirm with your own eyes and, if you find it inadequate, tell him. It shouldn't be difficult to scold a young fellow a bit. And our Do-Jun isn't the kind of fool who ignores the advice of adults. Hehe."
The CEOs' expressions grew even more serious.
They understood very well that he was not the kind of person who would compromise in this manner.