The matter of Go Changsuk.
At first glance, it seemed like an opportunity.
If they could make good use of this opportunity and tarnish his reputation, Go Changbum would definitely have a chance to shine.
Go Changbum’s thoughts were the same.
After hearing Kim Hyunsung’s plan, he agreed with an excited face.
“That’s right! We’re going to stir up Changsuk’s dirty women problems and make his wife’s family cut ties with him. That’s a brilliant idea. If I criticize someone like Changsuk for tarnishing the reputation of the Go family to my father, he will definitely have serious doubts about Go Changsuk as the successor.”
“No. That’s not a good idea.”
“Huh? What do you mean? You were the one who wanted to carry out this plan.”
Go Changbum twisted his expression.
Just as Kim Hyunsung said.
It was definitely a strategy to remove the background, but using that as an excuse to tarnish Go Changsuk’s reputation was a different matter.
During the time he was in a vegetative state.
Despite the rules of the hospital room, the caregivers kept the TV on all day, and ironically, Kim Hyunsung was able to hear a lot of news about the outside world. All sorts of incidents and accidents. Someone caught for drunk driving, someone exposing something. In a situation where he could do nothing but to focus entirely on his hearing, those memories remained vivid in his mind.
Among them.
There was also mention of Go Myeongjin.
Having retired without any issues as a successful businessman, he suddenly appeared in a reporter’s memoir.
“During my time as a journalist, there were many unique figures among the celebrities I investigated. For example, Go Myeongjin, the first Chairman of Myeongjin Construction. People say that Myeongjin Construction almost went bankrupt due to the rivalry between his two foolish sons, but the truth is different from that. Chairman Go Myeongjin knew the way his two sons competed. No matter what dirty deeds they committed, he didn’t intervene, and instead, he intended to choose the one who emerged victorious as the heir. From the beginning, Chairman Go Myeongjin was willing to take on the risk in order to lead the company with family management. If Go Changsuk had won through malicious means, and if Go Changbum had known about it and responded cleverly, the Myeongjin Construction we see today, led by professional managers, would not exist.”
It was an interesting fact.
It was a brief incident that ended with the simple statement that Chairman Go Myeongjin was a more formidable figure than they had thought. And the memory of that time took root in Kim Hyunsung’s mind. In the series of plans to take revenge, Myeongjin Construction was a crucial point that required a thorough understanding of Go Myeongjin
‘Chairman Go Myeongjin knew that Go Changsuk was meeting women, and that he was scheming maliciously to bring Go Changbum down. The fact that he still turned a blind eye to it shows his personality. He is the kind of person who does not care about the means and methods for the result. The fact that he abandoned his two sons, whom he had tried to protect and keep close at all cost, is likely a result of that same nature. In that case, in a situation where Go Changsuk’s affair was revealed, would it be right for Go Changbum to openly criticize him?’
The answer is: no.
That would not be wise.
Go Changbum’s reputation remains unchanged, and simply criticizing Go Changsuk won’t win Go Myeongjin’s favor.
Therefore, he changed his mind.
A different approach than before.
An attitude befitting the position of Chairman.
What if Go Changbum showed those qualities in himself?
As Go Changsuk’s value diminishes, Go Changbum’s new image will undoubtedly stand out.
Kim Hyunsung spoke.
“The plan from now on is…..”
The conversation was long.
He explained the plan in detail.
The attitude and expression Go Changbum would need to show, and even the words he would use.
Even when he first heard the plan, Go Changbum was hesitant, but seeing how things were unfolding as expected, he had no choice but to trust Kim Hyunsung. After all, he had no reputation left to lose anyway. He even thought of retaliating against Kim Hyunsung if the plan failed, so for now, he simply blurted out the same content they had planned.
“No matter what the reason, it was wrong for me, the eldest son of Myeongjin Construction, to cause trouble. From now on, I will be more careful and consider my position before acting. And Father. I will also talk with Changsuk about the matter.”
The dice has been cast.
And.
When he raised his head again, seeing his father looking at him with a surprised expression, Go Changbum couldn’t help but feel triumphant.
‘It worked.’
It was certain.
That expression on his father’s face.
He was definitely impressed with him.
* * *
Go Changbum’s attitude.
It was surprising to Go Myeongjin.
He was the eldest son who never admitted his mistakes, but this time, even though the other party provoked him first, he didn’t make any excuses.
‘…Could it be that he has changed?’
His eldest son.
He was like a sore thumb.
Go Myeongjin, who had deeply loved his firstborn despite the difficulties of his birth, had intended to pass down Myeongjin Construction entirely to him, even if he was slightly lacking in ability. After all, once he dies, none of it matters anyway. He thought that if Go Changbum, who resembled him so much in appearance, could lead Myeongjin Construction well, he would be happy as a father, even before being the Chairman.
But the reality was different.
Perhaps it was because he had given him so much love.
As time went by, Go Myeongjin’s disappointment in his eldest son grew as he lived his life with arrogance despite lacking ability.
But today.
Go Changbum showed a different side of himself.
He didn’t make any excuses, nor did he blame his younger brother.
‘The incident with Changbum happened because the other party provoked him first. If it were the usual Changbum, he would never have admitted his mistake, always pointing out the other party’s wrongdoings. As the successor of Myeongjin Construction, he wasn’t the type who would admit that the fact that he got involved in such an incident was a mistake in the first place. On top of that, he didn’t criticize Changsuk’s incident. Did he finally realize that he could not take the position of Chairman of Myeongjin Construction with such slander and criticism?’
If.
If he would have tried to bring down Go Changsuk through criticism, his merciful attitude would have been more unpleasant.
But not now.
Although there was a conflict with his wife, Go Changsuk’s position remained solid, and when comparing his personal ability and reputation, Go Changsuk had an overwhelming advantage. It was not a problem that could be solved by merely criticizing him. Slander and criticism were like asking him, the Chairman, to point fingers at Go Changsuk. In the competition for the successor position, it was not a way for Go Changbum to prove his own abilities.
Maybe that was why.
He backed out.
Even though he was the one who would benefit the most from this situation, he didn’t make any effort to outwardly reveal that fact.
It was then.
He noticed Go Changbum’s expression.
At the corner of his lips that was strangely twitching, Go Myeongjin finally saw the truth.
‘I see. So Changbum has a clever adviser.’
It was certain.
Go Myeongjin had spent decades in the construction industry.
He had risen to the position of Chairman from the bottom, and he could read Go Changbum’s thoughts just by the subtle changes in his expression. It was something only possible because he had been watching his eldest son closely all this time. It seemed that the series of events did not originate from his head, but that someone had instructed him to act in this way.
The meaning of the subtle smile.
That was it.
Since the plan he had doubted himself succeeded, Go Changbum couldn’t completely hide his expression.
‘Having someone by his side to compensate for his own shortcomings. And even though he was anxious, he still listened to their words. That, too, could be considered a quality of a Chairman.’
Go Myeongjin was happy.
The incompetence of his eldest son.
He knew it very well.
It was something that would not change even if the world turned upside down, but the fact that he trusted and kept a capable person by his side meant that there was room for improvement. Just like what he had said to his eldest son in the past. As long as he could manage people well, there was a real possibility that his eldest son, whom he had always considered a sore thumb, could rise to the position of Chairman.
He suppressed a smile.
He didn’t show any emotional signs.
However.
It was necessary to commend him.
“I’ve heard the story. The other party provoked you first. But even then, you tried your best to avoid the situation.”
Then, with a light tap.
He stirred a ripple in Go Changbum’s heart.
“Well done. I’m proud of how calmly you handled the situation.”
* * *
Click.
The door to the Chairman’s office closed.
Go Changsuk, who had been bowing his head repeatedly until he left, immediately changed his expression as soon as the door shut.
“F*ck, this is b*llshit.”
Yesterday.
It was truly the worst day.
His wife, Kim Jihye, yelled at him with all kinds of harsh profanities, and even slapped him across the face. Even then, he had to repeatedly apologize under the cold gaze of his father-in-law. And today, hearing his father’s reprimand made his anger bubble up even more. Trying hard to calm his fury, his eyes landed on Go Changbum, who was staring blankly ahead.
“I don’t know which b*stard leaked the location of Hansung Officetel, but just wait till I catch them. I’ll f*cking tear them to pieces.”
He openly targeted Go Changbum.
It was a strong suspicion.
Since the only person who would benefit from attacking him was Go Changbum, he was certain it was definitely his doing.
However.
No matter what Go Changsuk was babbling about, Go Changbum’s mind was elsewhere.
“Well done. I’m proud of how calmly you handled the situation.”
“Well done. I’m proud of how calmly you….”
“Well done. I’m proud of you…..”
In his mind.
A vast field of flowers blossomed.
In that blissful world, his father, who had always been strict as an adult, was looking down at him with a gentle face. If there is a heaven, it must feel like this. Go Changbum could not hide his joy at the thrill that rose from his toes to the top of his head.
‘My father acknowledged me. He said I handled it calmly and proudly looked at me!’
It was thrilling.
In fact, he himself did not know his own shortcomings.
As the time he lived recklessly grew longer, his longing for his father’s approval also grew, but today, he felt like it was completely resolved. He didn’t even care about Go Changsuk, who was grumbling at him as he left. For him, the only thing that mattered at the moment was that he had been praised by his father, and he wanted to enjoy this moment to the fullest.
Clench.
He clenched his fist.
This incident.
He hoped it wouldn’t end as a one-time event.
He longed for his father to continue looking at him with pride, unwaveringly, in the future.
Then there was something he needed to do.
‘Kim Hyunsung!’
Everything was going according to his plan.
Go Changbum picked up his phone.
Dud, dud.
Beep.
“Ah, our handsome Hyunsung. Where are you right now? I’ll come to you right away.”
* * *
One day.
At the moment of their reunion, which had not even been 24 hours, Go Changbum looked at Kim Hyunsung with eyes full of sweetness, as if honey were dripping from them.
“Thanks to you, I finally received recognition from my father after such a long time. So, tell me. What should I do to rise to the Chairman position? If it’s your advice, I’ll follow it without question.”
His attitude completely changed.
Just one proof.
That was enough.
Even though the other party was 17 years old, he couldn’t help but trust Kim Hyunsung now that he had witnessed the amazing results firsthand.
Kim Hyunsung spoke.
“This is just the beginning. Even though Mr. Go Changsuk has grown distant from his wife, he has only been demoted to the same position as you, Mr. Go Changbum, who had no background from the beginning. In order to truly take the Chairman’s seat, you must also win the remaining two conditions. Those are impossible right now. For now, start at the bottom and learn the practical work, and when the time is right, I’ll let you know how to proceed.”
“You’re telling me to start at the bottom? That’s… ugh, fine! It’s your advice, so what can’t I do?”
“And there is a condition.”
“Condition?”
“Yes.”
Go Changbum and Kim Hyunsung.
The relationship between the two was just beginning.
In order to somehow get Go Changbum in the Chairman position, Kim Hyunsung had to be compensated accordingly.
“Do you remember the conversation we had? Our relationship is clearly transactional, tit for tat. I will do my best for Mr. Go Changbum from now on, and in return, you must listen to what I want.”
“Just say the word. What can’t I do for our Hyunsung? Despite how I may seem, I, Go Changbum, am a loyal person.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Kim Hyunsung smiled.
Another reason for choosing Go Changbum.
At least, unlike Go Changsuk, he was someone who took care of his own people.
Kim Hyunsung said bluntly.
“Please, Mr. Go Changbum, be my backer.”1[T/N: The term 후견인(後見人) can also be interpreted as ‘Patron’, ‘Mentor’, ‘Sponsor’ or ‘Guardian’. Not in a negative sense, of course. It is mostly used in the corporate world.]
Myeongjin Construction.
It was the moment when he held the most important puzzle piece for his future revenge.
