episode_0267

A promise to stake something.

It is an act to give the other party faith.

It is also to lend weight to the words spoken.

Occasionally, when you see a disobedient child who stakes their parents, it paradoxically makes their words seem cheaper.

Or, whether they stake their finger or their neck, it doesn’t really resonate and just looks cheap.

Because actual cutting is a rare occurrence.

It is also rare to actually receive something by cutting it.

Normally, that is the case.

“Old Man. You shouldn’t make such promises carelessly.”

“I am sincere.”

“……”

Normally, it would be a situation to laugh off, but it couldn’t be dismissed lightly.

The man named Kim Daeho before me was quite sincere.

He pointed to the thin, thread-like stab wound remaining as a faint scar on Captain Lee’s neck.

“Even after seeing that?”

“Yes.”

Chairman Kim slowly nodded, watching Captain Lee subtly cover his wound, and showed not a trace of wavering.

‘Look at this Old Man.’

I am not a murderer who enjoys the smell of blood and the sensation of cutting flesh.

It’s more like I’ve become accustomed enough to do it without hesitation if necessary.

That was the situation, but Chairman Kim knew what I had done to Captain Lee.

He knew I was capable of such a thing, yet he still uttered those words.

Is he courageous, or just reckless?

Anyway.

I fully understood that the sickly Old Man had made an effort.

Thanks to his own information, I also clearly saw how things were unfolding.

The life-or-death closing was also astonishing.

I slowly rose from my seat.

“I’ll go have a cigarette.”

“…Alright.”

Feeling the eyes of the people on me, I went down to the first-floor entrance.

*Flick*

I took out a cigarette, lit it, and leaned my hips against the railing.

“*Phew*–”

The weather is quite cold.

Not a single cloud was visible in the deep blue winter sky.

‘It sounds plausible, but…’

I fully understood that a breakthrough was needed.

I understood the direction the Konkuk University leadership was taking, and I felt I understood Chairman Kim’s resolve.

‘Hmm…’

Just as I finished one cigarette and put a second one in my mouth.

“Could you give me one too?”

“Me too.”

“You don’t need to give me one.”

CEO Choi, Hyung, and Dong-woo approached, smiling.

They were the impromptu group of smokers from the private study.

I chuckled and shared the cigarettes.

Excluding Dong-woo, who stood idly, we exhaled long streams of cigarette smoke.

“They prepared a lot on their end.”

“Indeed.”

“Thanks to that, I realized the reality once again.”

“The situation is more serious than I thought.”

The two wore complicated expressions and offered weak smiles.

There were no long conversations as we slowly smoked.

When about half of it was smoked.

Hyung, who had been looking into the distance, spoke casually.

“Have you made a decision?”

“Hmm.”

“I didn’t think the Chairman-nim would say such radical things.”

I smiled bitterly, watching Hyung shake his head.

Actually, even if I had heard him say to cut Chairman Kim’s throat, I wouldn’t have felt much.

There’s nothing for me in twisting an old man’s neck.

Only annoyance and a sense of unease would remain.

Nevertheless, what couldn’t be easily dismissed was…

“It’s probably the first time he’s uttered such words.”

“……”

“He is literally sincere.”

This is the problem.

Can a price be placed on a human life?

The answer is ‘yes’.

If one thinks ethically, human life is more precious than anything.

But if one steps back from that moral line, the story changes.

From a pittance to a vast sum.

A price is set on a human life.

*“It’s just business, nothing personal.”*

A very famous saying.

At the same time, it is a statement that can be made by people who can evaluate human lives as assets.

From the perspective of such people, what would be the price tag on Chairman Kim’s neck?

Whether morally or calculated.

The neck of an influential old man is heavy.

Such a man sincerely confronted me to persuade me.

When a person truly appeals, you listen attentively.

Because I am also human, I quietly listened to what people said in the meeting room.

And I couldn’t firmly oppose it as I had before.

The reality faced and the reasons why it couldn’t be avoided.

On top of that, sincerity.

‘…Is this it?’

At this point, instead of blindly opposing, it must be unconditionally successful, come what may.

The sticking point is the dubious possibility that they might not change.

It was while I was continuing with those worries.

“Seonghan-ssi.”

“Yes.”

“You can trust Chairman Kim Daeho.”

CEO Choi exhaled a puff of smoke and chuckled softly.

“He is a man who keeps his word, and he will walk the right path, if only because of Taeseong.”

“What does Taeseong have to do with Chairman Kim?”

CEO Choi’s lips parted.

He hesitated, then took a long drag from his cigarette before slowly continuing.

“The Chairman-nim hates and detests Taeseong.”

“Well… I did hear that they tried to kill him.”

“Rather than that… do you remember when I said this before? That he didn’t make much money for a chaebol.”

“Ah, that.”

“Most of the reasons for that were intertwined with Taeseong.”

That Old Man.

Was it because he got crushed in a power struggle?

Certainly, enough to grit his teeth—

“It’s the result of him being blackmailed, with his acquaintances and precious people as leverage.”

This is a bit harsh.

“His friends, trustworthy people, and eventually even his family were threatened, so the Chairman-nim yielded and lost things one by one.”

“……”

“Originally, the Chairman-nim had three sons and one daughter.”

I listened to CEO Choi’s words, keeping my mouth shut.

“His second son and youngest child met with misfortune and passed away.”

“……”

“Taeseong was involved in that, but there was no evidence. No, it’s more accurate to say the evidence disappeared.”

“Junseong Hyung-nim. Are you allowed to say such things?”

“Normally no, but I felt Seonghan-ssi should know.”

“…Is it necessary?”

I asked hesitantly, but CEO Choi nodded without hesitation.

“Because we have a common enemy.”

“Hmm.”

“I’m telling you this so that the Chairman-nim’s sincerity isn’t distorted. He will clearly choose a different path than Taeseong.”

If his children were swallowed up, it could certainly be true.

But…

“…Wouldn’t he rather be blinded by revenge and disregard everything?”

CEO Choi shook his head at my remark.

“If that were the case, Daesan Group wouldn’t exist anymore. And CEO Kim-nim wouldn’t be here now either.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“CEO Kim Sookyung is the daughter of the eldest son, Kim Taeha-ssi, who was the successor.”

“And?”

“I don’t know the details, but the Chairman-nim and his eldest son received severe threats. So, the Chairman-nim had no choice but to send his eldest son and his wife to the China branch, disguised as an evacuation. Although he lost a lot in that process, he was able to protect his eldest son’s safety and CEO Kim-nim.”

“Wow… they’re complete bastards. But what did the prosecutors and police do?”

“There’s a reason Taeseong is called the best.”

“*Tch*…”

“Wait, hold on. China?”

At Hyung’s wide-eyed question, CEO Choi closed his mouth.

“…It seemed like the situation was resolved, so they were planning to return soon. That’s why a small party was going to be held. Don’t you remember?”

“Uh… the one you said we had to attend together before?”

“Yes. It was a day the Chairman-nim was eagerly looking forward to and greatly anticipated, but things turned out like this…”

‘That’s amazing…’

So, because of Taeseong, he buried three children in his heart.

Thinking of the Old Man who must have swallowed tears of blood, I felt dizzy.

It was a pain difficult for me to even fathom.

He had said he couldn’t live under the same sky as Taeseong’s chairman, and he truly meant it.

After hearing such a story, I couldn’t help but ask.

“But is that even possible in South Korea? Even a trashy drama wouldn’t go that far.”

CEO Choi chuckled softly, seeing my dumbfounded expression.

“Korea’s number one, a global enterprise. The glory it possesses is undeniably brilliant. But proportionally, the shadow it casts behind it is also large and dark.”

CEO Choi’s eyes held a somewhat regretful look.

And he continued in a cold voice.

“The man standing at the peak of that shadow is Choi Seonhong.”

“Is that so…?”

“Daehan Security is his loyal hands and feet. The fact that those two moved means it was Chairman Lee Seungwoo’s will.”

“……”

“Chairman Kim-nim and many others have suffered at Choi Seonhong’s hands.”

“Even his children’s matter…?”

“Most likely.”

I felt again that they were bastards.

“If the Chairman-nim were like any ordinary chaebol, he wouldn’t have just helplessly suffered.”

“Hmm?”

“He is someone who sacrificed a lot to protect people.”

“…That’s not like a chaebol.”

“That is the Chairman-nim’s charm. He has lived that way for a long time.”

Seeing CEO Choi’s profound smile, one can glimpse his trust in Chairman Kim.

It felt a bit strange to overhear someone else’s personal history, but I now understood what kind of person Chairman Kim was.

‘…’

I stubbed out the finished cigarette butt and took out another, putting it in my mouth.

This is why I can’t quit smoking.

“What do you think, Hyung?”

“Hmm…”

“What do you mean ‘hmm~’? Just tell me honestly.”

At the slight chiding, Hyung scratched his head.

“…This has to be done.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And it must unconditionally succeed. It seems that ordinary means won’t be enough to overcome the current situation.”

“I agree. It doesn’t seem like we can just endure and manage on our own. It’s a level where we truly need to worry about our very existence.”

Hearing CEO Choi add his words, I asked Dong-woo.

“Brother. What about you?”

“Me too?”

“Tell me.”

“I’m also in favor.”

Dong-woo also agreed without hesitation.

“…Really?”

“Anyway, it’s a complete mess right now, isn’t it?”

“Hey.”

“Hehe. Grandfather used to say that when the time is right, you shouldn’t be picky about the means and methods.”

If it’s Grandfather’s words, then I concede.

His teachings are profound sayings, infused with wisdom from experience.

“That time is now?”

“Yes. And if something comes out, wouldn’t Hyung-nim be more comfortable too?”

“Huh? Me?”

“If a vaccine comes out, everyone will be safe, and if weaknesses are found, won’t Hyung-nim have less work to do?”

“Right? No, is that right?”

I was almost swayed by the plausible words when Dong-woo offered a good point.

“It would be good if we could easily catch those big zombie-like things from before. From what I hear, those guys seem to be the problem.”

“Ah. Dong-woo is right about that. Even when I overheard the situation report on the radio earlier, there was significant concern about variants.”

“They are dangerous ones, indeed.”

“If it’s a small number, maybe, but if a large group rushes in, this place won’t be safe either. In fact, everyone was incredibly tense earlier.”

“Hmm.”

“Recall the story Sohee-ssi told about Gangnam. They fought well against regular zombies, but weren’t they almost completely wiped out due to the variants?”

Definitely.

I slowly nodded.

“CEO Choi-nim.”

“Yes.”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know much about combat or medicine, but…”

CEO Choi stroked his chin and spoke in a serious voice.

“The situation is not good. Even if Seonghan-ssi gave up supplies, it won’t be easy to endure. It would be even harder for survivors hidden elsewhere.”

“……”

“As Hyuk also said, we’ve already passed the stage of whether or not to do it. This must succeed. And Konkuk University Shelter and the Chairman-nim will never betray Seonghan-ssi.”

“Hmm.”

“If they betray you, it won’t be too late to cut ties then.”

My gaze unconsciously turned to CEO Choi.

“As I said in the meeting room earlier, I am Seonghan-ssi’s man.”

CEO Choi, speaking thus, smiled handsomely.

“Me too.”

“Me too.”

“Ha.”

I laughed at their good-natured appearances.

I scratched my cheek, feeling a strange tickle.

“CEO Choi-nim.”

“Yes, Seonghan-ssi.”

“Do you feel anything? Like a hunch?”

At my question, CEO Choi’s eyes widened.

Soon after, he curled the corners of his lips even more profoundly.

“Fifty-fifty.”

“Fifty-fifty, you say.”

“Even in this situation, if it’s fifty-fifty, isn’t it a worthwhile bet?”

His voice, full of gentlemanly charm, was captivating.

Perhaps that’s why the word ‘betting’ also sounded plausible.

I silently took a long drag from my cigarette.

“Let’s go in.”

When we all returned to the meeting room, it was extremely quiet.

Returning to my seat, I plopped down and looked at Chairman Kim.

“Have you decided?”

I nodded at his natural prompting.

“Let’s do it.”

A deep sigh of relief erupted in the meeting room.

Amidst it, Chairman Kim smiled softly.

Perhaps it was because of Chairman Kim’s past, which I had just briefly heard.

That smile looked a little different.

…I don’t think I could smile like that if it were me.

“You’ve thought well. You will never be disappointed.”

Chairman Kim, patting my arm, was calm.

“Information about Taeseong. Don’t forget it.”

“Understood.”

“Especially Choi Seonhong.”

“…I promise you.”

Chairman Kim, who had clenched his teeth for a moment, soon relaxed his expression as he made a firm resolve.

“Why don’t you leave the talking to us and get some rest? You’ve suffered a lot, they say.”

“I’m going to see Sergeant Kang. My companions are there.”

“Alright. Do that. Ah, I’ll borrow Choi Junseong for a bit.”

“Is CEO Choi-nim an object? To be borrowed or not?”

“I’m fine.”

I nodded, watching CEO Choi subtly approach Chairman Kim.

“Then I’ll see you later.”

“Yes.”

Leaving CEO Choi in the meeting room, Hyung, Dong-woo, and I headed to the architecture hall.

Outside, the residents who had been hiding were out again, creating a chaotic atmosphere.

The atmosphere was generally heavy due to their frightened expressions.

Still, they moved busily.

Some formed groups and headed somewhere.

“They must be busy cleaning up.”

“Ah.”

The piles of corpses beyond the temporary wall came to mind.

The iron gate also needed to be fixed before one could go outside.

Given the extent of the damage, it seemed unlikely we’d return today…

“Shia will be worried.”

“Heize Noona too.”

“Someone must be happy.”

“You’d really like that, wouldn’t you?”

“How would I know?”

“Hyung-nim too?”

“You too?”

“……”

I sighed, looking at the two of them smirking slyly.

The atmosphere inside and outside the car was too different.

Looking at it this way, it seemed they had adapted well.

It was much better than being frightened and cowering like those residents.

While Hyung was admiring Dong-woo’s smooth driving skills, we arrived at the architecture hall.

“Seonghan-ssi!”

Miri’s mother recognized us and greeted us warmly.

At the spot where we had parted earlier, only Miri’s family and Hong Soohee remained, standing alone.

“Why are you all here like this? Where are the others?”

“They were with us until a moment ago, but they went to help because there weren’t enough hands.”

“Any injured people?”

“Everyone’s fine. It was safe here.”

“…That’s a relief.”

They seemed surprised, but their complexions suggested they were fine.

Miri was also standing, holding her father’s hand, and didn’t seem too startled.

I smiled at Miri, who was staring at me blankly, and then spoke to Miri’s mother.

“The main gate is broken, so we can’t go back right away.”

“Ah. I heard about that.”

“We might not be able to return today.”

“Oh dear. Shia will be worried.”

“…Huh?”

“Oh, come on.”

Miri’s mother, who playfully slapped my arm and laughed, had a sly, auntie-like expression.

Seeing that, Hong Soohee also laughed similarly.

“Who is Shia? Your girlfriend? You have a girlfriend, mister?”

“…Be quiet.”

*Chuckle*

It made me think that a child who was afraid of me could change so much.

What should I say about this?

It’s good that she’s become spirited, but people are a bit…

“Seonghan-ssi. What are you going to do?”

Miri’s father, who approached with a smile, had a pleased expression.

“…Shall we eat first?”

After a fight, one is bound to get hungry.

Amidst everyone moving busily, it was an out-of-place mention of food, but no one objected.

It was just around lunchtime, too.

Led by Hong Soohee, we received our rations.

“It’s edible, right? These days, it’s hard to eat like this anywhere else.”

“……”

At her cheerful question, Dong-woo and I gently closed our eyes.