Chapter 1056: Choice

Since Acting President Jin Ah-Ram had yet to shed her acting title, she was still using the Director's office of Jinseong Hotel & Resort as her own.

Click.

As soon as I stepped inside, I found President Jin Sung-Joon of Jinseong Foods and Jin Ah-Ram seated across from each other with grim expressions.

"I'm here."

They both looked up at me.

Just then, Jin Sung-Joon spoke with an apologetic expression. "Yoon-Ho, I'm sorry. I don't know why Father suddenly changed his mind."

Jin Ah-Ram chimed in as well. "Yes, Mr. Jung. As of yesterday, Father was telling us to prepare an even bigger event with I.O.A. I don't understand why he's suddenly doing this."

The last time I had met Chairman Jin Dae-Woon, he had clearly asked me to remain lifelong friends with his children. He had asked the favor not as the chairman, but as their father. After saying that, though, it made no sense for him to suddenly join hands with TK Entertainment, the industry's current number one.

Still, I couldn't make a judgment without confirming it first.

I said, "Let's meet with Mr. Chairman and find out what's going on. After that, I think it'd be best if we discussed how to respond."

The reason I suggested the three of us go together was because I wanted to know why Jinseong Inc. was considering working with TK Entertainment. More importantly, I wanted to stop the two of them from making any rash moves. If they provoked Jin Dae-Woon, it would undoubtedly hurt Jin Sung-Joon's position in the succession race.

Just then, Jin Sung-Joon rose from his seat, placed a hand on my shoulder, and made a solemn promise. "Yoon-Ho. No matter what happens, I'll never abandon you."

Jin Ah-Ram nodded firmly. "Neither will I."

The determination in their voices, their willingness to stand against even their own father for the sake of their friend, stirred something deep inside me. In that case, I would keep my promise as their friend as well—the promise that I would make Jin Sung-Joon the master of Jinseong.

I answered, "I'll never betray either of you either. Not until the day Mr. Jin Sung-Joon secures his place as the next successor."

After reaffirming that we were friends, the three of us headed for the chairman's office in the same building.

***

We arrived at the chairman's office in Jinseong Inc. Headquarters.

Chief Secretary Seok Han-Joong stood at the entrance and spoke politely, "Mr. Chairman is waiting for you."

Jin Sung-Joon tilted his head. "Mr. Chairman is?"

"Yes. He was actually planning to summon the three of you. Since you've arrived on your own, there'll be no need."

Three people included me. That meant he had something he wanted to say to me personally. Otherwise, there would have been no reason for him to wait for me.

"Understood. Let's go in."

The three of us took a deep breath and opened the door.

Click.

Inside, Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee had already arrived.

Jin Myung-Gyu was shouting excitedly at Jin Dae-Woon. "Mr. Chairman! We need to make a decision immediately! Other companies will start moving soon too. What if we lose our place in line? You know better than anyone that the sooner we act, the better!"

Jin Myung-Hee also shrieked from beside him, agreeing with her brother. "Stop hesitating and make your decision already. I understand you're struggling because of your loyalty to Chief Jung, but this isn't the time to worry about loyalty."

As the two urged him to partner with TK Entertainment without delay, Jin Dae-Woon frowned deeply.

"Father, we're here," said Jin Sung-Joon.

At Jin Sung-Joon's words, Jin Dae-Woon turned his head. "So you've come."

Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee looked at us in surprise. Their eyes were filled with open hostility.

Just then, Jin Dae-Woon addressed us. "Take a seat first. We can talk once you're seated."

"Yes, sir."

The three of us sat down on the sofa to Jin Dae-Woon's right. The moment we settled in, he spoke. "I assume you've already heard."

Jin Sung-Joon answered in a subdued voice, "Yes. We heard that you're planning to join hands with TK Entertainment."

Jin Dae-Woon let out a quiet sigh and nodded. "To be more precise, pressure has come from the future powers that be. They're demanding that we completely cut ties with Hoop Entertainment and work with TK Entertainment instead. So now I have a decision to make."

By "the future powers that be," he meant Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon, the leading candidate to become the next president.

At that moment, the eldest son, Jin Myung-Gyu, spoke as if he couldn't understand why there was even any hesitation. "Father, what decision? There's only one path for us. We cut ties with that bastard Chief Jung and side with TK Entertainment."

The second child, Jin Myung-Hee, immediately agreed. "That's right, Dad. We don't have any other choice. We have to go with TK Entertainment."

Jin Dae-Woon glared at the two of them and shouted, "Not 'we.' That's what the two of you want!"

His thunderous voice echoed through the office, but Jin Myung-Gyu, emboldened by Park Sang-Gon, didn't even flinch. "No. It's for Jinseong! Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon will be back as party leader next month, so we have to make a decision before then!"

Only then did I finally understand what was happening. Park Sang-Gon was making his move again, forcing Jin Dae-Woon into a decision he didn't want to make.

At that moment, having grasped the situation, Jin Sung-Joon spoke more calmly. "Mr. Chairman. Hoop Entertainment has become an indispensable partner to Jinseong Inc. Sales of THE Best and THE Pure have stabilized. THE Best is now the second-best-selling coffee brand in the industry, and THE Pure is the number one bottled water brand. And what about Real Ramen? No matter which celebrity TK sends us, they won't achieve the kind of results Hoop Entertainment has."

As if she had been waiting for her chance, Jin Ah-Ram spoke in a steady voice. "It was Hoop Entertainment that saved Jinseong's Yeongjongdo Resort with I.O.A after Ms. Jin Myung-Hee ran it into the ground. Mr. Jung also owns a 10% stake in Jinseong Hotel & Resort. We're already bound together. How could we possibly make any other choice?"

Jin Myung-Gyu snorted and shot down their arguments. "Hey! What the hell are you two doing? If we end up on the future president's bad side, the entire company will be destroyed! What kind of bullshit are you talking about?"

Jin Ah-Ram glared at him. "You really think it'll be that easy for Assemblyman Park to return as party leader? Not a chance."

"You still don't get what's going on, do you? Don't you know Assemblyman Park has gotten the financiers behind him and started making moves again? If we just sit here doing nothing, we're completely screwed!"

If Park Sang-Gon had secured financial backing, then the financier had to be Yang Ji-Hoon, Chief Secretary to President Choi Man-Sik. Yang Ji-Hoon had now become the president of Doodeurim Savings Bank, giving him control over enormous sums of money.

Just then, Jin Dae-Woon raised a hand. "Enough! Quiet!"

Everyone fell silent, still fuming as they waited for the chairman's decision. Yet Jin Dae-Woon's gaze was fixed on me.

When our eyes met, he asked, "Chief Jung. Do you resent me for having to struggle with a decision like this?"

His face was heavy with worry. This wasn't easy for him either.

I answered, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But I understand."

For the chairman of a major conglomerate, the job was an endless series of difficult choices. One mistake in judgment could cost thousands of employees and tens of thousands of people across the group's affiliates their livelihoods. Even now, if Park Sang-Gon became the next president, the company's future could be plunged into ruin. That was why I didn't resent him in the slightest.

"Hahaha. You... understand me?"

I nodded. "Yes. You're the father of the four people here, Mr. Chairman, but you're also responsible for protecting the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people."

Jin Dae-Woon looked at me with admiration. "You're better than my foolish son."

After taking a subtle jab at Jin Myung-Gyu, he fell into thought. Just as I wondered what he was thinking, Jin Dae-Woon turned to me with a question.

"Then tell me this. Which card should I choose? TK Entertainment or Hoop Entertainment?"

The unexpected question caught me slightly off guard. The man who had built Jinseong Inc. into the nation's twenty-fifth-largest conglomerate was asking me to decide its future.

Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee immediately cried out in protest.

"Mr. Chairman!"

"Dad!"

Jin Dae-Woon ignored them and waited for my answer. "Go on, Chief Jung."

Without a moment's hesitation, I answered, "You should choose Hoop Entertainment."

For an instant, Jin Dae-Woon's face fell with disappointment. "I see..."

He muttered to himself and let out a quiet sigh. "Sigh... It seems I asked a pointless question. Very well. You may go."

"Aren't you going to ask me why?"

"Well, you're one of Hoop Entertainment's people. Naturally you'd tell me to choose Hoop."

"No. That answer was my advice from Jinseong's perspective."

Jin Dae-Woon looked genuinely puzzled. "From Jinseong's perspective?"

"Yes."

"Then you realize that means ignoring the pressure from Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon, the man most likely to become the next president?"

"Of course."

"Do you have some kind of plan?"

"I'll explain it, but only if we're alone, Mr. Chairman."

When I requested a private meeting, Jin Dae-Woon thought for a moment before gesturing toward his four children. "The four of you, step outside for a while."

Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee immediately objected.

"Mr. Chairman! We have every right to hear this too."

"Yeah, Dad! Why are you entrusting our group's future to that bastard?"

At that moment, Jin Dae-Woon looked at Seok Han-Joong and gave an order. "Chief Seok. Remove them."

Seok Han-Joong addressed everyone in the room. "If you do not leave immediately, I'll have you escorted out."

Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram looked at me. When I nodded to let them know it was fine, the two of them quietly agreed and left first. With no other choice, Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee cursed under their breath and reluctantly followed. Finally, Seok Han-Joong stepped outside after them and closed the door.

Thunk.

With a heavy sound, the solid oak door shut behind us.

Jin Dae-Woon looked at me expectantly. "Now then, tell me. Why should I choose Hoop Entertainment instead of TK Entertainment?"

Only then did I take a steady breath before speaking. "You remember the attack on Mr. Choi Eun-Tae in Myeong-dong last year, don't you?"

"I do. I also know he nearly died because of the men sent by that bastard Choi Man-Sik, the adopted son he took in."

"That's right. But Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon was also behind that attack. More precisely, it was something Assemblyman Park Sang-Gon and President Choi Man-Sik planned together."

"What? Assemblyman Park?"

That night, when Choi Eun-Tae was attacked at the old Myeong-dong residence, the first wave of attackers had been sent by Park Sang-Gon. After that, Choi Man-Sik secretly communicated with Attorney Cheon Jin-Sang, the traitor he had planted inside, and tried to kill Kang Eun-Gi.

At that moment, Choi Eun-Tae took the knife in his place. However, Choi Eun-Tae concealed the fact that he had taken the blade to protect his son. He also kept quiet about Park Sang-Gon's order to carry out the attack. Instead, he quietly let it be known that Choi Man-Sik had tried to kill his adoptive father out of greed for money.

When Jin Dae-Woon heard the full truth about that night for the first time, he couldn't hide his shock. "Assemblyman Park targeted Eun-Tae hyung-nim? That lunatic actually did something like that...?"

Jin Dae-Woon had known Choi Eun-Tae since they were young. In fact, he had even borrowed large sums of money from him before Jinseong Inc. became firmly established.

Knowing better than anyone how influential Choi Eun-Tae was, I revealed another piece of the truth: Choi Eun-Tae would never again share the same sky as the man who had tried to kill him—Park Sang-Gon.

"That's why he's doing everything he can to bring Assemblyman Park down in Myeong-dong. The reason he lost the by-election he was expected to win and had to step down as party leader was because Mr. Chairman intervened."

Jin Dae-Woon nodded. "I thought it was strange that he lost an election every poll predicted he'd win. So that was the reason."

"Yes. Which is why Assemblyman Park will never become president. Mr. Chairman will stop him, even if it costs him his life."

A glimmer of hope finally appeared on Jin Dae-Woon's careworn face. Even so, the worry hadn't completely left his expression.

"That's one thing. But what about Man-Sik? What are they planning to do about him? That's what concerns me."

"What are you worried about?"

"If Assemblyman Park becomes party leader again, he'll replace every prosecutor investigating President Choi Man-Sik. Then all of Choi Man-Sik's charges will disappear. After that, Eun-Tae hyung-nim's entire fortune will pass to Man-Sik, since he's the only legal heir. And if Man-Sik gets his hands on that money, it'll all be over."

Because Choi Eun-Tae had been secretly arranging to pass his inheritance to Kang Eun-Gi, Jin Dae-Woon still had no idea that his real son had been found. However, that wasn't something I could reveal myself.

"I think you'll have to speak with him directly."

"With whom?"

"Mr. Chairman."

I immediately called Choi Eun-Tae and put the phone on speaker. After a few rings, he answered.

-Hey, Yoon-Ho.

"You're on speaker, Mr. Chairman. I'm having a private meeting with Mr. Jin Dae-Woon of Jinseong, and there's something he'd like to confirm."

Choi Eun-Tae replied in a calm voice.

-What is it?

"When are you planning to reveal the truth about Eun-Gi?"

-Hmm... I'm waiting for the right opportunity. Why?

"I think he should know."

Listening to my conversation, Jin Dae-Woon tilted his head. "Eun-Gi? You mean your friend Eun-Gi?"

The moment I nodded, Choi Eun-Tae's voice came through the speaker.

-Dae-Woon.

"Yes, hyung-nim."

-I found my biological son.

Jin Dae-Woon froze. The unexpected revelation left him speechless. He quickly recovered and asked urgently, "Your biological son? What do you mean? Since when did you have a son?"

-So it seems. I had a son I never even knew about.

"Don't tell me... that friend, Eun-Gi..."

-That's right. Eun-Gi is my biological son. We've already completed a DNA test, so you can believe it.

Jin Dae-Woon's eyes widened. "That's... impossible..."

-I reacted the same way at first. Anyway, I'll explain everything in detail another time. As for that bastard Man-Sik, the moment he sets foot back in Korea, I'm removing him from my family register. He dared to raise a knife against his adoptive father. He's going to pay dearly for that.

At the thought that Choi Man-Sik wouldn't receive so much as a single penny of the inheritance, Jin Dae-Woon finally let out a sigh of relief.

"Hyung-nim, I'll keep this to myself."

-Good. It'll become public soon enough, but I'd appreciate it if you kept it quiet for the time being.

"Of course."

Only then did the gloom finally leave Jin Dae-Woon's face.

That was when Choi Eun-Tae added one more thing.

-Oh, and you should also know that Chief Jung and my son, Eun-Gi, grew up in the same orphanage like real brothers. That's why I think of Chief Jung as a son myself.

This time, I was the one who cried out in surprise. "Mr. Chairman..."

-What? I didn't say anything that wasn't true, did I? Anyway, I'm busy, so I'll be hanging up.

Choi Eun-Tae ended the call.

'Mr. Chairman... Why would you say something like that at a time like this?'

Sure enough, Jin Dae-Woon's eyes began to gleam as he looked at me.

'What is that look? It's like he's staring at a mass of gold.'

The corners of Jin Dae-Woon's mouth curled upward. "I always believed I was good at judging the value of people and things. Yet the only one whose worth I've underestimated time and again is you, Chief Jung."

His gaze had become so intense that I hurriedly changed the subject. "So... what will you do now?"

"I'll settle this."

"Will you announce that you've chosen Hoop Entertainment?"

"I will. And..." He paused before speaking again. "From this moment on, I'm going to entrust the fate of Jinseong to you, Chief Jung."

'Entrust Jinseong Inc.'s future... to me? Mr. Chairman... What exactly are you saying?'

***

Click.

Seok Han-Joong entered first, leading everyone else inside.

Jin Dae-Woon wore a stern expression. Following his request, I had hardened my expression as well.

The moment Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee saw us, the corners of their mouths lifted. In contrast, Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram's faces gradually stiffened. Judging by our expressions, they assumed Jin Dae-Woon had rejected my proposal.

Jin Myung-Gyu grinned as though everything was already settled. "Mr. Chairman. I assume it was nothing special?"

Jin Myung-Hee settled down beside her brother and chattered away. "See, Dad? We have to side with Assemblyman Park."

Without responding to the smug siblings, Jin Dae-Woon looked instead at the grim-faced Jin Sung-Joon and Jin Ah-Ram. "Do either of you have anything to say? I'll hear you out before I announce my final decision."

Even in this situation, Jin Sung-Joon clenched his teeth and spoke. "No matter what happens, Jinseong Foods has no intention of ending its partnership with Hoop Entertainment. If you intend to change my mind, then remove me from my position right here."

Jin Ah-Ram nodded firmly beside him. "Neither does Jinseong Hotel & Resort. We have no intention of ending our partnership with I.O.A. Do as you see fit, Father."

Watching their younger siblings' resolute expressions, Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee snickered. "How pathetic. Do you really think that's going to change Mr. Chairman's mind?"

Jin Dae-Woon nodded as he looked at his eldest son and daughter. "You're right. I have no intention of changing it."

Jin Myung-Gyu's face lit up with excitement. "Then..."

At that moment, Jin Dae-Woon straightened proudly and declared in a ringing voice, "That's right. My decision hasn't changed from the beginning. I'm choosing Hoop Entertainment."

In an instant, the triumphant expressions on Jin Myung-Gyu and Jin Myung-Hee's faces drained of all color. "What?!"

"And from this moment on, I expect all four of you to follow the decisions I make."

At that moment, Jin Dae-Woon finally revealed what he had meant when he said he was entrusting the fate of Jinseong Inc. to me.