Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1255. Uniting (5)

Hwang Jeong-Hu put his foot down.

“People from my company are off-limits!”

“...”

The look in the Chairman of the Jaegyeong Corporation’s eyes had changed by now. The previous gentle, wise grandpa who looked at Kang Jin-Ho with warmth and pride was long gone by then. Instead, he warily glared at Kang Jin-Ho like a sulking child fiercely defending his favorite snacks from being taken away!

“You ain’t taking anyone from my company, you hear me! My employees are my family. My family! How dare a bunch of stinking mountain bandits try to steal my people away?!”

Kang Jin-Ho fake-coughed and calmly replied, “Chairman, that wasn’t our intention.”

“Then, what?”

“Well, it doesn’t have to be from Jaegyeong, yes?”

“...Huh?”

Lee Hyeon-Su smartly joined the conversation. “Chairman, since your network is vast, surely you know a few people in the food and distribution industries.”

“Nope, don’t know anyone.” 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

“Pardon?”

“The ones I know are already six feet under.”

“...!” Lee Hyeon-Su’s eyes powerfully quaked just then.

“Did you forget how old I am? You think all the people I made connections with are still alive? Besides, even if they are still breathing, you think you can order those folks around? When the youngest of them would’ve been over sixty?”

“No, it’ll be next to impossible.”

Kang Jin-Ho slowly shook his head. His real age wouldn’t have mattered in that case, since explaining the truth to every person joining the business would’ve been out of the question. Which meant those old folks would have viewed Kang Jin-Ho as a twenty-something youngster.

In Korean society, a twenty-something young man ordering around sixty-something seniors would have been frowned upon, although theoretically not impossible. Even though the era had changed, and people cared more about one’s abilities and job titles, Kang Jin-Ho still didn’t think he’d be able to handle the... subtle discomfort that arrangement would bring.

“That means you gotta find someone younger, but I don’t know anyone who fits the... bill... Mm?” Hwang Jeong-Hu stopped talking as a strange expression formed on his face.

That was when Jo Gyu-Min chimed in. “But you do know someone like that, sir. Someone who fits the bill.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu curtly harrumphed. “...No, I don’t.”

“But, sir. You do.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu’s sharp glare locked on Jo Gyu-Min. “I said, I don’t know anyone like that.”

“Sir,” Jo Gyu-Min calmly responded, unfazed by that warning glare. “Him working for MK shouldn’t be a problem for you.”

“What nonsense are you on about, Gyu-Min!”

“Sir, I implore you to consider this option.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu glared at Jo Gyu-Min in clear irritation before frowning deeply. He hesitated for a while, then groaned in resignation and leaned against the couch. “Fine. Fine! Yes, there is someone.”

Since Kang Jin-Ho and Lee Hyeon-Su had no clue what that exchange was about, all they could do was silently sit in their spots and stare dazedly at Hwang Jeong-Hu.

“But that guy is not someone I can introduce to you. And I sure as hell don’t feel like recommending him, either.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu glanced at Jo Gyu-Min next. Jo Gyu-Min nodded as if he understood.

“Sir, allow me. I’ll explain the situation.”

“But, Gyu-Min... No, Chief Jo.”

“Recommending him in my personal capacity shouldn’t be a problem, sir.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu groaned again. “Gimme a break.”

After ruefully shaking his head, Hwang Jeong-Hu slowly got up and scanned his audience.

“Imma pop outside for a bit to get some fresh air. You two, listen to Chief Jo in the meantime. The choice is ultimately up to you, anyway.”

“...Sorry?”

“I’ll say this again. I don’t recommend this guy.”

Hwang Jeong-Hu turned around and strutted outside his office while not even bothering to hide his pout.

Kang Jin-Ho and Lee Hyeon-Su stared in confusion at the figure of Hwang Jeong-Hu slipping outside the office.

“What’s gotten into him?”

When Lee Hyeon-Su dazedly muttered, Jo Gyu-Min smiled wryly.

“There is someone that fits the bill. Someone who isn’t that old, and still energetic enough to work tirelessly. Someone who is from that industry.”

“I see. How good is this person, though?”

“Very good. I can guarantee it, hyung-nim,” Jo Gyu-Min replied unhesitantly. “In terms of abilities, I can’t even compare to him. Especially when it comes to the operational nous or the ability to spot the potential trend. You could say he’s the ideal entrepreneur.”

Lee Hyeon-Su tilted his head. “That means... This person must be working for someone.”

“Actually, no. He’s in between jobs at the moment.”

“Huh?”

Jo Gyu-Min scratched the back of his head, wondering how he should go about explaining this situation.

“When I think about it, this person is good enough to bring stability to MK in the proverbial blink of an eye. He possesses natural charisma, necessary abilities, and even passion for the job. Better still, he won’t even demand a massive salary, either. The only cause for concern is... He might be too good to serve as the president of a franchising division. However, I’m sure you will do what you think is right, Chairman Kang.”

Kang Jin-Ho tilted his head. “Why is someone so capable not working right now?”

“That’s because no one wants to employ him.”

“How come?”

“Well, that’s...” Jo Gyu-Min grimaced and sneakily glanced at the firmly shut doorway before whispering, “Not many are brave enough to hire Jaegyeong’s disowned son, you see?”

“Disowned son? Wait a minute...”

“Yes, now you understand.”

Kang Jin-Ho nodded, finally figuring out why Hwang Jeong-Hu had been so adamant earlier.

“Yes, it’s Hwang Min-Su,” Jo Gyu-Min sighed deeply. “Chairman Hwang’s second son.”

A bout of silence descended on the office. Eventually, though, Kang Jin-Ho said something to break it.

“Is their relationship still frosty?”

“No, I think Chairman Hwang has mostly made up with his son... as family, that is. I’m sure it has a lot to do with you stepping up and reconnecting the two of them earlier.”

“Mm, I see. But, now?”

“But the Chairman firmly believes that personal feelings should not have any bearing on business matters. He can forgive his sons for their mistake, but as a chairman of the corporation, he thinks a businessman guilty of immorality cannot be employed again.”

“Mm...!”

Kang Jin-Ho thought he could understand where Hwang Jeong-Hu was coming from.

Only by strictly adhering to such beliefs did Hwang Jeong-Hu manage to survive until now. A man who didn’t even forgive his son in the matters of morals and righteousness! It was because of this incorruptible, upright character that people respected him and stayed loyal to him.

“Chairman Hwang’s children are all excellent businessmen. Especially President Hwang... Mister Hwang Min-Su has a university degree in logistics and supply chain management. And not only that, but he also has experience in managing the food-related business with one of Jaegyeong’s subsidiaries.”

“I see. So he’s a perfect fit,” said Lee Hyeon-Su.

Jo Gyu-Min smiled wryly. “I’m sure he can do an amazing job if he’s allowed back into Jaegyeong. But he can’t return with how adamant the Chairman is. Also, other companies in Korea don’t want to touch him since they are mindful of their relationship with the Chairman. You could say his abilities have become a noose around his neck now. Without them, he could’ve gotten a job somewhere out of the way and lived out the rest of his life.”

“What about overseas, though? With his experience and abilities, finding a suitable job overseas should be more than doable, right?”

“...Indeed. And Mister Hwang Min-Su has revealed his intentions to seek job opportunities in other countries recently. The only reason he hasn’t done that until now was... Well, he was hoping that the Chairman would forgive him one day.”

“Hmm...”

Jo Gyu-Min spoke gravely, “Mister Jin-Ho.”

“Yes?”

“Please consider this option. Mister Min-Su is definitely capable. Personally, I feel it’s a waste to bury someone like that because of one mistake.”

The corners of Kang Jin-Ho’s lips curled up slightly. “I thought you didn’t have a good impression of that person?”

“Yes, back then, I didn’t.” Jo Gyu-Min sheepishly scratched his cheek. “But now... Well, it’s not like I can sulk over it for the rest of my life, anyway. Besides, it wasn’t as if Mister Min-Su was trying to screw me over deliberately.”

Kang Jin-Ho stared openly at Jo Gyu-Min in silence.

Jo Gyu-Min furrowed his brow slightly. “...Why are you looking at me that way, Mister Jin-Ho?”

“Well, it’s because...” Kang Jin-Ho grinned reflexively. “I didn’t know you were a nice person like this, Mister Gyu-Min.”

“...!” Jo Gyu-Min’s expression crumpled slightly. “Yes, yes, I admit it. I’m not a nice person. Honestly, I still don’t have any nice feelings toward that man. It’s just that...”

Jo Gyu-Min glanced at the doorway again. He was chasing after the figure of Hwang Jeong-Hu who had left through that very doorway earlier.

“I know someone who won’t lift a finger unless I push him forward, you see?”

“Hmm.”

“My feelings in the matter aren’t important, really. I owe Chairman Hwang a great deal. If I can help it, I’d like to repay this debt somehow. Even if it’s only a little bit.”

Lee Hyeon-Su replied in a clearly unimpressed voice. “Sorry, but we have no desire to become tools in your debt repayment scheme.”

“What are you talking about, hyung-nim?! Mister Min-Su is clearly too good to work for MK. If I were in your shoes, I’d have rushed over to his place right away and begged him to join us! I’m telling you, this is a win-win situation.”

“That remains to be seen, though?”

“Urgh...” Jo Gyu-Min groaned and shifted his gaze over to Kang Jin-Ho instead, having figured out that Lee Hyeon-Su was not in the listening mood. “Mister Jin-Ho, I can guarantee Mister Min-Su’s abilities. As they are Chairman Hwang’s children, you can be assured of their capabilities. And they even went through a rigorous, nay, torturous education regime. Before the Chairman had fallen ill, they played crucial roles in turning Jaegyeong into one of this country’s preeminent corporations.”

Jo Gyu-Min scratched his cheek.

“One of the reasons for Jaegyeong losing a lot of its momentum is because the next generation got forced out of the frontline rather than getting themselves ready to take over the operation. And that led to Chairman Hwang shouldering a lot of extra burden.”

Kang Jin-Ho contemplatively nodded.

Most humans operated in this mindset, didn’t they? Initially, they would charge forward for themselves. However, as their lives began entering the twilight stages, they would gradually shift their attention to the next generation. Unfortunately, Hwang Jeong-Hu didn’t have that next generation to focus on.

In that case, why should he keep charging forward?

“Mister Jin-Ho, I’m not begging you to hire Mister Min-Su for the sake of the Chairman. I genuinely think Mister Min-Su, no, former president of Jaegyeong Hwang Min-Su is the right candidate for the job. And hiring him will also come with extra benefits.”

“Extra benefits, you say?”

“Yes. You will be able to bring together all the talented individuals who got swept up in President Hwang Min-Su’s purge and lost their jobs as well. He enjoys enough fame and trust for that, you see?

“It doesn’t matter how talented you are, you still can’t work alone. You need a team to manage a large business operation. Bringing together experienced workers and putting them to work should ensure a rapid stabilization of your operation.”

Kang Jin-Ho pointedly stared at Jo Gyu-Min before calmly breaking his silence. “I don’t mind even if things are done slowly.”

“...”

“Yes, I understand that this option could be the best one available on paper. However, I’m not interested in achieving maximum efficiency or record profits. No, I care more about the person I’m going to work with being trustworthy, at the very least.”

Jo Gyu-Min slowly nodded. This was how Kang Jin-Ho operated, after all. A style of management that didn’t suit an entrepreneur, but still possessed this inexplicable power to attract people!

“That’s why I want to ask you about this...” Kang Jin-Ho stared deeply into Jo Gyu-Min’s eyes. “Let’s forget about Mister Min-Su’s abilities for a minute. Tell me, can he be trusted?”

Jo Gyu-Min pondered his answer for a long time. No words wanted to come out for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, though, he emerged from his train of thoughts and slowly looked up to face Kang Jin-Ho’s gaze.

“Mister Jin-Ho?”

“Yes?”

“You’ve made mistakes throughout your life, yes?”

“I have, yes.”

Jo Gyu-Min’s expression grew more tense. More earnest.

“Everyone makes mistakes. Whether that’s me or you, Mister Jin-Ho. We make mistakes and try to make up for them somehow. Of course, I’m not saying the mistake Chairman Hwang’s children made is easily forgivable. However, I still think it’s terribly unfair to lose everything just because of one mistake.”

Jo Gyu-Min licked his dried lips to wet them before resuming his sales pitch.

“My reply to your earlier question is yes. Yes, he can be trusted. However, I have a hunch that my reply doesn’t mean much right now. Rather than hearing it from me, how about talking to him face-to-face?”

“Mm...”

“You can never know a person unless you actually see the truth for yourself, after all.”

Kang Jin-Ho recalled Hwang Min-Su’s face. Although their interactions had been brief, various events meant they had run into each other a few times.

“Very well. Please set up a meeting, then,” said Kang Jin-Ho.

“Got it, Mister Jin-Ho. You won’t be disappointed.”

Lee Hyeon-Su watched this exchange in silence before grumbling loudly. “I don’t get it. We only wanted to find someone suitable to look after our business, so why is a big fish suddenly swimming in our pond now?”

Jo Gyu-Min smirked. “Isn’t it always better to have someone who’s very good at the job instead?”

Lee Hyeon-Su helplessly shook his head.

‘What the heck... Why do things always balloon in scale whenever the Assembly Master gets involved?’

While wondering how this event would unfold, Lee Hyeon-Su glanced around the office, only to spot the doorway sneakily open.

“...?”

...And then, he saw Hwang Jeong-Su cautiously peek around the slightly ajar door. When the two men’s gazes met mid-air, the Chairman of the Jaegyeong Corporation cautiously withdrew his gaze and silently closed the door.

“...” Lee Hyeon-Su stared at the closed door in stupefaction before saying something. “Assembly Master, sir? I think you should have that meeting as soon as possible.”

“Mm? Why?”

“Well, sir. I think someone is about to die of restlessness, you see?”

“...Oh.”

Kang Jin-Ho wordlessly nodded.