Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 563

“Even if I understand everything else, I can’t understand that. What I mean by ‘let’s all live well together’ is for those who make an effort. Of course, I know. There are people in the world who can’t make an effort. But most poverty is caused by not trying.”

Hwang Jeong-hu spoke with eyes that seemed to burn.

“Among the people who are struggling now, is there anyone who had it worse than me? Is there anyone who faced a situation where the country became a slum after the war? We gritted our teeth and worked hard even in those times. That’s how we got here. That’s how we made this country, once the poorest in the world, what it is today. But look now. What a great environment it is. It’s a world where you can make money if you put your mind to it. But what help should we give to those who blame the world and do nothing? I can’t understand that!”

Hwang Jeong-hu spoke as if venting his frustration.

Jo Gyu-min could only scratch his head as he looked at Hwang Jeong-hu.

‘He’s got a boomer mindset, but…

He’s not wrong either.’

Even if you adjust for the times, there are hardly any people who are in a worse situation than Hwang Jeong-hu was. For Hwang Jeong-hu, who clawed his way up from the bottom, it was impossible to look kindly on those who whine about their current situation.

However, it wasn’t like he could say that others should be helped because they didn’t have the same abilities as Chairman Hwang Jeong-hu.

That was the most ineffective thing to say to those who were self-made. Because they often believed that their efforts were more important than their abilities.

‘How can I say, “Actually, you’re just talented, it’s not because you tried hard.”’

It sounds like a compliment, but it becomes a strange statement that they don’t take as a compliment.

“Are you going to say it’s not true? Are you going to say I’m saying this because I’m old?”

Hwang Jeong-hu’s attitude seemed to dare them to try and make an excuse.

Jo Gyu-min glanced at Kang Jin-ho. This didn’t seem easy to answer. He could talk about the right thing to do, but the moment he did, he would draw an irreversible line with Hwang Jeong-hu.

“If that’s what you think, then you can do as you think.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

Jo Gyu-min and Hwang Jeong-hu simultaneously looked at Kang Jin-ho with bewildered expressions.

“You’re saying not to do it?”

“No.”

Kang Jin-ho waved his hand as if there was a misunderstanding.

“If you’re only going to give the benefits to those who make an effort, then do so. I just said that I would like Chairman Hwang Jeong-hu to be the chairman of the board. The chairman of the board is the person who decides the overall direction of the foundation.”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

“I have no intention of telling someone like that to follow me and do as I want. No, please think about it. What is the welfare that Chairman Hwang Jeong-hu envisions, and what should we do to truly help those in need?”

Hwang Jeong-hu’s eyes became serious.

At this point, the problem was getting a bit serious. It was clear that this wasn’t just a casual remark.

“What you want from me is…”

“Yes.”

Kang Jin-ho said in a steady voice.

“People need to know where they belong. And in most cases, the place where they belong is where they are needed. We need your management skills, Chairman. And we need your leadership and the know-how you’ve gained from years of management. More than anything, you, Chairman, would be able to see the things we can’t and push us.”

“Hmm…”

“It’s a new organization. I don’t think the foundation and a company are that different.”

Hwang Jeong-hu lit another cigarette.

‘Isn’t he chain-smoking too much?’

Jo Gyu-min thought he should stop him, but he couldn’t possibly interrupt the atmosphere.

“Hey, Jin-ho.”

“Yes.”

“Are you really saying this because you need me? If you’re aiming for the effect of my position and reputation, I’ll lend you my name anytime. So, tell me honestly.”

“I don’t need that.”

“If it’s a place that started comfortably with my name, it will collapse the moment my name no longer works. What I want from you, Chairman, is not immediate buzz, but to create a system that can last for decades, even centuries.”

Kang Jin-ho took a sip of his coffee and continued.

“This is something that neither I nor Chief Jo can do. After all, we’re just kids.”

“Your practical skills aren’t lacking, are they?”

“It’s not hard to criticize something that’s being made. It’s easy to watch from the sidelines and give advice. But doing the work yourself is different. We don’t have the experience or the ability.”

“Hmm…”

Hwang Jeong-hu took a long drag of his cigarette.

He also seemed to be deep in thought.

‘He actually got this far?’

Jo Gyu-min looked at Kang Jin-ho with a renewed sense of surprise. Kang Jin-ho was the only person in this world who could ask something of Hwang Jeong-hu. But that didn’t mean he could persuade Hwang Jeong-hu.

So far, Hwang Jeong-hu had helped Kang Jin-ho as a way of repaying a debt. And because he liked Kang Jin-ho, he had supported him even if it was something he didn’t quite agree with.

But this was different.

A clash of values.

In that full-fledged battle, Kang Jin-ho was pulling Hwang Jeong-hu’s leg.

“Hey, Jin-ho.”

“Yes.”

“I understand what you’re saying. It’s not like my heart isn’t moved.”

Hwang Jeong-hu said gruffly.

“Especially now that what you guys are trying to do isn’t that different from what I originally intended. Yes, that’s right. You might say an old man is glorifying the past, but that’s how it was back then. So, I understand why you guys are trying to do this now.”

“Yes.”

“But there’s something missing.” Hwang Jeong-hu leaned back on the sofa.

“It’s not enough to drag this old man out and use him. I’ll give you one last chance. Create a reason for me to move. Create a reason why I can’t help but participate after hearing this. I won’t move with just that. I am Hwang Jeong-hu.”

A dignified aura emanated from Hwang Jeong-hu’s body. Even the mighty Kang Jin-ho flinched.

“I’ll ask again.”

Hwang Jeong-hu looked directly at Kang Jin-ho and said,

“Is there a reason why I should be with you? Do you have a reason that can make me move?”

“Yes.”

But Kang Jin-ho was still calm.

Hwang Jeong-hu waited for Kang Jin-ho’s answer with a gaze that was half anger and half anticipation. His choice would depend on what was said here.

“Aren’t you bored?”

“Huh?”

Hwang Jeong-hu’s face was filled with bewilderment.

What was this all of a sudden?

“A pine caterpillar should eat pine needles. You, who used to run around on the field, can’t possibly be satisfied with a life of sitting in a desolate chairman’s office, looking at the walls.”

“No… I’m the chairman, you know.”

“That’s not what you wanted to be, was it?”

Hwang Jeong-hu looked at Kang Jin-ho as if he had been hit hard.

“Let’s do it together. At least I’ll make sure you’re not bored.”

“……Is that your answer?”

Kang Jin-ho shrugged.

“From your perspective, Chairman, wouldn’t it be better to work with me and Chief Jo than to receive reports from people who aren’t very interesting? If there’s nothing more to do in finance, instead of wasting time, create a new place to work. That’s what you’re like.”

“Then what about finance?”

Jo Gyu-min answered that question.

“It’s not like a welfare foundation is going to be working that hard. It’s possible to do both. And in the end, finance will have to become a professional management system. You have to know when to let go. Right now, the chairman of the company next door is doing well even though he’s in jail, isn’t he?”

“……That’s true.”

Hwang Jeong-hu tilted his head as if he had been caught off guard.

Then, he ended up chuckling. He was trying to maintain a serious face, but he kept laughing, and his face showed that he couldn’t help it anymore.

“There have been many people who wanted to buy my abilities while I was building finance.”

Hwang Jeong-hu stubbed out his cigarette and sipped his coffee.

“But this is the first time I’ve heard such a ridiculous recruitment offer. If I went around saying this, you guys would be sued as fraudsters. Do you know that?”

“It was the best offer we could make.”

“Tsk tsk, you crazy guys.”

Hwang Jeong-hu laughed as if he was in a good mood.

It was absurd.

The offer was so absurd that it was ridiculous.

But Hwang Jeong-hu knew. He knew that what Kang Jin-ho was saying now wasn’t just sweet talk. That guy was busier than anyone these days. And if he wanted to, he even had the influence to solve all the problems that would arise in the foundation without Hwang Jeong-hu.

For someone like that to offer him the chairman position and try to take him with him meant that he truly recognized Hwang Jeong-hu’s abilities and needed them.

“Did I ever tell you the story of how I was dumped by my wife three times?”

“……You were dumped?”

Jo Gyu-min stared blankly at Hwang Jeong-hu.

No, with his looks and money, why would he be dumped? Especially back then.

“They said I looked too bland because I was too big. Moreover, it wasn’t an era where I could get married just because I wanted to, so it must have been worse.”

“Ah, yes…”

“It was a mistake. I should have confessed like this back then. I added too much to it. If I had known back then that sometimes pushing forward is the way to convey sincerity, I wouldn’t have failed three times.”

Jo Gyu-min’s face brightened.

“T-then…”

“Yes, let’s do it. Whether it turns out good or bad, something will happen. But! Let’s make one thing clear. I will never give money to those who don’t have the will to work hard. Do you understand?”

“Of course.”

Hwang Jeong-hu got up from his seat and straightened his clothes. Kang Jin-ho and Jo Gyu-min also got up from their seats, following Hwang Jeong-hu.

Hwang Jeong-hu, who had neatly straightened his clothes, extended his right hand.

“Let’s do well.”

Kang Jin-ho also extended his hand and took Hwang Jeong-hu’s hand.

“Please take care of us.”

“In the end, there’s a limit to what I can do. The two of you will be the ones who have to take the lead. But I’ll do my best in whatever I can do.”

“That’s enough. And…” Kang Jin-ho said with a smile.

“Knowing your personality, I don’t think that’s going to happen. You’ll end up meddling in everything.”

“Ugh.”

Hwang Jeong-hu groaned as if he thought so too.

“Don’t overwork me.”

“But I can promise you one thing.” Hwang Jeong-hu looked at Kang Jin-ho with expectant eyes.

“When the day comes when you pass away, I’ll make sure you count this moment as the best choice you’ve ever made in your life.”

Hwang Jeong-hu’s heart pounded like a child’s.

Hiding the blush that had risen on his face, Hwang Jeong-hu opened his mouth.

“I hope so too.”

It was the moment when Hwang Jeong-hu was recruited into Kang Jin-ho’s foundation.