Descent of The Demon Master [EN]: Chapter 1562

“But what do you mean by saying I’m being greedy? Are you saying Jae-kyung shouldn’t acquire MK?”

“That’s right.”

Hwang Min-soo said firmly.

“Basically, the systems are too different. If we merge hastily, it could cause problems for both sides. And don’t underestimate MK. In terms of cash on hand, even Jae-kyung can’t compete.”

“…What kind of thing did he create? Does that even make sense?”

“It doesn’t make sense, but it does.”

“Heh, really.”

He thought it would be absurd since Kang Jin-ho was involved, but this was more absurd than he imagined.

“And it’s not just a matter of scale. They’re too different. If different systems coexist under the same name, problems are bound to arise. We need to make sure they don’t clash.”

“How?”

“We need to take it slow.”

“We don’t have much time. Do you know how old I am?”

“There you go.”

“Huh?”

“Jae-kyung isn’t your trophy, Chairman. You think you need to wrap everything up and see the results before you step down from the front lines, don’t you!”

“That’s not how it can be resolved! If you’ve decided to hand it over, trust and leave it to me. If you’re looking for someone to just manage what I’ve built, then find someone else.”

Hwang Jung-hoo frowned.

That was incredibly presumptuous.

No one would dare to say such things in front of Hwang Jung-hoo.

Yet, Hwang Jung-hoo didn’t get angry because he knew that these words were not from Hwang Jung-hoo’s son, Hwang Min-soo, but from Hwang Min-soo, the president of MK.

Emotions have no place in the realm of business.

Those who can’t distinguish that are not qualified to do business.

“So, you’re saying it’s difficult?”

“Yes.”

“Then what do you think is the best option?”

“MK acquiring Jae-kyung.”

“…What?”

Hwang Jung-hoo’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Does that even make sense? What’s so great about MK!”

“The outward appearance doesn’t matter, Chairman.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It doesn’t matter if the format is Jae-kyung acquiring MK. What’s important is who takes the lead after the merger. You’re planning to make MK just another subsidiary of Jae-kyung, aren’t you?”

Hwang Jung-hoo nodded.

That’s what he thought was the best way.

“That won’t work.”

“Are you saying that from a business perspective? Or are you saying that because you’re with MK?”

Hwang Min-soo sighed softly.

“After seeing Jae-kyung from the outside, I realized. Jae-kyung has already lost its momentum. The only reason it’s still holding on is because you’re there, Chairman, and because of the system you’ve built. But that has its limits.”

Hwang Jung-hoo retorted.

“What are you talking about! Jae-kyung is growing.”

“Yes. But that growth has slowed down. What do you think will happen next?”

Hwang Jung-hoo couldn’t answer that.

“You know it too, Chairman. You know that we need a new wind. Isn’t that what you’re hoping for from Chairman Kang?”

“Hmm…”

“If you’re going to entrust it, do it properly. Don’t tie their hands and feet and make them fight. I won’t stand by and watch our chairman be in that situation.”

“Ugh.”

Hwang Jung-hoo took out a cigarette, looking frustrated.

After lighting the cigarette, Hwang Jung-hoo exhaled a long stream of smoke and asked,

“So, you’re saying that even if the merger is in our name, the actual management should be composed of their people? So that their system can be implemented?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not thinking of lining your own pockets, are you…”

“If you wish, I’ll step down.”

“What do you mean step down, you rascal!”

Hwang Jung-hoo snapped and puffed on his cigarette.

“It’s a gamble, a huge gamble. What do those guys know about running Jae-kyung?”

“Father, Chairman Kang isn’t you. Do you think the directors and presidents who followed you will follow him like they followed you?”

“How could those guys even look Jin-ho in the eye?”

“The process of making that happen is just stressful. Why bother when there are people who already work well together? Isn’t it all just greed, not wanting to take away the positions of the people who have grown the company with you?”

Hwang Min-soo shook his head.

“It’s not that that greed is wrong. However, new wine should be put in new bottles. Embrace it, Chairman. Those who leave don’t leave with honor, but with poison. Don’t pass the burden onto the next generation.”

Hwang Jung-hoo took a deep drag of his cigarette.

Then, he slowly nodded.

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“I believe the choice wasn’t wrong.”

Hwang Min-soo smiled gently.

“You’re a truly unpredictable person, Chairman, but strangely, I have a feeling that whatever you take on will turn out well.”

“That vague feeling is the problem.”

Hwang Jung-hoo smiled wryly.

In truth, there was no basis for believing that entrusting the company to Kang Jin-ho would be successful. Although MK was experiencing rapid growth, Hwang Jung-hoo knew that it wasn’t due to Kang Jin-ho’s abilities.

But….

‘When I had to make the most important choices, there was never any basis.’

The moment there’s a basis, it’s no longer a choice. The position of chairman isn’t about finding the basis for an answer, but about finding the answer to a problem that has no answer.

This was one of those cases.

The reason Jae-kyung had grown so far was because the choices he made based on feeling, without any basis, at those crucial moments, were not wrong. And now, Hwang Jung-hoo was about to make the last choice for Jae-kyung.

“Ugh, I was trying to teach him a bit more about management…”

“He’s not the type for that.”

Hwang Min-soo chuckled.

“And that’s not what you want from him either, Chairman. He’s not the type to manage. He’s the type to make choices and handle people.”

“…Well, you can handle the management.”

“I told you I won’t.”

“You have to if I tell you to.”

“…That’s true.”

Hwang Min-soo sighed.

His and Hwang Jung-hoo’s thoughts were ultimately similar. The reason they thought Kang Jin-ho could lead Jae-kyung wasn’t because of his outstanding management skills.

Kang Jin-ho’s management skills were average. No, if he were considered a businessman, he would be on the lower end. However, Kang Jin-ho had the ability to command those who could achieve the best management.

“He’s a very unique guy in this era. To make you look me straight in the eye and argue with me.”

“He’s definitely an unusual person.”

If it wasn’t for Kang Jin-ho’s sake, if it wasn’t something that would harm Kang Jin-ho, Hwang Min-soo wouldn’t have come to Hwang Jung-hoo and argued like this, even if he needed a justification.

“That’s why I can’t give up.”

Hwang Jung-hoo clicked his tongue.

“Anyway, please reconsider that part.”

“I said I understand.”

Hwang Jung-hoo waved his hand dismissively.

It was a gesture that seemed annoyed, but it was an expression that Hwang Jung-hoo had already taken this matter as his own concern.

Hwang Min-soo nodded, satisfied, and got up from his seat.

“Then, I’ll be going.”

“Already?”

“I’ve said everything I needed to say, so I should go. I have to go to work too.”

“Have a meal before you go.”

“Huh?”

Hwang Min-soo unconsciously looked around.

It wasn’t home, it was the company, so what was with the talk about food?

“You came after a long time, so have a meal before you go. Why are you in such a hurry?”

“Ah, no, I have to go to work. The time is…”

“Why? Do you think I don’t have the power to call your chairman and delay your work?”

“Have a meal before you go.”

“I already had breakfast, Chairman.”

“That’s perfect. I had breakfast too.”

Your words are a bit strange? And why is that perfect?

“Have lunch before you go.”

“And take care of a few things while you’re at it. My eyes are blurry these days, so I can’t see the documents well.”

“Ah, no, an employee from another company…”

“Is there a problem with a son helping his father?”

Of course, there isn’t.

No, of course, it’s true that it’s not a problem, but….

Hwang Jung-hoo chuckled and said,

“Don’t be dramatic and go sit over there. I’ll treat you to a good lunch.”

“I’m still grateful…”

“You’ve always liked seolleongtang [ox bone soup], right? Let’s have that for lunch.”

“…I don’t like seolleongtang.”

“Then was it gomtang [beef bone soup]?”

Let’s just have what you like. That would be better.

* * *

“Hehehehehe.”

“Hahahahahahahaha.”

“Hehe, hehehehe! Hahahahahaha!”

Kang Jin-ho stared blankly at the person smiling with a slightly awkward expression.

‘What is it?’

That’s a face that wants to brag, but what does he want to brag about?

Let’s poke him a bit.

“Did you have a good trip to the US?”

“Oh, America?”

Kang Jin-ho’s face slightly contorted.

“It’s a native pronunciation, native pronunciation! Hehe, I just finished filming the first scene, and everyone was praising how much my pronunciation had improved! It was worth all the hard work!”

“Ah, okay.”

“And they said my acting was good! They said it so many times, they even clapped. I’ve never seen such surprised expressions before.”

“…Maybe the Americans just have good reactions?”

“What?”

“…It must be a natural reaction to seeing such fantastic acting.”

“Right?”

Kang Jin-ho smiled warmly as he watched Choi Yeon-ha’s bright smile.

‘I am now a confident modern man.’

He never thought he would realize this fact in such a place, but at this point, Kang Jin-ho could be considered a weak man living in the modern era.

“I was so nervous, but Hollywood wasn’t a big deal. It’s just another place where people live.”

“That’s a relief.”

Han Eun-sol, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, cautiously opened her mouth.

“Actually, that’s why I’m here. Sister, no, Director.”

“Huh?”

“They contacted us…”

“Yeah.”

Han Eun-sol hesitated, as if she was reluctant to speak, and then opened her mouth weakly.

“…They asked if they could hire a voice actor for post-dubbing?”

“What dubbing?”

“Post-dubbing.”

Choi Yeon-ha tilted her head slightly.

“So, if it’s post-dubbing, they’re going to put a voice actor’s voice over my acting?”

“That’s right…”

“Why?”

“Well… uh.”

Han Eun-sol smiled awkwardly.

“M-maybe they thought the voice tone wasn’t quite right?”

“Not because my pronunciation is crap?”

A vein popped out on Choi Yeon-ha’s forehead.

No, those bastards!

If that’s the case, they shouldn’t have praised me!

“Aish, those bastards! It’s enough if a Korean person speaks Korean well!”

Choi Yeon-ha, who seemed to have ruined her mood, turned her head sharply and looked at Kang Jin-ho.

“This won’t do, Jin-ho!”

“Yes?”

“Please get me an English tutor. I need to correct my pronunciation!”

“Go ahead. Why are you asking me…”

“That old man was good at capturing emotions, right?”

“Wiggins?”

“Yes!”

“…I’ll see what I can do.”

“Please do.”

Choi Yeon-ha’s eyes blazed.

And at that moment, Wiggins, who was mindlessly conducting research at the general meeting, shivered from a sudden chill.