Capítulo 229: Chapter 229: I Will Think About It
Chairman Song Young-ju laughed and joked, but the sickness on his face was unmistakable.
Trying to lighten the mood, Chairman Song made light-hearted remarks, yet his serious expression showed no signs of softening.
"…Are you really okay?"
"I'm still alive, aren't I? Look at me, what's there to worry about?"
"With your age, it's natural to be worried. That's why I advised you to visit the hospital more often, remember?"
Chairman Song was the only elder I respected besides my grandfather and grandmother. Perhaps that's why my voice had unintentionally risen.
"Ha ha, come on now. Time waits for no one. Sit down already."
Despite my concerns, Chairman Song spoke matter-of-factly. His persistent smile and insistence on inviting me to sit made me grudgingly take a seat.
He leaned back against the bed and looked at me with a steady gaze. After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"So, it seems your connection with President Putin of Russia is stronger than I had expected. After Chan-woo came back from the banquet, he rushed here to tell me."
"That's not what's important right now, is it?"
"I'm a business-minded man, even if I die tomorrow, my head will be full of ideas. So don't treat me like a patient."
Although he looked weak, Chairman Song's eyes sparkled more than ever.
"…I understand, Chairman Song."
"Good. You hold an important key for our business in Russia, don't you?"
"Yes, I own quite a stake in Gazprom."
"What?!"
Chairman Song's previously calm tone suddenly grew louder.
"You own shares in Gazprom? Is that actually true?"
"There was a good opportunity, so I acquired some. I won't have much of a role in management, though."
The shares I owned in Gazprom represented more than just investment; it signified an alliance with Putin.
It would be a heavy burden for the government to buy up all the shares held by the oligarchs, and handing them over to capitalists from the West wouldn't fit Putin's anti-Western policies.
Thanks to that, I acquired Gazprom shares for practically a song.
Of course, it wasn't enough to make a significant impact, and even if it were, there wasn't a pressing reason to act.
However, to anyone unaware, it would be enough to spark envy.
"Hmm… That's quite enviable."
Chairman Song mumbled softly, and a shadow crossed his face in an instant.
"I've spent decades building my business here. Decades. Yet in just a few years, you've achieved something far greater than I have."
"Times have changed, Chairman Song."
"True. It might be so. But despite having so much to do, yet it seems the heavens are eager to take me away…"
His voice trembled slightly, laden with lament. But he quickly regained his composure and resumed discussing business.
"Even if I pass, I want you to help Daehyeon. It's a request."
"…"
"If you, Boss Kim, possess the shares in Daehyeon, no one can threaten Chan-woo's right to manage. You know that, don't you?"
"Yes, I'm aware."
The shares in Daehyeon that my grandfather passed down to me were comparable to the shares held by Chairman Song.
That level of ownership could easily sway the company more than Il-sung with just my will..
Nevertheless, such a scenario never came to pass. My grandfather held onto his shares out of genuine friendship for Chairman Song Young-ju.
Of course, I had the same intention to honor both of their legacies.
"I know Chan-woo is lacking in many ways. If I had to say, the one who resembles me the most is probably his brother, Chanseong."
Song Chanseong, the chairman of Daaehyeon Motors, mirrored Chairman Song Young-ju in both personality and business style.
"That's true."
"But aren't you curious why I chose Chan-woo as my successor?"
"Chairman Song's decision was that Chan-woo is capable of continuing the North Korea business?"
"Indeed… You have great insight."
Chairman Song chuckled softly. In his previous life, Chan-woo had pushed through the Northern business despite opposition from his siblings.
"Right. The only person who can carry on the Northern Business after me is Chan-woo. Chanseong won't ever take on an unprofitable venture."
"…"
"You've surely heard this from Putin. The railway industry passing through North and South into Siberia."
I nodded slightly. However, the railway industry he spoke of would not materialize in the foreseeable future.
Given the constraints from Japan and China's animosities, alongside the American pressure who would not favor Russia's rise, it was impossible due to the tug-of-war between the major powers around the Korean Peninsula.
"That will likely be hard to implement in the short term."
"That's true. I think the same. But a few years ago, who would have dared to dream? A successful North-South summit, and Russia's president visiting here. It was something unimaginable. We've come so far, step by step."
Perhaps, as he said, this time would be different. Chairman Song continued with enthusiasm in his expression.
"Who would have thought democratization would proceed so rapidly in our country? From the harsh military regime through the transition to democracy."
"Yes, it might turn out even faster than you expected, Chairman Song."
I didn't fully agree with Chairman Song's perspective. However, faced with his serious gaze, it felt difficult to voice any negative comments.
"Your role is important. So please do help Daehyeon. No, I hope you can assist Chan-woo."
"Hmm…"
I found it hard to respond immediately. Sensing my hesitation, Chairman Song spoke again.
"Right, you're a business kind of guy. You wouldn't want to undertake something without profit. Still, Chan-woo's management style will never hinder you. He knows his place better than anyone."
"I can help with Daehyeon, but I don't want to get involved in the power struggles. Ultimately, I would have to pick a side, leaving me at odds with the other."
Indeed, even before Chairman Song collapsed, the sides had already begun to form.
He had already stepped down as honorary chairman and retreated from active management, but Song Young-ju was Daehyeon, and Daehyeon was Song Young-ju himself.
Chan-woo's influence was like a sandcastle, only stable because Song Young-ju still supported him from behind.
Chairman Song stared at the firmly closed hospital room door.
"What was the atmosphere like in the corridor when you arrived? I'm sure it wasn't pleasant."
There was a bitterness in his voice. Following his gaze towards the hospital room door, I also turned my head.
I recalled the coldness lingering in the corridor during the family gathering, devoid of any concern. I refocused my gaze on Chairman Song.
"I think it's inevitable. You're inheriting an empire like Daehyeon, after all. You told me not to worry, but that advice only holds while you're still alive."
"Yes, yes, you've kept telling me that."
I nodded slightly. Since my grandfather's death, he had been constantly worrying about the future.
That worry was not unreasonable and weighed heavily on my mind.
"And that's what I'm saying. If you help me, no one will ever threaten Chan-woo's management. I can completely hand over Daehyeon to him."
I couldn't fathom why he was obsessively fixated on Chan-woo. Confusion swirled in my mind.
To say it was merely a need for someone to continue the North business felt inadequate given his overly sensitive response.
In my prior life, even amidst the family objections, Chairman Song ultimately passed his management rights to Chan-woo.
Perhaps something I didn't know existed. Noticing my expression of doubt and confusion, Chairman Song's smile grew warmer.
"Are you curious?"
"To be honest, I don't quite understand. It feels like you're asking me to help Chan-woo, rather than just anyone to continue the North business."
"It could be seen that way."
His answer was neither a clear affirmation nor denial, but rather vague. When our eyes met, I sensed a flash of uncertainty in his.
"Can you promise me this? If I reveal everything, you'll become a solid ally to Chan-woo?"
"I'll listen and then decide."
Speaking decisively, I saw a smile fade from his face.
"I can't guarantee unwavering support. You know my past, how I've managed to stay here. Just being swayed by emotions won't benefit either of us."
"You… you're really tough. Can't you think of it as my last request?"
Though my heart wavered at the plea tinged with desperation, I steadied myself and shook my head.
"I told you before. I won't just sit idly by while Daehyeon collapses. I'll help once, but not more than that."
In the end, a long sigh escaped Chairman Song's lips. After briefly turning his head to glance outside, he spoke.
"I get it… I'll trust your judgment."
An extensive tale unfolded. With his tongue slicking over dry lips, Chairman Song began to speak slowly.
The ramblings contained no clear direction, yet each word was laced with deep affection for Chan-woo.
Only after hearing the whole story did I finally grasp Chairman Song's feelings.
"I see now. Everything is clear."
"You may consider this a trivial matter. Yet for me, it's one of my greatest regrets."
What emerged from his lips was a secret that would not come to light even after Chairman Song Young-ju passed away. Hearing such an enormous secret left a bitter taste in my mouth.
"I trust you'll keep this secret. Your grandfather knew, too."
"I won't tell anyone, anywhere."
"So, have you made your decision?"
"…Not yet. I will think about it."
If I do end up helping Chan-woo, history would warp entirely.
Just by undermining Il-sung, the course of histtory itself would be uncertain, and preventing Daehyeon's split as well…
The possibility that the future I was familiar with wouldn't come to pass loomed large.
Instead of pressing me further, Chairman Song spoke gently.
"He's certainly not a talentless child. Just indecisive and soft-hearted, but he has good management skills."
Hearing him sing Chan-woo's praises made me involuntarily chuckle.
"But how's your health, Chairman?"
After a lengthy conversation, I finally had the courage to ask the real reason he was at the hospital.
"They said my heart stopped for a moment."
Chairman Song, as if discussing someone else, spoke the shocking news nonchalantly. I found myself asking back.
"Your heart stopped?"
"It started again, so it's fine."
"What's wrong? What are the symptoms?"
"It's just old age, I suppose."
Hearing about his heart stopping reminded me of the day Grandma's heart had stopped.
Memories of frantically calling out for Grandma and the desperate attempts to revive her flooded back vividly.
Worry etched itself on my face. Noticing my expression, Chairman Song smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry about it."
His soothing voice brought me back to reality.
"So what now?"
"I need to stay at the hospital. It's not my time yet. I can't go just yet. I'll head out now. When you've sorted your thoughts, come back to me. I need some rest."
As he slowly shifted to get comfortable, Chairman Song leaned his head against the pillow.
"Call Chan-woo for me on your way out."
"Sure, take care until I return."
"Ha ha, got it, got it."
Chairman Song's face bore a smile, yet all I could see was his sadness.
Feeling I shouldn't take more of his time, I bowed respectfully and stepped out of the hospital room.
The moment I took a single step outside, all eyes in the corridor turned toward me.
I quietly informed Chairman Song's secretary standing by the door.
"Chairman Song Young-ju will see Song Chan-woo."
Leaving behind the cold atmosphere of the corridor, I walked toward Manager Ma.
"Let's go. Don't schedule any other appointments today. I want to rest at home."
"Yes, Boss."
As I passed by, Chan-woo entered the hospital room.
I glanced at the only visibly troubled face among the family before heading to the elevator.
Someone called out to me from behind.
"Boss Kim Mu-hyeok."
Turning to the voice, I saw Song Chanseong and his son Song Hyyeon-su.
"Not today, but can we arrange a time to talk in a few days?"
"What's it about?"
"I have something important to discuss. Is that alright?"
After a moment's thought, I nodded.
"Sure. Please reach out to me."
"Thank you, thank you. Haha."
Song Chanseong's hearty laugh brieefly reminded me of Chairman Song Young-ju in his youth.
"Hyun-su will come and pick me up. I can't be away for too long. After all, I am the eldest son."
He patted Song Hyeon-su's shoulder and turnned to head back.
As I watched Song Chanseong leave, Hyun-su walkked toward me with an awkward smile.
"It's been a while."
"Yeah, Hyung. Long time no see."
"I've been keeping up with what you've been doing."
Hearing his clumsy words made me smile lightly. He seemed more awkward now than when we first met.
"It happened that way. How are you doing?"
Ding.
Just then, the elevator arrival chime sounded. Fatigue washed over me, and I spoke first.
"Let's grab a drink next time, Hyung. I want to rest today. You don't have to drop me off. I'll head out myself."
Though Hyun-su opened his mouth to say something, I stepped into the elevator, leaving him behind.
And just before the elevator doors closed, I caught a glimpse of Hyun-su's expression shift from awkwardness to a cold mask.
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