I’d Rather Live as a Villain

I’d Rather Live as a Villain – Episode 26

(Thank goodness)

A call came through to Min Byung-jin, the president of Daeyoung Corporation.

It was from Director Yoon Tae-sik.

“Can you talk for a moment?”

“Of course. I’ve been waiting for your call.”

On the morning commute, a single email checked in the car.

It wasn’t in the form of a report, but it was an email from Director Yoon Tae-sik, summarizing the renegotiation situation with the farm owners at a glance.

3.3 euros. The content mentioned reducing the guaranteed minimum volume from 700 tons to 500 tons.

An impossible negotiation result had emerged.

A renegotiation success for Daeyoung Corporation, more favorable than the terms from five years ago, not for the farm owners.

Cortone, the olive oil brand produced by Daeyoung Corporation, which made the current Madrid branch possible.

The consumer price of that oil had been raised twice over the past four years, by 0.4 euros and 0.7 euros respectively for each 250ML bottle.

Of course, there were various factors behind the price increase.

International shipping costs, rising labor costs, and price positioning for brand premiumization.

However, the cost of the olives themselves was not included in those factors.

A five-year exclusive contract.

There had been no change in the raw material cost.

Typically, in such exclusive contracts, especially since the consumer price of the final product had been raised twice, the farm owners providing the raw materials would certainly be aware of this, and at the time of renegotiation, margin negotiation was a must. And this margin negotiation inevitably had to conclude with even a slight increase in the margin cost.

However, the initial 4.5 euros proposed by the farm owners was indeed too high.

President Min Byung-jin, who had been expecting to enter into renegotiation around 4 euros or thereabouts after receiving reports that the Madrid branch had drawn a positive stance from the farm owners at 4 euros.

But 3.3 euros?

Moreover, it was said that the Madrid branch had significantly reduced the guaranteed volume from 700 tons to 500 tons.

This meant that they had really matched the cost of olives to 3.3 euros.

Due to the handicap of the minimum volume guarantee, the contract was specified at 3.3 euros per liter, but since most cases failed to produce up to 700 tons, the actual cost was between 3.4 and 3.5 euros.

If it’s 500 tons, unless there’s a major fire at the farm, or unless there’s severe drought due to weather problems or damage to crops due to heavy rain, it’s a volume that must be met.

President Min Byung-jin, through and through a Daeyoung Corporation man, a trading company man, with every fiber of his being.

He knew that this result was not just because of the global company’s brand power.

How meticulously and perfectly had Director Yoon Tae-sik prepared to achieve this result before heading to Spain?

President Min Byung-jin had now realized that this was not just a simple appointment to create a presence as a new member of the Daeyoung owner family.

“What kind of magic are you working over there?”

“It was good luck.”

Luck?

Is this really luck?

Absolutely.

Even if luck poured down like a hundred trucks, it’s a result that could never come out, never be created.

“Boss, there’s something urgent I need to request.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’d like to request a targeted audit of the executives to the group’s headquarters.”

A targeted audit of the executives?

An executive audit is something we do every year, but a targeted audit is entirely different.

It’s an audit conducted by the group’s headquarters when significant losses have occurred to the company, or when there’s evidence of intentional misconduct or embezzlement.

Naturally, it’s extremely rare for a subsidiary to request such an audit from the group’s headquarters.

It’s like the subsidiary is confessing its own shame to the headquarters.

“The guys who were calling for 4.5 euros signed off at 3.3 euros, with a minimum volume guarantee minus 200 tons.”

“…”

“I came to Spain with all possibilities open. Was there a force that approached these farm owners with an early 4 euro margin offer? If so, which force could it be?”

“I’m listening, don’t hang up, keep talking.”

“If there really was such a force, 4.5 euros. It would have been a margin worth bluffing. Even if we refused, they could have presented a basis for offering 4.5 euros.”

“Hmm…”

“But when I called for 3.3 euros, they couldn’t present any bluffing basis. Someone had already proposed such a margin, and even if it wasn’t a full purchase by Daeyoung, if Daeyoung kept insisting on 3.3 euros, we’d have no choice but to go with them… At least some action should have been taken to be normal, but there was none.”

President Min Byung-jin felt a chill run up his forearm.

“Does that mean these farm owners have no sense of reality? No, they’re the brightest in this matter. It’s not for nothing that the Netherlands and Spain are called the countries of merchants. Especially these gentlemen who have maintained these large farms for generations.”

“That’s right. In that regard, they’re a step above our Mulsan men.”

“The bluff of 4.5 euros, the confidence that Daeyoung Mulsan wouldn’t cut them off. The confidence that they could succeed in renegotiating at around 4 euros, as if they were being generous. Who could give such confidence to these farm owners?”

From the farm owners’ perspective, it could only be the Madrid branch manager, or… the division head managing that branch from the headquarters.

“Are you talking about Branch Manager Jinsung Cheol?”

“Until I instructed to check on the renegotiation, there had been individual meetings as a courtesy, but no direct encounters with all three farm owners at the same time.”

“…”

“From what I’ve seen, it seems to be the case. Moreover, the branch manager here has been involved in many projects since his appointment. He’s been producing good results.”

“Then it must be the former division head?”

“It might not be. But it’s definitely something we need to check and move on.”

Park Je-dong is already exiled to the most idle position in Daeyoung, called Jeon-gi.

Return to the conglomerate, or a transfer to another affiliate, the possibility of executive contract renewal is zero.

Having already drunk the poison, how can one endure the energy of the poison, writhing and roaming in the hot ondol room of a position called ‘electricity’—and now an executive target audit?

But the entity making that request is a member of the owner’s family.

President Min Byung-jin had neither the justification nor the power to refuse that request.

“That’s right. The barn. It needs fixing. Better fix it early, before we lose even bigger things.”

-Thank you.

“And speaking of which, you went on a honeymoon, but aren’t you working too much? Executive Kang Moon-jung must feel neglected. I’m so grateful for the good news, and I’m embarrassed to have been pointed out something I missed.”

-Not at all.

“Understood. I’ll contact headquarters about that matter right away.”

After hanging up the phone, President Min Byung-jin leaned deeply back into the sofa.

Yoon Tae-sik.

Sharp, as I’ve always known, but not just sharp—there’s a weight to it.

The succession structure.

Maybe… just maybe, the game could be turned upside down.

With that thought, President Min Byung-jin picked up the internal phone.

-Audit Office of the Group Headquarters.

“Ah, this is Min Byung-jin from the conglomerate.”

-Yes, President. What can I do for you?

“Director. I have a delicate matter to request of you.”

***

The winery Kinzone, nestled between Jerez and El Puerto de Santa Maria.

Not only is the brand of wine produced here called Kinzone, but it was also the name of the Argentine farm owner who first established the winery here.

94 hectares in name, but in reality, an unbelievable scale of a winery, equivalent to 280,000 pyeong, or 130 soccer fields attached together.

I walked that place with Executive Kang Moon-jung and Branch Manager Jin Seong-cheol.

Two employees from the Madrid branch followed us, keeping a certain distance.

Had we walked for about 10 minutes?

I wondered if there was any point in walking this.

Vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Nothing but vineyards.

In a place where there’s nothing but grapevines, yet the end is nowhere in sight.

After about a ten-minute walk, boredom aside, I grew tired of the grapevines.

Soon, Branch Manager Jinsung Cheol had the Madrid staff arrange for a cart used by the vineyard workers.

Climbing onto a cart that you’d find at a large Southeast Asian resort or a golf course, the branch employees stayed behind while only I and Branch Manager Jinsung Cheol set off to check the full scale of the farm.

“Isn’t there an olive farm around here?”

The vineyard tour was sufficient.

What I wanted to see with my own eyes wasn’t this vineyard, but rather how positively the branch was communicating with the vineyard after Deputy Chief Oh Ji-won’s visit.

The farm people were very proactive in showing their goodwill, even lending us their work cart.

The vineyard tour was enough, and I gave instructions to the branch manager about the olive farm and the farm owners.

“Yes.”

“Arrange a meeting with the farm owners soon to resolve any hard feelings.”

“…Yes.”

“I’ll approve it from headquarters, so prepare a gift worth ten thousand euros per person.”

“Ten thousand euros?”

“Art would be good. Don Adrike, Don Pedro. They both like paintings. Especially Don Pedro, he’s a huge fan of Dalí.”

“I’m aware that during the first contract, we prepared a painting as a business gift for each during the negotiation process.”

That’s right.

“It was when I came for an inspection, intending to meet the farm owners after creating and confirming the olive project. Don Pedro invited me to his house. ‘Let’s have dinner together,’ he said. Although the serial numbers weren’t great, he had several Dalí sculptures displayed all around his house.”

At my words, the branch manager just nodded.

He didn’t know that it was my idea to win over the farm owners’ hearts with the gift of paintings.

“There might be a lot of hard feelings towards me and Daeyoung Corporation because of this contract. Please arrange a meeting to smooth things over.”

“Yes, I will do that.”

“And try to probe.”

“If I may probe…”

“The reason for the 4.5 euros. Was it possibly because of the existence of someone named Bak Jedong?”

At my words, not only the branch manager but also the executive began to frown.

“They’ve always been greedy, but they’re not the type to be so unreasonable.”

“Does that mean there’s a possibility that the former head of the department raised the margin for the farm owners and then asked for a personal kickback?”

“At first, it was just a possibility, but seeing them sign the re-contract under those conditions, I’m now certain. You didn’t make such a deal, did you?”

Startled by my words, the branch manager quickly glanced at the executive’s reaction.

“Sir, that’s preposterous! I would never engage in such filth…”

“I am aware. That’s why I’m suggesting you ask the branch manager, isn’t it?”

Only then did the branch manager catch his breath, calming his startled heart.

“If you could even record the farmers claiming such things, it would be the icing on the cake, wouldn’t it?”

“…Yes.”

“Imagine how unjust the farmers must feel? It’s true they were greedy, but it was our company, Daeyoung, that fanned those flames of greed. And yet, to take away the renegotiation terms like this, they must feel extremely aggrieved and unable to sleep.”

“Yes, if such a thing really happened, they would naturally feel wronged.”

“So, from now on, the Madrid branch needs to pay more attention and take better care.”

“I’m ashamed. I should have focused on the olive farms as soon as I was appointed, but I failed to do so.”

“It’s not that you failed; the headquarters must have said there’s no need to worry about the olive farms since they’ll handle the renegotiations. If the branch manager had intervened, it would have just made things worse.”

Finally, the branch manager began to nod, as if he found the basis for the confidence I was showing.

Changing the subject.

“If this farm comes under the jurisdiction of the Madrid branch, it will quickly become the branch with the largest billing turnover among the European regional branches.”

“…Yes.”

“I’m not sure about the Madrid branch, but there’s some talk at the headquarters.”

“What are you referring to?”

“Parachute appointment. There’s talk of a guy who has no skills whatsoever, but because he married our executive Kang Moon-jung, he’s landed a cushy executive position at Daeyoung Corporation.”

It seems the Madrid branch is no different.

The branch manager tried to feign indifference, but his expression was painfully unnatural.

“I don’t mind, but those who spread such rumors must be feeling uneasy, that’s why they talk like that, isn’t it?”

“…”

“So, to ease their minds a bit, I need to earn some recognition.”

“…Yes.”

“And I chose this sherry wine project as the first step to gain that recognition. Your attention to this project, and the Madrid branch’s interest, are needed. You’ll take care of it, won’t you?”

“Of course. I will do my best.”

“Thank you.”

Riding a cart that doesn’t go over 30 kilometers per hour around the farm, I felt drained even though I wasn’t the one driving.

After checking the winery, I started the car with the executive in the passenger seat to visit the Madrid branch.

Just as we were driving out of the winery, the executive asked,

“Do we really need to go to such lengths?”

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s about Park Je-dong, that guy. If he really did such a thing, it’s despicable. But shouldn’t we consider Executive Yoon’s image as well?”

“What kind of… image are you talking about?”

“The incident between that guy and Executive Yoon. Who doesn’t know about it? Now everyone knows. But if we chase him out with electricity and then tarnish his reputation, wouldn’t it be too cruel, too relentless… That’s what I’m worried people might say.”

“You do like such cruel and relentless people, don’t you, Chairman?”

At my words, the executive narrowed his eyes.

“I don’t want to do it either. In fact, I don’t want to be associated with such a person for even a moment. But the Chairman likes people who become persistent, cruel, and relentless for the sake of Daeyoung.”

“Do you want to be in the Chairman’s good graces?”

“It’s not me who should be in the Chairman’s favor, but you, the executive. I just want to prove that your judgment in choosing people is accurate.”

“…”

“Executive. For a new hero to be born, there must be many villains around that hero.”

As I turned the steering wheel towards Madrid, I continued.

“A villain that makes the hero stand out. There must be villains who are antagonistic to the hero, and villains who willingly play the villain for the hero’s sake. As I’ve told you several times, I’ve decided to become a villain to make you a hero.”

“…”

“And with such a villain, there will be no more people like Park Je-dong. It might not be the case. I’m confident, but contrary to my expectations, Park Je-dong might not have done anything at all. However, people will be scared. They’ll think he’s a suspicious person, a persistent person, that it’s over if you fall out of favor… Fear will erase the courage to take a bad direction. Making you a hero is not only my job as the head of Mulsan, but also part of my duty.”

***

Suddenly, Kang Moon-jung began to see the man named Yoon Tae-sik in a big way.

She hadn’t expected him to be this sincere for her sake.

She had proposed a contract marriage to Yoon Tae-sik, an insignificant man, but someone she believed she could trust and always thought was on her side, just to create her own image, to boost her likability, to maintain her presence within Daeyoung.

She was surprised that he understood the grandfather more deeply than she did.

That’s right.

If she took such action, the grandfather would surely like it.

He’s someone who guards against even a single 10-won coin from the company’s money leaking out unnecessarily.

He says that being a generous leader is a sin, and if you want to be generous, you should use your own money to start a company, sit in the president’s chair, and then be generous.

Now she thinks she understands.

Why, whenever it came time to make an important decision, he would set everyone else aside and look for Yoon Tae-sik, the executive.

Yoon Tae-sik, this man, always provided not the correct answer for the situation, but the correct answer from the grandfather’s perspective.

And following Yoon Tae-sik’s opinion, she had never failed.

There may have been failures in the situation, but those failures turned into recognition and praise for a good choice in front of the grandfather.

Perhaps she had thrown the wild card of marriage because she had always thought of him not as an aggro that catches the world’s attention, but as someone who could instinctively protect her.

Kang Moon-jung began to feel suddenly confused.

Was it really to maintain her presence that she chose Yoon Tae-sik, or was it instinctively knowing that he was the person who could protect her the safest?

Even as she arrived at the Madrid branch and toured it together, Kang Moon-jung was still fighting with her confused heart.

And then…

“We’ll be off to enjoy our honeymoon now. Please take care of the rest, and as I mentioned earlier, the Kinzone matter. Please pay attention to it.”

“Yes, I will do my best.”

Kang Moon-jung couldn’t just say goodbye to the branch like this.

After receiving greetings from the branch manager and the employees, she got into the car.

As her husband got into the driver’s seat, she asked him to wait in the car for a moment and got out to call the branch manager aside.

“Branch manager.”

“Yes, executive director.”

“It seems that Yoon division head has chosen this Madrid branch as his stepping stone.”

“…Yes.”

“As the division head himself said, he’s a person with many obstacles.”

“…Yes.”

“Please become his solid stepping stone. Then, I will become your solid stepping stone in Daeyoung’s future.”

Kang Moon-jung said, staring into the branch manager’s eyes, which were beginning to fill with desire.

“How long do you think it will take to settle the Kinzone matter?”

“Well, we need to set up a proper negotiation table first to know.”

“What is needed for the negotiation?”

“Definitely, a reliable channel to distribute the product is necessary.”

“That channel, I will take responsibility and create it for you at Daeyoung Distribution.”

“…”

“Just trust me and go for it. I will handle the aftermath in Korea myself. You understand what I mean, right?”

“Yes.”

“It should be enough in three months.”

“Are you talking about the Kinzone matter?”

“Settle it within that time. It’s my husband’s first project as an executive of Daeyoung. I’d like to personally create at least one trophy of achievement made in an impossible time frame. Do you think you can do it?”

The branch manager, who had been just wetting his lips for a moment, began to show determination in his eyes.

“I will finish it within that time, no matter what.”

“Then I’ll trust only you, Director, and go.”

It was always like that, always.

Yoon Tae-sik.

He always saw himself from his grandfather’s perspective, giving feedback so he wouldn’t make mistakes in front of him.

Why did he only realize it now?

And back in Korea after the honeymoon, Kang Moon-jung directly encountered the sincerity of Yoon Tae-sik, who had her best interests at heart.

His mother’s house, where she lived alone.

She had gone down to Daejeon to greet them after the honeymoon.

By chance, in his room, Kang Moon-jung’s eyes caught a stamp book with the word “POST” written vertically in English.

“Ah, that, that is…”

As she reached for the stamp book on the shelf, her contract husband, startled, hurriedly tried to stop her from taking it out.

But with just one look, she overpowered him and opened the book.

“…”

Inside were various currencies from different countries, collected very preciously.

“290 million won.”

The image of her contract husband, who had been in her grandfather’s study, responding to him as if squeezing out all his strength, came to mind.

“In the past 8 years since I joined Daeyoung Corporation, I have saved up 290 million won in Korean money.”

And that was it.

The foreign money that her father had obtained for her was all sold to add even a little to her language study expenses.

At that time, she had no regrets about spending it on something truly important.

But it was a lie.

The money she said she had sold, those foreign currencies, had been collected very preciously.

“You said you sold all this?”

“…”

Moon-jung understood.

What her contract husband had done in front of her grandfather wasn’t a lie, but rather, it was the answer she should have given at that time.

The answer her grandfather wanted to hear.

“Actually…”

Moon-jung felt like she finally understood her contract husband’s true feelings towards her.

“That’s a relief.”

“…Yes?”

“It’s a good thing I didn’t sell these, that I’ve kept them all with me.”

“How could I possibly sell these… They are the memories my father left me, the ones he gave to me.”

“It really is fortunate.”