I’d Rather Live as a Villain

I’d Rather Live as a Villain – Episode 28

(Then, I’ll be on my way)

The name of Director Jang Dong-ju came from Joo Dong-jin’s lips.

The shadow of Chairman Kang Man-ho, the group’s secretariat director, Jang Dong-ju.

I had estimated the odds at about 8 to 2.

The likelihood that Chairman Kang Ki-young, the great chairman, had assigned someone to me was 80 percent, while the likelihood that it was Chairman Kang Man-ho was 20 percent.

But against expectations, the 20 percent swallowed up the 80 percent.

Of course, that wasn’t the most important part.

“So, you’ve been reporting to Director Jang.”

Joo Dong-jin couldn’t even muster the courage to meet my eyes.

“…I’m sorry, Division Head.”

“It’s right that you’re sorry. But how sincere can an apology seem to the listener if you say sorry after being caught red-handed?”

“…”

“Well, of course, even if it hadn’t been you, Mr. Joo, someone else would have come and played the same role. So, I wasn’t particularly shocked that you were doing it. I just often thought it must be very uncomfortable for you.”

Joo Dong-jin’s eyes began to waver.

This was something that had to be accepted as inevitable.

After all, that’s the kind of place Daeyoung Owner Family was.

Heartless.

Doubting, verifying… and wringing out.

Even if the subject was the owner’s own child, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchild, grandson-in-law, or granddaughter-in-law…

“Did you know… from the beginning?”

I nodded.

“How could I not? Every time I was kind to Mr. Dongjin, his eyes and expression were too heavy. As if he was committing a sin against me.”

Perhaps it was because the owner was accustomed to people’s ways, and I had been somewhat influenced as well.

Honestly, I didn’t feel greatly displeased.

I was only thinking about how to make the most of this opportunity I had caught, how to lead myself to the most advantageous situation possible.

Perfect injustice can become a good seed that creates opportunities, depending on the angle you look at it.

I had seen Joo Dongjin, planted in me from the beginning, as a seed that would bring me opportunities.

That’s why I had been pretending not to know and enduring it for the past two months.

“I think so. Whatever I do, as long as I’m proud of what I’m doing, I don’t have to be cautious, no matter who’s watching me or where I am. If you’re anxious and have to be careful, it means you’ve done something you’re not proud of, you’re doing it, or you’re planning to do it. It’s one of those three, isn’t it?”

He seemed quite confused.

Or maybe he didn’t understand the meaning of my words.

“Just report to Director Jang that you’ve been caught by me.”

Joo Dongjin bowed his head deeply.

“Wouldn’t that be better?”

After staring at the floor for a long time, Joo Dongjin took a deep breath, swallowed it, and then lifted his head.

With an expression that said he would accept the punishment I had decided, he nodded once and then spoke.

“If you knew everything from the beginning, may I ask why you didn’t tell me sooner?”

“It wasn’t particularly important to me.”

“…”

“I can assure you, while Joo Dongjin has been worrying and feeling anxious alone, Director Jang, who had him watch me, probably stopped caring after a while.”

Deep wrinkles began to form between Joo Dongjin’s brows.

“I’m not Truman, you know. Do you think someone interesting would wait all day for my every move? But Mr. Dongjin.”

“…Yes.”

“Do you think I’ve never done the spy life you’re living now? Even though I look like this, I’ve been eating at the group’s secretariat for over three years?”

A slight twitch began in the deep furrow of Joo Dongjin’s brow.

“I’ve done it too. I clearly became an executive secretary because Executive Kang Moon-jung suggested it, but the group’s secretariat asked me to make and submit a daily report on the executive’s schedule.”

At my words, Joo Dongjin’s eyes widened.

“The people in the group’s secretariat? They’re not as meticulous as you think, Mr. Dongjin. Reality isn’t like dramas or movies. The whims of the owner’s family change all the time. Matching those whims isn’t an ordinary task. You can’t be sincere in everything you do. Do you know what I did then?”

“…I don’t know.”

“I’ve thought about how much salary I’m receiving from this company.”

“What does that…”

“The work that the group’s secretariat is demanding of me, when you get down to it, doesn’t seem to be of any significant importance. If it were truly important, they would have assigned someone competent, not me. Someone who could handle it professionally. Are you a professional, Joo Dong-jin? I wasn’t at the time.”

“…”

“So, I just did it tactfully. Moderately. I omitted content that seemed unfavorable to Executive Kang Moon-jung, and elaborated on content that was praiseworthy or beneficial.”

“Then to Executive Kang Moon-jung…”

Why?

Was I as foolish as you?

Is that what you’re expecting?

“Of course, I spoke honestly. As you said, Dong-jin, it wasn’t the group’s secretariat but Executive Kang Moon-jung who first entrusted me with the role of an executive assistant.”

“…”

“People think I went straight from being an assistant manager to a deputy general manager. But that’s not true. I did skip a step, but there was a time, however brief, when I carried the business card of a manager.”

Joo Dong-jin, tilting his head in confusion, not understanding what I meant, I said to him,

“When I told them honestly that I received such orders from the group’s secretariat, they guessed as much. For keeping my loyalty to the executive, I was promoted from manager to deputy general manager in just six months. It was then that Executive Kang used the power of the owner’s family for the first time because of me. Thanks to that, I was completely freed from the reporting duties you’re doing now.”

I stood up from the office desk where I had been half-seated, facing Joo Dong-jin.

“I’m giving you a chance now. The good university, the expensive tuition you paid for four years to graduate and join this difficult job. If the work at this job is just to monitor someone’s daily routine and report to someone else like a spy… can you really be proud of yourself?”

“…”

“I don’t think I could be. So let’s do some real work from now on, together. I can see you’re a person who lacks tact compared to your ambition and greed. But I don’t particularly need someone full of tact. If necessary, I can teach you that.”

He started looking at me with a surprised face.

You thought you’d be out immediately, didn’t you?

“What does that…”

“It’s Director Jang Dong-ju’s order. Ultimately, it’s my father-in-law, the chairman’s order. With so much at stake, how could I express disappointment or resentment over such a matter to my father-in-law?”

“…”

“What would I gain from that? It would only sound like I’m trying to fight against my father-in-law. And is he someone I could even win against? Contact Director Jang and tell him you’ve been caught. Then I’ll tell him it’s too bothersome and tiring to start over with someone new and that I’ll keep using you. Actually, changing people midway is also tiring.”

“…”

“Dong-jin.”

“Yes, Director.”

“I’ll start speaking informally to you from now on. Is that okay?”

As if he had made up his mind, Joo Dong-jin took a deep breath and answered.

“Yes.”

“Alright, let’s do that. I already have enough on my plate, I don’t want to worry about Dong-jin while working.”

It was right then.

Suddenly, a call came through.

The number of Jinsung Cheol, the Madrid branch manager, was displayed.

I first extended my palm towards Joo Dong-jin, signaling him to wait a moment, then switched the call to speakerphone.

“Yes, I’ve answered the call.”

– Director, it’s Jinsung Cheol.

“Yes, Branch Manager.”

As Jinsung Cheol’s voice flowed from the speakerphone, Joo Dong-jin’s face was filling with thoughts.

I kept my gaze fixed on Joo Dong-jin as I continued the conversation.

– The suspicion you had, Director, was correct. As you suggested, I prepared the painting gifts and met with the farm owners.

“Yes.”

– He said he would visit Spain personally between August and September.

“Is it Director Park Je-dong?”

– Yes. He promised that if we proceed with the contract renewal then, if we call 4.5 euros to the branch in advance, he would ensure the final renewal at 4.1 euros.

He’s offering 0.8 euros higher than the contract I secured?

He’s insane.

– He says he’s already set up a personal account in Spain. On the day of the final contract renewal, each farm will receive 100,000 euros, totaling 300,000 euros.

“Just 300,000 euros to raise the price by 0.8 euros per liter?”

I said it and then was shocked inwardly.

300,000 euros.

That’s well over 400 million Korean won.

I referred to that amount of money as ‘just.’

Unknowingly, I’ve become this bold.

“Yes.”

“Did you record this matter?”

– Yes, I recorded it with the consent of the farm owners. But the farm owners are worried.

“What are they worried about?”

“If this matter comes to light at headquarters, wouldn’t it make our future relations with them uncomfortable?”

“Discomfort arises when you try to keep covering up a problem. Since we’re already in for a five-year renewal, just convey that we hope this incident will build deeper trust between both parties.”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to pass that along.”

“You can send me the recording you made, right?”

“Of course. I’ll send it to you right after we hang up. And about the Kinzone Winery matter.”

“Yes?”

“It seems the headquarters will have to send over the planning team for another inspection. Things are moving faster than expected. They say there’s about 1200 casks of remaining stock.”

1200 casks.

I understand that from one cask, you usually get about 120 bottles of 700ML wine.

That’s roughly 140,000 bottles.

Considering they produce 600,000 bottles a year, guaranteeing an initial order of about 700,000 bottles as the minimum order quantity would help secure the contract.

“It seems most of the remaining stock consists of quite sought-after vintages.”

“That would make sense.”

“The initial margin negotiations should be done by the planning officer coming over directly, rather than our local branch, to represent headquarters.”

“I’ll prepare for that. Thank you for your hard work.”

I didn’t take my eyes off Joo Dong-jin until the call with Branch Manager Jin Sung-cheol was over.

After ending the call, I asked Joo Dong-jin.

“This matter should go through the president to the chairman’s ears, not Dong-jin, right?”

“I’ll just call Manager Jang and tell him that the division head found out.”

“You’re not completely without tact.”

“…”

“I’m going to be very busy from now on. This is an opportunity given to you so that you stop making that thoughtful face and getting cold feet like you’ve been doing. Don’t make me have to think separately because of you, Dong-jin. You understand what I’m saying?”

“…Yes.”

“Good. Go and see to your work. I think I need to go to the president’s office right away.”

***

The recorded file from Branch Manager Jin Sung-cheol.

I played the file, pausing intermittently to interpret the farmers’ words directly to President Min Byung-jin.

After confirming the content, President Min Byung-jin closed his eyes and leaned back on the sofa, looking utterly defeated for a long while.

He was the president of Daeyoung Group’s Mulsan, one of the pillars of the conglomerate.

It was a moment that revealed a gap in his own management and responsibility, and it must have been gut-wrenching.

They would have wanted to cover it up.

Just the standpoint of the farm owners.

Since there was no actual fraud involved, they could easily cover it up, citing the lack of evidence as a reason to dismiss the issue.

But I am the one who uncovered this matter.

And now, I find myself a member of Daeyoung’s ownership.

I could sense President Min Byung-jin’s dilemma, unable to move forward or back.

“Even in exile, you manage to tire people out.”

It sounded almost like an accusation thrown at me.

“Isn’t it in exile that I’m supposed to be helping you, President?”

“Help? With this?”

“You were the one who first noticed the embezzlement and misconduct of the former division head and requested a targeted audit from the group’s headquarters.”

“…”

“And you found evidence that the audit department had yet to uncover. Where else can you find a more perfect manager? The chairman always used to say this.”

“What did he say?”

“A person is not something that can be controlled. That’s why we need a system, and within that system, we confine people, valuing those who know how to control the system itself.”

“…”

“From the group’s perspective, you’re doing a very valuable job. And you’re doing it before any direct damage occurs to the company. Moreover, you’ve managed to secure a favorable renegotiation with the olive farm over this matter.”

“How is that my doing? It was the division head’s work.”

“The performance of the European division is your performance. Isn’t that the system the chairman always talks about?”

President Min Byung-jin, suddenly bringing up something strange.

“Dismissal, contract suspension might be possible, but anything beyond that will be difficult, right?”

“What will?”

“I’m talking about Park Je-dong. Embezzlement and breach of trust have almost the highest acquittal rates among all criminal cases, second only to s*xual offenses.”

“…?”

“Moreover, since no actual money has been exchanged in this case yet, it’s even more difficult to make it an issue.”

I wondered what he was getting at.

But as I listened, it seemed like he was under the impression that I was seeking revenge against that man, Park Je-dong.

“It seems you’re misunderstanding. Whatever happens to him, however it’s handled, I have no interest. I’m just doing my best in my role as the head of the European division, and in doing my best, I happened to discover the corruption.”

“…”

“I’m aware. If this issue becomes widely publicized, our European division, and the entire Mulsan group, will be the first to suffer. But would you miss this opportunity to stand up to the entire group, to be recognized as dignified and transparent, just because it’s bothersome?”

In the end, President Min Byung-jin took out his phone and made a call.

“Hey, Team Leader Son. It’s me.”

I thought he would call the Audit Headquarters, but right in front of me, he dialed Team Leader Son Jung-hyun, who acts as the eyes and ears of Chairman Kang Ki-young.

“It’s about Park Je-dong’s case. That…”

President Min paused, glancing at me momentarily.

Then he continued.

“Executive Director Yoon came with the evidence himself. Yeah, it’s irrefutable evidence. Recorded conversations between the farm owners and the branch manager. They agreed to pay each farm owner 100,000 euros. They must have already opened personal accounts in Spain, so once that’s confirmed, it’s over. No, no. It’s not something to make a big fuss about. For now, I need to contact the director of the Audit Office and go to the power plant with him. I’ll get back to you once things are sorted out. Just report that much to the Chairman for now.”

President Min Byung-jin.

He has been the president of Mulsan for eight years.

Among the current presidents of Daeyoung Group’s subsidiaries, he is the only one who has held his position for more than five years.

The reason I chose Mulsan and decided on a contract marriage with Executive Director Kang Moon-jung was precisely because of President Min Byung-jin.

President Min has a deep relationship with Han Shin-ilbo’s owner Ahn Cheol-hyun, whom Chairman Kang Ki-young still acknowledges as family through marriage.

They were college seniors and juniors, and it was Ahn Cheol-hyun who actively helped President Min join Daeyoung.

For that reason, Executive Director Kang started his first life at Daeyoung in Mulsan.

I told the director that Mulsan was where I could do my best, but in truth, I was more confident in Distribution, where the director is currently the Chief Operating Officer.

Having served the director for the past three years in Distribution, and having started there with an owner’s perspective on management, I felt Distribution was better suited for seeing the bigger picture than Mulsan.

It was also a strategy to guide the director to move elsewhere, paving the way for me to enter Distribution.

Yet, I chose Mulsan because it was home to Min Byung-jin, the strongest ally of the director, and I judged that I still needed a shield and shade with influence like President Min.

President Min Byung-jin immediately headed to the power plant.

It took just one day for Park Je-dong to be put on standby, stripped of his position, and advised to resign from his executive role.

And that single day was enough to build a reputation for tenacity, persistence, and presence among all the subsidiaries of Daeyoung Group.

That seemed to be the turning point.

Originally, only the direct family of Chairman Kang Ki-young (the siblings of Chairman Kang Man-ho and their children), and the people from the external family of Executive Director Kang, Han Shin-ilbo, were to be invited to the garden party at the Pyeongchang-dong family home.

But it was an urgent directive from the Chairman that all the presidents of Daeyoung Group’s subsidiaries were invited.

After all, the nature of the event was to celebrate my marriage with the director and to formally introduce us to close acquaintances, so it was clear that the Chairman intended to formally introduce us to the presidents of the group’s subsidiaries at the event.

On the day of the party.

I was preparing, waiting for Manager Noh Gyu-hyung to arrive.

Executive Director Kang Moon-jung came out to the living room dressed in an evening gown that revealed a hint of her cleavage.

She draped a jacket over her shoulders like a shawl.

Her makeup was light, but her earrings and necklace were quite extravagant.

The only ring that remained on the ring finger of his left hand was the wedding ring I had given him as a present.

As always, I dressed in the clothes, shoes, watch, and tie selected by the executive and went out to the living room.

The executive led me to the standing rotating mirror in the living room.

And there, he tried linking arms with me.

“Not bad.”

Even I thought the picture looked quite decent.

“The registered vehicle has entered.”

An alert came in that Manager Roh Kyu-hyung had entered the premises.

I escorted the executive, who had picked up an evening bag as big as a bridal book, out the front door.

Manager Roh Kyu-hyung, who had been waiting with one of the car’s rear doors open.

I opened the door opposite to the one Manager Roh had opened and ushered the executive inside.

Then, I carefully closed the door and got into the car through the door that Manager Roh had opened in advance.

It was the first official occasion to sit together with Vice President Kang Young-jin and his spouse.

I was somewhat looking forward to it.

Whether he knew of my nervousness or not, Manager Roh checked our condition through the car’s rearview mirror and said,

“Then, we’ll depart.”