I’d Rather Live as a Villain

“I’d Rather Live as a Villain – Part 5”

(I thought my heart was going to burst)

Soon, Daeyoung’s control tower, the Strategic Planning Team, would be turned upside down.

This wasn’t the executive’s usual style.

But once he starts putting on the pressure, he tends to hold on until people are sick of it.

Manager Sohn, who knew the executive’s style, must have felt ignored or even offended and uncomfortable with such blunt words coming from the executive’s mouth. It was a big deal.

No matter how much Vice President Kang Young-jin had advanced in the succession race by strategically marrying Jo Yeon-hee, the director of Songam Art Hall, and becoming part of the VR Group, Executive Kang Moon-jung was the only true heir of Daeyoung.

Kang Ki-young, the great Chairman, was a long-time friend, in-law, and the former owner of Hanshin Newspaper, the late An Guk-hwan, who was Executive Kang Moon-jung’s maternal grandfather.

Even the current owner of Hanshin Newspaper, An Cheol-hyun, is Executive Kang Moon-jung’s maternal uncle.

Even though the current mistress of the Daeyoung family is Vice President Kang Young-jin’s biological mother, Koo Young-sook.

Even though Vice President Kang Young-jin is the son and older brother to Executive Kang Moon-jung.

There’s a reason he hasn’t been able to secure a clear advantage in the succession race, even after successfully making the VR Group part of his in-laws.

It was because of the Hanshin Daily, known to even make the Blue House tremble, supporting Executive Kang Moon-jung from outside Daeyoung Family.

Sure enough, not even ten minutes after Director Choi fled following the executive’s dismissal order, I received a call from Team Leader Son Jung-hyun.

And there was a noticeable change in the way he addressed me.

“Yes, I’ve taken the call, Team Leader.”

“Ah, Deputy Director Yoon. It’s me.”

He had started to speak to me in a semi-respectful tone.

There was no time to feel awkward about it.

I, too, was internally anxious about the strong stance Executive Kang had taken and the ripples it might cause.

“I just spoke with Director Choi… Ah, this is really something. Sigh… Um… It seems there was some misunderstanding. Was the executive very displeased?”

Honestly, in this situation, I had no choice but to believe Team Leader Son’s words that there had been some misunderstanding.

There was no reason for Team Leader Son to be at odds with the executive.

His position wasn’t like that of other group executives who had to align with one side between the executive and the vice president.

Rather, as someone who served as the eyes and ears of the great chairman, Team Leader Son was the person who had to remain thoroughly neutral.

And now, more than ever, I needed Team Leader Son’s presence.

Because he was the one who served the great chairman at the closest quarters.

“Yes, right now he’s quite… downcast.”

“What exactly did Director Choi do there?”

“He just told me that you would contact me separately soon, and that as of this time today, he would be taking over my duties as the executive’s personal assistant.”

“A notification?”

“Yes.”

Team Leader Son’s stifled sigh came through from the other end of the phone.

“Deputy Director Yoon. Don’t misunderstand and listen to me.”

I had every intention of believing him.

Just the fact that he had called gave me so much strength.

“Yes, of course.”

“Today, I had a lot of instructions from the great chairman. There was a lot to proceed with all at once. It might sound like an excuse, but I thought the executive and you, Deputy Director Yoon, were aware of the personnel being sent from the secretariat to replace you in your duties. This morning, the chairman, the executive, and you, Deputy Director Yoon, you all saw the great chairman together.”

“Yes.”

“I thought that the matter had been discussed and concluded before I entered.”

Team Leader Son’s tone carried a strong urgency, as if he needed me to believe every word he said.

At the same time, I realized that if I could just calm the executive, this matter could be quietly settled between Team Leader Son and me.

-Deputy Director Yoon’s transfer to the trading division, and that… the relationship with the Executive Director. That part naturally requires a delicate approach, so it’s true I couldn’t even mention it to Chief Chu.

“Perhaps Chief Chu thought I was being demoted, something like that.”

-I’ll discipline Chief Chu as soon as I return.

No.

What’s important to me now is not the disciplinary action against someone like Chief Chu.

It was a golden opportunity to share secrets with Team Leader Son, the closest aide to the Chairman.

Sharing secrets?

Isn’t it more important that we’re in a relationship where we can share such things?

For now, I’ll provide Team Leader Son with everything he needs within my capabilities.

“No, why go as far as discipline for such a matter? Please don’t do that. Instead, Team Leader.”

-Yes.

“The matter related to the trading division. May I ask in advance how it’s going?”

-Well, that’s now…

“I know it’s confidential, but after all, I’m the person involved. I’m not going to go around blabbing before an official decision is made.”

Earlier, Chief Chu used the term ‘waiting for orders.’

Not a standby order, but waiting for orders.

It means the place for the order has already been decided, and we’re just looking at the timing.

-It’s in progress. This too is confidential, only conveyed to President Min Byung-jin of the trading division, and once a decision is made regarding the current head of the European division, we’ll proceed immediately.

Done!

Trading division confirmed!

Before I knew it, Team Leader Son’s semi-formal speech had turned into proper honorifics.

“I see. Yes, I understand. Is there anything else I need to know?”

-It seems the Chairman rushed Deputy Director Yoon’s order waiting because of tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning?

What does that mean?

-The Chairman, I mean. I naturally thought the Executive Director or Deputy Director would be aware, so I proceeded. But since you didn’t know, I’m sharing my thoughts. With your current duties, you’ll have to go back to Pyeongchang-dong tomorrow morning. It must have been judged that it would be uncomfortable for both parties. So, it seems the Chairman hurriedly asked to find a replacement for your duties, so please understand that’s what I meant.

“I understand. Thank you, Team Leader.”

-The matter regarding Chief Chu was indeed my mistake. I apologize once again.

“Chief Chu. He’s a capable person. Even if you scold him sharply, please don’t complicate things with discipline. I’ll find the right opportunity to attach a flexible story for the Executive Director.”

-Thank you.

An hour had passed when the call came from the executive office.

“Sit down.”

Before I even arrived, the executive was already seated in the prime spot on the sofa.

Watching my expression as I took my seat, the executive asked,

“Are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“That person from the group secretariat who came by.”

“Oh, that?”

“Do they always lack manners like that?”

I just smiled.

After a pause, the executive inquired again,

“Or is it the position of Deputy Director Yoon in the secretariat?”

“It’s true that the friend’s character isn’t particularly good, and it’s also true that there’s no place for me in the group secretariat.”

The executive exhaled through his nose in frustration and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“You have a schedule this evening, right?”

“You’re supposed to attend the hotel executives’ dinner by 6 o’clock.”

“Director Im Ki-joon will attend in my stead.”

“It’s an event organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Wouldn’t it be better if you showed up in person?”

“Grandfather’s call.”

There’s nothing to say to that.

“In a little while, someone from the group secretariat will come up again.”

It was the expected course of action.

“You already know you have to wait for your orders, and you said you spoke with Team Leader Son earlier, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then there’s no need for a long explanation. Think of the past three years and three months as unused vacation time. At most, it’ll be a week.”

“Shouldn’t I at least hand over my duties to my successor?”

“Of course. Who said to vacate my seat right now? You have one day to pass on what needs to be passed on, so Deputy Director Yoon can give you a bit of mental training, so I don’t have to bother explaining myself.”

“Yes, I will do that.”

“Here, take this.”

A Porsche car key was placed on the table.

“It should be parked at the Sogong-dong branch. You know where I usually park it, right?”

“Yes.”

“It hasn’t been driven in a while, so it’ll need a wash. Pick up the car on your way out and get it cleaned… Drive it for the time being. Once it’s moved to the conglomerate, an executive car will be issued.”

“Yes, I understand.”

The executive seemed to have more to say but nodded meaninglessly several times as if to suggest that this was enough for now.

“I’ll be leaving as soon as someone from the group’s secretariat arrives later.”

“Yes.”

“Yoon, the assistant manager, just tidy up the handover tasks and leave when you’re ready.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“It’s a bit… strange, isn’t it? Is it just me? Are you okay, Assistant Manager Yoon?”

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t feel it until just now, but suddenly it’s hitting me that we’re really in the same boat now. How about you?”

So, I said,

“Well, I haven’t told my mother yet, so I’m just thinking about how to break it to her…”

At that, the executive said nothing.

He just nodded, giving me a look of understanding.

Soon, a new person arrived from the group’s secretariat.

Manager Noh Gyu-hyung.

Like Manager Choo, I’m not in a position to discuss Manager Noh’s capabilities.

Nevertheless, they are all more elite than me, with a deeper understanding of the Daeyoung Group’s organization.

However, I thought that Manager Noh might be more flexible than Manager Choo, and perhaps better suited for VIP escort, as I handed over the car keys, corporate card, and the executive’s schedule for the next day, which I had prepared in advance.

I stayed at my post until 9 p.m. that day.

With Chairman Kang Ki-young pushing through such rapid personnel changes, I couldn’t afford to be the only one dragging my feet, oblivious to the atmosphere.

I created a file for Manager Noh, separately organizing the executive’s schedule for the upcoming and the past year, so it could be easily reviewed at a glance.

At the same time, I divided the Daeyoung Distribution’s internal structure into major categories like hotels, department stores, and supermarkets, and attached comments on the executive’s favorability towards key personnel within those organizational charts.

And finally, the executive’s list of likes and dislikes.

The executive is someone who gives more points to those who avoid doing what he dislikes rather than those who do what he likes.

This isn’t for Director Noh Gyu-hyung’s sake, but rather out of concern that he might unknowingly do something that the Executive dislikes, potentially upsetting the Executive’s mental and physical condition.

***

The next day.

I was in the middle of handing over duties to Director Noh Gyu-hyung at the secretary’s desk.

“Director Noh?”

The Executive had returned after finishing the morning meeting.

“Yes, Executive.”

Leaning on the desk with his elbows, the Executive looked back and forth between me and Director Noh before speaking.

“I’d like to have lunch just with Deputy Director Yoon today. We’ll be going out for it.”

“Ah, yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“It might run late depending on the situation. Please have your lunch and prepare tomorrow’s schedule for briefing.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Lunch, just the two of us?

And outside?

“What are you doing, Deputy Director Yoon? I’ll grab my bag and come out, so get ready for lunch quickly.”

“…Yes.”

It was only 11:30 AM.

I had just retrieved the car keys I had handed over to Director Noh the day before the Executive came out.

As usual, I was about to open the back door to escort the Executive to the underground parking lot when he closed it again and opened the passenger door himself.

Then he smiled at me.

“From now on, when we ride together, your seat will be next to Deputy Director Yoon, whether it’s in the front or back.”

I waited for her to get into the car, then carefully closed the door and got into the driver’s seat.

After buckling up, I asked the Executive.

“Where shall I take you?”

“Do you like sashimi, Deputy Director Yoon? Let’s go for sushi. I’ve made a reservation.”

He searched for the restaurant name on the navigation system himself.

Woosin.

The route was set immediately.

As I drove out of the parking lot, I was surprised to realize that the Executive knew not only my coffee preference but also that I liked sashimi.

Had I ever had sashimi with the Executive before?

Memories not found within the past three years and three months of working as an executive assistant.

I had to think back to my days in the fisheries division, where team dinners were frequent. Perhaps we had dined together at a sushi restaurant.

But how could the executive remember something I couldn’t?

It seemed more plausible to assume he was just guessing or making assumptions.

However, upon arriving at the Japanese restaurant he had reserved, I had to admit his memory was better than I thought.

It was a small room.

A high-end restaurant where each dish, down to the side dishes, was served individually in a kaiseki style.

Luxurious ingredients like sea urchin roe, one piece of each kind, five pieces of sushi.

Grilled sea bream and tuna sashimi.

Even the sea bream was of the highest quality.

That alone would have been a lavish meal, yet he ordered an additional special cut of tuna, despite the sashimi already served.

Honestly, I doubted I could finish the feast before me.

Yet, as always, I couldn’t voice my opinion first.

“I only knew that Deputy Manager Yoon’s father passed away when he was young, and that he had been a mariner for a long time. I just learned that yesterday. No wonder you know your fish.”

“Me?”

“You identified each fish just by looking at the slices: this is flatfish, this is rockfish, this is gray mullet… you got them all right.”

“…When?”

I truly couldn’t remember.

“It was back when you were in the fisheries division. We had a celebration the day after you returned from the Andalusian farm contract trip. I can’t quite recall if it was the fourth or fifth round, but I’m certain the next day was Saturday, and we partied until dawn.”

That was five years ago, and he remembers?

His memory can’t be that good, can it?

“At the first round, not everyone had arrived, so we kept it simple and went to a sushi restaurant for the second round.”

A memory that had completely vanished began to flicker back to life.

“At that time, we ordered a platter of assorted sashimi for each table, and you, Deputy Manager Yoon, correctly named every fish on the plate. There was something, milchi or whatnot. I had never heard of it before, but you bet with Manager Gu whether it was milchi or not.”

Milchi, and the bet with Manager Gu… At that moment, the entire scene came back to me perfectly.

“The fish you called milchi back then, that was gray mullet, right?”

“My father was from Gyeongsang Province. We lived in Busan until he passed away because he was a mariner. I also learned then that ‘milchi’ isn’t the standard term.”

“Oh, so you didn’t grow up in Daejeon from the start?”

“No. I moved to Daejeon in middle school. If we’re talking about the length of time lived, Seoul has been the longest since college, then Busan, and Daejeon was just… from the second year of middle school to senior year of high school, so only five years.”

“I see. I’ve learned more about Deputy Manager Yoon yesterday and today than in the past three years. I was quite surprised by how confidently you faced our grandfather yesterday morning.”

I was so dumbfounded that I laughed.

“Aren’t you intimidated? Who? Me? My heart nearly burst yesterday.”

“Pfft. That’s even more impressive. You endured it, after all. Acknowledged.”

The executive pulled out a folded envelope from his bag.

Handing it over, he said, “Take your time and check it while you eat.”

A marriage contract.

“It’s drafted by a lawyer, so it doesn’t need separate notarization.”

It didn’t take long to understand what that meant.

There were many blanks.

The executive’s name, Kang Moon-jung, was already filled in one of them.

And now, my name, Yoon Tae-sik, was to be filled in next.

A contractual marriage where even the lawyer had to keep the names of the parties in these blanks a secret.

There were more clauses to adhere to than I thought, but most of them were the same as what I had been doing by the executive’s side until now, so nothing was particularly bothersome.

Except for the last clause.

The custody and parental rights of the second generation shall belong to Party A upon divorce.

“This clause… What is this, Executive?”

“Oh, that?”

When I asked about that clause, the executive started to forge an awkward smile.

As if he knew I would question this part…