Chairman Chu sat down heavily across from Mayor Choi, speaking up, "You've been working tirelessly day and night on your official duties, probably missing proper meals. Today, let's have a decent one."
The word "meal" was emphasized, making Mayor Choi's expression even stiffer.
It was either a mockery or a provocation, one of the two.
"Rice bowl with sashimi is sufficient. We've delayed here too long."
"Oh my, this is terrible! I've committed a grave offense."
Chairman Chu's feigned humility was rather unsettling. Mayor Choi dropped the pretense of formalities.
"Chairman, I apologize for being straightforward, but if you have something to say, please do so now."
"Oh, no, please don't misunderstand. I suggested we meet just to offer my congratulations on your election victory." Chairman Chu quickly waved his hand.
"Then, I'll accept your congratulations, but please abandon the idea of Sangam-dong. As father-in-law already mentioned, principles such as excluding large conglomerates like Sunyang and DaeHyun will be strictly adhered to."
Mayor Choi openly revealed that he had overheard their conversation in the adjacent room. However, Chairman Chu showed no signs of being flustered.
"That's not it. It's a good policy to revive struggling construction companies. Don't misinterpret my intentions. I genuinely mean it."
"Very well. I'll take your sincerity. Let's postpone the meal. I'll be on my way..."
As Mayor Choi started to rise from his seat, Chairman Chu extended his hand to make him sit back down.
"Oh, this man. If someone's about to do something significant, do they need to be in such a hurry? Stay seated for a moment."
The word "significant" caught Mayor Choi's attention. He hesitated and slowly sat back down.
"Mayor Choi, you probably already know, but living with in-laws is never easy. Men in our country all go through the ordeal of being cautious around our wives, but living with your father-in-law, mother-in-law... even being cautious around your nieces and nephews... It's a whole different level."
"Chairman, scratching my pride won't do any good. It won't be difficult for DaeHyun Group to trip up over just one issue like the Seoul city permit problem."
"Oh dear, don't be frightened. When you live with your in-laws, it's common for men to be submissive at home and then raise their voices when they step outside. Haha."
"Chairman!" Mayor Choi shouted with a reddened face, as if he were being teased.
"I'm here to offer help with living with your in-laws. Our Mayor Choi, you might as well bring a sedan chair along on your way to the Blue House. What do you say?"
Mayor Choi was left speechless by Chairman Chu's unexpected proposal.
The Blue House?
Chairman Chu continued speaking in front of the stunned Mayor Choi. "Mayor Choi's father-in-law has already set boundaries. Don't you know that? He's the type of person who wouldn't hesitate to sow salt on the path to the Blue House." Chairman Chu gave a faint smile. "Aren't there people who are reluctant even to give to their own flesh and blood? Let alone to their in-laws...? People who can't bear to see others succeed."
"Why are you saying this to me, Chairman?" Mayor Choi regained his composure and managed to speak.
"For me, investing in people has always been natural. When this administration ends, a new era will begin. Whether it's democracy or dictatorship, it's the era of either Yang or Kim. New figures will emerge without a doubt. Maybe the Seoul mayor will be at the forefront."
YOU ARE READING
The Youngest Son of Sunyang (Reborn Rich)
General FictionThe series tells the story of Yoon Hyun-woo, a loyal higher-up employee working for chaebol Sunyang Group, who was betrayed and murdered by a member of the Sunyang family to cover up a tax evasion scheme. Hyun-woo later wakes up in 1987 discovering...
