While greetings were still being exchanged, the Federation announced that the meeting would begin shortly.

"All member companies, please be seated. We'll be proceeding with the 75th regular session shortly."

At the words of a Federation staffer, the people gathered in twos and threes talking began, one by one, to take the seats the Federation had prepared.

Just then, Chairman Yeong-gwang Mun of Seongro Group came looking for Tak-hyeon.

"Chairman. Just a moment…"

"Enough."

Tak-hyeon spoke to Chairman Mun with a look of discomfort. "I know you've been wanting to talk to me since a while ago."

"…You knew?"

"Yes. And still you don't understand why I haven't called you over?"

"Chairman…"

Yeong-gwang wore a pleading expression toward Tak-hyeon.

Seong-ho stepped in between Yeong-gwang and Tak-hyeon. "Chairman Mun. Why don't you head back to your seat now."

"Step aside a moment. I still have things to say to the chairman."

But even at the gesture to move, Seong-ho didn't budge.

Yeong-gwang spoke to Seong-ho in an irritated tone. "I said step aside!"

"Chairman. Our Ilhyeon has no intention of helping Seongro."

"What?"

Yeong-gwang looked at Seong-ho with startled eyes.

Still blocking Yeong-gwang's path, Seong-ho went on. "I know why you want to see the chairman. It's to ask for help for Seongro, isn't it?"

"How do you know that…"

"I'm sorry, but we have no intention of helping. So please return to your seat."

At Seong-ho's firm words, Yeong-gwang pleaded past him to Tak-hyeon, watching from behind. "Chairman. No — Brother. Brother, please help me. Haven't we known each other all these years? Hm? If my father were still alive, he'd surely have helped me. Brother."

Even at Yeong-gwang's pleading, Tak-hyeon only looked at him without a word.

"Um… Chairmen."

Just then, with Seong-ho, Tak-hyeon, and Yeong-gwang the only ones still standing rather than seated, a Federation staffer approached. "It seems you should take your seats now."

At the staffer's words, Yeong-gwang took one last step to plead with Tak-hyeon. But once again he was blocked by Seong-ho and couldn't get closer.

"Chairman… the meeting will begin shortly…"

"I understand!"