Having looked around the room for a good while, Il-gyeong Dan spoke first.

"I can't accept this proposal. Take 200 billion and walk away? Does that even make sense?"

"Understood. Can't be helped, then."

Dan looked at Seong-ho with a puzzled expression. But Seong-ho, unruffled, turned to Chan-pyeong Jang and asked,

"Chairman Jang, I imagine you feel the same way?"

"That's right. I… don't want to give up my Ilhyeon Securities stake."

"Hmm… can't be helped, then. Understood."

"Understood?"

Dan reacted with disbelief at Seong-ho's words.

"Weren't you here to talk the two of us into selling?"

"Why would I try to get you two to sell your stakes?"

"What?"

Dan and Jang were both taken aback at the unexpected words. They'd assumed Seong-ho would cling stubbornly and press for their stakes.

"All I need to think about is Representative Jo's stake and my own. Whatever you two decide with your own stakes is your own business — nothing to do with me."

Seong-ho gave Chung-seop a look conveying that he'd judged well, then said to Dan,

"I didn't come to pressure anyone. I'm not here representing Ilhyeon either. I only came to ask what you two thought, given the situation about to unfold."

"So you'll just listen, whatever we decide?"

"What business is it of mine to tell you to change your decision, Chairman?"

"Still, shouldn't you at least try to persuade us?"

Unable to make sense of Seong-ho, Dan kept firing off questions. But Seong-ho's manner stayed consistent throughout.

"I only came to give you information. There's no need for anything more."

Seong-ho rose from his seat.

"I'll be on my way, then. I have another place to stop by."

Having bowed to Dan and Jang, Seong-ho left the office together with Chung-seop, who'd risen to see him out. Once they'd walked some distance from the office, Chung-seop glanced back toward it and asked Seong-ho quietly,

"Should I try to persuade the two of them?"

Seong-ho looked puzzled.

"Persuade them of what?"

"Selling their stakes. Are you really fine with it if they don't sell?"

"Ah. I'm fine…