Coming out of Chan-pyeong Jang's office, Chang-jong headed straight for Seong-ho's office.

"You've returned?"

As Chang-jong came in, Seong-ho stopped what he was doing and greeted him. Chang-jong nodded, sat down across from Seong-ho, and opened his mouth.

"So what's your plan now?"

Chang-jong was asking about the next step without even reporting how his meeting with Jang had gone. Seong-ho smiled lightly at him and said,

"What did Chairman Jang say?"

"What did he say? It's obvious."

Chang-jong grumbled as he took his seat.

"That's why I told you it'd be no use for me to go — he's not a man who'd listen to me."

Chang-jong sat aslant in the chair and glared at Seong-ho.

"You dragged them in, so you sort it out. I'm done with it now."

"Fourth brother."

Seong-ho spoke in a coaxing voice to Chang-jong, who seemed to want no further involvement.

"My sorting it out is no problem at all. But is that really what you want, fourth brother?"

"What are you trying to say now?"

Chang-jong scowled.

"So are you saying I should go to that man and beg and plead?"

"I thought that was the idea."

"…What?"

Chang-jong's face crumpled further.

"Why would I go to that man and beg and plead? A loan shark who shoved his own daughter into our group should be grateful and then some — so why should I bow my head to an old man who keeps his chin stuck up in the air playing the father-in-law!"

Though Jang was his father-in-law, Chang-jong plainly disliked any situation where he had to bow his head.

"Enough. Just as you said, fourth brother, I went and asked him once, so that's me done with my part. Sort out the rest yourself."

Chang-jong waved a hand as if he'd lost all interest and made to rise from his seat. It struck him that having done this much, he'd fulfilled his share. Just then Seong-ho stopped him as he rose.

"As I said a moment ago, my going and persuading him is no problem. But if it comes to…