Around that time, Seong-ho was seated across from President Hak-ju Park of Ilhyeon Securities.

Park kept dabbing with a handkerchief at the sweat running down his forehead and neck as he spoke. "Head. As you know, what power do I have…?"

"President, I merely move within set standards. There are no exceptions and no favors. Just know that I act according to standards fixed in advance."

"Head."

Park wore a pleading look. But Seong-ho didn't so much as twitch an eyebrow. At the sight, Park pulled his chair in closer and said in a low voice, "Why are you really doing this? Telling me not to follow President Sang-jong's instructions?"

"It's not a matter of following or not following instructions." Seong-ho tapped the table with a finger. "If Ilhyeon Securities acted properly within the standards, there's no problem at all. But conversely, if it didn't follow the standards, that becomes a problem. There's nothing to weigh this way and that. Just think simply."

"But the situation isn't like that — isn't that the problem…"

Park knit his face tightly. "You know better than anyone, don't you, Head? What sort of man President Sang-jong is. When he says to lend him money and he'll put up his Ilhyeon Construction shares as collateral, how am I supposed to refuse? Hm?"

"You fear second brother, but the chairman doesn't enter your sight, it seems."

At that, Park's face turned pale.

Looking at the Ilhyeon Securities president's face gone white as rice cake, Seong-ho smiled. "President Park, you mustn't forget which line the Restructuring Headquarters belongs to."

"The line the Restructuring Headquarters belongs to…"

At that, Park finally realized the Restructuring Headquarters sat under the secretariat. "That…"

The mouth that had been saying I had no choice wouldn't come open.

Watching him, Seong-ho said in a low voice, "However fearsome second brother is, you mustn't forget who it is that gives you a salary and a seat to work in."

"Does the chairman… know too?"

"Not yet. That's why I've come to talk like this and open a path for you, nicely, nicely. If…