836

 [Chapter 210]

[Life is Like Walking on a Blade's Edge (3)]

The Northern Gyeonggi Development Conference was held.

The chairmen of the top 100 business groups, who were the main participants in the conference, appeared one after another.

Among them, what was notable was that in quite a few cases, it wasn't the chairman who personally attended the conference, but their successor attended as a proxy.

Is it because just participating in the Northern Gyeonggi Development Conference produces results?

Business groups with firmly established succession structures were trying to give the achievements gained from this conference to their proxies.

Eun-ha roughly understood the situation.

Even among the top 10 business groups, the current successors' ages ranged from late 20s.

It was a time when they were creating achievements and formally participating in management.

"Brother-in-law, isn't this too much? Do you know how hard it was for me to persuade others because of you?"

"Ah, sister-in-law. You came?"

"It's not just 'You came?'. Considering how much I helped this time, can you just say that?"

"Thank you for helping, really. I'll do something for you later."

"Forget it, just treat Seo-hyeon well."

From Sirius Group, Han Seo-yeon attended instead of the chairman.

Han Seo-yeon got angry as soon as she saw Eun-ha.

In the previous life, in Sirius Group's case, along with Galaxy Group, they had shown willingness that the private sector should lead the development of northern Gyeonggi.

Almost all groups with funds to expand business were like that.

But this time, Sirius Group was persuaded by Eun-ha to take the position that it's better for the state to lead the development rather than the private sector.

From Han Seo-yeon's perspective, it had to be a regretful choice.

Looking at it this way, I really made the right choice marrying the kids.

Eun-ha gave a bitter smile.

Alice and Luminous Groups weren't in a positive position either.

Without Jung Ha-yang and Lee Yu-jung's help, it might have been impossible to persuade them.

"Oh my, the next Fairy came too?"

"Hello, Seo-yeon unnie. Just call me comfortably."

"Ah, should I? But if I do that, won't it be hard for the next Fairy later... Should I really?"

"Don't think about handling Baek-ryeon carelessly, treat her respectfully."

"Wow, look at brother-in-law's attitude. After how well I've treated you until now, you're really doing this?"

"Ahem. That and this are separate."

"You really are the <Little Princess's Watchdog>, sigh."

Meanwhile, those qualified to participate in the conference were the Fairy, high-ranking officials, and chairmen of top 100 business groups.

Originally, Eun-ha couldn't attend.

But it was possible if he used a loophole.

Baek-ryeon could attend as a bodyguard.

Saying he wanted to attend the conference too.

Eun-ha had asked Ha Baek-ryeon.

To this, Ha Baek-ryeon conveyed her wish to participate to Fairy Im Ga-eul as if she had no choice.

Im Ga-eul allowed her participation for the purpose of her education.

"You're grateful to me, right?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Kang!"

"Then treat me well too."

"Yes, I should."

Han Seo-yeon left to greet other people.

Eun-ha and Ha Baek-ryeon and Kang.

Only the two people and one animal were left.

Then Ha Baek-ryeon rolled her eyes and spoke to Eun-ha.

They looked just like cat eyes.

Eun-ha was grateful to her.

"But there are really a lot of people. All these people gathered here are leading our country's economy."

"You might not need to know about others, but it would be good for you, Baek-ryeon, to memorize the faces of people from business groups ranked within the top 100. And─"

People are watching.

He shouldn't show himself treating her like a child in front of them.

So Eun-ha didn't put his hand on her shoulder, but quietly whispered behind her back.

"─Try to make many people who can be on your side. Most of the people gathered here today will live in the same era as you."

"...Yes, I'll do that."

"You can rely on the successor of Sirius Group, my sister-in-law, who you saw earlier. But you need to be a bit wary of that person. Well, it's not like there are people you shouldn't be wary of."

"The Fairy said the same thing. But who are the people that would be helpful if I get close to them?"

"You'll have to figure that out yourself... But for now, people who have connections with me will be very careful when dealing with you. You know Yoo Do-jun? You can just handle him as you like..."

Eun-ha looked around the conference hall.

Then he told her about people she could relatively comfortably build friendships with.

Ha Baek-ryeon nodded at Eun-ha's words without any doubt.

It was then.

"Hello, next Fairy. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Choi Jung-hoon, president of Galaxy Drones. I'm attending as a proxy for the chairman today."

Galaxy Group's direct descendant Choi Jung-hoon.

He approached with a smile.

Eun-ha's face hardened.

Ha Baek-ryeon grasped his outstretched hand, looking puzzled.

"If you ever have any difficulties, please tell me anytime. Galaxy Group will respond immediately to the Fairy's call."

"Yes... thank you."

"It's been a while, Pandora Clan Lord. To think you'd come out to a place like this... I had guessed it though."

"...Yes, it's been a while."

Choi Jung-hoon's gaze turned to Eun-ha.

Eun-ha shook hands with Choi Jung-hoon.

He didn't like Choi Jung-hoon smiling at him.

What's with this guy?

Why does his face today...

Why does looking at Choi Jung-hoon's face feel so unpleasant?

Eun-ha couldn't relax his expression as he looked at him who seemed to have confirmed something.

"Then I'll see you later. I'm really looking forward to how the conference will end. I'll take my leave now."

Choi Jung-hoon released his hand.

He bowed his head to Ha Baek-ryeon and turned away.

"He seems like a very mannerly person?"

"He has manners. But don't be fooled."

"I could tell from looking at oppa's face. Manage your expression better."

"Ugh..."

"The Fairy said so."

"What did she say?"

"That people who have something to gain from me will approach with manners. So don't be deceived by the appearance a person shows on the outside."

"The Fairy spoke well."

"But aren't you treating me well too?"

"Huh?"

"Do you want something from me?"

"No, I don't, I really don't."

"Well, you don't seem like the type to scheme anyway. Hmm, you're just treating me well because you like me."

"Yes, you finally realized that?"

"No."

"..."

Ha Baek-ryeon smiled brightly.

Eun-ha's lips twitched hearing her words.

"You're doing it to look good to my mom, right?"

"..."

"Yes, I shouldn't be fooled."

Ha Baek-ryeon giggled.

That's not it.

Eun-ha swallowed his words.

She probably wouldn't listen even if he said it.

Eun-ha gave up and decided to find a seat for Ha Baek-ryeon.

Shortly after, Fairy Im Ga-eul entered the conference room.

☆

"Next, we will vote on the proposal regarding railway construction."

The conference proceeded step by step.

The momentum between the Fairy Government and business groups was evenly matched.

Both sides tried to lead the conference in a direction beneficial to themselves.

As time passed like that, railway construction, the core of the conference, came up as a topic.

I don't know how this will turn out either.

Eun-ha was standing in front of the wall.

Standing in a position to protect Ha Baek-ryeon at any time, he focused his attention on the topic.

I've done everything I could until now.

So I can only hope it flows in a good direction.

How to develop northern Gyeonggi.

Both sides' goals were the same.

Therefore, although the Fairy Government and business groups kept each other in check, they agreed to some extent.

The Fairy Government handed over business rights that could be operated privately to business groups as much as possible, and in return, business groups agreed to develop northern Gyeonggi as much as possible in the direction the Fairy Government wanted.

But railway construction rights were different.

The Fairy Government didn't want to hand them over, and business groups with funds to construct railways wanted to obtain railway construction rights.

When that became a conference agenda, the hall was enveloped in tense atmosphere.

This place is in a way created to save face for business groups. The conference is a conference, and the Fairy Government could decide policies arbitrarily.

But if it goes that way, they would lose support from the people gathered here.

Thinking from the Fairy Government's perspective.

They probably didn't want to put railway construction rights on the conference agenda.

But because the voice of business groups was strong, they couldn't leave it out of the agenda.

Instead, they decided to see how to handle railway construction rights through the conference.

The actual decision will be made through a cabinet meeting.

Of course, the reactions coming out of this conference would influence public opinion and the cabinet meeting.

"We've been discussing all this time, so I'll just ask for a vote. Those who oppose laying private railways in northern Gyeonggi, please raise your hands now."

Im Ga-eul stepped forward firmly.

Declaring her own will was opposed, she instructed those opposing to raise their hands first.

"Yes, I oppose."

""""...."""

People looked around cautiously.

Then, Han Seo-yeon suddenly raised her hand.

Several people raised their hands to join her opinion.

Even if private companies operate railways in northern Gyeonggi, the subjects who would gain profits were limited.

So people unrelated to railway construction joined her.

Groups associated with Sirius Group also raised their hands.

Of course, not everyone raised their hands.

Some were just watching cautiously.

Although they were worried about receiving glares from Sirius Group, they couldn't pretend not to see the rice cake in front of their eyes.

I expected this much.

By similar logic, there will be defectors from the faction in favor.

Rather, it's surprising that Han Seo-yeon drew in almost her entire faction.

Eun-ha wasn't flustered.

He had kept it in mind.

Not just Eun-ha, but everyone who took Eun-ha's side had predicted this.

So they tried to draw in as many groups as possible that weren't in their faction.

"40."

Some from the faction led by Galaxy Group lent their strength.

Thus, they delicately obtained 40 votes out of 100 people who could vote.

Im Ga-eul made a hmm sound.

Soon she spoke briefly.

"Good."

""""...."""

It would have been nice to exceed half.

But 40 wasn't a bad number either.

Im Ga-eul raised her head and sent a gaze to Eun-ha standing in front of the wall.

She knew it was Eun-ha's intention.

You can pay me back later.

Eun-ha replied with his gaze.

It was unknown whether Im Ga-eul read that gaze.

But she turned her head again and continued the conference.

"Then those in favor, please raise your hands now."

"Yes, I'm in favor."

""""...."""

This time too, hands went up one after another.

As soon as Im Ga-eul finished speaking, Choi Jung-hoon immediately raised his hand.

And following him, his faction and other groups moved.

Galaxy, KK, Samra, Donghae Groups.

The factions they led and allied faction groups that Eun-ha hadn't managed to recruit voted in favor.

Eun-ha quickly counted the number of people who raised their hands.

"37 people. That's 3 fewer than those opposing, are there no more in favor? I hope there won't be any other voices later."

It was close.

But a 3 vote difference is something.

Eun-ha inwardly rejoiced.

It was the result of people on his side persuading those in favor.

Everyone really worked hard.

I should at least thank those people as soon as the conference ends.

And remember those people's group names too.

Han Seo-yeon, Yoo Do-jun, Lee Yu-cheon, Jung Ha-yang's father Jung Seok-hoon.

Eun-ha felt those four people looked very reliable.

He decided to repay them and others somehow.

It was when he thought that.

"I'm in favor too."

""""...!!""""

Just as Im Ga-eul was about to close the vote.

Suddenly someone opened their mouth.

Soon as he raised his hand, people following him raised their hands one after another.

...What?

No, why...

Eun-ha opened his eyes wide.

It was a completely unexpected situation.

"Pine Group also votes in favor."

Chairman Jang Seok-young of Pine Group.

The leader of the neutral faction.

The man who had not shown his presence and only abstained in conferences so far took a side.

It was incomprehensible.

"Adding the votes of Pine Group and those who just raised their hands... It's 49."

"Haha, it was close."

40:49.

11 abstentions.

While Eun-ha was inwardly shocked.

Im Ga-eul spoke in a disgruntled tone.

Choi Jung-hoon clapped by himself.

☆

What is neutrality?

Simply not helping either side and just watching quietly?

No.

That's just being indecisive.

Chairman Jang Seok-young of Pine Group.

That's what he thought.

Neutrality is not like that.

Neutrality means pursuing balance and gaining profits.

Humans are all selfish beings, so they have no choice but to move for their own benefit.

In the end, the reason for taking a neutral stance without siding with anyone is because you're gaining benefits from it.

Pine Group was exerting strong influence in the IT industry, led by Pine Talk.

So people thought the reason Pine Group didn't react to government policies was simply because Pine Group's origins started from IT development.

Jang Seok-young is obsessed with IT.

As long as his field isn't interfered with, Jang Seok-young won't intervene in the fight between the Fairy Government and business groups.

That was the world's prejudice.

But in fact, Jang Seok-young was more selfish and experienced than anyone.

Until now, it was the world of the first generation. So I didn't even dare to go up against older chairmen.

Among the top 10 business groups, Pine Group was launched the latest.

Jang Seok-young, who founded an IT company in his mid-20s with family support, was the first to start the player library business and showed successful results.

At that time, the chairmen of the top 10 business groups were ignorant about communications.

They focused on food and military supplies that could make money immediately.

On the other hand, Jang Seok-young looked to the future and was convinced that communications would rule the world someday.

But because he didn't confront them, Pine Group wasn't kept in check by either the Fairy Government or business groups.

Pine Group, which initially declared neutrality to survive, gained many benefits.

And after a long time passed.

The world Jang Seok-young had foreseen arrived.

Also, as first generation chairmen retired, he naturally came to have the longest experience among second generation chairmen.

As a result, Jang Seok-young could receive respect from them.

Furthermore, whether in favor or opposed.

They would try to persuade him, or give him various rights to prevent him from going to the other side.

The Fairy Government was the same.

 The Fairy Government also gave him many conveniences to maintain his neutrality.

But the world has changed.

The positions of business groups are evenly matched.

Does the tide turn depending on which side I raise my hand for?

In a world where business groups' power is strong, I just needed to walk the tightrope between them and enjoy rights through neutrality.

But the power of the Fairy Government and business groups has become equal.

Furthermore, business groups are divided in opinion and opposing each other.

Then in this situation, who would benefit the most?

The neutral faction.

Pine Group, which was neutral.

Suddenly, Pine Group gained the power to determine the direction of the world.

It's truly the best environment created for the neutral faction.

The successor of Galaxy Group must have known this and came to find me right away.

Then Jang Seok-young recalled what happened recently.

Choi Jung-hoon, the direct descendant of Galaxy Group, came to meet him.

Choi Jung-hoon, who came secretly, bowed his head to him and said:

'If Pine Group lends us strength, we'll entrust all communication sectors in northern Gyeonggi development to Pine Group.'

'It's not a bad proposal, but it's not particularly good either. Whether you get the private railway or not, Pine Group will end up winning the contracts anyway.'

'That's why I'm proposing this. If you lend us strength, we're willing to support the facilities and costs needed for future northern development.'

'...'

Whether business groups operate the railway.

Or the Fairy Government operates the railway.

Communication equipment would have to come from Pine Group anyway.

But if they support facility investment, it's a different story.

Choi Jung-hoon's proposal was tempting.

Jang Seok-young accepted the proposal.

On the other hand, he was curious.

'Why are you going to such lengths? With Galaxy Group's power, you could have stolen factions from other groups.'

'Because the value of one general is higher than one foot soldier. If you catch just the general, don't you catch the subordinate soldiers below too?'

'That's true.'

'And I thought.'

'About what?'

'Assuming business groups had strong enough authority to pressure the government, how would Pine Group have acted?'

'...I don't know what you mean.'

Jang Seok-young recalled Choi Yun-han, the founding chairman of Galaxy Group, as he watched him muttering something.

He used to smile like that too when plotting schemes.

So it was chilling.

Choi Yun-han was someone you absolutely shouldn't mess with.

Jang Seok-young instinctively sensed that Choi Jung-hoon was also someone he shouldn't mess with.

'It's just talking to myself. But if possible, I'd be grateful if you could answer the question. If you were in that situation, Chairman, how would you have acted?'

'Whether I raised my hand or not, the flow would have already gone to the groups in favor. Then I would maintain neutrality while gaining the government's goodwill...'

'You would start northern Gyeonggi development with the group that got railway construction rights, and form amicable relations with opposing groups to prepare for the future, right?'

'...That's right.'

'That's Noh Eun-ha's flaw.'

'What?'

'Only trying to see the situation as it is, and not understanding the situation that's been created is Noh Eun-ha's flaw. I'm talking to myself. Please forget it.'

☆

The resolution is about to be passed.

Im Ga-eul's heart was uneasy.

Still, it's a 9 vote difference.

With a 9 vote difference, it's a number that can be ignored even if it's burdensome.

If we move public opinion on top of this...

I didn't expect Pine Group to act like this.

Looking at the signs, it seems they had some kind of agreement with Galaxy Group.

In any case, she had lost.

No, Noh Eun-ha had lost.

The kid seems quite shocked.

Im Ga-eul glanced at Noh Eun-ha.

Noh Eun-ha's face was stiff as he stood still.

He looked just like a statue waiting for someone.

It must have been that shocking.

Im Ga-eul understood his feelings.

It was unexpected for her too.

"Then there are no more, right?"

Im Ga-eul sighed quietly.

For now, she had to end the conference and go to the Blue House to devise countermeasures.

She decided to close the vote.

It was then.

Bang

Suddenly the door opened.

Im Ga-eul's gaze, which was about to end the vote, turned there.

Everyone's gazes were the same.

"Huff, huff... I'm sorry I'm late."

""""...."""

A woman in her mid-20s.

She was catching her breath while pressing her chest.

Soon she looked around and headed for a seat.

She approached the seat, asking for understanding from Im Ga-eul and the people around.

That's YH Group's seat...

The only group among those attending today that didn't have voting rights.

This was because YH Group's founding chairman had passed away, so the group's internal affairs were in turmoil.

The chairman hadn't been decided yet either.

The vice chairman's health wasn't good either.

As a result, YH Group's proxy didn't have voting rights.

The attendee just listened to the conference and only checked how YH Group's pre-submitted requests were reflected.

"Ah, miss. How did you..."

"Hello. I'm sorry, but could you vacate the seat?"

Then the person sitting in YH Group's seat stood up.

The woman sat down in that seat confidently.

Only then could Im Ga-eul recall this woman's identity.

She smiled as brightly as possible and greeted people.

"Hello. I'm Choi Ye-jin, attending as a proxy for YH Group's chairman."

Choi Ye-jin handed documents to the person who was originally sitting there.

That person was surprised looking at the documents and brought them to Im Ga-eul.

Im Ga-eul checked the documents.

It was a legal document stating that a chairman had been decided in YH Group, and recognizing Choi Ye-jin as the current chairman's successor.

"Then our group can exercise voting rights now, right?"

With Choi Ye-jin's appearance.

The hall became unsettled.

The result became unknown again.