There is no such thing as Cheonggang Group anymore.

Well... they had too much debt, and the higher-ups quietly fled. They probably plan to shamelessly return once things settle down and resume ruling their domain—or else they’re just planning to live out the rest of their lives abroad.

So, considering the Korean corporate culture where the so-called owner families possess near-total control of companies, Cheonggang Group effectively no longer exists.

“...”

Which is why asking “where is Cheonggang Group?” was the same as asking “where is the chairman of Cheonggang Group?”—and no one present could answer that question.

How were they supposed to answer what they didn’t know?

“So, is there anyone who knows where Chairman Jeong of Cheonggang Group is? I’m referring to the person responsible for this company.”

“...We’re sorry.”

“Hoo... I see. If no one knows, then there’s no helping it. I wonder what we’re supposed to do with people who have no duty or responsibility....”

Seo Ji-yeon looked around in frustration and shook her head.

‘Just as expected. Where could he have gone? Southeast Asia seems likely... Ugh, the young miss would probably know, but I have to manage this on my own for now.’

Grumbling to herself internally.

“Ahem. For now... I’m the acting decision-maker for the company, Director Seo Ji-yeon.”

Attorney Kim cleared his throat and interjected. Only then did Seo Ji-yeon turn her head, as if realizing the court-appointed administrator’s presence.

“Ah, pardon me. I got a bit carried away.”

Smiling softly, Seo Ji-yeon smoothly took the lead and began the acquisition process.

“I should probably introduce myself first, right? I’m Seo Ji-yeon, CEO of BS Investment. Let me start by giving a brief introduction to our firm...”

She proved through elegantly fabricated documents what kind of company BS Investment was and whether they had the dollars to cover the debt.

“I believe Chairman Jeong... likely went overseas.”

A subsidiary CEO cautiously spoke up.

“Oh? And why do you think so?”

“Well, I heard some rumors... that a few executives had gone down to the countryside. Considering the chairman’s personality, he likely wouldn’t stay with the ‘underlings’ he looks down on, so I doubt he’s still in Korea.”

Once again, Seo Ji-yeon soothed and coaxed people to extract information.

For someone used to leading older subordinates and gathering a variety of information, this came naturally.

***

Now that most chaebol groups had gone bankrupt, the chairmen’s responses fell into three categories.

First: those who dipped into their own funds or underwent restructuring to somehow keep their companies afloat. Usually, these were the groups that had been run relatively soundly and hadn’t sustained catastrophic losses.

Second: those who saw the situation as an opportunity and expanded aggressively. This group split into two types—some, like Hyeonseon Group, expanded recklessly and exploded. Others, like Daehwa Group, ran wild with piles of dollars and became unstoppable.

Third: groups like Cheonggang, which suffered irrecoverable losses and whose leaders were now fleeing from responsibility just to save themselves.

Unfortunately, the third type was the most common.

“So, you’re saying that right now, the group’s management authority lies with you, Attorney Kim?”

In response to Seo Ji-yeon’s question, he calmly nodded.

“Yes, that’s correct. Cheonggang Group is currently bankrupt. Under normal circumstances, we’d be negotiating with those who hold the actual controlling interest in the group, but as you can see, that’s not possible right now... which means I currently exercise full management authority. Of course, the creditors’ opinions are important too.”

Those who abandon responsibility forfeit their rights. Korea’s economy was shaking, and while the group’s fate was being considered, such a debt-ridden company should by all rights disappear. That’s what the IMF demanded, too.

But... Seo Ji-yeon had decided otherwise.

Not because she was kind-hearted, but because she didn’t like the IMF’s methods.

‘People who aren’t even half as capable as our young miss... how arrogant.’

Having absorbed Yoo Ha-yeon’s teachings, Seo Ji-yeon could observe her own thoughts with clarity.

She hated the shameless people who tore through the country under the name of chaebol, and she hated those arrogant outsiders who, without any concern for local conditions, reshaped countless lives according to their own beliefs and methods.

And that hatred—was enough.

After all, the purpose of life is happiness, and happiness stems from one’s heart. If you have the power, then enduring for the future becomes nothing more than meaningless suffering.

–Tap.

“Therefore, we at BS Investment propose to acquire Cheonggang Group in its entirety, on the condition that we take on all of its debt.”

Seo Ji-yeon opened her red lips and spoke quietly. A gentle smile hung on her face—a smile that, before anyone had noticed, had begun to resemble Yoo Ha-yeon’s.

“......!”

“...Excuse me?”

“A-All of the debt?”

The conference room instantly fell silent.

Attorney Kim, the bank representatives, even the Cheonggang Group executives stared at Seo Ji-yeon in disbelief. To take on all debts—including those in employees’ names—was an outrageously generous and difficult-to-believe proposal.

Normally, buyers would split up the subsidiaries and cut off the risky parts. That’s why people say the group was shattered or dissolved, don’t they?

“Director Seo... are you serious about that statement? Do you fully understand the total scale of Cheonggang Group’s debt?”

The creditor representative stammered. His face showed a mixture of confusion and faint hope.

Seo Ji-yeon met his eyes with a gentle smile.

“Of course. We’ve already conducted due diligence on Cheonggang Group’s financial status, and our decision is based on those findings. That includes financial institution debt, trade payables, and... even the controversial employee-name loans. BS Investment will take responsibility for all of it—no exceptions.”

Her firm declaration brought silence to the room once again.

Reporters stood dazed, unsure how to relay such a massive story. Attorney Kim stared holes through her face in disbelief.

One employee even teared up, overcome with emotion. If this offer was genuine, they might escape the worst-case scenario and have a chance at recovery.

“Of course, we have conditions as well.”

Continuing with a soft smile, she spoke again. Everyone’s eyes returned to her.

‘Ah... I think I kind of understand the young miss now. I shouldn’t be getting carried away like this.’

Slightly exhilarated by the attention, Seo Ji-yeon began speaking fluently and quickly.

“As soon as the acquisition process is completed, all management rights of Cheonggang Group will be transferred entirely to BS Investment. Also, for the future of the group, we plan to implement bold restructuring and business reorganization. In that process, some workforce reductions may be unavoidable. We will, however, provide generous severance packages.”

Normally, such a proposal would be dismissed without a second thought, but for Cheonggang Group and its creditors, there was no other choice.

Of course... Cheonggang Group no longer existed, and they no longer had the right to choose.

The court-appointed administrator swallowed hard and finally spoke.

“Director Seo, your proposal is quite bold and... astonishing. From our perspective, there’s no reason not to consider it favorably. That said, official procedures and creditor approval will still be necessary.”

Though he hedged his words, it was effectively acceptance.

“Of course. BS Investment respects all legal procedures and will cooperate fully. But... we do hope that the process can move swiftly, so Cheonggang Group can return to normal operations as soon as possible.”

–Because there are plenty more companies to acquire after this one.

Swallowing those words, Seo Ji-yeon exited the conference room with the BS Investment team.

–Click.

Waiting reporters swarmed like hornets.

“Director Seo! Is it true you’re taking on all of Cheonggang Group’s debt?”

“There’s speculation about BS Investment’s financial capacity! On what basis did you make this decision?”

“Basis, you ask...”

Seo Ji-yeon paused for a moment, then stood in front of the cameras. In a calm but strong voice, she said:

“BS Investment believes in Cheonggang Group’s potential. Not in the people who call themselves its owners... but in the company itself.”

“B-But where’s the money coming fro—”

–Shh.

She cut the reporter off and replied quietly.

“Please refer to the company’s official statement for details.”

“...Huh?”

“Well ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ then, if you’ll excuse me. I’m busy.”

Leaving the flashing lights behind her, Seo Ji-yeon exited the building with calm grace.

People could only stare blankly as she climbed into a black sedan.

***

[Foreign Capital Firm BS Investment Makes Bold Acquisition of Cheonggang Group – Promises to Repay Hundreds of Billions in Debt]

[The Woman Who Acquired Cheonggang Group – From Daehwa Group? Eyewitness Reports Surge... Questions Arise Over Daehwa Group’s Expanding Activity]

–Rustle.

I smiled slightly as I read the news of Seo Ji-yeon’s successful acquisition of Cheonggang Group.

“Mm, I really am lucky with people. So? What do you think of our Ji-yeon?”

As I tapped the newspaper and asked, Seo Ji-yeon flailed her limbs while lying on the bed.

“Ugh... Young miss, I’m tired...”

“Why? You did well this time, didn’t you?”

“I always do well, you know? It’s just... haah, the pressure was intense.”

Yeah, yeah.

I stroked the subordinate who had returned from lawless territory having imposed order—and praised her.