Chapter 333
If there were a shortcut in life, wouldn’t everyone take that path?
My first and last shortcut in life. Santa, who had never even given me a single sock until then, gave me a huge gift.
“…The chairman of SHB Group.”
Late at night when everyone was asleep, I suddenly mumbled while studying.
When it comes to SHB Group, it’s a well-known construction company in Korea. Its name pops up in the news often enough that I couldn’t possibly not know.
“That amazing person is coming here on Christmas Eve, huh?”
Later, I found out that the biggest sponsor of the orphanage I was at was SHB Group.
The executives of that group often engaged in various volunteer activities or visits during holidays like Christmas, and this time, by pure luck, it was my Proper Hope Orphanage.
Even at a young age, I knew well that opportunities to meet such a big shot were rare.
‘Perhaps this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No, it definitely is.’
I was convinced and started making plans. To ask him for ‘a favor.’
I polished my unique flair, making sure it would shine brighter than everyone else’s, while waiting for the right moment.
Wouldn’t this be a chance to showcase my special talent for acting?
I didn’t have any particular gratitude or resentment towards my father, but on that day, I was thankful for the talent for acting he had passed down to me.
Ah, of course. I should also thank my mother, who unintentionally raised me to be cautious to avoid violence at home.
*
“Alright, first we’re going to assign roles for the story of Genghis Khan. Friends who want to participate, please raise your hands.”
The woman called Teacher Hyemin captured the children’s attention.
This was for the role assignments for the play we would perform on Christmas Eve. Once she explained the play’s content, several curious kids raised their hands to claim the protagonist role.
“Me! Me!”
“I want to do it! I can do well!”
Hyemin looked at the eager eyes of the children and fell into thought.
“Hmm… Looks like many friends are interested. Oh? Si-hu seems to be interested too?”
Seeing me raise my hand, she looked genuinely surprised.
After all, she knew nothing about my background and probably saw me as just a quiet studious kid.
I replied with a kind smile.
“Yes, I really want to play the role of Genghis Khan.”
Genghis Khan.
The greatest conqueror in human history who ruled half the world.
The character who would be the protagonist in this play.
“That’s usually what kids would do for a play, something like Snow White or The Tortoise and the Hare…”
At that time, there had been a hit musical about Genghis Khan.
I didn’t ask directly, but it was definitely because of that influence.
“Hmmm… What should we do? Should we play rock-paper-scissors?”
From Hye-min’s tone and gaze, it seemed she wanted me to take on the role, but I couldn’t show favoritism in front of the kids.
It’s okay. I prepared for this, knowing it would happen.
“Teacher! I think Si-hu should take the role!”
“Y-yes! I think so too! Si-hu is smart, so he’ll do great!”
The kids I had prepped beforehand raised their hands to recommend me.
Their reasons for recommending me were terrible, but it didn’t matter. After all, it was kids being kids. Persuasiveness wasn’t a priority.
“The important thing is to create an environment where I can be chosen naturally and minimize other kids’ complaints.”
I didn’t shape my image for nothing.
Even though they were young, the title of genius and a good reputation could restrain those around me.
As expected, the kids who had boldly raised their hands to take on the Genghis Khan role began to glance around nervously. Some even subtly lowered their hands.
“Then… shall we have Si-hu take on the role of Genghis Khan? Can the older siblings give way to their little brother?”
“…Yeah. Sounds good.”
“Aww. I wanted to do it….”
There were some complaints, but the kids accepted it to a degree.
Hye-min skillfully drew attention by emphasizing the importance of the other roles. She certainly had a talent for handling kids with exaggerated actions and vocalizations.
“Anyway, I’ve got the protagonist role… Next, I need to learn more about the Chairman.”
I had to juggle acting practice and studying until Christmas Eve, as well as research the character of the Chairman in my spare time.
I couldn’t meet him directly, but what era are we in?
It’s the age where I can access all the world’s information indirectly thanks to the wonderful tool known as the internet.
Sitting in a chair adjusted for adults, tapping away at the computer keyboard was uncomfortable, but there was no choice. If smartphones had been widely used then, it would have been fantastic, but alas.
“The Chairman of SHB Group, Bae Cheol-man…”
I moved my tiny hand around as I surfed the portal.
I told the teachers I wanted to practice typing, which got me permission to use the computer. Honestly, I did practice, so I wasn’t entirely lying.
“The legend who started from the bottom, the success myth of Bae Cheol-man… SHB Construction Chairman Bae Cheol-man generously donates 1 billion to help the underprivileged.”
The more I searched about Bae Cheol-man, the more positive articles poured out.
He had written many books, including an autobiography, and donated and sponsored as if it were a daily routine.
“He’s great at image management.”
Every now and then there were articles questioning Bae Cheol-man and his company’s shady dealings, but right after that, he would donate a large sum of money or something would blow up in the entertainment industry, and the attention would quickly die down.
Also, it could be seen that they were thoroughly managing the articles from reporters who attacked Bae Cheol-man, as they weren’t getting updated.
Tap. Tap—.
Honestly, the more I learned about Bae Cheol-man, the more I grew fond of him.
Not quite a celebrity… but more like a pioneer who paved the way for me.
It was seen.
Yeah, this is how you should live in this world. Thoroughly and harshly. While maintaining the best reputation possible.
At least on the land of South Korea, he was like a king.
Neither the police nor the swordsman could casually point fingers at him, nor could they judge him.
His immense wealth, fame, power, and force were absolute power in his hands. The buildings he erected on the Korean Peninsula were like flags announcing his territory.
Crunch—.
He memorized information about him in a small notebook. His birth, achievements, and family relationships. He wrote down everything he could find on the internet.
And planned.
How could he make him agree to “my request”?
How could he create an environment where he had no choice but to comply?
How could he make a strong impact to imprint his existence?
He researched while waiting for the eve of the holy day.
*
Chairman Bae Cheol-man of the SHB Group.
He was a man with gigantic ambitions.
He had accumulated wealth to the point where he could be counted on one hand in South Korea.
However, the people applauded Bae Cheol-man.
He was a CEO with character.
A clean figure who did not stir up controversy… or so the public said.
“Chairman, it’s really not necessary for you to come out personally every time. The company’s image is already incomparable to that of competitors. It would be better to send other executives instead…”
Bae Cheol-man traveled in a black sedan with his secretary. Their destination was the Proper Hope Orphanage.
The secretary expressed his opinion, and Bae Cheol-man quietly listened before responding.
“Do you really think so?”
“…Yes?”
“…….”
Bae Cheol-man slowly turned his gaze out the window. He saw snowflakes falling through the pitch-black tinted glass. Due to the speed of the car, they passed by in a diagonal blur.
“…People’s evaluations can be turned over more easily than a palm.”
Bae Cheol-man’s low and serious voice resonated. The secretary blinked in the reflection of the window, prompting Bae Cheol-man to continue.
“If I were to quit halfway, it means I should’ve never started in the first place. Everyone knows I’m visiting the orphanage or nursing home on Christmas Eve, so what do you think will happen if I suddenly cancel?”
“…….”
“There would be all sorts of speculative rumors: ‘His health has declined. Having filled his pockets with money, he’s become a different person,’ and so on. All of it because of a minor change in me. Do you think I look like a fool providing ammunition to drop the stock price just because I don’t feel like moving?”
“…I apologize. That was a thoughtless comment.”
The secretary bowed his head, and Bae Cheol-man waved him off. Just moments ago, he had displayed a calm demeanor, but now there was a crease in his brow.
“Never bow your head to me. People’s eyes are everywhere. Your current behavior is tantamount to openly insulting me for being hierarchical.”
“I-I’m truly sorry. I will remember this going forward.”
Bae Cheol-man educated the new secretary on a few rules.
Even in the small space of a car, he paid attention to people’s insight and reputation.
Meticulous self-management.
This was the crucial reason he remained praised by the public, despite his ambitions.
The car then arrived at the orphanage.
As Bae Cheol-man and his secretary got out, the reporters who had been waiting erupted with flashes.
He burst out.
“It’s quite cold, you’re working hard.”
Bae Cheol-man smiled warmly, bowing his head even to the reporters with kind words.
Then he took the hand of the child care facility director, exchanged brief greetings, and moved on.
In the meeting room, they sipped tea while discussing the current situation at the orphanage and today’s event before heading to the underground auditorium.
The inside of the auditorium was dimly lit with only a few small lights, yet many seats were already filled with local elderly residents.
Bae Cheol-man generously gave up the special front seats prepared for him and took a seat at the back.
It didn’t matter where he sat as long as he pretended to ‘enjoy’ the play.
Clap clap clap clap—.
And thus, the curtains rose, signaling the start of the play.
On stage stood a young boy, perhaps just entered elementary school.
“Is that kid playing Genghis Khan? …Isn’t he a bit too young?”
Although the distance made it hard to tell, it was clear the boy was quite young. It raised doubts about whether he had memorized all his lines.
“They probably gave the lead role to a child to provide an opportunity. I guess that’s what the orphanage play is all about.”
Before the play, the director of the orphanage had told them to expect good things.
Perhaps because of that, Bae Cheol-man’s slight interest dwindled. Looking closely, the boy’s outfit and the background seemed crudely made, likely crafted by children themselves.
“I should just watch casually and think about my schedule afterward. I’ve got the donation card ready, so after the play…”
Bae Cheol-man’s gaze remained vaguely directed at the stage as he fell into thought.
…No, he began to immerse himself.
“Tatars…! They have violated the customs!”
But he couldn’t help it.
The moment the boy delivered his first line.
Though the facilities weren’t expensive, the boy, illuminated as the sole light in the dark auditorium, moved, expressed, spoke, and breathed with a force that created a tidal wave of presence crashing over the audience.
“I still vividly remember that day! They cannot be called warriors of the steppe!”
It was just a beginner’s play prepared by the orphanage.
A line delivered by a child who likely didn’t even understand the words’ meaning.
Yet, Bae Cheol-man was completely absorbed in that performance.
It felt as if the immense ambition of Genghis Khan was contained within the small body of that boy.
“What incredible talent…”
Bae Cheol-man murmured to himself, glancing at Park Si-hu.
The ‘value’ possessed by that boy was so noble that no jewel could compare, triggering his hidden greed.
*
…However, a huge shock awaited.
After the play ended and the boy received applause, he boldly blocked Bae Cheol-man’s path.
“Chairman Bae Cheol-man! I have a favor to ask!”
In the hallway of the orphanage, reporters and audience members still lingered, not having left yet.
With the ambition of Genghis Khan burning in his keen eyes, Park Si-hu bowed deeply before Bae Cheol-man, desperately shouting out his plea.
“Please adopt me!”
A startled reporter instinctively clicked the camera shutter, like it was a reflex.
As the flash illuminated the hallway, Park Si-hu drove the point home with another provocative statement.
“Please buy my value!”
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