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chapter 42
People are much easier to handle than one might think.
If you hand them what they want and roll them gently with sugar-coated words, they’ll eventually yield.
If they need money, give them money; if they want status, give them status. Words are just a supplement. Ultimately, the most important tool for persuading someone is money.
Of course, money doesn’t always work.
If the person already has everything they want, no amount of money will sway them. Professors like Lee Jung-hoon or Kang Seo-jun are prime examples.
They are already in positions where they lack nothing—neither money nor status. That’s why Professor Park Jung-hyun always found Lee Jung-hoon and Kang Seo-jun annoying.
Persuading someone for whom wealth holds no appeal is just a waste of time.
But Song Min-woo is different.
He possesses monstrous talent but lacks financial freedom. The hundreds of thousands of won required for university tuition and living expenses are a heavy burden on his family.
So, Park Jung-hyun had tested the waters—and it seemed he had hit the mark.
The way Song Min-woo froze the moment the scholarship certificate was taken out was all the proof needed.
“This might go more smoothly than I expected.”
The certificate promised exemption from the entrance fee and first-semester tuition—a merit scholarship for incoming students. Once the student’s interest is caught, the rest is just a matter of pushing forward.
Professor Park, an expert in this field, began making his proposal with practiced skill.
“Not only will your child be admitted to Korea University, but if they continue to attend on a full scholarship, your parents will surely be delighted.”
Four million won per semester. Even if he graduates in four years, that’s 32 million won—a sum impossible for Song Min-woo’s low-income family to cover.
Park added that he would guarantee the full scholarship not only until admission but until graduation.
“A full scholarship should be manageable on my own,” Song Min-woo said.
“Perhaps, if no one interferes with ill intentions,” Park added.
The tactic was simple: first, attract interest, then add a subtle threat. This makes the other person believe their choices are limited, forcing them to weigh the benefits of the offer against the potential disadvantages of defiance.
A seasoned person could calmly see through the scheme, but Song Min-woo was just a 19-year-old student. Lack of experience would make him think hastily and lose composure. That’s the moment to strike.
Observing Min-woo’s reactions, Park remained silent. After a tense pause, Min-woo let out a sigh of exasperation.
“Ha… Is that what you came to say? That’s your answer?”
“…?”
What was that attitude? Insolent and arrogant.
Rather than losing composure, Song Min-woo’s hostility had increased. For a moment, Park was caught off guard.
“I thought you came to persuade me, but bringing up my family… I see that’s not your intention after all.”
“What did you say?”
“If you planned to use carrot and stick, you should have considered what I truly want.”
With a tone of exasperation, Min-woo stood.
‘…What, did I misjudge him?’
Impossible. Objectively, what mattered most to Min-woo right now was financial support. That judgment couldn’t be wrong.
“So, are you saying you can cover all tuition without the scholarship?”
“I’ll have to try, but I don’t see why not.”
“That’s ridiculous! Where on earth would your family get such money!?”
Even if Professor Lee Jung-hoon could provide some support, the scholarship review committee is primarily composed of professors who share Park’s views. If Park opposes, Lee could never secure the scholarship. Private support would also draw university scrutiny. For Min-woo, the full scholarship was essential…
“So you guessed wrong from the start. I never intended to ask my parents for money.”
“What…!”
“If I don’t have a scholarship, I’ll earn the tuition myself through loans or part-time work.”
This wasn’t just talk. The conviction in Min-woo’s voice left Park momentarily speechless.
“Then stop trying to buy me. Not only will flattery fail, it might even make things worse.”
This kid is impossible…! Anger surged, but raising his voice would only ruin Park’s dignity. The goal was to recruit Min-woo under Kim Jung-tae’s faction. No matter the fury, Park restrained himself and continued the discussion.
“Alright. Then aside from the scholarship, is there anything else you want?”
“Not really. If anything, just a fair evaluation.”
“……”
There was a hidden sting in that. Min-woo’s remark subtly referenced the first practical exam. Park exhaled slowly.
“Think carefully. I’m trying to persuade you now because we’re not yet at odds.”
Coming to Min-woo’s house today was a unilateral move. Today would likely be the last chance to persuade him. Failure would mean using all means to make him fail the second practical exam under Kim Jung-tae’s orders. That would ruin any chance of winning factional influence.
“My superiors are desperate to undermine you. If you refuse to align with us, I’ll have no choice but to counter you.”
“You’ve been doing that enough already,” Min-woo replied.
“It will only get worse.”
If Min-woo rejected persuasion, Kim Jung-tae’s orders would prevail. Even if the situation caused a stir, the university’s authority would ultimately stand, and Park wanted Min-woo on his side.
“No more words. Join me. Whatever you ask, I will grant—scholarship, family support, anything.”
The final ultimatum. Rejecting it would make Min-woo untouchable.
A tense silence filled the living room. Then Min-woo broke it:
“I refuse.”
A firm, unyielding rejection. Enough to make Park lose his composure.
“Why!!”
Unbelievable. If not money or status, what could he possibly want? Even a pianist is human. No matter how obsessed with music, one cannot disregard money and status entirely—they are necessary for talent to flourish.
“Did Professor Lee promise him gold bars?! What could that old man possibly give him!?”
“50,000 won.”
“…What?”
“It was performance money given by Professor Lee before I entered the Korea International Music Competition.”
Out of nowhere… Park could only stare, dumbfounded.
“That’s all I received from Professor Lee. That’s also why I’m rejecting your offer.”
Just 50,000 won… and he refuses my proposal? A bizarre notion. Park could not fathom Min-woo’s mindset and, in anger, stood abruptly.
“What nonsense is this…!!”
“That’s enough, Professor.”
A voice behind him stopped Park. It was Min-woo’s father.
“I heard everything from the master bedroom. You’ve spoken enough with my son, so please leave for today.”
“Perfect timing, sir. Your son is making foolish choices—will you just let him?”
Park tried to leverage the parents, but it was pointless. Children reflect their parents.
“Yes. If this is Min-woo’s choice, I will respect it.”
“Why…? Respecting it could ruin your son’s life. Are you sure this is right?”
Park’s voice rose in frustration, but Min-woo’s father remained calm.
“You may not know, but I am an ignorant man. I barely make a living with my high school education and modest mind.”
He glanced at his son, eyes filled with both pride and concern.
“But my son is different. He is clever, ranks first in school, and will handle his path wisely. I trust him. His choice deserves respect.”
Familiar. The face of a father watching his child. Park, seeing that long-forgotten expression, recalled a faded memory.
“Please, sir! Unlike me, my son studies well and plays piano brilliantly!”
…Yes, that did happen. A memory from decades ago. A father struggling to help his child achieve his dreams despite having nothing. Park felt ashamed of his own father who had knelt for him.
Perhaps that was why he had craved money and status so desperately.
He didn’t want to be powerless like his father. He pursued talent, then obsessed over wealth and status when talent alone wasn’t enough. But now, after all these years, was he truly better than his father? He could not answer.
“So, I hope you leave now.”
…The persuasion had failed. Remaining would only further tarnish his image. Leaving behind the father and son, Park departed silently, dreaming of a childhood he could never return to.
