Still, I Will Live As The Son-In-Law Of A Conglomerate [EN]: Chapter 40

40. 12th. As Expected, Unexpectedly (6)

I couldn’t read my grandfather’s mind. What did he want from me?

Confidence as a businessman? Responsibility? Or the image of a man protecting his woman?

Whatever it was, I didn’t care. I bit my lip, hardened my expression, and opened my mouth.

“I understand, Chairman. I will guarantee up to 30 billion won.”

“Se, Sungmin? ···I’m sorry, Chairman.”

Jang Hayeon let go of my arm and bowed to my grandfather.

My grandfather turned his gaze from Jang Hayeon to me. The expression on my grandfather’s face was stern, almost rigid.

“There are no empty words in this room, Grandson.”

“I know, Chairman. Who would dare to utter empty words in this room, unless they were the President?”

I had no intention of backing down either. If I got scared by something like this, I wouldn’t be qualified to do business or to believe in and love a woman, so I looked straight into my grandfather’s eyes and said.

After a silent staring contest, my grandfather nodded.

“Good. Secretary Ko.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

As if he had been waiting, Ko Seungju took out two files, wrote something on two pieces of paper, and handed one to me and one to my grandfather.

Receiving the contract, I gritted my teeth. My grandfather’s demands were written exactly as they were, and the guaranteed amount was freshly written by Ko Seungju, the ink not even dry. Did he plan this in advance? Damn it.

I took out my fountain pen and signed without hesitation, then exchanged documents with my grandfather and signed again.

Ko Seungju collected the contracts with both of our signatures, placed them side by side, stamped the middle with my grandfather’s jade seal [a traditional East Asian stamp made of jade, used for signatures and official documents], and put them back into the files.

“Here.”

I received the file that Ko Seungju handed me, composed myself, but sighed inwardly. It seemed like he was trying to show me that business wasn’t child’s play, but to come out so fiercely in front of Jang Hayeon.

Seeing me take the documents, my grandfather wore a mischievous smile.

“That’s enough. I’ll just wait for the department store business to do well, hehe.”

I realized today why people called my grandfather the stingy old man of Samcheong-dong [a wealthy neighborhood in Seoul known for its traditional houses and art galleries]. Damn it.

***

Leaving the main building, I stood facing Jang Hayeon in front of the car. Park Taejin, who was next to her, was also looking at me with worried eyes after seeing the contract.

“Isn’t it too much? All because of me…”

Jang Hayeon couldn’t continue speaking and lowered her head, as if she was bothered by what had happened in front of my grandfather. I wanted to erase her dejected appearance, so I quickly took her hand.

“I believe in your skills, so cheer up. 30 billion won is not too much to spend for you.”

It wasn’t an empty promise.

Even if I lost my personal assets due to poor performance, Haedong Corporation’s sales would increase more than that if it received internal transactions from Shinsung Group, so it would be a plus for the group as a whole.

More than anything, is 30 billion won a big deal to prove my woman’s ability? If I sell my stocks in October, I’ll have well over 100 billion won after taxes.

“Don’t feel pressured, and let’s believe in our skills. Okay?”

“Okay…”

Jang Hayeon raised her head as I comforted her in a warm voice.

She was still dejected, but our proposal was perfect. We had eaten together, drank coffee, and included everything from the composition of the brands to be featured to the marketing strategy and direction of store openings, so all that was left was to ride the flow of time.

That’s when it happened. Jang Hayeon took out her phone.

“Yes, CEO. Yes? I understand. I’ll be right there.”

Her face brightened as she hung up the phone. It seemed to be about company matters, but what was it?

“What’s wrong?”

“I got a call saying someone wants to buy the paintings hanging in our hotel. They’ll buy all three for 2 billion won!”

It was welcome news amidst misfortune. Jang Hayeon’s eye for art was starting to shine, so she would gain confidence!

“See? I told you I believe in your skills, right, Hyung [older brother or male friend]?”

“Of course. I’ve seen you both working hard next to you, haven’t I? Haha.”

“Instead of this, let’s go somewhere and have a meal…”

Just as I was about to suggest a celebratory dinner to change the atmosphere, my phone rang this time.

“Yes, this is Lee Sungmin.”

[It’s me, Grandson. Send Hayeon home with Taejin and come to my study.]

He was so cold-hearted, but now he’s feeling regretful? My grandfather, I can’t figure him out.

“I understand, Grandfather.”

Hanging up the phone, I said to Jang Hayeon.

“I’m sorry, what should I do? Grandfather told me to ask Hyung to take you home. Is that okay?”

“Is it nothing bad?”

Jang Hayeon’s expression darkened again. It seemed like she was bothered by the subtle power struggle between my grandfather and me in the reception room.

I quickly shook my head, looking at her.

“It’s nothing like that. Business is business, and family is family.”

“The Chairman is a person who is clear about public and private matters, Director Jang. It’s only natural to clash over differences in business opinions, isn’t it?”

Jang Hayeon finally relaxed her expression when even Park Taejin stepped in to speak. But…

“Still, please apologize as soon as you go in. I don’t want to ruin the relationship between you and the Chairman because of me.”

Have I ever seen such a considerate woman? How could I not love her?

“Okay, Noona [older sister or female friend]. Instead, don’t worry either, okay? Pinky promise.”

I wanted to hug her tightly, but since we weren’t officially dating yet, I held out my hand with only my pinky finger raised.

“Hey…”

Looking at her, who was embarrassed but still hooked her finger with mine, I said nonchalantly.

“The painting was sold, so your skills have been proven, right? Isn’t that right, Hyung?”

“If three paintings are worth 2 billion won, then Director Jang’s eye for art has been sufficiently proven. Excuse me, but how much did you buy them for?”

Park Taejin asked cautiously, and Jang Hayeon opened her hesitant mouth.

“I gave them 100 million won each. I liked them when I went to the art gallery the year before last, so I bought them thinking of finding out about the artists’ lives and sponsoring them…”

Both Park Taejin and I widened our eyes without saying a word. To make over 60 times the profit in three years? This was the first time Park Taejin had heard of this in this life, but even I, who knew about it, doubted my ears.

“Noo, Noona…?”

“I’m going to give 30 percent of the money from the paintings back to the artists. If I had invested with my own money, I would have given them half.”

The words coming from those lips couldn’t be sweeter than honey. How could she only say such pretty things? If it were Jang Suyeon, she would have eaten it all and run away.

Looking at her with a pleased smile, Jang Hayeon’s face turned even redder.

“Looking at me like that makes you look like my father.”

“Ah ha ha ha…”

That old man habit came out again. Only the hardware is in his 20s, but the software is in his 50s, so there’s no way to avoid it.

As I stroked the back of my head with an awkward smile, I felt a soft touch on my cheek.

“Noona?”

I never thought I would be attacked like this. Why is a kiss on the cheek, not even on the lips, so electrifying?

“Miss?”

Park Taejin seemed quite flustered as well. He had been calling her by her title until just now, but he was calling her by her old habits.

“I’ll go now. I’ll leave it to you, Sunbae-nim [senior colleague or mentor].”

Jang Hayeon winked at me, got into the car, and Park Taejin opened the driver’s seat door.

“…I understand, Director. Doryeon-nim [young master], I’ll be going.”

“Yes…”

I could only stare blankly at the car passing through the gate, stunned by what had happened in an instant.

“Heuk!”

Still dazed, I was startled by the touch on my shoulder.

“Is something the matter, Doryeon-nim?”

“House Manager-nim?”

“It’s been over 30 minutes, Doryeon-nim. The Chairman is waiting.”

It seems that the saying that love is like a drug is true. I didn’t even realize how time was passing.

***

“Why are you so late? Are you sulking?”

I tried to manage my expression as I sat on the sofa, but the lingering feelings were still there, and my grandfather’s words seemed to bounce off my eardrums.

My grandfather, who was staring at me intently, frowned and shouted.

“Get a grip, you rascal!”

“…I’m sorry, Grandfather!”

Only then did I come to my senses, get up from my seat, and bow repeatedly at a 90-degree angle.

“You’re making me dizzy, you rascal. Sit down quickly.”

“Yes…”

My grandfather looked at me, who was sitting up straight, and laughed heartily.

“Ehehehe. You rascal, wipe the rouge off your cheek first.”

“Our Sungmin seems to have filmed a movie in the meantime, haha.”

Following my grandfather, even Ko Seungju looked at me teasingly and laughed heartily.

I resented the House Manager Halabeom [term of respect for an older man]. There are things you can pretend not to know, but what kind of disgrace is this? I hurriedly took out a handkerchief, wiped the lipstick off my cheek, and sat down when I heard my grandfather’s voice.

“Were you upset that I made you write a contract?”

“No, Grandfather. I realized the weight of business.”

As I gave a textbook answer after regaining my senses, my grandfather smacked his lips.

“That’s right. Do they teach you to answer like that in college these days, hehe.”

As I lowered my head without saying a word, I heard my grandfather’s warm voice.

“Each and every decision of a manager determines the life and death of the company’s employees. Engrave the lesson you learned today in your head and reflect on it in your heart.”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“And… when protecting my people, you have to fight even against opponents you don’t think you can beat.”

“Yes, Grandfathe…r?”

As I answered absentmindedly, I raised my head and looked at my grandfather.

“Know that you owe your grandfather, you rascal, hehe.”

The back of my head went numb. Did he do that on purpose to get points with Jang Hayeon? I was so dumbfounded that I couldn’t even think of speaking when my grandfather continued.

“But a contract is a contract. If sales don’t come out, I’ll do as the contract says. 30 billion won is a cheap price for you to get points, isn’t it? Hehe.”

To force a sale on his grandson, who is already dating well on his own? I was so dumbfounded that I gaped my mouth, but my grandfather had already stopped laughing.

“You’ve worked hard. Our Grandson.”

Listening to my grandfather’s words, it seemed that the consulting was finally over. Is all that’s left the stock liquidation and preparing to go to America?

###

“These days, children are so fast. They’re already so attached, I can’t stop them, hehe.”

“I saw her at the alumni party, and Director Jang was quite strong-willed. Haha.”

“Hehe, it seems like our Grandson will be living under his wife’s thumb.”

Lee Daesu, who was laughing heartily with Ko Seungju, stopped laughing. He had called him to this place today not only to evaluate the two of them but also because of an important matter.

“Did you say that the Wall Street guys are betting on the weak yen these days?”

“Yes, Chairman. Haedong Corporation’s New York branch report and Haecheol’s source match. George Soros, Julian Robertson, and all the big hedge funds are sticking to it.”

Lee Daesu looked at the data that Ko Seungju took out of his bag and handed to him, and wore an sinister smile.

“The smell of money is strong. What do you think? I want to move after the uncertain variables at the end of the year are resolved.”

“I also think so. According to Haecheol, as well as my college classmates on Wall Street…”

After a conversation about the unresolved ‘uncertain variables’ in Washington D.C., Lee Daesu nodded.

“I understand. Manage the dollars in the corporation’s vault as they are now.”

“Yes. What about the funds taken out overseas last year? Even if it’s difficult with the funds remaining in the country, the funds taken out overseas through Triumph will be laundered by the end of the year. The existing funds are also sufficient.”

“Hmm…”

Lee Daesu made a groaning sound and touched his chin. Ko Seungju could only watch him with bated breath.

How long had it been? Lee Daesu took his hand off his chin.

“Tell Haecheol. Leave the money and A bulk that he took out last time as they are until I give the signal. Understood?”

“Yes. Chairman.”

Both of them had no choice but to be cautious, but they were sure of one thing.

The work they were planning would be a turning point in the 68-year history of the Haedong Group.

***

As I finished the consulting, I had more free time, so I went to America with Park Taejin. I wanted to spend sweet time with Jang Hayeon, but I couldn’t help it because the owner couldn’t leave his seat for a long time.

And now I was unpacking my luggage in New York and coming to the company to check the investment status.

“Yahoo is not bad.”

“Jerry and David used their heads well. They increased the server with the additional investment and put advertisements on the homepage.”

I was surprised to hear Claire’s words. They put banner ads on the homepage?

Claire smiled as she looked at my gaping face.

“They got the idea from the land grabbing that Sun mentioned? They were wondering what to do with the internet because it’s not a real thing, so they decided to put in advertisements. They said that the advertising revenue will be reinvested in expanding the server.”

I didn’t know that one word would cause a butterfly effect. If things went well, Yahoo would not be a black hole that only sucked up blind money with vague expectations without cash flow, but would grow into a pretty decent company. Until Google comes out.

“That’s great. And…”

Investments in other stocks were also progressing smoothly. The stocks presented in the portfolio were steadily accumulating, and venture investments were also being made appropriately, so it seemed that we would have a bumper year before the new millennium.

As I continued to look through the documents, I heard an unfamiliar voice.

“Is this Standard Capital?”

Turning around, I saw a middle-aged man, no, a gentleman.

Neatly pomaded blond hair.

A gold-rimmed monocle with a gold string attached to his right eyelid.

A neatly trimmed mustache.

A suit that looked expensive at first glance and an ascot tie around his neck.

A straight cane in his right hand.

I thought that the Prussian aristocrats who are now gone would look like that. But unlike their overbearing image, the green eyes hidden behind the monocle had something that made people feel comfortable.

The man looked at me as if I were a curiosity and smiled faintly. What is it? Is it amazing that a yellow-skinned Asian is working on Wall Street?

It wasn’t just me who looked at the man with aristocratic dignity, but the other employees as well. But their reaction was different from mine.

“He, Henry?”

“How did the boss… get here…?”

The fact that they were calling him boss made it seem like he was related to Triumph Capital… Unlike them, who couldn’t hide their embarrassment, the man called Henry laughed heartily and waved his hand.

“Don’t be surprised. Didn’t I say you were free when you left, haha.”

As I felt a sense of incongruity in the conversation, Claire got up from her seat with a serious expression.

“What’s going on?”

“I came to see if you and your other friends are doing well, Miss Lawrence.”

Unlike Henry, who had a gentle look, Claire snapped back in a sharp voice.

“As you can see, we’re doing well. Is that all?”

“Oh dear… I came all this way, can’t you even give me a cup of tea? I treated you to a cup of tea before I sent you away.”

Claire sighed at Henry’s good-natured request.

“Okay. Go over there and stay there. We don’t have anything as good as Golden Tips [a type of high-quality black tea] in our company, so take what we give you.”

“Thank you. Miss Lawrence. Everyone, don’t worry about it and get to work.”

With those words, Henry swaggered into the reception room, and Claire also filled two mugs with coffee and went into the room. What is the relationship between the two?