The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 56

#056

“Are you sure about that?”

“About what?”

“That you’ll guarantee the slush fund [a sum of money used for illicit purposes, especially political bribery].”

“Of course. I’m not interested in money.”

Jeong-hoon wore a disinterested expression.

“But we don’t have any money. How do we lobby?”

“You should have 1 billion won in your accounts. Use that to buy them meals and gifts.”

“Pardon?”

They looked bewildered.

“Tell them this: if the acquisition goes successfully, they can expect something bigger than 1 billion won.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

The connections they had might seem insignificant, but these were the people who got them positions at Daehan Heavy Industries.

They would certainly play a key role in the sale decision.

They were the ones who determined the numbers when reviewing and evaluating the documents.

Of course, the higher-ups could step in and manipulate things to favor Heaven Group.

But they couldn’t just push things through recklessly.

Like action and reaction in physics,

any organization has checks and balances in place.

Jeong-hoon was counting on that.

“Then, we’re in your hands.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Chief Choi looked at Jeong-hoon with pleading eyes.

“Please keep your promise to us. Please.”

Jeong-hoon didn’t answer and left the room.

He made a call.

“Harley Quinn, I’m out. Keep a close watch.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good work. Thanks to you, things are looking good.”

“Thank you. Why the sudden praise? It feels awkward.”

“Just because. If I’m in a good mood, everything is good. Keep up the good work.”

Jeong-hoon hung up and thought.

‘If ‘Psycho’ wants it and ‘Harley Quinn’ approves, then ‘Psycho’ can be with us.’

He resolved to keep her happy with compliments for the time being.

‘If he’s handsome, it doesn’t matter.’

Her words reminded him of Chun Jin-hyuk’s quite handsome face.

A few days later, due to the executives’ lobbying and media play, the Daehan Heavy Industries acquisition faced a significant change.

It was changed from an open competitive bid to a limited competitive bid, and the eligibility review was strengthened.

Originally, anyone could participate, but this time, only companies operating in the heavy industries sector could participate.

Heaven Group, with Heaven Heavy Industries, was relieved.

Next, the top 20 conglomerate groups were excluded from bidding due to preferential treatment issues.

In the end, Heaven Group, which had been within the top 20 but was pushed out due to the separation of Heaven Securities…

Everything was turning in favor of Heaven Group.

***

The graduation ceremony, marking the end of high school for the graduating seniors.

All the children from the orphanage came to congratulate Jeong-hoon and Eun-soo.

Park Da-hye also approached and presented a bouquet of flowers.

Hyeon Jeong-ok didn’t show the same favor she had when she first met her.

She had a disapproving look on her face.

The graduation lunch was decided to be jajangmyeon [black bean noodles] at a Chinese restaurant.

Everyone went to the Chinese restaurant and ate.

Jeong-hoon waited until the end for Cheol-joong, who didn’t show up.

Eun-soo and Park Da-hye didn’t know the reason either.

Jeong-hoon resolved to meet Cheol-joong, who hadn’t come today, when he went to Seoul.

***

Time passed quickly.

Pink cherry blossoms were in full bloom all over campus.

The cherry blossoms were falling.

She was lost in the fluttering and falling petals.

“Hey, student. If you’re not going to listen to the class, leave.”

“Sorry.”

Park Da-hye, who had been staring blankly out the window, apologized.

Jeong-hoon, who was next to her, shook his head.

He didn’t know why she, a sophomore, was in a freshman general education class.

She said it was a retake class, but…….

As they were leaving after class, he received a call from his grandmother.

“Jeong-hoon, when are you coming?”

“I’m leaving now. The announcement is today, right?”

“Yes, everyone is gathered, so come there.”

“Okay, Grandma.”

As he ended the call, he heard a voice from behind.

“Where are you going?”

Park Da-hye looked up at Jeong-hoon, blinking her big eyes.

‘Hmm……, she’s pretty.’

“I have something important to do today. I have to go to Jungbu City.”

“What? Tsk, you only come to school every few days; it’s hard to see your face. Are you cherishing your good looks too much?”

He found her pouting adorable.

“No, it’s not that.”

“Oh, that’s informal speech…….”

But she didn’t seem to dislike it.

Jeong-hoon held her hand tightly.

“I can’t call you ‘sunbae’ [senior in school or workplace] forever, can I? I’ll be back, Park Da-hye.”

Her face turned red.

“Come back safely.”

Park Da-hye waved her hand vigorously as she watched Jeong-hoon disappear.

She liked that he had called her name.

Jeong-hoon got into the car waiting in front of the school and headed to Jungbu City.

Kwak Hyeon-soo informed him of Chun Jin-hyuk’s recent situation.

The rampages had decreased, but he was listless, just staring at the distant mountains.

Chun Jin-hyuk, abandoned by his father.

He could understand his listless mood.

Because he too had grown up abandoned.

Jeong-hoon felt a deep sense of pity for him.

“I should meet Chun Jin-hyuk once. When would be a good time?”

Kwak Hyeon-soo looked reluctant.

“It’s better not to meet him. He’s mentally unstable, so who knows what he might do.”

“It’s okay. With his skills, he can’t do anything to me.”

“I understand. I’ll arrange a meeting.”

“Yes, please do. Does he still teach Eun-soo martial arts?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

“No. It’s just that I’m worried Eun-soo might go down the wrong path.”

“She’s too tenderhearted to do that.”

“Yes, Eun-soo is very tenderhearted in both fist and heart.”

In his past life, Eun-soo became a gangster despite her tender heart.

She had been on a winning streak before disappearing without a trace in an instant.

Even Prosecutor Kang Cheol-joong didn’t seem to know.

But now she’s by my side.

Eun-soo’s fate has changed.

He thought it was fortunate that Eun-soo was living her own life.

The harsh noise of the factory echoed.

Jeong-hoon, covering his ears, entered the office inside the factory.

“Young Master, hello. It’s been a while since I saw you last time.”

“Yes, have you been well?”

“Of course. How is it? Are you enjoying university life?”

“Yes, I am.”

President Kim Sang-sik greeted Jeong-hoon.

Jeong-hoon’s phone rang.

“Hello.”

“This is Son Hyung-soo.”

“Yes, Elder [term of respect for someone older or more experienced].”

“I checked through an acquaintance, and unfortunately, you failed in the acquisition. I’m also disappointed. If you come to Changwon next time, give me a call. I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Yes? I understand.”

As soon as he hung up, the phone rang again.

This time it was Assemblyman Jo Young-jin.

“Ahem, have you heard the news? I heard that Legend Company was eliminated from this acquisition.”

“Ah, yes.”

“It’s a shame, but it can’t be helped. The cherry blossoms are very beautiful today; take comfort in that.”

“I understand, Elder. I’ll contact you soon.”

Jeong-hoon hung up and thought.

Was Assemblyman Jo Young-jin a romantic? Telling him to take comfort in the cherry blossoms…….

It was incomprehensible to him.

“Jeong-hoon, didn’t you tell people?”

“Ah, I was busy with the new semester, so I forgot.”

“Such a heartless guy. People must be worried.”

“Well, let’s just say it’s a twist.”

“Congratulations, Young Master.”

“The congratulations are for me to give. Congratulations, President Kim Sang-sik. Our Future Heavy Industries has acquired Daehan Heavy Industries.”

Jeong-hoon shook hands with President Kim Sang-sik, holding both hands.

Hyeon Jeong-ok, who saw the scene, also reacted with deep emotion.

She never thought they would win a bid for a 7 trillion won conglomerate.

Moreover, it was a company they had obtained by overcoming the obstruction of Heaven Group and Il-song Group Chairman Song Cheol-ho.

“Let’s all sit down and review for a moment.”

“I’ll summarize. Future Heavy Industries President Kim Sang-sik’s shares, Ms. Hyeon Jeong-ok’s Future Heavy Industries shares, and President Yoon Jeong-hoon’s personal funds and Shinwha Securities participating as a financial investor, is that correct?”

“Yes.”

Shinwha Securities Vice President Kwon Young-soo, who was present, answered.

“Then Daehan Heavy Industries will now merge with Future Heavy Industries. What will the new company name be? Young Master.”

“Shinwha Heavy Industries.”

“I understand. The shares will be arranged as follows: Ms. Hyeon Jeong-ok 20%, Young Master Yoon Jeong-hoon 40%, President Kim Sang-sik 20%, and finally Shinwha Securities 20%. I will organize the shares like this.”

“I understand.”

Kim Sang-sik nodded and answered.

Jeong-hoon looked at Kim Sang-sik and said.

“Thank you for making such a big decision. In a way, I feel a bit bad because it seems like I’m taking over the company.”

“No, not at all. I should be the one thanking you. Among the people doing business in Jungbu City, there is no one who doesn’t know the myth of Jungbu Construction. A company with sales of over 10 billion won is generating sales of hundreds of billions of won in just one year. Everyone doing business in Jungbu City right now is trying to get in line with you, Young Master.”

“You flatter me. It’s all thanks to the help I’ve received from those around me.”

Jeong-hoon took a humble stance.

“You don’t have to be humble today, Jeong-hoon. You did well.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok hugged Jeong-hoon tightly.

“Grandma was a great help.”

“What help? I just watched.”

Everyone sat down and watched TV.

“The winner of the Daehan Heavy Industries acquisition was Future Heavy Industries……. It’s being said that a shrimp swallowed a whale.”

The anchor’s comment lingered in Jeong-hoon’s ears.

‘A shrimp swallowed a whale.’

He reaffirmed his determination to swallow the whale called Cheonjihoe [likely a reference to a powerful organization or gang].

Jeong-hoon looked around.

Everyone had excited faces.

There was something Jeong-hoon had to decide.

“I would like to ask you to be the first president of Shinwha Heavy Industries.”

Jeong-hoon said, looking at Kim Sang-sik.

His face was full of confidence upon hearing Jeong-hoon’s words.

He looked at Vice President Kwon Young-soo, who turned his head.

“And Vice President Kwon, you should be promoted now too.”

“Yes?”

Kwon Young-soo was slightly surprised by the sudden promotion, but no office worker would refuse a promotion.

He jumped up and bowed.

“Thank you. I will work hard.”

After finishing the amicable atmosphere, he was on his way back to Seoul.

He told his grandmother to stay in Seongbuk-dong for a while.

It was because of a strange feeling of unease.

It was necessary to stay in a safe place in preparation for their threats.

His grandmother agreed.

In the quiet car, Hyeon Jeong-ok said to Jeong-hoon.

“Will Kim Sang-sik be okay?”

“Yes, Grandma, your assessment of him isn’t bad, and he’s a diligent person.”

“That’s true.”

“He’ll do well.”

“By the way, shouldn’t we have had the launch ceremony for Shinwha Group today?”

As expected, it was his grandmother. She already knew his plan.

“President of Jungbu Construction wasn’t here today either. Let’s talk about it when everyone is together. But I think everyone knows.”

“Yes, to think you’re already creating a group, I’m really proud of you, Jeong-hoon.”

“It’s nothing. By the way, Grandma, there’s something I want to ask your opinion on.”

“What?”

“A Daehan Heavy Industries executive had 20 billion won in slush funds. What should I do?”

His grandmother looked at Jeong-hoon’s expression for a moment before opening her mouth.

“It’s blind money [unaccounted for or hidden funds].”

“Yes.”

“The one who eats it first is the owner.”

Jeong-hoon nodded.

As expected, his grandmother had the same thought as him.

It’s better to use it for good than to waste it extravagantly.

Jeong-hoon, looking out the car window, stared at his palm.

He thought about what he had in his possession.

Land, buildings, stocks, and so on.

And three companies.

Jungbu Construction, Shinwha Securities, Shinwha Heavy Industries.

Even combined, it’s still less than 10 trillion won, but he has established a group system.

Jeong-hoon’s face flushed slightly at the thought.

Things he had never dreamed of were becoming reality, and he was happy.

Outside the window, the cherry blossoms were falling beautifully.

He prayed that the people of Heaven Heavy Industries would look at those cherry blossoms and soothe their disappointment.

***

In the car heading to Legend Company, Jeong-hoon looked at the ledger Yuri had given him.

He couldn’t understand it at all.

It was made up of names and numbers.

Or should he say letters and numbers?

Sooyoung-3720489592323443098989

Hoongi-2939423042938982039323

.

.

.

It was clearly a code.

He needed someone who could decipher this.

Jeong-hoon wondered who would use such a code.

“Mister, do people still use codes these days?”

“Yes, there are. Spies or special forces use them. Or people from special forces units also use them.”

“Special forces…….”

Jeong-hoon thought he seemed like he was from a special forces unit.

He hadn’t said anything about his past yet, but he could feel the energy of a well-trained soldier from his gait.

He showed the ledger to Kwak Hyeon-soo.

“Please take a look at this. Is there anyone who can decipher it?”

Kwak Hyeon-soo’s pupils shook slightly as he received the ledger.

“We’ve arrived, Young Master. I’ll take a look at this.”

“Take good care of it, as it seems important.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Jeong-hoon got out of the car and went up to the Legend Company office.

Kwak Hyeon-soo stared at Jeong-hoon.

Then he opened the ledger and began to read.

‘Who is using this? It’s definitely someone in our unit.’

Kwak Hyeon-soo began to decipher the ledger with a questioning expression.

***

“Congratulations, President.”

Harley Quinn, Cha Young-mi, was excited.

“Thank you.”

Jeong-hoon looked at Lee Byeong-seok.

“Thanks to you, it worked out well. It seems you did a better job with the threatening calls than I thought. I can tell because the Daehan Heavy Industries executives worked hard.”

“Our Byeong-seok originally dreamed of being a voice actor, so his voice acting is incredibly good. After getting caught lying to me a few times and getting beaten up, he improved even more.”

‘Is that a compliment?’

It was a comment he couldn’t judge.

The call that the Daehan Heavy Industries trio received when they were gathered at the Shilla Hotel was actually from Lee Byeong-seok.

Cha Young-mi had hacked into various places and found out the facts through their credit cards, corporate cards, and call history.

It was all shocking that Chief Choi was sleeping with his friend’s wife.

There was no need for Heaven Group to call and threaten them.

Their goal was to create problems.

They had no intention of punishing a non-existent person in charge.

“Anyway, thank you. Harley Quinn, transfer the 17 billion won of slush funds that the president of Daehan Heavy Industries had to these two places.”

One was the Legend Company account, and the other was his grandmother’s account.

He had to discuss the use of the 7 billion won with his grandmother.

After finishing his business, Jeong-hoon went down to the parking lot.

Kwak Hyeon-soo was diligently looking at the ledger.

As expected, he seemed to know something.

“It’s a code you know. Do you understand it?”

Kwak Hyeon-soo asked Jeong-hoon.

“Can you tell who wrote this?”

“It was written by the former director of Hope Orphanage. Kim Hyeon-cheol. Do you know him?”

He tilted his head.

“No……. This is a code used by special forces. I’m deciphering it now, but it seems to be a summary of the tribute funds.”

“Yes? Tribute funds?”

As expected.

It wasn’t a typical orphanage.

Now everything was understood.

The reason why his grandmother disappeared as soon as she appeared and made a contract through an agent was precisely this.

The smell was starting to come.

‘Tribute, huh…….’

Jeong-hoon began to think.

You should always follow the flow of money first.

The Genius Grandson of the Cash King Becomes a Chaebol.