Still, I Will Live As The Son-In-Law Of A Conglomerate [EN]: Chapter 73

73. 22nd. Give and Take (3)

A few days later.

“I heard you were held captive in Henry’s house? You’ve been through a lot, haha.”

“Henry is quite a character. His willingness to learn… Haha.”

Sitting on the sofa in the Triumph Capital CEO’s office, I exchanged pleasantries with Seon Hae-cheol.

“That’s why Henry is so admirable. Maintaining and growing that kind of wealth isn’t easy.”

“I think so too. I went to Henry’s penthouse for the Gucci meeting, and…”

As I sipped my coffee and told him about what happened in the US, especially about Gong Seong-pil, Seon Hae-cheol’s eyes widened.

“Surveillance?”

“Yes, Hwang Na-yeon and Jang Su-yeon tried to trip me up, but thanks to that, I managed to plant a spy. It worked out well.”

Seon Hae-cheol sighed at my nonchalant response.

“It’s going to be tiring. Even if you win over Gong Seong-pil, it’ll be a headache if he keeps following you.”

“That’s why I’d like to handle Standard’s affairs in Korea starting next year.”

Seon Hae-cheol blinked at my words.

“You’re going to establish a corporation in Korea?”

“Yes. My grandfather and sister are worried, and it’s also less efficient.”

Until now, I’ve been directly involved to gain the trust of the foreign team, but now that the trust and company foundation are solid, there’s no reason to put in unnecessary effort. It’s time to step onto the main stage.

Seon Hae-cheol lowered his hand from his chin to the armrest.

“The King should stop running around catching pawns on the chessboard. And your chessboard is here, isn’t it? Haha.”

As expected. Seon Hae-cheol also realized that the chessboard I should be fighting on is this Republic of Korea.

Seon Hae-cheol nodded at me and asked Park Tae-jin, who was next to me.

“Tae-jin, what do you think? I’m asking as a shareholder.”

“I agree, Hyung-nim [term of endearment used by younger males to address older males they are close to]. It would be better to solidify Doryeon-nim’s [young master] position within the group and in Korea.”

Seon Hae-cheol wore a satisfied expression and clapped his hands loudly.

“Okay. Let’s open the Korean corporation at the beginning of the new year… Until then, prepare well to build a domestic resume. Investing in Daehan Mobile Telecom and consulting for department stores isn’t enough.”

“Of course, Uncle.”

If I successfully open the Haedong Mart Eunpyeong branch, it will be enough to get a job at Standard Capital Korea.

***

A few days later, in the morning.

After finishing getting ready for work, Park Tae-jin and I smiled at each other in front of the door leading to the underground garage.

“You’re finally debuting in the domestic league.”

“Indeed. Time has flown by like an arrow.”

For the past few days, I’ve been creating an operational strategy plan for Haedong Mart based on the content I didn’t include in the report I submitted to my grandfather. Only after reviewing it with Park Tae-jin yesterday afternoon did I call my grandfather and Tae Jae-ho and come to work.

“How’s the group situation?”

“The Vice Chairman is accumulating cash in each of the heavy industry affiliates. The debt ratio is also decreasing, so if this trend continues, it will fall below 100 percent by the end of next year.”

Lee Myeong-jin is now the Vice Chairman of Haedong Group. Not just in name, but as the conductor overseeing four heavy industry affiliates, he was making the walls of the four places higher, thicker, and stronger.

“Mul-san and Jong-geum… I don’t have to worry, haha.”

Haedong Mulsan has invested 800 million USD directly and 1.4 billion USD through Haedong Jong-geum CMA [Cash Management Account] into US S&P 500 index funds managed by foreign investment companies such as Triumph Capital.

Not only that, but Haedong Jong-geum is putting the maximum amount of CMA funds deposited into index funds. When the time comes, they will see substantial investment returns and exchange rate gains.

Looking in the mirror and adjusting the Windsor knot of my tie, I went down to the underground garage with Park Tae-jin. As always, we left the house in Ado Motors’ Peugeot 604.

After a 30-minute drive, we began to see Haedong Mart Eunpyeong.

‘Now it’s our group’s.’

That store was a building that Jang Ho-kyung took when Haedong Mulsan was handed over to creditors. But as I swam against the river of death, it now sported our group’s sign and boasted a magnificent appearance.

Park Tae-jin saw me clenching my fist in the rearview mirror and smiled.

“How do you feel seeing Doryeon-nim’s plan come to fruition?”

“I love it. Very much.”

The corners of my mouth were about to tear. If it were SSK Mart, they would have started by just occupying that triangular block, but seeing Haedong Mart, which had been extended to the next block, made me want to work even harder.

“As you can see, we only built up to the 4th floor as Doryeon-nim said. The height of the 1st floor was also adjusted to match overseas discount stores.”

“Expansion is also possible, right?”

“Of course. Originally, we were going to build a department store, so we made the parking lot from the 2nd basement floor to the 7th floor, so it wasn’t difficult. We can expand up to the 9th floor above ground, so if the commercial district grows, we can increase the number of floors as Doryeon-nim thinks.”

It may seem like an overinvestment right now, but since it’s not a business we’re going to close after a year or two, the report I submitted early last year also focused on securing the possibility of expanding future stores.

‘If you think about it, it’s thanks to Grandpa, haha.’

Thanks to his nickname as ‘the eccentric of the business world,’ Shinsegae Group, the leading domestic discount store, laughed at Haedong Mart Eunpyeong, and other groups preparing for the discount store business were gossiping that my grandfather was crazy.

Thanks to that, no one understood the big picture of Haedong Mart Eunpyeong, and Haedong Construction was able to quietly accumulate funds. How could a sparrow know the aspirations of a phoenix?

After parking the car in the underground parking lot, we walked to the office.

“Shall we go in?”

“Let’s do that.”

I took a breath in front of the door, knocked lightly, and looked around the office.

“I’m sorry, President. The lease agreement has already been completed, so there’s no more space left. Yes, if we work hard and build more buildings, we’ll definitely invite you then, yes.”

“The refrigerated display case on the wall, is it going well? Thank you, President. The next store? That’s up to the higher-ups to decide. Yes, yes. I’ll try to talk to them well, yes.”

“Ah, Manager Jo? How did the Majang-dong thing go? Will that be enough? Only 1 ton of beef and 5 tons of pork. And the broiler chicken is…”

Seeing them busily working without even noticing Park Tae-jin and I entering, my heart started beating faster.

“You look like a new employee, Doryeon-nim.”

“I’m working with our company people for the first time.”

Seeing Park Tae-jin noticing my excited mood, I smiled and knocked again. As the knock echoed, the employees turned to us.

“Who… are you?”

“I’m Lee Seong-min! Please take care of me!”

Feeling like I was back in the days when I was exiled to the secretarial office, laughing and crying with my company colleagues, I imitated a new employee and bowed 90 degrees, causing the employees to murmur.

“Lee Seong-min?”

“Who is it? A new employee?”

“Is the HR team at headquarters crazy? How can they send a new employee when we’re already busy?”

Hearing them grumbling, knowing me as a new employee, it seemed that the news hadn’t been delivered yet. Grandfather, Tae Jae-ho, are you planning to let them know from today like a surprise show?

Thump!

“Oh no!”

Just as my butt hit the door, causing me to lose my balance and fall forward, Park Tae-jin quickly supported my chest with his arm.

“Are you alright?”

“Thank you.”

I was relieved. Putting aside the embarrassment, I almost kissed the floor if I had fallen like that.

“Did someone get hurt?”

A young woman opened the door and cautiously looked at Park Tae-jin and me.

“Did you bump into something?”

“Ah… I’m fine. Don’t worry about it, I’m not seriously hurt.”

“I’m sorry. I was preparing for the Chairman’s grandson’s arrival today, and…”

Looking at her, who was trailing off, she was holding a stack of documents in her arms.

“What kind of documents are those?”

“It’s a proposal I prepared for the new store opening. The President told me to prepare it, so I organized it.”

“Who created the proposal?”

“I did. But… who are you?”

Her face, with a bright smile, was full of pride and shyness.

“Where is the head of the discount store business team? I have something to tell him.”

“He’s attending a meeting at headquarters and will be back soon.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the door opened and a man in his 40s entered.

“This is the team leader. Team leader, these people are here to see you.”

“Who are you?”

It was understandable that he didn’t recognize my face. Since my face hadn’t appeared since last year’s news, I should formally introduce myself.

“I’m Lee Seong-min. I’ve been instructed by the Chairman to join the opening of Haedong Mart Eunpyeong from today. I look forward to working with you.”

As I formally introduced myself, the team leader and the woman, as well as all the employees, froze.

***

After entering the conference room, I got up from my seat and went forward.

“I’m Lee Seong-min, an employee of Haedong Mulsan. I hope everyone works hard and hits the jackpot.”

“Yes…”

An awkward answer reached my ears as I bowed deeply. This atmosphere isn’t good…

After straightening my body, I said to the team members.

“From now on, I’d like you to call me Lee Seong-min. I’m still an employee, so please call me comfortably like a friend or younger brother.”

As I bowed once again, Na Chang-seok hurriedly stood up.

“We’d be uncomfortable with that, Doryeon-nim. No matter what, you’re the Chairman’s eldest grandson and the only son of the late President, how can we…”

“That’s not important, Team Leader.”

Cutting off Na Chang-seok’s words, I continued.

“It’s not the Three Kingdoms period, the Goryeo Dynasty, or the Joseon Dynasty anymore. Even if you’re from the owner’s family, you should be treated with respect based on your position and ability.”

Using my grandfather and father’s halo is for later. Even if it was a time of rapid economic development, I can’t tarnish the names of the two who reached the pinnacle with their ability, skill, and conduct, but after I show my skills and sincerity, it will shine even more brilliantly.

At my unwavering attitude, all the team members looked at Na Chang-seok. After a moment of silence, Na Chang-seok erased the hesitation from his face.

“I understand, Lee Seong-min. I look forward to working with you.”

After that, the team members, including Na Chang-seok, introduced themselves one by one.

“I’m Yoo Hyun-jeong, Manager of the Discount Store Business Department at Haedong Mulsan. I look forward to working with you.”

The last to decorate was that woman from earlier. She couldn’t even make eye contact and just introduced herself and quickly sat down… She was glancing at Park Tae-jin. What is it?

“Manager Yoo Hyun-jeong will present the opening strategy. Start.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

At Na Chang-seok’s instruction, Yoo Hyun-jeong distributed the prepared proposal materials to the people sitting at the table. Everyone kept their hands still, but Park Tae-jin, who had a gentlemanly taste, reached out and received the proposal. But the two people’s hands touched.

“Oh my… I’m sorry, Deputy General Manager.”

“I’m sorry, Manager Yoo.”

As the two people couldn’t make eye contact and their faces turned red, the people sitting in front of the table looked at the two with suggestive eyes. Seeing that, the team leader lightly tapped the table.

“Alright, alright, focus. Manager Yoo, quickly distribute the rest of the documents and start the briefing.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

Yoo Hyun-jeong hurriedly distributed the remaining documents and went to the whiteboard and took off the map. After modestly clearing her throat, she straightened her gaze and began the briefing.

“From now on, I will begin the report on the Eunpyeong branch management strategy. As you all know, the essence of a discount store is to sell good products at cheap prices in a good location.”

Unlike before, Yoo Hyun-jeong was captivating people with a clear and confident expression and voice. Furthermore, she accurately grasped the essence of the discount store business, no, the distribution industry.

“Of course, we also need to let people know that we exist and that we are good. Please look at page 2.”

Following her words, I turned to the next page and was surprised.

“Advertising on mass media such as TV and newspapers is important, but we also need to take care of face-to-face promotion using city buses and chartered buses. Chartered buses should have the Haedong Mart logo largely attached to all sides, and after stopping in apartment complexes or residential areas, distribute towels or discount coupons with our company logo printed on them, and…”

Yoo Hyun-jeong’s presentation exactly matched the promotional strategy in the proposal I had prepared. Above all, she didn’t use the words ATL [Above The Line marketing] and BTL [Below The Line marketing], which are still unfamiliar in Korea, but the concepts and methods were almost accurate. Park Tae-jin and I looked at her with disbelief.

Seeing our expressions, Yoo Hyun-jeong flinched, but calmly continued the presentation.

“…I hope that Haedong Mart will be the first discount store that people look for. Thank you.”

Yoo Hyun-jeong finished her closing remarks wonderfully and sat down. I thought it was right to give a return gift since I received a gift, so I opened my mouth.

“I also have something I’ve prepared, I don’t know if I can show it to you.”

“Yes?”

“I never thought of just putting a spoon on the feast that you guys are preparing. We have to prepare it together and enjoy it together.”

In the past, I would have monopolized the enjoyment, but not in this life. From now on, I wanted to enjoy the feast I would prepare with my people to the fullest. I called Park Tae-jin.

“Deputy General Manager Park.”

“Yes, Lee Seong-min.”

Park Tae-jin also decided to call me Lee Seong-min from today onwards within the company. Park Tae-jin, who answered briefly, put the bag he had next to him on the desk and opened the bag with a click.

“Feel free to evaluate, whether it’s notes or questions. I’ll be in the lounge, so let’s see you in an hour.”

After distributing the documents I took out of the bag, I left the conference room with Park Tae-jin. The thought of working with my company colleagues like in the old days made my fingertips tingle.

***

After Lee Seong-min and Park Tae-jin left, Na Chang-seok took out his cell phone.

“This is Na Chang-seok, President. Just now…”

As he reported the strange behaviors that Lee Seong-min showed in the conference room, Tae Jae-ho’s hearty laughter was heard.

[Hahaha! As expected of the Chairman’s eldest grandson. Do as he wants. As I said before, don’t be merciful. Bite as much as you want and work him hard, haha.]

Na Chang-seok couldn’t believe it. Bite and work hard the eldest grandson whom the owner cherishes the most?

“President?”

[Director Na. The Chairman’s bloodline is different from other Mabari [a type of fierce dog] guys. They’re smart, but their pride is even stronger. Fight and argue without regrets, huh huh.]

After pondering for a moment, Na Chang-seok straightened his gaze.

“I understand, President.”

[Good work.]

After finishing the call, Na Chang-seok took a breath and opened his mouth.

“Shall we take another look? How great he is.”

Thanks to Lee Seong-min-Jang Ha-yeon’s consulting, Haedong Department Store’s main branch sales entered the top five among all department store branches in Korea, and net profit was the highest in Korea. Although he couldn’t see the two people’s faces, Na Chang-seok, who had directed the work according to their consulting, was curious if that skill would come out this time as well.

“Still, department stores and discount stores are different, Deputy General Manager. In the case of department store consulting, he also handled items that he had used a lot, and he had Jang Ha-yeon’s help, right?”

“Oh, Manager Yoo. Are you drawing your sword for the first time in a while?”

Even at Na Chang-seok’s smiling eyes, Yoo Hyun-jeong spoke with a stiff expression.

“Department stores have high product prices and per-customer spending, so the shuttle bus operation effect is great. However, in the case of discount stores, the price of even expensive items is mostly in the ten-thousand won range [approximately $7.50 USD]. If we expand the operating range to Ilsan, the belly button may be bigger than the belly [the cost may outweigh the benefits].”

As Yoo Hyun-jeong opened the gate, a male employee next to her opened his mouth.

“That’s also true, but I think the food bank is an excessive waste. We’re not a charity, are we?”

“The same goes for quality assurance. It’s a bit much to accept refund or exchange requests…”

The criticisms that poured out sharply afterwards were compressed into one word.

Mon. Ey. Waste.

Haedong Mart also made the basement and the 1st floor above ground as large as a warehouse, like Shinsegae Group’s SSK Mart, the leading domestic discount store.

So far, it was good, but refrigerated display cases were placed on the walls, and supermarket shelves that only increased in size were placed in the center. In addition, payment had to be made in individual units, not in box units.

All of this was ‘Chairman’s instructions,’ so I had no choice but to follow, but since it was a system that no one had ever tried, the team members were not confident in its success. In that situation, the Chairman’s grandson was saying to spend more money, so it was absurd.

As criticisms poured out and voices rose, Na Chang-seok quietly nodded.

“That’s it. Go and bring the two of them.”