Still, I Will Live As The Son-In-Law Of A Conglomerate [EN]: Chapter 79

79. 23rd. Taking off the Mask (1)

I was still working at Haedong Mart in Eunpyeong, buried in paperwork. I had responsibilities to fulfill until the discount store business was firmly established, until the real storm hit.

After finishing my work, I took the two neatly organized documents and walked over to Na Chang-seok.

“Sir, I have something to tell you.”

“Yes, Seong-min. Speak freely.”

“How about changing the company name?”

“Huh? Why suddenly…?”

“I don’t think it would be beneficial for consumers if we operate with the group name attached to it.”

Na Chang-seok tilted his head, puzzled by my answer.

“What are you talking about, Seong-min? Our group’s brand recognition is incredibly valuable. Why would we change the company name?”

“That’s precisely why I’m suggesting it, sir. I believe people might be hesitant to shop here if they associate us with the larger conglomerate, especially considering the potential impact on smaller businesses.”

Na Chang-seok, who had narrowed his eyes with a frown, relaxed his expression.

“Is this the conglomerate’s dilemma you’re referring to?”

“Yes, sir.”

Endless expansion is the driving force behind a conglomerate, but if Haedong’s name is prominently displayed on a discount store that directly competes with small business owners, it could negatively impact our other ventures.

It’s better to change the name, even if it’s just for appearances. I had been putting it off because I wasn’t sure if I had earned enough credibility to make such a suggestion, but I couldn’t delay it any longer. This plan has been in the works since last month.

Na Chang-seok pondered for a moment and then nodded.

“Do you have a name in mind?”

“High-Mart.”

“High-Mart?”

“It signifies a mart that elevates the customer’s experience, a mart that doesn’t settle for the status quo and strives for greater heights. And with a little wordplay, it also sounds like a mart that warmly welcomes customers.”

It’s a pun based on pronunciation and spelling. Whether you spell it ‘High’ or ‘Hi,’ it sounds like ‘Hi’ in Korean pronunciation, right? Na Chang-seok smiled and nodded.

“High-Mart, High-Mart… that’s quite good. I’ll propose it to the head office. Is the documentation prepared?”

“Of course, sir. And… there’s one more matter.”

I handed Na Chang-seok the document regarding the change of company name and then presented him with the other document file I was holding.

“No-mark?”

“Yes. It’s a private brand [PB] product strategy that’s common overseas. We’ll handle product planning and development costs, while production is outsourced. It’s not an immediate priority, but as we grow, we’ll need to implement this as well.”

All of this was to prepare for the coming economic downturn. If we flood the market with cost-effective products under our own brand when times are tough, no other PB brands will be able to compete with No-mark.

Na Chang-seok reviewed the documents and placed the covered document on top of the file related to the company name change.

“Okay, Seong-min. Let’s establish this as a mid- to long-term plan and seek approval from the president.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I bowed my head, grateful that he readily accepted my opinion, and Na Chang-seok smiled.

“Thank you? We’re the ones who should be thanking you, Seong-min. We’ve learned so much from you. It’s a shame that tomorrow is your last day.”

That’s right.

Tomorrow at 6 p.m., I will officially resign from Haedong Mart.

I planned to rest my mind and body for a month until the New Year and catch up on personal matters that had been neglected due to my work at the mart.

“But we’re not completely parting ways, sir. Even if I’m working elsewhere, I’ll still be affiliated with the Haedong Group.”

“Of course, Seong-min.”

I said, noticing Na Chang-seok’s regretful smile.

“In that case, how about a company dinner tomorrow evening? I’d like to treat everyone to a nice place.”

This is the first organization in my life where I’ve shared joys and sorrows with my colleagues. From now on, we’ll be meeting under different affiliations, but until today, I am Lee Seong-min, an employee of Haedong Mart, so I wanted to have a memorable farewell.

***

After leaving the company with Park Tae-jin, I received a call from my grandfather and headed to the Samcheong-dong mansion.

I went there because he said he wanted to have dinner, but when I entered the dining room, my grandfather and the three veteran CEOs, Go Seung-ju, Seon Hae-cheol, and Lee Myeong-jin, were already seated at the table, which was laden with food.

“Grandfather?”

“I invited everyone to celebrate your hard work. You two are now unofficial, but respectable group executives, wouldn’t you say?”

My grandfather’s warm smile and encouragement seemed to melt away the fatigue I had been feeling.

Park Tae-jin and I quickly bowed our heads.

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

“Thank you, Chairman.”

“Come on, sit down quickly. I thought my neck would break waiting for you two to arrive, euhehe [a hearty, grandfatherly laugh].”

We sat down and began eating after seeing my grandfather pick up his spoon.

“Thanks to your mindfulness and diligence, the group has grown significantly. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Are you referring to that, Chairman? The employees on the business side say they feel a sense of pride whenever they interact with people from other groups these days, haha.”

Bae Jae-hoon initiated the praise, and Tae Jae-ho followed suit.

“Oh, brother, our employees are equally motivated. I’m eagerly anticipating the sales figures when we open the Gangnam branch in two years. Chairman Shin also mentioned that he would feel relieved once the store opens, hehe.”

“You can’t forget about the Merchant Bank, right? More than a hundred customers visit each new branch daily to open accounts, and the CMA [Cash Management Account] returns are so impressive that I’m speechless, haha.”

As Jo Young-chan laughed while stroking the edge of his mustache, Lee Myeong-jin spoke up as if he didn’t want to be left out.

“Uncles, the heavy industry division is also thriving. The economy may be unstable for a while, but the construction order backlog is… enormous, haha.”

Seon Hae-cheol, who was sitting next to him, placed his hand on Lee Myeong-jin’s shoulder.

“You brat, the slush fund that my brother and I manage is also substantial. I instructed Henry to invest it in an index fund and purchase North Limited stock, and the rate at which the money is growing is faster than the rate at which we’re spending it. Isn’t that right?”

“That’s correct. If we acquire 30 percent from the slush fund and 30 percent from Standard in June next year, it will be easier to enter the Australian mine business, haha.”

Today’s event was intended to celebrate the two of us, but as everyone shared their accomplishments, it turned into a year-end business review. As the influence of the group expanded rapidly, I felt full without eating much and lightheaded without drinking much alcohol.

How much time had passed? While laughing and enjoying a few rounds of drinks, my grandfather put down his glass.

“Today’s gathering was arranged to acknowledge your hard work, but it was also organized to reveal something important in front of everyone present. Tae-jin.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

My grandfather smiled as he looked at the nervous Park Tae-jin.

“Thank you for taking care of Seong-min for me. I wouldn’t have imagined him becoming the person he is today without your guidance, euhehe.”

“Ah, no, Chairman! Young Master is only…”

Park Tae-jin hurriedly interjected after hearing those words, but my grandfather waved his hand to stop him.

“No. You watched over him and cared for him, which allowed him to flourish. Do you think a dragon can fly on its own? Without the Cintamani [a mythical wish-fulfilling jewel], it’s no different from a large snake, euhaha.”

My grandfather, who emptied his glass while laughing heartily, took a breath and composed his expression. It seemed like an important announcement was about to be made.

“Tae-jin, you will be appointed as a director of Haedong Group starting next year.”

“Yes?”

“Half of what Seong-min has achieved is thanks to you. Therefore, you deserve to be promoted to director.”

As expected. My grandfather was gradually trying to elevate Park Tae-jin’s position.

“Ch, Chairman…”

“Heo, I initially wanted to promote you to managing director immediately, but there are many watchful eyes, so I’m starting with director. Chief Go, ensure that Tae-jin receives a director’s nameplate during next year’s personnel appointments.”

Park Tae-jin seemed to have something to say, but he hesitated before speaking.

“That’s not it, Chairman. Who will protect Young Master if I start working at the company? Myung-woo hyung [older brother] or sister-in-law…”

Even though the end of his sentence trailed off, the sincerity in his eyes was evident. He’s such a grateful person… I hope we can continue to rise together in the future.

While I was lost in thought, my grandfather smiled at Park Tae-jin.

“Did you think this old man was so short-sighted? Euhahaha!”

My grandfather, who laughed loudly, stopped and said with a calm expression.

“I’m not asking you to work in the office just because I gave you a director’s title, you rascal.”

Park Tae-jin raised his head at my grandfather’s warm tone.

“Then…?”

“From now on, you will be responsible for Lee Seong-min of Standard Capital Korea as part of the Group’s Secretariat Office. You need to be a director to interact with people from other companies, right?”

“…I’m sorry, Chairman!”

Only then did Park Tae-jin lower his reddened face, but my grandfather waved his hand.

“What’s there to be sorry about? Until you establish your own household, continue living together in Itaewon. Even after you become independent, stay close to Seong-min and work hard to expand the group’s influence, euhehe.”

“Thank you, Chairman!”

To be so considerate of the two of us, like a thread and a needle… Thank you, Grandfather.

***

The next evening.

After leaving work, we booked a high-end Chinese restaurant as a group and were having a farewell dinner.

“Wow! Stir-fried vegetables with pepper and seafood, Palbochae [a seafood and vegetable stir-fry], Yusansel [shredded seafood and vegetables in a thick sauce], Yangjangpi [cold mung bean starch noodles with vegetables and seafood]…! I thought we were going to eat Korean beef because it was a farewell party, but this is even better!”

“Hey! Don’t spill the Budo-jang [a type of fermented soybean paste] and eat it properly! It’s like the monk who ate too much and ran away from the temple! Haha!”

Seeing the company members laughing, eating, and drinking in good spirits, I felt like I made the right choice in booking this place.

“Eat a lot! If there’s anything you want, order more!”

“Seong-min, I’ll eat well!”

“Lee Seong-min is the best!”

As the team members cheered, Na Chang-seok stood up from his seat with a small glass filled with Kaoliang liquor [a strong distilled spirit].

“Okay! Everyone, fill up your glasses with alcohol or soda! Let’s have a good time because it’s Seong-min’s leaving day!”

At Na Chang-seok’s call, the team members quickly picked up glasses or cups filled with alcohol or soda. I also grabbed a glass and prepared to shout the company slogan as usual.

But.

“Lee Seong-min!”

“Fighting!”

Everyone seemed to have planned it in advance. What’s going on?

“Sir?”

“I heard from the president that you’ll be working for another company starting next year, is that correct?”

“Yes?”

I don’t know what Tae Jae-ho said. Not only me, but also Park Tae-jin, who was sitting next to Yoo Hyun-jung, stared at Na Chang-seok with wide eyes. But our worries soon subsided.

“He didn’t tell me where it was, but I heard that you’ll continue to be involved in the group’s management. Is that right, Seong-min?”

“Ahaha… Yes. It’s a company that a close friend recommended, and I received permission to engage in external activities when I have time.”

Even though I answered with an awkward smile, Na Chang-seok didn’t seem disappointed.

“That’s a relief. I hope you’ll continue to look after Haedong Mart while you’re involved in the group’s management. After all, it’s Seong-min’s home away from home, haha.”

“Of course, haha.”

The words I spoke while smiling weren’t just empty promises.

Logistics and distribution are just as important as manufacturing and finance. What’s the point of producing goods if you can’t efficiently deliver them? You need to transport them to where they’re needed and sell them to make a profit.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Netherlands, on the other side of the world, invested all the money they earned from selling herring in shipping and rose to become one of the great powers, earning the nickname ‘Coachman of the Sea,’ and they remain a leading logistics power to this day.

It’s a long-term goal, but my family will become one of the world’s leading coachmen of the sea. And that’s not all. We’ll also manufacture the ‘sea carriages’ that we’ll need to serve as coachmen, and we’ll establish bases around the world where those carriages can travel.

I put aside my grand plans for the future and was enjoying drinks with everyone when I received a call.

“Yes, this is Lee Seong-min…”

[It’s me, Ha-yeon. What are you doing?]

I was covering one ear and answering the phone because it was so noisy, and my eyes widened.

“I’m at a company dinner. Just a moment.”

I left my seat and went out to the alley outside the restaurant.

“Oh, sister. What’s up?”

[Really? I finished work early today. I was wondering if we could grab a drink…]

There seemed to be a hint of disappointment in her voice. It’s important to spend time with my colleagues, but I also need to nurture my relationship with Jang Ha-yeon, so I quickly responded.

“I can spare about two hours. Is that okay?”

[I guess I have no choice. You’re making time during a company dinner. There’s a Blue Moon in Itaewon, see you there. How about it?]

“Okay. See you later.”

After ending the call and returning to the restaurant, I frowned slightly at the loud noise. Everyone was drunk, and there were even giggling laughter and applause coming from different corners.

I was watching them eat and drink happily and was about to return to my seat when I noticed something.

‘Huh? Here?’

Seeing Yoo Hyun-jung touching Park Tae-jin’s ankle with her stockinged feet after taking off her heels, it was exactly like the beginning of ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ that I watched alone in the past. Except that it’s not in a restaurant, but in a Chinese restaurant, and not a cozy meal for two, but a noisy company dinner.

I knew something like this would happen. From the moment our hands touched at the meeting on the first day of work, we couldn’t even make eye contact, but we exchanged words at the office and during on-site promotions, and we stuck together even at company dinners… Should I play a little prank?

“Hyung [older brother/close male friend].”

“Yes, Young Master!”

After carefully turning around and placing my hand on Park Tae-jin’s shoulder, not only Park Tae-jin but also Yoo Hyun-jung flinched.

“Why are you so surprised, Hyung?”

“It’s because you startled me.”

Seeing him raise his voice, he must have been quite taken aback. I lowered my head and whispered in his ear.

‘Ha-yeon sister called, and I’ll be back in two hours. If it looks like the dinner is going to end before then, let me know.’

I saw Park Tae-jin nod and straightened up, then approached Na Chang-seok.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but I need to step out for a while.”

“What’s wrong, Seong-min?”

“An important person called me.”

Na Chang-seok heard my words and stood up from his seat.

“Okay, everyone, listen up!”

Everyone focused their attention on Na Chang-seok, who clapped his hands and shouted.

“Seong-min has to leave because he has something urgent to attend to!”

“Woo! No! No!”

“It’s a shame if the guest of honor is missing!”

I raised both hands to calm the booing crowd.

“I’m sorry, everyone. I’ll try to return as soon as possible. Instead…”

I paused and took out five one million won checks from my wallet [approximately $4,000 USD total].

“I’m giving this to you as a company dinner bonus. If there’s any money left over, use it for the next company dinner! I love you all!”

After raising the check and shouting, I made a heart with both hands, and cheers erupted.

“Wow!”

“The best!”

“Lee Seong-min! Lee Seong-min!”

Seeing the cheering people made me feel much lighter. It would be nice if Park Tae-jin and Yoo Hyun-jung could work things out… But I shouldn’t meddle too much. I need to leave quickly.