Still, I Will Live As The Son-In-Law Of A Conglomerate [EN]: Chapter 99

99. 30th. Panama’s Duck Egg (1)

While Lee Dae-soo in Samcheong-dong was enjoying a smooth run in both his business and personal life, Assemblyman Jang Ho-geon of Shinseong Group was heading to the main building’s conference room.

The secretary’s office was in chaos due to the chairman’s unannounced appearance, and key executives, including the presidents of Shinseong Corporation and Shinseong Electronics, rushed to the conference room after receiving calls from the secretary’s office.

“Did you see this morning’s article?”

At Jang Ho-geon’s chilling question, the executives lowered their heads. They had anticipated a rough day after seeing the morning’s article, but they never expected it to blow up this quickly.

However, Jang Ho-geon’s following words were different from their expectations.

“I don’t intend to reprimand anyone. It’s all my fault.”

“Ch, Chairman?”

Executives, including Lee Soo-han, couldn’t believe it. They expected him to start with a scolding and then hold those responsible accountable, but Jang Ho-geon was saying it was his fault?

“My ambition was too great. I was too greedy ahead of the civil war.”

Jang Ho-geon acknowledged his mistake and looked at each of the executives. It was the first time they had heard Jang Ho-geon apologize, and the executives’ eyes were shaking.

“No, Chairman! We were lacking!”

“We’re sorry, Chairman!”

Lee Soo-han stood up from his seat, loudly asked for forgiveness, and bowed deeply. Seeing this, not only the executives of Shinseong Corporation’s trading division but all the executives stood up and asked for forgiveness in unison, just like Lee Soo-han.

“No. Instead, we must stick together no matter what happens in the upcoming civil war. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Chairman!”

The executives, with expressions of gratitude for Jang Ho-geon’s mercy, swore their loyalty, but they couldn’t imagine that this was all a show orchestrated by Jang Ho-geon and Lee Soo-han.

After finishing the show, Jang Ho-geon entered the chairman’s office with Lee Soo-han.

“We’ve taken a solid hit this time.”

“I’m sorry, Chairman.”

When Jang Ho-geon spat out those words with a blunt expression, Lee Soo-han quickly apologized. Jang Ho-geon shook his head, looking at him.

“No. It’s true that my ambition was great.”

Seeing Haedong Corporation succeeding in businesses that Shinseong Group, or rather, he himself, had failed in, and even doing it on a larger scale, Jang Ho-geon had many thoughts.

“Haedong Group is concentrating all its resources on one front right now. Seeing that makes me feel pathetic. Construction, resource development, automobiles, semiconductors, cell phones, home appliances… Haha.”

Jang Ho-geon was now wearing a bitter smile as he reviewed his situation. He was trying to figure out which front he should focus on and how to win the civil war.

“But Haedong Group is also involved in many businesses. Aren’t they doing department stores, discount stores, construction, steel, heavy industry, and cement?”

Lee Soo-han hurriedly retorted to comfort Jang Ho-geon, but Jang Ho-geon shook his head.

“No. They may be big, but they lack substance, unlike us. Aren’t they all solid companies, even if they’re small? And they’re all related in terms of business.”

Lee Soo-han couldn’t deny this. Weren’t Haedong Group’s affiliates all growing organically with good financial structures and technological prowess, unlike their competitors in the same industry?

“So, we also need to concentrate our fronts. We can’t help the businesses we’ve already started, but from now on, we need to focus. Where would be good?”

Lee Soo-han, who had been racking his brain at Jang Ho-geon’s question, suddenly lit up.

“We need to focus on Shinseong Electronics, Chairman.”

“Shinseong Electronics, you say… Tell me why.”

Having received Jang Ho-geon’s approval, Lee Soo-han looked at him with a determined gaze and said,

“Shinseong Electronics is still holding its ground and moving forward without being pushed back by its competitors’ offensives. But that’s not enough.”

“It’s not enough to just hold on and push forward?”

“Yes. We need to mass-produce products that are one step ahead of our competitors, complete prototypes that are two steps ahead, and research and develop concepts for products or technologies that are three steps ahead.”

Lee Soo-han was technically ignorant, but from a strategic point of view, he chose Shinseong Electronics as the most promising front.

This was because it was the only front capable of not only comfortably enduring and pushing forward inch by inch against competitors in a war of attrition but also launching surprise attacks on them.

“Hmm…”

“This is a strategy that only Shinseong Electronics can do. If Shinseong Electronics grows, it can pull the rest of the affiliates along, Chairman.”

Lee Soo-han was also an ambitious man. He wanted to expand his territory by borrowing Jang Ho-geon’s power, but considering the civil war that was less than half a year away, he needed to choose and focus now, so he was speaking with his neck on the line.

Jang Ho-geon also agreed. He had been thinking about how Shinseong Electronics could survive and get ahead in the competition, separate from the civil war, and Lee Soo-han’s concrete explanation neatly organized the complicated tangle.

“Let me ask you one more thing. Did you say that with only Shinseong Electronics in mind?”

“How could that be? If we publicly announce this strategy, we can conceal the work that Shinseong Electronics and Shinseong Corporation are preparing. If we do it right, we can even save Shinseong Corporation’s automobile business.”

As soon as Lee Soo-han finished his answer, Jang Ho-geon nodded and said,

“Let’s call the strategy you just mentioned the ‘Super Gap Strategy.’ Have the public relations department release a press release appropriately and thoroughly overhaul everything from technology and production to corporate culture.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Focus on reclaiming Shinseong Life in finance, and have the remaining affiliates support Shinseong Electronics. The same goes for Shinseong Corporation, except for the automobile business and the Yeongdeungpo [a district in Seoul] redevelopment project. Except for that work.”

Everything requires choice and focus.

Jang Ho-geon and Lee Soo-han decided to bet everything on Shinseong Electronics, the front with the best chance of winning. With a secret weapon hidden.

***

A few days later.

I had to face a chilling article in the newspaper.

[Chairman Jang Ho-geon Declares ‘Super Gap Strategy.’

Shinseong Group Chairman Jang Ho-geon declared the ‘Super Gap Strategy’ on August 1st. The specific details cannot be disclosed, but it is summarized as overwhelmingly widening the gap with competitors, according to Shinseong Electronics’ secretary’s office…]

As I read the newspaper, I unknowingly shuddered. Seon Hae-cheol glanced at me, gauging my reaction, and asked,

“What’s wrong?”

“Uncle, look at this.”

When I showed him the newspaper article, Seon Hae-cheol burst into laughter.

“Puhaha-! Super Gap? Do you think that makes sense?”

I couldn’t call Seon Hae-cheol’s ridicule foolish. Because the current Shinseong Electronics is a company on the fringes of the global electronics industry. How ridiculous would it seem for Jang Ho-geon, the owner of such a Shinseong Electronics, to utter the words ‘Super Gap’?

But.

The Super Gap Strategy is a master plan for Shinseong Electronics to overwhelm its competitors, focusing on technology and mass production, and a terrifying strategy to bleed its enemies dry, not even shying away from a chicken game [a scenario where two parties escalate a conflict until both suffer severe consequences].

Naturally, all of the group’s resources, including talent and funds, are prioritized for Shinseong Electronics. The businesses of each affiliate are also conducted in a direction that thoroughly supports Shinseong Electronics.

The conclusion is that they will no longer be spreading their businesses haphazardly. It’s a work that Jang Ho-geon and Lee Soo-han will finally put their heads together to create in another 10 years, but it’s being announced now?

We’ve taken a solid hit.

This will turn Shinseong Electronics into a solid fortress. Shinseong Corporation, which controls Shinseong Electronics, will also focus on supporting Shinseong Electronics rather than expanding its own business. We dragged them into the Yeongdeungpo redevelopment project, but it has many loopholes, and there needs to be room to squeeze in as it grows… Damn it.

Seon Hae-cheol stopped laughing when he saw my hardened face.

“Is this that serious?”

“Yes.”

Park Tae-jin, who had been watching me and Seon Hae-cheol, opened his mouth.

“Young Master.”

“Yes, Hyung [older brother or respected male figure].”

“How about we start by monitoring the movements of Shinseong Electronics and Shinseong Corporation? In terms of business structure, Shinseong Electronics will be in charge of production and technology, and Shinseong Corporation will be in charge of distribution.”

“Should we?”

“Yes. And we should also prepare to inject funds into the stock market by securing funds from the banking sector using the Haedong Corporation bonds we acquired as collateral.”

Park Tae-jin’s opinion was what I was thinking. Now that the Super Gap Strategy has begun, we need to buy up Shinseong Electronics and Shinseong Corporation shares as soon as the foreign investment limit increases in October.

I nodded at Park Tae-jin and asked Seon Hae-cheol,

“What do you think?”

“That would be good. The foreign investment limit will be increasing soon, so it’s good to prepare. I’ll take charge of marking Jang Ho-geon’s side.”

“Yes.”

As I gritted my teeth and braced myself, my cell phone rang. Judging by the foreign phone number, I could guess who it was.

“Yes, this is Lee Seong-min.”

[Hello, Young Master? This is Gong Seong-pil.]

As expected, it was Gong Seong-pil. It would be the middle of the night in New York at this hour, so why was he calling?

“What’s going on, Director Gong?”

Seeing me answer the phone, Park Tae-jin looked at me and mouthed a question.

‘Is it Gong Seong-pil?’

I nodded at Park Tae-jin, and Park Tae-jin also put his finger to his lips, looking at Seon Hae-cheol. As the two quietly watched, I listened to Gong Seong-pil’s report.

[We have some unusual information from Panama.]

“Unusual information?”

[Yes. It’s information that Haedong Corporation would be interested in.]

At this point in time, there was only one piece of information that we would be interested in. I calmed myself down and asked him,

“What is it?”

[President Park Byeong-joon in Panama has been exploring the Cobre Panama copper mine project.]

What was coming had arrived, but I couldn’t hide my excitement. How great would it be to have snatched it from Jang Ho-geon!

Still, I had to save face, so I lowered my voice and asked calmly,

“Is that true?”

[Of course, Young Master. But first… I’d like you to settle the account.]

True to form, he was looking for money first. I frowned, but I had won him over to prevent him from passing the information to Shinseong Corporation, so I readily replied,

“How much do you want?”

[40 million US dollars. I would appreciate it if you could give me half as my share and 4 million dollars each to the other five employees.]

It was a bit refreshing. Was he saying that because the pie was so big, he could give half to his accomplices? First, I needed to hear the reason.

“Why?”

[The occupying forces from the headquarters are going too far. Even though I’m on the Madam’s side, I’ve done so much for the company…]

After that, Gong Seong-pil complained to me about the persecution by the people dispatched from Shinseong Group’s headquarters.

[…Isn’t that too much, Young Master? I’m just trying to make a living too, aren’t I?]

“So… are you thinking of resigning?”

[Yes. If you take care of me, Young Master, I plan to call my wife and children in Korea and live quietly in Switzerland. The other employees will also be leaving overseas.]

In other words, Gong Seong-pil was asking me for his and the other five employees’ severance pay.

It wasn’t bad. It was an opportunity to get a world-class copper mine cheaply, so 40 million dollars was a very low price.

“Okay. I’ll contact the New York branch to prepare for a meeting, so hand over the data. I’ll deposit the money as soon as I confirm the data.”

[Th, thank you, Young Master!]

I could feel the emotion in Gong Seong-pil’s voice, but there was one last thing I needed to order him to do.

“Instead, tell President Park Byeong-joon to focus on construction.”

“What do you mean, Young Master?”

“Did you see today’s newspaper? Chairman Jang Ho-geon announced something called the Super Gap Strategy.”

“Ah, is that so?”

It seemed like the information hadn’t gotten to him yet. I don’t know if it’s because they treat him like a neglected child or because of the time difference, but is that my business? I pretended not to know and continued to order Gong Seong-pil.

“Yes. It seems to be a strategy to concentrate all resources on Shinseong Electronics. Tell him not to make a fuss for nothing, or he might not even get a position as an advisor and get kicked out, hehe.”

“I understand, Young Master. Hehe.”

As soon as I finished the call, Seon Hae-cheol sighed lightly, looking at me.

“This is a big problem. Has our nephew become a con artist?”

“I learned it all from you, Uncle. How could I not learn when I have such a good teacher by my side? Hehe.”

“Ugh-, you never give in, hehe.”

Park Tae-jin opened his mouth, looking at me and Seon Hae-cheol, who were chuckling.

“We need to prepare for a business trip to Panama as soon as the data comes in. We also need to contact Miss Lauren… no, Sister-in-law, to prepare to move the slush funds.”

“We should. We also need to contact North Limited.”

Park Tae-jin was right.

When the data comes to the headquarters, I need to take malaria prevention medication, and I need to ask Claire to prepare the money to spread around the Panamanian political circles.

After completing the acquisition, I need to contact North Limited, which has become Haedong Corporation’s overseas affiliate, to request the dispatch of exploration personnel, so the Haedong Group will be busy again.

***

A few days later.

In a hotel in Panama City, a middle-aged man was holding the phone and raising his voice.

“How can you say that! Do you know how much I suffered to get this information!”

Park Byeong-joon was trembling with his clenched fist. He had been looking for all sorts of ways to return, and now an executive was trying to cut off the lifeline he had barely found?

[Contact the headquarters directly, President. Right now, the Chairman doesn’t have the resources to invest in mine development because of the Super Gap Strategy.]

“Super Gap?”

[Yes. From now on, the Chairman will be concentrating all resources on Shinseong Electronics. All affiliates have to support Shinseong Electronics, so would he even pay attention to a mine with no potential?]

Park Byeong-joon wanted to pour concrete into the mouth of Gong Seong-pil, who was sitting in his New York office, enjoying the air conditioning. In the end, he couldn’t contain his boiling anger and shouted into the phone.

“Hey, you bastard! I joined Shinseong 10 years before you and inhaled iron powder and faced sandstorms! Do you know who you should thank for being able to sit in the office and act high and mighty!”

[That’s in the past, President. You’re practically the head of the local office, so you won’t get anything good by shouting at me, will you?]

“Y, you…!”

Gong Seong-pil in the office was barely holding back his laughter. Before the people from headquarters came, he was in the office, scratching the nerves of a senior colleague, wasn’t he? Not to mention that he was doing all sorts of crazy things thanks to the severance pay that Lee Seong-min had deposited.

[If you have nothing more to say, I’ll hang up.]

As soon as he finished speaking, the call was cut off, and Park Byeong-joon slammed the phone down as if to break it.

“Ughhh-!”

He tore at his hair and then took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He had to get out of this Nakdong River, no, this Panama duck egg [a hopeless situation] situation, didn’t he?