The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 104

#104

With his arms crossed and eyes closed, Gu Changhoon swayed slowly from side to side, a relaxed smile gracing his lips.

‘What is he thinking?’

Chairman Gu was taken aback by the sudden acquisition offer. Now, having regained his composure, he was deep in thought, contemplating what would be most advantageous for AR Group. Jeonghoon was concerned that he might make the wrong choice, lost in the glories of the past.

‘If the crisis of the past was unavoidable, this one is a scheme and a trap. AR Group is already ensnared in the guarantee obligation. There is no one to help.’

Jeonghoon looked at him with a pitiful expression.

‘Chairman Gu Changhoon needs to understand the situation properly.’

Finally, Chairman Gu opened his eyes and slowly began to speak.

“I appreciate your offer, but I must decline. I believe in the potential of our AR Group. We have the strength to overcome this crisis.”

“Hmm, if you refuse, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Grandfather.”

Goo Hyunji, who had been silent, called out to him.

“Weren’t you originally planning to sell AR Card? Why are you suddenly changing your mind? You never liked the card business that encourages overspending, and you’ve always disliked the finance industry. If it were me, I think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to liquidate the financial affiliates all at once with this opportunity.”

“We won’t get a good price if we sell now. To sell it properly, we need to normalize it first and then sell.”

“Grandfather, if AR Card’s delinquency rate exceeds 25 percent, the group could disintegrate.”

Goo Hyunji spoke sharply, and Chairman Gu flinched at her words. Hyunji Goo, a genius who remarkably remembers and calculates numbers, her words carried weight.

‘If what she said was true, it would be a disaster.’

“And the media is further exaggerating the crisis. Securing cash through the sale is the best solution to alleviate all concerns at once. The decision is up to you, Grandfather, but…”

Her words trailed off.

‘It wasn’t wrong.’

In any case, the decision was up to the owner of the company, her grandfather. Chairman Gu calmly spoke to Goo Hyunji, who had voiced her opinion so directly.

“Trust in the strength of our AR Group. We have always maintained good relationships with the media and creditors. They won’t abandon us.”

“Tsk, tsk, calling someone like that chairman, ugh.”

‘Huh? Grandma?’

Jeonghoon turned his head toward the sound. His grandmother was glaring at Gu Changhoon with a displeased expression, her forehead deeply furrowed. Judging by her expression, she had heard most of the conversation.

“Hey, aren’t you being too harsh, Madam Hyun?”

“He needs to be humiliated first. Then he’ll realize how grateful he should be for our grandson’s offer. Tsk, you only appreciate things when you experience them firsthand.”

“That’s not it…”

“Enough, pour me some liquor.”

At Hyun Jungok’s clear voice, Gu Changhoon naturally picked up the kettle and filled her glass. His grandmother emptied the glass in one go.

“Hello, Madam. I’m Goo Hyunji.”

“Yes, you’re going through a lot. Working under Changhoon… must be frustrating.”

“Ahem, you’re being too playful.”

“Playful, my foot!”

“No, Grandfather is teaching me well.”

Birds of a feather flock together; Goo Hyunji took Chairman Gu’s side.

“That’s a relief then. Hyunji, was it?”

“Yes.”

“You look intelligent at first glance. You’re the talent that will lead AR Group in the future. You already have a concrete blueprint of the group in your head. Selling off the finance sector and focusing on the energy business. Impressive!”

Goo Hyunji bowed her head in gratitude to his grandmother, who was praising her.

“Thank you. Actually, we were more surprised by Chairman Yoon Jeonghoon. It was as if he had read our company’s confidential project report. He knew the industrial trends of the next 10 years inside out.”

“Hehehe, he’s my grandson, but he’s smart. His ability to predict the future is unmatched.”

Jeonghoon felt a burning pain on his face. As he was praised from all sides, the fire that started on his face spread to his toes. He quickly changed the subject.

“Grandma, Chairman Gu said you lent him money at a low rate…”

The corner of his grandmother’s lips lifted.

“Well, I don’t remember that. I thought he came to me for money so often because he liked me, but was I wrong?”

“Ahem, what nonsense are you talking about? I went to you because I was short on cash.”

“Really? I thought you were the one who sent me flowers every year on my birthday, but I guess not. I was happy for nothing.”

His grandmother wore a disappointed expression.

Suddenly, Chairman Gu’s face turned as red as fire.

“You two should go now. I have something to talk about with Madam Hyun. It’s a heavy topic, so you two should go out and have a beer or something. Don’t worry about us old folks.”

The two were quickly ushered out. A smile spread across Gu Changhoon’s face as he watched them leave the store.

“Hey, don’t they look good together?”

“No way. My grandson is taken.”

“What? Already? …Is she pretty?”

Hyun Jungok glared at Chairman Gu, whose face was still bright red.

“Ugh, men always look for pretty things, tsk tsk… That child is beautiful and mysterious. She’d be perfect by our Jeonghoon’s side.”

“I’m a step late.”

Gu Changhoon wore a truly disappointed expression.

He had a strong conviction that Yoon Jeonghoon was the one he could entrust his company to. He was convinced that the clear and pure energy in his eyes would lead the company in the right direction.

***

Jeonghoon and Hyunji, who were suddenly kicked out of the restaurant, moved to a nearby beer house. They took a seat at Seonman Hof [a cheap beer establishment], where they could get bottled beer at a cheap price. They ordered two bottles of beer and dried pollack.

Goo Hyunji said with a surprised expression.

“You’re more modest than I thought.”

“Ah, I’m sorry. I should have taken you to a more luxurious place…”

“Ah, no. You misunderstood. I come here often too. It’s just that Chairman Yoon’s car has become such a hot topic.”

“Ah, that’s true. I bought it out of curiosity, but I never thought it would turn out like this.”

Jeonghoon’s shiny black Bugatti had become a hot topic on the internet. On top of that, he was tall and handsome, so he was gaining popularity comparable to a celebrity. As expected… A woman approached.

“Excuse me, are you perhaps from Shinhwa Group… ?”

Jeonghoon gave her a business smile and nodded.

“Can I get an autograph… ?”

As he signed, several people who were watching asked for autographs. Goo Hyunji watched as if it were an interesting spectacle, and Jeonghoon was embarrassed.

“You’re like a celebrity, Chairman Yoon.”

“I’m flattered.”

He filled his glass and emptied it.

It was quite chilly, but it wasn’t a problem for the young people. The cool autumn breeze was better than the stuffy indoors.

“But how did you predict the secondary battery business?”

Jeonghoon was always at a loss when he received this kind of question.

‘How should I answer this time?’

“I can see the future. When I close my eyes, I can see what’s going to happen.”

“Pfft, you’re more interesting than I thought.”

Goo Hyunji’s cold face softened.

“It’s the result of logical thinking. Well, I’m sure Director Goo knows that too, right?”

She nodded.

Even if she didn’t know exactly, she could see the flow of what would happen in the future. Of course, Jeonghoon knew it much more specifically.

“Yes, but I was still surprised. I wasn’t confident in the secondary battery business, but Jeonghoon’s words gave me confidence.”

“Hmm, then you should accept my offer.”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“There’s nothing I can do since that’s what the chairman wants. He’ll overcome the crisis and sell it at a good price. Actually, my grandfather really doesn’t like the financial affiliates. That’s why he didn’t invest much in them.”

“I see. I hope it goes well as Director Goo says, but if it’s the opposite, I might be in trouble too.”

Goo Hyunji wore a puzzled expression at Jeonghoon’s words.

“What do you mean?”

“The price changes when the conditions change.”

“Are you saying that if the situation gets worse, you’ll lower the acquisition price even more?”

“I ask for your understanding. It’s the basics of doing business.”

Jeonghoon was embarrassed, and Goo Hyunji shot lasers from her eyes as if she was dissatisfied. He emptied his glass, feeling burdened by her gaze.

“It’s okay. You’re doing business. My grandfather might be upset, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Goo Hyunji pretended to be calm and emptied her glass, which was full of alcohol.

“Will AR Group be able to overcome this crisis well?”

Goo Hyunji asked Jeonghoon. It seemed like she already knew it wouldn’t be easy from the look in her eyes. Jeonghoon poured her a drink without answering.

“We have to pray for the best.”

Goo Hyunji gave a bitter smile and only nodded at Jeonghoon’s meaningful words.

The situation was proceeding in the opposite direction of what Chairman Gu Changhoon had expected. More articles poured out, fueling AR Group’s liquidity crisis. Chairman Gu Changhoon, enraged, threatened to cut off advertisements to the media, but the reporters didn’t care. They exaggerated the group’s crisis, citing freedom of the press. Enraged, he actually cut off the advertisements.

The media industry was abuzz when the group, ranked third in the business world, abruptly cut off advertisements. But that was only for a few days. Star Group and Hanho Group reliably filled AR Group’s vacancy. No appointments were made with creditors. Chairman Gu Changhoon met with the bank presidents individually and coaxed and appeased them. They all told Chairman Gu Changhoon that they would actively cooperate and sent him back. But the creditors’ decision did not change.

AR Group’s Chairman Gu Changhoon was retreating, facing a barrage of attacks from the media and creditors for the first time in his life. Behind him, there was only a bottomless cliff.

Meanwhile, Jeonghoon couldn’t just stand by and watch AR Group’s crisis. If it collapsed, it would be the same as losing a colleague. The path that Shinhwa Group is taking is the same as the path that AR Group has walked. Action had to be taken.

***

The room was filled with cheerful music and the fragrance of women. Liquor flowed back and forth. Judge Jo Jaewook poured a drink into Lee Heedo’s glass and said.

“Senior, this is a jackpot.”

“I know, I told them to issue cards to anyone, and they issued a huge number to college students, housewives, and soldiers. They’re at the age where they’re dying to spend money, and they get a magical credit card. Hahaha.”

Lee Heedo’s mouth was splitting open. According to his plan, he could turn at least one small financial affiliate of AR Group to his name. He would become an asset holder of at least 10 billion won or more. He, who had been a scholarship student of Ilsong and Cheonjihoe [a secret society within AR Group], had joined AR Group for this day. Now it was finally time to reap the rewards for his long labor. Lee Heedo, who emptied his glass coolly, opened his mouth.

“Hasn’t Park Hyuncheol come to his senses yet?”

“No, he’ll be fine after a little more time.”

“Tsk, tsk, he’s a strange guy. Is he going through menopause over something trivial?”

“Pfft, I think so, Senior.”

“Come on, let’s have a drink.”

As the glasses went back and forth, his memory was intermittently cut off. Lee Heedo’s memory began to fade little by little. He wanted to go to the bathroom.

“I’m going to the bathroom.”

“Have a refreshing time, Senior.”

As Lee Heedo left, Jo Jaewook plopped down on the sofa and put a cigarette in his mouth.

-Whoosh

His white smoke billowed out of his mouth. He tilted his head back and looked at the ceiling, organizing his thoughts. If he catches Lee Heedo, his colleagues will support him. Han Pan-soo is hopeless because of his previous mistake. And Park Hyuncheol, a strong candidate, has lost his will. He could see the position of the head of Cheonjihoe right in front of him. Although he was under His Majesty, he had powerful power as the second-in-command. Becoming the head of Cheonjihoe was more tempting than being promoted to a judge and becoming a Supreme Court justice. That position was his.

“Oppa [term for older brother used by women], have a drink.”

“Hehehe, okay, okay.”

Jo Jaewook pulled the woman who was clinging to him with rough hands.

Meanwhile, Lee Heedo, who went to the bathroom, relieved himself and staggered to the sink. He looked at himself in the mirror.

‘A 10 billion won asset holder!’

It felt like an aura was shining all over his body. He bowed his head and splashed water on his face. He came to his senses when the cold water touched his face. The smile never left his lips at the thought of going back in and having more fun. Someone suddenly pressed down on his head.

“What, what is it?”

His head was slammed into the sink, and the water was gradually filling up.

-Cough, cough

He tried to get up by exerting strength throughout his body, but he didn’t budge.

“Save… me.”

He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t even shout for help. He realized today that he could suffocate to death in the sink. He couldn’t do anything because of the force pressing down on his head. He couldn’t breathe because of the water that entered his mouth and nose.

‘Without even touching 10 billion won.’

With that thought as his last, President Lee Heedo lost consciousness. Jeonghoon crumpled the unconscious man into the blue trash can in the bathroom cleaning tool box, and he carefully took him out, avoiding people’s eyes. Fortunately, there were no people in the hallway. While moving the trash can toward the emergency stairs, a man who was drunk and lost his way popped out.

“Hey, you bastard, are you cleaning now? You lazy bastard. Live hard, you young punk, cleaning.”

He tapped Jeonghoon on the head. He had no intention of fighting with a drunk. He had to get out of here with the trash quickly. But then…

Suddenly, something surged up.

‘Live hard.’

A word that greatly offended Jeonghoon’s sensibilities. Before regressing, he lived like a dog in the past. He saved like crazy, but he only managed to save 30 million won…. Here, the cost of alcohol was at least 10 million won. Jeonghoon looked around.

‘I’m going to live hard today. You, let’s get beaten hard today.’

Fortunately, loud music was playing in the hallway, and one room was empty. A space to properly educate him was perfectly prepared. Jeonghoon nodded and prepared to live hard.

-Thud, thud, thud

With a bloody nose and bruises on both eyes, he knelt down and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry. I was short-sighted. Please forgive me.”

Jeonghoon forgave him. And he unleashed the final counter punch coolly.

– Pow

He couldn’t help it because it would be troublesome if he ran out and made a fuss. He had to make him lose consciousness. Jeonghoon loaded the trash—Lee Heedo, who he had taken out of the room salon [private room entertainment establishment]—into the trunk and got into the car. Kwak Hyunsoo, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, turned his head and said to Jeonghoon.

“I could have done it…”

Kwak Hyunsoo grinned.

“I have to deal with the wicked.”

“We’ll depart.”

The betrayal of a trusted confidant.

‘What would Gu Changhoon, the chairman of AR Group, be feeling?’

He was curious.

‘If it were me, I’d want to tear him to death.’

He became curious about his expression, who had been managing the company based on trust and faith in people. He’s not wrong. However…

There’s no need for each other to trust each other too much.

Genius Grandson of the Cash King, Becoming a Chaebol.