The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 127

#127

Han Pan-soo waited for the door to open in front of the Shinwa Group Chairman’s office.

‘What a far cry from the past.’

He needed Yoon Jung-hoon’s permission to enter.

Here, Han Pan-soo, the chairman of Hanho Group, was the one in a subordinate position.

‘Hmph, he’s quite impressive for an enemy.’

He was a young man who had built a massive empire in just a few years.

The door to the chairman’s office opened, and about a dozen people came out.

The secretary said to Han Pan-soo.

“He’ll see you now.”

He rose from his seat and went inside.

He straightened his back.

He tried his best to maintain what little pride he had left.

“What brings you here? Coming without any notice. We’re not that close, are we?”

“Sorry. I had something urgent to discuss.”

Han Pan-soo swallowed hard and asked Jung-hoon.

“Did you perhaps take down Daewongak?”

“What are you talking about? Take down Daewongak?”

Jung-hoon feigned ignorance.

His eyes were filled with unease.

‘Did I get caught?’

It seemed like he had a bad relationship with Daewongak.

“You know Daewongak, right? The most luxurious members-only Korean restaurant in Seongbuk-dong.”

“Yes, I’ve been there with my grandmother. I heard it’s a high-end establishment with alcohol and women.”

“That’s right. You’re a man, so you probably had some fun there.”

“No. I inherently dislike that kind of thing.”

“Hmm, you really do live a boring life, just like you look. Tsk, tsk.”

He gave Jung-hoon a pitiful look.

He felt strangely unpleasant.

“Anyway?”

“It’s gone. Without a trace.”

“Could it be because business wasn’t good? Small business owners are struggling these days, aren’t they?”

“Listen, that place is a bigger restaurant than most small and medium-sized enterprises. And the person behind it wields tremendous power.”

“Is it run by Cheonjihoe [a powerful secret society]?”

Han Pan-soo couldn’t answer.

“That’s, no. But… but…”

Han Pan-soo hesitated, watching Jung-hoon’s reaction.

“Chairman, I’m not feeling well today. I just finished a meeting and want to rest… If you’re going to be so vague…”

“Ahem, sorry.”

Han Pan-soo, who had been watching his reaction, finally opened his mouth.

“I made a small mistake at Daewongak. Cheon Seong-han is using that as an excuse to hold me by the neck.”

“If he’s holding the Chairman by the neck, you must have made a big mistake.”

Wrinkles formed on Han Pan-soo’s forehead.

Jung-hoon continued.

“So, Daewongak and General Cheon Seong-han are in cahoots? General Cheon Seong-han is a member of Cheonjihoe, isn’t he?”

“That’s what I’m curious about. I have no idea what the relationship between Cheon Seong-han and Daewongak is.”

According to Han Pan-soo, Cheon Seong-han was using the power of Daewongak.

“Anyway, that terrifying Daewongak and Madam Jung disappeared without a trace. I thought you did it. You’re the only one in this country who can stand up to them, who are comparable to Cheonjihoe.”

“Is that important to me, Chairman?”

“It is important. The condition for the sale of Hanho Technology and the Yeongi-gun land is that: Find and eliminate the evidence that is my weakness.”

Han Pan-soo made a bet.

Jung-hoon pondered whether to accept the bet or not.

The data found at Daewongak didn’t contain any information related to Han Pan-soo.

‘Where did they go?’

One of two things.

Cheon Seong-han, or the person behind Daewongak.

“Actually, I’m not very interested in Hanho Technology.”

“Puhaha, just because I’m old doesn’t mean you can underestimate me… Do you think I don’t know that you’re providing massive slush funds to naval officers through Shinwa Shipbuilding & Marine’s defense division and giving them favors? If you control Hanho Technology, you can sway the army, which is several times larger. I thought you were aiming for that… I guess not. Well… nothing I can do.”

“Nothing you can do?”

“I’ll have to hand it over to Cheon Seong-han. He’s already got me by the neck and is shaking me. I’ll have to hand it over to him at a reasonable price.”

He was flustered, but he didn’t show it.

‘He’s a conglomerate chairman for a reason. I can’t let myself be shaken.’

“I’ll think about it. If I find the Chairman’s weakness, I’ll be the one holding the Chairman by the neck.”

“Hahaha, I don’t care about that. You’re fundamentally different from those guys. I’ll let you shake me if it’s you. Hehehe.”

Han Pan-soo, who gave a sly laugh, rose from his seat.

He felt strangely like he had lost.

Han Pan-soo, who had left the chairman’s office, stopped in his tracks.

‘This was the perfume that Cheon Seong-han used to wear…’

He looked around, searching for the source of the fragrance.

It was a pretty young man.

‘Could Cheon Seong-han’s preference be that?’

Even though he was a man, he was really pretty.

‘Hmph, no. There’s no way.’

He shook his head.

Han Pan-soo approached the man sitting on the sofa reading a book and asked.

“Is that the perfume you’re wearing?”

“Yes.”

“It smells really nice. Where can I buy this perfume?”

“You can buy it at Hermes.”

Han Pan-soo nodded and got on the elevator.

‘I need to stop by the Hermes store.’

Han Pan-soo had to find the owner of the perfume that was barely visible.

That might be the brilliant move that could turn his relationship with Cheon Seong-han upside down in one fell swoop.

***

– Huff, huff

He ran through the bushes.

Kwak Hyun-soo’s body was almost out of strength.

His face was already drenched in sweat.

He was a fugitive again after a long time.

His breathing became rapid.

He glanced back over his shoulder.

It hadn’t found him yet.

The bushes in front of him shook violently.

He hid behind a tree, but it found him like a ghost.

He had to move again.

He had to avoid the sharp teeth chasing him to protect himself.

As he pushed through the bushes, he fell.

He no longer had the strength to run away.

“Huff, it’s over. Nothing I can do.”

He closed his eyes and looked at the sky.

It was a beautiful sky.

A huge object soared up.

Kwak Hyun-soo turned his head and squeezed his eyes shut.

The huge creature climbed on top of Kwak Hyun-soo, who had fallen to the ground.

It licked Kwak Hyun-soo’s face, which was lying on the ground, with its long tongue.

“S, stop. Stop!”

He hurriedly took out the feed he had hidden in his arms and put it in his mouth.

It devoured it mindlessly.

-Nom nom nom.

“Eat slowly, Coco.”

The former Daewongak manager’s pet dog.

He thought it was a small dog and told them to send it to Korea, but he didn’t expect it to be a huge golden retriever.

The shipping cost was higher than expected.

Kwak Hyun-soo looked at Coco with a satisfied expression, wrapped his arms around its neck, and stroked its head with his hand.

“Eat slowly, Coco.”

Former Daewongak manager Kang So-hyun came to the forest to find Coco.

Her name, which he knew as Baek Yoon-ja, was an alias [a false name].

Her real name was Kang So-hyun, but he couldn’t be sure.

She smiled when she saw Coco, who had attacked Kwak Hyun-soo.

“You were here.”

“Yes.”

“Coco, come here!”

Coco raised its large body and rubbed against her.

She stroked Coco’s head, and it wagged its tail in delight.

“It’s dangerous to be alone.”

“Hyun-soo will save me if it’s dangerous, right?”

“……”

Kwak Hyun-soo’s hardened face was turning redder and redder.

“Didn’t you have dinner?”

“Had a sandwich.”

She spread out a mat by the nearby lake.

The surroundings were quiet, and Coco was chasing the birds.

It was the perfect afternoon picnic.

“It’s peaceful. When I was at Sugeumjae and Daewongak, it was always a series of tensions.”

“You look a lot more relaxed too. You seem to have gained some weight.”

-Cough, cough

She was eating a sandwich with her small mouth when she choked on Kwak Hyun-soo’s rude words.

“Kwak Hyun-soo, I heard you’re from a special forces unit, but is it a unit of lifelong singles? You don’t know anything about women.”

“……. Hmm, hmm.”

Embarrassed, he didn’t answer.

He thought he should change the subject and compliment her.

“Hmm, you’re a good cook. It’s delicious.”

“You have no tact and no observation skills. Can’t you see that it says New York Confectionery on it?”

Kang So-hyun smiled and scolded him.

Embarrassed, Kwak Hyun-soo inhaled and choked on the sandwich.

-Cough, cough

He was suffocating.

In a critical moment.

He pointed to his neck to her.

Her face turned pale with embarrassment.

“Oh, what should I do? Wh, what should I do?”

He put her behind him and pulled her arms around him.

He prayed that she knew the Heimlich maneuver [a first-aid procedure for dislodging an obstruction from a person’s windpipe].

“Ah, the Heimlich.”

She strongly pressed on Kwak Hyun-soo’s stomach with both arms.

– Thud

– Thud

– Thwack

A thumb-sized sandwich popped out of his mouth.

Kwak Hyun-soo moved his diaphragm and breathed heavily.

She was hugging him from behind. He felt a warm sensation.

He grabbed her hand.

“Hoo… I almost died… Thank you.”

“I, I was surprised… I was worried something terrible would happen…”

“I’m alive thanks to you. I would have crossed the Samdo River [a metaphor for death or the afterlife in Korean folklore] if it weren’t for you.”

She didn’t answer.

‘Was she very surprised?’

Her face touched Hyun-soo’s back. He felt a warm moisture.

“I’m glad you’re alive. And thank you always. For protecting me.”

“It’s my job. Don’t give it too much meaning.”

“Okay. Coco was able to come this far thanks to you too. Your boss told me everything.”

“……. I like dogs.”

“I understand. There’s no meaning. But don’t get hurt.”

The two left the forest and returned to the warehouse.

Eun-soo smiled when he saw them.

“Noona [term used by a male to address an older sister or female friend] and Ajusshi [term used to address a middle-aged man], you two look good together.”

“Right?”

Unlike Kang So-hyun, who was smiling brightly, Kwak Hyun-soo’s face hardened.

“It’s not like that.”

Kwak Hyun-soo, flustered, stammered.

“No, I’m not saying that So-hyun is a bad person, but…”

“Just a moment, Eun-soo. Where did you buy your perfume?”

“This? I bought it at Hermes. Why?”

“This perfume is the perfume that the owner of Daewongak used to wear!”

Eun-soo’s face turned pale.

‘Oh my, you really like this perfume. People who use this are all similar. It seems like only incredibly handsome and beautiful people can use this perfume. Hohoho.’

The voice of the department store clerk echoed in Eun-soo’s ears.

“The owner of Daewongak?”

Kwak Hyun-soo asked back.

“It’s certain. It’s the perfume she used to wear, the one shrouded in mystery.”

***

“Did you call for me?”

Cheon Seong-han, who had entered the Star Group Chairman’s office, greeted Lee Seok.

“Have a seat.”

Ha In-sun was guarding Lee Seok’s side.

“How is Chairman Han Pan-soo doing these days?”

“Nothing unusual. He’s been drinking and playing golf.”

“Let’s get straight to the point. What do you think of Hanho Technology?”

“It’s a good company. There are many good jobs for army generals.”

“Not that. Aren’t you interested?”

Cheon Seong-han’s eyes widened.

‘That means she’s telling me to take it.’

“It’s not easy to take Hanho Technology from Han Pan-soo. It’s like the root of the group, so he has a lot of affection for it.”

“But he’ll eventually kneel before money. I heard that a deficit is expected this year. He must be betting everything on the next weapons system integration project.”

“Yes, if he fails to win that contract, he will falter greatly.”

“That’s good. Then send the next weapons system integration project to AR Nex1.”

“Really?”

“Yes, and take Hanho Technology.”

“Is there a reason? Madam.”

“Take control of the army. With that power, help our chairman soar.”

Cheon Seong-han looked up at Ha In-sun and Lee Seok.

A single desire was wriggling on the faces of the three people.

“I will handle it for sure.”

Lee Seok and Ha In-sun gave a satisfied smile at Cheon Seong-han’s words.

Suddenly, the door opened.

“Father.”

It was Lee Heon.

His eyebrows twitched as he looked around the room.

“General Cheon is here.”

“Have you come out?”

Cheon Seong-han stood up and bowed his head.

The air in the room instantly turned cold.

Lee Seok felt a cold murderous intent from his father’s face.

But he thought it was a mistake.

What he held in his hand was medicine for his beloved son.

Lee Heon casually handed Lee Seok the tonic he had brought.

“Don’t skip it and take it.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“Then see you next time.”

Lee Heon only handed over the medicine and left the room.

There was no time to stop him.

“Is that the medicine your father gave you?”

“Yes, he brings it to me from time to time. He takes care of vitamins, health supplements, and tonics.”

“He’s taciturn, but he cares about you.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Deep wrinkles formed on Ha In-sun’s forehead.

‘What is he up to? He’s not the kind of person who would buy tonics… I need to check the ingredients.’

Ha In-sun secretly took the medicine that Lee Heon had brought, taking advantage of the gap when Lee Seok wasn’t looking.

“Then, Chairman, I’ll get up first.”

“Yes, Mother. I’ll see you at home.”

“General Cheon, let’s go out together.”

“Yes, Madam.”

The two people who entered the elevator stood side by side.

They held hands, avoiding the CCTV [closed-circuit television] cameras.

“The medicine that Lee Heon gave is suspicious. I need to check it.”

“Okay. I’ll find out.”

The door opened.

Cheon Seong-han bowed deeply to Ha In-sun as she walked away.

‘It won’t be long now.’

Ha In-sun, who was in the car, took out perfume from her handbag.

“The perfume is running out. Go to Hermes.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Ha In-sun’s car departed for its destination.

***

“Someone who uses the same perfume as Eun-soo? Is that person the owner of Daewongak?”

Jung-hoon asked Kwak Hyun-soo.

“Yes, that’s what So-hyun said. She didn’t see her face, but she said she uses the same perfume.”

“It must be Hermes perfume… Is it only Eun-soo who uses it?”

“Yes.”

Jung-hoon approached Eun-soo, who was dozing on the sofa outside the chairman’s office.

“Jung Eun-soo.”

He shouted loudly in his ear.

Eun-soo, who had been nodding off, jumped up.

“Yes, Boss.”

“Stop calling me Boss.”

Eun-soo blinked and asked Jung-hoon, wiping the drool from his mouth.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Your perfume is Hermes, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Spray it once. I need to remember the scent.”

“I don’t have it right now. It’s all gone.”

“What?”

“You told me not to buy it, so I’m holding back.”

“Really? Then let’s go buy it now.”

“Now?”

“Now.”

Jung-hoon went to the elevator and pressed the button.

“Hey, come quickly, I’ll buy it for you.”

Eun-soo, with a bright face, quickly grabbed his clothes and followed Jung-hoon.

‘I had good luck from the morning, and now free perfume. Today is a lucky day.’

The smile never left Eun-soo’s face as he grabbed the steering wheel.

Genius Grandson of the Cash King, Becomes a Tycoon.