The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 141

## 141

President Han Jeong-ui of KP Telecom cautiously opened the door to the chairman’s office and entered.

His name included the character ‘Jeong,’ meaning justice.

His menacing face looked like it could deliver all justice.

Sharp eyes, short hair, and a stout belly.

It was hard to believe he was the head of Shinhwa Telecom, Korea’s leading telecommunications company.

He had been retained due to his outstanding abilities.

An investigation revealed that he didn’t get along with Chairman Chu of the KP Group.

‘An enemy of my enemy is my friend,’ Jeong-hun thought.

“Please, sit down.”

Jeong-hun wasn’t intimidated by his appearance.

Nevertheless, he looked as fearsome as a boss of a major organized crime syndicate.

“Thank you, Chairman.”

A delicate voice tickled Jeong-hun’s ear.

‘That face and figure with a delicate voice… a creative combination,’ he mused.

He vowed to himself not to laugh.

He bit his tongue hard, fighting back the urge.

“Shinhwa Group is in crisis right now. Are you aware of that?”

“Yes, because the Chairman is focusing too much on mobile phones…”

“I can overlook outsiders being jealous of Shinhwa Group employees, but I don’t like infighting among group affiliates.”

“I agree.”

“I want to unite all Shinhwa Group employees. So, I was thinking, how about one year of free Shinhwa Telecom service?”

“That won’t work.”

It was a sharp voice that grated like glass.

Jeong-hun stared at President Han Jeong-ui’s eyes.

‘What, he rejected it right away? He’s quite different,’ Jeong-hun thought, surprised.

He felt displeased but held back.

He asked him to explain the reason.

“If we offer one year of free service, the losses will be too great.”

“What is the estimated loss?”

“Even if we calculate roughly, there are currently 300,000 Shinhwa Group affiliate employees. If we support each of those 300,000 people with an average of 30,000 won [approximately $25 USD] in communication fees, it will cost at least 9 billion won per month. That’s a little over a trillion won per year, Chairman.”

His voice trembled.

A trillion won in losses was enough to make anyone tremble.

“Hmm, how much would it be if we include all non-regular employees [contract or temporary workers] within the group?”

“If we estimate 2 million people, it would be at least 800 billion won.”

“Hmm, if we include families, it could easily exceed 1 trillion won.”

“Yes.”

“Then, if we maintain that for a year, what will happen to the competition?”

“They will experience a serious crisis. If 40 percent are existing Shinhwa Telecom users and 60 percent, or 1.2 million people, switch to us, even the second-place company will be shaken.”

“If they’re shaken, could they go bankrupt?”

“Yes.”

Jeong-hun pondered.

If he spent 1 trillion won a year, or, to calculate generously, 1.5 trillion won, he could drive the competing telecommunications company out of business.

In other words, he could monopolize the Korean telecommunications market.

Monopoly.

The sweet whisper tempted Jeong-hun.

He couldn’t resist.

“Do it. One year, no, two years, and if that doesn’t work, we’ll do it until it works. Execute it until the second-place company gives up.”

“Yes? But how… the second-place company will go bankrupt.”

Jeong-hun nodded.

He looked at President Han Jeong-ui.

“Shinhwa Telecom will monopolize the 3G telecommunications market.”

“Monopoly is not allowed. It’s a policy that goes against the market economy.”

President Han Jeong-ui of Telecom, whose name contained the character for justice, opposed it with a firm voice.

“It can’t be helped. Right now, a trillion or two trillion in losses isn’t important. Look ahead to 4G and 5G. We will make Korea a telecommunications powerhouse through monopoly.

We need to accelerate the next-generation telecommunications and make related industries grow explosively.

Create a content market on mobile phones so that people can enjoy cultural content such as novels, comics, and movies.”

“How is that possible?”

“Won’t the world change from 4G onwards?”

Jeong-hun was much more concerned about the next five years than the present.

At that time, the one who dominates telecommunications will become a giant in the digital world.

Meanwhile, Han Jeong-ui had a bewildered expression.

He was stunned by the new chairman’s storm of preaching.

The important thing was that he knew the industry outlook in detail, as if he had seen it.

“How do you know that?”

He asked with a question, but he didn’t answer. Instead, the young chairman’s eyes were full of conviction.

It’s not that he, who had spent his entire career in the telecommunications industry, didn’t know.

When 4G and 5G communications open, everything will change.

It will be a world where people watch movies and make video calls on their mobile phones.

The era will come when mobile phones become the center of the world.

“We will accelerate that time. To do that, we must monopolize it.”

“Ah, yes. I understand. Then I will prepare accordingly.”

Han Jeong-ui was flustered.

‘What did I just say?’ he wondered.

It was an unjust statement.

Did he agree to a monopoly that violates market competition?

But… somehow, this man’s plan seemed like it had to be realized.

A new world.

A future he thought he would never see in his active career.

He himself had been waiting for the new 4th and 5th generation communication markets to open.

But he was already over 50 years old.

He thought it was impossible.

But this man was trying to bring the future forward.

He began to feel his heart pounding as he thought he might be able to participate.

His face was hot and his heart was racing.

It had been a long time.

He felt the excitement of a new employee when he was first assigned to a project.

“I will prepare and report.”

“No. Execute it immediately. Shinhwa Group and I will take responsibility for the deficit.”

“…”

He also took responsibility for the failure.

He couldn’t help but be moved.

It was 180 degrees different from former Chairman Chu Gyeong-seok, who tried to put all the blame on him.

President Han Jeong-ui bowed his head to the giant sitting in front of him.

He was sincere.

After leaving the chairman’s office, he contacted all the newspapers and broadcasters and hastily arranged a press conference.

“Starting tomorrow, all employees of Shinhwa Group, oh, including all non-regular and contract workers. If employees working for Shinhwa Group use Shinhwa Telecom, it will be free for one year.”

Suddenly, the press conference hall became as quiet as a mouse.

The reporters’ minds went blank at the unexpected announcement.

Someone raised their hand.

“I’m Park Seong-hun from Munhwa Ilbo. Are you saying we can use mobile phones for free?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

The reporters, who had come to their senses, poured out questions.

“Then how will you cover the losses?”

“It’s a loss now, but it’s a long-term profit. Shinhwa Telecom can afford that much loss. And we plan to greatly expand the content market within the telecommunications company. Currently, novels with small capacities are the main focus, but in the future, we will allow people to watch comics and movies.”

Han Jeong-ui kept wiping away sweat and answering the reporters’ questions sincerely.

The internet public opinion was divided into those who supported Shinhwa Group’s decision and those who opposed it.

But even the opposition was ultimately jealousy of the benefits they couldn’t enjoy.

-Shinhwa Group, go bankrupt.

-Shinhwa Group forever!

-Free communication fees for my family, I love you, Chairman.

-Wow, even non-regular workers receive benefits without discrimination. Chairman, I respect you.

-What do I have to do to get a job at Shinhwa Group?

Unsurprisingly, the stock prices of the 2nd and 3rd-ranked companies hit the lower limit the next day.

And employees of TK Telecom, the second-largest operator, and AR Plus, the third-largest operator, gathered in front of Shinhwa Group’s headquarters.

Wearing red headbands, they shouted at the top of their lungs.

“Defend our right to live!”

“Down with Shinhwa!”

“Arrest Yoon Jeong-hun for ignoring the market economy!”

Sacrifice is necessary on the road to a new world.

Jeong-hun covered his ears and hurried into the company.

A text message had arrived.

“I’ll take this as a declaration of war.”

It was Gu Hyeon-ji’s text message, which he hadn’t seen in a long time.

For a while after that day, the front of Shinhwa Group’s headquarters was so noisy with demonstrations that he had to cover his ears to pass by.

***

Gu Hyeon-ji’s frown deepened as she watched the news.

“The Shinhwa App Market is growing explosively… They are expanding the content market by distributing free coupons.”

Gu Hyeon-ji turned off the TV.

It had been a month since Shinhwa Telecom’s bombshell announcement.

AR Plus’s market share was falling alarmingly.

“Grandfather, what should we do? If this happens, we’ll be at a great disadvantage. It’s hard because we’re in third place, but if the first place is hitting us with prices like that…”

“Don’t be so anxious. It’ll be alright.”

Chairman Gu Chang-hun of AR Group said calmly, in a voice that suggested it was nothing.

But he also knew.

Chairman Yoon Jeong-hun was creating a huge typhoon.

He thought that if he couldn’t avoid it, he should ride the typhoon.

“We worked hard for two years and barely created a 20 percent market share. But it fell below 20 percent in one day. And today, a month later, it has fallen to 15 percent.”

“Really? What are you predicting for the future?”

“They say our market share will likely fall to 10 percent in six months.”

“Hmm, the situation is more serious than I thought. I think we need to make a choice at this point.”

Gu Hyeon-ji tensed at her grandfather’s words.

The choice clearly meant a sale.

“I’ll try again. If they use price as a weapon, we have to fight back with price too.”

“Hmm, Hyeon-ji. You know very well that our financial situation isn’t very good…”

“Still. We can’t give up the telecommunications business like this. We only need to hold out for 10 years…”

Gu Hyeon-ji and Gu Chang-hun both knew.

The world where everything is connected around the wireless communication business will come soon.

They had invested huge amounts of money to get here for that.

Gu Hyeon-ji bit her lip.

The market share that broke through 20 percent.

She had finished all the preparations to ride the momentum and climb to 30 percent…

‘Bad guy,’ she thought.

Everything was ruined because of that guy.

Gu Chang-hun signed the documents he was looking at and then raised his head.

“What are you going to do now? Being in third place… This grandpa can’t stand by any longer, Hyeon-ji.”

“Yes?”

“Since I started managing AR Group, no business has ever been in last place. But this AR Plus is always in last place. So I put you in charge, but it still doesn’t have much effect.”

“Please give me one more chance. If Yoon Jeong-hun hadn’t done such dirty things, the market share would have continued to rise.”

“Hmm. No. There was enough time. It’s just not right for us. With this opportunity…”

“A sale is absolutely not allowed.”

Gu Chang-hun looked at Gu Hyeon-ji.

She looked emotional, unlike her usual self.

“Hyeon-ji, this is not something to be handled emotionally. I think it would be better to call it a merger rather than a sale.”

“Grandfather? Are you really thinking of giving up the telecommunications business?”

Gu Hyeon-ji had an expression of disbelief.

“I’m not giving it up. We’re doing it together. There’s no point in us competing with Shinhwa Group Chairman Yoon… He’s grown too big.”

Gu Hyeon-ji, who bit her lip tightly, also admitted it.

Yoon Jeong-hun, who had become a giant.

He is devouring all the companies in Korea.

It was impossible to know how much bigger he would get.

Every company he touches is achieving the best performance and becoming number one in the world.

“I’m going to demand as many shares as possible through negotiations. Then we won’t be left behind in the upcoming information and communication revolution.”

Gu Hyeon-ji said nothing.

Her pride was hurt.

She wanted to win at least once.

She wondered if her feelings might change if she could subdue him and look down on him.

“Nothing has worked since Yoon Jeong-hun appeared.”

She blamed him in a sharp voice.

“Hmm, hmm, you have to say it right. AR Card and the group were revived thanks to Chairman Yoon, weren’t they? And I know that AR Chemical and Shinhwa Motors are still cooperating…”

Gu Hyeon-ji did not answer.

It’s not that she doesn’t know.

She just wanted to put him down.

‘Bad son of a bitch!’ she thought.

Then she thought her heart would be a little hidden.

She felt pathetic that she had lost her heart to a man who already had a girlfriend and was envied by everyone.

So she became even more edgy.

“Hmm, hmm, don’t pour too much emotion on that Chairman Yoon.”

“What are you talking about? It’s not like that, Grandfather.”

“Really? Anyway, I heard you can see each other often now, so get along well.”

“I don’t want to see you often even if we merge. My pride is too hurt.”

Gu Chang-hun pressed the intercom.

“Connect me to Shinhwa Group.”

“Strike while the iron is hot, so I’ll proceed right away because it’s not a difficult task.”

“Yes. So suddenly?”

“You have to do it right away when you think of it. I’m getting old, so my memory is getting worse.”

Gu Hyeon-ji was speechless.

However, she couldn’t reverse the decision that had already been made.

‘I wanted to negotiate…’

She was hoping to see his face once under the pretext of negotiation…

It’s a pity, but it can’t be helped.

“Hyeon-ji, it seems like you’re uncomfortable with Chairman Yoon. So I’ll proceed with this merger.”

“Ah, no. I’ll proceed.”

“This is Yoon Jeong-hun.”

“It’s Hyeon-ji. What do you think of AR Plus?”

“Very attractive. Are you thinking of selling it?”

“How did you know?”

“Your market share is plummeting. And it seems like no one else would be interested except me.”

“We want a merger rather than a sale.”

“A merger, AR Group wouldn’t be bad. What percentage do you want?”

“30 percent.”

“That seems a little excessive.”

“Then I have no choice but to go to the second-place company aiming for first place.”

“Hahaha, I have to acknowledge Gu Hyeon-ji’s negotiation skills. Let’s do that.”

“How should we make the announcement?”

Chairman Gu Chang-hun suddenly intervened.

“Hmm, hmm, have you been well?”

“Yes, Chairman. Are you working today? I heard your grandmother is in Jungbu City…”

“Hmm, hmm, that’s how it is. I have a lot to wrap up for the last time. We will make the negotiation announcement this Friday. You should attend too.”

“Yes? Me?”

“Yes, you and Ms. Hyeon should both attend. I’m preparing a very wonderful banquet.”

“I understand.”

Jeong-hun was bewildered after hanging up the phone.

He fully expected AR Plus to choose him.

He was thinking of up to 40% of the shares, but he saved 10 percent.

But it was unexpected that he was asked to attend the press conference.

‘Is it because it’s a merger, not a sale?’

***

“Grandmother, it’s time!”

Jeong-hun shouted.

She was dressed up differently than usual.

Dahye was helping her with this and that.

‘Why is she dressing up like this?’ Jeong-hun wondered.

Jeong-hun, who was sitting in the living room, was starting to get annoyed.

“Grandmother, Dahye, we have to leave now!”

His voice grew louder.

The door to his grandmother’s room opened and his grandmother, who was fully dressed up, came out.

A beauty who would have seduced many men if she were younger.

She is still elegant enough now.

That’s why Chairman Gu Chang-hun and Yeonggam Park [an elderly gentleman] of Myeongdong are circling around her.

“Wow, our grandmother is prettier than Dahye today.”

“Really?”

A pleasant smile hung on his grandmother’s lips.

“Grandmother, you are the most beautiful today.”

Dahye also chimed in.

“Stop flattering me. I’m going to get conceited. Let’s go.”

He took his grandmother’s car to the press conference hall prepared by AR Group.

The merger announcement was prepared at a luxury hotel.

There were many reporters in the banquet hall, and many people from the political and business world were there.

He wondered if it was the merger announcement hall for Shinhwa Telecom and AR Plus.

Chairman Gu Chang-hun was sitting on the podium where the press conference was being held.

There was an empty seat next to him.

Jeong-hun thought it was his seat and tried to go forward.

“Jeong-hun, stay here today. Grandma has something to say to that old man.”

“Yes? What’s going on?”

“Wait and see.”

Jeong-hun guessed what was going to happen from her expression, which had aged a long time.

But he doubted it.

“Ahem, ahem, microphone test. Hello? This is Gu Chang-hun.”

Chairman Gu Chang-hun greeted the crowded people in a trembling voice.

Jeong-hun looked at him with a curious expression.

He wondered if his guess was correct.

If his thoughts were correct, the two would cause an unprecedented shock in Korea today.

The Genius Grandson of the Cash King Becomes a Tycoon.