The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 151

#151

“Boss, aren’t you coming? Hurry up. The food here is really good, and the roads are clean too. Please come quickly,” Ji Hyun-bok pleaded.

He was a unique character, known for his exceptional sociability.

Currently, two thousand Yamaguchi-gumi Yakuza members were lying low in twenty hotels across Tsushima Island.

This elite force of two thousand men awaited the order to cross the Korea Strait [the narrow sea passage between South Korea and Japan].

To intercept them, Hwashin Distribution personnel and special forces veterans were stationed on Tsushima Island.

Their numbers were only five hundred.

While their skills were top-notch, they were significantly outnumbered.

However, if the plan unfolded as intended, casualties could be minimized.

Jung-hoon was eager to join them, but the two CEOs of Light Games were delaying his departure.

“It looks like we’ll be leaving soon. We’re almost finished here.”

“Really?”

“We might arrive as early as tomorrow. They haven’t made a move yet, have they?”

“No, it’s still quiet. They’re just holed up in the hotels. But it wouldn’t be surprising if they moved at any moment. It could even be tonight.”

“How’s our side’s preparation coming along?”

“Perfect.”

“Did they prepare firearms as well?”

“Yes, mostly handguns.”

“We brought all the rifles and sniper rifles we acquired from our Russian contacts last time, right?”

“Yes, we’ve deployed them around the hotels. When those guys emerge, we’ll drive them toward the port like a hunting party and load them onto the ferry we’ve prepared.”

The super-large cafe ferry, Gold Sky, which usually operates between Jeju and Busan.

The ship, which had been undergoing repairs at Shinhwa Mipo Shipbuilding, was now docked at the port on Tsushima Island.

It was a twenty-thousand-ton cafe ferry with a passenger capacity of one thousand, but it could comfortably carry five thousand people. Additionally, it had the capacity to transport three hundred vehicles.

“I’m going to pack those monkey bastards onto the ship like herding rabbits.”

Kwak Hyun-soo’s voice was filled with anticipation for the impending operation.

“Good. Monkey bastards, let’s call this operation ‘Monkey Hunt’.”

“Monkey Hunt! Are we going to wipe out all the monkeys who went on a fox hunt [a Japanese expression for chasing after something unattainable]?”

“Of course. I’m going to sink them all in the East Sea [also known as the Sea of Japan]. Well, that might change if a better plan emerges.”

The Hyangyang Society were the ones who instigated the Eulmi Incident [the assassination of Queen Min of Korea in 1895] over a century ago.

Those individuals still maintain their lineage and exert control over Japan.

Beyond the historical grievances, Jung-hoon couldn’t tolerate those who were trying to seize the entertainment district he controlled.

They were habitually stealing from others.

He had to teach them a lesson.

He couldn’t afford to lose a single territory.

He intended to strip them of everything, ensuring they couldn’t take what belonged to him.

“If you can’t reach me and they make their move, proceed with the Monkey Hunt as planned.”

“Yes, I will.”

Jung-hoon issued instructions, preparing for any eventuality.

While monitoring the situation on Tsushima Island, he wondered about Park Chang-soo’s progress in Tokyo.

“Did Mr. Park Chang-soo enter Tokyo?”

“Yes, he’s currently in hiding.”

“Then they’ll be moving soon too. Have you received any updates?”

“Elder Shin Byung-gyu has committed everything to this.”

“Committed everything?”

“Yes, the moment we subdue those guys on Tsushima Island, we plan to launch an assault on the Yamaguchi-gumi in Tokyo.”

“It shouldn’t be too difficult since it’s essentially a home invasion, right?”

“Yes. The Russian Mafia has expanded into Hokkaido, and the Yamaguchi-gumi has relocated a significant number of personnel there.”

“So Tokyo is relatively unguarded then.”

“Yes, and Park Chang-soo’s subordinates are eager for revenge, seeking to avenge their ancestors.”

“Hmm, it would be ideal if everything unfolds according to plan.”

“It’s a plan devised by you, boss. It will all fit together seamlessly.”

“Okay. I’ll wrap things up here and join you soon. Everyone, be careful.”

Jung-hoon ended the call and turned around.

The two founders of Light Games were completely absorbed in the game, their faces practically pressed against the monitor.

A sigh escaped his lips.

If this were Korea, he would have playfully smacked them on the back of the head countless times, but he couldn’t do that here.

He couldn’t fathom why they were dragging their feet like this.

Brandon, who had been engrossed in the game for some time, stretched.

“I’m hungry. Should we go get some soft tofu stew?”

“Sounds good!”

The three of them, having finished their game, rose from their seats.

They headed to the most renowned soft tofu stew restaurant in the United States.

“Amazing.”

“Wonderful.”

The savory tofu filled his mouth.

It was incredibly tender and completely devoid of any fishy aftertaste.

It was a restaurant so exceptional that it would be difficult to find even in Korea.

While they were marveling at the taste of the soft tofu stew, which seemed out of place in LA, Brandon and Mark exchanged glances.

“Mr. Yoon, we’ve reached a decision.”

‘Yes, it’s about time you decided. It’s been several days already!’

“What have you decided?”

“We’ll sell one hundred percent of the shares for three hundred billion won [approximately $250 million USD].”

Ha, these guys!

He had initially anticipated a price of one hundred billion won, but it had tripled to three hundred billion won.

A wry smile crept across his face without him realizing it.

“Are you not satisfied with the price?”

“Haha, well, it’s significantly more than I expected. I initially anticipated around fifty billion won, but it’s increased sixfold.”

Jung-hoon groaned inwardly, still hoping to save every penny possible.

“So, I’d like to propose an alternative. Let’s exchange it for Shinhwa Game stock.”

“Yes?”

If this were to happen, it wouldn’t cost him a single penny. He could simply relinquish the shares.

“How many percent?”

“Twenty percent.”

“Hmm, I’d prefer to do it for three hundred billion won.”

“Ah, then fifteen percent.”

Jung-hoon shook his head.

“Okay, ten percent! I can’t concede any further.”

Jung-hoon cheered inwardly.

He had refused once and managed to reduce it by ten percent.

He was curious about their reasoning.

“Why did you suddenly want Shinhwa Game stock?”

“Actually, we’ve been conducting thorough research until now. On you, Shinhwa Group, and Shinhwa Game.”

“I assume the review was favorable since you decided to proceed with the acquisition.”

“It was exceptional. The group’s reputation in Korea was remarkable. Shinhwa Group was the most sought-after company to work for. It was also ethically outstanding. Finally, Shinhwa Game’s growth potential was immense.”

He always felt embarrassed by such compliments.

But for some reason, he felt a sense of pride today.

He had diligently paid all his taxes, avoided layoffs, and worked tirelessly.

He felt a little emotional hearing a foreigner praise him for following the right path.

“Hey, Mr. Yoon, do you agree as well?”

“Of course.”

Jung-hoon extended his hand.

The three people’s hands clasped tightly, becoming one.

It was the moment he acquired Light Games, which was still in its nascent stages but poised to become a formidable force.

***

“Chairman, we’ll be departing shortly.”

A perceptive flight attendant offered Jung-hoon a chilled glass of champagne and a newspaper.

Jung-hoon nodded with a subtle smile.

He took a sip of the cool champagne and unfolded the newspaper.

An article lamenting the decline of Sony, the titan of home appliances, caught his attention.

Sony was once the undisputed leader in home appliances and the pride of the Japanese electronics industry.

But it was destined to collapse soon.

Moreover, it would attempt to revive itself by investing heavily in the home appliance sector, only to suffer even greater losses. It would eventually be revived several years later thanks to its image sensors and games.

A bitter smile appeared on Jung-hoon’s face.

Currently, Sony was desperately pouring money into its home appliance division.

What if he were to acquire their image sensor and gaming divisions? He pondered.

A promising future unfolded in his mind.

‘Sony? That’s a big fish.’

Since he was heading to Japan anyway, he considered it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring back a significant trophy when he returned to Korea.

After a short while, the plane’s engines roared to life.

The heavy aircraft ascended powerfully into the sky.

The plush backrest automatically conformed to Jung-hoon’s body.

***

White hair, smooth skin, and a warm smile created a gentle impression, making him appear more kind and benevolent than his actual age.

But he was the one who had ruthlessly overcome countless challenges and ascended to the position of Prime Minister. Japanese Prime Minister Yamada greeted Lee Heon with a benevolent smile as he entered.

“How have you been? What brings you here in person?”

Lee Heon hesitated to respond and merely licked his dry lips.

Yamada poured a cup of fragrant matcha into the tea set placed before Lee Heon.

“Please, have a drink. It’s the highest grade matcha.”

“Thank you.”

After taking a few sips of tea, Lee Heon began to speak.

“Prime Minister, please assist my associates on Tsushima Island in reaching Korea. The more time elapses, the more difficult it will become to seize control of Busan.”

Prime Minister Yamada’s expression hardened as he sipped his tea.

“The Yamaguchi-gumi’s elite, no, our Hyangyang Society’s elite unit that was dispatched to Busan has been annihilated.”

Yamada tossed several photos in front of Lee Heon with a thud.

The photos depicted the Russian Mafia executing the Yakuza members.

Lee Heon chuckled inwardly.

He had heard about the atrocities they had committed in Vladivostok.

They had massacred families and raped women, including minors.

Didn’t they anticipate such retaliation?

Nevertheless, this was a moment of desperation for him. He had to implore them to facilitate their passage to Busan.

“I deeply regret the Russian Mafia’s actions. I never imagined that Yoon Jung-hoon would hand them over to those Russian bastards.”

“There’s significant backlash from the Hyangyang Society right now. They’re in an uproar because the losses are substantial.”

“What can I do? Please tell me if you require anything.”

“We need funds. The Russian Mafia has infiltrated Hokkaido.

They’re targeting the Northern Territories [islands disputed between Russia and Japan]. We cannot remain idle. However, we cannot deploy the Self-Defense Forces either. Provide one trillion won [approximately $830 million USD]. Then everything will be resolved.”

“One trillion won? We already sold KP Oil at a bargain price. I’m aware that the payment has been fully processed.”

“Ahem, I can’t help it.”

Thugs, no, you trashy bastards.

He could clearly see that they were attempting to steal the wealth he had painstakingly accumulated once again.

But he couldn’t afford to falter now.

If he stopped, everything would be in vain.

First, he would regain control of the nightlife scene through the Yamaguchi-gumi Yakuza.

Then, he would bring down Lee Seok and reclaim his company.

He would resort to any means necessary to depose the imposter and restore the rightful heir to the throne.

“May I make the payment in kind?”

“Proceed.”

“Then I will donate the Tokyo real estate holdings that I own.”

“In exchange, relinquish the Star Group headquarters in Seoul.”

Blatant demand!

‘Are they targeting Star Group?’

He would relinquish it for now and reclaim it later.

Alternatively, he could construct the Star Group headquarters in a different location.

Larger and more magnificent.

“I will comply. However, grant me the option to repurchase it within one year.”

“Agreed. We’re better off holding cash. Reclaim it in a year. Hahaha.”

Lee Heon was uneasy about Prime Minister Yamada’s expression.

His hearty yet subtly meaningful laughter grated on his nerves.

But he didn’t have time to dwell on it now.

He had to act swiftly.

Lee Heon signed the documents they had prepared.

He reassured himself that he was merely lending it temporarily.

***

Peaceful and serene Tsushima Island.

Most of the Tsushima Island residents were going about their daily routines as usual.

Yamamoto, who was in overall command of this operation, was focused on physical training in the hotel gym.

A palpable sense of tension permeated the air.

Boring days continued.

Awaiting orders from above.

These moments were the most perilous.

He was wary of becoming complacent.

The cool energy of the sword he gripped tightly in both hands coursed through his body.

He envisioned his adversary, Hwashin Distribution President Park Chang-soo, in the air.

He swung his sword with all his might and slashed it horizontally.

-Iyat!

Next is Shinhwa Group’s Yoon Jung-hoon!

-Taat!

Large droplets of sweat cascaded to the floor.

Hot breath escaped his mouth.

He meditated while kneeling on the wooden floor.

A man who appeared to be a subordinate opened the door and entered.

He spoke cautiously into Yamamoto’s ear.

“Boss, the order has been issued.”

“Is it finally time for departure?”

“Hait [Japanese for “Yes, sir!”].”

Among the two thousand Yakuza members, there were even special forces operatives from the Self-Defense Forces and the Hyangyang Society’s elite unit.

They were planning to reveal themselves in earnest when the second phase of the operation commenced after seizing control of Korea’s nightlife.

His heart swelled with the Emperor’s decree to reclaim the lost territory.

“Where is my father?”

“He’s staying in Tokyo.”

His father, the tenth boss of the Yamaguchi-gumi.

He would soon retire, and Yamamoto would inherit the organization.

And the historic advance would commence.

Yamamoto, with his eyes wide open, rushed toward the map hanging on the wall.

-Iyaat!

He cleaved the Korean map in half with his Japanese sword.

The old and worn map was easily sliced and fluttered to the ground.

The sword in his hand was the sword of Ukita Hideie, the commander-in-chief of the Japanese army during the Imjin War [Japanese invasions of Korea in the late 16th century].

He vowed to rectify the failures of the past with victory, wielding this very sword.

“Everyone, secretly board the ship. Do you understand?”

“Hait!”

The resounding response of the men echoed through the hotel lobby.

The sharp men in black suits hurried out of the hotel.

It was as they were about to enter the waiting van.

-Tang, tang, tang

It was the sound of a rifle, not a pistol.

“What? What crazy bastard dares to–”

“Which direction? Protect the boss!”

The sturdy men shielded the boss and piled into the van.

“Start, hurry!”

The menacing rifle fire persisted.

“How dare they fire upon the great Yamaguchi-gumi! Who are they?”

“It appears to be the Russian bastards. They’re engaged in a conflict in the north right now. Our members in Tokyo have also gone up north.”

“Hmm, we need to pacify Korea swiftly and then eradicate those Russian bastards.”

“Yes.”

“But aren’t there too few troops in Tokyo?”

“I assure you, no one would dare to covet Tokyo.”

Yamamoto was reassured by his subordinate’s words.

As the car entered the pier, a van honked its horn and approached noisily.

And once again, the shooting commenced.

-Tang, tang, tang

“Go straight onto the ship!”

The van hastily entered the ferry docked at the port.

Inside the ship, they were chased in a daze.

It was the car park of the ferry line.

Except for the rear, the front, left, and right were all blocked.

The front was filled with the cars of their members.

They were gathered with anxious expressions.

“What’s going on?”

“That’s… We were pursued by the guys shooting guns and ended up here.”

“Then everyone should get out. What are you waiting for?”

“We can’t get out. We’re trapped.”

When he turned his head, subordinates who had been shot and collapsed were groaning in pain everywhere.

-Buuuuung

The ship sounded its horn and set sail.

“Occupy the captain’s room!”

“That’s… the doors are all locked.”

“What? Are we completely surrounded?”

It was an incomprehensible situation.

He wore a bewildered expression.

The door at the end of the stairs leading to the second floor opened.

“Who is it?”

“Nice to meet you, Captain Yamamoto. Should I address you by your Yamaguchi-gumi title? Or should I use your Hyangyang Society title?”

“How do you know about the Hyangyang Society…?”

Yamamoto’s eyes widened.