The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 34

#034

A biting wind howled.

The temperature plummeted below -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).

The cold snap, which had persisted for days, caused burst water pipes, inconveniencing people citywide.

Yet, the sky remained a pristine, cloudless blue.

“Elder, it seems the young master has truly stirred things up.”

“Indeed. But what can we do? He’s at an age brimming with energy; some mischief is inevitable.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Were there any injuries?”

“None. In fact, he saved many people, and a considerable sum of money, too.”

“That rascal. He seems to possess remarkable luck.”

“I believe it’s more skill than luck. It was as if he could foresee several moves ahead.”

He restrained himself from overtly praising his grandson, but the words were pleasing to hear.

“Foresee several moves ahead, you say?”

“Had the young master not issued those instructions that day, the union leader would no longer be with us.”

“Really? That’s a relief. I was secretly concerned my grandson might be somewhat lacking.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s expression radiated satisfaction.

He gazed out the window for a long moment, lost in thought.

“What do you think? Can we begin to make our move, slowly now?”

“I believe the time is ripe.”

“Then, shall we begin our advance as well?”

“Yes. Perhaps start with a small taste?”

“Yes. This incident should have given them a sense of the atmosphere. We mustn’t treat them poorly, after all. We’ve been patient until now….”

“Understood. I will ensure preparations are flawless. Shall we prioritize listing Future Heavy Industries first?”

“Yes, that wouldn’t be a bad start.”

“Understood.”

“So, Jeokseong has completely withdrawn?”

“Jeokseong has withdrawn, and Heaven Group’s Heaven Construction has taken its place.”

“Heaven Group, huh…. They’re determined not to be pushed aside, it seems.”

“Indeed.”

“Won’t Jeong-hoon require some… leverage?”

Man-ho remained silent.

“Acquire a demolition company. It seems we’ll have ample use for one in the future.”

“Understood. I will relocate the existing resources there as well.”

“That is the proper course of action.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok inquired, as if struck by a sudden thought.

“By the way, when is the construction company selection?”

“Next Wednesday.”

“Do you believe it’s feasible? Should I lend some assistance, especially with Heaven Group participating?”

“Well… let us observe for now.”

He was pleased by Man-ho’s trust in his grandson, yet a sliver of worry lingered.

“Hundreds of billions of won are at stake… and you suggest we merely ‘observe’? You seem to have changed somewhat.”

“The young master’s skills are exceptional; I am confident it will proceed smoothly.”

“Really? Let’s wait and see, then. What will unfold? This is shaping up to be quite interesting.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok picked up a framed photograph from his desk.

‘Hyeon-jung, Hyeon-ju. Please watch over our Jeong-hoon.’

This was a far cry from the futile defeat of the past.

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s curiosity about his grandson’s future, as he forged a new path, grew with each passing day.

***

Jeong-hoon ventured downtown with Eun-soo for the first time in what felt like ages.

He had been relentlessly busy, but Eun-soo’s persistent nagging to spend time together had finally worn him down.

At times like these, a movie or a similar outing was the best course of action.

“Are you Yoon Jeong-hoon?”

The question came as he sat in a bookstore, engrossed in a book. A burly man had approached him.

Sensing the man’s unsettling aura, Eun-soo stepped protectively in front of Jeong-hoon.

The man visibly flinched at the murderous glint in Eun-soo’s eyes.

“It’s alright, Eun-soo… Who are you?”

“That’s….”

The man hesitated, unable to answer.

“Not even revealing your identity… that hardly seems friendly.”

Eun-soo, on high alert, remained tense.

“If he intended to harm us, he wouldn’t bother asking for our names.”

Jeong-hoon reassured Eun-soo, who wore a worried expression.

“If you’re available, would you be willing to accompany me? Our executive director wishes to speak with you.”

The man extended a business card.

“Hey, it’s more polite to come in person….”

The man’s face twisted in annoyance at Eun-soo’s bluntness.

“Hey, pretty boy, watch your mouth….”

Jeong-hoon’s expression darkened, and he rubbed his forehead.

*Why did he have to say that… a situation he couldn’t stop.*

“Pretty boy…?”

Eun-soo muttered, barely audible.

“Ugh!”

A fist, moving with blinding speed.

*Ugh, what is this? I didn’t even see it coming.*

The man crumpled to his knees, clutching his stomach.

He looked up, a chilling premonition washing over him.

A second fist was aimed at his face.

“Stop, Eun-soo.”

“Haa… you pathetic thing, you better consider yourself lucky.”

Eun-soo planted a foot firmly on the man’s hand, which was still on the floor.

“Ugh.”

“You’re fortunate today. Let’s go. Where is it?”

The man, struggling to his feet, led the way.

It was the café ‘Shagal’s Snowy Village,’ located on the second floor across the street.

A familiar name, a café chain with branches in most cities in 2000.

As they entered, all eyes turned to them.

The handsome Jeong-hoon and the strikingly beautiful Eun-soo invariably attracted attention.

“Eun-soo, you stay here.”

“I’ll come too. It’s dangerous.”

“What danger could there be here… It’s alright, don’t worry.”

Eun-soo reluctantly took a seat by the window.

Jeong-hoon followed the man toward the figure seated in the corner.

A man in his late 20s, impeccably dressed in a navy suit, sat waiting.

“Hello. I’m Cheon Jin-hyeok.”

He rose to greet Yoon Jeong-hoon.

“I’m Yoon Jeong-hoon.”

“I’ve heard a great deal about you. I understand you’ve been seriously interfering with our operations?”

His smile was dazzling.

A pure smile that belied his words.

The moment Jeong-hoon saw that smile, a strange chill ran down his spine.

“It’s not interference, it’s correction. You’ll suffer indigestion if you try to consume everything raw. It seems you’ve developed a severe case of indigestion this time.”

Jeokseong, already under police surveillance, was now facing a thorough investigation due to the bribery scandal.

“Hahaha, thank you for that. One must always maintain a clean slate. I was planning to tidy things up regardless, but thanks to you, I believe I can do so quite efficiently.”

“So, in the end, they were merely disposable pawns, used and discarded.”

“Of course. May I offer a piece of advice, though it may seem presumptuous? You shouldn’t allow those who are loyal to you to get their hands dirty. Delegate such tasks to disposable assets.”

A man who referred to those who trusted and followed him as disposable items.

His cheerful expression was chilling to behold.

“What is the purpose of this meeting?”

“Isn’t the construction company selection approaching soon? I simply wished to extend my greetings in the spirit of fair competition. And to present you with a small gift.”

“Fair competition… you’ve made the very request I intended to make.”

“Does it truly matter who initiates it? Hahaha. Here.”

At Cheon Jin-hyeok’s signal, the man stepped forward and placed a gift box on the table.

“It’s a token of our esteem. Please, open it.”

Jeong-hoon felt a strange unease.

He resolved to remain composed, regardless of the contents.

As he untied the ribbon and opened the box, a pungent, fishy odor assaulted his nostrils.

The putrid stench of decaying flesh filled the air.

Yet, Jeong-hoon betrayed no reaction.

*Stay calm.*

Jeong-hoon finally looked up, after staring at the contents for a long moment.

“It’s less than I anticipated.”

Cheon Jin-hyeok observed Jeong-hoon’s impassive face.

*What is this? He doesn’t even flinch at something like this.*

His eyes flickered momentarily.

“If you intended to intimidate me… you should have brought at least one severed hand. It seems I was underestimated.”

Jeong-hoon sneered at Cheon Jin-hyeok.

“Hahaha.”

His sudden burst of laughter drew the attention of the other patrons.

Eun-soo, seated by the window, cast an anxious glance toward Jeong-hoon’s table.

“It seems I’ve encountered a true rival, no, a competitor, for the first time in quite a while.”

“Well, you may perceive it that way… but I don’t necessarily share that sentiment.”

Jeong-hoon smiled faintly and shook his head.

His expression shifted momentarily, becoming menacing, before relaxing once more.

It was clear that he was being dismissed.

Cheon Jin-hyeok felt a surge of resentment.

But he suppressed his emotions, as his father had taught him.

He plastered on his bright smile once more, and said,

“Indeed, indeed. I am curious to see how a 10 billion won construction company can possibly secure the contract. You might find yourself biting off more than you can chew… It appears time is running short, so I wish you the best of luck.”

“I intend to succeed. Then I shall satisfy your curiosity on that day. I look forward to it. I’ll take my leave now. Oh, and thank you for the gift.”

Jeong-hoon rose from his seat.

“Hmph, did you truly believe that was our gift?”

His words lingered in the air. Jeong-hoon couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling.

*What are these guys up to now…?*

“If you’re curious, watch the news today.”

Jeong-hoon offered no response and left the table.

Eun-soo immediately followed.

“Haa.”

He exhaled a long sigh and relaxed.

“Are you alright?”

He responded calmly to Eun-soo’s concern.

“Yes, I’m fine. Let’s go home. We need to return quickly.”

Jeong-hoon was troubled by Cheon Jin-hyeok’s parting words.

He worried about the cruel deeds they might be planning, something far more sinister than the rotten fingers in the gift box.

***

“This morning, Lee Cheon-sik, the CEO of the demolition company Jeokseong, was found dead in the mountains. He was recently under investigation, though not detained, on charges of extortion, kidnapping, and bribery. He left a will stating that he admitted to all his wrongdoings and apologized… Police officials say that there are currently no signs of homicide… This was Lee Yoon-young, reporting from Jungbu City.”

Chairman Cheon Sang-soo, who was watching the news, wore a somber expression.

“Hmm, I sent a valuable friend on his way. But it was unavoidable. I couldn’t allow them to trace the trail back to us.”

“Yes, Chairman. My brother left a final message, expressing his gratitude.”

“Did you personally see him off?”

The man kneeling on the floor nodded.

“It couldn’t have been easy. You’ve worked hard. Go. You must be busy preparing for the funeral.”

“Thank you once again for granting me this opportunity, Chairman.”

“What thanks? Man-sik, I don’t easily abandon my people. As long as you don’t err, I’ll support you to the very end.”

“Yes.”

Man-sik bowed deeply.

Water droplets splattered onto the floor.

“And don’t even contemplate revenge just yet. There are too many eyes watching us right now, so you must exercise caution. First, support Heaven Construction’s endeavors. Now, leave.”

“Yes.”

Cheon Jin-hyeok watched Man-sik carefully back out of the room.

“Chairman, is there a need to grant him another chance?”

“Huh, that fellow. Don’t you know the saying that people are hope?”

“Yes? I’ve heard it, but….”

Cheon Jin-hyeok was taken aback by his father’s unexpected words.

He had always considered money and power to be the ultimate values.

“How many years do you think it would take to find and cultivate another guy like that?”

“……Wouldn’t it take at least 10 years?”

“Yes, that’s right. It costs hundreds of millions of won to properly groom a guy like that. You have to squeeze him dry. He’s the kind of guy who would send his own brother to his death with his own hands. Well, in his own way, it’s under the guise of sending him off comfortably, but in the end, that guy is also trying to survive and live comfortably.”

“……I hadn’t considered it that deeply, Father.”

“Son, take good care of your people. That way, they’ll be useful when you need them. Even if they’re disposable items.”

“Yes. I understand.”

Jin-hyeok finally grasped the reason behind his father’s meticulous care of his subordinates.

They were all disposable spoons, ready to sacrifice themselves for him someday.

Cheon Jin-hyeok mused that toothpicks might be a more apt analogy.

“What was your impression of Yoon Jeong-hoon?”

“He didn’t seem easily manipulated.”

“Why?”

“He didn’t even flinch at the sight of the severed fingers.”

“Really? Hahaha, it would be strange if he didn’t faint… What should you do with a guy like that?”

Chairman Cheon Sang-soo fixed his gaze on his son.

“You have to eliminate him for sure before he becomes a bigger threat.”

He gave a satisfied answer and smiled like a benevolent father.

“Yes, one must be certain. But… it seems Hyeon Jeong-ok is making moves.”

“Yes? Is Madam Hyeon Jeong-ok an important variable?”

“Well… I can’t say for sure. Whether she’s a variable or inconsequential. In fact, not knowing is the greater concern.”

“If you don’t know….”

“It’s precisely as I said. A woman who has lived in seclusion for over 10 years, since her son’s death, has suddenly emerged into the world.”

“Then doesn’t that imply she’s still unfamiliar with the ways of the world?”

“Ordinarily, yes, but… I’m more apprehensive because it’s Hyeon Jeong-ok. Hyeon Jeong-ok and Yoon Jeong-hoon… that woman was no ordinary person. It would have been fortunate if she had remained quietly at home… If she has secretly amassed power… it might not be easy.”

“What does that signify?”

“We know nothing. That’s what’s frightening. The power of her concealed strength.”

Chairman Cheon Sang-soo closed his eyes and leaned back on the sofa.

He felt a sense of unease, though he knew it was likely unfounded.

There was no way she could have built up her strength while evading the constant surveillance.

But a nagging unease, one he couldn’t quite dispel, lingered in his mind.

***

“Hey Man-ho, has Jeong-hoon been busy lately?”

“No, he’s been studying every day.”

“Really? I went to his room earlier, but he wasn’t there.”

“Ah, he mentioned he had an appointment today and went out with Eun-soo.”

“Where?”

“Well… he didn’t tell me either.”

“Really? Well, if he went with Eun-soo, I don’t have to worry.”

“Grandma, it’s starting.”

Eun-soo, who was watching TV in the living room, called out.

“Okay, I’m coming. What about you?”

“Yes, I have to go too.”

Man-ho followed her, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The opening credits of the popular drama began to roll.

The three of them, sitting side by side, were completely engrossed, as if they were about to be drawn into the screen.

A beach an hour’s drive from Jungbu City.

Jeong-hoon was sitting in a dilapidated restaurant that appeared to be closed, facing the beach.

He was the only patron.

The popular drama was playing on the TV, and the restaurant owner was busy with early closing preparations in the kitchen.

A plate of fresh sashimi and some snacks sat on the table.

Jeong-hoon kept checking his watch.

He was supposed to meet at 9 o’clock, but it was now an hour past the appointed time.

He wondered if he truly needed to attend this meeting.

But union leader Kwon Yul had insisted, threatening to withdraw his support for Jeong-hoon’s bid to become the reconstruction contractor if he didn’t.

The meeting itself wasn’t the issue.

His concern stemmed from Kwon Yul’s refusal to disclose the identity of the other party.

*Who will it be?*

He hoped to avoid meeting anyone who could potentially cause harm.

It would be a major problem if they demanded kickbacks or slush funds….

“He’s almost here, Jeong-hoon.”

Jeong-hoon glanced at union leader Kwon Yul.

“Young master.”

Kwon Yul subtly attempted to drop the honorifics, but Jeong-hoon firmly resisted.

He remained unyielding on the matter of honorifics.

He had explicitly instructed Kwon Yul to address him as “young master.”

If they dispensed with honorifics, their attitude would become casual, and they would treat him with disrespect.

Words define relationships.

Jeong-hoon refused to allow them to drop the honorifics, in order to maintain a position of authority.

“Who is it that they’re so late?”

“Hehe, you’ll know when you see him. He’s a very important person in Jungbu City.”

Shortly after 10 o’clock, the sound of a car engine echoed outside the restaurant.

An elderly man wearing a bucket hat and a thick parka entered.

Jeong-hoon’s expression hardened as he stood to greet him.

It was the incumbent member of the National Assembly.

Independent Assemblyman Jo Yong-jin.

He was renowned for his conservative views and fastidiousness.

He was often featured in newspaper articles as an upright and honest lawmaker.

It was perplexing that such a person would be exerting influence on the reconstruction project.

Assemblyman Jo Yong-jin, upon seeing Jeong-hoon’s face, offered a wry smile, his expression one of disbelief.

“Hehe, this, hehe. I was expecting Madam Hyeon Jeong-ok, but instead, a mere fledgling arrives.”

Jo Yong-jin voiced his displeasure without reservation.

“I, too, had no idea that a smelly old man from the back room would be attending.”

Assemblyman Jo Yong-jin’s face flushed crimson at Jeong-hoon’s words.