The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 40

#040

It was the first time he had seen her face contorted with such anger.

Hyeon Jeong-ok shouted at Jeong-hoon,

“What are you saying?”

Jeong-hoon faced Hyeon Jeong-ok’s sharp reaction for the first time.

Looking into her eyes, he thought,

‘If I back down here, it’s over.’

“I want to acquire BHC Securities.”

“Why do you suddenly want to acquire it?”

“I can’t tell you the reason.”

“What? You have to tell me so that I can understand.”

“I’ve found a way to significantly reduce BHC Securities’ losses. If everything goes according to plan, we can save at least 50 billion won.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok dismissed it as a pipe dream.

“How are you going to save 50 billion won? The confirmed losses already exceed 100 billion won, and a significant portion of funds have been withdrawn by customers worried about bankruptcy. Is there anything you can realistically do?”

“Yes, there is. And if the plan succeeds, we can even acquire Heaven Securities.”

He spoke clearly and forcefully, not backing down from Hyeon Jeong-ok’s intense gaze.

“Are you talking about Heaven Securities?”

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s eyes widened.

She stared at Jeong-hoon intently.

After a moment of silence, she spoke again.

“Do you know what position Heaven Securities is in?”

Jeong-hoon nodded and said,

“As a result of tracking the hackers this time, their IPs were Heaven Securities’ fixed IPs [Internet Protocol addresses, used to identify devices on a network].”

“And?”

“The malicious code that caused the BHC Securities crisis also originated from there. Some BHC employees, who have been bribed by them, are searching the server and deleting data.”

“What? Deleting data? Are you just watching them do that?”

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s voice grew louder.

“We already have backups, so there’s no problem. Even if they delete it, we have all the original data.”

Relieved, Hyeon Jeong-ok tried to display a pleased expression.

But she quickly composed herself and hid her true feelings.

She was displeased with her grandson for coveting what she considered hers.

Of course, it wasn’t that she didn’t want to eventually give it to him.

Everything would belong to her grandson eventually anyway.

However, she wasn’t sure if he was truly ready to handle it yet.

“Not bad.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok praised him with a short remark.

“I’ve identified stock manipulation and funds being transferred to the United States related to several companies there.”

“Stock manipulation and remittances to the United States…….”

Hyeon Jeong-ok was very pleased with what her grandson had uncovered.

She thought her grandson’s ability to find their traces, which she herself had difficulty finding, was remarkable.

But she couldn’t show it openly.

Tracking them was very dangerous.

“How exactly are you going to lower the acquisition price? Try to persuade me.”

“Grandmother, most of BHC Securities’ futures options contracts are with a foreign hedge fund. They are poised to take over 80 billion won.”

“That’s right.”

“Upon investigation, it turned out to be a paper company in the British Virgin Islands [a jurisdiction known for its financial secrecy]. In the end, the 80 billion won will benefit Cheonjihoe, or their henchman, Heaven Group.”

“Even so, we can’t simply cancel the contract.”

“I won’t cancel it. First, I will pay the full amount. And then, shouldn’t we repay them in kind for what they did to us?”

Only then did Hyeon Jeong-ok fully understand Jeong-hoon’s plan.

“Are you really going to proceed that way? Is the preparation…….”

Jeong-hoon hesitated. He thought there was no need to reveal that everything was already in motion.

“I’m planning to start soon.”

“It won’t be easy. Can you truly do it?”

Hyeon Jeong-ok looked intently at Jeong-hoon. She sensed a strong potential in his confident expression.

She saw her grandson, who had matured so much, in a new light.

“If that plan succeeds, BHC Securities will rightfully become yours, Jeong-hoon. And you’re even aiming to bring Heaven Securities into the fold.”

“I will succeed. And if I acquire Heaven Securities, I can cut off Heaven Group’s vital source of funds. I must succeed.”

“Do you have to be at the forefront? I’m always worried about that. What if those guys are targeting you?”

“Secretary Kwak is always watching. It’ll be okay.”

“That’s true, but……. Sigh, Jeong-hoon! I’m getting old, so I have a lot of worries.”

“I’m going to shake things up, Grandmother.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok looked into Jeong-hoon’s eyes, which were shining with determination for the first time in a long time, and slowly nodded.

***

“Student Kang Cheol-joong in Class 11 of the 3rd grade of Joongbu High School is awarded the Chairman’s Award for raising the honor of Joongbu High School by being an exemplary student with excellent grades.”

A thunderous applause echoed through the auditorium.

Hyeon Jeong-ok presented the certificate and prize to Kang Cheol-joong.

It was an award befitting him, who had been accepted into Seoul National University’s Law School [one of the most prestigious universities in South Korea].

Cheol-joong’s mother, Han Yeon-joo, felt like she was floating on air as she watched the scene.

‘Honey, our Cheol-joong has been accepted into Seoul National University’s Law School. Please wake up soon.’

She was shedding tears of joy as she thought of her husband, who still hadn’t regained consciousness.

Kang Cheol-joong, who received the award, came to the center of the stage and raised both arms.

In one hand was the certificate, and in the other was the trophy.

His face was also beaming.

His actions made it seem like he had won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Kang Cheol-joong’s mother, who had been shedding tears, was now wearing a bright smile.

He thought that tears were not appropriate for such a happy day.

It was a performance for his beloved.

“Hyung [older brother or close male friend], let’s take a picture.”

Eun-soo led Kang Cheol-joong to the central entrance.

“Master, congratulations. You are finally advancing into the world.”

Jeong-hoon also congratulated his master.

“You guys made my school life not boring.”

“Hyung, let’s take a picture of the three of us here.”

Eun-soo, who loved taking pictures like a madman, shouted.

Jeong-hoon handed the camera to Uncle Man-ho and asked him to take a picture.

“Okay, look here. One, two, three.”

The two men stared straight ahead with stiff expressions, while the other man wore a bright smile like a celebrity.

“Wait a minute, you two should smile a little. It’s not a military enlistment, it’s a graduation ceremony.”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

They captured a photo that would last longer than their memories, complete with awkward smiles.

“Um, the chairman is looking for you……. She asked you to come to her office after the graduation ceremony.”

“Yes, I will tell my mother and visit her.”

“Hyung, why is Grandma looking for you?”

Jeong-hoon was curious about the conversation between his grandmother and Cheol-joong.

“Ah, it’s because of my college entrance exam……, she asked me to teach her the secret to getting into Seoul National University’s Law School.”

“That doesn’t make any sense. I’m already practically accepted there……. Hehehe.”

“Don’t be complacent, the top students are often separated by only one question. And actually, I don’t know the secret either. I wonder if she’s going to give me a lot of scholarships……?”

“I hope they give our master a generous allowance and tuition so that he can focus solely on studying.”

Jeong-hoon also assumed it was probably about the scholarship.

But a look of pity briefly crossed his face.

“I hope so too. Hey, I’ll be right back, so wait for me in front of the school gate. Let’s go to that Chinese restaurant and eat until we’re full.”

“Okay.”

***

“Sit here.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok looked at Cheol-joong, who entered with a stiff expression.

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s lips were parched.

She had to apologize, but she was concerned about Cheol-joong’s somber demeanor.

He was trying to take responsibility for his father’s mistakes…….

She felt both proud and sorry at the same time.

“Cheol-joong, I regret saying those things to you.”

“No, Chairman.”

“Call me Grandmother.”

“……Yes, Grandmother.”

“The reason I told you about your father was…… I was worried that those people might harm you or try to deceive you. I didn’t mean to blame you.”

“I know, Grandmother. But I still can’t believe that my father tried to kill Jeong-hoon.”

Cheol-joong swallowed and looked at his grandmother.

Then he spoke again.

“But…… they really came, just like you said, Grandmother. They said they were from Ilsong Foundation. And they tried to drive a wedge between us, saying that my father was hurt because of Jeong-hoon.”

“Really? Those cruel bastards. They’re worse than beasts. You don’t need to associate with those people.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s eyebrows twitched.

But she quickly calmed down and said,

“Cheol-joong, I’m already helping a lot of students. I want to help you in every way. So…….”

“Grandmother.”

Cheol-joong interrupted Hyeon Jeong-ok.

“I’ll tell you upfront. Thank you for taking care of my father, who is still unconscious, and for taking such good care of my sick mother. I don’t deserve this help, but I’m so grateful for your kindness.”

“No, Jeong-hoon asked me to. He said you were the savior who saved him from the swamp.”

“Yes?”

Cheol-joong couldn’t understand.

Jeong-hoon was the one who saved him from being beaten on the street…… He thought his grandmother was mistaken.

Cheol-joong continued.

“It’s clear that these people who have appeared in front of me are bad people.”

“Yes, they’re the ones who need to be uprooted from this land.”

“So I want to help you too. So…….”

Hyeon Jeong-ok, hearing Cheol-joong’s words, took a long sigh and leaned back on the sofa.

“Yes, you’ve thought it through. Now, just focus on studying.”

“Grandmother……, I will really study hard. As a scholarship student of Ilsong Foundation.”

Her eyes shook violently.

“What? Ilsong Foundation…… What are you talking about, Cheol-joong?”

“They want me. They believe that with my potential to become a prosecutor, I can infiltrate their core. They think my abilities are sufficient.”

“That’s true, but…… you don’t have to go that far. Don’t get involved in dirty dealings.”

“No. Grandmother is operating on the outside, and I’ll be on the inside……. They are the ones who deceived and tried to kill my father. I can’t forgive them either. It’s not just for Grandmother. I have to take revenge too.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok bit her lip tightly.

“Ugh, Cheol-joong……. Do you really have to do that?”

She looked at Cheol-joong.

Hyeon Jeong-ok could see the same strong will in his eyes that she had seen in Jeong-hoon.

She realized that she couldn’t dissuade him.

“I’ll be careful.”

“Yes, you have to be very careful. I will protect you with everything I have. If your life is ever in danger, come to me anytime.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

“And……. This is a card I prepared for Eun-soo and Jeong-hoon to use for food and entertainment today. But…… use it if you need it in the future. It’s money that no one knows about and can’t be traced. Only you and I know about it.”

“Yes, Grandmother. I will definitely use it wisely. And please keep it a secret from Jeong-hoon.”

“Is there really a need to go that far?”

“I have to deceive everyone close to me to effectively deceive them. Otherwise…….”

“Yes, you’re right. I was thinking too simplistically.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok nodded.

“Then I’ll get going.”

“Wait a minute, Cheol-joong. Let me hug you. It pains my heart to send my grandson into such a dangerous situation.”

“No. It’s what I have to do, and it’s what only I can do.”

“Yes, yes.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok hugged him tightly.

She could feel his firm resolve emanating from the boy’s broad shoulders.

She thought as she watched Kang Cheol-joong’s back as he left the chairman’s office.

‘Time will tell whether it’s a twisted relationship or a bond between brothers that’s thicker than blood.’

***

“Welcome. Why haven’t you been coming lately?”

“Hehe, have you been well, boss?”

Eun-soo smiled brightly and greeted him.

“Of course. So how much are you planning to eat today?”

“Today is our Kang Cheol-joong master’s graduation ceremony, so we’re going to eat until we’re full.”

The Chinese restaurant owner’s eyes lit up at those words.

He was happy to see them, who ate more than pigs, after a long time, and it was a graduation ceremony…….

“Then I’ll give you free dumplings as a service.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Eun-soo thanked the uncle with a charming face.

The owner’s wife, who was guarding the counter, had a happy smile on her face as she watched the scene.

The Chinese restaurant food arrives as soon as you order it.

Just as they were about to sit down, drink a glass of water, and start talking, the steaming black bean noodles [Jajangmyeon, a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish] were already placed in front of them.

Cheol-joong, who was graduating, had two fried eggs on his plate.

“Wow, what kind of discrimination is this…….”

Eun-soo complained.

The counter lady, hearing those words, shouted sharply.

“Honey, give some to the handsome student here too…… hurry.”

She smiled at Eun-soo as she said those words.

Of course, Eun-soo also gave her a bright smile.

“Ahem, I won’t starve to death if I hang out with this guy. Right, Jeong-hoon?”

“Yeah, really.”

Jeong-hoon shook his head vigorously.

“Eat a lot. And boss. Please give us one bottle of Kaoliang liquor [a strong Chinese distilled spirit].”

Cheol-joong requested alcohol.

“What? I can’t.”

He made a reluctant expression.

“Madam, it’s our hyung’s graduation today.”

As Eun-soo smiled…….

She was already opening the Kaoliang liquor on the shelf.

And she had three glasses in her hand.

“Let’s just drink one glass each.”

Cheol-joong was suddenly setting the mood.

“Jeong-hoon. I don’t know when I’ll share another glass with you.”

“When else, next year. Every day when I get into college. Master.”

Cheol-joong tried to laugh loudly.

“Hahaha, my disciple, is Seoul National University’s Law School that easy? Hahaha.”

“Master, it’s a piece of cake. Hehehe.”

The three men held small glasses in one hand.

And they clinked glasses for the first time.

They looked at each other once.

Eun-soo looked at Jeong-hoon and Cheol-joong, Cheol-joong looked at Eun-soo and Jeong-hoon.

And Jeong-hoon also looked at them, who were like brothers, closer than blood.

They gazed at each other for a long time and emptied their glasses at once, as if they had made a pact.

The sweet apple scent was noticeable.

But the high-proof Kaoliang liquor began to scratch their throats violently.

***

Winter passed and May arrived, with lush greenery adorning the roadside trees of Yeouido [a major financial district in Seoul].

Hyeon Jeong-ok’s Giant LLC, having successfully passed the major shareholder eligibility review, completed the acquisition contract as expected.

She gathered all the securities company employees in the banquet hall.

She decided to hold a simple banquet to commemorate the acquisition.

It was to refresh the chaotic company atmosphere.

“I’m Hyeon Jeong-ok, who acquired BHC Securities. Nice to meet you. It’s fate that we met like this, so please take care of me in the future.”

The audience applauded, and soon the classical performance of the string quartet was about to begin.

Hyeon Jeong-ok posed a question to the employees who were looking at her with curious expressions.

She wanted to bridge the gap between herself and the employees.

“Then, before we start the banquet, does anyone have any questions for me?”

At her words, one person raised his hand as if he had been waiting.

“I’m Lee Cheon-hee, the section chief of the general affairs department of BHC Securities. Thank you for holding this banquet. And thank you again for ensuring our continued employment. President.”

Applause followed from the surroundings.

It was more of a flattery than a genuine question.

But everyone felt the same way.

As employees of the acquired company, they were worried about job security, but everyone was grateful to her for guaranteeing their continued employment.

She saved the sinking ship.

She waved her hand to stop the applause.

Then she smiled slightly and spoke.

“Hahaha, I’m happy to see that everyone has a positive outlook today. But I’m not the president of BHC.”

The venue instantly began to buzz with murmurs.

“The new president will be here shortly. A young giant of the 21st century will lead you with a new vision.”

Hyeon Jeong-ok pointed towards the back door with her hand.

The heavy and imposing black banquet hall door slowly opened.

“Please welcome him with applause.”

The sound of applause gradually began to fill the room.

Everyone gathered in the banquet hall turned their heads and watched a man entering through the door.

As the door opened wide, a young man entered the venue.

The gazes of the people watching Jeong-hoon contained a mixture of emotions.

Expectation, doubt, indifference, disbelief.

Jeong-hoon ignored those expressions and walked confidently up to the stage, grabbing the microphone.

“I’m Yoon Jeong-hoon.”