The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 52

#052

“How are the election preparations going?”

“Kwon Yul is working hard, but it’s challenging. It must be frustrating for him not to have the backing of a major party. Still, he’s cultivated strong ties in Jungbu Market over the years, so his name recognition is growing.”

“That’s a relief. I was quite worried. It wouldn’t look good if it didn’t pan out, especially after supporting him with the building.”

“Well, elections are always unpredictable, aren’t they? It’s still too early to say for sure. The outcome will be decided on election day.”

“I understand.”

Jo Young-jin savored a piece of sacred sea bream.

“This sea bream is especially delicious today. You should have some more.”

“Please, eat your fill, Assemblyman. I feel bad that I can’t be of more help. As the grandson of the Cash King, I’d like to contribute somehow.”

Jung-hoon knew Jo Young-jin, who prided himself on his integrity, wouldn’t directly ask for money.

So, he subtly set the stage.

“Well, elections always need more manpower and… resources.”

Jo Young-jin interjected.

Jung-hoon continued, filling the silence.

“Exactly. People, money, and organization are always in short supply, aren’t they?”

“Haha, that’s right. Always lacking. Especially for an independent candidate like Kwon Yul.”

“Elder, it seems many people have approached Kwon Yul recently?”

“Indeed, many are trying to court him. Both parties are vying for his support.”

“Then isn’t it just a matter of choosing a side?”

“Haha, are you truly that naive, or just pretending?”

Jo Young-jin smiled wryly, studying Jung-hoon.

“Joining the political fray isn’t just about getting your hands dirty. You have to stomach the unpleasantness and sometimes even partake in the unsavory aspects. He’s trying to avoid that kind of politics, isn’t he?”

“Isn’t the end result what matters in politics? They say you must seize power to achieve your goals.”

“Haha, all lies. Empty words.”

Jo Young-jin downed a shot of alcohol.

“Listening to you reminds me of a prosecutor friend of mine. He wanted to gain power and change the world. Now, he’s closer to the powerful than anyone else.”

His expression was tinged with bitterness.

“I understand perfectly, Elder. That’s enough for me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was just wondering if the grandson of the Cash King is someone you can work with.”

Jo Young-jin’s eyebrows twitched.

“Aren’t you being a bit presumptuous? What makes you think you can look down on a member of the National Assembly?”

“Look down on a member of the National Assembly? Is that where you plan to stay? I don’t want to meet with Assemblyman Jo Young-jin in the future.”

Jung-hoon emphasized the title ‘Assemblyman’.

Realizing Jung-hoon’s ambition, Jo Young-jin burst into laughter.

“Haha, hahaha. Is it youthful ambition or just recklessness?”

“Well, you can assume I can do anything because I’m the grandson of the Cash King.”

“Yes, the grandson of the Cash King… But when will you become the Cash King?”

“Just as you won’t remain an Assemblyman forever, I won’t stay the grandson of the Cash King either. I intend to climb higher.”

“Yes, climb. I’m curious to see how high you’ll go. Have a drink.”

Jo Young-jin poured cider into Jung-hoon’s glass.

Jung-hoon smacked his lips, feigning disappointment.

“I’ll start helping little by little from tomorrow. Consider it a small token of my support. You just focus on pursuing your dreams, Assemblyman. I’ll pursue mine too.”

“I’m looking forward to it. But I can’t accept your help without knowing what you want in return.”

Jung-hoon drained his glass in one gulp.

The sharp carbonation stung his throat.

He felt a jolt of alertness.

“I want to meet the labor union leader of Daehan Heavy Industries.”

Jo Young-jin’s face instantly changed.

He was clearly a shrewd operator.

He immediately understood Jung-hoon’s motive.

“Was that it? The reason you’re helping me?”

“I won’t deny it.”

“Don’t you think you’re biting off more than you can chew?”

“Well, I think you’re underestimating me. Jungbu Construction became a top-tier construction company in just one year.”

Jo Young-jin recalled Kwon Yul’s words.

Orders were flooding into Jungbu Construction, fueling its rapid expansion.

Even without any reconstruction projects, they had already become a top-tier construction company.

A top-tier construction company refers to construction firms ranked 1st to 100th in terms of construction capability in Korea.

Jungbu Construction’s sales skyrocketed from 10 billion to 500 billion won [approximately $7.5 million to $375 million USD].

It was a miracle.

Jo Young-jin realized he needed to reassess his perception.

He wanted to understand the true intentions of the young man before him.

It couldn’t be solely about corporate greed.

“I apologize. I was mistaken. What’s the real reason you want to acquire Daehan Heavy Industries?”

Politicians always appreciate plausible justifications.

“I want to build the best company in the world.”

“What? Make it the world’s number one?”

He was taken aback by the sheer scale of the ambition.

He had expected a more modest goal, like stabilizing the company.

“Yes, the world’s best… You always exceed my expectations. I can’t refuse to help if you’re aiming for the top spot globally. But that union leader is a tough negotiator. You’ll have to persuade him carefully.”

“I will persuade him. Please just arrange the meeting, Elder.”

“Alright, but the government ultimately decides the acquisition. There’s likely already a preferred bidder.”

“That’s what makes it exciting, isn’t it? Where’s the fun in an easy victory?”

Jo Young-jin laughed heartily at Jung-hoon’s audacity.

“Well, it’s likely the predetermined bidders are corrupt, so taking it from them is justifiable. Hahaha.”

Jo Young-jin emptied another glass and continued.

“But the union leader, Son Hyung-soo, is a close friend, but he’s very principled. He can’t be swayed with money.”

“I’m not planning to use money. I have more valuable assets than that.”

Jo Young-jin looked puzzled.

“I have many friends and valuable connections like you, Elder. But my greatest asset is my dreams. So, I’m confident things will go well.”

“You always speak like a dreamer.”

But Jo Young-jin also recognized that he wasn’t just an idle dreamer. He could sense the magnitude of his ambition. And that ambition was gradually changing things.

Even Jungbu University was showing keen interest in the cutting-edge knowledge startup center that Yoon Jung-hoon was funding.

Innovative companies poised to drive the future of Jungbu City and Korea were preparing to launch.

“Dreams… Meeting you makes me feel a decade younger. Have a drink.”

Jo Young-jin glanced at the empty cider bottle.

“Hey, another bottle of cider here.”

“Yes, Elder.”

Jung-hoon smacked his lips, a hint of disappointment on his face.

He momentarily craved soju to cleanse his palate.

***

‘Resolutely oppose the unfair sale! Resolutely oppose the privatization of public corporations!’

The factory was draped with banners from the labor union protesting the sale of Daehan Heavy Industries.

Union officials gave interviews to reporters, followed by an emotional head-shaving ceremony [a symbolic act of protest and determination].

But the company was already deeply divided. Those favoring privatization hoped for higher wages.

Those opposed feared potential layoffs.

The intense conflict between the two factions was escalating tensions within the factory.

“Our labor union will never agree to this sale! This sale that benefits the chaebols [large family-owned conglomerates]…”

The labor union leader’s interview made the evening news, sparking public debate.

The following day, newspapers were filled with articles debating the merits and drawbacks of the sale.

Park Hyun-chul, the deputy chief prosecutor, visiting the secret room after a long absence, clicked his tongue as he read an article about the Daehan Heavy Industries sale.

‘They should obey the government’s directives. These spineless worms are telling us what to do…’

He felt democracy had gone too far.

He turned to Judge Jo Jae-wook, seated beside him, and said,

“Judge Jo, don’t you think people have become too comfortable?”

“Indeed. They’re too outspoken. They should quietly collect their paychecks and be content, but they think they’re the owners?”

Judge Jo Jae-wook, with his thinning white hair, also clicked his tongue.

There should be a clear distinction between leaders and followers, and he resented the followers overstepping their bounds.

“Exactly. They wouldn’t dare utter a word if we gave them a little ‘electricity’ [a euphemism for torture or coercion] like in the old days.”

“Hahaha, ‘electricity’… It’s been a while since I heard that term. Judging was easier back then. Everyone confessed, so there was nothing to ponder. Those were the good old days.”

“Precisely. We need to return to those times soon.”

“Oh, Cheon Sang-soo asked me for a favor.”

“What is it?”

“He wants me to escalate the strike.”

Judge Jo Jae-wook revealed Cheon Sang-soo’s plan.

Park Hyun-chul’s expression darkened.

“Sang-soo is getting too ambitious. He’s acting out of line because he has the Elder’s backing.”

Park Hyun-chul said with displeasure.

“Khahaha, isn’t that the point of becoming a chaebol chairman?”

“Tsk tsk, they’d be groveling for mercy if we wielded our power. Where did they…”

“Let them act up. Isn’t it amusing to watch their antics? Besides, the Elder still favors him, so we have no choice but to tolerate it.”

“I don’t understand why the Elder favors such a son.”

“Well, didn’t Sang-soo offer his wife and children to the chairman?”

“What? Haha, that guy. Is it because he has no scruples? Hahaha.”

Park Hyun-chul looked dumbfounded.

Just then, the door to the secret room opened.

“We’re ready. We’ll come in and greet you.”

“Okay.”

The five young men wore sleek, dark suits. Expensive suits costing thousands of dollars each.

They lined up, eager to make a confident impression at their first meeting.

“Hello, seniors.”

They greeted in unison.

Each introduced himself.

There was no need to mention their school and student number.

They were all graduates of Seoul National University’s Law School and had recently passed the second round of the bar exam.

“This year’s Seonggol [a term for high-achieving graduates from prestigious universities] are quite young.”

“Yes, especially Kang Chul-joong, he’s a freshman.”

Everyone looked surprised.

“Haha. Did you say Kang Chul-joong?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Park Hyun-chul, the deputy chief prosecutor of the Central District Prosecutors’ Office, and this is Judge Jo Jae-wook from the Seoul High Court. Congratulations on becoming an Ilsong Family member.”

“If you give me a significant case later, I’ll do my best.”

“Give me a significant case…? Hahaha, this one’s ambitious. You should become a prosecutor. Work hard at the training institute.”

“Yes, senior. I’ll graduate at the top and visit you.”

“What? This one’s something else.”

Park Hyun-chul looked pleased.

“A prosecutor? A judge is good too. It’s a pity.”

Judge Jo Jae-wook looked regretful, as if he had missed a promising talent.

“Prosecutor Park, if you want to give this one a significant case, you should bring him to the Central District Prosecutors’ Office.”

“If he graduates at the top, of course, I’ll take him.”

“I’ll definitely graduate at the top of the training institute. Please take good care of me, senior.”

A confident voice and a friendly demeanor.

He liked it.

“Khahahaha. I really like this one.”

Jo Jae-wook and Park Hyun-chul, impressed by the young man’s spirit, grabbed a bottle of Macallan whiskey worth over ten million won [approximately $7,500 USD].

“Raise your glasses.”

At his command, the men quickly raised their glasses and respectfully received the alcohol that Park Hyun-chul poured with both hands.

“Now, welcome to our Ilsong Family. As you know, membership isn’t open to just anyone, right? Only the top elites among the Ilsong scholarship recipients qualify. Now, let’s drink. To heaven and earth!”

“Cheers!”

A loud cheer echoed in the secret room, and everyone emptied their glasses.

The atmosphere in the secret room resembled that of a high-end room salon [a type of Korean hostess bar].

The lighting was dim, and the music was loud.

Women of celebrity-caliber beauty were serving drinks.

Inappropriate touching became more frequent.

“Oh, by the way, what’s the status of the securities firm merger? Are you going to let Yoon Jung-hoon acquire it?”

Upon hearing Yoon Jung-hoon’s name, Kang Chul-joong, who was feigning drunkenness, snapped to attention and listened intently.

“The Elder told me to let it be. We could block the merger if we pushed, but the situation is volatile these days, so he told me to stand down.”

“What is he up to… I really don’t understand.”

Park Hyun-chul was dissatisfied.

He resented being constantly thwarted.

But for some reason, the chairman was simply observing.

“Well, Chief Han Hyun-dong said that the chairman likes Yoon Jung-hoon.”

“What? What’s that about?”

Park Hyun-chul found it hard to believe.

They couldn’t possibly have such feelings for each other.

“Well, he said that guy glared at the chairman and warned him to be careful. I don’t know if he admired his audacity or his actions, but he’s been watching him closely lately.”

“Really? Haha, it’s hard to believe.”

“I find it hard to believe too. But since it’s Chief Han Hyun-dong’s word, it’s likely not entirely false.”

“Haha, hahaha.”

Park Hyun-chul was dumbfounded.

“Seeing that Yoon Jung-hoon has built Jungbu Construction and even acquired the second-largest securities firm in the industry… It’s both fascinating and concerning.”

“How could that be Yoon Jung-hoon’s doing? It’s all possible under Hyun Jung-ok’s influence.”

“No. Hyun Jung-ok just observed. That’s why I’m worried. We should eliminate promising threats early on… I’m concerned the chairman will miss the opportunity.”

“Okay, let’s stop talking about unlucky people and just drink.”

“I’ll head out now. I’d prefer something other than alcohol tonight. Hahaha.”

“Yes, then have fun. Judge Jo, don’t overdo it.”

Jo Jae-wook took the person next to him and left the secret room.

Park Hyun-chul looked around.

Already half of them were drunk and slumped on the table.

Kang Chul-joong was among them.

He refilled his glass with Macallan whiskey.

He smiled wryly as he looked at Kang Chul-joong.

‘Congratulations on joining the Ilsong Family, Chul-joong. I want to help you rise, but it won’t be easy because you lack connections. But I’ll do my best to push you to become a useful pawn.’

Park Hyun-chul smiled bitterly.

Meanwhile, Kang Chul-joong, feigning drunkenness, was secretly pleased with Jung-hoon’s progress.

He was curious to see how far Jung-hoon would go.

‘You take your path in the sun, and I’ll take mine in the shadows… I’ll do my best.’

Kang Chul-joong clenched his fist, reaffirming his secret ambition.

***

On the last night of 2001, Eun-soo, her grandmother, and the family members gathered to listen to the Bosingak bell ringing in the new year [a traditional Korean New Year’s Eve ceremony].

2001 ended, and 2002 began.

Major events were on the horizon, such as the World Cup and the presidential election.

Meanwhile, the threat of war loomed due to North Korea’s provocations.

And there were undervalued companies ripe for acquisition.

Thinking about them, Jung-hoon’s eyes gleamed.

Jung-hoon was reading a letter from Da-hye in the car.

They preferred exchanging letters to phone calls.

She enjoyed writing letters, even though she had a cell phone.

Her letters, arriving after a few days, brought great joy to his daily life.

While he was engrossed in the letter, Kwak Hyun-soo’s voice startled him.

“We’ve arrived.”

Jung-hoon looked up and out the window.

People in sharp suits were lined up.

He hadn’t ordered them to do this….

It was a bit overwhelming, but he couldn’t change it.

Someone approached and opened the back door for Jung-hoon.

Jung-hoon stepped out of the car and slowly scanned each person’s face.

They were the elite executives who had survived the mergers of BHC, Heaven, and Dongseo Securities.

Each was capable of extraordinary work.

Jung-hoon had handpicked them based on information gleaned from economic newspapers, identifying individuals poised for future success.

Of course, trust was paramount.

They were the core members of Shinhwa Securities.

He felt a surge of pride in having assembled such a team.

The executives lined up and bowed to Jung-hoon.

‘Is this the power of money?’

Jung-hoon smiled inwardly.

“Let’s go inside.”

At Yoon Jung-hoon’s words, they immediately straightened up and followed him.

Their faces radiated confidence.

His positive energy was contagious.

The first executive meeting of the newly launched ‘Shinhwa Securities’.

Yoon Jung-hoon, seated at the head of the table, surveyed the room.

It was time to announce the year’s objectives.

“This year’s primary goal is to achieve industry leadership. And the second is…”

Everyone nodded, anticipating his words.

He could sense their confidence in their ability to succeed.

Jung-hoon looked around once more.

Everyone was focused on him, their expressions tense.

He slowly began to speak.

“The second goal is…”

The Genius Grandson of the Cash King Becomes a Tycoon.