The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 63

#063

The faces of Jang Jae-hyuk and Lee Ji-yong flashed across the electronic billboard at the intersection.

It was a video of Lee Ji-yong and Jang Jae-hyuk cavorting in a room salon [a type of Korean hostess bar].

Their faces, undeniably clear, were exposed for all the world to see.

It was a twist of fate.

A hostess had secretly filmed their unsavory acts and kept the footage.

When Jang Jae-hyuk’s secret was revealed, she felt emboldened to release it.

Cha Young-mi played the video on the Jungbu Market intersection billboard, ensuring maximum exposure.

For Mayor Jang Jae-hyuk, it was adding salt to a festering wound.

The audio file of Park Chang-soo confessing to the terror attack on Kwon Yul’s office was also rapidly spreading online.

It was a recording of Jang Jae-hyuk, the ruling party candidate, directly soliciting a favor from himself, the leader of an international gang, and boss Lee Ji-yong.

Assemblyman Jang Jae-hyuk held an emergency press conference and vehemently denied the allegations.

He decried it as a smear campaign.

But people flocked to the polls in droves.

Even at 6 p.m., voting was still underway.

Long lines snaked around the block, a testament to the surge of voters since the afternoon.

With less than five minutes until the polls closed, a line stretching hundreds of meters remained.

The voters looked anxious, worried that a hypocrite might ascend to the mayor’s office.

A staff member from the election commission raised their voice to address the crowd.

“If you are in line by 6 p.m., you will be able to vote!”

A collective sigh of relief swept through the line.

The voting in Jungbu City concluded at 7 p.m., with a final turnout of 82%.

It was the highest turnout in the city’s history.

***

On Election Day, a designated temporary holiday, Jung-hoon made plans to meet Park Da-hye for dinner.

He drove Eun-soo to the front of Seoul National University.

Spotting Jung-hoon from afar, Park Da-hye jumped up and down, waving enthusiastically.

“Jung-hoon! Over here!”

Even in the dimly lit street, her radiance shone through.

Jung-hoon waved back.

She rushed over and embraced him tightly.

“Hey, people are watching.”

“So what? Hehe.”

Park Da-hye beamed and greeted Eun-soo.

“Eun-soo, have you been well too?”

Eun-soo, who had been scowling, reluctantly greeted Park Da-hye.

“I’ve been well, Da-hye.”

Da-hye gave a saccharine smile and delivered a swift kick to Eun-soo’s shins with her hard shoe.

First the left, then the right.

A brutal combo!

“How dare you act that way towards a senior!”

“I’m sorry. Da-hye sunbae-nim [term for senior], have you been well?”

Da-hye nodded with a satisfied smirk.

“Shall we go eat tteokbokki [spicy rice cakes]?”

“Huh? I wanted to treat you to something fancy.”

“Something fancy? Your time is the most valuable thing, can’t you spare some of it for me? Today, I just want to have a simple date eating tteokbokki like any other couple.”

“Okay.”

He was a little disappointed that he couldn’t lavish her with an expensive meal, but he suppressed the urge.

The time spent together was precious in itself.

These days, even he felt overwhelmed by his busy schedule.

Even now, as he gazed at her, his mind was still preoccupied with the election results.

He steeled his resolve and focused his attention on Da-hye.

They went to a popular tteokbokki restaurant near the university.

“Jung-hoon, say ‘ah.'”

“Why?”

As he opened his mouth, she popped a bright red tteokbokki into it.

“Thank you… Ugh.”

His mouth was instantly ablaze.

“You, you.”

“Hehe.”

Jung-hoon gazed at Park Da-hye’s radiant smile.

She was truly beautiful.

Eun-soo grimaced, covered her mouth, and gagged.

She looked visibly unwell.

“Hey, Park Da-hye.”

A man, approximately 180 centimeters tall, called out her name.

Seeing him, Park Da-hye instinctively linked her arm through Jung-hoon’s.

“Yoon-ho sunbae-nim, hello. This is my boyfriend. His name is Yoon Jung-hoon.”

“Is that so?”

He exuded a friendly aura and an air of refined elegance.

“I’ve heard a lot about you from my father. Yoon Jung-hoon, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other often.”

“Pardon?”

“Ah, Chairman Song Cheol-ho is my father.”

He was the son of Ilsong Group Chairman Song Cheol-ho.

“Hey, Park Da-hye and I… No, don’t get too close to her. Because Da-hye will be unhappy. I hate having my things tainted.”

He offered an awkward smile.

“Excuse me, Song Yoon-ho sunbae-nim.”

Jung-hoon stood up and addressed him directly.

“Are you out of your mind?”

“What?”

He looked taken aback.

“Referring to my woman as ‘my things’? Unhappy? I’m exercising considerable restraint because this is our first encounter.”

Jung-hoon glared at him, his eyes blazing.

The face of the man standing next to Song Yoon-ho twisted in anger.

He lunged at Jung-hoon with a punch.

But Eun-soo’s hand intercepted the blow, gripping the attacker’s fist with crushing force.

“Ugh.”

Jung-hoon watched impassively.

“You’re even more ignorant than your father, Song Yoon-ho. Apologize to Da-hye.”

“…”

Song Yoon-ho remained silent, his expression unyielding.

He looked like he would never apologize.

Jung-hoon grasped Park Da-hye’s hand and led her away.

They walked in silence for a long time.

He glanced down at her as she walked beside him.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded.

Jung-hoon looked down at her, and she blinked her big eyes and looked up.

Her face was flushed with shyness.

She reached up on her tiptoes, and her lips brushed against Jung-hoon’s.

A moment of eternity, time seemed to stand still.

Hugging in the man’s arms, she pressed her ear close to the man’s heart.

It was beating as strongly as hers.

She could still hear those words echoing in her mind.

‘My woman.’

She was filled with happiness.

*

Song Yoon-ho stared blankly as Yoon Jung-hoon’s group departed.

Song Yoon-ho was displeased but masked his true feelings.

“He’s not an ordinary guy after all.”

He helped his fallen friend to his feet.

Song Yoon-ho felt a sense of contamination and unease.

He resented having his possessions touched.

Now, he harbored animosity towards the man who was defiling it.

She was attractive, but the thought that she had already been touched repulsed him.

But he endured it, compelled by his father’s directive.

He couldn’t forgive him for acting rudely despite his concession.

He vowed to avenge today’s humiliation.

Song Yoon-ho bit his lip and dialed a number on his phone.

“It’s me, I’ll be there tonight, so get ready.”

“Kyaa, come quickly, oppa [term for older brother used by females].”

Song Yoon-ho yearned to cleanse himself of this defiled feeling.

A smile crept across his face as he envisioned the night’s entertainment.

The bitter smile that flickered across his face was laced with cruelty.

***

It was June, the peak season for sea bass, but Jo Young-jin didn’t have a craving for it.

Sashimi is generally discouraged during the humid and sweltering summer months.

Instead of sashimi, Assemblyman Jo Young-jin opted for eel.

Eating it grilled over charcoal is a feast for the senses.

The owner of the sashimi restaurant, who had procured the seasonal eel, addressed him.

“I’ve prepared a top-quality selection. I’ll grill it for you.”

“I enjoy grilling it myself, my friend.”

“Are you dining alone today?”

“No, they’ll be arriving shortly.”

“That handsome young man?”

“Hehe, do you consider him handsome?”

The restaurant owner smiled knowingly at Jo Young-jin.

“Young people these days are drawn to that type of face.”

“Really?”

Jo Young-jin couldn’t quite grasp it.

To be attracted to that cold and aloof demeanor…

He personally found the guy next to Jung-hoon to be far more appealing.

The old door creaked open.

Yoon Jung-hoon entered.

“Am I late? I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“Not at all.”

The eel on the charcoal was writhing and turning a delectable golden brown.

“I’ll take over.”

“No, I enjoy grilling meat. It gives me a sense of control.”

Jung-hoon nodded in understanding.

“You’re quite different from my initial impression of you, elder.”

“What was I like at first…?”

Jung-hoon remained silent.

“Heh, you.”

“You’ve mellowed out. You seem to laugh more, and you appear younger.”

Jo Young-jin placed a perfectly grilled piece of eel on Jung-hoon’s plate.

“Try it, I grilled it with utmost care.”

“Thank you, elder.”

The rich, oily flavor that spread through his mouth was exquisite.

For a fleeting moment, he thought of Park Da-hye, but he quickly banished the thought.

“I’ve become considerably younger since meeting you. Son Hyung-soo has also experienced a rejuvenation. Do you peddle some sort of youth elixir?”

“I appreciate you attributing it to me, but isn’t it simply because the elders are living vibrant lives?”

“Hahaha. You’re too modest. A person needs a dream to stay young. You’re still young, so you wouldn’t understand. Anyway, I’ve been singing your praises far and wide.”

“Thank you, elder. Please continue to spread the word.”

“As a result, someone has expressed interest in you.”

“Who might that be?”

“An executive in Changwon… Ah, here he comes.”

As expected, Jo Young-jin was showing his age. He should have sought prior consent for this type of meeting…

Jung-hoon was slightly displeased but maintained his composure.

He turned his gaze towards the man who had just entered.

In contrast to Jo Young-jin, he was a large man with a reassuring presence.

“Hello? I apologize for my tardiness.”

He politely bowed to Jo Young-jin and then to Jung-hoon.

“I’m Lee Soon-ho, the CFO of Seonjae General Machinery.”

“Seonjae General Machinery?”

“Yes.”

Seonjae General Machinery was a company that had been spun off from Seonjae Heavy Industries.

Following the dissolution of the Seonjae Group, state-run banks such as the Korea Asset Management Corporation and the Korea Development Bank had taken ownership of the floundering companies.

It was a valuable asset.

In the original timeline, Seonjae General Machinery was also acquired by the company that took over Daehan Heavy Industries.

So, I, who now owns Daehan Heavy Industries?

He was lost in contemplation.

“Let’s eat first. Oh, and you must accept a drink from me. Finally, I have the opportunity to offer you a drink.”

“Thank you.”

Jung-hoon raised the glass in front of him.

He turned his head and downed the glass of clear soju in one gulp.

“Thank you.”

Jo Young-jin was engrossed in grilling the eel, while Lee Soon-ho ate with gusto, befitting his size.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, Jo Young-jin turned to Jung-hoon.

“Aren’t you hungry for more? Daehan Heavy Industries, no, Shinwha Heavy Industries now. Anyway, it doesn’t seem like you’ll be content with just that, will you?”

Jo Young-jin smiled knowingly at Jung-hoon.

The intention was clear.

However, Seonjae General Machinery, with sales of 2 trillion won, wouldn’t be put up for sale until 2005.

So he wasn’t considering it at this time.

His acquisition of Daehan Heavy Industries hadn’t altered the course of history.

The major events he was aware of were still unfolding as predicted.

He was still focused on Seonjae Heavy Industries, which he had set his sights on.

He wanted to acquire it before the impending boom in shipbuilding and marine engineering, but it wasn’t solely about the money.

Suddenly, a voice shattered his reverie.

“Please take over our company.”

Jung-hoon was startled but maintained his composure and looked up.

He fixed his gaze intently on Lee Soon-ho’s face.

‘Is he serious?’

He began to carefully analyze his intentions.

*

“Hey, others would kill to have this opportunity.”

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

“That’s right. Just a moment.”

Jo Young-jin checked his watch and switched on the television.

The results of the local elections were being announced.

It was the Jungbu City mayoral election’s turn at a fortuitous moment.

Next to Kwon Yul’s name was the character ‘유,’ indicating a high probability of election.

“Hahaha, how could I not support you when things are turning out like this? The first independent candidate has been elected in Jungbu City. It wouldn’t have been possible without your assistance.”

“You flatter me. Candidate Kwon Yul had a strong foundation to begin with.”

“Hey, do you think I’m a clueless old man? I’ve heard everything. Accept a drink from me.”

“Thank you.”

Jung-hoon drank the drink he offered with a slightly embarrassed expression.

Jo Young-jin continued, a smile playing on his lips.

“Thank you, thank you. Are you curious as to why I’m asking you to take over Seonjae General Machinery? Of course, it’s because I believe you’ll excel if you do. I’m well aware of Shinwha Heavy Industries’ success.”

The CFO of Seonjae Machinery, who had been listening intently to Jo Young-jin’s words, spoke up.

“In fact, Seonjae General Machinery is the leading company in the domestic construction equipment market. Sales in the defense and machine tool sectors are also robust. It’s a company that would be thriving if the Seonjae Group hadn’t collapsed.”

Jung-hoon nodded in agreement.

“I’m aware.”

“There are individuals who are attempting to manipulate the situation.”

“I’m curious as to who they might be.”

Lee Soon-ho glanced at Jo Young-jin, who shook his head dismissively.

‘Who’s playing games?’

It was at that moment, as Jung-hoon’s curiosity piqued.

Jo Young-jin retrieved his phone.

“Just a moment.”

A wide grin stretched across his face.

“Oh, Mayor Kwon Yul. Congratulations, truly! I knew you would emerge victorious.”

“Okay, hold on a moment.”

Jo Young-jin handed the phone to Jung-hoon.

Kwon Yul’s voice was trembling with emotion.

“Thank you. Doryeon-nim [term of respect].”

A wealth of meaning was conveyed in that brief expression of gratitude.

“This is merely the beginning. I hope you achieve even greater heights.”

“I hope Doryeon-nim also realizes his ambitions.”

Jung-hoon’s heart was deeply touched.

The candidate he had supported had triumphed over the candidates from both major parties.

Jung-hoon felt a surge of curiosity about the Jungbu City he would shape.

“Hey, if a proposal has been made, a decision must be reached. Are you going to accept it or not?”

It hadn’t been long since he had acquired the 7 trillion won Daehan Heavy Industries.

Soon, a lucrative mine would also be under his control.

He felt a sense of apprehension.

The ultimate goal wasn’t Seonjae General Machinery.

It was Seonjae Heavy Industries in Geoje City.

Jung-hoon steeled his resolve and raised his head.

“I also desire to acquire Seonjae Heavy Industries.”

Lee Soon-ho’s hand, which had been holding a soju glass, froze in mid-air.

Jo Young-jin smiled knowingly.

“Seonjae Heavy Industries as well… Are you confident in your abilities?”

“If you’ve decided to support me, I would appreciate it if you did so wholeheartedly.”

“I enjoy conversing with you because you’re so forthright. You don’t inquire about my backing.”

“Yes, I interpreted it as you being willing to provide it if I requested it. You must possess a considerable amount of hidden influence, correct?”

Jo Young-jin nodded in affirmation.

“Accept my glass.”

“Let’s drink properly tonight.”

The glasses were exchanged back and forth.

He was curious about Assemblyman Jo Young-jin’s network of support.

However, he refrained from asking directly.

It was sufficient to allow him to reveal it gradually.

Besides, the sweet soju and savory grilled eel helped him to momentarily forget his questions.

Kwon Yul’s election victory.

And a dreamlike proposition.

It was a delightful evening, as if he could soar into the heavens.

***

Jung-hoon awoke the next day feeling refreshed and invigorated.

He was pleased to find his liver feeling healthy and youthful, free from any lingering effects of the previous night’s drinking.

Still, he resolved to take better care of it.

Jung-hoon traveled to Handong Development, a mining company located in Daegu.

He had an appointment to meet with the president and finalize a deal.

Cash King’s Genius Grandson Becomes a Tycoon