The Genius Grandson Of The Cash King Becomes A Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 82

#082

A seaside raw fish restaurant, a place Jeong-hun hadn’t visited in a while.

Jeong-hun opened the old aluminum sliding door and stepped inside.

As always, it was empty.

Fresh seafood was laid out on the table.

The owner greeted him with his usual indifferent smile.

“You’re here? The assemblyman will arrive soon.”

“Yes.”

Jeong-hun sat down at the table. Abalone, sea squirt, and rockfish sashimi were before him.

He hadn’t had dinner yet.

It looked irresistibly delicious.

– Creak

The door opened, and a younger-looking Assemblyman Jo Young-jin entered.

Chief Financial Officer Lee Soon-ho also came in.

“You’ve arrived?”

“Congratulations, young master!”

“Congratulations.”

They offered their congratulations as soon as they came in, making Jeong-hun feel a bit embarrassed.

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to your help.”

“What help? You were doing well on your own.”

Jo Young-jin wore a satisfied smile.

“You haven’t eaten dinner yet, have you? You must be hungry, eat up.”

They shared drinks and ate the fresh seafood and neatly prepared side dishes.

When they were somewhat full, Jo Young-jin looked at Jeong-hun and said,

“What are you going to do with Sunjae General Machinery?”

“I plan to leave it alone. It’s running well even without my intervention. There’s no need to interfere.”

Jo Young-jin and Lee Soon-ho both nodded.

“Then are you just going to watch Ilsong?”

Jeong-hun looked at Jo Young-jin.

His demeanor had changed.

‘Was Ilsong the real goal all along?’ Jeong-hun wondered.

“No. Song Ji-ho hasn’t been chairman for long. I should let him enjoy the position for a while.”

“Ahem, quite generous.”

Assemblyman Jo Young-jin chuckled slightly before continuing.

“I’m worried.”

“You don’t have to worry. Cheonjihoe [a private group of influential business leaders] will divide Ilsong as if they’re fighting over scraps. Before that happens, I plan to take all the valuable companies from Song Ji-ho. If possible, everything.”

“I knew I wasn’t wrong about you. Are you already preparing?”

Jeong-hun nodded.

The worry that had clouded Jo Young-jin’s face instantly turned to delight.

“Currently, Ilsong Holdings, the holding company of Ilsong Group, has borrowed 500 billion won from Hanho Group. They have provided 30 percent of their shares to Hanho Group as collateral.”

“If they repay the 500 billion won, it’s fine, but if they can’t, that 30 percent will be lost.”

“As expected, after Song Cheol-ho was arrested, Ilsong Group suffered a rapid financial crunch.”

“Assemblyman, it seems Cheonjihoe is already working on it. They’re trying to divide everything from Ilsong like vultures. They’re already spreading rumors through the media and stock market gossip that Ilsong is in severe financial difficulty.”

“Groundless rumors often become reality. They’ll soon be in financial trouble.”

“Yes, Ilsong’s crisis becomes an opportunity for Shinwa. I’ll meet with them soon to take care of it. I’ll pick out the good companies.”

Jeong-hun recalled his memories from before his regression.

Ilsong Group had many profitable companies.

Especially in the high-tech industry, there were many valuable companies.

Of course, they were currently loss-making burdens.

Jeong-hun had a different perspective, based on his knowledge.

“Then I don’t have to worry. Hehehe.”

Jo Young-jin wore a satisfied expression.

But Jeong-hun was still questioning.

There had to be another reason why he wanted to meet.

“Elder, isn’t there another reason why you wanted to meet me today?”

“Did I want to meet you?”

Jo Young-jin pretended not to know.

“You have great intuition, haha.”

Jo Young-jin emptied the glass in front of him.

“I’m curious. What will happen to this country in the future? I need your opinion, as someone who sees several moves ahead.”

‘What? I’m not a fortune teller, how can I see several moves ahead?’ Jeong-hun thought.

‘Does he think I’m a fortune teller?’

But when he thought about it, that reputation wasn’t entirely wrong.

His predictions had never been wrong so far.

“Is it because of the presidential election?”

“That’s right. And I don’t think I can stay independent any longer. Shouldn’t I join the next ruling party if possible?”

Jeong-hun looked at Jo Young-jin.

He was someone who should grow even bigger, but the restriction of being independent was hindering his growth.

He knew who the next president would be and how dramatically they would be elected.

So, in the current situation, he wouldn’t believe in his election.

What should he do?

He decided to give him the answer he wanted.

Then Assemblyman Jo Young-jin would trust his opinion even more in the future.

“I think candidate Gu Han-soo will win.”

He told him for now. As expected, he had an unbelievable expression.

Well, no one would believe Jeong-hun’s words right now.

Gu Han-soo had an unbelievably low approval rating of 10 percent as a presidential candidate.

There were rumors within the ruling party that they should replace the candidate.

Jo Young-jin looked flustered after hearing Jeong-hun’s words.

It was common sense to think that it would be Jeong Mong-hun or Lee Chan-soo.

“Is there any basis?”

‘Basis?’

He couldn’t answer.

It was true, but he didn’t know the reason.

A very good phrase came to mind in a situation where he couldn’t give an answer.

“It’s public sentiment.”

“What? The approval rating is at rock bottom right now.”

“And it’s the spirit of the times.”

“The spirit of the times…….”

Jo Young-jin looked at Jeong-hun and murmured softly.

If that was the case, it made sense.

If he represented the spirit of the times, he could become president.

But frankly, he didn’t trust it.

Was he expecting too much?

He also wondered if he was just spouting nonsense.

Jeong-hun’s voice was heard again in Jo Young-jin’s ear.

“I don’t know much about politics. However, if you choose someone in the future, you must stay by their side until the end. That is the way for you to grow even bigger, Assemblyman.”

Hmm.

He could tell that Jeong-hun was drawn to Gu Han-soo because of his personality.

But it was probably because he wasn’t sure.

If he overcame the storms that Gu Han-soo would face together, he would immediately rise to become the president’s closest aide.

Jo Young-jin looked into Jeong-hun’s eyes for a while.

“You have a face that confirms my heart many times.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No. You’re right. I wanted to support Gu Han-soo, but I wasn’t sure. I feel relieved after hearing your words.”

“Thank you.”

“Then shall we have a drink now?”

Everyone filled their glasses.

Jo Young-jin, Lee Soon-ho, and Jeong-hun.

They clinked glasses.

The cold alcohol went down their throats.

Jeong-hun looked at Jo Young-jin.

And he thought about the presidential election.

Not this time, but it’s possible next time.

He was confident that he could make someone president with his own power in the next five years.

***

One of the facts he learned through Song Ji-ho.

Hanho Group, famous for its defense industry, has secured 30 percent of the shares of Ilsong Holdings, the holding company of Ilsong Group, as collateral.

Jeong-hun wanted to go to Hanho Group and discuss the matter.

He entered the office of Chairman Han Pan-soo of Hanho Group.

With a completely bald head and silver glasses, his impression was sharp.

Not yet 60, still young as a chaebol [family-owned conglomerate] chairman.

“Hello, I’m Yoon Jeong-hun.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Han Pan-soo.”

He plopped down on the sofa and looked at Jeong-hun.

“I’ll ask you directly. Is it because of Ilsong?”

“Yes. I’ll give you 500 billion won. Please transfer the bonds to me.”

“Transfer for 500 billion won… Then President Yoon Jeong-hun can have Ilsong for 500 billion won.”

“I can have it, but Hanho Group can never have it.”

Han Pan-soo’s forehead furrowed at Jeong-hun’s words.

“Surely, you’re not saying that President Yoon will support Ilsong?”

“Who else would Song Ji-ho ask for money? Aren’t the Cheonjihoe members, whom he believed to be friends, preying on Ilsong like hyenas?”

“That’s a misunderstanding. Can a businessman be swayed by emotions? It’s about growing the company.”

Jeong-hun was speechless at Han Pan-soo’s words.

Friends, partners, colleagues, all nonsense.

When their colleague fell into the water, they only cared about the bundle he had.

They were even pushing him into the water so he couldn’t get back on land.

Cheonjihoe had always grown their companies by plundering like that.

Ilsong Group was the same.

“Hmm.”

Han Pan-soo crossed his arms and pondered.

He had to think about what would be most beneficial to him.

“I’ll sell it for 700 billion won.”

“Are you crazy?”

Jeong-hun deliberately provoked him.

“That’s rude, you should use words befitting a leader of society.”

Han Pan-soo gave Jeong-hun advice with a hypocritical smile.

‘A hypocrite, I’ll strip away your rotten pretense,’ Jeong-hun thought.

Jeong-hun looked up and stared at Han Pan-soo. Then he opened his mouth.

“A leader of society…, so your daughter slapped a department store employee dozens of times and made her kneel. Does the leader of society think of the common people as slaves? If so, your daughter’s actions are very befitting of a leader of society. And the club incident that was in the news last time too.”

Han Pan-soo’s lips trembled.

As rumored, he was extremely devoted to his daughter.

He mobilized a dozen gangsters for his daughter, who had been slapped once at a club, and turned the club into a mess.

“Are you here to negotiate or provoke?”

Han Pan-soo took a deep breath and spoke to Jeong-hun.

‘He’s not someone to be taken lightly,’ Han Pan-soo realized.

He still maintained his poker face.

“Transfer it for 500 billion won. Otherwise, Hanho Group will become like Ilsong next year.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean it will be torn to pieces like Ilsong.”

“What? You…….”

– Thud

Han Pan-soo slammed his fist hard on the armrest of the sofa.

“What? Where are you talking back so rudely!”

Finally, his face crumbled.

Han Pan-soo glared at Jeong-hun, but he didn’t back down either.

“Chairman, choose. Share it with the other Cheonjihoe members, or share it with me.”

“What?”

The eyebrows that had been trembling began to stabilize.

He clearly understood that sharing meant sharing between the two of them.

“Share……. Then we should share half and half. What do you want from Ilsong?”

“Tell me what you want first. I’m okay with the leftovers.”

“I’ll consider it if you give me shipbuilding, distribution, and chemicals.”

These are the companies that account for 60 percent of Ilsong.

Shipbuilding is connected to the defense industry.

It made sense since Hanho Group was focusing on the defense industry.

The rest were also business areas that occupied an important position in Hanho.

“Then what’s left is Ilsong Electronics, Ilsong Hi-Tech, Ilsong Construction, Ilsong Securities and Finance, are those my share?”

Han Pan-soo nodded.

‘As expected,’ Jeong-hun thought.

Only a lot of numbers.

Ilsong Electronics and Ilsong Hi-Tech, which don’t make money and are full of deficits.

At least Ilsong Securities, which is number one in the industry, and Ilsong Construction, which is in the top 20, were in good shape.

In a short moment, he arranged it in a direction that was very advantageous to him.

It accounts for about 40 percent of the group’s sales.

The deficit is 90 percent.

But Jeong-hun knows.

Securities and construction will soon be booming, and Ilson Electronics and Hi-Tech, which is in charge of semiconductors, will also turn a profit.

And Hi-Tech’s semiconductor business was essential for the next stage.

Because a large semiconductor company was wandering around without an owner.

This is a very satisfactory deal for Han Pan-soo.

If he shares it with the Cheonjihoe members, it will be difficult to get even 10 percent, but now he can occupy 60 percent.

“Okay. Let’s do that.”

Han Pan-soo was surprised that Jeong-hun readily accepted his opinion.

But he didn’t show it.

Instead, he asked what he was curious about.

“How are you going to get Song Ji-ho to step down?”

“It’s not difficult. Cheonjihoe, can’t you do it if you put your mind to it?”

“Ahem, you knew about us.”

“I know more than you think. It’s not important now, so we’ll talk about it later… Song Ji-ho, who is cornered, will soon make a bad move that he shouldn’t make. Someone else will have to die. Just like he killed his brother.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

Han Pan-soo’s dark pupils shook violently from side to side.

He clearly understood what Jeong-hun meant.

‘Song Ji-ho killed Yoon-ho. And he’s getting rid of Song Cheol-ho too?’

Then what happens? He racked his brain.

Officially, a new leader election begins.

And the most likely is himself.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I hope it happens soon.”

Han Pan-soo’s inner thoughts were clearly revealed.

His eyes were full of conviction that the next leader was already Han Pan-soo himself.

Jeong-hun looked at him and smiled faintly.

“Then I’ll take over the bonds for 500 billion won.”

“Is that really necessary?”

“Yes. That’s what it takes to get things done.”

“Shouldn’t we draw up a contract?”

“Of course, we should.”

Jeong-hun drew up a contract with Han Pan-soo.

The content is that if Yoon Jeong-hun takes over Ilsong, he will transfer the promised affiliates.

“Shall we set the transfer amount in advance?”

“Most of what I want is a listed company, so I’ll calculate it based on the stock price at that time.”

Jeong-hun saw greed in his eyes.

His desire to have it as cheaply as possible was stirring.

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

It was obvious that the stock price would fall in a situation where the liquidity crisis was emerging.

The important thing is that Han Pan-soo is not the only one looking for cheap goods.

***

Yoon Jeong-hun interviewed Song Cheol-ho.

He was able to have time alone by bringing a lawyer to the interview.

“Chairman. Transfer the 30 percent of the shares you entrusted to Hanho Group as collateral to me. I’ll buy it for 500 billion won.”

“What? How do I transfer that to you?”

“I’ve already taken over the bonds. You can repay me 500 billion won. If you want to pay with shares, you don’t have to repay it.”

His short groan continued.

“I’ll help you with the best lawyers. It’s hard to get probation, but I’ll get it within 5 years.”

“Pfft, you bastard, right now I want to chew you up and eat you. Isn’t it you who killed my son?”

“Your son killed Song Yoon-ho. I understand. Cain killed Abel, and the older brother killed the younger brother. You don’t want to admit it.”

Jeong-hun’s eyes flared.

A cold voice poured out of his mouth.

“But old man. It’s true that you killed my parents. I want to tear you limb from limb like Song Ji-ho… but I’m holding back.”

Blood was seeping from Jeong-hun’s clenched fists.

“…….”

Song Cheol-ho flinched back at Jeong-hun’s frosty gaze.

Jeong-hun, who had calmed his breath, opened his mouth again.

“Shouldn’t you come out and get Ilsong back? Or should you at least get some cash?”

“You’re going to take Ilsong.”

“Exactly half with Hanho Group.”

“How much will you give?”

“I’ll buy 30 percent of the shares for 700 billion won. Then 500 billion won goes to Hanho and the remaining 200 billion won goes to the chairman’s account.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Then I’ll send you a lawyer from today. What’s a public defender for the chairman’s face? Song Ji-ho is too much. Even if he’s an abandoned father, tsk.”

“Stop and go.”

Jeong-hun left.

Song Cheol-ho has nothing but Ilsong Holdings shares now.

All of Ilsong’s close aides were cut off by Song Ji-ho.

And all the Cheonjihoe guys abandoned him. No, if he stays here, he’ll be killed by them.

It was obvious that Cheonjihoe members were aiming for Ilsong.

It was a virtue of Cheonjihoe to plunder the belongings of fallen colleagues.

There was nothing more to think about. The next day, he called Yoon Jeong-hun again.

“Prosecutor Kim Soo-ho, he’s from a non-mainstream background… Is he your line?”

“Yes, he’s my hunting dog. He only listens to me. He doesn’t follow anyone’s will but mine.”

“Then, I’ll ask you. Do as you said last time. And guarantee my safety in prison. There are many people aiming for me.”

“Okay.”

‘I can’t grant the last request. I don’t have connections there unlike you,’ Jeong-hun thought.

Jeong-hun obtained 30 percent of Ilsong Holdings shares.

He had more than Song Ji-ho, who had 10 percent of the shares.

***

The rumors spreading in the stock market spread uncontrollably.

The liquidity crisis of Ilsong Group has now become a fait accompli [an accomplished and irreversible fact] in the economic newspapers.

In the absence of Song Cheol-ho.

The media recklessly slandered Ilsong.

The stock prices of shipbuilding, distribution, and chemicals, which were listed among the affiliates of Ilsong Group, were cut in half.

Hanho Group was manipulating everything behind the scenes.

And the banks that sensed the crisis revealed their teeth.

“We are going to recover the loan.”

“What? How much is it?”

“The promissory note that comes back next month is 100 billion won.”

“Doesn’t the group have 100 billion won?”

“Because of the rumors, people who are supposed to give money don’t give it, and only people who ask for it are overflowing.”

“This……. How are the idiots doing their job!”

His stake was only 10 percent at best, and his father owned most of the rest.

The only way to solve the problem is to sell the shares.

His father will never sell the shares.

He had to meet his father.

But he refused the visit.

Song Ji-ho had no choice now.

He didn’t love him, but he was his father.

He went to his father’s study and touched his desk.

Old and worn wooden furniture.

It was as antique as the traces of time, but it wasn’t his style.

He wanted to erase the traces of time.

His memories with his father were only scars and scars, not warm and sentimental memories.

He stared out the window for a long time and then heavily pressed the phone number.