Chapter Index

    “Uncle will announce the Digital Media City as his first project as the Mayor of Seoul. As you know…”

    “Just the announcement will send land prices soaring.”

    Jin Young-jun couldn’t hide the greed dripping from his voice.

    “The announcement, the permits, the selection of businesses, and so on. Prices jump at each stage…”

    “It’s the perfect place to stash some spare cash.”

    “Where is it exactly?”

    “The Sangam-dong area in Mapo.”

    “Sangam-dong?”

    Jin Young-jun frowned. He knew Mapo, but not the exact location of Sangam-dong.

    “Yes. But most of Sangam-dong is either state-owned or city-owned land.”

    “What? Then it’s useless.”

    “No. If you cross just one narrow road from Sangam-dong, you’re in Susaek-dong in Eunpyeong-gu.”

    “Susaek-dong… ?”

    “Yes. You can practically pick it up for free. It’s incredibly cheap. You know the ripple effect, right?”

    “Hey! You think I don’t know that? I’m a construction company executive, for crying out loud. When land prices in a central area go up, the surrounding areas follow.”

    “Yes. But the documents I saw mentioned Sangam-dong and the surrounding areas, so the Susaek area will likely be included. Since Uncle is the mayor, this is a chance to gain support from both Mapo-gu and Eunpyeong-gu, which he won’t miss. The Media City will definitely span both Sangam-dong and Susaek-dong.”

    “Separated by just one road…”

    “It’s a narrow two-lane road. It’s basically one area.”

    There’s no point in saying more.

    Jin Young-jun was already lost in his fantasy of wads of cash raining down on him.

    “If we buy a little land in the Susaek area, we can make some pocket money, right?”

    “Of course. But hyung-nim, don’t overdo it. Just throw in some spare cash. We don’t know how far into Susaek-dong the project will extend.”

    I backed off slightly, preparing for the future. Not that this guy would hear me.

    “Do-jun. When things are uncertain, you maximize your chances.”

    That’s the reaction I was waiting for.

    “Since we’re guaranteed to see the ripple effect, we should buy up as much as possible. Then we’ll see big profits, moderate profits, and some losses, but the overall result will be profit. That’s why we need to buy as much as we can.”

    “But doesn’t that increase the risk?”

    “If you have the money to handle it, go for it. If you have enough bullets, it’s a game you can’t lose. Heh.”

    His tone was as if he were imparting some great wisdom.

    At times like this, a little admiration is the polite thing to do.

    We’d exchanged sweet words and pleased our minds and hearts, so only one thing remained.

    Jin Young-jun called the people inside the room and had them prepare some simple snacks. He also made a call to bring in some company for the night.

    Less than an hour later, the doorbell rang, and Jin Young-jun rushed to open the door.

    “Oppa—!”

    Girls with pretty faces entered in a line, letting out high-pitched, flirtatious cries.

    Ah, seeing them brought a face and name to mind.

    Seo Min-young.

    When was the last time I saw her? Maybe… three months ago?

    Was grabbing a meal the only time we met?

    I should probably get in touch. She seemed to have a temper on her….

    Relationships are definitely difficult and tiring. Even these infrequent contacts are a bit of a bother.

    * * *

    “You understand now, right? What Father is thinking?”

    Jin Yun-ki was surprised by his older brother Jin Dong-ki’s sudden visit. But the issue he cautiously raised was sensitive enough to warrant a personal visit.

    “Hyung-nim. There’s no need to be so sensitive. Father is just getting old. He probably decided on sending Do-jun to Gunsan as a way to give a gift to his beloved grandson.”

    Since the incident, Jin Yun-ki felt burdened by his brothers’ changed gazes. He wasn’t directly involved, but he was sure his assessment was correct. This was just their fickle father’s amusement.

    Amusement in naming the group’s successor. It’s absurd.

    But Jin Dong-ki, the second nominee, thought differently.

    The successor nomination is spreading subtly, and people’s gazes are changing. Especially those within the group’s mainstream, or those trying to get there, are flocking around the nominees.

    Jin Do-jun is still young.

    If people with ulterior motives, who mistakenly think he’s easy to manipulate, gather around him, he’ll have to repeat unwanted tasks. Namely, distinguishing allies from enemies and fending off the latter.

    “Whatever the cause, the result is what matters in a company. Since Do-jun is young, people will flock to you instead. What will you do?”

    Jin Dong-ki calmly waited for his younger brother’s reply.

    “Don’t ask me. Let’s hear hyung-nim’s opinion. You didn’t come here because you’re actually curious about my thoughts, did you? You came to tell me your plan.”

    Seeing his sharp-witted younger brother, he was completely different from his former carefree days. It was like seeing the cleverness he had as a child again.

    “I said it before, didn’t I? Just be my little brother.”

    “Don’t just make demands. Tell me your plan. I’ll be your good little brother forever.”

    “What?”

    “What if Do-jun’s dream is to become the Chairman of Soonyang Group? Will you fight your nephew? If so, I can’t be hyung-nim’s little brother. I’ll be my son’s father.”

    “That’s just a pipe dream. That’s why you need to step in and stop him.”

    “I can’t play the role of a father who thwarts his son’s dreams.”

    Jin Dong-ki could clearly see his younger brother’s firm resolve.

    “So, hyung-nim, you need to come up with a plan. There’s only one Chairman position in Soonyang Group. Fight only with the eldest brother. Don’t even dream of Do-jun unconditionally yielding or being suppressed by force. Aren’t you a businessman? It would be better to have a discussion again with a mutually beneficial solution.”

    His younger brother’s feelings hit home.

    He didn’t want his son getting caught up in the inheritance battle, but he didn’t seem willing to give up everything either.

    A deal that satisfies both of them. That’s what his brother wanted.

    Having his own business taught him that the first step to solving a problem is to remove emotions.

    Yet Jin Dong-ki himself couldn’t control his emotions and rushed to his brother.

    Let’s solve it like businessmen.

    Jin Dong-ki steeled his resolve.

    “Alright. Then I’ll talk to Do-jun. That will be the first step in solving this, right?”

    “I’d like to join you. Is that okay?”

    “Of course.”

    Jin Dong-ki suddenly loosened his tie.

    “Shall we have a drink while we wait for Do-jun to come?”

    “From this morning?”

    Jin Yun-ki was surprised by his brother’s sudden change in attitude but soon a smile spread across his face.

    Whatever the reason, it had been a while since the brothers shared a drink.

    “Strong stuff? Or something mild?”

    “Let’s go with something mild. My body can’t take it anymore. And I have a feeling I’ll be outmatched if I’m not sober when I talk to Do-jun. Heh.”

    They intended to drink lightly, but they quickly finished an entire bottle of wine.

    * * *

    The hangover from the impromptu drinking session lingered. Rubbing his throbbing head, he opened the front door and heard laughter from the living room.

    “Oh? Uncle. You’re here?”

    “You rascal. I heard you stayed out last night? What are you going to do, starting so early?”

    Here they come, in order.

    The reason the eldest and second sons were looking for me was obvious.

    He felt uneasy about still being hungover, but he noticed the wine bottle on the table. Thankfully, it seemed the two hadn’t noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath.

    “Staying out doesn’t mean I’m running wild. Haha.”

    “You sit down here too. Take this drink from your uncle.”

    It was unexpected to see smiles on the faces of the two who never had anything good to say, but at least they could start with a smile. It would be even better if they could end the conversation smiling as well.

    “Do-jun.”

    “Yes.”

    His uncle filled the glasses and began to speak.

    “Do you want to become the Chairman of Soonyang Group? Enough to endure the overreach of skipping generations…?”

    “Hyung-nim!”

    His father shouted in surprise at his uncle’s direct question, but it was somewhat expected.

    Known for his rational thinking that emphasizes efficiency, his dislike of complicated procedures, and his dry personality that simplifies everything, wasn’t he?

    It was a complete mystery why he lost the succession battle against the greedy eldest son.

    “It’s alright. Do-jun isn’t some immature kid like the other nephews, and I’m not going to intimidate him by treating him like a child. I want to hear the plans of Do-jun, who is practically a member of society. Without knowing his thoughts, there’s no progress in this conversation. Don’t you think so too?”

    His uncle said, looking at his father.

    Both had wiped away their smiles and seemed to have sobered up completely.

    Knowing his nature and temperament well, I also stripped away the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

    “I understand the significance of Gunsan. But I also understand that it’s realistically impossible.”

    As I interrupted their conversation and stated my opinion, their gazes fixed on me.

    “I plan to accept everything that Grandfather gives me. And then resell it. To whoever offers a higher price.”

    “Sell it? Is your goal money?”

    “I don’t necessarily intend to receive the price in cash.”

    “Then?”

    “Well. Since I don’t have the item yet, it’s difficult to say. I’ll have to decide once the item is in my hands.”

    No more questions followed.

    With this much of an answer, anyone could understand my intentions.

    Whether my answer was true or not.

    Silence settled in the space where the conversation had been.

    I only stared at the wine glass in front of me, while the two drank their wine.

    When another empty bottle lay on the floor, his uncle finally spoke.

    “You are cautious. And clever too.”

    His father remained silent.

    “You mean you’ll put your two uncles on either side of a scale and see who cries out first from the unbearable tension, then side with them, causing the value of the item to skyrocket?”

    “Or, to avoid that hassle, I might just offer a discount from the start.”

    “As if you would. Haha.”

    This old man isn’t falling for it.

    His uncle finished the remaining wine in his glass and stood up.

    “It’s clear that Do-jun is the most troublesome one in our family. If it weren’t for the handicap of being the youngest, you would have been the third-generation chairman.”

    He didn’t mention the second generation.

    Those words contained his determination to never relinquish the position of the next chairman.

    As his uncle put on his jacket, his father spoke.

    “Are you leaving?”

    “I know everything I need to know, so I should leave. If I want to be your first customer when Do-jun starts his business, I don’t have time to dilly-dally, do I?”

    His uncle patted my back.

    “Keep growing like this. Don’t emulate your cousins who just act like chaebols.”

    Since I received praise, I should offer my thanks.

    “Thank you. I won’t let your expectations down, Uncle.”

    His face was flushed with alcohol, but his eyes sparkled as if he understood my meaning. That I would grow into a formidable opponent.

    After his uncle left, his father sat me down again and said.

    “You’re giving up on the Soonyang chairmanship, even though you desire it?”

    “For now.”

    “That means it could change later?”

    “It depends on what and how much Grandfather gives me.”

    “Hmm….”

    His father uncorked a new bottle of wine and chuckled.

    “If you need help, just ask. I can at least play the role of a parent.”

    * * *

    “Which bastard is talking about me now? Tch.”

    Chairman Jin grumbled, picking at his ear with his little finger.

    “So, his two sons were making moves?”

    “Yes.”

    Chief of staff Lee Hak-jae sat beside Chairman Jin, suppressing a smile as he looked at the bandages on his head.

    “What were they up to?”

    “Vice-chairman Jin Young-ki held a breakfast meeting with the presidents of minor affiliates.”

    Apart from the core affiliates, all the presidents are from public recruitment.

    “What schemes are these rascals plotting by gathering together?”

    Chapter Summary

    Jin Young-jun, excited about his uncle becoming the Mayor of Seoul and the potential land price surge from the Digital Media City project, discusses buying land in Susaek-dong with the protagonist. Meanwhile, Jin Dong-ki visits his younger brother, Jin Yun-ki, to discuss their father's intention to name Jin Do-jun as a successor. Jin Dong-ki, wary of the implications, proposes working together, while Jin Yun-ki insists on supporting his son's ambitions. Later, Jin Dong-ki and Jin Yun-ki meet with Do-jun, where he reveals his plan to sell whatever he receives from his grandfather for the highest price. Chairman Jin, aware of his sons' activities, wonders about their schemes.

    JOIN OUR SERVER ON

    YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS PROJECT WITH

    Note