Chapter 182: My Face in the Newspaper?

My face in the newspaper?

Well, a young man riding with the Soonyang Group’s Chairman. The fact that it was his grandson, not his son, would be enough to make headlines.

So, I wanted to ask why he wanted the exposure.

But the car had already stopped, and a waiting employee opened the door, so I missed my chance.

Getting out of the car, Grandfather frowned. The smell of yukgaejang was permeating the grounds.

“That old man has a wicked streak. Serving meat stew to monks who only eat greens? Ha-ha.”

Just then, Joo Tae-shik, the gray-haired Chairman of Daehyun Automobile, rushed over and bowed deeply.

“Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule, Chairman.”

“I had a comfortable ride. It’s nothing.”

Grandfather lightly patted Chairman Joo Tae-shik’s back.

“I’ve been meaning to visit since I heard about his condition, but couldn’t make it. I should at least see him off on his final journey. Let’s go.”

The eldest son, Chairman Joo Young-il, led the way, and we slowly followed him. As we walked, people who recognized Grandfather quickly stood and bowed.

Entering the grounds, about a dozen children stood in a line.

People of the household I couldn’t even dare to look at in the past were standing right before my eyes. And that’s not all. The way they looked at me, it was the gaze of someone seeing their own kind.

A portrait surrounded by an incredible number of flowers, numerous influential mourners, and endlessly lined wreaths.

Because of all this, my slightly hunched shoulders straightened.

I watched from a distance as Grandfather burned incense and said his final farewells.

But when Grandfather, after burning the incense, stood there without moving, people began to panic.

These moments felt like an eternity. Other mourners waited outside because of Grandfather, and even the chief mourners couldn’t dare to stop him, only watching his every move.

After about five minutes, I couldn’t stand it anymore and approached Grandfather.

“Grandfather….”

“…Huh? Ah.”

Grandfather approached the chief mourners lined up.

“My apologies for the discourtesy. I had much to discuss with his father, and this was my only opportunity.”

“No, Chairman. It’s alright.”

The chief mourner, Chairman Joo Tae-shik, repeatedly bowed his head.

“We will prepare a meal.”

At Chairman Joo’s gesture, two waiting employees quickly rushed over.

“Chairman, please come this way.”

“Before that… greet them, Do-jun.”

Grandfather grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.

“This is my grandson. In my old age, he’s my loyal companion.”

It felt like I’d been hit in the head with a hammer.

Was this it?

Bringing me to this place, opening the car window to expose me to the reporters. And now, introducing me to the chairmen of Daehyun Group.

Revealing my existence to the world.

The youngest grandson of Soonyang, who just graduated from university, personally attends the CEO. Moreover, the dark horse who has inherited Soonyang’s financial sector, although it’s been kept quiet.

The media will make noise, and the chairmen of Daehyun Group will also start to take notice of me. Wondering what kind of person I am to inherit Soonyang Group’s lucrative financial companies at such a young age.

The more eyes on me, the more power each of my actions will have.

Today, at this funeral, I made a dazzling debut.

“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to greet them?”

“Ah, yes.”

I bowed to Chairman Joo Young-il’s children.

“May the departed rest in peace.”

The first to offer a handshake was Chairman Joo Tae-shik.

“So, you’re the grandson at the forefront of this generational shift.”

“He’s just someone who dabbles in the stock market. Please teach him a lot in the future.”

I thought it was over since the eldest son had offered the greetings. But suddenly, another hand appeared before me.

“I’ve only heard rumors about you. I’m Joo Kwang-shik.”

Joo Kwang-shik, the sixth son of Joo Young-il.

The one who inherited all the financial affiliates, spearheaded by Daehyun Investment & Securities and Investment Trust. In the same position as me.

“Jin Do-jun.”

His grip was tight, and I didn’t miss the slight smile on his face.

* * *

Grandfather took only one sip of the yukgaejang broth before putting down his spoon.

“Won’t you have some more?”

“I’m alright. I’m not hungry. You eat well, as we’ll be spending the night here.”

“Still….”

“I said I’m fine. If I get hungry, I’ll have a bowl then.”

I quickly finished my bowl of yukgaejang.

“Do-jun.”

“Yes.”

“Take a look at those guys.”

Grandfather pointed to where Joo Young-il’s children were gathered in groups of three or five, whispering amongst themselves.

“Their father passed away, yet there’s not an ounce of sadness to be seen, is there?”

“It’s been a few days, so I suppose so. They can’t be crying all day, can they?”

“What is it? Did shaking hands once make you see them in a good light? Those guys are no different from the kings of the Warring States period. They’re debating whether to join forces or not to seize even a bit more of the Daehyun empire.”

“Then is Soonyang Group like the Three Kingdoms era?”

I said it casually, like a joke, but Grandfather’s expression remained stern.

“Do-jun.”

“Yes.”

“I heard that even during wars, Westerners put down their guns and make peace during Christmas season?”

“That’s not exactly true. It only happened once.”

The Christmas Truce.

It was a truce made between England and Germany in Ypres, Belgium, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1914, during the height of World War I.

A German soldier in the trenches sang ‘Silent Night’.

Upon hearing this, British soldiers cheered, and German soldiers began placing small Christmas trees decorated with candles and lights on top of their trenches. Someone bravely went up above the trench with a small candle.

After the German soldiers finished singing, a German officer came out and shook hands with a British sergeant, concluding a truce agreement.

However, soldiers on both sides were court-martialed, and it never happened again after 1915.

“Whether it’s once or twice, that’s not the point!”

“Yes.”

“Even during the fiercest wars of the Three Kingdoms period, there should be a truce during my funeral. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Geez… he leaves me speechless.

To hear such a request in this place.

It was hard to answer, but I wanted to promise.

“Yes. I will make sure there are no loud noises during the forty-nine days of mourning. I’ll silence not only my uncles but even my cousins. Please don’t worry too much.”

“It doesn’t seem likely, but I like your bravado. Ha-ha.”

Grandfather’s expression brightened, and he continued to watch Chairman Joo’s children.

Almost as if he was trying to memorize their actions and expressions, not wanting to miss a single detail.

“See? Wasn’t I right?”

“Yes?”

“The fact that their father passed away is already something of the distant past. Everyone is busy trying to do business at the funeral, aren’t they? Especially the greedy ones are even busier. Is that one the sixth son?”

Grandfather gestured with his chin towards my back.

Turning around, I saw the man who had offered me a handshake, Joo Kwang-shik, approaching us.

I quickly stood up and bowed slightly, and he patted my shoulder.

“Doesn’t the food suit your taste? It seems like you haven’t touched your spoon….”

“It’s alright. Isn’t a wake a good place where you can eat your fill whenever you’re hungry?”

Grandfather smiled slightly and looked up at Joo Kwang-shik as he spoke.

“Take him. The old geezer in the back room won’t have anything for you, but the one who holds the affiliates will have business with you, right?”

“Please forgive my discourtesy.”

Joo Kwang-shik bowed, but Grandfather waved his hand.

“Nonsense. Aren’t there people here lining up to take my grandson’s spot in front of me? I won’t have time to be bored.”

Just as Grandfather said, the mourners at the funeral seemed to be constantly looking for an opportunity. I could clearly see their backsides twitching, ready to rush over and sit down if I left my seat.

“Then, I’ll excuse myself.”

Joo Kwang-shik bowed to Grandfather again and turned to me.

“Mr. Jin Do-jun, could you spare some time?”

At his polite tone, Grandfather snapped.

“Hey, buddy. Don’t you know I’m close enough with his father to be like brothers? What’s with the ‘Mr.’ to someone like a nephew?”

“Haha, I’ve suddenly gained a distinguished nephew.”

Joo Kwang-shik scratched his head and looked at me, asking.

“Nephew, shall we have a cup of coffee? There’s something I need to discuss… It wouldn’t hurt to listen.”

Grandfather spoke before I could.

“You’re the sixth son, right?”

“Yes.”

“Just like him. Impatient, can’t leave things for later. Tsk!”

“Haha, that’s right. People say I resemble him the most.”

Grandfather shook his head and said to me.

“Go on. Listen to what your newly acquired uncle has to say. What kind of nonsense he’s spouting.”

I quietly followed Joo Kwang-shik.

* * *

“Mr. Jin Do-jun, please don’t mind the Chairman’s words. I already see you as a business leader.”

“Not at all. Please speak comfortably. If I’m not mistaken, may I call you Uncle?”

“Oh, I’d love that. As good-looking as you are, you have a great personality too. Haha.”

Joo Kwang-shik laughed heartily and patted my back.

“So, how did our nephew catch Chairman Jin’s eye and get his hands on Soonyang’s finances at such a young age?”

“It’s probably because I’m the youngest. Since my father was the youngest son, he must have had some affection for me?”

“Giving to his grandson what he couldn’t give to his son? Hmm….”

It was well-known in business circles that my father had been ostracized by the family for a while.

“I can only guess that might be the case.”

“And that grandson is selling off the affiliates that his grandfather worked so hard to pass down? Isn’t that a bit much?”

Wow, so blatant and hasty. Revealing his intentions right away.

I understood why he had called me aside.

The sixth son of Daehyun Group had obtained information about the sale of Soonyang Card and was drooling over it since he didn’t have a credit card company.

But I doubt he has enough cash to acquire it….

“If you don’t have the ability, you’ll eventually lose or get taken away. The Chairman didn’t say much because he knows I’m acting within my means.”

“Or perhaps it’s a business he didn’t favor? My late father also despised the credit card business. Old folks have a strong perception that the credit card business is like selling on credit, high-interest loans….”

“That was also one of the reasons why he didn’t oppose the sale.”

“So? Is there any progress?”

What a considerate uncle.

Going to such lengths to put another card in my hand. There’s no reason to refuse a card being offered.

“First, since we’re family, I’m planning to get proposals from my two uncles.”

“Hey, that’s not a sale. That’s a reorganization of affiliate shares.”

“Selling for cash is definitely a sale. My plan is to cleanly spin it off and sell it at a high price.”

“Has the price been set? After doing some rough calculations, it seems to be between 1.2 trillion and 1.4 trillion won.”

He handles money, so his calculations are incredibly fast.

“What kind of merchant sells at cost? I need to add in the expenses of running around and leave some profit.”

“What? Hahaha.”

Joo Kwang-shik burst out laughing again.

“Our nephew is something else, isn’t he? There was a reason you were running ahead of your superiors. So, what’s the selling price? Honestly. Since we’ve become uncle and nephew, a discount would be nice.”

His eyes changed completely.