Chapter 196: Business Trip and Hidden Agendas

Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki asked with a deliberately worried expression.

“So, what are you planning to do now?”

“The kids are all grown up, so there won’t be any more significant expenses. I plan to take my wife on a trip around Southeast Asia for a while. Either way, staying in Korea means I’ll be constantly harassed by our relatives. If I come back in about three years, things around the house should have calmed down, don’t you think?”

Executive Managing Director Im continued cautiously.

“And the money I took out of greed, I’ll put it all back where it belongs and make things right.”

Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki smiled faintly.

“That’s enough. I know how much you’ve struggled, Executive Managing Director Im, so just consider it your severance and spend it comfortably. You know why I’m doing this, right?”

It meant forgetting everything that had happened while working for Soonyang. Thanks to that, he saved his money.

“Of course. I only have gratitude for you, Vice-chairman.”

Im Jong-yoon stood up abruptly and bowed his head.

“Why are you like this? You’re making me embarrassed….”

Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki waved his hand dismissively.

“By the way, what happened to Jung Gyu-hwan? How could he suddenly submit his resignation and disappear?”

“Ah, I was just about to tell you about that.”

Executive Managing Director Im scratched his head slightly, as if troubled.

“That friend of mine had an affair….”

“What? An affair?”

“Yes. It was with a young female employee who works with us… His family found out. To smooth things over, he went to the US where his family is for the time being. He came to me before that. He said he couldn’t bear to show his face at the company anymore. Everyone in this company knows both of them, so it’s understandable.”

“Tsk. What a pathetic fool.”

Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki made a contemptuous expression once again, and this time he didn’t even try to hide it.

“Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of it thoroughly. That guy knows very well that he’ll be in big trouble if he blabs his mouth carelessly, so he’ll keep quiet.”

“He better. Executive Managing Director Im, make sure to nail it down one more time. I can never trust a guy who fools around with some young girl.”

“Understood. I’ll make sure he keeps his mouth shut.”

“Well, it’s disappointing… But what can I do? It’s a family matter, so I can’t stop him anymore.”

“It’s not like I’m going off to die. I’ll often send my regards to you, Vice-chairman. If you have time, I’ll come visit you in person. Just don’t slam the door in my face. Haha.”

“Of course, of course. What kind of relationship do we have? Come by often and keep me company.”

“Yes, Vice-chairman. Thank you for everything.”

Im Jong-yoon, Executive Managing Director, bowed respectfully and left the vice-chairman’s office with a satisfied smile spreading across his face, while the expression on Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki’s face hardened as he watched him leave.

As soon as Executive Managing Director Im closed the door, he took out his cell phone.

“Follow Im Jong-yoon. And look into his accounts to check his deposits and withdrawals. Yes. Dig into all his relatives. Oh, and find out where Jung Gyu-hwan is now and investigate the girl he had an affair with. We need to check everything thoroughly.”

Something still felt off.

For two guys he used for the same task to leave the company at the same time… Could it be a coincidence?

***

Because of the secret dealings, it wasn’t easy to look my uncle in the face without feeling awkward. I kept watching his reactions, wondering if he had noticed that I had contacted the two men.

But my uncle’s face was full of undisguised smiles.

Once this moment passed, he would have control over another core affiliate of Soonyang. Could he be feeling like he was one step closer to the chairman’s seat?

“You’re quite meticulous, aren’t you? Wouldn’t it have been better if some of the other affiliates’ shares held by Soonyang Card were mixed in? There isn’t even a single share.”

“Grandfather gave them to me, so I have to keep them safe. I’ve already received a lot of scolding from Grandfather just for handing over Soonyang Card.”

“But you would hand over the shares when I desperately need them, just like you’re handing over the credit card company now, right?”

My uncle’s gaze, filled with subtle expectation, was burdensome, but I nodded readily.

“The time I hold onto them won’t be that long. Our paths are different, aren’t they?”

Whether he believed it or not, I didn’t flatly reject the anticipation in his eyes.

At that moment, Vice President Jang Do-hyung and my uncle’s aides came in carrying several decision boards.

“The documents are perfect. Once the two of you sign, all the procedures will be completed.”

My uncle signed as if he had been waiting for this moment, without even checking the contents, while I read every single word to appear meticulous.

After signing, my uncle grabbed my hand tightly.

“Whatever the reason, I must thank you. Thanks to you, I’ll be able to manage funds much more easily.”

“You’re welcome. It’s just a transaction.”

When I replied modestly, my uncle gestured for the others to leave.

“Did you have a good trip to Labuan?”

I responded to my uncle’s question about the secret deal with a smile.

“I had a good rest. And of course, I also checked out that strange bank.”

“Wasn’t Kota Kinabalu where you rested?”

“Yes.”

“You’re thinking of building a resort there?”

“It’s not finalized. I’m currently doing preliminary research. If it’s not too bad, I’m planning to proceed.”

My uncle chuckled and nudged me.

“With that money?”

“Yes. I want to keep it under my personal ownership. If it’s incorporated, there will be many things involved, wouldn’t there? If it’s personal property, our family members can relax comfortably, and I can occasionally provide benefits to executives….”

“That’s a good idea. Since it’s money with no clear origin, reinvesting it abroad is not a bad idea. Oh, and draw up a contract with Soonyang Financial Group’s affiliates in advance. With the content of using that resort as an employee welfare program.”

“Ah, there’s such a method.”

“The National Tax Service doesn’t scrutinize employee benefits too closely. It will help in creating surplus funds.”

He’s really meticulous.

How many employees receive overseas travel as a reward in a year? The detail of skimming off even those expenses… is this how personal wealth is accumulated? I couldn’t help but chuckle dryly.

“I see. I hadn’t thought that far.”

“I have connections with high-ranking Malaysian officials. They’re guys I got close to while building a precision machinery parts factory there. I’ll make sure your resort construction goes smoothly, so entrust it to Soonyang Construction. We’ll build it magnificently for you.”

As I roughly agreed, he revealed his hidden intentions.

Such effort to even solicit business from his nephew is impressive, but I also need to make a living, don’t I? Why would I leave my perfectly good company and entrust it to someone else?

“Oh dear, what should I do? I’ve already finished discussing it with Oh Se-hyun. HW Construction has even dispatched people….”

“Dispatching for preliminary investigation is not a big deal. Just pay a reasonable fee, and Soonyang can handle the main construction.”

I was about to refuse my stubborn uncle again, but his sharp gaze bothered me.

“Hmm…. Well, let’s talk again after the investigation is complete. It’s a bit difficult to give you a definite answer right now.”

“Alright. Anyway, always prioritize Soonyang. Isn’t the group created to prevent money from flowing out?”

“Yes. I’m still inexperienced…. I’ll keep that in mind.”

His sharp gaze softened again.

Could this man have noticed something?

***

“From now on, secretly buy up the bearer bonds of Soonyang Heavy Industries and Soonyang Construction. But only buy those that mature in the first half of 2003.”

The fund managers looked puzzled, but they didn’t voice any objections. There are many more profitable investment opportunities than bonds, but based on our investment performance so far, they had no grounds or justification to oppose my decision.

“Understood. What’s the budget?”

“Before that, wouldn’t it be a priority to figure out how much we can buy?”

“Ah, yes. My apologies.”

“Please make sure I can see the report by the end of today.”

Now, the preparations are complete.

I’m also slowly buying up Soonyang Heavy Industries shares, but there’s a limit due to the major shareholder requirements. However, there’s no limit to how many bearer bonds I can secure. When funds dry up and it feels like blood is draining away, and the bond maturities arrive…?

I’m really curious how Vice-chairman Jin Dong-ki will react.

How much more will the group’s controlling stake in my hands increase in just two years?

“What kind of scheme are you plotting now with that expression?”

Oh Se-hyun burst in without knocking, a smirk on his face.

“Scheme? No, it’s nothing.”

“The employees dispatched to Malaysia sent their first report. Want to see it?”

Oh Se-hyun tossed a thin file.

It contained a mix of half positive and half negative opinions.

“The location and scenery are really good, but the lack of direct flights is a drawback. Their opinion is that we need to rely on Korean tourists as a base to guarantee profits.”

Transferring through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur is the current problem, but if there are enough visitors, direct flights operating about twice a week can be opened at any time.

“If people flock there, airlines will open direct routes. They’re not stupid.”

“How are you going to attract them? Are you going to make special deals with travel agencies? That’s only possible after people start coming.”

“We’ll advertise. The moment they see the beautiful beaches and sunsets of Kota Kinabalu, it’ll become everyone’s dream vacation destination.”

“You’re going to pour money into advertising too? Are you going to start a travel agency?”

“I have a way. I have a media mogul as a father. Making something a boom is a piece of cake.”

“What? You’re funding the production costs?”

“Yes. Let me know if there are any good movies or dramas. Won’t they be working on scripts now for things scheduled to air next year?”

“That’s true… but why suddenly? I’m all for it, though. Hehe.”

My father didn’t seem that curious about my intentions.

There’s no need for a producer to think about the hidden agendas of someone willing to invest.

“But we have to include overseas locations.”

“Kota Kinabalu?”

“Yes. You know it.”

“You’re building a resort, right? Oh Se-hyun was bragging about it. He said the special suites are his.”

“You’re welcome anytime, Father.”

“That’s a family matter, we’ll talk about it later. Are those all the conditions?”

“Yes. But you need to make sure the visuals look good.”

“It’s a resort location, of course the visuals have to be good. How many productions are you thinking of?”

“I can get as many as you want.”

My father smiled again when I answered confidently.

“Good. I’ll discuss it with the directors and choose productions that can expose it as much as possible. Anything else?”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t there anything else you want me to do?”

As I thought about it, I realized there was an even more effective method.

“Do you have any plans to create a variety show?”

“A variety show? You mean like a game show?”

“Yes. Let’s do one with a travel concept.”

“Look at this guy. Is broadcasting an advertisement? Are you going to be so blatant?”

“Isn’t it a means for advertising? I heard the regulations for cable broadcasting are lower, so PPL is all the rage these days?”

“Well, yes, but we need to avoid being too obvious.”

“Isn’t the travel destination just a backdrop? It’s not like we’re advertising specific products.”

My father fell into thought for a moment.

“Is it good there?”

I understood what he meant.

“The visuals are amazing. If I was impressed, isn’t that saying something?”

“Is it that good?”

This was the father who used to shake his head, saying not a drop of your blood is mixed in me. He even criticized me for skipping over parents brimming with art and emotion and only inheriting the dry blood of my grandfather.

If even I, who am like that, am impressed, it means ordinary people will be speechless by the visuals.

“You’ll have to go on a preliminary scouting trip. Oh, you’ll cover those expenses too, right?”

“It depends on the cast of the travel variety show. If it’s a top celebrity, I’ll even prepare first-class airline tickets for the scouting trip. How’s that?”

If a mega-hit program like ‘Grandpas Over Flowers’ comes out, the airline will be the first to open direct routes.

I wonder what Na Young-seok PD is doing right now?