Chapter 222: Subtle Provocation and Unexpected Generosity

Furthermore, Vice President Jang Do-hyung slipped in a subtly pointed remark.

“Honestly, all that fuss we made in the meeting just now feels a bit pointless.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh, isn’t it obvious? Soonyang Fire & Marine Insurance and Soonyang Life Insurance will probably have to pay out around 5 to 6 billion won in insurance claims due to this typhoon.”

Huh? What is this guy trying to say?

“And?”

“The company’s donation of 5 billion won, and your personal donation of 50 billion won… Compared to that, isn’t it just a drop in the bucket?”

“So, you’re saying that the emergency meeting the executives held over pocket change seems like a useless endeavor? Is that what you’re implying?”

Seeing the smile vanish from my face, Jang Do-hyung’s expression instantly stiffened.

“Vice President Jang Do-hyung.”

“Yes, yes?”

“Have I ever dipped my hands into company funds?”

“Huh? Ah, no, sir.”

“I am solely focused on my role as the controlling shareholder of Soonyang Financial Group. I don’t hold any official positions. That’s why I don’t take a salary and don’t carry a corporate card from any of the subsidiaries. You’re aware of this, aren’t you?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And besides my Soonyang shares, not a single penny of my personal wealth originated from Soonyang Group.”

“I apologize. I misspoke.”

He quickly bowed his head in apology, but I had no intention of stopping here. I needed to demonstrate this whenever an opportunity arose, to prevent even the slightest misconception or complacency.

“I’ve never once commented on business performance until now. Didn’t I make it clear today as well? Don’t haggle over whether or not to pay the insurance; just give them a generous amount.”

“….”

“The reason I act this way is to be above reproach in the eyes of the company’s executives and staff. It’s an effort to avoid repeating the behaviors of other criticized chaebols.”

Jang Do-hyung’s face was flushed, and he remained silent.

“Yet, the fact that Vice President Jang can’t distinguish between personal and company funds is quite baffling. Are you suggesting… I should start using company money as my own personal stash and merge ownership with management?”

“I am sorry. I spoke without thinking… I was out of line.”

He abruptly stood up and bent at the waist, signaling that it was time to stop.

“Please, sit down. It’s rather disconcerting to hear such words from someone I know well. I won’t bring it up again, but if there are any executives harboring similar misguided thoughts, please firmly convey my intentions to them.”

“Understood.”

I couldn’t keep pretending to be a nice guy forever. I needed to gradually make everyone fear me.

* * *

President Jo Dae-ho was definitely efficient and competent.

Within just two days, posts praising HW Automobile’s services began appearing all over the internet and quickly spread.

This speed of dissemination wasn’t natural. They must have used a public relations agency.

The speed of spread ignited when the first customer to receive a free vehicle replacement posted a lengthy message and photos on a community site, filled with praise and gratitude. This rapid spread was due to the fact that buyers were predominantly young people in their thirties who were familiar with online platforms.

Thanks to this, the negative reviews and mockery of that had surfaced online gradually lost their footing.

The ‘forces’ who had been criticizing the car, stating the obvious fact that it was merely styled as a sports car but performed like a compact car, began to disappear under the attacks of and HW Automobile supporters.

It quickly climbed into the real-time search rankings, and as people who had received their vehicles began to appear, even the terrestrial broadcasting companies had no choice but to cover it.

It didn’t take the coveted lead spot in the 9 PM main news, but it was covered with significant importance.

“Wow, this is like… reaping rewards without effort. The promotional effect is even greater than the World Cup advertisements. Main news is praising us, so the stock price is soaring straight up.”

President Jo Dae-ho was speechless with astonishment.

“What is the sales status?”

“Inquiries are flooding in, and actual sales have increased slightly. However, other models are benefiting more. Since the lacks versatility, the effect of trust has shifted towards them.”

“That’s fortunate.”

“The problem is that owners of other models damaged by the floods are calling incessantly, demanding that we replace their cars, even ones they’ve driven for years. Haha.”

“They see it as an opportunity. It doesn’t cost them anything to try and make unreasonable demands.”

There are always such people everywhere – those who act unreasonable and cause trouble.

“We can’t miss this opportunity, so we’re accelerating new car development. We’re trying to push the schedule forward as much as possible and aim for a launch next year.”

“Yes. I’m sure you’ll handle it well, President.”

President Jo Dae-ho spoke with a smile.

“Speaking of which, shall we proceed with what we discussed last time? The issue of acquiring a foreign automaker.”

“Proceed whenever you’re ready. I’ll take care of the finances.”

President Jo Dae-ho’s smile broadened into a beaming grin.

“The development team has narrowed down the companies. We’re already in the initial stages of contact. Take a look.”

President Jo Dae-ho slid a few sheets of paper across the table. They were documents containing the names and overviews of automobile companies.

“Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Pagani… These are Italian manufacturers.”

“Yes. If I had my way, I’d want Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche, but there’s no way they’d ever sell. These are the most viable companies within reach.”

“I actually own an Alfa Romeo. A Spider, a two-seater. It’s small and ridiculously expensive.”

“What? You own a two-seater? I thought you weren’t interested in cars.”

“I’ve been collecting them since I got my license. You need to experience various cars to offer informed opinions. I wanted to understand the perspective of an average person, not just a car enthusiast.”

“Did you just say ‘various cars’? How many have you collected?”

President Jo Dae-ho’s curiosity was piqued.

“Thirteen? Fourteen? Something like that. Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati… Anyway, I have a diverse collection, from supercars to sedans.”

President Jo Dae-ho’s jaw dropped as I listed the collection.

“Most of them were direct imports, so it cost a fortune.”

“Why haven’t I ever seen them? Do you drive them all?”

“No. I only ride in the BMW sedan that my aide drives. I’m not much of a driver myself.”

“So, they’re just sitting there? Without being driven?”

“No. I usually drive them for a day or two after buying them. But it’s like putting a pearl necklace on a pig. There’s nowhere to floor it, and I’m not good at driving anyway.”

President Jo Dae-ho sighed repeatedly, seemingly at a loss for words.

“Oh, right, would you like to take them and have them completely disassembled?”

“What?”

“It would be helpful for the research lab, wouldn’t it? Ah! Have they already taken them apart…?”

“Hey! Why would we take apart supercars? We’d analyze competing models. But… were you serious just now?”

“About what?”

“Can we take your cars to the research lab and dismantle them?”

“Yes. They just sit in the garage anyway. Take them all. Most of them have less than 5,000 kilometers on them, so they’re practically brand new.”

President Jo Dae-ho’s expression changed to that of someone who had found a wallet on the street.

“The guys at the research lab have really hit the jackpot. Handling billions of won like toys.”

“It’s not free, so tell them not to get too excited.”

“What? Are you saying we have to buy them?”

“No. Instead, tell them to submit thorough reports. And let them know that if proper reports aren’t submitted, the cost of the cars will be deducted from their salaries.”

President Jo didn’t even wait for me to finish before picking up the receiver.

He spoke for quite some time with an excited voice, like someone preparing for a grand party, and calmed down by the time he hung up.

“Having a dependable third-generation chaebol by my side has many uses. Haha.”

“Then hurry up and acquire an automobile company. That way, my money won’t be wasted.”

“Oh, right, let’s get back to what we were discussing.”

“Yes.”

“Even if it’s not a full acquisition, we’ll partner with a company that promises the technology transfer we want. There are several ways to go about it. We could invest in shares, pay royalties, or pay a technology transfer fee.”

“Anything is fine, as long as the goal is to secure the technology.”

“Alright. We’ll keep all options open and proceed.”

If possible, I wanted a 100% acquisition. A Korean company acquiring an Italian manufacturer. It was necessary to increase our size in preparation for the upcoming mergers and acquisitions in the automotive industry.

* * *

“It has been revealed that the anonymous donor who generously donated 50 billion won to the Disaster Relief Headquarters is none other than Mr. Jin Do-jun of Soonyang Group, which is causing a stir.”

“Mr. Jin Do-jun has long been known as Korea’s George Soros and a genius investor. In particular, the amount of this donation has sparked further curiosity about the extent of his wealth.”

“Mr. Jin Do-jun’s donation is the largest amount ever recorded and is nearly ten times the amount donated by major corporations. Civic groups have praised it as a true example of noblesse oblige. Soonyang Group stated that he has politely declined numerous interviews from media outlets, expressing his embarrassment about his good deed being revealed, saying, ‘I simply did what was necessary when it was needed; it’s nothing to brag about.'”

Vice President Jang Do-hyung handled the public relations cleanly.

Newspapers, the internet, and even broadcasting companies were buzzing with stories about me.

“What do you mean, ’embarrassed about it being revealed’? This all went according to your script, you hypocritical bastard.”

“Hey! Why are you talking about my son like that? He did a good thing.”

“Don’t be fooled, old man. You don’t know what kind of person your precious son is.”

My father and CEO Oh Se-hyun were sitting across from each other with drinks, laughing cheerfully.

“It’s hitting two birds with one stone. Does there have to be only one purpose? There’s such a thing as killing two birds with one stone, you know.”

I said to Oh Se-hyun with a smile, and he asked seriously.

“Tell me honestly. What’s the real purpose?”

“Consider it a strategic move? It’s part of a mid-to-long-term plan.”

“See? Am I right? This is all going according to plan!”

My father ignored Oh Se-hyun’s words and sat down next to me.

“I don’t care what the purpose is, Do-jun.”

“Yes.”

“Shall we talk about our business?”

“Yes? What business?”

It was very rare for my father to use such a subtle tone. Moreover, his expression was uncharacteristically like a salesperson’s.

“The company has given me a huge mission.”

“What mission?”

Without a word, my father pointed at me.

“Huh? Me?”

“Yeah. You occasionally get media attention for a third-generation chaebol, but the content is completely the opposite of the others. While other kids are causing trouble and making the social pages, you’re on the business pages. Even when it’s the social pages, it’s filled with good news.”

“Could it be…?”

“That’s right. Let’s do an interview. Our broadcasting company is starting a new entertainment program….”

The moment I heard the word ‘entertainment,’ I almost had a spasm in my face.

“Oh, no, I can’t do that. Entertainment?”

“It’s not just entertainment. It’s infotainment that combines entertainment with information. I’m not asking you to be funny; just think of it as an interview.”

“Wow… there’s someone here who’s getting a free ride thanks to his well-connected son. He even landed an exclusive interview on a cable channel with national anthem-level viewership after rejecting offers from terrestrial networks.”

My father glared at Oh Se-hyun’s teasing.

“You’d be the first guest on the first episode. The production director is going crazy saying that your appearance will guarantee a 2%, no, 5% viewership rating. He’s demanding I cast you no matter what. Please, just help your father out, think of it as saving a program.”

“For the first episode? Are you sure about me? Ah, get Bae Yong-joon or Choi Ji-woo. They’re causing a sensation in Japan right now with ‘Winter Sonata’! They’ve got the Japanese archipelago in an uproar… With your power, Dad, they’d come running with just a snap of your fingers. Why are you so desperate for me…?”

“Their schedules in Japan won’t allow it. They won’t be back for a while.”

I tried to escape the situation, but it was impossible. Instead of my drink, my father firmly grabbed my wrist and wouldn’t let go.