Chapter 300: Why Did You Call Me?

“Why did you call me…”

“Aren’t you the face of investment in our country?”

“This is odd. It’s not often I hear the Chairman praising me.”

“It wasn’t me who said that; it was someone else. They mentioned having a lot of questions for you. You know about the Housing Corporation continuously selling off its shares, right?”

“Yes, the privatization, isn’t it?”

“Exactly. It seems there are many inquiries as various parties try to acquire Korea Land Trust.”

I could guess what he meant.

“Are they perhaps trying to confirm if Miracle also intends to make an acquisition offer?”

“They didn’t ask directly, but I don’t think so. Since they consider Miracle foreign capital, would they hand over a company that’s practically a state-owned enterprise, no matter how much privatization is involved?”

“That makes sense.”

Chairman Lee handed over a business card.

“He’s the president of the Land Trust. This will likely be his last public service role, as he’ll have to step down after privatization. And, well, his family background is quite something.”

“A silver spoon, then?”

“Not money, but his entire family has connections in either Yeouido or the Blue House. It wouldn’t hurt to know him. Treat him with respect.”

“Is there something you’re not telling me? You seem more worried than usual today.”

“His personality is a bit… well, similar to your eldest uncle.”

I understood why he was being so cautious. ‘Anha-muin’ – meaning arrogant and unyielding – suggested he was worried about potential conflicts between us.

“Ah, I understand. Even if his personality is like my grandmother’s, I’ll grit my teeth and get those shares.”

I confidently declared, pocketing the business card.

***

“Hello, President. This is Jin Do-jun from Soonyang.”

– Oh, hello. I was expecting your call. A husky, middle-aged man’s voice flowed through the phone.

“Chairman Lee Hak-jae mentioned it. It’s about the sale of your company’s shares currently held by the Housing Corporation…”

– Well, wouldn’t it be better to discuss these complicated matters in person?

“Ah, of course. I’ll adjust my schedule and visit your company.”

– Hmm… Instead of at the office, how about we have a meal and chat comfortably?

Is he asking for a meal? If I can secure the shares, I’d buy him not just one bowl, but a hundred.

“That sounds good too.”

– I’m just not sure if today works…?

Of course, it works. But I didn’t want to seem too eager.

“I apologize, but I have prior engagements today… Just a moment… How about lunch the day after tomorrow?”

– Very well. I’ll make the reservation and let you know.

What is he trying to gain with 2.8% of the shares?

This man is on his way out. A retiree-to-be who will lose his position after the privatization. His desires are clear.

Coming from a family that has produced numerous politicians, he values power and reputation more than money.

I know these types of people well. They understand that power attracts wealth.

Isn’t the ability to discreetly sell company-owned shares using the CEO’s authority to secure personal gain the very advantage of power?

I considered a few suitable positions. Diplomat posts are always available, and for someone of his stature, a Southeast Asian posting would be appropriate. Public institution head positions are available for those a tier or two below.

He’ll want more than that, so I’ll need to exert some influence.

Just in case, I also looked into his family situation.

One son, one daughter.

Securing a job for his son would be ideal, but it’s too weak an offer.

I considered packaging money with his son’s future. It’s manageable and worth proposing.

I need to come up with a few options and persuade him.

Two days later, I headed to the restaurant he had reserved.

A middle-aged man choosing an Italian restaurant was a bit amusing.

However, it wasn’t a bad place for a discreet conversation. At least, people he knew wouldn’t be frequenting this kind of establishment.

To show basic respect for my elder, I arrived ten minutes early, but it was pointless. The restaurant manager informed me that the person with the reservation was already waiting.

As I was guided into the private room, the man in his fifties stood up abruptly.

“Finally, I get to meet the pillar of Soonyang. I am Byun Do-shik.”

His greeting barely registered.

Standing next to President Byun Do-shik was a young woman. Her appearance was simple and elegant, devoid of heavy makeup, but the clothes and bag she wore were worth as much as a mid-sized car.

Look at this…

You can’t hide your bloodline. The young woman’s face carried traces of Byun Do-shik.

Bringing his daughter to a meeting like this?

The young woman lightly bowed her head towards my frozen form, but I heard nothing.

“Oh dear, I hope this isn’t impolite. But my daughter was so insistent on meeting Chief of staff Jin Do-jun… ha ha.”

“Dad… when did I ever…”

Her voice was barely audible, and President Byun Do-shik clearly didn’t think it was impolite at all. He kept chuckling.

“As young people, I didn’t think you’d care much about formalities. I just brought her along for a quick introduction. While our family might not measure up to the Soonyang family, we’re not exactly insignificant either. It wouldn’t hurt for my daughter to know you.”

“Ah, yes. It’s always good to have more acquaintances.”

I took a seat, but my expression remained unchanged. It was uncomfortable, but I had to endure it. Didn’t I promise to bear it even if they were worse than my grandmother?

“I’ve seen you on TV a few times, but you’re much more striking in person. When you walked in, I thought you were a celebrity. Ha ha.”

It was too ridiculous to even respond to, so I just offered a faint smile.

“President, are all the Soonyang Group shares your company holds from the Logistics division?”

“Ah, yes. Seems I’m just rambling unnecessarily. Keeping a busy man waiting and listening to this nonsense…”

“Not at all.”

“Shall we order first?”

I stopped them as the father and daughter reached for the menus.

“Perhaps we should finish discussing the main matter first? Wouldn’t your daughter feel uncomfortable if we talked about numbers during the meal?”

“Ah, perhaps you’re right.”

President Byun Do-shik glanced at me before pulling out a piece of paper.

“Selling off only Soonyang Corporation shares might look a bit odd. So… would you take a look at this? It’s a list of our Soonyang Group shares.”

I took the paper he offered and scanned it. There were minor holdings, but the only significant block was the 2.8% stake in Soonyang Corporation.

“I’ll acquire all of your Soonyang Group shares. That way, there won’t be any awkward appearances. Oh, and to make it even cleaner, it wouldn’t be bad to sell off all the other company shares held by the Investment Trust as well. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“No, that’s alright. Just selling the Soonyang Group shares is enough. If we sell everything, there will be talk of special favors again.”

The item to be traded was decided; only the price remained.

“What would be a suitable selling price? I intend to ensure that the board of directors or the audit committee won’t find any fault.”

“Ah, it’s not that difficult. The previous president also liquidated the company’s shares. For blue-chip stocks, they added a 15% premium, and for non-blue-chip stocks, they sold them at a 15% discount.”

It was information I already knew; there was nothing new. The only thing left was to hear the real premium he wanted.

I stated an option to naturally draw out President Byun Do-shik’s true intentions.

“Those aren’t unreasonable terms. Thank you for suggesting fair conditions. So, what more can I do for you? Please, speak freely.”

“Well, the company policy is privatization, so we’re disposing of assets beforehand. What more could I want? I’m already satisfied that you readily accepted the company’s terms. Ha ha.”

The option he wanted wasn’t money or a position; it was a connection. His daughter, sitting across from me, glancing at me repeatedly – establishing a meaningful relationship with me was the option.

“President.”

“Yes? Go ahead.”

“I’m saying this in case I’ve misunderstood and made a mistake, but were you planning to formally introduce your daughter to me?”

“Oh, an introduction is nothing… Just to get to know each other…”

“You’re saying there’s not even a hint of ulterior motive?”

The smiles vanished from both their faces in an instant.

“Ulterior motive? What kind of talk is that?!”

The daughter’s eyes narrowed sharply.

“A presentable family, someone considered beautiful – you thought there was a chance for a connection with me… Didn’t you have this thought?”

“Listen here, Chief Jin! What exactly do you take people for, making such outrageous remarks?!”

“If I’ve misunderstood, I apologize. Then, since the contract negotiations are concluded, shall we adjourn?”

As I pushed my chair back, President Byun Do-shik couldn’t hide his bewilderment, and his daughter bit her lip. Her pride was hurt, but she couldn’t let go of this opportunity, which was like winning the lottery hundreds of times over.

Strangely, I was overcome with anger. I’d endured worse things without showing it…

I mustn’t make the mistake of ruining things because of uncontrolled anger. If I stormed out now, I would never acquire the 2.8% stake in Soonyang Corporation.

I calmed myself and restarted the negotiation.

“President Byun Do-shik, I understand your terms. Now, I’ll state my conditions, so please consider them carefully. This is my final offer.”

“What?”

His face was already flushed red, but I paid it no mind.

“Since you used your daughter as a condition, I’ll state the value I place on your daughter. Nod if you think it’s appropriate. 10 billion won!”

“What in the world are you doing right now?!”

“20 billion won.”

“Hey! Mr. Jin Do-jun! Are you putting a price on me right now? With money?!”

His daughter, who had been holding back, finally exploded.

“Listen, miss. What else do you use to calculate a person’s worth besides money? Marriage agencies use annual salaries to judge a man’s value. In this world we live in, you can settle a case for killing someone in a car accident with a payout, and people die because they can’t afford a few tens of millions of won for surgery.”

The naive young woman, oblivious to the ways of the world, couldn’t close her mouth as she listened to me.

“They put a price on a human life with money, so of course, a person’s worth is judged by a monetary figure. I don’t know how old you are, but you’re clearly still immature. 30 billion won.”

President Byun Do-shik yelled at me, seeing the contempt in my eyes as I looked at his daughter.

“You brat! How dare you talk to my daughter like that…! Hey! Do you think everything can be solved with money?!”

“I did say I would state the value I place on your daughter, but it seems this offer… will end soon. 50 billion won.”

The interesting thing was that the higher the number went, the calmer I became.

Right now, while stating the value of President Byun Do-shik’s daughter, it felt like I was also considering someone else’s worth. I wasn’t entirely sure who.

“Miss, you have a strong sense of self-worth. I’m starting to suspect this is an exorbitant price. 70 billion won.”

“You bastard! Stop this right now!”

President Byun Do-shik knocked over his chair as he stood up abruptly, but he couldn’t leave. His lovely daughter was clutching his sleeve. She was an interesting one.

“It seems she has made her decision. President Byun, you just need to nod. To make it easier for you to decide… 100 billion won.”

This time, I stood up, placing my hands on the table.

“Shall we leave it at this? Or will you nod?”

As I stared intently into his eyes, President Byun avoided my gaze and quietly sat back down.

“I’ll take that as a nod.”

I smiled and pulled out my phone.

“Assistant Manager Kim, come in here for a moment.”

Assistant Manager Kim Yoon-suk rushed in, guided by a staff member.

“Assistant Manager Kim, go to the bank and create a bearer certificate of deposit.”

“Yes, Chief. What’s the amount?”

“100 billion won. And you can give the certificate of deposit to this gentleman.”

“Understood.”

Assistant Manager Kim didn’t even flinch at the amount of 100 billion won, and the two people watching him were speechless.

“Then, please enjoy your meal. You’ll receive 100 billion won before you finish. And I’ll send someone to your company tomorrow. The Soonyang Group stock transfer agreement must be handled without any issues. Understood?”

Leaving President Byun, who was just beginning to nod, behind, I exited the restaurant.

I got into the waiting car and said,

“Let’s go to Seocho-dong.”

I needed to meet the name that had been running through my head the entire time I was throwing out those numbers.