Chapter 74: The Power of a Hidden Card

“I don’t know when or how you’ll use this contract, but make sure it’s after I’ve retired and gone abroad. I don’t want to go to prison.”

As the two men left, Oh Se-hyun handed me the contract.

“We can’t make this contract public, can we?”

“You sly dog. You already know that a bomb is most powerful when you’re holding onto it?”

“No. This is for Grandfather.”

“Are you crazy? If you give him that? Chairman Jin will have me by the throat.”

“Uncle, Grandfather isn’t interested in professional managers. He’s always the one holding the owner’s leash. He’ll use this contract as a switch to keep my aunt, no, my uncle-in-law, from having other ideas.”

Reassuring the surprised Oh Se-hyun, I had to let him know this wasn’t the end.

“He’ll only allow the run for Seoul City mayor when he’s sure my uncle-in-law can’t escape his grasp.”

“Chairman Jin is truly ruthless. He doesn’t even trust his own children.”

“He sits in that position because he trusts no one but makes others trust him. Maybe Grandfather doesn’t trust me either.”

“Since we’re on the topic, let me ask you something.”

Oh Se-hyun straightened up from leaning against the sofa, his expression turning serious.

“17.7%. That’s the controlling stake you have in Soonyang Group. You’ll need at least 80% to become the owner of the Soonyang Group chairman’s office. Well, even 80% is less than 10% of the total group shares… Anyway. How much do you think Chairman Jin will pass down to you?”

“The head, everything! The heart, nothing.”

“Huh?”

“Grandfather knows that no one is more suited to manage Soonyang Group than me. But his inherent nature is that he only knows himself. He doesn’t want to give his things to anyone. I mean, he’s the kind of person who would rather bury Soonyang Group with him in his coffin when he dies.”

“I’m not asking about his greed. I’m asking about your realistic expectations.”

“I don’t know either. Reason doesn’t always win when it fights with emotion.”

“You don’t know?”

“Yes. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve decided to think of the shares Grandfather passes down as just a bonus.”

Quite a bonus, though.

A grandson who doesn’t crave but possesses outstanding abilities.

The only blood relative who doesn’t seem interested even when offered.

I believe this is the way to receive the biggest bonus.

“Anyway, this contract will play a big role.”

Stage one is complete. Now, it’s time to move on to stage two.

“Uncle, out of the 3.2 billion dollars, 1 billion was exchanged by Soonyang, right? What about the remaining 2.2 billion dollars?”

Oh Se-hyun’s eyes changed.

“Why? Are you going to use it?”

“We should exchange it when it’s valuable. Anyway, after taking that out, what are the operating funds for Miracle in the US?”

“There should be around 400 to 500 million dollars left. Not much of that is your money. It belongs to general investors.”

“So, even if I take out all my money, Miracle in the US will still be able to function, right?”

“Of course. Those kids are capable too. They aren’t just sitting around doing nothing. Of course, they’ll be a bit shocked if you take all your money out. But what are you going to use that money for?”

“Since it’s precious dollars, we should use it wisely. Right after the presidential election.”

“What?”

“The government will definitely change, so I’m going to give it as a gift for winning the presidential election.”

It’s quite fun to see my uncle’s surprised expressions sometimes. Just like now.

“W-What are you thinking? Stop trying to imitate the chaebols!”

“You’re the one who should be imitating them, Uncle.”

“Hey!”

“Don’t be too surprised. It’s not that big of a deal.”

I decided to stop enjoying Oh Se-hyun’s various expressions here and start talking business.

“Uncle, what’s the point of creating Media City if no citizens move into it?”

“Immigrants?”

“Yes. We need to attract reputable companies that fit Media City. For example, broadcasting stations.”

Oh Se-hyun must feel like clutching his head. Because I keep saying ridiculous things.

“Hey! Broadcasting stations? Are you kidding me? The scale is…”

“There are terrestrial broadcasters, but there are also cable channels. We need to take it step by step.”

He softens a bit at the mention of cable. The scale of cable broadcasting varies greatly, so there’s a possibility.

“The DMC project isn’t bad from the government’s perspective either. Building new infrastructure not only creates jobs but also helps revitalize the economy. It’s a plausible project for the new government.”

“Does that mean you’re going to hand over 2.2 billion dollars? That’s insane.”

“Why would I give my money to the government? I’m asking them to exchange the dollars.”

“Ah…!”

Seeing the exclamation escape his lips, he must have put all the pieces together.

“Then the Seoul City public land is….”

“Yes. It’s all part of one package. An investment firm bringing 2.2 billion dollars into Korea, which lacks dollars, and investing in creating a massive broadcasting-media infrastructure. They’ll welcome it with open arms.”

“If the government and Seoul City join hands on this project… maybe we can even get government funding?”

“If that happens, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Oh Se-hyun stared at my face silently for a while.

“Are you a clone of your grandfather? How did you come up with all this? Even setting aside the possibility, your scale is really something else.”

“No. This all comes from filial piety.”

“What nonsense are you spouting? Filial piety?”

“I’m going to make DMC into a huge media empire and give it to my father.”

I’m getting tired of Oh Se-hyun’s surprised expression now.

“You studied with him, so you know, right? Our father is full of excellent managerial talent. You can tell just by looking at how he’s running the film company now.”

“So, you prepared this for Yoon-ki?”

“Yes. Film, broadcasting content production, cable broadcasting stations. And even internet business. He’s the son of the Soonyang Chairman and my father, he needs to have at least this much to save face.”

I don’t know if he’s surprised by the scale or envious of a friend with a good son, but he can’t close his mouth.

“And Miracle in the US has deep connections with major film studios, right? If we connect them well, a global media company might be born.”

“Where is that rascal Yoon-ki right now? I need to meet him quickly and make him buy me drinks.”

Oh Se-hyun’s expression was one of envy.

“Before that, massage the DMC business plan a bit more. Meticulously down to the details. We need to make the government slap their knees in admiration.”

“Y-Yes, that’s right. We need to bring in not only our staff but also other experts. We need to make it so amazing that their jaws drop. For Yoon-ki’s sake, too.”

Will this guy be able to retire in five years?

Looking at his expression, it seems unlikely.

Seeing his passion when the scale is large like this.

* * *

“In the end, you managed to get this?”

“Yes.”

Grandfather took off his glasses after reading the contract carefully.

“With this, even if your uncle-in-law becomes the mayor of Seoul, he won’t be able to go against my word. The moment it’s revealed, he’ll be standing in court for violating the political funds law, not to mention his political career being over.”

“All you want is a few plots of public land?”

“The rest is for you, Grandfather. Seeing you write this contract, my aunt was impressive too.”

“Your aunt?”

“Yes. She figured out the value of the public land in an instant. She told me not to even dream of getting all of it in exchange for some election funds… Haha.”

Grandfather chuckled and said.

“Then should I take it all and give some to you?”

“No. Building apartments to make money isn’t my style.”

He clearly said, ‘take it all.’ Yes! He approved.

“But Do-jun. This seems a bit reckless… There’s no guarantee that Husband Choi will win even if he runs for election.”

“His chances of winning are higher now. Since you’re thinking positively about it, Grandfather.”

“Honestly…. There’s no catching up to your wits. Haha.”

I feel a bit sorry for whoever becomes my uncle-in-law’s opponent. Soonyang Group’s information team will dig up everything about their past, and any dirt they find will be blasted across all media outlets. There’s no way they can withstand that.

“Alright. My grandson has spent so much money to put the mayor of Seoul in my hands, I can’t just sit idly by. I’ll lend a little bit of my strength during the mayoral election.”

“Thank you, Grandfather.”

A curse almost escaped my lips as I bowed.

‘Put the mayor of Seoul in my hands.’

Isn’t it truly brazen to take even the results created by his grandson?

I’m more worried about my uncle-in-law than the person who will lose the election.

It’s obvious he’ll become Grandfather’s puppet once he sits in the mayor’s seat.

Perhaps these thoughts were evident in my sullen expression. Grandfather said with a smile.

“Look at this guy. You look a bit disappointed?”

“Ah, no.”

“Don’t be disappointed. I’ll give you a gift too. If there’s anything you want to ask for, tell me.”

I hesitated for a moment.

I should say it after the election….

No, maybe it doesn’t matter since he’s someone who can predict the election results well enough?

“The day after tomorrow is election day, what do you think the results will be?”

“Why are you suddenly talking about that? Why the election?”

It’s best to take the initiative in times like this.

“I think the opposition party will win. Won’t the government change?”

“If the person who ran as number 3 drops out, the ruling party will have a landslide victory.”

“Are you expecting that?”

“No. Hehehe.”

Grandfather burst into laughter as if the election was amusing.

“The opposition party will win by a hair. Candidate number 3 will take away quite a few votes.”

It was an election that showed how strong the conservatives were in Korea.

Even though they single-handedly ruined the national economy, the ruling party still receives strong support as long as the votes aren’t split. It also means that the people who always vote for number 1 are overwhelmingly numerous.

“Then who is the second-in-command of the next administration?”

“It’ll be JP since he joined hands with him.”

That’s not the obvious answer I want. The past me was in my twenties who had no interest in politics, calling it ‘trash,’ so I have no information.

“No. I’m thinking of starting a new business, and I’m talking about the real second-in-command who can freely handle the permits and approvals for it.”

“What? A new business? What is it?”

Grandfather showed great curiosity.

“It’s a secret. It’s not a complete plan yet. But I’d like to get some promises during the transition period after the election.”

“A secret?”

“For now. I’d be embarrassed if I rashly told you and then messed it up.”

“A business that needs the power of the government…. It must be quite large.”

Grandfather’s eyes changed. What is he thinking?

“Be careful. There will be many variables if those political bastards get involved. Their interests are much more complex than ours. Those bastards aren’t the kind to expect something in return for helping. They expect a reward for not throwing chili powder and ruining things.”

Is he giving me advice?

Or….

“I’ll discuss it with you first once the plan is finalized. Please make a judgment then. I’ll stop if you tell me to, Grandfather.”

Is this the answer Grandfather wants?

“It’s your business that you’re starting with your own money, why do you need permission? Try it out even if you fail. It’ll be good learning experience.”

I still don’t understand the heart hidden in his gaze and words.

* * *

Morning of December 19th.

It was announced across all channels that Kim Dae-jung, the candidate for the National Congress for New Politics with the number 2, who joined hands with JP’s United Liberal Democrats and even Park Tae-joon from the Democratic Liberal Party, had become the president.

Candidate number 3, who would later be known as ‘Phoenix,’ received nearly five million votes, breaking the momentum of number 1, but the gap in votes was only four hundred thousand.

If Phoenix hadn’t run independently, DJ would never have become president.

Relieved that the result I knew hadn’t changed, I went to school.

To follow the dean’s earnest request to at least take the exams.

It was also a slight threat that even the grandson of Soonyang Group wouldn’t be able to avoid academic probation if he didn’t take the final exams.

The school atmosphere was gloomy.

Because many seniors were directly hit by the IMF crisis.