“Anyone interested in buying a bomb? 3
The moment Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki saw Jin Do-jun’s face, he recalled the conversation he had with the bank presidents earlier that day.
“A stock market manager?”
“Yes, that’s about right. They say he has quite a knack for it. In fact, in Yeouido’s stock market, everyone’s keen to know what Jin Do-jun is investing in.”
“You didn’t call me here just to sing Do-jun’s praises, did you? So, what’s the real reason?”
“Oh, my apologies.”
The three bank presidents, nursing their bruised egos after their encounter with Jin Do-jun, had rushed to Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki to vent their frustrations.
“So, to cut to the chase, Do-jun thinks it’s better to invest the money from selling the company rather than managing it, right?”
“Exactly. He seems to believe that investing in stocks is much easier, faster, and more profitable than growing a company.”
“What… what is this? They say people addicted to stock trading are similar to gambling addicts. Is Do-jun like that?”
While stock trading is often defended as a healthy investment, it undeniably shares elements of competition, imitation, obsession, and chance, which can make it dangerously addictive, much like gambling.
Considering Do-jun’s behavior so far—despite being a college student, he spends all his time on stock investments, with chart analysis as his hobby and stock picking as his specialty—it wouldn’t be far-fetched to call it an addiction.
“Ah, we can’t rule out that possibility.”
“So, Do-jun’s rush to sell the credit card company might be to fund his gambling habit?”
People tend to interpret things in a way that suits them.
The three presidents found solace in dismissing Do-jun’s harsh words as the ramblings of a gambling addict.
“If the chairman heard this, he’d be shocked.”
Jin Young-ki was torn between laughing and getting angry at the situation.
On one hand, he should be mad at his father for not recognizing the true nature of a young man obsessed with gambling.
But on the other hand, this could be a stroke of luck.
If Do-jun hands over a substantial amount of money, he might even give up his shares in Sunyang Life and Securities.
“Have you been waiting long? Didn’t you get a message from Father?”
I bowed my head repeatedly, gauging their expressions.
My biggest worry was that they might storm out, but they were businessmen.
Though visibly displeased, they wouldn’t act impulsively before a deal.
“I just got a text. He said it would be better to talk directly with you.”
“A text?”
Jin Young-ki quickly checked his phone, his expression souring again.
“If he was going to contact me, he should’ve done it sooner… geez.”
My uncle, folding his phone and tucking it into his pocket, looked at me disapprovingly.
“Keep your composure. Why are you raising your voice with the staff here?”
“Well, that’s…”
I scratched the back of my head, trying to evade the question, but my uncle’s voice turned irritated.
“I’ll take care of the sales. Is that okay?”
“No, Uncle. I didn’t realize it was your directive…”
“Brother, that’s enough.”
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki smiled at me.
“You must’ve rushed over. Make sure you have dinner.”
He’s the smarter one.
He hides his true intentions, pretending to be considerate rather than scolding.
“Yes, Uncle, please eat first. It seems you haven’t even started.”
“Alright, let’s eat. Brother, you should eat too.”
We ate in silence for a while. There was no need for me to rush. Given that they came running after my father’s unilateral notice, they must be feeling parched and unable to taste the food.
Aside from occasionally refilling my glass, the atmosphere was as somber as a funeral.
Who was the thirstiest?
“Do-jun.”
As expected, my eldest uncle couldn’t hide his impatience.
“Yes.”
“Is it true what they’re saying? That you’re planning to sell the credit card company?”
“I’m still considering it. Oh, don’t misunderstand, Uncle. I intended to discuss it with you before making a decision.”
He knew it was just lip service, as his frown didn’t ease.
“What your grandfather gave you isn’t something to discard lightly. Hold onto it.”
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki spoke as if advising me, but it was clear he wasn’t sincere. His greedy, gleaming eyes gave him away.
“Actually, Grandfather called me.”
Both of them set their chopsticks down with a clatter.
“What did he say?”
“He said he wouldn’t interfere with what he already passed on to me. He told me to do as I please, even if it means selling it.”
To anyone!
This was crucial for them.
Whether they snatch it from me or buy it cheap, it didn’t matter.
“So, what did you tell him?”
“I told him I’d sell Sunyang Card and make a much larger profit. If over a trillion won comes in, I’m confident I can earn several times the current profit of Sunyang Securities. Haha.”
At this point, I had to laugh arrogantly.
But my uncles weren’t paying attention to my laughter. The number that echoed in their ears was one trillion won.
According to the data provided by Executive Director Jang Do-hyung, the minimum price was 1.2 trillion won. He confidently said that at this price, even foreign financial institutions would jump at it.
My uncles likely had a number in mind too.
The maximum value of Sunyang Card.
They must have been repeatedly warned by their advisors not to exceed that number.
“You mean it.”
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki glanced at me and spoke quietly.
“Right now, the U.S. is flooded with financial products based on real estate. Investing there could double the money in a few years. It’s incomparable to credit card fees.”
Though slightly exaggerated, it wasn’t entirely wrong. A 60-70% return was possible.
I boasted about the investment, but they only looked at me with pity.
Francis Underwood once said, “Choosing money over power is a mistake most people make. Money is like a modern building in Sarasota that crumbles in ten years. But power is like an ancient stone structure that stands for half a century.”
My grandfather used Sunyang Group to buy power with money, and over a generation, Sunyang Group became power itself.
I’m the fool chasing money, while my uncles are the wise ones picking up the power I discarded.
“Well, we don’t know much about stock investments or funds… We’ve become the old generation. Haha.”
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki laughed heartily, signaling to his older brother. It was a cue to humor the young one’s whims.
“Our nephew is impressive, isn’t he? Doubling the money, he says. Haha.”
Trying to get a bargain, they’re even saying things they don’t mean. Businessmen will be businessmen.
The impatient businessman revealed his true intentions first.
“Do-jun.”
“Yes.”
“Are you thinking of selling Sunyang Card to Daehyun Group?”
“No, nothing’s decided. I discussed it with Representative Oh Se-hyun… You know him, right? The head of Miracle Investment.”
They nodded.
“He mentioned that Nonghyup is showing interest. Considering the diverse card offerings and reliable IT systems, they see acquiring Sunyang Card as the quickest route.”
My uncles couldn’t hide their surprise. If Nonghyup was interested, they could snatch it up quickly with their financial power if the conditions were right.
“Do-jun, no matter what, it’s not right to let Sunyang’s name go elsewhere. Each company carries your grandfather’s legacy… You know that.”
Trying to tug at my heartstrings, knowing I’m weak when it comes to Grandfather?
“Oh, I haven’t made any decisions yet. There’s no rush.”
They must be anxious.
If they rush, it might go elsewhere. If they don’t, I might change my mind, and the chance to acquire the card company could slip away.
Especially for my second uncle, acquiring the card company is urgent. Considering cash flow, the sooner he gets it, the better.
Now, the calm Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki pulled the trigger first.
“Do-jun, why not sell it to us? We’ll offer a good price.”
“Us? What do you mean, us? A company isn’t a toy to be split up. Are you suggesting we divide it?”
“Brother, I’m not suggesting we split it. I’m saying a joint acquisition is possible.”
“Who said you could! I’ve been holding back, but this is too much.”
Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki’s patience had reached its limit.
“Do-jun, enough nonsense. Sell Sunyang Card to this uncle. Since you’re struggling with management, I’ll offer a good price. Let’s end this discussion here. Agreed?”
“Uh, um… Uncle, it’s just that…”
“Quiet. Even if you’re young and naive, you should know better than to treat Sunyang’s name lightly! Aren’t you ashamed?”
Wouldn’t it be wise to agree with his fierce demeanor?
“I’m sorry, Uncle.”
I quickly bowed my head. My second uncle should step in soon, but why is he hesitating?
“Brother, yelling won’t solve anything. Do-jun might not know much, but he’s a smart kid. We just need to guide him. Do-jun.”
“Yes.”
“You’re an adult now and a major shareholder in Sunyang’s financial sector. You understand the gravity of this situation. Just promise us one thing here.”
“Yes. What promise should I make?”
I put on a defeated expression, glancing at both of them.
“Even if you decide to sell Sunyang Card, don’t erase Sunyang’s name. Your grandfather cherishes you so much. Keep that in mind and listen to us.”
“By that, you mean… you want me to sell it to you two, right?”
“Come on, you two! Just hand it over to me.”
“Brother, please! Let’s stop being unreasonable.”
“Do you not realize it’s impossible for you to handle this? We’re talking about a trillion won here! A trillion! Do you have any idea how much that is? You’d have to sell off your subsidiaries, whether it’s steel or machinery, to even come close to that amount!”
Is the moment ripe enough?
“Excuse me, Uncle. Sorry to interrupt, but it’s not just a trillion.”
“What?”
“I mentioned it’s over a trillion.”
I sighed, looking at their wide-eyed expressions, as if I was making a monumental decision.
“Alright, here’s what we’ll do. The minimum valuation set by Miracle and Sunyang Card is 1.2 trillion won. I think 1.4 trillion should suffice. If you can offer that, I’ll hand it over to you both to preserve the Sunyang name.”
The figure of 1.4 trillion was enough to plunge Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki into despair. To raise that kind of money, he’d have to either liquidate subsidiaries or use company shares as collateral for a bank loan.
But the financial institutions would likely prefer to acquire Sunyang Card directly rather than offer a loan. And before that, they’d need to assess if he even has the collateral capacity.
Seeing Jin Dong-ki’s expression, Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki felt triumphant, as if victory was already his.
“Fine. I’ll need to analyze it too, but I’ll try to meet your conditions, Do-jun. Shall we call in the teams to start negotiations?”
Even with the conversation reaching this point, the second uncle remained silent, suggesting his financial situation was indeed dire.
But a fight that ends too easily isn’t any fun. A little blood makes it interesting.
“Then let’s settle the payment with a three-year bond. We’re family, after all, so I should offer some convenience. It’s not like I’m in a rush for the money. I’ll instruct the team to prepare the details right away.”
As soon as I mentioned bonds, their expressions changed completely.
A three-year bond.
It’s a deferred payment.
Isn’t there a saying, “If it’s on credit, you might as well eat an ox”?