“Wait a second, Do-jun. Did you just say a three-year bond? Are you sure about that?”
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki’s face lit up with excitement, while Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki was too flustered to speak properly.
“Yes, but the sale price will be 1.4 trillion won. Oh, and while it’s not an exact figure, I know the bank debt is over 400 billion won. So, after taking on the debt, it’ll be a little over 900 billion.”
“900 billion?”
You could almost hear the gears turning in Jin Dong-ki’s head.
It wasn’t about the numbers. Whether they could repay 900 billion in three years was irrelevant. The world changes so rapidly that predicting even a year ahead is difficult, let alone three years. Right now, he was only calculating whether he could issue bonds close to 1 trillion won.
Meanwhile, Jin Young-ki, who had just lost his advantage, was scrambling to find the right words. But with family offering a favor, he couldn’t outright refuse the deal, so he kept glancing at his brother.
It was amusing to see one person delighted and the other in a panic. They were both eyeing a ticking time bomb with three years left, each hoping the other would take it.
Gradual changes are manageable. A few drops of rain give you time to find shelter before a downpour, but a sudden shower leaves you drenched. Danger always arrives unexpectedly and never alone, like a storm accompanied by strong winds or a tsunami following a typhoon.
If the credit card crisis in three years is a downpour, the maturing bonds worth around 1 trillion won could be the strong winds or even a tsunami. When the credit card crisis makes bond recovery impossible and the company’s funds dry up, those bonds will be like a nuclear bomb.
Who will take this bomb?
If it’s Sunyang Electronics, they might withstand the storm and rain. But Sunyang Heavy Industries? Depending on the industrial climate in three years, it won’t be easy. For the time bomb to have its effect, it would be better if Jin Dong-ki took over the card company.
“Do-jun! Are you out of your mind? A three-year bond? The moment you sell the card company, the revenue stops. You could face immediate financial pressure.”
Jin Young-ki hurriedly spoke, but it was already too late.
“Brother, stop talking nonsense. Every subsidiary Do-jun manages is practically a money-printing bank. What financial pressure?”
Jin Dong-ki glared at his brother before turning to me, seeking a clear confirmation.
“Do-jun, when you valued the card company at 1.4 trillion won, you meant excluding all other subsidiary shares, right?”
“Yes, except for a few related subsidiaries, all core subsidiary stocks will be transferred. Including shares in Sunyang Life and Sunyang Securities, it approaches 3 trillion.”
“Good. And you want the entire sale price in three-year bonds, correct?”
“Yes, Uncle. After all, we’re family.”
I flashed a bright smile at my second uncle, who responded by pouring me a drink.
“Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. The details can be handled by the staff. And brother.”
“What is it?”
“Let’s not raise our voices in front of the nephew. Let’s finish our meal and have a private talk afterward. How about it?”
Jin Dong-ki’s earnest gaze, a last shred of pride not to lose face in front of his nephew, would be hard for Jin Young-ki to refuse. He nodded and picked up his spoon.
“Let’s eat first. And Do-jun.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
Jin Young-ki spoke with a gentle expression, as if nothing had happened.
“Is the company you’re managing weighing heavily on your shoulders?”
“A little, but it’s a field I’m familiar with, so I’m lucky. If it were manufacturing… Oh, how would I handle it? Factories, workers, unions…”
I shook my head vigorously.
“Just look at CEO Oh Se-hyun. He’s juggling Ajin Group, Sunyang Motors, Daeah Construction… He’s overwhelmed. It’s only because the presidents and executives treat the companies like their own that he manages. I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Would those executives acknowledge someone as young as me?”
My uncles seemed disappointed not to hear what they wanted, but they didn’t lose hope. They realized I disliked dealing with people, which they thought might shake my resolve if management got tough, giving them a chance to step in.
“Alright. If you ever face difficulties, let us know. We’ll help you.”
Pretending to care like a cat for a mouse. How insincere…
“Thank you.”
The bomb was on the market, and I’d seen them fight over it. Now, I just needed to drive up the price to over 1.4 trillion. But if I raised it too high, my eldest uncle would have the advantage. Family competition should be fair, right?
Maybe I should just squeeze out a hefty interest?
Watching the invisible tension between the two was entertaining, but after the course meal and dessert, it was time to leave.
“Shall I take my leave now? You two have more to discuss, right?”
“Ah, yes. Go ahead. Good work.”
I bowed to both and left the hotel.
A bit of a shame.
I wanted to show more of my obsession with winning rather than management or control, and highlight my dislike for complexity and love for making money. That might have eased their wariness a bit, but I couldn’t shake the feeling I hadn’t done enough.
“What do you think?”
“About what?”
“Do-jun’s words. Was he serious today?”
“Don’t overthink it. Whether he’s hiding his true self or just that simple, it doesn’t change anything. We need to take everything Do-jun has—his company, his shares.”
Jin Young-ki revealed his true feelings as he swallowed his drink. He knew his brother was no different from him.
It’s amusing. Everyone hides their true intentions, but with the strongest competitor, there’s nothing to hide.
Jin Dong-ki sipped his drink and looked his brother straight in the eye, revealing his true feelings.
“Brother, do you really need Sunyang Card? They say it doesn’t even have group shares.”
“You only make that face when you’re desperate.”
“Brother!”
“Stop it. What’s the point of pretending to be loving brothers now?”
“So what? Do you want to auction off a company? You know if we fight, only Do-jun benefits.”
“And if we don’t fight? Is it okay if you benefit? If you’re not ready to throw money around, give up now.”
“Why? You have enough cash flow with electronics and consumer goods. Why are you so greedy? Just to spite me?”
“What? Spite you? You fool! I’m the one who’s been spited! I’ve already been spited by Father. Damn it.”
Crash—!
Jin Young-ki threw his glass to the floor.
“Before I even matured, Father drilled it into my head. ‘Young-ki, you’ll be the captain of Sunyang. I’ll give you everything, and you must make Sunyang even grander.’”
Jin Young-ki clenched his fists, breathing heavily.
“But… I lived believing that for decades… I’m almost sixty now. I haven’t even received half of what I was promised. Do you understand? Whether it’s what you have or what our young nephew has, it’s all mine! The fact that I have to buy what’s mine with money is what’s messed up! Do you still think I’m spiting you?”
Despite Jin Young-ki’s fiery outburst, Jin Dong-ki’s gaze remained calm, almost sympathetic.
Is that what it means to be the eldest son? To bear the weight of parental expectations, believing everything they have is rightfully yours?
“I understand your thoughts, brother. I’ll have to change my thinking too.”
“How will you change it?”
“For a moment, I thought we could grow our respective subsidiaries, fill in each other’s gaps, and swap if necessary… You know, like friendly competition. But that’s not going to work. Let’s just fight over shares until one of us can’t get up again.”
Jin Dong-ki tossed his napkin onto the table and stood up.
“I’m taking Sunyang Card. Father taught you too, right? ‘Anyone can buy with money. What’s important is the will to have it. Then you’ll realize money isn’t the key.’ I heard that until it was drilled into my head. And it’s true.”
Jin Young-ki gritted his teeth, staring at the empty chair Jin Dong-ki left behind.
“That arrogant bastard… Always acting superior.”
As I entered the Sunyang Group headquarters, Executive Director Jang Do-hyung hurried over.
“You should have given us a heads-up. We had to rush to prepare everything in a day… I hope it’s to your liking.”
“As long as there’s a desk, chair, computer, and a meeting table, it’s fine.”
“Haha, that’s the hard part. People who pursue minimalism are quite particular.”
“I’m not into minimalism. I just need what’s necessary.”
As we walked from the entrance to the private elevator, many people lined up to bow. I frowned at the sight.
“Director, please don’t arrange this in the future. You know I dislike it.”
“This is just for today. At least they should know your face, even if you take your time with introductions.”
The private elevator was reserved just for the two of them. There was a conversation to be had, one that required privacy.
“How did the preparations go?”
“The four CEOs are already waiting in your office. The staff are stationed outside each of their offices. Once you enter, everything will commence immediately.”
“Good. Let’s get this over with quickly.”
“There won’t be any issues.”
I entered my office on the 24th floor for the first time.
The four CEOs, who had been sitting on the reception sofa, rose awkwardly, unable to hide their discomfort.
A quick glance around the room told me who had arranged it.
The space was filled with simple yet luxurious furniture.
It had to be my aunt’s doing.
“Please, everyone, have a seat.”
As I took the head seat, Director Jang Do-hyung stood by my side.
“President Lee Min-seop.”
“Yes.”
“We’ve decided to sell the card company. As of today, you’re dismissed.”
When President Lee’s face twisted in shock, I quickly added to prevent any outbursts.
“I spoke with Vice Chairmen Jin Young-ki and Jin Dong-ki, and they expressed interest in acquiring it. Your reappointment will be up to them.”
Lee’s previously contorted face lit up with unexpected joy.
Is he a fool?
There’s no way my uncle would reinstate him as president. There are too many people vying for my uncle’s favor. I only cut him loose for my uncle’s sake.
“And President Yang Woo-chan. President Ko In-kyu.”
“Yes.”
“You two are also dismissed.”
The two presidents froze as if struck by lightning.