Chapter 196: Securing Evidence 5
Vice Chairman Jin Dong-gi asked with a feigned look of concern.
“So, what are your plans now?”
“Well, the kids are grown, so we don’t have any big expenses. I thought I’d take my wife on a trip around Southeast Asia for a while. Staying in Korea just means dealing with family pressures. Maybe things will calm down at home if we return in about three years?”
Executive Director Im continued cautiously.
“And I’ll make sure to return all the money I took in my greed.”
Vice Chairman Jin smiled slightly.
“Don’t worry about it. Think of it as your retirement fund for all your hard work. You know why I’m doing this, right?”
He meant for Im to forget everything that happened at Sunyang. It was a way to save money.
“Of course. I’m just grateful to you, Vice Chairman.”
Im Jong-yun stood up abruptly and bowed his head.
“Why are you doing this? You’re making me embarrassed…”
Vice Chairman Jin waved his hand dismissively.
“By the way, what happened with Jung Kyu-hwan? He suddenly resigned and disappeared?”
“Oh, I was just about to tell you about that.”
Im scratched his head awkwardly.
“He got involved in an affair…”
“What? An affair?”
“Yes, with a young female colleague. His family found out, so he fled to the U.S. to smooth things over. He came to me before he left, saying he couldn’t face the company anymore. Everyone knows about it, so it’s understandable.”
“What a fool.”
Vice Chairman Jin’s expression turned to open disdain.
“Don’t worry. I’ve made sure he knows the consequences of speaking out. He’ll keep quiet.”
“He better. Make sure he understands. I can’t trust someone who cheats with a young woman.”
“Understood. I’ll make sure he keeps his mouth shut.”
“It’s disappointing, but what can you do? It’s a family matter, so I can’t interfere.”
“I’m not going to disappear. I’ll keep in touch and visit when I can. Just don’t turn me away at the door. Haha.”
“Of course. We have a long history. Come by and keep me company sometimes.”
“Yes, Vice Chairman. Thank you for everything.”
Im Jong-yun bowed politely and left the office with a satisfied smile, while Vice Chairman Jin’s expression hardened as he watched him go.
As soon as Im closed the door, Jin picked up his phone.
“Follow Im Jong-yun. Check his accounts for any unusual transactions. And look into Jung Kyu-hwan’s whereabouts and the woman he was involved with. Be thorough.”
Something didn’t sit right.
Why did both men, involved in the same matter, leave the company at the same time? Was it just a coincidence?
Facing my uncle after what I’d done wasn’t easy. I kept wondering if he’d noticed my dealings with those two.
But his face was full of an unmistakable smile.
Once this moment passed, I’d have control over another key subsidiary of Sunyang. Was this what it felt like to be one step closer to the chairman’s seat?
“You’ve been meticulous. It would have been nice if some shares from other subsidiaries were mixed in with Sunyang Card. Not a single share, though.”
“Grandfather gave it to me, so I have to take care of it. I got quite the scolding just for handing over Sunyang Card.”
“But just like you handed over the card company, you could hand over shares when I really need them, right?”
His subtle gaze was a bit much, but I nodded willingly.
“I won’t hold onto them for long. We all have our paths to follow, don’t we?”
Whether he believed me or not, I didn’t reject his hopeful gaze outright.
At that moment, Vice President Jang Do-hyung and my uncle’s aides entered with several documents.
“The paperwork is perfect. Once you both sign, everything will be finalized.”
My uncle signed without even checking the contents, while I read every word to appear thorough.
After signing, my uncle grabbed my hand firmly.
“Whatever the reason, I must thank you. You’ve made financial management much easier.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s just business.”
Feigning modesty, I watched as my uncle signaled for everyone to leave.
“Did you have a good trip to Labuan?”
He asked about the discreet transaction with a smile.
“I had a good rest. And yes, I checked out that peculiar bank.”
“Was it Kota Kinabalu where you stayed?”
“Yes.”
“You’re thinking of building a resort there?”
“It’s not set in stone. I’m still in the preliminary stages. If it seems viable, I’ll proceed.”
He chuckled and patted me on the shoulder.
“With that money?”
“Yes. I want it to be my personal property. If it becomes a corporation, there are too many complications. As personal property, our family can relax there, and I can offer it as a perk to executives occasionally.”
“That’s a good idea. Investing abroad with money of unclear origin isn’t bad. Oh, make a contract with Sunyang Financial Group’s subsidiaries. Include the resort in the employee welfare policy.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Tax authorities aren’t too strict about employee welfare. It’ll help create a financial cushion.”
He’s thorough.
How many employees get rewarded with overseas trips in a year? This level of detail in increasing personal wealth made me chuckle.
“Right. I hadn’t considered that.”
“I have connections with high-ranking officials in Malaysia. We got close while setting up a precision machinery parts factory there. Let Sunyang Construction handle your resort project. We’ll make it spectacular.”
I nodded along, and he revealed his true intentions.
It’s impressive how he even pitches to his nephew, but I have to make a living too. Why should I hand over my project to someone else when I have my own company?
“Oh, what should I do? I’ve already discussed it with CEO Oh Se-hyun. HW Construction has already sent people over…”
“Sending a team for a survey isn’t a big deal. Pay them appropriately, and let Sunyang handle the main construction.”
I was about to politely refuse, but his sharp gaze made me reconsider.
“Well… I’ll discuss it again after the survey. It’s hard to give a definite answer right now.”
“Alright. Just remember to always prioritize Sunyang. The group was created to prevent money from flowing out.”
“Yes. I’m still learning… I’ll keep that in mind.”
His sharp gaze softened again.
Did he suspect something?
“From now on, discreetly purchase bearer bonds from Sunyang Heavy Industries and Sunyang Construction. Only those maturing in the first half of 2003.”
The fund managers looked puzzled but didn’t voice any objections. There were more profitable investments than bonds, but given my track record, they had no reason to oppose my decision.
“Understood. How much should we invest?”
“First, find out how much we can acquire.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.”
“Make sure I have a report by the end of the day.”
Everything was set.
I was slowly acquiring Sunyang Heavy Industries stock, but there were limits due to major shareholder requirements. However, bearer bonds could be secured in any amount. When the bonds mature, and they’re strapped for cash…
I’m curious to see how Vice Chairman Jin will handle it.
In just two years, how much more of the group’s controlling shares will be in my hands?
“What scheme are you plotting with that look on your face?”
Oh Se-hyun burst in without knocking, grinning.
“Scheme? No, nothing.”
“The team we sent to Malaysia sent their first report. Want to see it?”
He tossed a thin file onto my desk.
It was a mix of positive and negative feedback.
“The location and scenery are great, but the lack of a direct flight is a downside. They think we need to rely on Korean tourists to ensure profitability.”
Currently, the issue is having to transit through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, but if demand increases, direct flights could be established twice a week.
“If there’s demand, airlines will open direct routes. They’re not fools.”
“How will you create demand? Planning to partner with travel agencies? That’s only possible after there’s already interest.”
“We’ll advertise. Once people see the beautiful beaches and sunsets of Kota Kinabalu, it’ll become a dream destination.”
“You’re planning to pour money into advertising? Starting a travel agency?”
“I have a plan. My father is a media mogul in Korea. Creating a buzz is no big deal.”
“What? You’re funding production?”
“Yes. Let me know if there are any good movies or dramas. They should be working on scripts for next year’s broadcasts by now, right?”
“That’s true, but… why the sudden interest? I’m all for it, though. Haha.”
My father didn’t seem too curious about my intentions.
Producers don’t need to worry about the motives of investors.
“Just make sure there’s an overseas location shoot.”
“Kota Kinabalu?”
“Yes, you know it.”
“You’re building a resort there, right? Oh Se-hyun was bragging about it, saying the best suite is his.”
“You’re welcome anytime, Father.”
“That’s a family matter, so we’ll discuss it later. Is that your only condition?”
“Sure, but you have to make sure the visuals turn out great.”
“It’s a resort location, so of course the visuals will be stunning. How many projects are you thinking?”
“As many as you want. Just say the word.”
I answered confidently, and my father gave me another warm smile.
“Great. I’ll discuss with the directors and pick the ones that can get the most exposure. Anything else?”
“Sorry?”
“Is there anything else you can do?”
As I thought about it, a more effective idea came to mind.
“Have you considered creating a variety show?”
“A variety show? Like a TV entertainment program?”
“Yes, let’s do one with a travel theme.”
“Look at you. Do you think TV is just for advertising? You want to be that blatant?”
“Isn’t advertising the whole point? Cable TV has more lenient regulations these days, and product placements are all the rage.”
“True, but we should avoid being too obvious.”
“The location is just the backdrop, right? It’s not like we’re advertising a product.”
My father paused, deep in thought.
“Is the place that good?”
I knew what he meant.
“The visuals are stunning. If I was impressed, that says it all, doesn’t it?”
“That impressive?”
This was the same father who used to shake his head, saying I hadn’t inherited a drop of his artistic blood, skipping over my creative parents and taking after my dry, pragmatic grandfather instead.
If even I was impressed, it meant the visuals would leave most people speechless.
“We should do a preliminary visit. Oh, and you’ll cover the expenses, right?”
“Depending on the cast for the travel show. If we get top celebrities, I’ll even arrange first-class tickets for the scouting trip. How does that sound?”
If we could create a hit show like “Grandpas Over Flowers,” airlines would be lining up to open direct flights.
I wonder what Na Young-seok PD is up to these days.