[054] Win-Win 1.
“What are you talking about? Five hundred billion? We agreed on a trillion for all the shares.”
“The stock price of Ajin has plummeted…”
“Enough. Just get it all. Why is there so much talk when I’m asking for my money?”
At Chairman Jin’s sharp command, Lee Hak-jae fell silent.
He knew better than to try to persuade the chairman with excuses. What subordinates see as persuasion, superiors often see as excuses.
“Understood, Chairman. I’ll handle it quickly.”
“And gather some sharp people. After the general meeting, I want a team that can scrutinize Ajin Motors’ financial records with a fine-tooth comb.”
“I’ve already prepared for that. Daehyun Group will likely send their own people to the meeting. I’ll make sure we’re ready for that too.”
As Chairman Jin nodded in satisfaction, the president and executives of Sunyang Motors entered the room after a knock.
“Looks like we’ll have to go through the same ordeal as when we prepared the Ajin Motors report six years ago.”
The executives looked bewildered, having barely sat down before hearing the chairman’s bombshell announcement.
“Chairman, are you planning to acquire Ajin Motors?”
“As you know, we don’t have the financial capacity. Even if we delay the payment…”
The executives were worried that the chairman might be making a reckless decision.
“No, we’re not acquiring it. We’re just preventing it from falling into Daehyun’s hands.”
“If we block Daehyun, who will acquire it? Surely you’re not thinking of Wuseong Motors…?”
“Wuseong has too much American capital. It’s not feasible.”
Seeing the executives’ troubled expressions, Chairman Jin raised his voice.
“Do you think I don’t know what you know? Stop the pointless chatter and just do what I say. You have one week.”
The mention of a week made the Sunyang Motors management jump to their feet without delay. There wasn’t a second to waste.
“As you all know, just to be clear… if this leaks out, there will be hell to pay. And Jo Dae-ho.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Invite Chairman Song Hyun-chang for a drink. I have something to discuss.”
President Jo Dae-ho was puzzled but nodded. What could the two chairmen possibly have to discuss? What would it be about?
It was a common question among those in the study.
The expectation in Oh Se-hyun’s eyes was clear, and fortunately, I had the answer he was hoping for.
“Did you have a good talk with your grandfather?”
“Yes, he’ll give us full support. Once we acquire the shares, you can meet with the stakeholders immediately.”
“You can? Does that mean you’re stepping back?”
“I have to. It would be ridiculous for me to show up. Everyone knows I’m not exactly trustworthy.”
“Is that all? No other reason?”
“The world of conglomerates is full of watchful eyes.”
I didn’t mention the internal enemies. It’s not time to reveal the ultimate goal yet.
“True… if you step in, everyone will think it’s your grandfather’s money.”
“We don’t have much time. We need to assess the situation before Ajin Motors goes completely under.”
“I’ve got all our company’s accountants ready. They’re already reviewing the available data.”
Oh Se-hyun’s excitement was contagious, and I felt a strange sensation. Perhaps it was fear.
Can I really take over a giant like Ajin Motors? Am I biting off more than I can chew?
The temptation of the billions already earned, enough to live like an emperor, never ceased for a single day.
But the nightmares I have every night keep me grounded.
And… it’s not just because of the nightmares.
The life I dreamed of in my past life, chasing pleasure with endless wealth, seems less appealing than a life of fierce competition and achievement.
I want to see the end of this journey, even if it leads to nothing but emptiness.
“Hey, what are you thinking about? Why so quiet all of a sudden?”
“Oh, I was just thinking about what my grandfather said. When we acquire the shares, he wants to use all his slush funds.”
“What? I managed to cut it down to half, and now you want to give it all away?”
It’s understandable he’d be upset. Losing five hundred billion with a single word after securing it is no small matter.
“I’m sorry, but there’s no choice. I promised. And if my grandfather is willing to use all his power for me, I should give it all.”
“Did you tell him you’re the major shareholder of Miracle Investment? Did you leave out that you’re the owner?”
“No, I told him. How could I ask for help without saying that?”
“And he still asked for it all? Even when it’s a good chance to legally inherit five hundred billion?”
“If he were the type to hand over slush funds like that, Sunyang Group would already be in my uncle’s hands.”
“Oh, these ruthless people… They say the rich are worse.”
It was a careless remark, but Oh Se-hyun quickly realized his mistake and stopped.
Because the people he was talking about were my family.
“Indeed. I have to survive among these ruthless people.”
Oh Se-hyun just looked at me with a bitter smile.
“How can you change your mind all of a sudden?”
“This is embarrassing… It’s awkward to face Director Oh.”
“What’s the reason? You’re not the type to go back on your word.”
“Why do you think a salaried man changes his mind? Orders from above.”
“Oh dear, oh dear. Haha.”
Oh Se-hyun burst into laughter at Lee Hak-jae’s candidness.
“I’m sorry. It’s just that seeing this side of you is so unexpected. It makes me realize you’re human too.”
“Then how did you see me until now?”
Oh Se-hyun scratched the back of his neck, laughing.
“A Terminator…”
“What? Hahaha.”
Lee Hak-jae laughed, recalling the movie he had seen long ago.
“Why did you think that?”
“Isn’t the Terminator programmed to focus solely on completing its mission? No emotions involved.”
“Was I really like that?”
“Until now.”
“So now I look more human than machine?”
“Still a bit lacking… Ah, there’s a perfect word. Sunyang Electronics’ ad slogan, right? Human Tech.”
With Oh Se-hyun’s joking response, Lee Hak-jae felt the problem might be easier to solve than expected.
“Will you do me a favor? I’ll make sure to repay you accordingly.”
“I don’t trust promises made with words.”
“Then what should I do? Write a contract?”
“There are exceptions… I’ll trust you this time.”
Lee Hak-jae was surprised at how easily Oh Se-hyun accepted, which made him a bit suspicious. Oh Se-hyun noticed and clicked his tongue.
“Let’s live with a bit of trust. Like I do.”
As Oh Se-hyun spoke with a smile, Lee Hak-jae suddenly extended his hand.
“Thank you. I’ve betrayed many who trusted me, but I won’t do that to you, Director Oh. At least I’ll give you a warning first.”
Oh Se-hyun was taken aback as he shook the offered hand.
He felt a twinge of pity, thinking this must be how this man lives.
“Alright, let’s prepare for the extraordinary general meeting. Sunyang will handle everything needed, so Director Oh…”
“I’ve already prepared everything on my end. Let’s get it done like lightning.”
Their clasped hands tightened with determination.
Two sedans quietly left Chairman Jin’s mansion, heading towards Bukhansan.
The lead van carried bodyguards, while Chairman Jin rode in the following sedan.
He had never moved for anyone else before. He would go to the ends of the earth for himself, but for others, he would summon them to his study.
Today, for the first time, he lowered himself for his grandson.
Chairman Jin couldn’t help but smile as he recalled his conversation with his grandson Do-jun a few days ago.
“What do you think of Chairman Song Hyun-chang?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean his abilities or qualities as a manager.”
“His reach is short.”
“Do you mean he can’t handle many things at once?”
Chairman Jin looked at his grandson warmly. It was amazing how well this barely twenty-year-old understood him.
The language of a twenty-year-old and a seventy-year-old is different. The years of living, listening, seeing, and experiencing are reflected in their words. They use those words to make the most appropriate analogies and expressions.
The young grandson’s ability to understand those words was astonishing.
“One car and a few companies needed for cars are his limits.”
“Why is that?”
“The pride of success turned into arrogance and stubbornness.”
“He doesn’t listen to others’ opinions.”
“Exactly. That’s it. He dismisses those who offer different opinions. Who are you to say that? Have you succeeded as much as I have? If you’re smarter than me, why are you working under me? He can’t erase those thoughts.”
“Is it really that bad? Even Liu Bang had generals like Han Xin. Isn’t that a lesson enough?”
“I’m the same.”
“What?”
Chairman Jin spoke as he saw his grandson tilt his head.
“I also get angry when executives or subsidiary presidents oppose my opinion. I’m human. But I hold it in. Do you know why?”
“Because they’re saying it for your benefit?”
“Yes. They’re giving me advice to grow Sunyang Group and make more money. But Chairman Song is different. Ajin Group isn’t his. He only holds 2% of Ajin Motors’ shares. Even the union holds 14%.”
“Without the sense of ownership over Ajin Group…”
“Right. Because it’s not his, he wants to run it as he pleases, even if it means ignoring others’ opinions.”
Chairman Jin couldn’t help but feel proud of his grandson, who seemed to understand everything so quickly.
“By the way, why are you bringing up Chairman Song? Does it have something to do with acquiring Ajin Motors?”
“Ah, yes. I’ve been thinking about what to do after we acquire Ajin Motors.”
Chairman Jin listened intently, not missing a single word his grandson said. When the young man finished speaking, Jin was so impressed that he gave his desk a hearty thump.
“That’s truly ingenious. How did you come up with such a brilliant idea?”
“So, I was thinking maybe you could meet with Chairman Song and share this plan with him, asking for his active cooperation.”
“Of course. If my grandson is going to take over Ajin Group, how could I not make that effort? Don’t worry about it. Ha ha.”
“Goodness, Chairman Song. Are you trying to wear me out? Why on earth did you choose this place?”
“Well, you did say you wanted to have a bowl of makgeolli. The makgeolli here is exceptional.”
“You’re not just showing off your health by picking this spot, are you?”
Chairman Jin grumbled as he glanced around the small pancake house at the start of the hiking trail. The place was already empty, as if someone had cleared it out in advance.
Chairman Song Hyun-chang, dressed in hiking gear, looked like he had just finished a hike, with several wet towels piled up beside him.
“You can drive right up to the bottom. You must have walked barely a hundred meters. You should exercise a bit and take care of your health, instead of just enjoying the thrill of taking over other people’s businesses.”
“I don’t have the strength or the will for that anymore. Don’t be too harsh.”
Chairman Jin brushed off Song’s pointed remark and plopped down onto a red plastic chair.
“Chairman Song.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Let me give you a little warning.”
Song’s hand paused as he was wiping his neck with a towel.
“If the makgeolli here isn’t good, I might just flip the table and leave.”
It was a veiled threat, suggesting that any opposition to his proposal might be met with serious consequences.
Chairman Song set down the towel and twisted open the cap of the makgeolli.
“I’m used to drinking alone.”
His response was a clear indication that even the mighty Sunyang Group wouldn’t have an easy time with him.