[063] A World Where Villains Live 2.
With a sigh of relief, the grandfather put down the phone, his smile fading.
“Hyuk-jae, bring Jo Dae-ho home right now.”
After hanging up, he looked at me with a satisfied expression and began to speak.
“I’m the most criticized man in this country. I’ve been summoned to the Seoul Prosecutor’s Office four times in a wheelchair and convicted twice. Eight subsidiary presidents went to prison in my place.”
Why doesn’t he mention that both convictions ended with suspended sentences and that all those presidents were later pardoned by the president?
“The blame started to spread as my children grew up. Now even Young-jun shares it.”
He gestured outside with his hand.
Does he mean that we’re in a constant battle of finger-pointing with the public?
One side fueled by jealousy and anger, the other by disdain and disregard.
“You might already be receiving it too. When you scored exceptionally well on the college entrance exam and gave interviews, people must have whispered. They probably said you had expensive private tutoring or that you bought your way into Seoul National University. Some might have even criticized you for going to law school as a third-generation chaebol, saying someone more deserving missed out because of you.”
Though he doesn’t care about public opinion, he seems well-informed, as reports must be coming in regularly.
“Whether you like it or not, you were born into a family of villains, and no matter what you achieve, they’ll say you were born with a silver spoon. Do you understand?”
“Yes. I won’t be shaken.”
There are many villains who wear masks, and even more people who are deceived by them.
The world is changing. Personal image and identity management will become crucial. I need to prepare many masks.
“Now, you should go. Director Lee and President Jo will arrive soon. Remember, the merger announcement should focus on Sunyang. President Jo Dae-ho will take the lead.”
I must keep my acquisition of Ajin a secret. Grandfather knows this well. If it’s revealed that I’m the key player in the merger, our relatives won’t stay quiet.
“Of course. I’ll prepare immediately.”
As I bowed to my grandfather, he patted my back with a pleased smile.
How much will he add to Sunyang Motors? Or is he planning to use me to swallow Ajin Group whole?
“We’re thinking of absorbing Ajin Group.”
“What?”
The two men who rushed over in the middle of the night couldn’t hide their surprise at Chairman Jin’s opening words.
It was like a bolt from the blue.
“Chairman, it’s already leaning towards Daehyun. We don’t have the time to prepare, and more importantly, we lack the funds.”
“That’s right. Jumping in now seems… a bit much.”
Chairman Jin raised a hand to silence them.
“We’re just dipping our toes in. And that toe is you, Jo Dae-ho.”
“What?”
President Jo struggled to grasp Chairman Jin’s intentions.
“If Miracle acquires Ajin Group, Sunyang Motors will merge with Ajin Motors. That’s your task.”
“A… merger?”
“We’ll carve out Sunyang Motors from our group and merge it with Ajin Motors. The new automotive company will start fresh, and its first CEO will be you, Jo Dae-ho.”
President Jo was speechless, while Director Lee Hyuk-jae focused on understanding Chairman Jin’s plan.
“Chairman, no matter how we adjust the merger ratio, Miracle Investment will be the largest shareholder. The controlling shareholder of Miracle will control the merged company.”
Director Lee spoke cautiously, and Chairman Jin’s lips curled into a bright smile.
“Miracle’s Oh Se-hyun has extended a hand. He knows that if things continue as they are, he’ll end up like a dog chasing chickens. He wants to create a new automotive company and hand it over to us, nicely packaged. Ha ha.”
“And what about Miracle?”
“They’re just money players anyway. We’ve promised them a hefty wrapping fee.”
“Of course, it’s on credit, right? And over five, no, ten years of installments?”
Director Lee, sensitive to the group’s financial situation, quickly confirmed.
“To avoid becoming a dog with its tail between its legs, we have no choice. They’ve agreed to our terms. Don’t worry.”
While Director Lee was reassured, President Jo still couldn’t muster a bright expression.
“Chairman, what about Ajin’s Chairman Song Hyun-chang?”
“We can’t just kick him out immediately, can we? Besides, we need him to keep Ajin Group’s union quiet. Didn’t they say it themselves at the last press conference? No disputes, wage freeze. Isn’t that great? They’re willing to work without complaints.”
“Have you thought of a suitable position for him?”
“We’ll leave him with the title of Ajin Group Chairman. You focus on securing the automotive division. Within six months, clean out Song Hyun-chang’s people, and within three years, fill the remaining executive positions in the subsidiaries with our people.”
Three years to conquer and stabilize the territory as an occupying force.
If there are any disturbances or delays, his exit will come even sooner.
President Jo swallowed hard, steeling himself.
He thought his time as CEO of the perpetually last-place Sunyang Motors was nearly over, but now another opportunity has arisen.
“Schedule the merger announcement for the day before the review. Let Daehyun watch our press conference in disbelief. Ha ha.”
Chairman Jin was in high spirits.
The thought of Daehyun Chairman Joo losing the delicious Ajin, much more appetizing than Hando Steel, was exhilarating.
“Let’s call it a day. Since we’re all here, how about a drink? Let’s toast to our success.”
Men remain men, no matter their age.
Director Lee had already taken out his phone.
“I’ll make the arrangements.”
“Good. I’ll change and come down. Ha ha.”
“Oh, my head.”
“Wasn’t it really expensive liquor?”
“No matter how good the liquor, you can’t beat the quantity. We overdid it.”
Despite pressing his temples and drinking only water, Oh Se-hyun’s eyes were filled with anticipation.
“So, did you get it? That card in someone else’s hand… did you bring it?”
“Yes.”
Oh Se-hyun put down his cup with a thud.
“The card in the old man’s hand, he threw it to us.”
“Chairman Jin?”
“Yes. It’s a huge card, with Sunyang Motors coming into our hands. Ha ha.”
“What? Sunyang?”
Sunyang Motors was the ultimate hangover cure, clearing his headache in an instant.
I recounted the negotiation with my grandfather from the previous night, and Oh Se-hyun listened intently.
“So, he’s essentially saying he’ll pass Sunyang Motors to you?”
“No, it’s not confirmed yet. He’s not someone who gives in easily.”
“Why? If he separates the automotive division and attaches it to Ajin Group, it’s yours. He knows Miracle Investment is yours, right?”
“The merger ratio is still undecided. If he doesn’t concede then, the ownership could change.”
“What do you mean? Accepting the merger means…”
Oh Se-hyun will never truly understand the real nature of my grandfather, Chairman Jin. His ambition surpasses blood ties.
Without such ambition, he wouldn’t have built Sunyang Group.
“Uncle, my grandfather isn’t someone who mixes his and my things just to pass them on. He’ll take everything first and then share a little.”
He’d take my beer, mix it with his whiskey, and hand me the glass. I’d kneel and gratefully accept it.
That’s the picture my grandfather envisions.
“So, have you settled the merger ratio? Already?”
“Not yet. We’ll discuss it after we acquire Ajin. I’ll handle that, so don’t worry.”
By the time the acquisition target is selected and the merger process begins, a harsh winter will be upon us.
An unprecedentedly severe winter.
The entire nation will freeze, with countless people succumbing to the cold, helplessly watching.
When Sunyang, Daehyun, and the government are all out of firewood, my grandfather will have no choice but to accept my proposal.
Then, I’ll be the one offering the drink, and my grandfather will gratefully accept it.
“Uncle, meet with Chairman Song Hyun-chang. Inform him of the merger plan… and if he objects…”
“Right. I’ll make sure he can’t object. He knows he’s only got a few years left, whether he’s on a drip or a ventilator.”
As Oh Se-hyun put on his coat, he brought up an important issue.
“Uncle, can you buy stocks under a borrowed name?”
“Borrowed name?”
“Yes. Sunyang Motors’ stock will plummet. We’ll announce that we’re selling all Sunyang Group’s shares that have been supporting the stock price.”
“A complete separation… I see. But if nothing changes, it’ll recover, right?”
“Let’s prepare in advance. So we can buy everything when it hits rock bottom.”
“Sure. I’ll take a stroll around Namdaemun and Myeongdong. I might as well have some fun.”
His instincts from the stock market remain sharp. He never misses an opportunity.
The stock market, a legal casino open to all.
While gains and losses fluctuate, those who know the next card can strike it rich.
Those who can’t see the cards but are quick-witted lose little, while the slow-witted lose a lot.
“Oh, take this. The Hanseong Ilbo card is well-played.”
“Did you uproot it a bit?”
“It’s the Hanseong Ilbo, after all. Just a small root, I suppose. Heh heh.”
Who cares if it’s a bit underhanded? As long as it shocks my sister-in-law, that’s all that matters.
“Soonyang Motors will become a completely independent entity through a full spin-off. We plan to merge with Ajin Motors to establish ourselves as a leading automotive company.”
Even before the press conference began, the news had already broken as an exclusive.
The conference room was packed to the brim, with every media outlet jostling for space, cameras at the ready.
Chairman Song Hyun-chang, CEO Oh Se-hyun, and President Jo Dae-ho answered the reporters’ questions with visibly excited expressions.
“We want to make it clear that Miracle Investment is not just a speculative fund. We are committed to elevating the Korean automotive industry to the next level.”
“What roles will the three companies play in this?”
“President Jo Dae-ho will lead the automotive division, the core of Ajin Group, while Chairman Song Hyun-chang will oversee the entire group. Miracle will remain a shareholder and will not interfere in management. We will only establish an audit team to oversee the group’s auditing functions.”
“Even if you divest from Soon-yang, isn’t President Jo Dae-ho still a key figure in the group? This seems like Soon-yang is taking over Ajin Group.”
President Jo Dae-ho smiled as he took the microphone again.
“I won’t deny my roots with Soon-yang Group. However, Soon-yang will become just one of many shareholders. After the merger, we plan to gradually sell off the shares held by Soon-yang Group.”
“Once the acquisition is finalized and the merger is complete, we will change the group’s name. It will be neither Ajin nor Soon-yang, but something entirely new. We aim to transform into a specialized automotive company focused on the future.”
Chairman Song Hyun-chang’s final words sealed the deal.
While the press conference was in full swing, Chairman Jin of Soon-yang was locked in a battle with his phone for hours.
“Chief Choi, wouldn’t it be great if we had a company that focused on one thing? I’ve given away a gem of a car company. I have no intention of taking it back, so make a wise decision.”
“Manager Kim, I’m backing Ajin Group now. Let’s wrap up the review quickly tomorrow and have dinner together.”
“Minister Yoon, I’ve already given a heads-up to the Blue House chief. Prepare the emergency report nicely. The president’s approval will come through immediately.”
Watching the press conference, some people were trembling with anger.
“This… this is outrageous…”
Chairman Joo Young-il of Daehyun was infuriated that the TV he was watching was a Soon-yang Electronics product.