Chaebol

"What do you even know about semiconductors, huh?"

Jung must have expected no response, anticipating a child's silence with no words.

'Should I answer him?'

I glanced at Grandfather to gauge his reaction.

What if speaking up inadvertently brought me closer to management?

However, that thought quickly evaporated.

'Look at this tuxedo! It's practically a foregone conclusion already, isn't it?'

Now was the time to introduce any variables I could.

"Chairman, may I say something about semiconductors?"

Perhaps because of my unusually mature tone, curiosity flickered in Chairman Jung's eyes.

"Semiconductors are a field I've always wanted to invest in."

"Why? So you can manufacture semiconductors to supply to our Daebo automobiles?"

Jung's comment drew laughter from his grandsons standing behind him.

But I ignored their reaction and spoke up.

"From what I know, Chairman Jung is the most ambitious man. You've flown all the way to the UK with just a business proposal to secure contracts. That says it all."

What is he getting at?

Jung narrowed his eyes and waited for me to continue.

"As expected of a company led by someone like you, Daebo has always produced large-scale finished products like ships, cars, and buildings. It's a path worthy of respect. However…"

Maybe because he sensed I was about to get to the main point, Jung leaned toward me.

"When it comes to the domestic market, maybe, but competing on the global stage with finished products has its limits. Unless the national image improves… no matter how excellent the product is, it often gets undervalued."

It's a simple truth.

German cars and Chinese cars.

Even if their performance is similar, which one would consumers choose?

Let's put it more simply.

If Starbucks were a Chinese company, would it still be thriving like it is now?

"But the parts market is entirely different. There, you compete on specs, stripped of frills, purely on technological prowess. That's why I chose semiconductors."

Here was a kid who had just graduated from elementary school.

Chairman Jung must have been surprised, too, but…

"..."

Being a seasoned veteran, he kept a remarkably composed expression.

Of course, the grandsons' reactions were a bit different.

"...!"

Their eyes were wide with astonishment.

They were faces that clearly still needed more experience.

Regardless of them, I kept my gaze on Chairman Jung as I continued.

"Chairman, you might not agree with my views. If enhancing the national image is necessary, you might prefer to tackle the problem directly. That's your style."

"Handle the problem directly?"

"Yes. You might feel more at ease jumping into the political arena rather than leaving the country's fate to crooked politicians. Although, ideally, that shouldn't happen."

Jung was a man who had weathered all kinds of storms.

He's not the type to be swayed by the words of a 14-year-old child.

Up until now, he had always been that way.

But.

Gulp.

This time, even this giant's Adam's apple bobbed noticeably.

"You said your name is Ji-hoon?"

"Yes, Chairman."

"You seem to have a negative view of businesspeople engaging in politics. Is that what your grandfather taught you?"

"No, it's purely my own opinion."

"Your own opinion?"

"Yes. If you were to run for office, it would be for the presidency, right…?"

Chairman Jung's eyes trembled slightly at the mention of the presidency.

"The public doesn't tolerate conglomerates wielding power too. How many voters would approve of one person holding all the power in the world?"

A few years from now, Chairman Jung would run for president.

By now, he was likely at the stage of making decisions, or perhaps he had already decided and planned his campaign.

And now, he was hearing these words from his lifelong rival's grandson?

Jung turned to Grandfather, his face clearly displeased.

His eyes seemed to accuse, "If you have something to say, say it yourself… Why are you using a child to do your bidding?"

His expression made it clear he still couldn't believe all of this was coming from my own mind.

Grandfather, on the other hand, showed a wide, toothy grin.

As if to say, "No matter what Jung thinks, it's not the truth, so what can he do?"

Maybe that confidence only angered Jung further.

"I should be going now."

Jung spun around, clearly upset.

As for Grandfather…

"What urgent business do you have at this late hour that you're leaving already? Since you've come all this way, wouldn't it be better to at least see the painting before you go?"

He saw him off with a seemingly kind farewell(?).

Ignoring the invitation, Jung started walking away.

"We'll be taking our leave now."

"Congratulations on the exhibition, Chairman."

His grandsons bowed to Grandfather and hurried to follow Chairman Jung.

As the Daebo Group family disappeared from view—

"It doesn't make sense to come to someone else's party and leave without even having a bowl of rice."

Grandfather spoke to me as if seeking agreement.

Hmm.

Even if they were lifelong rivals, it wouldn't be proper for a child like me to gossip about an elder.

"Maybe he has something urgent to attend to."

Perhaps satisfied with my response, Grandfather's lips curled into a faint smile.

***

After another 30 minutes of greetings, the event finally began.

The opening speech was given by President Lee Woong-ho, a former president of Seoul National University.

As a professor of economics, he enthusiastically explained the economic impact that da Vinci's work would bring.

Soon after, Grandfather took the stage.

"I'm sure you all came to see the painting, not to listen to my rambling. Dragging this out won't do either of us any good, right?"

When someone reaches Grandfather's status, everyone's ready to laugh at anything he says.

Perhaps that's why the atmosphere brightened immediately.

"Let's skip this and that, and I'll just say one thing worth remembering."

What could he be about to say?

As everyone's attention focused on him—

Swoosh.

Grandfather turned to look at me and continued.

"This painting… the world's top da Vinci expert initially declared it wasn't genuine. But we fought tooth and nail, developed a new method of appraisal, and eventually proved it to be a da Vinci. It was then that I had a thought."

Grandfather quickly added,

"How wonderful would it be to have a subordinate like that? Even if I said no, they wouldn't back down and would persist to the end. How thrilling would it be to have someone who could stick to their guns and push through? Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine."

With that, Grandfather put down the microphone.

He then walked toward me with long strides.

Naturally.

Everyone in the hall turned their eyes toward me.

Grandfather seemed to relish this situation as he spoke.

"Don't you think you should say a few words too?"

"What? … Me?"

"You brought the painting here, and you assembled the appraisal team. Wouldn't these esteemed guests want to hear from you?"

It was a gathering of wise and discerning individuals.

By this point, they would have had a good idea of what Grandfather intended.

Indeed, almost as if on cue—

Clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap!

Applause erupted from all around.

When I was dressed up in a tuxedo with a bow tie and slicked-back hair, I had a feeling something was coming.

'But to think I'd be handed a microphone in front of all these VIPs.'

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap!

I couldn't ignore the continuous applause.

I slowly walked toward the microphone.

If they only wanted a brief greeting, they would have had me do it from my seat.

Hmmm.

Since I was holding the microphone, I'd have to say something.

'Since this is an introduction to the painting,'

I briefly explained how I had acquired the piece.

I then brought up the story of the appraisal process.

"I appreciate my grandfather saying such nice things, but honestly, it wasn't anything grand. I'd invested a lot of effort, and it felt like a waste to give up, so I simply sought help from various places."

Perhaps my childlike response brought about smiles.

"Oh, and earlier… during my grandfather's speech, he mentioned how nice it would be to have a subordinate who wouldn't give up, even if told no."

All eyes shifted back and forth between me and Grandfather.

"I believe he already has a subordinate like that."

"Who would that be?"

"Have you forgotten already? Despite my Grandfather's constant objections, my father fought to the end to start the semiconductor business. I hear the stock prices have risen a lot lately. Isn't that right?"

Laughter broke out once more.

The atmosphere was now perfectly lightened.

Now was the time to drive the point home!

I spoke as calmly as possible.

"As Grandfather said… if I've shown determination, persistence, and stubbornness, I think it's because I learned it all from my father."

"...?"

"I can't forget how my father looked while preparing for the semiconductor business. His weak footsteps, the deep shadows under his eyes, and the bloodshot veins in his eyes…"

The mood among the audience grew somber.

"But there was a sharp glint in his eyes. Eyes that held no doubt about success. I still vividly remember that determined gaze."

With this, I gave credit to my father and made it clear that Hyungang's next leader would be Vice Chairman Park Jong-in, leaving no room for the third generation.

For me, it was an act of both humility and practicality.

Perhaps some had guessed my intentions.

Clap

 clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap!

Amid the thunderous applause…

"..."

Grandfather was watching me with a curious expression.

***

Thirty minutes later.

Jo Soo-deok was preparing for the exhibition briefing with an excited look on his face.

It was a gathering of the most prominent figures in the country.

Even for someone as experienced as him, it was only natural to feel nervous.

Maybe that's why.

The chatter around him seemed unusually clear.

"It seemed a bit odd to elevate the third generation so much, but now it makes sense."

"What did I tell you? Blood is thicker than water. If he's this good now, just imagine when he graduates from college. He'll be a real high-flyer."

Usually, hearing praise for the Boss would bring a smile to anyone's face, but…

"..."

Jo Soo-deok's expression wasn't particularly cheerful.

And for good reason.

'Our Boss's goals are completely opposite of what you're thinking! Our Boss wants to take it easy. He finds making money occasionally fun… but he has absolutely no interest in management… so please, no hopeful glances!'

Contrary to Jo Soo-deok's hopes, the surrounding voices only grew louder.

"So should we consider the third-generation succession a done deal?"

"Of course. They've already declared semiconductors as the future. If the third generation is a major shareholder in semiconductors, isn't that saying it all?"

Unable to listen any longer, Jo Soo-deok quickly stepped in front of the guests.

"I am Professor Jo Soo-deok, and I'll be guiding today's exhibition. It's a great honor to welcome such distinguished guests."

Jo Soo-deok began by bowing deeply.

The guests stopped talking and gave a round of applause.

'Good, it's finally quiet.'

"Starting with Kim Hwan-ki and Lee Jung-seop, we'll proceed through works by Picasso, Monet, Salvador Dalí, and finish with Leonardo da Vinci. I'll provide more detailed explanations as we move along."

As soon as Jo Soo-deok closed his mouth, the evaluations started again.

"He's tall, and he's got a neat, handsome face."

"True, appearance is important too."

'I'm here to talk about paintings, and they're back to talking about the Boss! I'll say it again… our Boss isn't interested in management…'

Just then, a sudden thought crossed his mind.

'Everyone's only saying good things, so why am I getting worked up?'

Scratching the back of his head, Jo Soo-deok shook his head, trying to clear away his unnecessary thoughts.