Chaebol

"I want to go into business with you."

Not as an older brother who simply receives help… but as a business-to-business transaction.

In other words, Park Yoo-geon genuinely wanted a partnership.

To achieve that, he needed a compelling proposal that anyone would find hard to refuse.

After carefully considering his situation, Park Yoo-geon spoke again, choosing his words with utmost caution.

"If we're aiming for 100 billion won in sales, we need to sell at least 2 million copies. No one would produce that quantity for a novice developer like me."

"..."

"They'd probably release a minimal quantity first and then decide on additional production based on the response…"

If that happened, the year his grandfather had set would quickly pass by.

"I need someone to handle the initial stock. Plus, development, distribution, marketing… there are so many places where money needs to be spent."

More than anything else.

"We'd have to target the American market, which has substantial purchasing power, to sell 2 million copies. Since you already have a solid hold on North American distribution, partnering with you is my best option."

Was he usually this reserved when discussing business matters?

Park Ji-hoon silently listened to his older brother's words.

The surprising part was that Park Ji-hoon's thoughts were completely unreadable.

Usually, he was an emotionally expressive younger brother.

But at this moment, his expression was as blank as a blank sheet of paper.

'To think he was such a well-trained businessman.'

It felt like he was trying to crack a rock with an egg.

But what choice did he have?

If the egg breaks, he'd use the shell, and if even that crumbles, he'd use his hands to keep pounding on the rock.

"I'll give you shares. I'll give you 50% of the company I'm going to create."

"Half of a company that doesn't even have an office yet? Isn't that more like taking on baggage?"

So, this wasn't enough.

"What if we make it so that you receive all the profits from the first two games?"

"Then what about you? Are you saying you'll work without any profit?"

"I'm fine without compensation. If the game succeeds, the value of my shares will increase, and that'll be enough for me."

"Hmmm."

This was the first time his younger brother showed interest.

As expected.

"Can I make a counter-proposal?"

Park Ji-hoon asked as he leaned toward the sofa table.

"For the next 10 years, we won't take a salary from the company. All profits will be reinvested into the next game. That goes for both you and me."

Thump, thump.

Park Yoo-geon could clearly feel his heart racing.

At this moment, it felt like his younger brother wasn't treating him as an older brother.

It felt like they were discussing as equal business partners, looking each other in the eye.

But that feeling of being moved lasted only a moment.

Park Yoo-geon struggled to regain his composure as he answered.

"I'm not expecting immediate profits either. Whether it takes 10 years or 20 years, I want to focus on growing the company first."

"So, we're on the same page."

Does this mean they're about to sign the contract?

Just as Park Yoo-geon's Adam's apple bobbed with anticipation.

"But, Brother."

As if to say it's too early to feel relieved, Park Ji-hoon spoke up again.

"It would be good to have a safety net."

"A safety net?"

"This is a pretty large investment. Instead of just drawing up blueprints, I want to know what measures you'll take to prevent failure."

The face of a predator that doesn't want to miss even a small piece of flesh.

What did those who sat at the negotiation table with his younger brother feel like?

It was probably nerve-wracking, to say the least.

"Hoo."

Park Yoo-geon let out a small sigh before responding.

"There's probably no such thing as a perfect safety net for investments. I know you know that…"

"..."

"So, you're asking to see how much of my rights I'm willing to give up to avoid the worst-case scenario?"

Park Ji-hoon neither agreed nor disagreed but simply waited calmly for an answer.

"There are two things I'm willing to compromise on. First, even though I'm the one creating the game, I'll follow 'JH Network's' decisions entirely when it comes to the sales strategy."

"..."

"Second, I'll have the marketability of my game assessed objectively by a capable director."

"What if the expert says to scrap everything?"

"Then I'll do it. If it means selling even one more copy, I'll follow any solution."

He laid out all his cards, even the ones he didn't have.

Now, all that was left was the investor's decision.

His younger brother didn't make a decision easily.

The longer the silence, the drier his mouth felt, almost to the point of cracking.

It was even more nerve-racking than waiting for his grandfather's evaluation.

At that very moment.

"You said you'd get an assessment from a professional director, right?"

"Huh?"

"You just said you'd follow expert feedback no matter what."

"That's right."

"Can I check on that right now?"

"...?"

Even before he could answer, his younger brother suddenly stood up.

"I'll make a quick phone call."

***

Meanwhile, in Park Yong-hak's study.

Perhaps because it had been such a long day.

It seemed like he wouldn't be able to fall asleep easily tonight.

"...."

But it wasn't as if the book he picked up was catching his attention.

He found himself reading the same page repeatedly.

Before long, Park Yong-hak took off his reading glasses.

"Hmm."

If he had to choose the most thrilling moment of today, it was definitely when Ji-hoon confronted Chairman Jung of the Daebo Group.

With so many rumors about his grandson circulating these days, it wasn't hard to predict that Chairman Jung would try to provoke him.

What had piqued his curiosity was Ji-hoon's reaction.

The boy didn't back down even a step, pointing out the limitations of being a finished-product company.

Had the conversation continued, Ji-hoon wouldn't have been able to handle the seasoned experience of Chairman Jung.

But then, the topic of the presidential election came up, and fortunately, Chairman Jung hurriedly left.

That alone would have made for a sufficiently impressive day.

But for his eldest grandson, Yoo-geon, to show unexpected talent?

'I was worried he'd grow up to be just a desk worker, always doing what he's told.'

Before he knew it, he had grown enough to pursue his own dreams.

'It made sense that Ji-hoon said he was helping his brother.'

If Yoo-geon had shown no potential at all, Ji-hoon wouldn't have said such things.

He smirked.

He had been so focused on Ji-hoon all this time that he hadn't noticed.

It seemed his first grandson had also been steadily developing his own abilities, albeit at a slower pace.

'No, it's just slower compared to Ji-hoon.'

Compared to others his age, Yoo-geon was still showing remarkable achievements.

He'd find out soon enough just how remarkable that level was.

By the way.

'A hundred billion in sales.'

Since his grandson, Ji-hoon, said he'd handle North American distribution, Park Yong-hak had looked into the state of the gaming industry.

From what he had gathered…

Developing and releasing a game within a year was no easy task.

And among those, games that achieved 100 billion won in sales were quite rare.

Yoo-geon accepted it because he was desperate, but his younger brother would have to run around tirelessly to solve the problems.

As if this entire process was a game of its own.

A wide grin spread across Park Yong-hak's face.

***

As I picked up the phone, my older brother stood across from me.

His expression was filled with determination, like a newly enlisted private ready to prove himself.

Perhaps it had something to do with gaining our grandfather's recognition.

He used to be just kind, but now his attitude towards me had changed significantly.

Whatever the reason, it was a change that made me happier than ever.

Grin.

I stifled a smile and dialed the number.

The call was to Japan, to the Nintendo headquarters.

Even though it was late at night, the connection was made without any difficulty.

The problem was that I couldn't speak Japanese.

What choice did I have?

I had to speak slowly and clearly in the simplest English possible.

"I'm looking for Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto, the director of 'Super Mario.'"

Thankfully, it seemed like they understood me.

(Who is this?)

"This is Park Ji-hoon, the head of North American distribution for 'JH Network.'"

(Ah, JH Network? Please hold for a moment. I'll transfer you right away.)

What?

I knew Shigeru had returned to Nintendo's headquarters after 'Super Mario' became a mega-hit.

So, well.

I was wondering if I could get his home phone number when I called.

'Is he still at the office?'

About three minutes later.

A familiar voice came over the receiver.

(This is Shigeru.)

"It's me, Park Ji-hoon."

(Ah, Mr. Park. What brings you to call at this hour…?)

It was late at night, so he was probably worried that there might have been some issue in the North American market.

But that reaction was only momentary.

"I'm calling for a personal matter."

(Ah, I see?)

At my words, Shigeru's voice relaxed.

(Gosh, you startled me. I didn't even greet you properly.)

"Come to think of it, I think I forgot to greet you too."

Shigeru chuckled lightly at my joke.

(But if it's a personal matter, what is it about?)

"I want to develop a game."

(A game development?)

Was he trying to understand the implication behind it?

Shigeru mulled over my words.

"My brother made a text-based game. I want to adapt it into a console version, but there's nowhere I can turn for help."

(How old is your brother?)

"He'd be fifteen in Japanese age."

Shigeru let out a small laugh at my words.

(A fifteen-year-old making a game… Seeing as you're still young, too, Mr. Park, is Korea just quick about everything?)

"It's not that. It's just that our family is unique."

Shigeru chuckled again, lightly.

(You said it was a text-based game? Then I should at least read the content.)

The settings were in Korean, but fortunately, the game itself was made in English.

There shouldn't be any issues playing it.

(Since it's a request from you, I'll check it carefully. If you send it via international mail…)

"I'll come by tomorrow."

(What?)

"My brother and I will visit Nintendo headquarters tomorrow."

(Is Korea always this fast?)

"I told you, it's just our family that's like this."

(Ah, I see.)

"Is that okay with you?"

(Of course, I'll clear my schedule.)

"Then, see you tomorrow afternoon."

After the brief conversation concluded.

"Ji-hoon."

Had he been waiting for the call to end?

I heard my brother's voice.

"The expert you mentioned getting feedback from… was it Shigeru Miyamoto?"

His face was a mix of surprise and pressure.

Well, it was Shigeru Miyamoto, the father of Super Mario, after all.

"Why? Don't you like it?"

"No, no way."

"We'll fly out as soon as we get the tickets tomorrow."

"I better get some sleep then."

Nod, nod.

Like a man with a tight deadline, my brother hurried up the stairs.

Well, it's natural to be a bit overwhelmed.

Following slowly behind him, I began to organize the situation so far.

I had said I'd help my brother to change our grandfather's mind.

But I hadn't imagined that my brother would aspire to create a game.

Probably.

Once I took over Nintendo's distribution, the wheels of history had shifted a little.

An unexpected development, even for me.

But maybe it was for the best.

Now that things had turned out this way…

'I'll just have to push through to the end.'

Perhaps it was because I had made up my mind.

Step Step.

Even the simple act of walking began to feel a bit more empowering.