Golden Spoon Investor

January 22, 1996

– Hannam-dong, Seoul

Although Daehan (大寒), the coldest period of the year, had passed, the bitter chill still lingered. Outside the large living room's floor-to-ceiling windows, the garden lay blanketed in a thick layer of white snow.

Chairman Park Tae-hong sat on the sofa, sharing tea with his wife, Madam Jo Deok-rye.

As steam gently rose from his teacup, Chairman Park set it down and leaned back, unfolding the morning newspaper's front page.

[Former Prime Minister Ahn Yong-guk Joins Gongjeong Party in Surprise Move!

With just over 80 days until the 15th General Election, former Prime Minister Ahn Yong-guk has made a sudden and unexpected decision to join the Gongjeong Party.

This development is expected to strengthen the ruling party's unity ahead of the election while also contributing to internal reforms, stability, and balance.

Furthermore, this shift is being viewed as a pivotal moment that could reshape the political landscape among the four major parties.

Before announcing his decision, Ahn Yong-guk told reporters, "I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to advancing our politics toward a cleaner system based on law and principles. I also seek to move beyond unproductive debates and support reforms that promote national stability and progress under a conservative framework."

President Kim Sung-kyu, who played a key role in securing Ahn's membership, is expected to appoint him as the head of the election strategy committee…]

"So, after all the speculation, this is how it turned out."

With less than three months remaining before the general election, being appointed as the campaign chairman all but confirmed that President Kim Sung-kyu had chosen Ahn Yong-guk as his successor for the next presidential race.

With the bribery scandal still crippling the factions of the two previous presidents, it was unlikely there would be significant resistance from within the party.

"Not only does he control the party, but now he has the moral high ground as well. No doubt, he'll use the nomination process to purge a large number of incumbents."

Chairman Park muttered to himself, prompting Madam Jo Deok-rye to glance up from her tea and ask,

"What do you mean?"

"It's nothing."

Just then, Seok-won clad in a cashmere coat, holding a leather briefcase in one hand, descended the staircase from the second floor.

"You're heading to work now?"

"Yes."

At his response, Chairman Park Tae-hong folded the newspaper he had been reading and set it down on the table. He looked at him with a stern gaze.

"It's your first day at work. Make sure you don't make any mistakes."

Today marked Seok-won's first day as the new CEO of Daeheung Venture Capital.

"Don't worry. I'll do my best."

Knowing that he has always exceeded expectations, Chairman Park refrained from nagging any further.

"Oh my, whose son is this? So tall and handsome," Madam Jo Deok-rye said, smiling warmly as she brushed off the shoulders of his coat.

The coat had been freshly dry-cleaned and had not a speck of dust, yet her careful touch revealed a mother's affectionate concern.

"Then, I'm off."

"Alright."

Seok-won slipped on his shoes and stepped outside. His mother followed him to the entrance, seeing him off. When she returned, Chairman Park picked up his newspaper again and muttered,

"He's not a child anymore. He'll be thirty in no time, yet you're fussing over him."

"You know what they say—no matter how old they get, children will always be children in their parents' eyes."

Madam Jo Deok-rye shot him a look as she replied.

"Anyway, I told Secretary Gil to find a suitable single-family house nearby. Just so you know."

His sudden remark made Madam Jo look at him with curiosity.

"A house? Why all of a sudden?"

"How long do you plan on keeping the boy at home? It's about time he moved out and lived on his own."

Chairman Park spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Seok-won was no longer a student. He was fully capable of managing his own life, and at his age, it was hardly unusual for him to live independently. In fact, if anything, it seemed a bit overdue.

"Still… wouldn't it be better for him to get married first and then move out?"

Madam Jo hesitated, unable to hide her reluctance.

"You can't keep him under your wing forever. He's already a grown man—it's time he stands on his own. Though, to be honest, he's probably already outgrown the need for us to look after him."

She felt a sudden pang of sadness at the thought of him leaving, but she couldn't deny that her husband's words made sense. In the end, she relented.

"Alright, I understand."

Noticing his wife's slightly dejected expression, Chairman Park glanced at her and casually remarked with a smirk,

"Who knows? Maybe once he moves out, he'll find himself a good wife in no time."

"What nonsense. I'm going to find him a refined young lady from a respectable family—someone elegant and supportive."

"That… never mind."

Chairman Park Tae-hong was about to say something but decided against it, realizing it might spark an argument.

"If it's not someone he likes, that boy would turn down even the most beautiful woman in the world. She really doesn't understand her own son… tsk tsk."

Besides, with that kind of overbearing attitude, who could possibly endure it?

"What did you just say?"

"Ahem. Nothing at all."

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Chairman Park lifted the newspaper to cover his face.

Meanwhile, as Seok-won stepped out of the main gate, Kim Hyung-gi, who had been Chairman Park's chauffeur for years, was dusting off the large black Mercedes sedan parked out front. When he noticed Seok-won, he straightened up and bowed.

"Good morning, young master."

"Good morning. It's a beautiful day."

Seok-won greeted him warmly. At that, Kim Hyung-gi gestured toward a younger man standing nearby.

"Go on, introduce yourself. This is the man you'll be working for from now on."

"Yes, sir."

The young man, who looked to be in his mid-to-late twenties, was dressed in a black suit. He had a strong build and an air of discipline about him. With a slightly tense expression, he bowed deeply and spoke in a firm voice.

"It's an honor to meet you, sir. My name is Ju Geun-seong, and I will be your driver."

Initially, Seok-won had intended to continue driving himself, as he always had. However, his father had pointed out that, as the CEO of a company, it would be unseemly for him to be behind the wheel. Thus, starting today, he would be driven by a professional chauffeur.

Taking in Ju Geun-seong's sun-kissed complexion, broad shoulders, and neatly trimmed hair, Seok-won quickly assessed him before stepping forward with an easy smile. Extending his hand first, he said,

"Nice to meet you. I'm Park Seok-won."

"I—I'll do my best!"

Ju Geun-seong hurriedly grasped his hand with both of his own, bowing deeply again.

"We'll be seeing each other every day from now on, so let's get along well."

Ju Geun-seong had been nervous about meeting a third-generation chaebol heir in person. But contrary to the cold and arrogant image he had expected, Seok-won seemed approachable and friendly, which caught him off guard.

"I'll serve you to the best of my ability, sir!"

Seeing how rigidly Ju Geun-seong stood, as if he were a fresh recruit in the military, Seok-won chuckled.

Noticing this, Kim Hyung-gi chimed in with a smirk.

"He was discharged less than a month ago. Guess he's still got the military discipline in him."

"Ah, that explains the short haircut."

"Y-yes…."

Ju Geun-seong awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.

Sensing the young man's nerves, Kim Hyung-gi gave his shoulder a reassuring pat.

"He served in the Marine Corps, so you can count on him to be quick and efficient."

"That's a tough unit. Where were you stationed?"

"I served in the 6th Marine Brigade on Baengnyeong Island."

At the mention of the military, Ju Geun-seong straightened his shoulders, his face filled with pride—true to his Marine background.

"Baengnyeong Island? That's one of the toughest postings in the Marine Corps. You must have had a rough time."

"Not at all, sir."

The sharp discipline in his posture suddenly made sense—clearly a habit ingrained from his time in service.

"Let's save the rest of the conversation for later. Time to head to the office."

"Yes, sir."

Ju Geun-seong promptly opened the rear door of the Benz for Seok-won.

Once he was seated, the new driver carefully closed the door, then quickly moved around the hood and got into the driver's seat.

He started the engine, adjusted the rearview mirror, and announced, "We're departing now."

"Alright."

With that, Ju Geun-seong gently lifted his foot off the brake, and the car smoothly pulled out onto the road.

The black Mercedes sedan carrying Seok-won merged onto the main road, quickly crossing Hannam Bridge into Gangnam.

Before long, they arrived at the building near Yeoksam Station, where Daheung Venture Capital was located.

As the vehicle pulled up in front of the building, a dozen men standing by the entrance instinctively straightened their postures.

They were the senior executives of Daheung Venture Capital, gathered to formally welcome their new president on his first day.

As soon as the car came to a stop, one of the men quickly stepped forward to open the rear door.

Seok-won stepped out, and was immediately greeted by a middle-aged man with a slim build and gold-rimmed glasses.

"Welcome, sir. I'm Executive Director Yoon Ki-hoon. We are honored to have you here."

At that, the executives standing beside him bowed in perfect unison, their voices ringing out together.

"Welcome, sir!"

Seok-won gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

"There was no need for such a grand reception. But thank you for the warm welcome."

As he surveyed the lineup of executives, his gaze landed on a familiar face—someone he was genuinely pleased to see.

It was none other than Team Leader Choi Ho-geun, who had followed him to Daheung Venture Capital.

Seok-won had transferred Daheung Securities' entire Investment Team 4 to this firm, forming a new Capital Management Division under Choi's leadership. Along with the move, Choi had been promoted to department head—now officially Manager Choi Ho-geun.

Although their eyes met, Seok-won deliberately masked his recognition, maintaining a formal demeanor in front of the other employees.

Choi, perceptive as ever, didn't take offense. Instead, he subtly stepped back and greeted Seok-won with a respectful bow.

"I'll escort you to your office, sir," Yoon Ki-hoon said, stepping forward.

Seok-won gave a slight nod and followed him into the building.

Daheung Venture Capital occupied three floors of a 25-story office tower.

With fewer than a hundred employees and a history of financial losses, the company didn't have the means to own its own headquarters—leasing office space was the practical choice.

When the elevator stopped on the 15th floor, Seok-won stepped out, following Executive Director Yoon down a wide hallway.

As they walked, employees passing by quickly stepped aside or bowed in greeting.

Most of the mid-level managers, including Manager Choi Ho-geun, had returned to their workstations after the lobby reception. Only Yoon and two other senior executives remained by Seok-won's side.

"This way, sir," Yoon Ki-hoon said, gesturing toward a door ahead.

Executive Director Yoon Ki-hoon pointed to a large door at the end of the hallway, where a gold plaque reading "President's Office" was affixed.

Upon entering, they found a small adjoining office, slightly over ten pyeong in size, where two female secretaries stood waiting. They clasped their hands in front of them and bowed politely.

Among them was a familiar face—Na Seong-mi.

She had also followed Seok-won to Daheung Venture Capital at his invitation, along with the former Investment Team 4.

Seok-won acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod and proceeded into the inner office.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows on one side, filling the room with a warm glow.

The furniture, including the desk and sofa, had all been arranged to suit his preferences—luxurious yet simple in design.

As he took a slow look around his new office, Yoon Ki-hoon spoke up beside him.

"We decorated it as best we could to match your tastes. I hope it meets your expectations."

"It's nice," Seok-won replied concisely.

He took off his coat and handed it to Na Seong-mi, who had been standing nearby.

Then, he naturally took a seat at the head of the sofa. Sensing his lead, Yoon Ki-hoon and the two other executives cautiously took their places beside him.

As Na Seong-mi hung the coat in a closet, Seok-won addressed her in a gentle tone.

"Miss Na, could you bring me a coffee?"

Then, turning his attention to the others, he asked,

"What about you three?"

"We'll have coffee as well," Yoon Ki-hoon responded.

Seok-won glanced at Na Seong-mi.

"You heard them."

"Yes, I'll bring it right away."

With that, she stepped out, closing the door behind her, leaving a brief moment of awkward silence in the room.

Clearing his throat lightly, Yoon Ki-hoon glanced at Seok-won before breaking the silence.

"There's a company-wide inauguration ceremony scheduled in the lobby this afternoon."

"Everyone's busy working, so let's not waste their time. We'll skip the ceremony."

"Excuse me? Ah… Understood," Yoon Ki-hoon replied, looking momentarily taken aback before nodding.

Leaning back against the sofa, Seok-won scanned the executives and spoke in a calm yet firm tone.

"I've reviewed all the investments made so far, and frankly, the results have been underwhelming."

His blunt assessment immediately put the executives on edge.

"After careful consideration, I've decided it's time for a fresh start. We're going to clean up our weak investment portfolio."

"By 'clean up,' how much do you mean?" Yoon Ki-hoon asked cautiously.

"Everything—except for Jo Sang-beom's Virus Research Lab and Jin-hyung Machinery. The rest will be liquidated."

"…!"

The moment Seok-won finished speaking, Yoon Ki-hoon and the other executives widened their eyes in shock.