The Former Chaebol Heir Excels as President

Chapter 19: Let’s Make Some Money (4)

1988, the year the Olympics were held in Seoul.

The media clamored that through the Olympics, South Korea would instantly enter the ranks of advanced countries.

Every day, the song “Ah! South Korea” echoed through the streets, sounding as if it commanded everyone to love the country forever.

I had a very busy winter vacation.

As soon as the new year dawned, I started “Delivery Emperor” in the Yongsan area, and the moment we distributed pamphlets, there was an explosive response.

People gradually became addicted to the convenience of food delivery.

“President Kang, I never imagined it would do this well.”

Seo Du‑hyeop, who had invested in my business, did not hide his joy.

“Yongsan has a good market. I knew it would do well.”

I became close with Seo Du‑hyeop through frequent meetings.

He was more than twice my age, and also an investor, so I gladly accepted his informal speech.

“Right now there’s chaos with everyone wanting to do deliveries.”

“Because we have more applicants than needed, we can now charge delivery drivers a fee.”

“Isn’t that too soon?”

“In our area it’s already been proven. The drivers’ monthly pay has exceeded 300,000 won on average. We’re taking 5 %.”

“Really?”

Seo Du‑hyeop opened his eyes wide.

“Drivers pay?”

“At most around 20,000 won each. Some drivers are even willing to pay extra to get in.”

“There are thirty drivers now. That means nearly 600,000 won could come in.”

“And we also charge a franchise fee every month. Currently fifty restaurants are paying 10,000 won per month.”

Seo Du‑hyeop couldn’t close his mouth in surprise.

“Starting next month, Yongsan will also start collecting driver fees and franchise fees. We’ve finished market research for Gangnam and Sillim as well.”

“Ha. President Kang, are you really a high school student? Your tone sounds mature and your drive is impressive.”

“When school starts, President, you should expand the territory. Especially Jamsil, since it houses the Olympic Village—we must start by April at the latest.”

“I’m weak with numbers, so just do the market research for me.”

“Yes.”

We decided to split company shares 50:50.

However, the neighborhood where the business first began remained entirely mine.

“President, we have to offer delivery service across all of Seoul before the Olympics. There are people eyeing this market.”

“That’s what worries me. Once people know there’s money in it, everyone will jump in.”

“As I mentioned, if we rate by star levels, customers will trust us most. I also have other ideas, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“As expected, President Kang, you’re a genius!”

I strengthened my voice and said:

“From now on, the delivery business will be a goose that lays golden eggs. Soon, households will even get everyday necessities delivered.”

“Really possible? My wife sometimes says that it would be nice if someone could deliver groceries for her.”

“After the Olympics, with economic growth, the era of full-scale delivery will begin.”

“I’d believe you even if you told me you made meju from beans!”

“Meju is always made from beans.”

“Oh, right. I got too excited. Ha‑ha‑ha.”

Since succeeding in Yongsan, Seo Du‑hyeop trusted me without limit.

“President Kang, are you still doing milk delivery? You could stop now, right?”

“I’ll stop after this month. Once school resumes I’ll only work weekends, so until then, President, you must learn diligently.”

“I’m ready. And I’m crazy for money. If it makes money, I’ll do anything.”

From my past life, I knew never to trust someone who says they have no interest in money.

Saying that paradoxically means they’re obsessed with money.

That’s why I liked Seo Du‑hyeop’s honesty.

“I like money too.”

“If business does well, is it even necessary to go to college?”

“To make more money, one goes to a good college.”

“True. You need a degree to be recognized. If you make money without graduating, they just call you nouveau riche.”

“I trust you, Mr. President. If I betrayed you, it’d be like cutting open the golden‑egg‑laying goose.”

“I told you, I’m a money‑crazy person. Would I do something stupid with someone who prints money? We’re on the same boat—so let’s ride it all the way!”

Seo Du‑hyeop was the type who, once fed, would follow to the end.

From my past life I learned most people who helped a business were like that.

“Money doesn’t betray.”

It was something I believed absolutely.

“Even if I don’t trust you, President, I trust money. When money follows, people naturally follow too.”

“Huh?”

Seo Du‑hyeop seemed deeply struck—his mouth agape, blinking.

Those words didn’t come from a high schooler’s mouth, so his surprise was natural.

“President Kang……”

His expression was touched deeply.

Perfect.

I had him completely under my control.

* * *

After finishing market research in Yeouido, I was on my way home.

When I crossed the overpass, I was met with a different scene than usual.

The merchant who usually set up shop on the overpass had disappeared.

How could not a single person be out?

Even in the rain or snow, the old lady who sold scrubbers always came, so it was strange she wasn’t there.

I had a bad feeling.

I went down to under the overpass where Mom worked.

“Huh?”

Mom wasn’t there.

What made me even more uneasy was the broken shoe polish box and the scattered shoe brushes.

What could have happened?

I walked quickly in the direction of home.

As I passed in front of Ddoli Stationery, I made eye contact with the shop owner.

“Hello?”

“Cheonmyeong, you’re busy even during vacation. Is business going well?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

I was going to just say hello and move on, but the image of the overpass wouldn’t leave my mind, so I asked him.

“Mister, there’s no one selling on the overpass. Do you know why?”

“The district office came by. They said they’re getting rid of all street vendors since foreign tourists will be passing through during the Olympics. That road goes to Yeouido, you know.”

So that’s why the shoe polish box was broken and the brushes were scattered.

The man continued.

“In some neighborhoods, they tore down all the shanty houses because the Olympic torch relay runner was passing by, and drove the people out.”

“Mister, do you know where my mom went?”

“I heard she argued with a district office employee earlier. Maybe she went to the office to complain? Knowing your mom, I’d think so.”

“Thank you.”

As I walked on, the man called after me with a worried voice.

“Tell Daemyung not to go outside for a while. There’s a rumor that they’re taking people to vagrant facilities or welfare centers if they seem off.”

I turned around and asked,

“What do you mean by that?”

“They say people who look dirty or clueless are taken away for harming the city’s image. Someone from the next neighborhood disappeared too—no contact. Daemyung needs to be careful.”

“Yes.”

Now I had to worry about both Mom and Kang Daemyung, so I felt anxious.

I ran without thinking. It was as if everything around me disappeared—I saw nothing.

When I arrived home, thankfully, Mom and Kang Daemyung were there, and Yeonhwa was reading a book.

Was it because I was too shocked?

It felt like my heart dropped to the floor and all my energy drained away.

“Mom.”

“You’re back?”

“I heard the district office cracked down.”

Mom was rummaging through the wardrobe drawer, looking for something.

“What are you looking for?”

“I definitely left it here. Where did it go?”

“Mom, what are you looking for?”

When my voice rose, Mom turned around.

Her eyes had lost focus like someone in a daze, and her face was pale.

“I heard it. I won’t be able to work anymore because of the Olympics, right?”

“If I want to get the deposit back, I need the contract…”

“There’s a contract?”

“There’s a record of the money exchanged.”

I realized Mom was desperately trying to recover the 500,000 won deposit.

But would an unlicensed street vendor be eligible for compensation?

“Found it. Oh, here it is.”

Mom sighed in relief.

“What is that?”

I approached her and checked the small piece of paper.

It said she had paid 500,000 won for the street vending spot.

At the bottom were Mom’s name and another name, side by side, with stamps next to them.

This wasn’t an official document.

“Mom, this has no legal power. You can’t get compensation with this.”

“They told me to bring the contract at the district office.”

“Mom, this isn’t a group, it’s a private individual. Who is this person?”

“Huh?”

Mom was flustered.

“You don’t even know who this is?”

“I have a phone number.”

Mom flipped through her notebook and made a call.

Her fingertips started trembling more and more.

I understood she was desperate, grasping at straws, but she didn’t realize she was being naive.

“Mom, the district office only accepts official documents. That kind of agreement means nothing in an unlicensed spot.”

“Is that so? Why aren’t they picking up?”

“Mom, I’ll give you that money. Business is going well in Yongsan, and Yeouido will start soon. Come work at the office. The local unni will be starting school again soon, so we need another worker.”

“Where did you get that kind of money?”

“I made a lot. I’m going to expand all across Seoul, so you have to help, Mom.”

“Mom! Do what Oppa says. The neighborhood unni makes 200,000 won. She earns more than by shining shoes.”

Mom silently bowed her head.

I didn’t want to see Mom fall apart, and she probably didn’t want to show that side to her children either, so I decided to leave.

“Yeonhwa, Daemyung, let’s go to the market.”

“The market?”

“Oppa got his paycheck, so I have money. I’ll buy you what you need.”

“Hyung-ah, I want Academy Tangnang toys.”

“Sure. Mom, we’re heading out.”

When we stepped outside, Yeonhwa asked,

“Oppa, Mom can’t get her money back?”

“Since all the street stalls are gone, she can’t. The guy who got the money probably already ran off.”

“What a scumbag. I hope he trips while running away and breaks his leg.”

“Yeonhwa, listen carefully. Before the Olympics start, they’re rounding up people who look like beggars.”

“Huh?”

I explained in a way Yeonhwa could understand.

“Since lots of foreigners are coming, they’re hiding people like that so they won’t be seen.”

“Why?”

“Think of it like keeping beggars out of a party.”

“Is Daemyung a beggar?”

“Yeonhwa, I heard kids like Daemyung are taken and never heard from again. So for now, make sure he only plays around the neighborhood.”

Yeonhwa’s eyes grew wide.

“Really?”

“Our neighbors know Daemyung, so he’ll be safe around here.”

“Okay. I believe you since you said it, Oppa.”

“Good.”

I patted Yeonhwa’s head and headed to the market.

“Daemyung, should I buy you an armored car? Or a tank?”

“Both. Hehe.”

“Okay.”

We stopped by a shopping center and I bought a 3,000-won model Academy toy.

Holding the box with pictures of a tank and armored vehicle, Kang Daemyung looked like the happiest kid in the world.

“Oppa, there’s something I want…”

Yeonhwa twisted her body shyly and spoke carefully.

“Oppa’s got money. What do you want?”

“Tiger sneakers.”

They were only around 6,000 won—not that expensive—but Yeonhwa must’ve felt guilty asking.

“Yeonhwa, we can even get Prospecs. How about that?”

“No, no! I like Tiger better.”

She’s such a thoughtful kid.

She wanted to lessen the burden on me. I wanted to honor that feeling.

“Okay. I’ll get you the Tigers.”

Tiger sneakers bought at the market.

Yeonhwa wore them and jumped so high it looked like she could touch the sky.

“You like them that much?”

“Yeah. Now I’m going to ride Sky KongKong every day.”

She must’ve been too embarrassed by her old shoes to even enjoy Sky KongKong.

Poverty is both shameful and uncomfortable.

I vowed to make even more money.